Lectric Panda has made two of their previously paid plugins available for free: Automata and Stage.
Automata (previously $35) is a cellular automata-based MIDI sequencer, and Stage (previously $15) is a simple gain stage amplifier.
Automata utilizes one-dimensional cellular automation to generate unique and interesting sequences, which may sound a little complex. At a glance, the sequencer looks very busy, which makes Automata seem even more complex.
However, things soon become more straightforward, at least on the surface.
The top half of the interface displays the cells/steps/rows of the sequence, along with the Rate and Reset settings.
The lower half of the interface shows MIDI value parameters that can be modified, including Trigger, Pitch, Velocity, Duration, Slice, and Hold.
Every step creates a new row and shifts the history upwards. It’s easy to get lost in the dazzling display of cells and rows, but, importantly, only the current generation is used for MIDI parameters.
In contrast, the state of the current generation is pushed downward to the MIDI value modifiers; the history above serves only for visualization purposes.
Additionally, Automata offers four MIDI CC lanes to automate parameters in your DAW.
Automata provides surface-level fun and interesting musical patterns for anyone who gives it a try. Anyone looking to go beyond surface-level can take a deep dive into the infinite complexities of Cellular Automata.
Automata is available in VST3 format for macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems.
Lectric Panda’s Stage Minimal Gain Stage Amplifier is a much simpler affair.
Stage is a simple gain stage amplifier with peak, RMS, and Crest Factor metering (the difference between the peak and average levels of the signal).
The plugin offers customizable meter ranges and offsets, along with 1dB and .1dB gain nudge buttons.
To unlock Automata and Stage, you’ll have to copy and paste the corresponding Full Version Key from the product page.
Stage is available in VST3 format for macOS, Windows, and Linux.
In totally unrelated news, Cherry Audio’s Miniverse (Minimoog Model D emulation) is available for $19 (usually $49), but the offer will only last for a limited time. If you’re looking for a free option (with built-in eccentricities), check out Broken Mini by Full Bucket Music.
Download: Automata & Stage (FREE)
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Last Updated on August 11, 2025 by Tomislav Zlatic.
