Thenathan vs. UVI: A Battle of Percussion Instruments

The world of music production is constantly evolving, with new plugins regularly entering the market, each vying for a spot in the producer's toolkit. One of the latest entries is Thenatan's PERX, a percussion generator that promises to deliver a powerful and flexible tool for beat-making. But as impressive as PERX may seem at first glance, it’s impossible to ignore its striking resemblance to UVI’s Percussion Factory. This similarity raises questions about whether PERX is truly innovative or if it’s simply a lower-cost imitation of an established plugin. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at PERX, compare it to Percussion Factory, and explore the implications of such competition in the plugin market.

Round 01- Thenathan PERX

Thenatan PERX enters the scene with a robust set of features designed to cater to both seasoned producers and newcomers alike. It offers an extensive sound library, a user-friendly sequencer, and a straightforward drag-and-drop functionality that makes it easy to integrate into any project. PERX stands out for its simplicity and accessibility, making it an attractive option for those who need quick results without the steep learning curve. However, while the plugin is affordable, Thenatan’s track record with stability issues might give some users pause. The potential for crashes or glitches could be a dealbreaker, particularly in high-stakes production environments where reliability is paramount.

Pros:

• Price: PERX is priced more affordably, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious producers.

• Ease of Use: The standalone nature and simpler interface make it accessible for beginners or those who want quick results.

• Sample Integration: Drag-and-drop functionality offers flexibility in sound design.

Cons:

• Stability: Thenatan’s plugins have historically faced issues with stability, and early reports suggest that PERX might not be an exception.

• Limited Features: While PERX is functional, it doesn’t offer the depth or customization options that Percussion Factory does.

Round 01- Percussion Factory

On the other hand, UVI’s Percussion Factory has already established itself as a go-to percussion plugin for professionals. With a vast library of over 1,200 high-quality sounds, an advanced modulation matrix, and a rock-solid reputation for stability, Percussion Factory offers a comprehensive toolset for detailed sound design. The requirement to run it through the UVI Workstation adds an extra layer to your workflow, but it also ensures a stable and reliable performance that Thenatan’s offerings have struggled to match. The higher price point reflects its premium features and professional-grade sound, but it may be prohibitive for those just starting out or on a tighter budget and your need for percussion instruments in your arsenal.

Pros:

• Stability: The UVI Workstation is known for its rock-solid performance, providing a reliable environment for sound design and music production.

• Sound Quality: High-fidelity samples and powerful sound-shaping tools make this a go-to for professional-grade percussion.

• User Interface: Clean and intuitive UI, making it easy to navigate and tweak sounds.

Cons:

• Requires UVI Workstation: While UVI Workstation is stable, the requirement adds an extra layer of software to your workflow.

• Price: Premium pricing reflects its professional-grade features and stability.

The Winner: Percussion Factory's Multi-Out Routing

Image Credit: Getty Images

While it’s easy to see the similarities between PERX and Percussion Factory, this competition isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it highlights the healthy rivalry that drives innovation and keeps plugin developers on their toes. By offering a more affordable alternative, PERX challenges the status quo, pushing established brands like UVI to continue refining their products and justifying their higher prices. One key advantage of Percussion Factory is its multi-output routing, which allows you to track out each drum sequence to separate audio channels, offering unparalleled flexibility when building a full track.

However, this flexibility and professional-grade features come at a higher cost, which means that many users will weigh their options based on either price or quality. Moreover, this competition benefits consumers, as it encourages more options in the market and forces developers to consider cost and accessibility alongside functionality. In the end, whether you choose PERX or Percussion Factory depends on your specific needs, but it’s clear that this kind of competition only serves to advance the industry as a whole.

Which one are you using and why? Let me know in the comments so we can fight about it.

Both are available now:

Thenathan PERX - Intro Price $29 (regular price $129.50) AU/ VST/ VST3

UVI Percussion Factory - $149 AU, AAX, VST VST3, Standalone (UVI Workstation required)