MusicGearz: Recent Episodes
MusicGearz
Polyverse has announced a public beta of its latest plug-in, Supermodal, a powerful modal filter that uses hundreds of narrow filter bands working in concert to emulate the resonating qualities of acoustic bodies, both real and imagined.
Working in parallel with a zero-feedback state variable filter, Supermodal allows users to shape their audio into a host of attention-grabbing sounds that are at once exciting, unfamiliar, and eminently usable.
The plug-in will be available during the public beta window for a reduced price of $49 with a free upgrade to the final release, which will be priced at $99 and is expected later this year.
We are very excited to share Supermodal with the world and to invite those interested in getting in on the ground level of this exciting new offering with our public beta. As an artist-driven company, we have always sought to craft the kind of tools we know would inspire us in the studio, and Supermodal is no different. We have pulled out all the stops to create an incredible-sounding and versatile plug-in unlike anything on the market. We know that it will take our users to uncharted sonic territory, and we're eager to see what kinds of exciting new sounds they can create.
Assaf Dar Sagol, Polyverse C.E.O
Two Become One
At the heart of Supermodal are two powerful filter sections working in tandem. On the left of Supermodal's interface users will find the Classic Filter, a zero-feedback state variable filter that can morph smoothly between lowpass, bandpass, and hipass filter modes with its 'Type' control. It features a fixed slope of 24 dB per octave, evoking many well-known analog filters, and is capable of both sweet and chunky filter sounds with the help of a built-in saturation algorithm and input and output controls that allow users to drive it for a fat, musical sound.
To the right of the Classic Filter is Supermodal's namesake Modal Filter. A 'meta-filter' made up of hundreds of resonant bandpass filters, the Modal Filter features 27 different carefully crafted resonation behaviors–or variants– that organize its numerous bands to emphasize various harmonics–known as partials–across the frequency spectrum. These variants are grouped into 9 filter models, which include 'Vocal Formant, ' with its 'Ah, ' 'Ih, ' and 'Oh' variants; 'Struck, ' with 'Piano, ' 'Vibraphone, ' and 'Bell' variants, 'Waveform, ' with 'Saw, ' 'Square, ' and 'Hypersquare' variants, and more. This unique approach to filtering results in transformative sounds unlike anything possible with conventional filtering alone, while 'Damping' and 'Partials' control allow users to refine the sound of the filter to achieve their desired tonality.
The Classic Filter and Modal Filter are arranged in parallel, combining their outputs for more full-range filtering effects. A 'Blend' knob crossfades between them, allowing users to dial in their perfect balance between the two filters' effects. Supermodal also features a Dry/Wet mix slider, enabling subtler effects that retain some characteristics of the original audio source.
Tactile Control
As with all Polyverse plug-ins, Supermodal is designed to invite experimentation and discovery. Supermodal's engaging and versatile user interface exemplifies this ethos with its intuitive and futuristic look. Its trackball-like 'Modal XY' control enables users to click, drag, and morph between filter models and variants seamlessly on the fly. Morphing between variants allows users to play Supermodal like an instrument, creating dynamic filtering effects. These transformations can also be automated, modulated, and tweaked via the 'Model' and 'Xform' sliders for additional precision.
Modulation Madness
Supermodal features a powerful modulation section sure to be familiar to users of Polyverse's Manipulator plug-in, featuring four separate modulation slots, each assignable to one of Supermodal's six modulation sources. These include an Envelope Follower, ADSR envelope, MIDI/CV input, Sequencer, Random Generator, and Meta Knob, which can act as a macro for multi-parameter control. Nearly every parameter in Supermodal can be modulated, and the plug-in's modulation generators can even create cross-modulation by modulating each other for more complex effects. Modulation ranges–easily adjusted with Supermodal's colorful sliders–can be set to positive or negative values, and each modulation source is switchable between mono and stereo, allowing for ear-catching spatial filter effects.
Toontrack has launched its annual campaign Metal Month. This year's edition, which is the twelfth consecutive one, will feature several new releases and more through the month. The first new title, available as of today, is the Post-Metal EZX – an all-new expansion for EZdrummer 3 (which has been updated to v3.0.5).
In addition to this new EZX, Toontrack has a slew of metal-related releases slated for the month and encourages everyone to stay tuned to newsletters, social media channels and the company's website to stay up-to-date.
Post-Metal EZX (€80):
On the very edge of a rock on the small island of Giske, Norway, facing an infinite panorama of the unforgivingly raging North Sea, under midnight skies painted in the unpredictably swirling arcs of the Northern Lights, sits the Ocean Sound Recording studio – with snowcapped mountains towering like gallant giants frozen in time around it. In these awe-inspiring surroundings, we found the perfect conditions to help illustrate the unfiltered rawness of the post-metal sound.
This EZX for EZdrummer 3 presents a collection of big, earthy and mercilessly vibrant drums, tailored for atmospheric, slow and organic-sounding metal. It includes four unique kits, two further configurations captured with snare wires off, several extra kit pieces and sets of big and dark cymbals. All instruments were sampled by Thomas Hedlund of the band Cult of Luna, one of the absolute forerunners in today's budding post-metal scene.
In a genre where feel, context and fearless exploration of ebb-and-flow-like contrasts play equal parts, uncompromising drum dynamics are key. Welcome to the embodiment of just that: an EZX featuring a palette of kits that span the entire dynamic range, recorded at a studio that virtually balances on the edge of the world and against a backdrop of the most savage display of nature's majesty.
Just like nature once tediously chiseled out this very spot from the face of the earth by thrusting mammoth blocks of ice across its barren crust, this EZX is your modern-day instrument to architect your own musical trails with. It provides the kits, the grooves and the mix-ready sounds for whatever uncharted sonic landscape you may want your next song to venture off into.
Feature Spotlight:
Vibrant, big, dark and earthy drums inspired by the post-metal sound.
Captured at the Ocean Sound Recording studio in Norway.
Four complete drum kits and two additional kit configurations recorded with snare wires off.
Sampled by Thomas Hedlund (Cult of Luna).
Includes a wide range of presets inspired by the genre.
Comes with a collection of MIDI unique to this EZX.
EZdrummer 3.0.5 is now available to download using the Product Manager or from the 'My Products' area in your Toontrack account.
Main Changes:
General:
Added high-resolution graphics for several menu icons and buttons, etc.
Improved readability of the main tab labels and improved color cohesiveness with tab content below selected tab.
Grid Editor:
A new articulation row called "Choke (Stop Playing) " has been added for each instrument that responds to aftertouch. The poly-aftertouch editors have been removed.
Moving the playhead in the song track now scrolls the Grid Editor to show the playhead, unless the Auto-Scroll option is off.
E-Drums:
The hi-hat splash feature has been improved in order to remove unwanted hi-hat splashes. The hi-hat now has a time window, within which the pedal needs to have been raised after a "Pedal Closed" hit in order to generate a splash.
Settings:
On Windows, there is now a setting to invert the horizontal scroll direction when shift+wheel is used.
MOTU has shipped the M6, a new USB-C bus-powered audio interface for Mac, Windows and iOS.
The M6 offers best-in-class audio quality, best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) and best-in-class metering with a full-color LCD.
With more I/O than the M2 and M4, the 6-input/4-output M6 features four mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs with individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power, two additional 1/4-inch analog inputs, one-touch hardware (direct) monitoring of all inputs (in mono or stereo), four 1/4-inch balanced analog outputs, two headphone outputs with independent volume, MIDI I/O, and "loopback" driver channels for live-streaming and podcasting.
The M6 also features an A/B monitor switch, unique to its class, to compare mix output on two sets of studio monitors. Driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology, both headphone outputs mirror the signal on Monitor Outs 1-2 and feature independent volume control. The second headphone output includes a 3-4 switch that allows it to independently monitor Line Outs 3-4, which can provide a completely separate mix from the computer.
With bus-powered operation for USB-C computer hosts, the M6 includes a multi-blade international DC power adapter that allows the M6 to provide stand-alone monitoring, without a computer. The power adapter also provides power when the M6 is connected to a USB-A computer host.
Similar to the M2 and M4, the M6 delivers unmatched audio performance and features in a four mic input interface at this price.
Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU.
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology, the M6 delivers 120 dB Dynamic Range on its balanced, DC-coupled outputs. Thanks to MOTU's M Series USB drivers, the M6 delivers ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (with a 32 sample buffer at 96 kHz). The M6 has a full-color, high-resolution LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs.
M6 feature highlights:
6-in / 4-out USB audio interface with studio-quality sound.
Best-in-class audio quality driven by ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology.
Best-in-class speed (ultra-low latency) for host software processing.
Best-in-class metering for all inputs/outputs with a full-color LCD.
4 x mic/line/hi-Z guitar inputs on combo XLR/TRS.
Individual preamp gain and 48V phantom power for each mic input.
2 x balanced 1/4-inch line inputs.
Hardware (direct) monitoring for all inputs (in mono or stereo).
Monitor mix knob to balance live inputs and computer playback.
A/B switch to compare mix output on two sets of studio monitors.
Measured -129 dB EIN on mic inputs.
4 x balanced, DC-coupled 1/4-inch TRS outputs.
Measured 120 dB dynamic range on the 1/4-inch balanced TRS outputs.
2 x headphone outs (driven by ESS converters) with independent volume control.
1 x 3-4 switch for optional headphone monitoring of Line Out 3-4.
MIDI in/out (16 channels to/from USB host).
Support for 44.1 to 192 kHz sample rates.
USB audio class compliant for plug-and-play operation on Mac (no driver required).
Windows driver with 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz).
Mac driver (optional, for 2.5 ms RTL@32/96 kHz and loopback feature).
iOS compatible (USB audio class compliant).
Driver loopback for capturing host output, live streaming and podcasting.
Bus-powered USB-C (compatible with USB Type A) with power switch (USB cables included).
Multi-blade international DC power adapter for stand-alone operation without a computer.
Rugged metal construction (extruded case, faceplates and knobs).
Workstation software included (MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite 11).
100+ instruments (in Performer Lite).
Over 6 GB of included free loops, samples and one-shots from industry leading libraries.
Kensington security slot.
Two-year warranty.
Price: $399.95 USD.
Soundiron has announced the release of Knockout Drums, a hard-hitting drum sample library in collaboration with metal drummer Navene Koperweis (Entheos, Animosity, Animals As Leaders) and seasoned mixing engineer/producer Zack Ohren (Machine Head, All Shall Perish, Aborted). They say:
With the drumming talents of Navene Koperweis and mix engineering skills of Zack Ohren, it really makes Knockout Drums a powerhouse of a drum sample library. The sounds speak for themselves as Zack is a truly seasoned professional in the world of recording, mixing, and mastering.
Details:
Deeply multi-sampled drum set with five microphone positions.
44 Powerful .nki presets made for full retail Kontakt 6.5.3+.
8 Crash Cymbals, 2 Hi-hats, 2 Rides, 7 Splashes & Stacks, 3 Kicks, 7 Snares, and 6 Toms.
86,720 stereo samples in unlocked WAV format.
24-bit / 48 kHz uncompressed PCM WAV samples.
45.1 GB installed.
A flexible, intuitive user interface and mixer with pro features and deep customizability.
Full FX rack with convolution reverb with custom rooms, halls, chambers & FX environments.
Intro Price: $79 until November 15th, 2022 (Reg. $99)
This 35th Anniversary edition honors the Ernie Ball Music Man design used by some of the world's most iconic bassists, including Flea, Tony Levin, John Myung, and Phoenix of Linkin Park.
Unveiled in 1987, the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 set the standard for the modern 5-string bass with its robust low-end, tight, punchy sound and ideal 34” scale length. This 35th Anniversary edition honors the timeless Ernie Ball Music Man design used by some of the world's most iconic bassists, including Flea, Tony Levin, John Myung, and Phoenix of Linkin Park.
Over its 35-year history, the Music Man SR5 has undergone several significant design changes. Under the leadership of Sterling Ball, the Ernie Ball Music Man R&D team have implemented industry-leading innovations that are now commonplace on most modern 4 and 5-string basses.
“An Anniversary bass celebrates things you do at the beginning, things you do in the middle and things you do at the end. Hopefully you can create an anniversary bass that incorporates all of these eras together… I think we got it right. I’m so proud of how this came together”.
The 35th Anniversary StingRay 5 is limited to 225 instruments in a single humbucker configuration, and 25 instruments in a double humbucker configuration.
As a tribute to their highly successful Metal Axxe™ Series introduced in 2003 which ran in the company catalogue for over 10 years, Vintage® have launched the new Limited Edition VMX Series™ featuring three metal-themed solid bodied electric guitars.
With menacing, all-over blackest of black satin finishes, black hardware, distinctive lines and designs that speak for themselves, all three new models in the Vintage VMX Series, incorporate quality tonewoods and premium hardware to produce killer metal guitars, specifically designed to handle every genre of metal, from heavy to thrash, to death metal and beyond.
A limited run of 150 of each V100VMX, VR2000VMX Raider™ and VW5000VMX WARP™guitars will be available worldwide with hardware that includes, time-tested Wilkinson® double and single coil pickups, machine heads and Floyd Rose® Vibrato systems found on the WARP and Raider models.
With its classic single cutaway, set-neck design, the V100VMX is offset with matching cream body bindings, headstock binding and 22 fret bound rosewood fingerboard, inlaid with crown position markers and XX motif spanning the 12th fret.
For a full frequency response and a powerful meaty output that’s perfect for low-end palm-muted chugging and monster soaring lead lines with endless sustain, the V100VMX is loaded with a pair of black Wilkinson WMSH open-coil double coils with black surrounds that complement the Wilkinson T.O.M. bridge, tailpiece and machine heads.
While both, the new Vintage VMX Series Raider and WARP guitars also feature Wilkinson WMSH open-coil double coil pickups, both models add black Floyd Rose FRTS 2000 Special Double Locking Vibrato systems and locking nuts to the already-cool, black satin finish and black hardware.
For additional sparkly cleans, the Raider includes an additional Wilkinson WVS single coil pickup in the middle position which, along with the cream/black double coils and 3-ply scratchplate complement the gorgeous black satin body with chamfered body belly contours.
Deep cutaways allow access to the full length of the maple bolt-on neck and 24 fret, double octave rosewood fingerboard with inverted ‘sail fin’ position markers and, like the WARP retain the same pointy headstock featured in the original Vintage Metal Axxe Series.
The WARP itself, with an aggressive sharp angled body design, generous lower cutaway, set-neck, super-fast, all-access 24fret double octave rosewood fingerboard with XX motif, evokes all the essence of metal, with the ability to again, produce heavy grooves and seriously saturated metal tones, while the Floyd Rose Vibrato offers precision return to pitch and a solid platform for hard-hitting right-hand attack.
Vintage V100VMX £499 rrp
Vintage VR2000VMX Raider £549 rrp
Vintage VW5000VMX WARP £529 rrp
Today, Fender officially launched the all-new MonoNeon Jazz Bass® V to honour the inventive bassist’s singular vision and empower players everywhere to approach the instrument with the same curious spirit that has fuelled his vivid career.
The MonoNeon Jazz Bass® V features an alder body finished in an eye-popping neon yellow urethane finish, complemented by a neon orange painted headstock and pickguard. The 22-fret one-piece roasted maple neck is C-shaped for comfort and has a 10”-14” compound radius fingerboard and pearl block inlays. Custom Fireball™ 5-String Humbucking Bass pickups deliver luscious and robust low end with a growl, while the 18-volt active preamp provides extra headroom. Meanwhile, the 3-band active EQ gives players endless tonal capabilities and the Fender HiMass®string-through-top-load bridge increases resonance, weight and sustain. Each bass comes with a MonoNeon sticker pack and custom headstock Stance® sock.
Accompanying the launch of the Mononeon Jazz Bass® V is “In Conversation with MonoNeon,” a video hosted by George Clinton, as he guides viewers through the “Monoverse.” The piece features a series of jam sessions, including the “Duo of Bullshit” with MonoNeon and Blaque Dynamite, as well as commentary from his mother, grandmother and father, Dywane Thomas Sr.
“Getting my own artist signature bass with Fender is definitely a full circle experience happening right now,” said MonoNeon. “Seeing my dad holding my bass is really crazy. He’s like my first musical hero. He’s a very funky player. I’d just practice to all of his records, try to find anything he played on and just learn it. I wanted to be just like him and I still do.”
MonoNeon Jazz Bass® V ($1,549.99 USD, £1,399.00 GBP, €1,649.00 EUR, $2,899.00 AUD, ¥210,320 JPY) From avant-garde to southern soul to funk and all notes in-between, MonoNeon’s astounding musical range, tone and taste are always on full display. He collaborated with Prince, recorded Making a Movie with Ne-Yo and won a Grammy for Best Rap Album with Nas. MonoNeon’s massive YouTube channel showcases his mind-bending jams and masterpieces on his favourite Fender® basses. The MonoNeon Jazz Bass® V features an alder body finished in an eye-popping neon yellow urethane finish, complemented by a neon orange painted headstock and pickguard. The 22-fret one- piece roasted maple neck features a 10”-14” compound radius fingerboard and elegant white pearl block inlays. Custom-wound FireballTM 5- string bass Humbucking pickups deliver fat, punchy tone while the 18-volt active preamp with 3-band EQ provides flexible tone-shaping for any style of music. The Fender HiMass® string-through/top- load bridge provides increased resonance and sustain and the gold hardware adds to the distinctive look of this stunning bass. Also Included are a MonoNeon sticker pack and custom headstock sock. The MonoNeon Jazz Bass® V makes a statement – equal parts swagger and serious business.
The new Super Lead Overdrive pedal is designed to provide the perfect balance of gain, sustain, and touch response the SLO is known for. Crafted using the same cascading gain stages as the flagship amp, the SLO pedal is the perfect way to get that signature Soldano sound onto your pedalboard.
The SLO pedal front panel boasts the same controls for Gain, Volume, Presence, and a 3-band EQ as the 100-watt tube amp. The side-mounted Deep switch nails the amp’s depth-knob low-end punch. These controls take you from harmonically rich crunch to some of the most famous high-gain in history.
Features
Inspired by the legendary Super Lead Overdrive (SLO-100) amplifier
Familiar control layout with gain, volume, 3-band EQ, and presence
Deep voicing select switch
Iconic Soldano look 9v power jack – DC supply only, no battery connection within
Assembled in the USA
Dimensions: 2.6” (w) x 4.5” (d) x 2.25” (h)
Weight: 1 lbs.
Includes limited 5-Year Warranty
Inspired by the legendary Soldano SLO-100 tube amplifier
Replicates the original amp's cascading-gain-stage design for authentic SLO tone
Volume and Gain knobs let you dial in your output level and amount of saturation
GForce Software has announced the release of Oddity3, a fresh and hugely enhanced rebuild of their much loved synth. The original Oddity, along with its successor Oddity2, gained heavy praise by fans and critics alike for accuracy and, in the case of Oddity2, a huge range of additions taking the legendary ARP Odyssey into previously unrealized audio realms. Oddity3 retains the fundamental architecture at the heart of previous versions but builds on this in ways that extend its sonic and musical capabilities.
Oddity3 features an improved audio engine, a powerful new Preset Browser, over 250 new presets (plus all the originals), new Distortion and Reverb effects, a Vintage control to add authentic analogue imperfections, four programmable Macros, new and improved performance controls along with three new, fully scalable UI designs.
A Classic Synth For The 21st Century
With the sound and character of the original hardware at its core, Oddity3 gives a classic synth a new lease of life. Authentic models of all three original filters, two syncable oscillators, an accurate recreation of the legendary ring modulator, AR and ADSR envelopes, and much more, GForce say they spent countless hours ensuring that Oddity3 still provides a faithful and accurate recreation of one of the most highly revered synths ever.
Over the years GForce enhanced these original features extensively, adding monophonic and polyphonic playability, a tunable sub oscillator, the unique X-Modifier technology, onboard effects and voice panning. Now, Oddity3 adds a raft of new features and improvements - a powerful new Preset Browser, expanded performance controls with programmable Macros, Velocity and Polyphonic Aftertouch, a Vintage knob for adding analog-style imperfections, new Distortion and Reverb effects, and more. All of this gives Oddity3 an authentic experience that feels at home in a modern setup.
Such are the sonic possibilities of Oddity3, that we've had to constantly remind ourselves that this new cinematic incarnation retains, at its heart, the structural design of the original ARP hardware. Oddity3 feels like a brand new synthesizer.
Dave Spiers & Chris Macleod, co-founders of GForce Software Ltd.
Inspiration At The Speed Of Sound
Oddity3 features a brand new Preset Browser, which gives the user the power to organise their sounds any way they want. With extensive tagging, sorting and search possibilities, it's now quick and easy to find the perfect preset. Talking of presets, there are 250+ brand new presets created by the team of GForce sound designers, as well as a number of highly-regarded synthesists. You can also access over 1750 legacy presets from Oddity and Oddity2, which have all been categorised and tagged for easy navigation. Finally, GForce also included 66 presets that they faithfully recreated from original patch books.
Oddity3 captures the sound of the original hardware, while dragging it into the modern world. With such vast modulation possibilities, the scope of what this synth can do is huge, but it still retains that raw, vintage quality. One of my favourite synths just got even better.
Tom Wolfe, Sound Designer.
Oddity3 – Key Features:
Analog modelling of a bonafide classic.
[New] Powerful Preset Browser.
[New] Over 2000 presets including 250+ new presets.
[New] Distortion & Matrix Reverb effects, with updated Delay.
[New] Vintage knob for authentic analog imperfections.
[New] Four programmable Macros for easy manipulation of sounds.
[New] Programmable Aftertouch and expanded Velocity controls for extra playability.
[New] Fully-scalable UI with three authentic skins.
Monophonic, Monophonic Legato, Duophonic and Polyphonic modes.
4023 (12dB), 4035 (24dB) and 4075 (24dB) lowpass filter types from all three original models, plus highpass filter.
Two syncable Oscillators plus tunable Sub Oscillator.
Vast modulation options via X-Modifiers.
Authentic Ring Modulator.
Pan spread for wide stereo sounds.
Intro Price: £49.99+VAT / $64.99 until the end of November 2022 (Reg. £99.99 +VAT / $129.99).
UnitedPlugins has announced the release of MasterMind, a new mastering plugin built with speed in mind.
The heart of MasterMind is the one-knob Optimizer - a special algorithm which aims to makes your signal richer, bigger and psychoacoustically better.
UnitedPlugins says:
It simply makes it sound right. All you have to do is to dial how much.
An EQ matching function lets you analyze a reference song and make your track as close to it as possible. MasterMind also gives you a chance to tweak your song's stereo image and give it a final EQ touch with an analogue-like equalizer and a limiter.
MasterMind is compatible with the majority of VST/AAX/AU DAW applications on both Windows and macOS. A 15-day fully working trial version is available.
Intro Price: €29 (Reg. €129) until the end of November 2022.
u-he has announced the release of Kling Klong, Howard Scarr's latest sound banks for Hive 2 featuring a collection of 170+ unorthodox hits and synth percussion loops. The presets offer a multitude of variations via the XY pads, which have been carefully programmed to make the most of each sound for realtime performance. Also included in the package are many examples of how far the sounds can be 'mangled' just using the XY pads.
Of special interest are the so-called Poly Loops, which make good use of Hive's polyphonic shape sequencer instead of the arpeggiator/sequencer: By stacking notes the user can turn slow loops into complex rhythms or even dramatic 'flams'.
Kling Klong costs €30 and is available directly from the u-he website.
VirSyn has announced the release of the Waves module for Tera Pro, which adds classic Wavetable synthesis to the sound palette of the iOS synth. It's an optional module which you can purchase separately.
Here's what they say:
Wavetable synthesis is a sound design technique which uses morphing oscillator waves to create sounds. Wavetables can store a variable number (From 1 to 1024) of different frames/waves, allowing you to scroll through from one wave to the next, creating a new level of movement in your sound design. This movement can be stepwise as in the famous early PPG synths or smooth (using interpolation) and antialiased for a polished modern sound.
Tera Pro Waves allows you to explore this entire range.
Waves allows for different waveform frame sizes in the range of 128 up to 4096 samples per cycle and up to 1024 frames. More than a thousand public domain wavetables covering most areas are already included in Waves, and more can be added by the user.
Price:
Tera Pro: $9.99.
Waves module: $7.99.
discoDSP has updated OB-Xd for iOS to v1.15, OB-Xd for macOS to v2.10 and released new commercial OB-Xd bank called Up and Downs.
New in OB-Xd iOS v1.15:
Touch support for navigation popup menus.
Program copy paste including universal clipboard.
OB-Xd 2.10 or higher macOS clipboard import.
Program location checkmark.
GUI improvements.
Purchase is available at Apple iOS store. More information at OB-Xd page.
OB-Xd Desktop 2.10 (macOS only) also includes Preset Copy/Paste with Universal Clipboard which means you can copy and presets across iOS and macOS devices. Copy/Preset functionality without Universal Clipboard will be ready for Windows and Linux in the coming days.
Up and Downs banks for OB-Xd (desktop and iOS) is also available. The first commercial sound pack for OB-Xd by Daniel Stawczyk:
An inspiring set for a legend's software reincarnation with an impressive number of custom presets to go through.
The pack of 2 banks (170 presets) includes a main bank of 120 presets: 9 Basses, 13 Bells, 11 Keyboards, 9 Leads, 5 Organs, 37 Pads, 36 Synthesizers. and a sub bank of 50 SFX presets: 25 SFX Rises & Falls, 6 SFX Rises, 11 SFX Falls, 5 SFX-SYN Rises, 3 SFX-SYN Falls.
Ups and Downs bank costs $29 and can be purchased at the discoDSP OB-Xd Soundware Page for a 40% off special intro price of $17.
BOSS has announced the SL-2 Slicer, the latest addition to the company’s legendary compact pedal lineup. This original BOSS effect chops sound into unique percussive patterns—including many processed with internal filters and effects—and provides multiple output options that bring grooves to life across the stereo field. Offering 88 onboard patterns, MIDI control support, and additional patterns via the BOSS Tone Studio app, the SL-2 is an inspiring tool for all types of creators, from guitarists and keyboardists to loop performers, DJs, beatmakers, and beyond.
Evolved from the SL-20 Slicer—a popular model from the legacy Twin Pedal series—the SL-2 provides expanded capabilities while shrinking the size to the pedalboard-friendly BOSS compact format. Modern DSP takes the BOSS Slicer engine further than ever before, delivering rich, animated sounds using single and dual paths chained with multiple internal effects.
The SL-2 has 88 onboard memories preloaded with eight pattern types and 11 variations. Users can connect to BOSS Tone Studio over USB to audition and load alternate patterns and organize memory setups for different songs.
With the SL-2’s efficient interface, users can dial in sophisticated textures in seconds. Attack and Duty knobs provide waveform control for a wide range of audio effects, from hard, percussive chops to soft, fluttering tones. The tempo can be adjusted with a dedicated knob or hands-free by holding the pedal switch to enable tap tempo mode. A Balance knob and +/-12 dB of output level adjustment provide complete command of the direct/effect mix.
The SL-2 dishes up loads of impressive sounds with a standard mono setup. But things get even better when using the two outputs and seven output modes. Players can surround listeners in animated movement using a variety of stereo and 3D processing options, and it’s also possible to send direct and effect sounds to different destinations. And with its stereo input, the SL-2 can be used with other stereo pedals to bring further magic to grooves.
With its generous external control options, the SL-2 flows with any creative setup. Connecting an external footswitch provides instant tap tempo access or the ability to engage the effect with momentary presses. Alternatively, an expression pedal can be used to control knob parameters or the overall level. With the TRS MIDI input, users can sync SL-2 grooves to a drum machine, DAW, or any other device that sends MIDI clock. It’s also possible to control expression, tempo, and bypass functions via MIDI CC messages.
The ever popular, best selling Danelectro® ‘59™M NOS+ is now available in three exciting hot new ‘Blackout’ finishes, Black Metal Flake, Purple Metal Flake and Green Envy, trimmed with traditional Danelectro® body side tape now also in black.
Danelectro’s design team have certainly excelled with these new gorgeous, attention grabbing body finishes with color-matched headstocks and now with black ‘seal’ shape designed scratchplates, offset with stacked black/white volume/tone controls.
Whilst undeniably pretty on the eye, the new Danelectro® Blackout ’59M NOS+ oozes rock and roll, retaining the key elements and all the charm of the original model that inspired some of the biggest names in rock and roll, and has since influenced generations of guitar players. Elements that include the famous short-horn double cutaway semi-hollow body construction, bolt-on maple neck and super smooth 21 fret polished fingerboard allowing for effortless chording, slinky licks and bends.
Accurate tuning and pin-point intonation is ensured with straight string pull from vintage style machine heads and precision cut aluminum nut, onward to the upgraded fully adjustable die cast wrap-around six saddle bridge, recessed within the body.
Now available in 3 stunning new hot finishes and the NOS+ lipstick pickups singing with even more classic Dano single coil jangle, twang, clarity and fast attack that’s perfect for a host of styles, from surf to country, rockabilly to blues, pop and rock, the Danelectro® Blackout ‘59M NOS+ is one of the best sounding incarnations of the definitive and original Danelectro®model which was there at the beginning and, arguably one of the first electric guitars that helped start the birth of rock and roll.
Borrowing from over 30 years of innovation, KRK has expanded its studio monitor offerings with the introduction of the new GoAux Portable Monitor System. Available in two compact sizes, the three-inch GoAux 3 and four-inch GoAux 4 are professional-quality monitors with a portable design, featuring Bluetooth technology. As a complete nearfield reference monitor solution, the GoAux delivers the same natural and balanced frequency response that has become synonymous with the KRK name in a new mobile-friendly size for engineers, producers, DJs, artists, and mixers of all genres. The KRK GoAux is available worldwide now at authorized KRK dealers and on www.krkmusic.com.
The launch of GoAux marks an industry first, with KRK offering a unique and complete portable monitor solution for traveling audio professionals on a budget. Both the KRK GoAux 3 and GoAux 4 are all-in-one monitors that can’t be found anywhere else. The KRK GoAux monitors feature Bluetooth capability, allowing users to connect wirelessly to their smartphone, computer, or other Bluetooth-capable audio devices, in addition to standard 1/8-inch Aux and RCA stereo inputs.
“With so many artists back into the swing of travel after COVID lockdowns, we realize that the ability for them to produce and collaborate on the move is critical,” says Sterling Doak, Director of Marketing for Gibson Brands. “This addition to our line of studio monitors provides the solution: the perfect sized–three inches or four inches–monitors in a carrying case, with renowned KRK fidelity, and the freedom for anyone to take the studio anywhere. This is a paradigm shift for creating when creativity strikes.”
With KRK GoAux speakers, glass aramid woofers work alongside a one-inch soft textile dome tweeter in a bi-amplified two-way design, while durable rear-ported ABS cabinets supply an impressive bass extension. Users can also adjust their monitors’ response to the room and personal preference thanks to built-in LF and HF EQ. The added option of connecting headphones to the front panel 1/8-inch stereo output automatically mutes the GoAux speakers for a silent monitoring option.
Unique to the GoAux 4 are additional features, such as a measurement microphone and built-in Auto ARC (automatic room correction). This allows for automatic optimization of the speakers’ response to the acoustic environment. The GoAux 4also exclusively offers additional USB and 1/4-inch TRS balanced stereo inputs.
The GoAux 3 and GoAux 4 each come as a set of monitors, along with power and speaker cables, adjustable isolating stands, and a carrying bag. The GoAux is now available globally for purchase, the GoAux 3 starts at $349 MAP, and the GoAux 4starts at $419 MAP.
Plugin Boutique has updated VirtualCZ to version 1.3.1.
Changes:
(Manual) Fix obsolete urls.
(macOS/Installer) Fix dark mode.
(AU) Fix crash when cycling through presets on Logic Pro on Apple Silicon.
(APP) Fix missing sample rate in Preferences Dialog.
(macOS/APP) Fix no audio/midi on Monterey.
Riot Audio has released Ghoul, a new two-layer Kontakt sample library for contemporary horror score-inspired ghostly textures. They say:
A cinematic instrument inspired by contemporary horror film scores for Native Instruments' Kontakt, it is based on long, evolving performances of aleatoric violins and vocals, and contains 40 carefully crafted long, medium and short ghostly textures.
Its sonic palette reaches from spooky otherworldly textures featuring growls, whispers, to violin flutters, scrapes and taps, as well as an assorted selection of other atonal sounds.
Ghoul is based on a simple two-layer engine, allowing for the fast creation new previously unheard gothic pads and textures with a few mouse clicks.
Features:
Custom sound design engine using state of the art Kontakt 6 capabilities.
Two layers of sound: The Nether (A), The Yonder (B).
Source sounds: 8 aleatoric violin sounds (scrapes, body/string taps, detuned cluster, irregular tremolo/col legno, tickles), 3 vocalisations (growl, whisper, moan) and two vocal like sounds derived from a large frame drum.
156 possible sonic combinations.
40 presets (snapshots) in total – 20 longs, 10 medium, 10 shorts.
Dual custom IR processing for morphing of sounds into unrecognisable territory.
Dynamics mapped to modwheel (CC1) for instant playability and expression.
Total size of sampled content: 2.68 GB (2.53GB compressed).
Classic Style delay, LP/HP Filters, Reverb and Mids Attenuation included.
Intro Price: £29 until 23rd November, 2022 (Reg. £39 RRP).
Building on the success of the 2021 BMG 'Two Tone' Arielle model, Brian May Guitars announces Antique Cherry finish for their guitar styled after American singer-songwriter Arielle.
THE BMG ARIELLE FEATURES
Striking Body Design
The flamboyant, asymmetric angles of the Arielle's Indonesian Mahogany body, at once timeless and forward-thinking, clearly pay homage to radical American automotive and electric guitar designs of the 1950s and '60s, with a distinctive raised center strip increasing the body mass for enhanced sustain and resonance, a split, 3-ply parchment pickguard and a classic gloss finish completing the cool, vintage look.
24" Scale Mahogany Neck
Employing the short 24" scale favored by Brian May on the original Red Special, the one-piece mahogany neck, in perfect balance with the lightweight body, has been engineered with a decidedly contemporary feel, featuring a generous 45mm nut width, comfortably spacious profile, and wonderfully smooth 24 fret ebony fingerboard with Arielle's choice of abalone diamond snowflake inlays in the traditional BM pattern.
BMG Tri-Sonic Style Pickups
Like the best-selling BMG Special, the Arielle features three BM branded 'Tri-Sonic' style single coil pickups, modern replicas of the vintage '60s units so fundamental to the Red Special's powerful and distinctive sonic character with the same series wiring, retro-styling, and magnet alignment as the originals.
BM Switching System
The unique Brian May designed electronics system is provided by six black DPDT switches featuring high-quality contacts mounted on a contrasting 3-ply black control plate. Engaging each pickup individually as well as providing dedicated phase reversal, this familiar configuration gives the BMG Arielle the same astonishing tonal agility as the original Red Special itself.
Wilkinson WVP Tremolo Bridge
Continuing BMG's long association with veteran British engineer Trevor Wilkinson, the Arielle is fitted with his acclaimed WVP 2-point tremolo, a vintage-styled variant of the unit used on the BMG Special. With a modern, friction-free design offering one of the smoothest actions of any fulcrum vibrato currently available coupled with a sleek, low-profile surround to eliminate lateral saddle movement, the WVP offers superior comfort, stability, and performance.
Thumbwheel Locking Tuners
The distinctive BM style headstock sports 3-a-side locking tuners with an 18:1 gear ratio for precise tuning and a thumbwheel locking mechanism that clamps the string securely. These superb quality machine heads allow for quick and easy string changes, requiring fewer string wraps and maintaining rock-solid tuning stability and more accurate return-to-pitch, even with lots of vibrato and string bends.
BMG Gig Bag Included
A premium quality, padded gig-bag, made from durable showerproof material, with twin rucksack-style shoulder straps, side and front grab handles, dual front pockets, and stitched BMG logo, is supplied as standard.
Sounds
Versatile and bold, the heart of the Arielle's sound is round, wide, warm, and rich, with clean, clear highs and crisp note articulation, even when overdriven. Eminently capable of authentically delivering the hardest of rock or the most intimate dream-pop shimmer, the Arielle has clearly been engineered to be a brilliant, one-stop stage and studio workhorse. For blues and roots styles, there is a pleasing presence and a tight, focused bass response whilst jazz players and country pickers will love the chiming clarity, especially on out-of-phase settings, and the smooth, hollow twang of the neck pickup. Cranking up the gain, combining two or more pickups in phase, the broad Tri-Sonic response and resonant body give crunch chords ample room to breathe and allow lead licks and solos to project clearly and powerfully.
UK RRP £945.00 (Inc. VAT) — Available now for £845.00 from the official Brian May Guitars online store for a limited time.
Nova Sound is approaching its 9-year anniversary of being in business and is celebrating with new releases and a free two-part sound kit.
Storm Drummer, $9.99, from the Nova Drum Unit: Plugin Series:
100 Sounds.
32 rhythms and rolls.
AU / VST / Stereo WAV.
48K 24-bit.
Dark Sound Galaxy VR - Universal Horror FX, $29.99, a Nova Sound Master Collection:
335 Sounds.
48K 24-bit. Stereo WAV.
Free 5000 Sound Pack:
2 Kits, 12 Sounds.
Stereo WAV.
48K 24-bit.
Price: Free with a two-step sign-up process (Subscribe to YouTube.com/NovaSoundWav). Available for a limited time only.
Psychic Modulation has released BendoBox, an exploratory, rhythmic multi-effect for manipulating beats and transforming ordinary sounds into entirely new material. Band-splitting, bass-boosting, crunchy saturation, BPM-synced chopping and gating, beat-locked pumping effects, gated feedback and sequenced delay send variations are just some of the many sound-altering possibilities.
Features:
High/Low Frequency Splitter.
Bass Enhancer.
Resonant Low Pass Filter.
Saturation with extra Crunch.
Mod Gate Sequencer: An LFO/Gate combo.
Uses include:
Ducking and Pumping.
Volume Gating.
Beat Chopping.
Filter Modulation.
Spatial Effects.
Gated LFOs.
Echo: Stereo BPM Delay Unit.
Delay Gate Sequencer for triggered delay sends and feedback gating.
Freakout: Sporatic randomization of various aspects of the overall effect.
Sub-Presets for each FX and Mod/Gate section.
Randomize button for each section.
Custom GUI scaling.
Intuitive patch management system.
Several presets to get you started.
BendoBox is available as a VST3 and Audio Unit plug-in for macOS and Windows for $59.
JELSTUDIO has released Air Fuzz, which is described as a 'bass air generator' effect-plugin for Windows (VST).
Air Fuzz is a dynamic sound-effect for making bass-parts sound more 'dry', 'airy' and 'open'.
It is best suited to individual tracks (bass and kick in particular), during mixing or recording, but can occasionally also work well on busses or even the master-track (depending on your audio-material).
It does not create harmonics or distortion, like a traditional saturator, but rather a sense of air-flow around low frequency audio-material.
Deep frequencies, such as bass and kick-drums (Perhaps especially '808' kicks), can get a lovely raspy sound when using Air Fuzz at moderate levels.
Some key-points:
Zero latency (for Live use or for tracking/mixing/mastering/post-production).
For Windows 7, 8, 10, (11 not tested).
Zip with .dll (no .exe installation).
No DRM (Such as PhoneHome, iLok, etc.).
Price: $49.
Gretsch guitars has added new finishes to its Jim Dandy acoustic guitars, now wrapped in a remarkable limited edition Nocturne Blue finish or the classic Frontier Stain finish. Faithful to the Gretsch “Rex” parlor guitars of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s, the G9500 Jim Dandy Flat Top parlor-style model embodies everything that was great about the beloved “first guitar.”
The Gretsch Roots Collection resurrects timeless designs that take you through nearly a century of sound. Inspired by tradition, these instruments capture the voices and sounds of generations past and celebrate the deep musical roots inside each of us. Ideal for songwriting, practice or even as a travel guitar, this little wonder is great for beginners or seasoned pros alike. Comfortable to play, and full of woody vintage tones with full-sounding bass, the Roots Collection will inspire hours of playing joy.
MODELS
G9500 Jim Dandy 24” Flat Top Guitar, 2022
G9500 Limited Edition Jim Dandy™ at Top Guitar, 2022
The G9500 Jim Dandy™ Flat Top parlor-style model embodies everything that was great about everyone’s first guitar. Everything and then some that is, because the G9500 is crafted with select guitar woods and is fully lined and braced for a warm and pleasing tone, with a 24” scale for endless hours of playing comfort.
Wrapped in a classic Frontier Stain finish, the G9500 also has 1950s-style vintage open-gear die-cast tuning machines, nickel hardware and single-ply white pickguard featuring a “G” graphic. Ideal for songwriting, practice or even as a travel guitar, this little wonder is great for beginners or seasoned pros alike. Comfortable to play, and full of woody vintage tone with full-sounding bass, the Jim Dandy will inspire hours of playing joy.
FEATURES
Sapele body with X-bracing
12th fret, 24”-scale nato set neck
Vintage-style 18 frets
Synthetic bone nut
Black walnut fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays
Top-load walnut bridge with compensated saddle
Single-ply aged white pickguard with “G” graphic
1950s-style vintage open-gear die-cast tuning machines and vintage end-pin strap buttons
FINISH OPTION
Frontier Stain
PRICE
$189.00 USD, £205.00 GBP, €240.00 EUR, $399.99 AUD, ¥40,700 JPY
Fender has introduced the Acoustasonic Player Jazzmaster. Created in their newly-established dedicated Acoustasonic space within the Ensenada, MX factory and priced at $1,199.99 USD, the Acoustasonic Player Jazzmaster is the latest innovation as Fender continues to explore the sonic possibilities of an acoustic-electric guitar.
Purposefully streamlined and equally versatile, this guitar intuitively transitions from acoustic to electric voices with the 3-way switch, or from clean to driven with a turn of the Blend Knob.
Top specs include:
3-way switch, or from clean to driven with a turn of the Blend Knob
Modified Jazzmaster® body
2-pickup configuration: Under-Saddle Piezo, Acoustasonic Shawbucker Magnetic
Finishes include: 2-Color Sunburst, Shell Pink, Antique Olive and Ice Blue
Photosounder has updated Photosounder to version 1.11.2.
Changes since v1.11.1:
Fixed controls being reset to default after adding an image to a layer.
Fixed problem with loading files with long paths.
Produce-RNB has released The Billy Mix Suite. They say:
Producer and mixing engineer D Billy has worked with some of today's most popular hip-hop and trap artists to create loud, in-your-face beats and mixes.
(D Billy's Full Credits Include: BRS Kash, Da Baby, Lil Baby, Gunna, Jose Guapo, Migos, Lil Yachty, Gucci Mane, City Girls, Hood Rich Pablo Juan, Lil Durk, PeeWee Longway, Mulatto, Young Dro, Boosie Bad Ass, Rocko, YSL Duke, Yak Gotti, YFN Lucci, Shy Glizzy, Morray, Lil Poppa, Dru Hill, Young LA, Outlawz, Drug Rixh Hect, XVL, Fat Sosa, Pooh Shiesty, Block 125, Collision Marlo, Man Man Savage, Snooty Wild, Rich Da Kid, No Cap).
We took the secret ingredients that make D Billy's mixes hit so hard and created 5 essential plug-ins based on those same principals. The Billy Mix Suite uses a proprietary routing chain to make things sound notably louder.
The Billy mix contains 5 simple plugins that simply work to make things louder and more powerful.
The D Compressor - A transparent and powerful compressor that amplifies and tames sounds with great efficacy. This is the go-to tool for loud, tight and controlled drums or any other sound you put it on.
Kick Boost, Snare Crack and Hat Sizzle
These are the go-to tools that give your drums that extra "umph" to sit cleanly over-top of the mix and punch through solid! Each tailored to a specific frequency with a proprietary routing that simply makes things cleaner, clearer and louder.
The Pure EQ
This transparent EQ allows me to cleanly sculpt any sound. With unlimited bands and zero limitations, this EQ is a quick go-to for sculpting the right sound.
The Billy mix suite also includes a Special D Billy Drum Stash as a bonus.
Price: $49.00 €49.17 £42.19.
W. A. Production has released the Cinematic Mega Pack 2.
They say:
A tremendous value, the Cinematic Mega Pack 2 is packed with an endless supply of percussion, effects, textures, melodies and other incredible sounds you won't find anywhere else. Included in this bundle are innovative sounds, loops, vocals and more tools designed to help you create your next professional-sounding track. Get your copy today and dive in.
Bundle details:
5 Construction Kits.
288 Vocal Loops & Phrases.
300 Scifi Movie Sounds & FX Sounds & Loops.
327 Cinematic FX Sounds & Loops.
381 Weapon FX Sounds.
302 Industrial Textures and FX Sounds.
50 Presets (Sylenth1, Spire).
47 Melody Loops (+ MIDI).
50 Synth Shots.
32 Drum Loops.
60 Drums Shots.
100% Royalty Free.
Intro Price: $19.90 until October 10th, 2022 (Reg. $129.40).
HoRNet Plugins has just updated the HA2A classic opto studio compressor.
The new 1.1.0 version is a feature release and includes:
Added the ability to control every instance from a single interface.
Added output gain compensation switch.
The update is free for owners of the plugin and can be downloaded with HoRNet DoIn or from the user area
Dog Magic has released Holo Trigger, saying:
Holo Trigger is a homage to the strange emergent tech of the 70's and 80's. Reminiscent of old analogue drum synthesizers, Holo Trigger is an audio effect that triggers a pitch variable synth sound based on the loudness of an incoming signal. Sounds are highly customizable through pitch sweeping start and end frequencies, duration controls, a wobbly pitch LFO, and colorful white noise. To stretch sonic possibilities further, an alien-esque phaser and a wide room-style reverb with sound freezing capabilities are packed in to bring a playful punch. Live your weirdest new wave self and add some experimental synth techniques into your workflow.
Features:
Oscillator: Start and End frequencies, Length and Release control.
LFO: Rate and Depth control for pitch LFO.
Output: Noise and Gain level. Threshold for trigger sensitivity. Waveform selector.
Phaser: Psychedelic feedback phasing.
Reverb: Room style reverb with freeze control.
Visualizer for waveform and threshold.
Intro Price: $10 at Dog Magic until November 15th, 2022 (Reg. $20).
Xhun Audio has released WindChant, a procedural audio simulation of the fluid dynamics underlying the natural wind action. They say:
Naturally born for music, live events, film, TV and entertainment productions, WindChant is based on a complex set of stochastic engines: it does not use samples at all, sound and fluid dynamics are actually real-time generated.
The whole procedural audio engine can be manually controlled, or fully automated, or both: the goal of generating an immersive (including a Panorama control) realistic, organic, evolving natural wind soundscape is as easy as pressing a single note key.
Intro Price: 19.90 Euro / USD by joining the time-limited, 50% off special introductory offer. This offer is available from the online Xhun Audio Shop as well as from selected 3rd party Dealers (Reg. 39.00 Euro / USD).
WindChant is available as a VST, VST3, AU plugin for Windows and macOS (Intel CPU). Although running the software on M1 macOS (Apple CPU) is possible using Rosetta 2, Xhun Audio strongly recommends to download and try the demo version before buying.
510k has announced the release of Seqund, a AU3/VST/VST3 Polyrhythmic Sequencer plugin for macOS and Windows.
Designed by Alexkid and coded by Tadashi Tuginomori from HY-Plugins, Seqund adapts previously released Max4Live designs into the AU/VST world.
You can read more about it here or directly download it from the developer's product page here.
Seqund is priced at €39 instead of €59 euros until end of October, 2022, but KVR readers can benefit of an extra 2 weeks at the special intro price by using the code KVRSPECIAL from the 1st of November until the 15th of November 2022.
Kazrog has released the True 252 EQ plugin in conjunction with Powers Music Group. True 252 is an emulation of the rare, vintage analog Langevin EQ 252A Graphic Equalizer.
Like the hardware it is modeled from, True 252 is a 7 band graphic EQ, with analog style curve interaction and subtle saturation.
Features:
7 band graphic equalizer.
Gain compensation - maintains the same apparent loudness irrespective of the EQ slider settings.
Continuous gain control - not stepped as with competing plugin emulations of similar EQs.
"Cramping-free" equalization.
Preset manager with A/B compare.
Compensated internal bypass.
Separate oversampling settings for realtime and offline processing, adjustable on the fly.
Two UI themes - black and gray - based on the faceplates of the original 252-A and its cosmetic variation, the 270.
True 252 is available now, with introductory pricing at $29.99 USD until November 4, 2022 (Reg. $39.99). A free demo version is also available.
TBProAudio has updated DSEQ to v3.7, which adds parameter undo/redo, fixed GUI scaling and new presets.
Undo/redo reverts most of the parameter changes.
GUI scaling can be set within the plugin menu.
The new presets cover female/male de-essing.
Important Note: AAX Mac is temporarily unavailable until AAX support for Big Sur/Apple Silicon arrives. Pro Tools users should continue using DSEQ V2.x until further notice.
New features and enhancements:
Undo/redo.
Fixed GUI scale via plugin menu.
Presets female/male de-ess.
Small DSP optimizations.
New LED meter.
button for displaying the filter response on the filer board.
The update is free for all current DSEQ customers.
Boutique custom shop Messiah Guitars has introduced their first two guitar effects pedals: the Dandelion fuzz drive and Quiggly octofuzz.
The “Dandelion” fuzz drive pedal is a three-knob, high-gain dirt pedal that spans tones from a heavy fuzz to a beefy overdrive, brutalizing all the notes while keeping them decipherable even while strumming the most complicated chord. The wide range tone knob is highly interactive with the other controls to bring you a vast variety of sound quality. Its retro goldenrod color, purple knobs, and stylish dandelion graphics add to the joy – and the purple light-up foot switch replaces the need for a boring LED display light.
“We wanted to make a fuzz drive pedal where you can hear the individual notes in a chord even when they’re heavily distorted,” says Tom Hejda, owner of Messiah Guitars. “Most pedals just squash the notes into a big mess, so you don’t get the complex sound you’re looking for. We found a way to do it differently.
”Messiah’s “Quiggly” octofuzz pedal dares to perfect the Tycho Brahe Octavia pedal made famous by Jimi Hendrix. With a quirky octopus-in-a-sweater design on a vintage robin’s egg blue face, its 3 knobs are bright pink and the light-up foot switches glow red and – in a nod to Hendrix – purple. The innovative pedal preserves the ‘wooliness’ of the Octavia, adding a couple of useful features. The ‘Choke’ knob cleans up the input signal to tame fuzziness when desired, and a second footswitch kicks in the octave on demand.
Each pedal includes:
3-knob controls; space-saving top side jacks; illuminated true bypass footswitches
Durable, cast aluminum alloy 125B enclosure with fun artwork
Easy to see, illuminated true bypass footswitches
Standard 9V pedal power input and internal 9V battery operation
Made in USA
A software recreation of Strymon's best-selling BigSky hardware reverb.
The plugin features 12 custom reverb algorithms, with traditional physical spaces like rooms and halls joining unique filtered and pitched ambient machines. With Infinite hold/Freezefunctionality, jaw-dropping sound quality, and industry-leading flexibility, the new BigSky plugin offers DAW users a powerful new tool for creating ambient textures.
Multidimensional Reverb Plugin: The new BigSky plugin from Strymon is a direct port of Strymon's best-selling hardware pedal, bringing all of the functionality, uniqueness, and pristine sound quality of the original to your favorite DAW. Now you can use as many instances of Big Sky in your session as you’d like, using it to add simple Room ambiance to a drum kit while wholly transforming a string pad with the Shimmer or Chorale machines. With 12 custom-tuned reverb algorithms that cover everything from traditional acoustic spaces to wildly creative ambient machines, Infinite/Freeze functionality, and a dynamically simple user interface, the BigSky plugin is destined to become your new secret weapon in the studio.
Product Highlights:
12 custom-tuned reverb algorithms, perfect for a variety of sound sources.
Traditional high-resolution algorithms like Rooms, Halls, Plates, and Springs.
Entirely new and transformative reverb machines featuring pitch shifting, filtering, tunable room ambiance, and more.
Easily add modulation to any reverb machine.
Infinite and Freeze functionality with Hold, to create undulating soundscapes.
Easy-to-use dynamic interface puts every parameter right where you need it, so dialing in killer sounds is quick and easy.
Resizable user interface with four sizes to choose from (and big is BIG).
The new BigSky plugin comes in AAX, AU, and VST3 formats, and is available directly from Strymon and at select retailers worldwide, for $199 US.
NoiseAsh Audio has announced the update release of Action Delay v1.3.9 for Windows and macOS (Intel and Native Apple Silicon).
The new version 1.3.9 includes:
Added: Native Apple Silicon support.
Improved: CPU & DSP Performance.
Improved: Online License Authentication.
Fixed: Invalid license key error.
The update is free for the license owners of the plugins and can be downloaded from the user area
Signum Audio has released Skye Clipper, a new plugin that features Signum Audio's proprietary real-time anti-aliasing algorithm which the company claims "drastically reduces the amount of aliasing artefacts produced by clipping".
Skye Clipper lets you choose between different clipping styles to help control peaks, add loudness to your mix, or to add saturation to your audio. This means it can be used in a variety of scenarios like taming a snare, bus processing, or to add texture to a synthesiser. It includes 7 different clipping types, with a sleek, feature rich and yet simple user interface for streamlining user workflow.
Skye Clipper has a moveable control panel where you can control its Pre-gain, Threshold, Clipping Type, Gain Link, Post-Gain and Dry-Wet Mix. All parameters are fully automatable in your DAW and all controls can be fine tuned by holding the shift modifier while dragging.
Like all Signum Audio plugins, Skye Clipper is compatible with Mac OS or Windows, and VST, VST3, AU and AAX formats meaning it will work with most DAW setups. It is available in Stereo or Surround version, with the Surround version expanding support for up to 7.1.4 channel configurations, including Dolby Atmos, for spatial mixing.
Skye Clipper follows on from Skye Dynamics which was the first in Signum Audio's line of mixing and mastering plugins released this year designed specifically for music production and sound design.
Features:
A plugin for hard & soft clipping.
7 clipping types.
Real-time proprietary anti-aliasing technology.
Resizable History view for timeline of processing.
Pre- & Post-gain linking.
Preset Manager.
Controls for Pre-gain, Threshold, Clipping Type, Gain Link, Post-Gain and Dry-Wet Mix.
Dynamic range for metering can be freely scaled.
Mix control for easy parallel processing.
Full and compact view for optimising screen space.
Stereo and Surround versions for multichannel configurations up to 7.1.4 including Dolby Atmos (Surround includes Stereo and Mono as well).
Compatible with Mac OS or Windows.
Compatible with VST, VST3, AU and AAX formats.
Presets:
Drums:
Hard Peak Shaver.
Slammed.
Guitar:
Clean Subtle.
Smooth Saturation.
Master:
Light Master.
Tape Machine.
Transparent.
Synthesizer:
Destroyer.
Driven.
Parallel Saturation.
Tape Warmth.
Skye Clipper is priced at 49GBP for the Stereo version, or 69GBP for the Surround version. There is an exclusive introductory offer of 20% off on Signum Audio's website until 24th November, 2022. A free 30-day trial is available.
Orchestral Tools have announced Fabrik, a new series of instruments for SINEplayer. The first in the series, Transit and Radome, are available now.
Orchestral Tools has built its reputation on a detailed approach to capturing every nuance of the real and synthetic instruments that make up its virtual libraries. With the new Fabrik series, the sample library designers have applied this approach and the power of their proprietary SINEplayer to a new breed of virtual instruments built from the ground-up by combining sounds from field recordings, electronic noise, and unusual acoustic instruments.
FABRIK was developed as an experimental counterpoint to our Creative Soundpack series, and also to explore our love of avant-garde sound production. These instruments offer combinations of elements captured in special locations to create truly unique sounds that each tell their own story. There's a more diverse community of creators, musicians, and performers exploring new avenues for composition and sound design than ever before—and we've been inspired by them to push the boundaries of what sampled instrumentation can be, With FABRIK, we're excited to provide these artists as well as our core OT customers with unique new instrumental voices to challenge and excite them in equal measure. We can't wait to share more as the series develops.
Orchestral Tools Found and CEO Hendrik Schwarzer
Transit: The pulse of the modern urban landscape (€39 but has a two-week introductory price of €29 until the 9th November 2022).
Transit utilizes authentic field recordings made of Berlin's rail traffic to create a library of instruments built from the sounds of industry and transportation. Transit includes raw percussive kits, resonant tonal and atonal sound patches, and unique noise instruments to evoke the pulse of a modern city, capable of generating driving, percussive textures, thick nocturnal pads, and gritty mechanical sounds ideal for an urban soundscape.
Radome: Haunting sounds from a cavernous past (€69 but has a two-week introductory price of €49 until the 9th November 2022).
Radome brings a dark, experimental twist to the sound of the cello. The instrument is built off of experimental cello techniques performed by Franziska Aigner and recorded inside of a cavernous radar dome at Berlin's Teufelsberg—part of an abandoned CIA listening post, and notable for its unusual echo and reverberation sounds. Combined with electronic noise, ambient textures, and distorted sonic artifacts, the result is a haunting sounding instrument for creating suspenseful drones, eerie melodies, and unique percussive textures.
Q-Audio has released JustBeat. They say:
Powerful beats are instantly generated with a mouse click while the sounds are randomly picked from a soundbank of quality samples. Combinations are endless. Is like handling an infinite amount of modern drum loops generated by an artificial intelligence never tired. The user can perhaps utilize it as a classic beatbox having the control available on everything from the sounds to the sequencers.
Features:
1 Fixed 4x4 beat channel with distortion drive efx.
6 AI driven channels for hihats, additional hihats, claps, snares, percs and cymbals.
2 Help channels can be used as an additional kickdrum and closed hats patterns.
Price: €79.
The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has teamed up with EarthQuaker Devices (EQD), the Akron-based guitar pedal manufacturer for a collaboration that features a series of limited design and colorway guitar pedals.
The first pedal of the collaboration, Plumes, was released as an online exclusive item. With few still available, it is a unique, all-analog approach to a classic tube-like overdrive circuit offering 3 different clipping voices, loads of headroom and almost three-dimensional clarity that will push your amp over the edge.
The second pedal, the Hizumitas, is a Fuzz Sustainar originally designed for guitar player Wata from the legendary band Boris. The heavy distortion and smooth sustain, combined with an underlying grit was designed to offer unmatched clarity that is unsuspected a typically aggressive sounding pedal.
“Effect pedals are a massive part of guitar driven rock and roll,” said Rock Hall President and CEO Greg Harris. “Throughout the years, Inductees ranging from Jimi Hendrix to The Edge have relied on effects pedals to craft their own unique sound. Thanks to EarthQuaker Devices, we invite you to shred with us at home or inside the Museum’s Jam Room using our limited-edition guitar pedal.”
The pedals feature the hypnotizing artwork of Cleveland artist Anthony Zart. “Seeing a project like this one come to fruition — especially when collaborating with Northeast Ohio pedal manufacturer EarthQuaker Devices— is a very gratifying experience. Factor in an iconic museum? That’s icing on the cake” said Zart.
The Madison Cunningham Signature Artificial Blonde, first released on October 21, 2022, is a new take on the JHS Emperor Chorus/Vibrato.
At its core, the Artificial Blonde is a very simplistic approach to Madison’s signature sound: a never off, always on, slightly 3D pitch vibrato sound. The secondary footswitch switches between the two speed/depth preset sections. It’s a true pitch vibrato modulation pedal with two easy-to-access modes for live use. In a first for JHS Pedals, this pedal features a true stereo signal.
Modulated sound and vintage vibrato that's uniquely Madison Cunningham
Access moving vibratos and mildly seasick clean tones
JHS's first stereo pedal, with access to stereo L/R outputs that deliver full sound
2 independent switchable speed/depth sections
A shared volume/EQ section to polish your vibrato
UVI has announced the release of Soul Bass, a bass instrument designed with character and creativity at heart. Fusing the best of vintage and modern approaches, Soul Bass delivers a flexible instrument, allowing the blending of a deeply sampled '60s Jazz Bass with a curated selection of synth bass sounds. From stripped-down classic bass and amp rigs to modern genre and cinematic sounds, Soul Bass is a featured, easy-to-use instrument with deep customization, numerous performance controls and keyswitching, built-in effects, a selection of hand-crafted presets and MIDI patterns, and more.
More than the sum of its parts, Soul Bass brings together the new and old to create a truly hybrid bass instrument. On the electronic side recording was done string-by-string, with over 75,000 samples capturing numerous playing techniques including hammer, pull-off, ghost, slide, and harmonic for each of the playing styles, including finger bridge, finger neck, finger mute, pick, and pick mute. Extensive controls allow users to tweak everything from hand position, technique, and play style to nuts-and-bolts control over amplitude, filter, pitch and more. Meanwhile the synth layer offers near-identical control and a 'link' button for matched edits, and includes a massive selection of sounds from our favorite synthesizers, representing analog, FM, physical modelling, vintage digital, and raw waves.
Soul Bass comes loaded with an effect chain including Tube Screamer, Thorus, Phasor, Feedback Compressor, Tone Stack, and the IR-based Convolver. The chain is duplicated for both the electronic and synth layers, each with multiple flavors of delay and reverb available as sends, while a mastering EQ and compressor finish it off. A library of hand-crafted presets is available for exploration, and a sequencer page presents a library of bass patterns that can be played while you adjust your sound, or used in your compositions with further editing made possible via MIDI drag-and-drop.
Soul Bass offers native 64-bit standalone operation by way of Falcon or the free UVI Workstation, providing support for all modern DAWs and simultaneous authorization on up to 3 computers or iLok keys.
Soul Bass is available now from UVI with a special introductory price of $59 / 59€ through November 6th, 2022 (regularly $99 / 99€).
Soul Bass is also available with their SonicPass subscription service for $24/24€ a month or $240/240€ annually.
UVI has announced the release of Soul Bass, a bass instrument designed with character and creativity at heart. Fusing the best of vintage and modern approaches, Soul Bass delivers a flexible instrument, allowing the blending of a deeply sampled '60s Jazz Bass with a curated selection of synth bass sounds. From stripped-down classic bass and amp rigs to modern genre and cinematic sounds, Soul Bass is a featured, easy-to-use instrument with deep customization, numerous performance controls and keyswitching, built-in effects, a selection of hand-crafted presets and MIDI patterns, and more.
More than the sum of its parts, Soul Bass brings together the new and old to create a truly hybrid bass instrument. On the electronic side recording was done string-by-string, with over 75,000 samples capturing numerous playing techniques including hammer, pull-off, ghost, slide, and harmonic for each of the playing styles, including finger bridge, finger neck, finger mute, pick, and pick mute. Extensive controls allow users to tweak everything from hand position, technique, and play style to nuts-and-bolts control over amplitude, filter, pitch and more. Meanwhile the synth layer offers near-identical control and a 'link' button for matched edits, and includes a massive selection of sounds from our favorite synthesizers, representing analog, FM, physical modelling, vintage digital, and raw waves.
Soul Bass comes loaded with an effect chain including Tube Screamer, Thorus, Phasor, Feedback Compressor, Tone Stack, and the IR-based Convolver. The chain is duplicated for both the electronic and synth layers, each with multiple flavors of delay and reverb available as sends, while a mastering EQ and compressor finish it off. A library of hand-crafted presets is available for exploration, and a sequencer page presents a library of bass patterns that can be played while you adjust your sound, or used in your compositions with further editing made possible via MIDI drag-and-drop.
Soul Bass offers native 64-bit standalone operation by way of Falcon or the free UVI Workstation, providing support for all modern DAWs and simultaneous authorization on up to 3 computers or iLok keys.
Soul Bass is available now from UVI with a special introductory price of $59 / 59€ through November 6th, 2022 (regularly $99 / 99€).
Soul Bass is also available with their SonicPass subscription service for $24/24€ a month or $240/240€ annually.
This micro pedal offers a unique SHAPE control providing a wide sweep of tones from a light tube-like saturation to an aggressive, dirty ripped-speaker tone.
This micro pedal offers a unique SHAPE control features a wide sweep of tones from a light tube-like saturation to an aggressive, dirty ripped-speaker tone and everything in-between. The KICK button delivers a frequency boost for an extra bump in presence and punch.
Jordan Cortese, Aguilar Brand Manager, remarks, “The Storm King pedal reinforces our ethos of ‘inspired engineering,’ drawing inspiration from our beloved Tone Hammer amp, and in particular its drive circuit. We said to ourselves, ‘What if we took the handcuffs off that circuit and pushed it even further? What are some of the new distortion sounds we could achieve?’ Well, we did just that, and thus, the Storm King was born.”
The Aguilar Storm King is now available with U.S. MAP pricing of $179.99.
The new Studiomaster CORE is a highly versatile, self-powered hi-mid top and sub stack, suitable for high efficiency portable sound reinforcement applications, including in larger ‘medium size’ size venues where wider constant frequency coverage is required. To achieve this wider coverage CORE employs a constant curve array hi-mid cabinet, together with a powerful self-powered, active sub.
In contrast with other portable constant curve array systems, CORE is especially purposed for full-scale musical performance, with two variants – CORE 121 and CORE 151 – respectively having 5” and 8” MF drivers; rather than the 2” or smaller drivers more usually deployed in this product class. In the CORE 121 these are matched with 9x 1” dome HF drivers, and 12x 1” dome tweeters in the CORE 151. This gives the two CORE curvature arrays a highly accurate response across the full mid and high frequency spectrum (from 200 to 18000 Hz + 5dB), and throughout the 100° (H) x 70° (V) coverage.
All this high resolution, high transparency MF / HF requires substantial low-end support. This is delivered at output levels of up to 128 dB by a lightweight and compact reflex sub; featuring a 12 LF driver on the CORE 121 and 15” LF driver on the CORE 151. The subs provides the CORE systems with integrated bi- amplification – 300 W (HF-MF) / 700 W (LF) on the CORE 121 and 400 W (HF-MF) / 700 W (LF) on the CORE 151 – in addition to onboard DSP and an integrated 4-channel mixer. ( RMS)
Studiomaster General Manager Patrick Almond says, “CORE exploits unique hybrid performance characteristics of a curvature array cabinet in providing extraordinary horizontal coverage, within a design with the necessary signal power and throw for a wide range of performance, playback and presentation applications; including – with up to 4,400 W system peak power – serious music performance in larger venues. Yet CORE is a sleek, discrete and compact design, relatively lightweight and easily portable. Making it among the most versatile and cost / performance efficient systems in its product class.”
Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine unveils two limited-edition Flying V EXP guitars in Red Amber Burst and Ebony VOS.
To create the new Limited Edition Flying V EXP guitar, Gibson Custom Shop luthiers collaborated with Dave Mustaine the legendary guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and founder of the multi-platinum selling and Grammy Award-winning band, Megadeth. The Dave Mustaine Collection is currently comprised of seven models and continues to be a success--the Flying V RIP electric guitars, and the Songwriter (signed) acoustic guitars immediately sold out upon release. Gibson has plans for more Dave Mustaine Collection releases in 2023.
The Gibson Dave Mustaine Flying V EXP Limited-Edition was designed to deliver the powerful, heavy sound and playing performance on the stage and in the studio that Dave demands. The 25.5” scale mahogany neck has an ebony fretboard with 24 frets, Mother Of Pearl inlays, an Explorer-style headstock with Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners, and a Graph Tech TUSQ nut. Dave Mustaine’s signature is reproduced on the truss rod cover, and Dave’s silhouette is featured on the back of the headstock and on the included hardshell guitar case. The mahogany Flying V-style body has a maple cap (figured maple on the Red Amber Burst version) and is equipped with a Tune-O-Matic bridge, a string through body Chevron tailpiece, and a Dave Mustaine signature Seymour Duncan Thrash Factor pickup set. The Red Amber Burst nitrocellulose lacquer finish is complemented by gold hardware, while the Ebony VOS finished model is equipped with nickel hardware. Only 75 of each color have been crafted by the expert luthiers of the Gibson Custom Shop as part of this very special limited run.
The VegaTrem VT2 Teletrem was designed to grant the T-style guitar a new sound.
The VegaTrem VT2 Teletrem is a tremolo designed to grant the T-style guitar a new sound, without the need of modifying a single millimeter of Fenders original design. This new tremolo/vibrato with its very own VegaTrem tuning stability, expands the future musical possibilities of this legendary guitar.
The T-Style electric guitars were not originally designed to receive a tremolo/vibrato. But VegaTrem's solution combined with the use of quality materials such as marine grade stainless steel and brass saddles (like the classic design), enhances the tonal qualities of your TL-type guitar, regardless using the vibrato or not. Without a doubt, the possibilities of "pulling up" to up to half a tone, or "dive bombing", as well as the expression, the new sound and musical life a vibrato can give to these legendary guitars.
The Teletrem is available on 2 versions:
VT2 Teletrem classic:
For T-style guitars that use classic dimensions bridge (71mm between the string holes to the top screw of the bridge pickup).
VT2 Teletrem modern:
For T-style guitars that use modern dimensions bridge (69mm between the string holes to the top screw of the bridge pickup).
Keith McMillen Instruments has updated the SoftStep2 Editor and Firmware. SoftStep2 Editor v2.1.1 has improved stability on modern operating systems, a bootloader to protect against firmware corruption, and improved UI.
New Features/Changes:
The editor will install a new bootloader into firmware before upgrading to 1.0.0. This change is permanent and protects firmware from getting corrupted, but breaks compatibility with older editors on older operating systems (ie MacOS High Sierra or earlier). More details and extra firmware images can be found in the "Extras\Firmware SysEx Files" folder.
Overhauled editor MIDI backend using RtMidi, now builds/runs on modern operating systems.
Sensitivity and other global settings are now sent in realtime.
Application scaled up 1.5x, added support for high dpi (4k) monitors.
Hosted mode now responds to program changes sent to SoftStep Share virtual MIDI port on channel 16.
The Windows editor now detects and alerts you when attempting to open a MIDI port that is being used by another application. Users should keep bugging Microsoft to upgrade their MIDI drivers to support multi-client access.
Replaced old low-res UI images with vector fonts.
Bedroom Producers Blog released BPB Dirty LA, a freeware compressor plugin inspired by vintage limiting amplifiers. They say:
BPB Dirty LA delivers musical-sounding compression while relying on a streamlined workflow and a simple user interface. The plugin also implements a Dirt algorithm that enables saturation with gentle transient reduction.
The default compression mode sports a relatively fast attack time and moderate compression ratio. The algorithm is fine-tuned to deliver musical-sounding compression on most audio signals.
The limiting mode provides faster attack times and a higher compression ratio. It is suitable for use as "mix glue" on the master bus. The Mix knob enables easy parallel compression.
BPB Dirty LA uses 4X internal oversampling when the Dirt mode is enabled. The oversampling is bypassed when Dirt is switched off to reduce CPU usage.
Features:
Compression algorithm inspired by vintage limiting amplifiers;
Limiting mode;
Optional analog-style saturation;
Internal oversampling;
VU metering;
Mix (0 – 100%);
Output volume (±12 dB);
Available for Windows & macOS;
64-bit compatible;
VST3/AU plugin formats.
Price: Free. Donationware.
VG Trumpet has updated VG Jazz Trumpet for the full version of Kontakt to version 6.3.
New in 6.3:
Five of the most common types of trumpet style sounds: Harmon, Subtone, Soul, Jazz, and Lead.
Set up to work with breath controllers (TEControl, MRT Audio, Yamaha BC3), wind controllers (AKAI EWI, Yamaha WX5 / WX7, Aerophone AE-10, AE-20, AE-30 PRO) and MIDI keyboard controllers.
More than 820 unique samples.
Aftertouch, Mod Wheel, and Keyswitches are the key features to morph and perform sounds while playing.
Articulations: Falls, Rips, Squeezes, Soft attack, Accented attack, Bend.
Expressive effects: Expression, Attack, Breath, Vibrato, Flutter tongue, Wah.
VG Jazz Trumpet Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Intro Price: $38.00 (Reg. $76.00) until November 10, 2022. The update is free for current owners of the VG Jazz Trumpet library.
G-Sonique is celebrating 15 years of existence by offering a free VST plug-in as special gift to music producer's community. The plugin will be available in December 2022 and to get it you have to sign up to their waiting list during the promotion period.
Here's what they say:
It seems unbelievable to us, but 15 years have passed since we released our first product. This time passed incredibly quickly. Although this job is very demanding, in an oversaturated market full of piracy and sometimes we have to work 12 hours a day, we still love it. Creating new algorithms, new sounds, new types of synthesis brings us great joy.
Since we released our first product, which became very popular in the psytrance community, our small company has been discovered by many stars who use our products, for example: Black Sun Empire from Blackout music NL, Vinai from Spinnin records, Penta, Bizzare contact, Zardonic from Owsla, Vinicius Honorio from Drumcode, Dark Nebula, Drunken Kong, Teddy Killerz from RAM records, Swede of 808 mafia (producer of Lil Wayne, Dj Khaled, Gucci Mane, Farruko), Audio Anthem (Grammy award winning producer) and many others.
We are still a small independent company consisting of only 3 core people, for whom it is a priority to bring products that advance the possibilities of sound and production. We thank all customers who support us and the further development of new products.
As a special thanks to the community, we have prepared a free VST plug-in.
Bi-Polar Analog Multifilter BFX24 is an analog effect / processor consisting of the emulation of 4 analog filters: Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass and Band Reject, with Cutoff and Resonance knobs. The Cutoff value can be modulated by the Bi-Polar envelope follower, which modulates the cutoff value according to the input signal depending on the attack and release settings. The advantage is that, unlike conventional envelope followers, it can modulate in both directions.
BFX24 is good for effecting drums, percussion, guitars, synthesizers, live instruments, its use is practically unlimited. It finds wide application in virtually every genre from pop to psytrance, techno, deep/disco house, melodic liquid dnb, chillout, dub, progressive psytrance, experimental, guitar and live music, funk, hip-hop, EDM, psybient, ambient, goatrance, tech house/ electro house, dubstep / riddim and many others.
Summary:
Tool for all electronic genres from techno to house, psytrance or downtempo (usable in all genres).
Automatic envelope follower filter, bi-directional.
For effecting drums, percussions, synthesizers, leads, guitars... everything.
4 types of analog filters with cutoff, resonance and envelope follower modulation: Low Pass, Band Pass, High Pass, Band reject.
Aguilar Amplification have announced a new addition to their range of bass effects pedals – the ‘Storm King’ Bass Distortion / Fuzz.
Majestic and mighty like its New York namesake, the Storm King Mountain, this micro pedal delivers a sound like no other. Its unique SHAPE control features a wide sweep of tones from a light tube-like saturation to an aggressive, dirty ripped-speaker tone and everything in-between. The KICK button delivers a frequency boost for an extra bump in presence and punch.
It is perfect for bassists seeking a pedal that can cover both distortion tones and fuzz tones in a single, pedal-board friendly box. Whether you’re looking to give your instrument a tube-like, saturated tone, cutting distortion, or a massive in-your-face fuzz sound, the Storm King delivers.
Powered by a 9V DC, its heavy-duty steel construction and responsive controls mean the Storm King pedal is the perfect gigging solution for bassists on the go.
With a retail price of £209.00, the Aguilar Storm King Bass Distortion / Fuzz pedal is available to order now exclusively through UK distributors Barnes & Mullins, with UK and Ireland stock availability from the first quarter of 2023
The new Vintage® Coaster Series of guitars and basses are offered in 6 classic single and twin cutaway body styles in a host of exciting colours and left-handed options, and feature Vintage’s renowned craftsmanship, exceptional playability, time tested hardware and sonic versatility that have indeed, earned the Vintage brand enormous respect from musicians and the music media around the world.
The pickups for the Coaster Series have been specifically designed by none other than the legendary British guitar builder and designer Alan Entwistle, custom wound with high grade copper wire and dipped in high viscosity wax to isolate and protect the coils from moisture and reducing microphonic feedback issues, whilst delivering exceptional clarity and a full range of tonal response that’s perfect for all kinds of music, from country to blues, from pop to hard rock.
Vintage Coaster Series V60 Vintage Coaster Series V20
The Vintage Coaster solid bodied twin cutaway V60 (£199 rrp) electric guitar fitted with 3 Entwistle X1 single coil pickups comes with a stunning finish, 3-ply scratchplate and chrome hardware, and is available in 6 colours; Gloss Black, Candy Apple Blue, 3 Tone Sunburst, Vintage White, Gloss Red and Laguna Blue.
The single cutaway V20 (£179 rrp) also with a fast 22-fret rosewood fingerboard inlaid with dot position markers, bolt-on maple neck, solid tonewood body, and a pair of Entwistle X4 and X4B single coils, delivers all the classic chime and charm associated with single coil guitars.
Vintage Coaster Series V10 Vintage Coaster Series V69
With a choice of beautiful finishes, both the single cutaway V10 (£279 rrp) and double cut V69 (£249 rrp) with set necks, 22 fret rosewood fingerboards and Entwistle X2C double coil pickups, deliver a warm mellow output from their neck pickups whilst the bridge units effortlessly deliver soaring lead lines with a biting edged attack.
Vintage Coaster Series V40 Bass Vintage Coaster Series V49 Bass
Vintage Coaster V495 Bass
For bass players, the highly inspirational Vintage Coaster Series is available with a choice of three models, the V40 (£219 rrp) 4 string with a rosewood fingerboard and Entwistle XPC split single coil pickups while the V49 (£219 rrp) 4 string sports two Entwistle XJC single coils. The 5 string V495 (£229 rrp) switches to a maple board. All models are offered with a selection of excellent colours and cosmetics, with the Entwistle pickups delivering tight, natural piano-like tones, with a fine balance of high, mid and low frequencies.
Vintage Coaster Series Guitar & Bass Packs
All of the new Vintage Coaster Series guitars and basses are also available in self contained, fully equipped, Vintage Coaster Series Guitar Packs featuring everything required for aspiring guitar and bass players of all ages.
Each Coaster Series Electric Guitar Pack includes a Vintage branded padded carry bag, strap, cable, pick, clip-on tuner and spare set of strings, along with a Kinsman 10watt combo amplifier with Gain Control, push button Drive/Clean, 3-band EQ for guitar.
The Bass Packs come complete with Vintage branded padded carry bag, strap, cable, pick, clip-on tuner and a Kinsman 10watt bass combo amplifier with Master Volume control and 3-band EQ and, for silent practicing, both combo amplifiers feature a handy headphone socket.
With so many excellent appointments normally found on guitars and accessories at much higher price points, the Vintage Coaster Series Guitar & Bass Packs offer a lot more than just an exciting choice as a first ‘serious’ rock guitar outfit.
All the guitar and bass packs come in an attractive colour carton.
V10 Guitar Pack £389 rrp.
V20 Guitar Pack £289 rrp.
V60 Guitar Pack £299 rrp.
V69 Guitar Pack £349 rrp.
V40 Bass Pack £329 rrp.
V49 Bass Pack £329 rrp.
V495 Bass Pack £339 rrp.
Vintage Guitars are distributed worldwide exclusively by JHS.
Techivation has announced the release of T-Imager, a musical stereo-imaging solution for enhancing the sound's wideness, depth, and width. It's designed to boost the stereo imaging of mixes with no artifacts and to make the sounds sit nicely together.
T-Imager is now available at the introductory price of $29 on the Techivation website until November 7th, 2022 (Reg. $49).
PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. today announced the global launch of its NSB 32.16 32×16 AVB-networked stage box for PreSonus StudioLive Series III mixers, the latest addition in the StudioLive ecosystem of AVB networkable products. As with PreSonus’ NSB 16.8 and NSB 8.8 stage boxes, the NSB 32.16 delivers signals to and from an AVB Ethernet network over CAT5e or CAT6 cable and enables expansion of StudioLive Series III mixers that have limited onboard analog I/O to a full 32- or 64-input mixing system. A built-in two-port AVB switch lets you daisy-chain multiple units.
The NSB 32.16 provides 32 locking combo mic/line inputs with PreSonus’ digitally controlled, Class A, solid-state XMAX mic preamps; 32 balanced TRS, ¼-inch, line-level inputs; 16 balanced XLR, line-level analog outputs; and 2 stereo AES3 digital outputs on XLR connectors. Input trim, phantom power, and more can be remote-controlled from a StudioLive Series III console or using free PreSonus UC Surface control software for macOS, Windows, iPadOS and Android.
Like all NSB-series stage boxes, the NSB 32.16 can provide inputs for multiple StudioLive Series III digital mixers on an AVB network, so it’s possible to send audio from the stage to a front-of-house mixer, monitor mixer, broadcast mixer, and more, all from the same NSB 32.16. NSB-series stage boxes feature onboard DSP that provides gain compensation on every input, enabling each mixer on the network to make gain adjustments relative to the level set on the master mixer. In this way, every mixer can adjust the preamp level locally for optimal gain staging.
“We’re excited to extend our StudioLive Series III AVB ecosystem,” says Senior Product Manager Ray Tantzen. “Responding to our customers’ needs is at the heart of everything we do, and from StudioLive 32SC customers looking for a compact, 32-channel mixing solution to StudioLive 64S installations that require remote I/O, the NSB 32.16 is a product our customers have requested and we are happy to add it to the NSB-series stagebox lineup.”
The NSB 32.16’s rugged steel chassis is designed to survive the rigors of the road and features adjustable rack ears, so you can choose between flush or recessed, as well as front or rear, I/O installation. Thanks to its standard 3U, 19-inch design, the NSB 32.16 is also compatible with most universal stage pockets for permanent installations.
Networking isn’t the future of professional audio systems; it’s here now. With precision AVB technology, ample connectivity and remote control from both StudioLive Series III mixers and free UC Surface software, PreSonus AVB-networked products are leading the way.
NSB 32.16 32×16 AVB-networked stage box ($1,299.99 USA, €1,149.00 EUR, £979.000 GBP, $2,399.00 AUD, ¥220,000 JPY).
LEHLE launches two new products, the LEHLE P-ISO TRS XLR and LEHLE P-ISO XLR TRS. XLR sockets found their way in and that’s why these products were designed into many environments – without the annoying search for the matching adapter cable.
By means of the LEHLE TRANSFORMER HZ, the focus is on isolating two devices, so that existing ground loops can be effectively suppressed and background noise eliminated. Additionally, there are applications for (un-)balancing signals in live situations or recording environments, e.g. as a reamplification box.
Features
Isolator, Reamplification box and problem solver
Absolutely no signal loss or hum
High-impedance LEHLE TRANSFORMER HZ
Suitable for balanced or unbalanced signals
Passive – no need for a power supply
And just in case you are looking for a power connection: even these tools of the LEHLE P-ISO series perform all their functions without any need for a power supply. And due to their optimized size and low weight, they fit easily below your pedalboard or in any pocket.
The Supro Amulet is a vintage-voiced 1x10 combo loaded with all-tube reverb and tremolo along with a new, three-way switchable power attenuator. Designed for the gigging guitarist, the Amulet offers 15 watts, 5 watts, or 1 watt of all-tube tone through a UK-made Celestion Creamback 10” speaker.
Another legendary offering from Celestion, the G10 Creamback speaker offers vintage, woody tone while still providing major power. Its rich low-end complements the Amulet’s singing voice, while crunchy upper-mids and sweet highs aid in undeniably articulate tone.
The preamp found in the Amulet delivers warm, blooming clean sounds up to ‘noon’ on its volume knob. Past noon, its voice rolls into classic Supro crunch, giving way to a singing, violin-like overdrive at full volume. The Amulet is remarkably high-gain for a vintage-inspired amp but offers a sweet spot that is not overwhelmingly loud.
The power amp found in the Amulet uses a single 6L6 tube with switchable power soak to achieve bedroom level 1-watt, studio-friendly 5-watt or a more robust 15-watt output for stage use. The overdrive in the Amulet’s “single-ended,” Class-A output stage is rich in even-order harmonics and soaked in natural tube compression. True to the legacy of original Supro combos, the Amulet’s exceptional dynamics, ultra-low noise performance, and three-way power attenuator make it an ideal amplifier for club gigs, studio recording, and bedroom practice.
Available for pre-order at select dealers worldwide. MSRP $1199.
The limited-edition Exploding Head Triple Delay celebrates the 13th anniversary of the album Exploding Head by A Place to Bury Strangers.
“This pedal improves on the sound I used around the time I was writing and recording Exploding Head,” says Death By Audio founder Oliver Ackermann. Ackermann is also the vocalist/guitarist/producer of A Place to Bury Strangers.
The Exploding Head remakes itself in the image of the elusive (and unobtainable) Ghost Delay pedal with an improved knob-per-feature layout and the brand-new Infinity Switch. Step on the Infinity Switch for dynamic swells, bursts of noise, or to build massive walls of sound. With a regular TS instrument cable, the Exploding Head’s three delays all output in mono. However, using a TRS cable splits the output into stereo. The first two delays (Black and Grey) are tapped to the Ring connection and the third delay (Red) is wired to the Tip connection.
Limited to 500 units worldwide, the EXPLODING HEAD BUNDLE contains:
2xLP Transparent Double Vinyl edition of Exploding Head Limited Edition Reissue by A Place to Bury Strangers
Exclusive Death By Audio EXPLODING HEAD Triple Delay Pedal
“Ego Death” Enamel Pin
“Deadbeat” Iron-on Patch
“Exploding Head’ Guitar Pick
18”x24” foldout lyric poster w/artwork
Glow-in-the-dark-sticker
Cableguys have released ShaperBox 3, a major update to their rhythmic effects plugin for creative mixing and rhythmic inspiration.
Here's what they say:
With power-packed upgrades like Audio Triggering, Sidechain View in VolumeShaper, and the new LiquidShaper flanger/phaser, ShaperBox 3 is the go-to plugin for inspiration, musical motion and mixing magic.
Each of ShaperBox's nine powerful multiband effects – Volume, Time, Drive, Filter, Crush, Noise, Pan, Width and the new Liquid – is a blank canvas for your creativity. Just add a Shaper and draw any wave shape you can imagine to control the effect, all with a simple visual interface that makes producing fast and fun.
With Cableguys' easiest ever LFO editing, you can intuitively design fluid sweeps, angled lines, or stepped patterns. Unlock a world of rhythmic exploration and precision production in just a few clicks. Make your music move with effects patterns that sync to your song – or trigger them in any rhythm with MIDI and new Audio Triggering.
Use ShaperBox to turn bland melodies into unique variations. Cook up fresh ear candy from even the most basic samples. Warp the fabric of time with half-speed slooow-downs, glitches, stutters and scratches. Sidechain with total flexibility across three frequency bands. Warp, distort, bitcrush, filter, pan, flange, widen, add noise... And so much more. It's the ultimate plugin for modern mixes and infinite inspiration.
ShaperBox 3 New Features:
Audio Triggering: Switch on the new Audio mode and the LFO restarts with each transient. Now ShaperBox is a powerful transient editor and rhythm-tracking creative effect. Redraw the envelope of any sound to shape dynamics, saturate attack, filter the sustain, and more. Or get creative: trigger tape-stops, filter patterns, noise sequences and more from the natural rhythm of drums, melodies, basslines, real instruments – even full mixes. Go deep with full access to triggering parameters and 3 unique algorithms: Drums, General and Complex.
External Sidechain Input: Want to duck your bass with VolumeShaper, but the kick isn't 4x4? No problem. Audio Triggering follows any kick rhythm – just turn on the External Sidechain Input. And it's not only for kicks and sidechain ducking. How about triggering a bitcrushing pattern on your synth every time the snare hits? ShaperBox 3 makes it all possible.
Sidechain View: See your kick drum overlaid on the bassline with VolumeShaper's new Show External Sidechain feature. Draw the ideal ducking curve to match the contour of your kick, and lock your lows together like never before.
LiquidShaper: Dive deep into sound design. LiquidShaper gives you wild jet-plane flanging and deep, lush phasing in one Shaper. Custom LFO shapes take you far beyond the traditional. Modulate Centre and Feedback independently across 3 frequency bands. Create gentle stereo modulations... or monstrous robotic comb filter FX.
Easiest Ever Editing: Cableguys' renowned waveform drawing is now even easier, with a more powerful pointer tool that puts all key functions under simple left-click operation. Add angled breakpoints, bend any section into an endlessly flexible curve, make selections and manipulate them, and more. It's easy, fast and fun.
New Browser: No more waiting for inspiration to strike. ShaperBox 3's slick new browser makes it easy to find the presets you need, with clear categorisation and fast filtering. Variations for any sound are just clicks away – discover rhythmic chops, groovy fills, motion-packed sweeps, and more.
Compressor Unchained: The multiband Compressor in ShaperBox is now a separate tool that you can insert anywhere in the Shaper chain. Bring even the most complex Shaper chains under dynamic control – or blow them apart with extreme pumping compression.
Improved Mix / Bypass: An improved Master Mix algorithm gives powerful FX blends that morph smoothly from dry to wet, with no multiband phasing artefacts. And a new master Bypass button gives click-free switching to the original dry signal.
Analogue-like Envelopes: Envelope Followers feature improved Adaptive Release mode, for an even juicier analogue-like response. Get filtering, distortion, noise and more that tightly hug the dynamic contours of beats, basslines – anything – for kinetic, magnetic FX.
Plus:
VolumeShaper: Lookahead pre-smoothing for click-free MIDI/Audio sidechaining.
LiquidShaper: Positive/negative feedback mode for rich and hollow timbres.
LiquidShaper: 4, 8, 12 or 16 stages of phasing for lush resonance.
CrushShaper: Dynamic Treble control for compensating harshness.
TimeShaper: Time offset display for easier visualization.
Redesigned interface with larger editing areas.
Pricing:
Single Shapers: from €29 / $29.
ShaperBox 3 Bundle: Launches at €89 / $89 for Black Friday. Contains all 9 Shapers worth €301 / $301, saving 70%.
Upgrades available at www.cableguys.com
Free upgrade in your Cableguys account if you bought ShaperBox 2 Bundle after 1 September 2022.
Noon Instruments has released Toska, a new instrument for Kontakt Player featuring a palette of evolving, atmospheric textures created from multi-layered, imperfect performances.
Here's what they say:
A unique combination of analog synths, brass, strings, winds, vocals and field recordings have been heavily processed to create a collection of immediate, contemporary sounds. The source material is curated to offer depth, movement and colour to modern composition. It is an instrument with Toska at its heart.
No single word in English renders all the shades of Toska. At its deepest and most painful, it is a sensation of great spiritual anguish, often without any specific cause.
An intro price of £69 is available until 25/11/22 (regular price £89).
audiolatry has released Zumzet ($9 intro / $12 reg.) and Zumzet Lite (freeware), two new sample-based virtual instruments for DAWs on Windows and macOS.
These plugins share the same GUI and have exactly the same functionalities, the only difference is Zumzet has 82 presets, while its Lite version comes with 23 presets.
Here's what audiolatry says about Zumzet:
Explore a rich set of "synthetic tales" in the form of gritty melodic keys, dusty morphing retro leads, unexpectedly evolving pads and strings, flutey synths, haunting pianos, chilling textures, plus many other unusually usual sounds.
This instrument is equally beautiful & ugly, happy & sad, familiar & scary – it's a novel where the main character goes through all emotional states.
Features:
Zumzet: 82 presets organized by category:
28 keys.
19 leads.
24 pads.
11 synths.
Zumzet Lite: 23 presets.
ADSR section.
Lowpass/highpass filter cutoff.
LFO modulation section.
Voice mode & glide.
Reverb module.
Chorus module.
Distortion module.
Delay module.
Global gain & pan.
Extracted size: 905 MB (full) /257 MB (Lite).
100% royalty-free.
Mapex is excited to introduce a “Pocket-Friendly Sonic Classic” for those seeking the timeless, warm, and smooth sound of a classic 100% Maple shell and invites you to “Be The Spark” with exciting new finishes for those who prefer the tonal balance and controlled punch of 100% birch shells.
Mapex Mars Maple and Mars Birch continue to build on the storied Mars series legacy, long heralded as a benchmark for tone, quality, and value as a mid-range offering. Mars drums have served the heart of the drumming experience across the gamut of players, from beginners to pro-level musicians, for generations. The new Mars Maple and Mars Birch now contribute to further elevating this tradition, offering modern feature-laden kits with beautiful finish options for a completely re-imagined series lineup.
New Mars series drums are appointed with proprietary Mapex SONIClear bearing edges, allowing the drumhead to sit flatter and make better contact with the shell. This important feature, utilized on Mapex professional kits such as the Black Panther Design Lab and Saturn Evolution, both expands tuning range and deepens the fundamental pitch to add dimension and character to the tone of the 100% 7-ply European maple or 100% 6-ply birch shells. Additional features include insulated bass drum claws, matching wood snare drums, and bass drum-mounted tom holders equipped with the SONIClear suspension system to provide maximum sustain and projection.
Not stopping at tone, the appearance of these drums won’t fail to impress, with four stunning Mars Maple lacquer finishes and four new Mars Birch sparkle wrapped finishes sure to make any drummer proud. The kits are presented in a variety of configurations, providing the versatility for any player to continue wherever their “Drummer for Life” adventure might lead them.
“Maple has long been a standard, and birch a studio mainstay,” remarks Mapex US Brand Manager Jeff Mulvihill. “When you think of how drums sound on your favorite recordings in virtually any genre, there is a good chance that these are birch or maple drums that you’re hearing. They are timeless classic options, and we are thrilled to bring this accessible, pocket-friendly series to drummers everywhere.”
Specifications
Mars Birch
New Finish Selection;
DT Diamond Sparkle – MI Twilight Sparkle – OR Blood Orange Sparkle – YD Sunflower Sparkle
UK stock configurations will be:
MA486S 4-Piece Bop Shell Pack, 18×14 Bass Drum, 10×7 Rack tom, 14×12 Floor Tom, Matching 14×5 Snare, TH683 Single Tom Holder
MA528SF 5-Piece Crossover Shell Pack, 22×18 Bass Drum, 12×8 Rack Tom, 14×12 & 16×14 Floor Toms, Matching 14×6.5 Snare Drum, TH800 Tom Holder
MA529SF 5-Piece Rock Shell Pack, 22×18 Bass Drum, 10×7 & 12×8 Rack Toms, 16×14 Floor Tom, Matching 14×6.5 Snare, TH676 Double Tom Holder
Also available to special order is:
MA446S 4-Piece Rock 24 Shell Pack, 24×16 Bass Drum, 12×8 Tom, 16×16 Floor Tom, Matching 14×6.5 Snare, TH800 Tom Holder
Mars Maple
New finish selection;
KD Matte Black – NW Natural Satin – OD Midnight Blue – OG Glossy Amber
UK stock configurations will be;
MM486S 4-Piece Bop Shell Pack, 18×14 Bass Drum, 10×7 Rack Tom, 14×12 Floor Tom, Matching 14×5.5 Snare, TH683 Single Tom Holder
MM504SF 4-Piece Fusion Shell Pack, 20×16 Bass Drum, 10×7 & 12×8 Rack toms, 14×12 Floor Tom, Matching 14×5.5 Snare, TH676 Double Tom Holder
MM529SF 5-Piece Rock Shell Pack, 22×18 Bass Drum, 10×7 & 12×8 Rack Toms, 16×14 Floor Tom, matching 14×5.5 Snare, TH676 Double Tom Holder
MM628SFU 6-Piece Studioease Shell Pack, 22×18 Bass Drum, 10×7 & 12×8 Rack Toms, 14×12 & 16×14 Floor Tom, Matching 14×5.5 Snare, TH676 Double Tom Holder.
Solid State Logic (SSL) has expanded its ORIGIN range with a new 16-channel variant. Following the enormous success of its larger 32-channel sibling, ORIGIN 16 has the same features, intelligent hybrid workflows and stunning SSL sound quality, all in a smaller footprint. Ideal for project studios, music technology schools and colleges, as well as producer rooms or smaller record/mix facilities, ORIGIN 16 brings the dream of an SSL studio closer to a broader range of users who crave the legendary sound and advanced workflow of SSL.
With its legendary sound and powerful features, ORIGIN 16 is the most comprehensive analogue console in its class and the ultimate solution for a hybrid, DAW-based workflows where console automation is not required. Sharing the same centre section as the bigger 32 channel variant, ORIGIN 16 draws on traditional in-line consoles for inspiration, while leveraging SSL’s latest cutting-edge analogue design.
“We are thrilled to extend the ORIGIN range, offering no-compromise SSL quality to an even broader range of professionals. For its size and footprint, we are confident there is no other analogue console on the market today that offers superior performance or value.” comments Nigel Beaumont, Managing Director of Solid State Logic.
Simple signal flow, advanced features
ORIGIN 16’s simple signal flow and layout make it easy to understand and use, while powerful features such as channel direct outputs, a fully balanced electronic architecture and precision bargraph meters make it an ideal companion for even the highest quality converters and the most demanding professional production applications.
Similar to its larger sibling, an innovative modular centre section allow ORIGIN 16 to adapt to different applications — for instance a tracking console with additional boutique analogue processing to its 19” rack centre section, or a more digital/analogue hybrid approach with screens and controllers such as the SSL UF8 Advanced DAW Controller — all of which are easily reached from the listening position. ORIGIN 16’s ultra-low power consumption and innovative power saving features equal lower operational costs for smaller rooms and musician-based project studios.
Stunning audio performance
ORIGIN 16’s PureDrive microphone preamplifier provides a wide range of sonic options, bringing unparalleled flexibility whether using it for tracking or mixing. Users can attain ultra-clean to driven sounds present in previous SSL mic pre designs, but also engage a warmer, more harmonically rich tone by activating the “Drive” function.
ORIGIN 16 also uses a classic SSL EQ design made famous on its previous generations of consoles. The E-Series ‘242’ EQ was probably the most popular EQ from the SL 4000 Series console range, and this design was also present in several SSL console designs that followed, including the G-Series. A built-in classic SSL Bus Compressor, with sidechain access and HP filter, make ORIGIN 16 the perfect solution for mixing and summing.
ORIGIN 16 key features:
16 mono in-line channels / 16 track busses / 8 stereo subgroups / total of 56 inputs at mixdown.
Same master section and monitoring options as 32 channel ORIGIN.
PureDrive™ mic pre inherits the clarity and purity of previous SSL Mic Pre designs, and can switch to a warm, harmonically rich and driven tone that varies with mic pre gain when the “Drive” function is activated.
Mix bus and mix amp architecture delivers an amazingly low noise floor, huge headroom along with SSL’s latest summing bus technology that retains the classic SSL sound while bringing the breadth and space to mixes.
Acclaimed SSL E-Series ‘242 type’ four band parametric channel EQ.
Classic SSL Bus Compressor with sidechain access and HP filter.
Balanced Insert Point per Large Fader and Small Fader Channel Paths.
Dedicated Channel Direct Output make it easy to print mixes to the workstation.
Modern circuit designs and unique power management tools deliver ultimate reliability and low running costs.
ORIGIN 16 is available now and priced at £29,999 + VAT / $39,999 + Tax.
Jackson has launched all-new apparel, strings, straps & cables tailored for the heavy metal thrasher. For over forty years, Jackson’s reputation as the brand built to handle heavy music has been recognised and respected by artists around the globe and now, fans of the high-performance brand have been given accessories to fit their unmatchable style.
Jackson Apparel: Three exciting new designs with blood-thirsty typography, skeletal thrashers, and feral sharks
Jackson Straps: Vicious new designs including Blood Splatter and Metal Studs ooze heavy metal style
Jackson Cables: 6.66M length cables provide the devilish link from your Jackson guitar to your amplifier
Jackson Strings: Strings designed with high performance guitar players in mind. New unique gauge sets not originally offered within Fender’s portfolio of brands
discoDSP has updated Discovery, the Nord Lead 2 based synth, to release 5.1.
What's new:
Added multi-size GUI 1x, 1.5x and 2x including Retina HiDPI displays.
Updated framework.
Fixed VST3 delay mix and pitch bend issue.
Fixed bank and preset recall.
A license costs $99 and demo version is available at discodsp.com/discovery
Previously registered 5.x customers can download the update at the Members Area. Non 5.x customers can purchase the update for a special price.
To celebrate the launch of Orba 2, Artiphon has collaborated with popular YouTuber, producer, and beat maker Taetro, and world-renowned beatboxer Tom Thum to release exclusive sample packs. This is just the start of Artiphon’s collaboration with a diverse and award-winning roster of artists soon to follow, all excited to bring their music into this fan-playable format and expand the possibilities for music creation and inspiration on Orba.
Tom Thum is one of the most prolific beatboxers of our time. He holds the record for the most-watched Ted Talk, which demonstrates his abilities and has reached 35+ Million views on their platform, while he actively shares his vocal range through short-form performances on TikTok. Tom curated a set of his favorite beatbox percussive sounds; his vocal bass stretched and repitched, a rounded vocal tone, and a short blip sound for lead, all for the Orba 2. Tom pushes the boundaries of beatboxing, in the same way Artiphon pushes the boundaries of music making.
At-home producers look to Taetro for musical mentorship, as he shares the best, newest, and coolest gear in the market on his channel. With over 200k subscribers on YouTube, his content includes in-depth tech reviews that enlighten prospective creators, who want to take their beat making to the next level. Taetro’s samples include gentle percussion, weighty bass, and handpan and lyre samples. Check out this behind-the-scenes look at Taetro’s new presets.
“With Orba 2, being able to be out, capturing sounds with the app and nearly instantly turning it into an instrument is empowering because, no matter your relationship with music, being able to do fun sampling things like that is huge,” says Taetro. “It can open up worlds for people, and people can interact with it in the same way they would by picking up a pen and doodling on a sketchpad.”
Additional tastemakers will release samples for Orba 2, transforming music making across genres and expanding the versatility of digital music creation. BPM Create is a mainstay for DJs and producers looking to get high quality music, and will release monthly sample packs for the next six months. Laura Escudé is the world’s first certified Ableton trainer and a music programmer who has toured with Kanye, Ariana Grande, Miguel, and American Idol. French electronic producer Fakear is an artist on CloZee’s record label Odyzey.
Orba 2 is now in stock an
Hidenori Matsuoka has updated Guitar Kit to version 9.1. This version is an important update for iPad users. It resolves the problem that chord sheet is not drawing correctly in Split View.
Changes:
Fixed an issue where Sheet View was not drawing correctly in Horizontal Fret mode when the width was narrow on iPad.
Noisebud has updated MidSider for REAPER, a plugin that gives any third-party plugin mid/side processing capabilities to version 3.5. Even though it's made for REAPER it may work in other DAWs. It needs the DAW to be able to handle 8 channels of audio on one track to function as intended.
MidSider comes as VST2 & 3 for Windows and AU for Mac.
New features and changes:
Added Delta function.
Added a wet/dry knob.
Gain moved to post the plugin you use with MidSider.
Minor bug fixes.
Forgotten Keys has updated ROLA-77 (formerly Seventy7) for Kontakt.
Below are the improvements from the last two versions:
2.1.0:
Change instrument name to ROLA-77.
Add DAW automation of mixer controls.
Add ability to change the order of mixer channels.
Add switch to show/hide current value while adjusting controls.
Allow rhythm start/stop switch to stop MIDI recording and playback.
Change voice assignment of each sound to just one so that quick re-triggering sounds more authentic.
Change volume slider range to mirror Kontakt instrument volume slider.
Improve various graphics and text.
Fix tempo not changing when host tempo changes.
2.0.0:
Add dedicated switch for host sync control.
Add UI effects switch.
Add LED-style volume level meters to mixer channels.
Add solo switches to mixer channels.
Add swing feature.
Allow host sync to respond to DAW transport controls.
Improve and fix MIDI file creator.
Improve various graphics.
Move about switch to sounds tab.
Remove In-built help.
CME has introduced WIDI Thru6 BT a new branch of the WIDI family. They say:
WIDI Thru6 BT is the world's first MIDI Thru box that combines wired and wireless MIDI from a single box. Finally, you can combine wired and wireless with this 2-in-6-out MIDI thru/split solution for studio, stage and mobile music production.
Discover exciting new ways to work through a unique combination of high-precision wired and ultra-low 3ms latency wireless.
Powered by the latest Bluetooth 5 technology, the complete WIDI range offers wireless MIDI solutions via Bluetooth for all MIDI devices. Both hardware and software. Both controllers and apps.
With its Smart Connectivity Algorithms and Adaptive Frequency Hopping interference is minimized, performance range maximized (65ft/20m without obstacles) and latency is reduced to an absolutely inaudible 3ms as measured between 2 WIDI devices.
Simply merge 2 MIDI inputs and split them to 6 MIDI outputs (through). Synchronise all your MIDI devices without data errors, without signal loss or dropout for professional use on stage, in the studio and for mobile setups.
In addition, you can enjoy the convenience of advanced wireless MIDI as developed and designed by CME. This opens up a new world by adding motion controllers, wearables, smart devices and mobile devices to your MIDI setup.
Connect all MIDI devices with standard MIDI I/O via MIDI cables. Automatically connect with WIDI devices, standard Bluetooth MIDI controllers like the Xkey Air, and easily connect with iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows (10/11). And with advanced Bluetooth MIDI groups you can connect up to 10 MIDI devices simultaneously through a single WIDI Thru6BT.
Features:
2-in-6-out MIDI Thru/Split.
High-precision 32-bit processor.
High-speed optocoupler.
WIDI technology integrated.
Price: US$69.99 - WIDI Thru6 BT is now available with a 30% discount during presale. Pay only US$ 48.30 instead of for a limited time.
Exonic UK has updated AI MASTER to version 1.4. Here's what they're saying:
Determined to maintain its position as the world's leading AI mastering plugin, this update further improves the sound quality, while also enhancing stability and compatibility.
AI MASTER v1.4 features:
Native Apple Silicon support.
Mac VST3 support.
True peak limiting.
Enhanced dynamics handling for punchier transients.
Improved spatial processing for optimal stereo imaging.
Advanced level-maximising algorithm optimises streaming loudness.
EVH introduces the Striped Series ‘78 Eruption, an ode to Eddie Van Halen’s lifelong love affair with DIY guitar modifications and the ways in which his innovative spirit inspired players around the globe.
Front and centre is perhaps Eddie’s most infamous personal flourish—the striped paint job, and for this guitar in particular, the design is rendered in a striking black and white colour scheme. In addition, the ‘78 Eruption features a comfortable quartersawn maple neck, 22 jumbo frets for acrobatic runs, and a signature EVH Wolfgang® humbucking bridge pickup that can stand up to scorching distortion and high volumes, and can sing with the volume rolled off, plugged into nothing besides a clean amp.
KEY FEATURES:
Stratocaster® style basswood body
Bolt-on quartersawn maple neck with relicing
12”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets
Brass nut
Reliced EVH® Wolfgang humbucking bridge pickup
Six-saddle vintage Stratocaster® synchronized tremolo bridge with 43mm brass block
White skirted Strat-style volume knob with 500K EVH Bourns Low Friction Pot and treble bleed circuit
EVH-branded neck plate and oversized strap buttons
Black pickguard, reliced chrome hardware and oversized ‘70s-style licensed Fender Strat headstock with gold EVH logo
Available in white with black stripes and a reliced finish.
Follow along with EVH master builder Chip Ellis as he shows you how to get the “Ed Setup” on the new EVH Striped Series ’78 Eruption here.
EVH® Striped Series ’78 Eruption ($1,899.99 USD, £1,269.00 GBP, €1,409.00 EUR, $3,699.00 AUD, ¥275,000 JPY) The all-new EVH® Striped Series ’78 Eruption guitar combines many of Eddie Van Halen’s famed mods along with modernized features and a relic treatment e. The Stratocaster®-style body sports Eddie’s famed white-and-black-striped paint job and has been paired to a quartersawn maple neck with a hand-rubbed satin urethane back finish. The 12”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets was designed for fast and furious playing styles with maximum comfort, while a heel-mount truss rod wheel makes for time-saving neck adjustments. A single EVH Wolfgang® humbucking bridge pickup provides classic Eddie Van Halen guitar tone – from crystal cleans to fat and rich mids and lows, while the brass nut and six-saddle vintage Fender® Stratocaster® synchronized tremolo bridge with a 43mm brass block allow for authentic EVH tone. Available in White with Black Stripes Relic.
Little did Nathan Daniel know when he started to produce electric guitars in the early 1950’s, just how many bona fide rock gods would owe their career move to Danelectro guitars.
It was indeed, during the mid 1950’s that the legendary guitar company also launched the world’s first electric baritone guitar, nestled in the lower register between standard guitar and bass guitar.
Danelectro baritone models have become famous and respected by musicians worldwide for their looks, playability and incredible versatility, and now available in the classic Longhorn body style, one of the company’s most visually distinctive designs first introduced in 1958.
Needless to say, the sonic versatility of this stunning 6 string baritone offered in two exciting colors, Copper Burst or Silver Burst and loaded with a pair of legendary high output, high impedance Lipstick® pickups, is enormous, keeping the baritone’s low frequencies tight and uncluttered, whilst delivering that unmistakable deep, twangy, clicky bass audio heard on countless recordings from surf to heavy metal.
Chords and solo runs played at a lower pitch have a tight low-end and unique tone that only Danelectro baritones deliver, for a warmer mellow output, rolling off the tone on the double stacked Volume/Tone controls, releases a warm sweet response that’ll also please the most hardened jazz player.
The new Longhorn Baritone retains all the charm, the art-deco looks and the unmistakable vibe of a Danelectro guitar, one of the few guitar brands that can truly be described as legendary, retro, cool, hip and trendy.
Original and updated features include a semi-hollow body, bolt-on maple neck with dual action truss rod, 24-fret double octave dot inlaid rosewood fingerboard and, that classic ‘coke bottle’ 3-aside headstock providing straight string alignment though the aluminum nut to the fully adjustable six saddle bridge, ensuring perfect intonation and stable tuning.
From first position chords to soaring solo harmonic runs, Danelectro baritones for years, have been a complete inspiration for songwriters, live stage performers and ‘always in reach’ for studio session players who recognize their enormous sonic versatility.
Join the ‘Twang Gang’, with the new ‘Ultra-Cool’ Danelectro Longhorn Baritone 6 string guitars.
iDance have launched new and exciting products from their ever-expanding catalogue, featuring a host of innovative designs that have earned the company respect as world leaders in the field of portable, compact, self-contained entertainment systems.
iDance STAGE303 6-in-1 Wireless Karaoke Speaker with Disco Ball + 2x Disco LED Rings
With 4 hours playing time from the built-in rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, the new self-contained iDance STAGE303 6-in-1 Wireless Karaoke Speaker, delivers 200watts of crystal clear audio, with your favourite tracks streamed from phones and tablets via Wireless BT, or direct from the on-board USB MP3 player.
Apart from hi fi quality audio, iDance are renowned for their exciting colourful lighting effects seen here once more with the iDance STAGE303, incorporating a top centre mounted crystal disco ball, projecting rotating colourful light patterns on walls and ceilings, while two LED disco rings encircling two front facing speakers, create effective visual room ambience, so you can enjoy a full disco light show whilst listening to your favourite tracks.
Assuring you won’t feel alone when it’s your turn to demo your vocal skills, the iDance STAGE303 includes two high quality microphones both with controls for Volume and Echo effect.
With a robust construction that remains lightweight and portable and complete with AC power adaptor and built-in phone/table holder, the iDance STAGE303 6-in-1 Wireless Karaoke Speaker, is perfect for that special karaoke party night or corporate event and, a very popular model from the ever expanding iDance catalogue of high-quality entertainment systems. £139.00.rrp
Packed with up-to-date technology, the GROOVE114mk3 is the latest in the iDance Groove Series of popular self-contained Karaoke systems. With a highly efficient bass reflex system and LED lighting in the woofer, this compact unit delivers a size-defying 100w full frequency audio output.
Compact, lightweight and totally portable the GROOVE114mk3 incorporates MP3 Playback through USB / TF card, Wireless Audio BT to pair with smartphones and tablets, whilst a ‘Sharing Mode’ allows playback through an additional GROOVE114mk3.
A high quality wired microphone for vocal duties is also included, whilst built-in effects that include Kid, Robot, Man and Woman Voice changing modes and 8 sound effects like Crowd, DJ and Applause, are all operable via remote control.
With a large carry handle and Lithium-ion rechargeable batteries producing 4-8 hours of party time, the GROOVE114mk3 is another popular ‘take the party anywhere’ iDANCE product. USB Charging cable included. £59.99.rrp.
The new GOPTY4 iDance Wireless Speaker with Disco Flame Lights + Voice Changer offers effortless streaming from built-in Bluetooth® facilities and via this compact lightweight unit’s onboard USB MP3 player with superb sound quality.
With powerful Disco Flame LED Lights mounted within the front facing twin speaker baffle, between 4-8 hours playing time from the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, the new, totally portable iDance GOPTY4, is a superb all-in-one 200watt party starter.
There is of course a high quality microphone included with Echo effect and, the ability to customise your voice or have fun with four different voice changing modes which include Child, Man, Woman or Robot. £79.99 rrp with remote control.
iDance have also launched their new S100E iDance iRocker Electronic Drum Set.Specifically designed with aspiring drummers in mind, this compact 3-piece kit with real drum heads mounted on a sturdy frame, offers youngsters the opportunity to learn and develop rhythmic skills and dexterity, whilst it’s inside the onboard computer where the fun starts.
12 preset drum sets, 48 sound effects, 4 metronome tracks and a host of backing tracks to play along with include, Rock, Electro, House, Percussion, FK and DJ are easily selected via the central control panel which also has a 20watt built-in speaker with separate volume control. Silent drum sticks are also included and a set of wired headphones for silent practicing.
With the rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries delivering 4-8 hours of playing fun time from one single charge, the lightweight, stylish and very portable S100E iDance iRocker electronic drum kit, complete with drum stool, is the perfect choice for youngsters who may (or may not) be picking up drum sticks for the first time. £79.99.rrp.
iDance products are distributed in the UK, ROI & EU by JHS.
With the new S Series, Cameo is expanding its product portfolio with IP65-certified LED soft panels for outdoor use in the areas of TV/film, events, livestreams, and more. The starting point is the S4 IP model which, thanks to its excellent colour rendering, puts people and objects in the limelight with a natural, diffuse light. In combination with the wide range of accessories available from the market launch, the Cameo S Series is aimed at lighting technicians, illuminators and content producers looking for versatile professional softlights with sophisticated handling and control options.
The compact S4 IP is based on 544 single SMD LEDs per colour (RGBWW) arranged in a cluster of four. In combination with the integrated calibration chip, the S4 IP has extremely natural colour rendering (CRI 95, TLCI 91) as well as exceptional coverage of the extended Rec. 2020 colour space of 85%. In addition, the adjustable colour temperature, with its wide range of 1,800 to 10,000 Kelvin, enables use in all environments.
When developing the new S Series, Cameo placed the highest value on the housing concept, and handling. The fixed handles on the sides ensure safe and comfortable transport and allow the panels to be quickly aligned with people and objects on set. In accordance with the IP65 certification of the S4 IP, the soft panel has waterproof and lockable powerCON TRUE1 device connectors. It can be controlled via DMX, W-DMX, ArtNet, sACN or RDM. Operation is either on the unit itself, or via EZRemote using the optional UNICON DMX/RDM controller.
As lighting allrounders, soft panels are used in a wide variety of environments – indoors and outdoors. To make the S4 IP the ideal, flexible companion in every situation, Cameo has not compromised on accessory options. In addition to the supplied Omega bracket and the standard diffuser, the spectrum ranges from Honey Combs, with 30° and 60° beam angles, to Intensifiers and Heavy Diffusers, to Barndoors, a Centre Mount Yoke or a V-Mount adapter for battery operation. In addition, the optional dark filter ensures inconspicuous integration in any scenery.
To commemorate the occasion, Origin Effects are offering their entire range of compressor pedals in a limited-edition, laser-engraved aluminum finish, inspired by their stealthy in-house prototypes.
Origin Effects is celebrating its 10-year anniversary! To commemorate the occasion, they are offering their entire range of compressor pedals in a stunning, limited edition, laser-engraved aluminum finish, inspired by their stealthy in-house prototypes.
Things have come a long way in the 10 years since Origin Effects founder, Simon Keats, embarked on his mission to make the world’s best compressor pedal. Today, Origin Effects have grown into a world-renowned company, offering a range of studio-grade compressors, vintage-inspired Analogue Amp Recreations, overdrives, and bass gear. Instantly recognizable, Origin pedals take pride of place on the boards of guitarists, bassists, and producers alike.
The latest incarnations of their compact compressors are getting the anniversary treatment. TheCali76 Compact Deluxe, Compact Bass, and Stacked Edition, as well as the SlideRIG Compact DeluxeMK2, are all now available in a slick, limited edition, laser-engraved aluminum finish. These pedals feature the same highly-acclaimed circuits their compressors are known for, with a look that tips its hat to ten years of uncompromising tone chasing.
The Cali76 models are limited to 250 pieces each, while the SlideRIG Compact Deluxe MK2 is limited to 100 pieces. Contact your Origin Effects dealer now while stocks last.
While the features and functionality are the same as the Geddy Lee MP40 Limited-Edition Signature SansAmp, the cosmetics have been changed out of respect for the limited number of MP40s.
Responding to the sell-out of the Geddy Lee MP40 Limited Edition Signature SansAmp, Tech 21 is offering the YYZ Shape-shifter Signature SansAmp. While the features and functionality are the same, the cosmetics have been changed out of respect for the limited number of MP40s. The color scheme and graphics are now in alignment with Geddy’s other SignatureSansAmps: GED-2112 rackmount, DI-2112 desk-top, and YYZ single footswitch pedal.
The all-analog YYZ Shape-shifter SansAmp builds upon the original YYZ pedal with the addition of a selectable Boost stomp switch that provides a 12dB presence boost for increased top-end distortion. Engaging the Shape-shifter button adds 6dB of Schmegilka on top, which, according to Geddy, "is an indefinable thing of awesomeness!"
Features
Other features include: a Mix control to blend the ratio of high-end studio clean and dirty bass tube amp tones; Tight button adds definition to notes in cleaner settings and makes distorted tones snappier; Drive control; active 3-band EQ; and Master Volume. Operable with 9V alkaline battery (not included) or optional DC power supply.
As with all SansAmps, you can record directly and enhance previously recorded tracks. For live performances, you can drive a power amp and speakers, augment an existing amplifier set-up, or run directly into the mixer of a PA system. And each Geddy Lee Signature SansAmp offers Geddy’s core sound, as well as the versatility for many different styles and tones.
UJAM has announced the release of Virtual Guitarist Sparkle 2.
Here's what they say:
Following their first major update of the Virtual Guitarist engine in September 2021 (see Iron 2 for more information), comes this plug-in with the same technical and musical foundation under the hood that enables musicians, producers and composers to do things that weren't possible in the previous series.
This update includes features like MIDI Drag & Drop of phrases and Instrument Mode, for composing custom riffs, and pre-/post-amp effects. Also the entire sound content has been newly recorded and amp models overhauled to extend Sparkle's genre spectrum towards Nile Rodgers-esque funk licks to driving and distorted indie sounds à la The Killers.
Sparkle 2 is based on a customized vintage guitar utilizing its single-coil pickups to get that legendary and timeless bell-like sound. Just like its celebrated physical counterparts, Sparkle 2 is a versatile instrument, with 30 different styles containing over 350 phrases for instant gratification when composing.
Details:
New: Instrument mode, completely new guitar model and phrases.
New: Open Chords feature for extra variety.
More than 30 Styles and 350 Phrases.
30 Stomp box emulations, 60 Finisher FX Modes.
Pricing & Availability
Virtual Guitarist Sparkle 2 is now available at ujam.com for an introductory offer of 99 EUR / USD. Owners of at least one Virtual Guitarist get a special loyalty offer of 79 EUR / USD until October 30th, 2022. Owners of Sparkle 1 get an upgrade offer for 49 EUR / USD. After the intro period, the plug-in sells for 149 EUR / USD. The upgrade offer will be available perpetually. The Full Bundle and Guitarist Bundle prices will remain the same.
Sparkle 2 is available in VST3, VST2, AU 2, and AAX formats for any compatible DAW and as a free, fully functional 30-day trial. And it is the first natively Apple Silicon compatible plug-in of the Virtual Guitarist series.
Akai Professional has announced the MPK Mini Plus. Here's what they say:
Building on the best-selling line of keyboard controllers, the MPK Mini Plus adds a new 37-key, 3 full-octave Gen 2 keybed—and so much more. With an onboard Sequencer, USB/CV/Gate/Sync/MIDI connectivity, and real RGB-backlit MPC Pads, the new MPK Mini Plus is an incredible hub for any studio setup.
The new MPK Mini Plus builds on that legacy with the expanded 37-key velocity-sensitive Gen 2 dynamic keybed. With 3 full octaves, users can perform and create their greatest and most impressive melodic ideas ever. Complementing the dynamic keybed, the onboard polyphonic 2-track Sequencer with Step and Live modes capture new melodic and drum patterns on the fly. Eight notes of polyphony per key step, 16 notes per drum step and an onboard Arpeggiator offer endless creative possibilities.
Eight velocity-sensitive RGB-backlit MPC Drum Pads are the backbone for not only playing dynamic beats and programming drums, but for also assigning program changes and triggering additional CC parameters. Eight assignable 360-rotary knobs offer functionality and control for filters, pan controls, effect parameters, and writing precise automation to add depth and dimension to mixes.
MPK Mini Plus also features intuitive Chord and Scale Modes to help simplify and accurately enhance performances. Chords Mode plays multiple notes and inversions with a single key, and Scales Mode enables the keybed to play notes only in the selected scale. For both modes, many creative options are available along with 15 scale settings.
The MPK Mini Plus is an exciting addition to the MPK Mini line, and the advanced features on this new keyboard controller are like nothing else on the market. A built-in sequencer, CV and Gate connectors, Sync inputs and outputs, and eight RGB-backlit MPC Drum Pads are just a few of the advanced features enhancing the workflow and creativity for modern music-makers. From the beginner to the expert, the MPK Mini Plus will be a welcomed addition to anyone's studio.
Dan Gill - Senior Akai Professional Product Manager
Full Portable Creative Control and Advanced Connectivity
The MPK Mini Plus has dedicated Transport Controls for total integration into any DAW with dedicated Play, Stop, Record, and Locator buttons. With more keys, MPK Mini Plus adds dedicated Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheel controllers to help all keyboard performances truly come alive. For even more expression, the iconic Joystick from the MPK Mini line offers up to four assignable parameters to its X/Y axis for morphing effects and creating interesting textures in music productions.
Main Features:
37 Gen 2 Dynamic Keys.
Built-in 2-Track Step Sequencer.
8 RGB-backlit MPC Pads.
Assignable X/Y Joystick.
(3) 1/8" (3.5mm) CV Outputs.
(2) 1/8" (3.5mm) CV Clock In/Out.
(2) MIDI DIN In/Out Ports.
Chord and Scale Modes.
Sustain Input.
Transport Control Section.
Dedicated Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheels.
Includes MPC Beats Desktop Software.
Price: $169.
Moog is making its debut in the universal software space with their Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins, recreating their classic series of analog effects pedals. Compatible with all major DAWs across Windows and macOS in AUv2, VST3, or AAX formats, the Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins are a re-invention of Moog's analog effects pedals, bringing the tone, musicality, and interconnectivity of the original hardware effects to the digital music production environment.
Designed by Bob Moog and his engineering team in the late '90s and '00s, Moogerfooger effects pedals were direct descendants of the original Moog modular synthesizers, adapted to process, modulate, and play with inputs ranging from guitar, voice, and synthesizer to any imaginable audio source. From the MF-104's lush, warm analog delay circuit to the swirling phaser effects of the MF-103 and legendary resonant ladder lowpass filter in the MF-101, Moogerfoogers have become renowned for their sound and adopted by studios and performers around the world.
Each of the seven effects have been meticulously renewed with reverence for the lush, distinctive tones of the original analog circuits—retaining the exceptional sound quality the pedals are known for, while expanding on what's possible in the hardware realm. With stereo functionality and an extended feature set, these plug-ins further tailor the classic Moogerfooger functionality to the modern digital creator. With all parameters ready to be automated as well as the ability to save and manage presets, Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins mutate and re-shape themselves around your audio tracks.
Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins recreate that CV interconnectivity, allowing each instance of a Moogerfooger to modulate the parameters of any other across a project in any major DAW. With digital attenuverters added to every CV input, side-chain capabilities, and DC offset capabilities, Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins allow for deep control of the plug-ins.
The complete collection of Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins includes all seven Moogerfooger pedals in software form:
MF-101S Lowpass Filter - the classic Moog ladder filter with an envelope follower for dynamic control.
MF-102S Ring Modulator - a wide-range carrier oscillator paired with an LFO for effects from soft tremolo through far-out ring modulation tones.
MF-103S 12-Stage Phaser - a descendant of the vibrant 1970s rack-mounted Moog phaser with an on-board LFO.
MF-104S Analog Delay - a rich, full-bodied delay and modulation circuit that has remained highly sought after to this day.
MF-105S MuRF - an effect combining a resonant filter bank with a pattern generator and skewing envelope for vibrant animation of an incoming sound.
MF-107S FreqBox - a box of synced VCO sounds with envelope and FM modulation.
MF-108S Cluster Flux - a processor that can modulate between chorus, flanging, and vibrato.
Moogerfooger Effects Plug-ins are now available to purchase for a limited-time introductory price of $149 USD (regularly $249)
The design of these guitars follows some long held traditions but also includes some proprietary use of new technologies, giving these large bodied guitars a truly remarkable balance and richness of sound.
With over 3 years in design and preparation, Epopus is launching the UD-1, a Jumbo Flat-top Acoustic.
All Esopus Guitars will be constructed of wood choices that include rosewood and ebony from India and Sri Lanka, spruce from the Adirondacks and British Columbia, as well as local spruce from the Catskill Mountains. The design of these guitars follows some long-held traditions but also includes some proprietary use of new technologies, giving these large-bodied guitars a truly remarkable balance and richness of sound.
"In this age of disposable products it's a rare privilege to be able to produce guitars that can be enjoyed by multiple generations of players", says Stuart. "Every time I string up a new instrument I'm amazed by the magic of strings vibrating wood to produce the heavenly sounds that made me fall in love with guitars in the first place."
UD-1 Features:
Solid Sitka Spruce top, Solid Rosewood back and sides
5pc Mahogany/Maple/Walnut bolt-on neck
Abalone Buckeye Burl rosette
Pricing starts at $4499
To help musicians reclaim their lost tone, Stedman has introduced two PureConnect kits for cleaning and revitalizing their electrical connections.
Dirty jacks and cable plugs in your signal chain can cause loss of tone clarity and high-end frequencies. Stedman’s USA-made PureConnect kits clean up your equipment jacks and cable connectors to help revive tone and retain signal clarity. Two kit sizes are available: The GP-2Gig Pack is a compact portable kit for stage or studio, and the PK-3 Pro Kit is for larger-scale applications including recording studio and sound reinforcement maintenance.
With a selection of disposable MicroFelt cleaning tips, a sturdy handle, and a supply of Deoxitcontact cleaner, the PureConnect kits contain everything needed to clean quarter-inch and XLRmale and female connectors. The GP-2 kit comes in a handy tin that can be easily stored inside any guitar case, and the PK-3 comes in a sturdy molded plastic case with a dense foam interior that reeks of premium quality.
GP-2 kit contains: 1-machined handle, 5-microfelt ¼” cleaning tips, 3-cotton cleaning pads, 9-1/10” XLR terminal cleaning tips, and 1-2 mL tube of Deoxit D-100 cleaning fluid
PK-3 kit contains: 2-machined handles, 27-microfelt ¼” cleaning tips, 12-cotton cleaning pads,50-1/10” XLR terminal cleaning tips, 1-7.4oz jar of Deoxit D-100L fluid, and 1-7.4oz jar of DeoxitG-100L fluid
The PureConnect kits are available at these street prices – GP-2 $29.99, PK-3 $129.99.
Lang Amps has introduced their first guitar effect pedal, the Lang Overdrive / Boost. Featuring roadworthy construction and top-grade components, the US-made pedal performs many roles. For starters, it can be used as an amp-in-a-box with natural tube-like overdrive/distortion – perfect for gigging musicians who need to contend with an unpredictable array of backline amps at different venues. The OD / Boost guarantees that you can reliably get your signature tone in any situation.
It's also a killer-sounding distortion pedal for driving amps, placed in your normal signal chain on your pedalboard. Other pedals have circuits that can change diodes and clipping circuitry, but only the Lang OD can continuously adjust from clipping at the power rails to the zero crossing for each half of the signal.
The Lang OD pedal can be adjusted for symmetrical or asymmetrical clipping at any level, from the voltage power rails to the signal's zero crossing point. This allows you to adjust the dynamics and the even and odd harmonics separately from the drive/ gain control.
Each pedal offers the following features:
Six knobs to control Volume, Gain, Tone, Clip 1 and Clip 2, and Boost volume
True bypass on/off switching for Overdrive and Boost
13 dB Boost circuit, independent of Overdrive circuit
9-volt operation with standard DC input
Made in the USA
The Pink Taco V2 is Dave’s latest version of the 20-watt EL84 powered single channel fire breather.
Dave’s first production amplifier, the BE-100, is criticality acclaimed and one on the most in demand British high gain meets vintage amps on the market today. The Pink Taco is the little baby sister to the BE-100 and was created for the many musicians who asking for the Friedman sound in a small, compact, lightweight, simplified version of the BE-100.
The Pink Taco V2 is Dave’s latest version of the 20-watt EL84 powered single channel fire breather. Capable of producing many styles of music from blues to classic rock and heavy rock to metal by just adjusting the gain, master controls and new added switches.
A lot of people don’t believe an EL-84 amp can deliver the tight bottom end and midrange that an EL-34 amp can produce. We beg to differ! Dave completely designed the amp to sound like a 100 watt EL-34 monster utilizing custom transformers and designing the amp to have the clearest signal path possible
You will notice instantly, the tight bottom end and rich harmonically detailed chords and single notes. This amp cleans up remarkably well with the guitar’s volume control, even with the amp on higher gain settings.
The Pink Taco V2 takes pedals very well and loves boosts, OD’s, phasers, flangers, tremolos, wahs, etc. The Pink Taco also has a brand-new custom designed ultra-transparent Series FX loop that takes time-based FX pedals and rack units equally well.
Features
20-Watt EL-84 cathode bias amp
Incredibly versatile single channel all-tube head or 1x12” Combo
2 x EL84 power tubes
3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
Master volume and gain controls·
Full EQ consisting of Bass, Middle, Treble
S-Switch (Gain Structure)
Sat Switch
Fat Switch
Ultra-transparent series FX loop
4, 8 and 16 ohm jacks
Celestion 16 Ohm 12” G12M-65 Creamback speaker (Combo)
Custom made transformers
Assembled in Los Angeles, CA
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Dimensionso
Head: 8.5" (D) x 18" (W) x 8.25 (H)
Combo: 9.5” (D) x 24.25” (W) x 22” (H)
Weight:
Head: 22 lbs.
Combo: 45 lbs.
Friedman Pink Taco V2 Head
MAP/Suggested Retail - $1,499.99
Friedman Pink Taco V2 Combo
MAP/Suggested Retail - $1,799.99
Latin Percussion (LP) is delighted to launch the new, lightweight Discovery Bongos made with LP’s Exclusive HD Shell Construction, alongside two limited edition Black Box Cajons with a choice of Exotic Ebony and Figured Cerise Craftwood soundboards.
Featuring reinforced bearing edges and Black powder-coated hardware, the new eye-catching and affordable Discovery Bongos are constructed using a high-density polymer shell, natural rawhide heads, comfortable EZ Curve rims, 9/32″ diameter lugs, traditional Cuban-style bottoms and stylish black hardware. The 6 ¼” and 7 ¼”drums are fun and easy to play, simple to tune and they produce a bright dynamic sound suitable for all genres of music.
The Discovery Bongos are available in an assortment of seven vibrant colors: Black Onyx, Race Car Blue, Rose, Sonic Blue, Sea Foam, Slate Grey and Snow White. For a limited time, the new bongos are available with a FREE carrying bag. The Discovery Bongos represent incredible value.
Based on LP’s award winning, best-selling cajon, the two new Black Box Cajons have clear distinct snare and bass tones making them fun and easy to play for the beginner percussionist. Made from environmentally responsible MDF and incorporating two sets of premium snare wires, they are completed with either a stunning Exotic Figured Cerise soundboard (LP1428NYFC) or Ebony Craftwood soundboard* (LP1428NYEB).
Cajons can be played with hands or cajon brushes to create an infinite number of grooves. The range of sounds achieved with the different tone zones and premium snare wires will provide inspiration for players of all levels.
The Little Sister is a 20-watt, EL84 powered, single channel head or 1x12” combo based on it’s 40-watt predecessor, but still delivers the signature British tone Friedman has become known for.
The amp features one channel that can give you everything from gorgeous sparkling cleans to a glorious vintage crunch. Extremely versatile, the Little Sister can produce many styles of music from blues to rock and country by just adjusting the gain and master, S-Switch (gain structure) and B Switch (Bright/Tight).
The handcrafted in the USA cabinetry features tongue and groove Baltic Birch construction, and the combo houses a 16 ohm, 12” Celestion Creamback G12M-65 speaker that deliver the bass, mid response and signature sound you would expect from a Friedman amplifier.
The Little Sister features all the beautiful finishing and solid construction that you would expect from a Friedman amplifier. Designed to take pedals and loves boosts, OD’s, phasers, flangers, tremolos and wahs, while the ultra-transparent series effects loop handles your time-based effects pedals and rack units.
The Little Sister from Friedman Amplification, a real screamer and she fits in your backseat!
20-watt cathode biased amp
Incredibly versatile single channel all-tube head or 1x12” Combo·
2 x EL84 power tubes
3 x 12AX7 preamp tubes
Master volume and gain controls·
Full EQ consisting of Bass, Middle, Treble
S-Switch (Gain Structure
B-Switch (Bright/Tight)
Ultra-transparent series FX loop
4, 8 and 16 ohm jacks
Celestion 16 Ohm 12” G12M-65 Creamback speaker (Combo)
Custom made transformers
Assembled in Los Angeles, CA
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Dimensions
Head: 8.5" (D) x 18" (W) x 8.25 (H)
Combo: 9.5” (D) x 24.25” (W) x 22” (H)
Weight:
Head: 22 lbs.
Combo: 45 lbs.
Friedman Little Sister Head
MAP/Suggested Retail - $1,499.99
Friedman Little Sister Combo
MAP/Suggested Retail - $1,799.99
Focusrite has released Vocaster, a brand-new range of audio tools designed for the rapidly growing market of podcasters and other content creators. Here's what they say:
With Vocaster, podcasters and other content creators have everything they need to start recording broadcast-quality sound in seconds. The range features two standalone interfaces, Vocaster One and Vocaster Two; and two studio packs, Vocaster One Studio and Vocaster Two Studio, that include everything needed to record high-quality podcasts in one box. Just plug in your new interface, follow the "Easy Start" onboarding process, and away you go.
No matter where you are in your creative journey, whether just starting out and building a home podcasting studio from scratch or looking to take your existing setup to the next level, Vocaster has a solution for every creator.
The Interfaces: Vocaster One & Vocaster Two:
Vocaster One
Vocaster One is intended for the solo podcaster, that gives you high-quality sound with confidence & ease. Set levels, enhance your sound with one click, and access award-winning support to get you recording straight away.
Vocaster Two
Vocaster Two is ideal for more dynamic shows that feature two hosts, guests, and/or audio segments. This interface features two mic inputs and two headphones outputs for recording and listening back. You can also bring in guests over the phone with the convenience of Bluetooth or a single cable (TRRS to TRRS cable not included).
Both Vocaster interfaces feature a camera output, allowing you to record high quality audio directly to your camera, removing the need to sync audio and video up later.
Vocaster Hub, the companion app for the Vocaster interface, is designed to be like opening the door to your very own broadcast studio. It is the central hub for setting up, recording, and mixing your show. Control your interface settings, set your levels, enhance your sound, route audio from your phone and computer, and more.
Key features include:
Auto Gain - set your levels quickly and easily with more than enough gain on tap for the most popular broadcast mics – no booster needed.
Enhance – with the click of a button, Enhance reveals the true quality of your voice with absolute clarity on the first take. Three podcaster-approved voice presets bring out the best in any vocal recording.
Mute - don't let coughs and sneezes – or any other unexpected interruptions – interfere with your podcast. Just hit the mute button and silence the mic until you're ready to go again.
Loopback - easily stream pre-recorded segments such as intros, outros, interviews, jingles, background music, and more during your show – all directly from your computer.
Vocaster Studio Packs are designed to take the guess work out and provide everything you need to start recording high quality podcasts quickly and easily:
Vocaster One Studio Pack includes the Vocaster One interface; Focusrite's Vocaster DM1 dynamic mic with built-in grille and pop filter that make you sound like you're in the studio; HP60v closed-back studio headphones that let you hear your show as the world will, in perfect detail, and stops the mic from picking up your show mix.
Vocaster Two Studio Bundle includes the Vocaster Two interface; Focusrite's premium Vocaster DM14v dynamic mic that captures your true voice in perfect clarity, with built in windshield and shock mount to keep the noise down and the energy up; and the HP60v closedback studio headphones.
Included with Vocaster is a full suite of software valued at over worth over $600. It is the first fully featured software bundle for Podcasters available with an audio interface. Partnering with Acast, Hindenburg, and Squadcast, Vocaster users can get recording, editing, and sharing their show right away.
Pricing:
Vocaster One: $199.99.
Vocaster One Studio: $299.99.
Vocaster Two: $299.99.
Vocaster Two Studio: $499.99.
Focusrite has expanded the Clarett+ range of USB audio interfaces for PC and Mac with the Clarett+ OctoPre, which builds on the strengths of the popular Focusrite Clarett OctoPre, offering improved converters and powerful professional-quality mic preamps. Here's what they say:
The Clarett+ OctoPre adds eight high-quality mic preamps or line-ins/outs to any ADAT-equipped recording interface and offers a huge upgrade to the AD/DA converter chips compared to the previous OctoPre. This means a higher dynamic range, an ultra-low noise floor, ultra-low distortion, and overall some of the clearest recording quality on the market, even compared to competitors' products costing three or four times the price per channel. One way that Focusrite has achieved this is by focusing on the components that affect recording quality the most: the converter chips and microphone preamps.
Because the conversion is so pristine, the Clarett+ OctoPre is a perfect choice for the engineer who wants to go into and out of their DAW to track or mix with outboard gear while maintaining the highest audio quality. Eight flexible channel inserts let users track through their favourite outboard components and capture that gear's true character. Connecting Clarett+ OctoPre to a Clarett+ 8Pre via ADAT provides 16 channels for recording. Clarett+ OctoPre is also a great choice for tracking drums, mixing livestreaming performances, connecting to analog synthesizers, or just upgrading a desktop interface with more I/O. Additionally, premium, all-analogue circuitry with relay control emulates the extremely transparent ISA 110 mic preamp from the classic Focusrite Studio Console with an Air mode that switches the input impedance and adds two cumulative high shelves for up to a 4dB boost in the high frequencies to add clarity and presence that makes vocals, drums and acoustic instruments shine.
The Clarett+ OctoPre also includes Focusrite's Hitmaker Expansion Bundle, a package of plug-ins valued at over $1,000. Users can create studio quality vocals, powerful guitars, luscious keys and huge drums, then mix and master with iconic Focusrite studio hardware – all in the box with the Clarett+ OctoPre. The bundle lets users capture inspiration with creative tools including the Softube Marshall Silver Jubilee 2555, Antares Auto-Tune Access, and XLN Addictive Keys and Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock Kit. Mixing and mastering are enhanced with classic studio tools like Relab LX480 Essentials, Focusrite Red 2 & 3 Plug-in Suite and the Brainworx bx_console Focusrite SC.
Price: $799.99.
Ardour 7.0 is now available for macOS, Windows and Linux. This new release features major new features for the software, as well as substantial (even if largely invisible) internal engineering changes.
Here's what they say:
We are happy to bring "clip launching" functionality into Ardour for the first time, along with many other significant improvements, including lots of enhancements for MIDI editing.
This release also sees the addition of official builds for Apple Silicon systems (previously available only via the nightly build site). It is also the end of 32-bit builds for Ardour for all platforms as part of the official download site. Some will remain available on the nightly site for the near-term future.
Toybox has released Tangle Synth, a semi-modular soft synth based on their Reaktor blocks (It works with the free Reaktor Player).
The synth is built from the cream of their blocks collections with a patching strip down the middle of the synth for quickly making modulation connections.
Although the front panel is conveniently laid out like a standard mono-synth (think Roland SH-101), there are unlimited patching and routing options available from the structure view. In this view you can even add blocks from other packs, like Native Instruments own Monark filter.
Tangle Synth comes with over 100 patches included, all with full NKS mappings.
Here's what they say:
Fascinating and deep cross modulation options between the synth's two oscillators can be used to produce complex and rich oscillator timbres. Use the morphing filter with distortion, wave-folding and FM to further sculpt the sound with gritty fiery textures. There's a lot of unique sound design possibilities with this one.
Features include:
Oscillators take cues from contemporary Eurorack modules, including the Tangle Oscillator: a versatile oscillator block that fuses extreme phase distortion (twisting, warping, repeating and mixing basic waveforms for knotted and twisted sounds) with FM synthesis, great for thick, harmonically rich timbres. The oscillator block also features seven lo-fi modes which authentically model vintage digital convertors with gritty noise and jitter, great for old-school digital synth tones.
Flexible analog modelled filter with a pre or post filter distortion circuit and ILO (infinite linear oversampling) wave-folding. 8 different analog filter models (Moog, Korg, Roland etc) can be selected and multiple filter shapes and styles can be flexibly re-ordered and morphed between.
Four High-quality and innovative effect and processing blocks.
Powerful modulation blocks, including the Ramp Generator block (based on one half of the Make Noise 'Maths' function generator Eurorack module), three multi-breakpoint modulation lanes, 2 complex LFOs plus randomization and utility blocks.
A set of templates included based on common synths (like Roland SH101) for quickly dialling up basic sounds.
A flexible global snapshots system. Snapshots can be stored and morphed for each individual block or for the whole rack.
Bleeding-edge DSP and analog modelling techniques.
Works with Reaktor Player (no need for a full copy of Reaktor).
Intro Price: $29 (normal price $45) until the end of November, 2022.
A Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning composer, lyricist, and actor, Lin- Manuel is the creator and original star of Broadway’s Hamiltonand In the Heights, and is the recipient of the 2015 MacArthur Foundation Award and the 2018 Kennedy Center Honors. Now, one of the most successful and influential composers of our time also has his own song collection in print.
The Lin-Manuel Miranda Collection gathers 26 defining selections from his entire career, including never-before-in-print songs from 21 Chump Street plus selections from Bring It On, Encanto, In the Heights, Hamilton, Moana, and Vivo. The songs are arranged for voice and piano with guitar chord frames.
Songs include: Alexander Hamilton • Breathe • Cousin • Do Your Own Thing • Helpless • How Far I’ll Go • In the Heights • Inside Your Heart • Keep the Beat • My Own Drum • My Shot • Surface Pressure • We Don’t Talk About Bruno • You’ll Be Back • You’re Welcome • and more.
The Lin-Manuel Miranda Collection retails for $29.99
Marcin has made a name for himself and built a following by sharing his musicianship and exceptional fingerstyle technique with the world across a variety of social media platforms. He first gained the attention of his native Poland and ultimately the world after winning the 9th season of the Polish talent show, Must be the Music in 2015. Winning this competition helped springboard his career by providing the resources to release his debut album, HUSH. He later competed on America's Got Talent, which raised his international profile even further, while his continued presence on Instagram and TikTok led to praise from high-profile guitarists such as Tom Morello, Paul Stanley, Dweezil Zappa, Tosin Abasi, and Vernon Reid. Then, in 2018, Marcin officially became an Ibanez artist, and he went on to become one of the brand’s most recognizable acoustic artists.
"To make the guitar unique and stand out from others, I wanted the main focal point to be a really bright, white mother of pearl rosette combined with red flame-inspired elements, which loosely references my logo. This serves as the main signature feature of the guitar from an aesthetic standpoint.
Features
The Marcin MRC10 features proprietary Ibanez X-M bracing, a full Fishman Rare Earth electronics package, and a wood reinforcement plate under the top to facilitate aggressive tapping techniques. Other notable features include a solid Sika Spruce top, Pau Ferro back and sides, Gotoh 510 tuners, along with a custom mother-of-pearl rosette and 12th fret inlay. The result is an instrument engineered with all the tools Marcin requires to execute his unique brand of fingerstyle playing.
AE body
Solid Sitka Spruce top
Pau Ferro back & sides
Nyatoh neck (satin finish)
Macassar Ebony fretboard & bridge
44mm width nut
Specially designed Mother Of Pearl inlay
Pau Ferro body binding
Bone nut & Compensated Bone saddle
Gotoh Chrome SGS510Z tuners (18:1 gear ratio)
Fishman Rare Earth Mic Blend Active Soundhole, Tap pickup
Fishman Rare Earth Mic Blend Active Soundhole Pickup preamp
Ibanez Advantage™ Bridge pins with Red dot
D'Addario® XTAPB1253 strings
X-M Bracing with a reinforcing wood plate for body tapping
Scratch Pad
Finish: Natura
The MRC10 is expected to be available sometime in January 2023. Street Price: $1499.99
Three upgraded models featuring solid mahogany tops, custom-voiced LR Baggs Bronze Element VTC pickups, and smooth natural gloss finishes.
Orangewood chose solid mahogany tops for a clear and even voice across the acoustic guitar’s full range. They then added layered sapele mahogany back and sides to back that voice with balanced, full-bodied projection. The guitars are finished with a natural gloss to protect and show off the figured wood. Elegant touches like an iridescent abalone rosette, acrylic wing inlays, and gold hardware round out the Collection.
Features
Top: Solid Mahogany
Back & Sides: Layered Sapele Mahogany
Finish: Natural Gloss
Electronics: Custom-Voiced LR Baggs Element Bronze VTC Pickup
Aesthetics: Abalone Rosette, Gold Hardware, Eye-catching Fretboard Inlays
Body Shape Options: Dreadnought, Grand Auditorium Cutaway, and Grand Concert
Price: $475.00
Gig Bag & Professional Setup Included
Strymon has introduced the BigSky Plugin, their first software plugin. Here's what they say:
Ever since we launched the original BigSky pedal, folks have been asking for a plugin version to use on their recording projects, and it's not hard to see why — BigSky is an inspiring sound design tool! Its handcrafted algorithms are brimming with unique vibe, and the intuitive controls allow you to create a personal and distinctive sonic signature fast.
Now the magic that is BigSky can be used directly inside your favorite DAW for the first time ever. Feel the mechanical tension of the Spring reverbs. Hear the floating particles of the Cloud machine. Create deep and majestic harmonies with Shimmer, and control everything with a simple and dynamic user interface that changes depending on what you're doing. The BigSky plugin is available in AAX, VST and AU formats, and can transform your tracks in ways that would be next to impossible to achieve without it...and now you can use as many BigSkys in your session as you'd like.
Price: $199. 7-Day free trial can be found here.
System Requirements:
Mac — Monterey or Big Sur.
PC — Windows 10.
Arturia has announced the release of Augmented Grand Piano, a software instrument that combines high-quality piano samples with modern synth engines, offering users "a refreshing piano palette for contemporary composition and sound design". Ideal for film scoring, video game soundtracks, and library music production, the plugin also offers intuitive macros and intricate modulation for expressive sound customization.
Augmented Grand Piano is available now at arturia.com for 99€ for single purchases and as part of the Augmented Trio, which also includes Augmented Strings and Augmented Voices, for 189€ (Reg. 297€).
Also announced is a number of hardware products including Arturia's new MiniFreak Synthesizer, the updated MiniLab 3 and the MiniFuse 4 audio interface.
MiniFreak is a polyphonic hybrid keyboard that combines two digital sound engines with "warm analog filters, playful modulation, spontaneous sequencing, and rich stereo effects for sounds that are immediately curious, beautiful, and chaotic in equal measure". Minifreak will retail for 599€.
MiniLab 3 is a compact MIDI controller keyboard that represents the evolution of the Lab range of music-making hardware and software. The controller combines a slim keybed, expanded controls, deeper DAW and Arturia plugin integration, and bundled of creative software and will retail for 99€.
MiniFuse 4, Arturia's 4-in/4-out audio and MIDI interface completes the MiniFuse family of interfaces, offering expanded connectivity for musicians and producers. The MiniFuse 4 is available immediately for 219€.
Process.Audio has announced the release of Spicerack, a new plugin that "reimagines the conventional approach to audio saturation and distortion, elevating the process to new heights of creativity".
Spicerack features five completely different flavors of harmonic distortion to saturate, distort, shape or texturize your sounds. Those five algorithms have been carefully developed and tuned to provide a wide color palette that is useful for every producer and mixing engineer.
Using the true linear phase technology developed for Process.Audio's first plugin 'Sugar', Process.Audio says Spicerack "yields unprecedented results when blending wet and dry signals, making no compromise on the quality of your audio material, a first for parallel saturation plugins".
Spicerack's interface was designed to dial-in the right amount of saturation as fast as possible. The unique Auto Gain Compensation and Calibration features make for a smooth Drive knob ranging from subtle saturation to aggressive distortion with no level jumps.
Other Spicerack key features include Console Remote, a unique protocol allowing inter-plugin communication and remote control, and a creative audio Gate circuit that helps morph Spicerack's distortion effects from conventional all out chaos to precise sound design tools.
Key Features:
5 phase accurate distortion algorithms.
Low CPU consumption.
Auto gain compensation for perfect gain staging.
Intuitive vertical linear phase EQ.
Console Remote interface to control all instances from one single instance.
Gate control on the distorted signal path.
Spicerack is available now for MacOS and Windows computers for $149 from the Process.Audio website. A free 30-day trial is available.
Heavyocity Media has announced the release of Avant: Modern Keys. Described as "a bold transformation of the electric piano", Heavyocity says Avant pushes the ordinary into new realms of musical genres and scoring.
Selected for its distinctive sound and influential musical history, the Heavyocity team began with a classic Mark II electric piano and rediscovered the best-kept secret under its hood. With the inner components isolated and captured through pristinely prepared performances (using hammers, ebows, twine, and picks), its breadth has been expanded to defy all expectations — delivering a diverse range of ornate, innovative, and unusual sounds for you to explore.
Paired with the powerful Ascend engine, the sound sources in Avant can be taken to a new level, allowing for complete customization by layering, modulating, and processing up to three different sources at the same time.
Our goal with Avant was to reinvent electric keys. To offer unique content that breaks the genre-defining barriers of what this instrument is capable of. Avant is, without a doubt, a sonic treasure trove.
Dave Fraser, Co-Founder, Heavyocity
Pricing & Availability
For a limited time, Heavyocity is offering Avant for $99 (reg. $119). In addition, owners of Ascend: Modern Grand or Aspire: Modern Mallets will receive an additional 20% off. Offers end October 28, 2022.
As a "powered-by-Kontakt" instrument Avant offers all playback and sound-shaping functionality through the full version of Kontakt 6 or the free Kontakt 6 Player.
Punk Labs has updated OneTrick Simian to version 1.0.2.
Changes and Optimizations:
Optimized: DSP is now multithreaded with each voice running in parallel.
Changed: DSP now uses FastMath without hand-editing. This should help with custom builds.
Updated Dplug to version 12.8.3.
This update is free for existing users.
Soundtoys has announced the release of version 5.3.8 of all Soundtoys plugins which adds VST3 support for the entire lineup.
VST3 support is available for both Windows and macOS, and offers native compatibility with both Apple Silicon (M1/M2/M-series) and Intel processors. We will continue to support both VST3 and VST2 formats for all products for the time being.
This update is free for all users with Soundtoys version 5 or later plug-ins.
Log into your Soundtoys account and download the installers here or on our downloads page.
Positive Grid has announced the release of Omnyss, a collection of three all-new guitar amplifiers and six effects "built to create epic soundscapes and fuel massive tonal exploration".
Powered by the BIAS FX 2 guitar amp and effects software platform and driven by an all-new DSP engine, Omnyss is designed to inspire artists, producers, cinematic composers and audio architects. From subtle tone coloration to otherworldly depth and drama, guitarists can build epic sonic creations in the future metal world of Omnyss.
The three new amplifiers – Etheria, Aggralith and Viscerus – offer heavenly cleans to raw and aggressively visceral heavy tones. Each amp is also paired with its own signature synth-based black box effect, enabling complex layers underneath the gain stage for more expansive tonal possibilities. A vault of classic and boutique microphones is also included for additional tone shaping options, in addition to three dynamically modeled cabinet IRs.
Amps:
Etheria:
Heavenly, futuristic clean tone that shines through the darkest corners of the universe. Layer in the blackbox orchestral pad and control its mix, tone and depth for out-of-this-world tone shaping and intensity.
Black box effect: Orchestral Pad.
Cabinet: Custom Modern 4x12 Open-back.
Aggralith:
Modern high gain for action-packed decimation. Utilize the blackbox synth pad effect for complex, edgy electronic layers. Dive into the mix, depth and tone knobs to find the perfect signal blend.
Black box effect: Synth Lead.
Cabinet: Custom Boutique Angled 4x12.
Viscerus:
Heavy, raw, and aggressively visceral on every level. Layer the blackbox Octaver for massive polyphonic soundscapes. Control it all with mix, tone and depth knobs and prepare for a complete tonal onslaught.
Black box effect: Octaver.
Cabinet: Custom Boutique Closed-back 4x12.
Effects:
ZGate: Engage ZGate to subtly eliminate unwanted noise, or clamp it down for razor-precision.
Cypher Drive: Unlock massive overdrive and carve precision boost tones with six defined attack modes.
Cerberus: From complex stereo harmonies to snarling sub-octaves, Cerberus is a polyphonic octave beast.
Dark Matter: Adapts to every range and performance nuance, delivering natural compression and exceptional clarity.
Nebula: The rules of space and time are rewritten. Layer synths, modulation and reverb to expand the sonic universe.
Space Piercer: Explore lush studio-quality digital delays and crystalline landscapes. Glitched out or shimmery smooth.
Omnyss is compatible with Mac, PC and iOS, and can be used as standalone software or as a plug-in with any major DAW. BIAS FX 2 users can also add Omnyss to their amps and effects library.
Omnyss is powered by Positive Grid's BIAS FX 2 amp and effects software platform, and comes with BIAS FX 2 LE.
Omnyss is available now for USD $99 (Mac/PC) and $19.99 (iOS).
Igor Vasiliev has updated SpaceFields - Space Ambient Machine App for iOS and macOS to version 1.5. They say:
SpaceFields is a loop-based mangler effect for creating slowly changing rhythmic sound structures in a deep reverb space from any external signal. Great for experimenting and designing ambient and noise backgrounds with rhythmic elements.
All changes:
SpaceFields can be used as an Instrument or Effects plugin in DAWs and hosts on iOS and macOS (AUv3).
Added a panel for quickly selecting a preset, which opens by double tap on the preset name area at the top of the screen.
Samples imported or stored in the sampler cells are available through the "App" - "Files" panel, and you can save them to any other directory when using the SpaceFields as a plugin on iOS and macOS.
Added fullscreen mode when using the plugin with GarageBand (iOS).
Fixed an issue with using Bluetooth audio devices.
Some improvements and fixing a few minor bugs.
Price: $10.99
Solid State Logic has released the SL 4000 B-Series plugin, described as a faithful emulation of the legendary console. Originally released in 1976 and famously used in London's Townhouse Studios, the SL 4000 B's sound can be heard on iconic records including The Buggles' 'Video Killed The Radio Star', Phil Collins' 'In The Air Tonight', Peter Gabriel's 'Intruder', and many others.
The new 4K B plug-in — available exclusively with SSL Complete or UC1 hardware — is said to be the company's most authentic channel strip model yet and has been precisely modelled down to the component level according to the original schematics designed by SSL. The 4K B also presents a contrasting 'sonic flavor' to Channel Strip 2, which has become regarded as the SSL 9000 series plug-in.
The 4K B represents a new milestone in what is possible using plug-in technology, done the way that only SSL can do. We've not only used original hardware schematics to meticulously model the 4000 B console, but created analogue simulations and detailed hardware prototypes, making the 4K B plug-in ultra-realistic; we're particularly pleased with the Mic Drive and Dynamics section, they're full of 'early' SSL character.
Enrique Perez, Chief Technology Officer of SSL
4K B character
The SL 4000B console was unique, specifically its EQ, dynamics and transformer-based mic pre-design. The 'B-series' EQ was a precursor to the 'Brown Knob' EQ found on the 4000 E, a very musical sounding EQ, capable of fine tuning and sculpting, with a warm and rounded presentation. The 4K B dynamics section is based on the SSL Bus Compressor design: peak detection and with a feedback VCA topology in the sidechain. It also features a unique De-Esser mode. SSL says its meticulous hardware modelling process has captured all the subtly of the original 4000 B console in the new 4K B plug-in. The Mic drive section is full of rich non-linear analogue character thanks to its Jensen JE-115K-E transformer. Additional authentic analogue character is added via the dbx 202 'black can' VCA fader.
SSL opens a new era of plug-in technology
The new 4K B plug-in — based entirely on SSL's proprietary technology — was designed to work seamlessly within SSL's own 360° software ecosystem and with its UC1 and UF8 control surfaces. While only six physical SL 4000 B consoles were ever built, they were installed in some of the most iconic studios in the world including 'The Stone Room' at Virgin's Townhouse Studio and Record Plant in Los Angeles. Famous for their unique tone and punch, the SL 4000 B was a favourite of legendary producers and engineers such as Steve Lillywhite, John Leckie, Mick Glossop, Tony Platt and many more.
Movin' on up into SSL Complete
Customers can access the new 4K B plug-in through the SSL Complete subscription, or as part of the software bundle included with SSL's UC1 control surface. Additionally, UC1 and UF8 control surface owners will be able to access the entire range of SSL plug-ins via an extended six-month SSL Complete trial. Meantime, anyone can access a 14-day trial of 4K B by downloading the plug-in and clicking the 'try' button when prompted. Alternatively, users can trial SSL Complete for 30 days, which includes 4K B and every other SSL plug-in.
SSL 360° - Key enhancements in V1.4
In parallel with the new 4K B plug-in announcement, SSL has made significant enhancements to its 360° software ecosystem (V1.4). First and foremost, this includes an update to the 360° Plug-in Mixer ecosystem, which allows seamless integration of the new 4K B plug-in — making it fully interactive with SSL's UC1 and UF8 control surfaces. Additionally, Channel Strip 2 and Bus Comp 2 have been updated to be fully Apple Silicon M1/ARM native. The updated Channel Strip 2 plug-in also includes new features such as Pan, Width and Compressor Mix controls.
Finally, the SSL 360° V1.4 update (now also M1/ARM native) features adds LUNA and Pyramix DAW profiles for the UF8, and deeper Plug-in Mixer DAW integration for Ableton Live, Studio One and REAPER on the UC1 – including Follow Selected DAW Track, Solo and Mute.
4K B plug-in features:
First class integration with UC1 and UF8 via SSL 360° and the Plug-in Mixer.
4000 B-series EQ, the precursor to the Brown Knob EQ found on the 4000 E.
4000 B-series Channel Dynamics (Compressor/Gate/Expander/De-Esser) based on the Bus Compressor design: peak detection and with a feedback VCA topology in the sidechain.
Switchable mic preamp with variable drive.
VCA fader saturation.
Detailed circuit modelling (down to component level) of;
Jensen JE-115K-E Transformer Mic Pre.
Dbx 'black can' 202 VCA fader.
The 4000 B EQ.
The 4000 B Compressor.
Expanded output section features a virtual fader and stereo image control with the addition of Fader Level, Pan and Width parameters.
Enhanced processing: Compressor Mix, reroutable processing and sidechaining.
Apple Silicon M1/ARM native support: 4K B Plug-in is a universal binary.
Price: $24.99/month.
MeldaProduction has released MeldwayGrand, a natural sounding piano for MSoundFactory, saying:
MeldwayGrand is a concert piano like no other. From a certain point of view it is even better than the real thing. MeldwayGrand can be more dynamic than the original. Great for classical music, ambient emotional stuff, soundtracks, you name it. MeldwayGrand lets you reverberate the sympathetic resonances producing an incredible sound for every emotional genre, something you just won't be able to shake off.
7 microphones 40GB of samples
Steinway D is one of the best, this one especially. It's silky smooth, and dynamic. To create MeldwayGrand we spend days in a studio of Prague's music academy. We used several microphone pairs and chose the best seven, which we included in Meldway's over 40GB sample library. MeldwayGrand lets you freely mix all the sources...
Creative options
MeldwayGrand is not just a great concert piano with the necessary set of specially tuned mixing effects. It also carries a set of creative effects that can turn this beautiful piano into something completely different.
Premium instruments - Free for some
A Premium instrument is a commercial instrument addon for MSoundFactory. The good news for all MSoundFactory and MSoundFactoryLE users is that they can download all Premium instruments published and produced by MeldaProduction free of charge (now and in future too). But those who don't want the whole collection and are interested in a particular instrument only (such as MeldwayGrand) can purchase them separately and run them in MSoundFactoryPlayer - the free edition of MSF.
Intro discounts?
The price of MeldwayGrand is set to €99, but you may get it for €49 until the end of November, 2022. Until the end of October, you may also take the advantage of the 50% discount on both MSoundFactory versions that will give you DreamMachines, MeldwayGrand and future Premium instruments for free.
Ableton has released Note, a playable iOS app designed specifically for the early stages of the music-making process. Note offers multiple musical starting points with a curated selection of Ableton Live's drum kits, melodic instruments and synth sounds. Music-makers can also create their own sound palette by recording the world around them into Note's sampler instruments.
Those who want to take their ideas further can use Ableton Cloud to send their Note Sets straight to Live's browser to pick up where they left off.
Starting ideas:
Begin with a beat – Note features 56 Drum Sampler kits to use on the 16-pad grid. Loose timing can be fixed by quantizing, or nudging individual notes. Additional layers of rhythm can be added, along with beat repetitions using Note Repeat. Sounds can be shaped by changing the parameters or adding effects.
Start with a melody – Music-makers can choose from 261 synth sounds and 36 Melodic Sampler instruments, which can be played polyphonically using the 25-pad grid or the piano roll. Instantly harmonic results can be achieved by setting a key. More layers of harmony can be added by overdubbing, and the sound can be shaped by tweaking parameters or adding effects.
Sample the world – Bespoke drum kits and melodic instruments can be created by recording percussive or tonal sounds into Note's Drum Sampler and Melodic Sampler. The samples can then be manipulated through cutting, filtering or repitching, and further transformed by adding effects.
Capture improvisations – There's no need for music-makers to press record before they start playing. By pressing the Capture button after playing something, Note will detect the tempo and length of the phrase and automatically create a loop.
Developing ideas:
Create variations – Note features a grid-based Session View layout where users can experiment with different layer combinations and song structures. Loops can be doubled to create variation within clips, and clips can be duplicated to create different versions of ideas. Session View can then be exported as an audio file to listen to and share with friends or collaborators.
Continue in Live – Music-makers can use Ableton Cloud to send their Note Sets directly to Live without ever leaving the app. Sets from Note appear in Live's browser with all sounds, samples and effects in place and fully editable.
Pricing & Availability
Note is now available for iPhone and iPad. It can be downloaded through the App Store for 6.99 EUR / 5.99 USD/ 4.99 GBP.
Electric Love is a business that was created out of a need to help further life-saving cancer research. Owner Ben Carlin created a limited run of breast cancer awareness pedals to help power breast cancer research.
"My wife was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 36 in 2015. During her treatment, surgeries, and ongoing adjuvant treatment and follow-ups, I have turned to music. This is my attempt to find solace in troubled waters. Thanks to a fantastic medical team, adjuvant treatment, and a positive attitude, she did great and is still here today. Cancer research is the key to saving more lives and ultimately to a cure for cancer," says owner Ben Carlin.
100% of profits from this limited run of pedals will go to Play for P.I.N.K. Profits are defined as all monies after the cost of all of the parts and materials to build the pedals or any other product, the packaging materials, shipping, reverb percentages, tax, tax prep, and overall cost of business. For those that purchase the pedals or other merchandise, Carlin will provide each buyer with a cost breakdown at the end of the run for transparency.
3 Pedal Series includes Fuzz (Volume, Sustain, Tone) Overdrive ( Volume, Drive, Tone), and Delay (Level, Delay, Repeats.) They run off a 9v Negative center DC power supply.
They can be found individually for $150.00 or the full set for $450.00
Introducing our latest potent sonic disruptor, in a pint-sized package! Renegade is a simple, no-frills fuzz device with a compact and straightforward interface; a complement to our growing line of Mini Pedals. Derived originally from the classic Tone Bender MK1.5, Renegade strays off the standard path, in part due to its integrated bias control. This toggle switch allows the player to easily select between two different bias voltages; resulting in a classic, full-bodied-fuzz tone in the “up” position, and a more modern and gated fuzz in the “down” position. A hallmark feature of this micro-sized pedal is its long sustain, and an “electric sizzle” as your signal fades (especially prominent in the “down” position). The single Master Volume knob has PLENTY of gain on tap, and powering Renegade at up to 18 volts can deliver even more headroom and clarity.
Full-bodied, INTENSE fuzz
Multiple bias modes
Miniature Form Factor
9-18V operation
Mechanical true-bypass switching
Street Price: $149 USD
ARVerb has announced the first official release of ARVerb Room, a reverb plugin that "uses new physics-based modeling to achieve immersive spatialization, transient preservation and consistent sound".
Besides giving life to a single instrument, ARVerb Room can be used to glue multiple tracks by making them sound like they're in the same space. Track separation can be improved by selecting different locations for the source in different instances of the plugin.
The plugin is fast and lightweight. The space-saving minimal user interface only has a handful of musical controls, making the algorithm easy to set up.
Key features:
Multiple source locations.
Three room algorithms.
Low-end bypass control - smoothly skip any processing of the low-end.
True stereo spatialization.
Automatic level and delay compensation.
ARVerb Room does not require dongles, subscriptions, user accounts or internet access. The demo is fully functional during the evaluation period.
Price: 40 EUR, fixed all year long. Upgrades are free.
Blue Cat Audio has released Blue Cat's Late Replies 1.6, a new version of its creative delay and reverb plug-in with built-in effects and third party plug-ins hosting.
This new version introduces the ability to define macro parameters accessible from the simplified "easy" view: it is now possible to create your own delay and reverb effects and hide their complexity behind a very simple customizable user interface. Many factory presets have also been revisited to let users interact with the effects easily without having to dig into the structure of the preset.
Version 1.6 also brings a couple of workflow improvements, such as the ability to tap tempo in "manual tempo sync" mode, better integration with physical control surfaces and more.
New in Late Replies 1.6:
New macro controls editor to edit plug-in parameters mapping and create your own delay/reverb effects with their own controls.
Assign multiple parameters from multiple effects to a single macro control, and adjust the range for each parameter.
Assign a name to each macro control, that is now displayed in automation lanes in most host applications (may require a session reload in some cases).
Parameters names for existing sessions will be automatically updated upon load.
Select macro knobs appearance among 18 predefined styles.
Updated hundreds of presets with macro parameters: you can now keep Late Replies in "EZ" mode and have access to main sub-plug-ins parameters without having to dig into the structure of the preset.
New learn modes to quickly assign plug-in parameters.
Added an option in global & preset input settings to send MIDI events when MIDI-enabled parameters are modified in the plug-in (to update control surfaces accordingly).
You can now tap tempo when using the "manual tempo" sync mode.
Improved VST parameter value display in some host applications.
Fixed bypass that did not let MIDI messages go thru for some MIDI plug-ins.
Fixed some GUI resizing issues with some VST3 plug-ins.
System requirements:
Intel or Apple Silicon Mac running Mac OS 10.9 or newer.
Windows PC running Windows Vista or newer.
Price: 99 EUR or $99 (instead of 129) until November 17th, 2022.
Bace Technologies has announced the release of Bace, an audio plug-in for macOS and Windows that uses machine-learning to control MIDI with your voice. The user can trigger MIDI notes inside software and hardware instruments by making kick, snare, hi-hat, or percussive sounds with their mouth.
Features include:
4 Drum Tracks - Control up to 4 different drum tracks including Kick, Snare, Hi-Hat and a Percussive sound.
MIDI Control - Each Drum Track also doubles as a MIDI Track. Control one plugin or 4 separate plugins on separate tracks.
Train Bace with your voice - Bace's software can be trained to recognize your voice.
Use your microphone - Bace works with your own dynamic microphone. No special equipment needed.
Plug-in & standalone app - Open the AU or VST3 plug-in inside your DAW or use the Standalone app to control hardware and software.
Intro Price: $79 (Reg. $99).
To kicks things off, Bace Technologies is offering KVR readers an additional 10% off the intro price. Follow this link or use code KVR10 at checkout.
Sketch Samples has released Sketch Dreadnought Guitar for Kontakt 6.
For recording, Sketch Samples used high quality microphones, piezo pickup system and magnetic pickup. Mics, piezo and magnet levels are controllable after the fact to give maximum sonic flexibility. Sketch Dreadnought Guitar also comes with a MIDI Pack that includes 54 accompaniment styles.
Features:
Mics, piezo and magnet levels are controllable after the fact to give maximum sonic flexibility.
12 articulations.
2 round robins per note.
8 velocity layers on Pick and Finger.
4 velocity layers on Mute and Flageolet. The rest of the articulations have 1 layer of velocity.
4 algorithms for automatic position change (Classic, Django, Country, Random).
Special Keyboard Mode. Play the Dreadnought guitar like a piano. At the same time, change of the positions is also available.
Auto legato.
Aftertouch (Vibrato).
Offset controls (CC110) on main patches (Pick, Finger, Mute, Flageolet).
Speed controls on 3 patches (glissando up, glissando down, triplet).
Percussion samples (FX articulation) and additional percussion samples (green zone on the keyboard).
EQ controls on all patches.
12 types of custom convolution reverb.
Sample rate: 24-bit 44kHz.
2 Repetition keys for last note.
Library Size: 9.3GB (1.8GB in RAM).
Intro Price: $59 USD until the end of October 2022 (Reg. $79).
Studio Major7th has updated SSG7 V to version 1.6.0.
Changes:
Sound has been greatly improved.
Presets have been updated.
Other bugs have been fixed.
Price: $120.00. Owners of SSG7V can get this update free.
Ivosight has updated Soundop Audio Editor, a Windows application for audio recording, editing, mixing and mastering, to version 1.8.16.0.
Changes:
Added an option for high-quality sample rate conversion.
Set spectrum tilt for frequency analysis.
Set the drop rate for frequency analysis.
Link the source file for all selected clips.
Added a button to create a batch processor.
Supported adding a folder for batch processing.
Supported renaming batch processor.
Added support for importing webm files.
Added support for importing opus files.
Added frequency scale option for spectrogram.
Added frequency scale option for frequency analysis.
Added an option to select between markers when double-clicking in the waveform editor.
Added an option to save the hidden state of the menu bar.
Added a button to show the Preferences dialog.
Remember the default file format when saving audio files.
Save loop and auto play state in the Browser panel.
Improved processing of cache folder.
Improved compatibility with VST and VST3 plugins.
Improved display of spectrogram.
Improved precision of frequency analysis.
Fixed some bugs.
Techivation has announced the release of their new free plug-in, T-Puncher FREE. They say:
The company's goal in developing T-Puncher (Premium) which was released a while ago was an innovative & quick solution for controlling and shaping sound transients. Now, this new free version of T-Puncher allows users to control the transients in a more minimal way using a single knob.
Price: Free with email address.
RJ Studios has released dB Smooth, a unique, FIR-based 4-quadrant dynamics processor.
Here's what they say:
dB Smooth provides a uniquely smooth sound due to its use of Finite Impulse Response (FIR) vs. traditional analog style level detectors. The FIR detectors are very precise and exactly surround the current audio sample producing a uniquely "smooth" sound at all settings.
db Smooth also employs a unique "Unity gain threshold" where boost and cut are applied above and below this setting for gain matching by design. This approach allows the user to change compression/expansion ratios without having to re-adjust makeup gain levels.
db Smooth is a 4-quadrant dynamics processor that can be used for:
Wide range compression.
Wide range expansion.
Upward compression.
Downward compression.
Upward expansion.
Downward expansion.
dB Smooth provides the following features:
Selectable Average or RMS response.
4 choices of stereo operation (Peak Linked, Average Linked, Independent Left/Right, Mid/Side).
Oversampled output soft clipper/limiter.
Dynamics range control continuously variable from 10:1 compression thru 1:2 expansion.
External side chain input.
Mix control for parallel compression effects.
Mono and stereo channel applications.
dB Smooth has as a very "clean" sound that does not break up or distort even at high ratios making it suitable for:
Mixing.
Mastering.
Post Production Video/Film Audio.
Webcasting.
Podcasting.
dB Smooth is available in VST2, VST3 and AAX formats for Windows PC and VST2, VST3, AAX and AU formats for Mac 10.11+ and Apple Silicon M1/ARM.
Intro Price: $39.95 USD (+tax where applicable) thru 10/31/2022 (Reg. $59.95).
W. A. Production has released Put Me On Drums by K-391, a new drum enhancing tool. They say:
Prepare for drum destruction. We couldn't be more proud of this multi-effect plugin and our collaboration with superstar Norwegian producer K-391. This ground-shaking drum processor takes your beats and runs them through intense effects, resulting in transformations that will blow your listeners away.
Combining multiple parameters to create punch, weight, depth and attitude, this plugin is your new secret weapon in the fight for distinctive drums. Bespoke split-frequency routing combines specific effects for low and high frequency bands, for unparalleled control over drum shaping and deformation. Whether you need snare shaping or colossal kicks, Put Me On Drums can turn up the heat with simple controls and a range of transformative presets.
Features:
Artist series plugin from K-391.
Frequency-split drum processing.
Scalable interface with visual feedback.
Independent high & low module processing.
Saturation, Harmonics & Sub Tail control.
Formant shifting & Dimension processing.
A / B comparison profiles.
Suite of options on right-click.
Responsive & CPU friendly.
Factory presets.
Full PDF Manual & Tutorial video.
Intro Price: $20 until October 27th, 2022 (Reg. $39.90).
HoRNet plugins has released HA2A, a classic opto compressor emulation that aims to bring this studio standard in to the 21st century.
HA2A recreates the true sound of the hardware and adds many features that are a must win this day and age like auto gain, auto compression, linked input and output, auto makeup gain, etc.
Features:
Faithful sound recreation of this famous compressor.
Input and output VU Meter.
Automatic input gain.
Linked input and output gain.
Mode selector between stereo, dual mono, mid and side.
Auto gain makeup for the compressor.
Automatic gain reduction setting.
Dry and wet level controls for parallel compression.
Analog emulation and hiss.
Bypass that keep the analog engine active (so you can use the plugin as a tube saturator).
Intelligent oversampling that allows the plugin to always work internally at 192kHz.
Vector user interface which is sharp on every resolution.
Freely resizable user interface.
Apple Silicon M1 support.
MacOS (10.11 and later) and Windows (Vista and later) support.
64-bit on Mac and Windows.
Audio Units, VST, VST3 and AAX format.
HoRNet HA2A is available for 19,99€
HoRNet customers that own the complete bundle can buy the plugin with a 40% discount.
Black Octopus Sound and Imaginate have released Imaginate - Aer, a collection of samples, sampler instruments and Xfer Serum presets, ideal for Drum & Bass and a variety of other bass music genres.
What's Inside:
2226 Total Samples.
1109 Sampler Instruments.
354 Drums.
100 Bass.
20 Atmospheres.
90 Foley.
70 FX.
65 Keys.
275 Synths.
43 Winds.
75 Serum presets.
25 Wavetables.
Intro Price: $18.48 (Reg. $36.95).
Aly James Lab has released version 2.0.1 of OB-XTreme, a full rework the original OB-Xtreme software synthesizer for added fatness, increased distortion emulation and more OB-X and OB-Xa detail.
Release Update:
Since the "pre-release" version 2.0.0 (July 2022), the 2.0.1 release update brings the following additions:
V2 factory presets, activated LFO2.
LFO2 Modes (LFO, BPM synced, one-shot envelope).
LFO2 modulation and routing activated (SPREAD, WIDTH, MIX2, MIX3 etc.).
Semi-tones tuning per voice card.
Fix: vibrato delay time corrected.
Presets nav < - > arrows on the main panel.
Portamento voltage offsets and Glissando mode.
XMOD voltage offsets.
DC filter (20 - 50Hz).
Re-worked CARDS panel controls.
Most parameters are now automatable and save state.
Fix: Pitch-Wheel voltage going down briefly when selecting OSC2 ONLY.
Fix: EG attack stages now receive voltage offsets correctly.
Fix: wrong LFO voltage on PWM2.
Fix: GUI filter modes buttons logic.
Fix: corrected v1 presets using wrong legacy settings.
Fix: LFO S&H rate.
Code tidy minor CPU reduction.
HD mode setting is no more reset by preset loading/changing.
Place holder for a future 4 steps modulation sequencer or whatever it will become.
OB-Xtreme capitalises on the slight analog voltage variations, the misbehaving components and moments of distortion from the oscillators, filters, VCA and the output. Version 2.0 increases the modelling voice cards detail on every part of every circuit.
The synth can be an 8-voice polysynth, an 8-voice unison or a combination of the two with the flick of the FAT switch to have an 8-voice polyphonic with eight layers of unison. All sound sources are modeled on the original synth waveforms with Saw, Pulse, and Triangle and includes the Saw+Pulse matching the original blend volume. The individual voice cards can be manipulated by taking on voltage offsets and deviations to mimic their analogue character.
There are two filters, the 2-Pole coming from the OB-X and the 4-pole based on the CEM3320. There's a bit of optional resonance compensation on the 4-pole, while the 2-pole also offers a band-pass output.
Modulation options are closer to those of an OB-8 which gives many control possibilities in addition to parameters automation.
One feature is the "Xtreme Factor", which takes control of the emulated OTA-induced distortion. This goes from traditional behavior all the way up to something a bit out of hand. A bunch of Macro knobs gives a nicely curated control over the oscillator tuning, filter envelope offsets, VCA envelope offsets, filter deviation, pulse width modulation offsets, portamento timing and cross modulation offsets.
OB-Xtreme 2.0 is available now for macOS and Windows and costs €45.
Ultimate MIDI Plugin has updated UChord (Ultimate Chord Engine), a VST plug-in for chord progression based on chord table and rhythm editor, to version 1.6.
Updates:
Added scale editor for custom scale.
Added scale group.
Descriptions:
In the scale group, you can set the scales to be applied to the scale list in the main tab.
You can add or delete a scale group or change the scales belonging to the scale group.
A scale can be added, removed and edited in the scale editor.
Drag reordering of the data lists in the scale setting is also supported.
Hidenori Matsuoka has updated Guitar Kit to v9.0 and Piano Kit to v5.0.2.
Preset Chord Forms in Guitar Kit now expand to 6 positions per chord. Preset Chord Forms have been reworked from scratch and organized by fret order. This will be helpful when looking for chord forms.
Both updates include important bug fixes.
Guitar Kit changes:
Expanded Preset Chord Forms to 6 positions. Preset Chord Forms are reworked from scratch and organized by fret order. This will be very helpful when looking for chord forms.
Fixed the problem that exported user data could not be imported.
Fixed the problem that Match View in Scale Tab may crash when User Chord Forms are edited.
Changed the handling of Sheet View greatly.
Improved user experience by notifying when added to User Chord Form Library and displaying its chord form.
Improved visibility of Omit Notes in Sheet view and Direct menu.
Added iOS 16 official support.
Fixed some minor issues.
Piano Kit changes:
Fixed the problem that Match View in Scale Tab may crash when User Chord Forms are edited.
Improved user experience by notifying when added to User Chord Form Library and displaying its chord form.
Experiencing your own look, your own sound, your own instrument for the first time means taking care of all the components, putting together cymbals and hardware, and possibly also being disappointed with the setup and sound for the first time.
Gretsch, the traditional American company, offers a solution with the ENERGY series! An all-round carefree package, which is delivered completely ready to play; only sticks need to be provided.
The chrome-plated, double-braced Gretsch hardware is stable, light and includes everything needed for a successful start: tom holder with memory lock, bass drum pedal, hi-hat stand, one or two cymbal stands depending on the model, and a stable stool as well.
All five shells are made of seven-ply poplar wood and have the typical Gretsch 30° bearing edge, on which high-quality “Gretsch by Remo” heads cleanly lie. They are held by 1.6 mm thick steel hoops, and the bass drum hoops are made of wood.
The included 101 cymbal set from the renowned Swiss manufacturer Paiste gives the set a decisive drive and puts an end to the clattering of metal that beginners (and their parents) so often suffer from. Depending on the version, the 13″ hi-hats come with an 18″ crash/ride or a 16″ crash/20″ ride combination.
The set is available in the colours red, black and steel grey and in three different versions. The jazz/pop version with 20″ bass drum is available with either the two-piece or the three-piece cymbal set, while the more dynamic rock version has 22″ bass drum, slightly larger toms and also includes cymbals.
Gretsch ENERGY complete set distributed by GEWA music.
Available in the versions
10″, 12″, 14″ TT, 20″ BD, 14″ SD
Four-piece hardware set
Cymbal set 13″ HH, 18″ crash/ride
Colours: Red or Black
RRP from € 793
10″, 12″, 14″ TT, 20″ BD, 14″ SD
Five-piece hardware set incl. boom stand
Cymbal set 13″ HH, 16″ crash, 20″ ride
Colours: Red, Black, Steel Grey
RRP from € 880
10″, 12″, 16″ TT, 22″ BD, 14″ SD
Five-piece hardware set incl. boom stand
Cymbal set 13″ HH, 16″ crash, 20″ ride
Colours: Red, Black, Steel Grey
RRP from € 886
The newest creation from Acorn Amps, the ADHD, is a pedal that’s hard to pin down into one category of stompbox effects. The ADHD, or Adaptive Droning Hyperfuzz Device, is a glitch, filter, bit crushing, octave, square wave guitar synth oscillator disguised as a fuzz pedal. An adjustable square wave oscillator accompanies a rambunctious fuzz circuit to create a wildly interactive guitar or bass guitar effect. 8-bit vintage videogame tones become searing octave leads with the turn of the five control knobs on board the ADHD and the synth noise oscillator can be controlled using an external expression pedal or tuned by hand with the Frequencyknob. The Acorn ADHD is assembled using a voltage-controlled timer that blends with the gain control of an LM386 amplifier IC chip to produce interactive and layered bit crushed octave-up-and-down fuzz tones that can be sculpted even further along the frequency bandwidth with the tone/filter control. Transform your guitar into an expansive fuzzy synthesizer with the Acorn Amps ADHD pedal.
Features Include:
Five shapable controls to design your own fuzzy, synth-y soundscapes
Expression jack to control the oscillation circuit externally
Balance control to blend the synth oscillator with the fuzz circuit
Pedalboard-friendly compact design assembled in a 1590B aluminum enclosure
True bypass and powered by standard 9V DC pedal power. Consumes less than 30mA of current
The ADHD Fuzz is $149.00.
Bremmers Audio Design has released version 4.6 of MultitrackStudio for iPad.
New in version 4.6:
New Poly Modulator MIDI effect.
New Velocity Curve MIDI Effect.
Automation editors (Pro Extension), MIDI controller editors and Automated Fader effects: the Dots Editor window that pops up on clicking EDIT when multiple dots are selected can now generate Square waves. The Triangle option now has a Shape slider that can turn the triangle into a sawtooth.
Audio effects no longer emit old reverb tails etc. when the effect is un-bypassed.
Note Velocity Editor: with the Drum editor you can now make just a single instrument appear in the Note Velocity Editor by clicking an instrument name on the left (so it's highlighted).
Onscreen MIDI Keyboard now keeps AU plugin loaded if you hide the keyboard, so it's immediately available when you open the keyboard again.
MIDI effects: 'Apply to track' option can now generate MIDI controllers etc. (it used to do notes only).
MultitrackStudio Instruments: synths respond to MIDI 2.0 per-note Timbre controllers (controls Resonance).
MultitrackStudio Instruments: synths respond to MIDI 2.0 per-note Attack and Decay controllers (values at start of note count).
MultitrackStudio Instruments respond to MIDI 2.0 per-note Release Time controller (value at note-off time counts).
MultitrackStudio Instruments: Electric pianos respond to note-off velocity.
Remote Control for transport ("MIDI Learn"). (requires Pro Extension).
iPadOS 16: layout takes Stage Manager's multitasking handle into account.
Fixed: Plugin Manager category selector menus didn't fit the screen if the number of categories was very high.
Fixed: issue with saving/loading MIDI patterns.
Sound Magic has released Mac Version for its Supreme Drums Orange and updates Windows Version to 1.1 at the same time.
Changes since last version:
Release Audiounit Version under Mac OS X system.
Fixes random crash when playing too fast under windows system.
Fixes several mapping error for windows system.
Many minor improvements under windows system.
Sound Magic has also updated Amati Violin to version 1.2 which has many improvements.
Changes:
Re-arrange sample sets to be more user friendly.
Fixes error under M1 chips Macs.
Fixes latency issue on some long note samples.
Many minor improvements.
Sound Magic also announced its latest Halloween Month Sale Event, with offers up to 80% off on over 60 instruments and effects plugins. The sale event will last until Nov 1st, 2022.Highlights includes.
Acoustic Guitar, now only $19.99 (was $99).
Thor, now only $49 (was $299).
GPU Audio has announced the first release in their free beta-suite of plugins, with the Modulation Bundle; featuring a Chorus, a Flanger and a Phaser - all powered by your computer's graphics card. The bundle is the first instalment in a suite of plugins which will include a collection of production effects created with GPU Audio's patented technology - harnessing the parallel processing power of GPUs for ultra low latencies, vast scalability, and the promise of continuous machine learning.
The Modulation Bundle starts off the beta-suite collection, with further instalments being added in bundles in the coming weeks. The beta-suite illustrates our intent to make GPU audio processing accessible to a huge range of producers, sound designers, and musicians - alleviating the pressure and workload ordinarily placed on the CPU.
In the past few months, we've forged official partnerships with AMD and NVIDIA for Windows systems and there is good news for Mac users - we're working closely with Apple right now to roll out support for macOS in November. The Modulation bundle is initially compatible with NVIDIA GPUs only, with increased AMD support and AAX formats coming soon.
Before the end of the year GPU Audio will be releasing an SDK for third party developers. With multiple contracts signed, they have already announced the first 3rd party plugin will be made in conjunction with the Spatial Audio company Mach1.
As with their early-access plugin, the Modulation Bundle will be incrementally updated with new features added as they go - so look out for updates, improvements, and refinements in the near future. All feedback on the collection is valued and gratefully received on their Discord channel where they provide support directly to their community.
Audio Brewers has announced the release of ab Stutter, a new plugin that introduces a concept called 'Impressionism in Immersive Audio' in which they use the dimensional planes of immersive audio to create singular psycho-acoustic effects either in Stereo, Dolby Atmos, or any immersive format thanks to the nature of processing being in Ambisonics.
Here's what they say:
ab Stutter works just like another stutter, with a rate that can be synced to the DAW or be tempo-based, stutter slices can be reversed, looped, and even have knee to avoid pops and clicks.
But that's just the beginning of a complex engine: ab Stutter was designed with spatial audio and the psychoacoustic effects that come with it for those who work in stereo.
Each dimensional plane can be decoupled and controlled independently: The Omnidirectional, the Width, the Height and the Depth plane can be adjusted to have a stutter effect independent from each other. This introduces an singular concept to how spatial audio can be used aside from simply 'locating' a sound in the spatial field.
Having independently controlled stutters, will create phase differences that translate in unique ways to feel Spatial Audio: The user will feel the sound jumping above them, behind them, by their sides, in sync, out of sync, etc.
When working in Dolby Atmos and other immersive or surround formats, this sonic experience will fill the listening area uniquely, as the listener will hear slices happening all around them while their original sound keeps focused.
When working in Stereo, all these slices are mixed-down and their phase coherence and differences create a singular pseudo-binaural psychoacoustic experience.
Resulting stutters can also be three-dimensionally manipulated in real time to add yet another level of complexity to your output sounds.
ab Stutter, is designed to work with Mono, Stereo and 1st/2nd/3rd Order Ambisonics Signals. Meaning that whether a person works with Mono, Stereo or Ambisonics sound sources, they will be able to natively process their sound and get a Stereo or Ambisonics Output, which can later be decoded to any speaker array possible, from binaural all the way to Surround, Atmos, custom speaker arrays.
With ab Stutter a user can:
Work completely in Stereo whilst taking advantage of the psycho-acoustic characteristics sound takes when it's being manipulated three-dimensionally.
Blow-up a Mono/Stereo sound source to Ambisonics, and subsequently to any Surround, Atmos or Immersive format out there.
Work natively with any 1st, 2nd or 3rd Order Ambisonics signal.
Create a stutter effect and Mixdown any 1st, 2nd or 3rd Order Ambisonics signals down to Stereo.
Specifications:
Compatible with Windows and MacOS (from El Capitan Intel to native M1).
Inputs with Mono, Stereo, and Ambisonics (1OA, 2OA, 3OA) signals.
Outputs Stereo, Ambisonics signals (1OA, 2OA, 3OA).
Plugin Formats: AAX, VST3, AU.
Intro Price: 49,00 Euro through 15 November, 2022 (Reg. 59,00 Euro).
Faith Guitars are delighted to announce the release of the 20th Anniversary ‘THE TWENTY’ Legacy series guitars.
Based upon the acclaimed PJE-designed Legacy Series, the new 20th Anniversary Faith models are built to celebrate 20 years since the inception of the Faith Guitars project in 2002.
FG20 guitars comprise three of Faith’s original PJE Legacy body shapes in truly premium specifications: the Mars drop-shoulder dreadnought; the Neptune baby-jumbo; and the Earth orchestra-model.
The ‘TWENTY’ models feature a torrefied Canadian Sitka Spruce top as used on all Faith PJE Legacy Series guitars, paired with the finest, booked-matched and premium-graded Indian Rosewood on the back and sides. Each model showcases a host of exceptional adornments unique to these limited-edition commemorative models, with their tops decorated with an edging of stunning abalone shell and edges and backs bound with richly figured solid Koa surrounded by expertly inlaid abalone.
The FG20’s celebratory pièce de resistance comes in the form of a uniquely designed and hand-inlaid Tree of Life inlay across the 11th, 12th and 13th frets. Each of the leaf sections is an individual piece of abalone, with the trunk section made of Mother of Pearl – designed and realised by Faith guitars artist, percussive fingerstyle guitarist and illustrator, Sean De Burca. (sdeburca.com)
The same A-grade abalone shell is also used for the headstock ‘Faith’ logo, which is complemented by the ‘Patrick James Eggle’ signature inlay, in recognition of Patrick’s own legacy of luthiery.
Onboard electronics are taken care of by Fishman Electronics and their Matrix-T-Blend pickup system: their finest offering, combining a condensor microphone and their incredible ‘MATRIX’ undersaddle pickup.
Retailing from £2029.00 SRP, Faith FG20 THE TWENTY PJE Legacy Series models are available to order now exclusively from Barnes & Mullins with stock availability from early November 2022.
For decades, guitarists have turned to the G&L S•500 for a classic design with added versatility and a bold sound thanks to its MFD pickups, Passive- Treble-Bass tone circuit and expander switch. These enhancements give the S•500 levels of grit, energy and sophistication that other, similar guitars just can’t reach.
The new CLF Research S•500 pauses to consider the history unfolding on Fender Avenue in the late 1970s. It’s a sort of retro-futurist dream, imagining Leo Fender’s late ‘70s Magnetic Field Design pickup technology and Dual Fulcrum vibrato system packaged on a model that could have predated the earliest G&L guitars produced in 1980. For the journey back in time, John R. McLaren has substantially modified the pickups from the current production S•500 spec, including the coil bobbin aperture, length of pole pieces, wire turns and more. John sought to create a softer, sparklier sound without losing the sense of smoothness and strength expected from an S•500.
Dave McLaren’s #Project1979s500 is the prototype for this model, with its development shared with followers of the CLF Research pages on Instagram and Facebook. Interaction with the fans inspired Dave to draw together functional and styling elements prepared at CLF Research in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s, including a 3-ply black pickguard and beautiful machined CLF knobs. Even the headstock is based on the original G&L design, modified to fit Kluson tuners and sporting a ‘70s-flavored “go faster” logo.
The CLF Research S•500 has a look, sound, and vibe that takes us back to the golden age of Leo on Fender Avenue, home of what he considered his finest creations.
The CLF Research S•500 is available in:
Tobacco Sunburst over Okoume, Caribbean Rosewood fingerboard, Vintage Gloss neck finish
Mocha over Okoume, Maple fingerboard, Vintage Gloss neck finish
The CLF Research S•500 is now shipping with a street price starting at $1999
Today, EVH unleashed two more additions to the EVH Wolfgang Standard Exotic line, including Poplar Burl and Laurel Burl. A glamorous new take on the classic contour, this guitar embodies the classic craftsmanship and playability that EVH is known for with distinguished new natural finishes.
The stylish design is just the tip of the iceberg. Each model comes stock with powerful direct mount humbucking pickups crafted with Eddie Van Halen’s soaring tone in mind. Thanks to the Floyd Rose Special bridge, comfortable maple fingerboard and R2 locking nut, The Wolfgang Standard Exotic is optimized for the most dexterous runs, depth defying dive bombs and scorching licks that any player could conjure up.
KEY FEATURES
Basswood body with “comfort cut” forearm contour.
Poplar burl top and natural body binding
12”-16” radius maple fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets
Heel-mount truss rod with adjustment spoke wheel
Signature direct mount EVH® Wolfgang® humbuckers
Three-way toggle pickup selector, single volume and tone controls, and treble bleed circuit
EVH-branded Floyd Rose Special bridge and R2 locking nut
Black chrome hardware
Wolfgang® WG Standard Exotic Laurel Burl ($699.99 USD, £689.00 GBP, €799.00 EUR, $1,399.00 AUD, ¥126,500 JPY) The Wolfgang® WG Standard Exotic Laurel Burl offers a basswood body with special “comfort cut” forearm contour for maximum playing ease, along with attractive natural body binding and a sophisticated laurel burl top. Its bolt-on baked maple neck with graphite-reinforcement rods holds strong against the ravages of temperature and humidity, while a conveniently located spoke wheel at the base of the neck makes for quick and painless truss rod adjustments. Designed for comfortable playability and speed, this stylish axe also features a 12”-16” compound radius baked maple fingerboard with rolled edges, 22 jumbo frets and black dot inlays. Dual EVH® Wolfgang humbucking pickups mounted directly to the body increase vibration transfer, resulting in sustain for days on end. Other features include single volume control with treble bleed circuit, single tone control, EVH-branded Floyd Rose Special bridge and R2 locking nut. Available in Natural with black chrome hardware.
Wolfgang® WG Standard Exotic Poplar Burl ($699.99 USD, £689.00 GBP, €799.00 EUR, $1,399.00 AUD, ¥126,500 JPY) The Wolfgang® WG Standard Exotic Poplar Burl offers a basswood body with special “comfort cut” forearm contour for maximum playing ease, along with attractive natural body binding and a distinctive poplar burl top. Its bolt-on baked maple neck with graphite-reinforcement rods holds strong against the ravages of temperature and humidity, while a conveniently located spoke wheel at the base of the neck makes for quick and painless truss rod adjustments. Designed for comfortable playability and speed, this stylish axe also features a 12”-16” compound radius baked maple fingerboard with rolled edges, 22 jumbo frets and black dot inlays. Dual EVH® Wolfgang humbucking pickups mounted directly to the body increase vibration transfer, resulting in sustain for days on end. Other features include single volume control with treble bleed circuit, single tone control, EVH-branded Floyd Rose Special bridge and R2 locking nut. Available in Natural with black chrome hardware.
Gretsch guitars have launched new finishes to its Streamliner Collection. Available today, the G2622T Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with Bigsby is now available in Brownstone Maple and Stirling Green and the G2655 Streamliner Center Block Jr. Double-Cut with V-Stoptail is available in Midnight Sapphire and Forge Glow Maple.
The secret to the Streamliner’s sound is twofold—the Broad’Tron BT-2S humbucking pickup and the mahogany center block. Designed specifically for the Streamliner Collection, the high-output Broad’Tron pickup delivers improved definition with tighter bass response. A lightweight mahogany center block runs the length of the body, reinforcing the top while eliminating undesirable feedback for volume- friendly performance on modern stages.
G2622T Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with Bigsby
Broad’Tron BT-2S pickups
Double-cutaway 16” arched maple body with chambered mahogany center block
Enlarged F-holes for increased acoustic projection
Nato neck
12”-radius laurel fingerboard with pearloid Big Block inlays and 22 medium jumbo frets
Master volume, master tone and individual pickup volume controls provide complete tone-shaping flexibility
Vintage-style control knobs
Bigsby® B70 vibrato tailpiece
Anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge
Three-ply black pickguard
G2655 Streamliner Center Block Jr. Double-Cut with V-Stoptail
All-new Broad’Tron BT-2S pickups
Double-cutaway smaller body
Arched laminated maple construction with chambered mahogany center block
Enlarged F-holes for increased acoustic projection • Nato neck
12”-radius laurel fingerboard with pearloid Big Block inlays + 22 med. jumbo frets
Master volume, master tone and individual pickup volume controls provide complete tone-shaping flexibility
Vintage-style control knobs
Gretsch V-Stoptail
Anchored Adjusto-Matic bridge
Three-ply tortoise pickguard
Nickel hardware
G2622T StreamlinerTM Center Block Double-Cut with Bigsby® ($549.99 USD, £659.00 GBP, €659.00 EUR, $1,199.00 AUD, ¥88,000 JPY) Revitalizing the best elements from the past, the G2622T StreamlinerTMCenter Block Double-Cut with Bigsby® bursts into the modern music era with powerful sound and style. Brash and feedback-resistant, the sleek G2622T is designed for the guitarist who demands more than the mundane from an instrument—more performance, more style and most importantly, more volume—while retaining all you expect from a Gretsch®. The secret to the Streamliner guitar’s sound is twofold—the Broad’TronTM BT-2S humbucking pickup and the mahogany center block. The high-output Broad’Tron BT-2S pickup delivers improved definition with tighter bass response. A lightweight mahogany center block runs the length of the body, reinforcing the top while eliminating undesired feedback for volume-friendly performance on rocking stages. Available in Brownstone Maple and Stirling Green.
G2655 StreamlinerTM Center Block Jr. Double-Cut with V-Stoptail ($649.99 USD, £509.00 GBP, €589.00 EUR, $999.00 AUD, ¥73,700 JPY) The exhilarating G2655 StreamlinerTM Center Block Jr. Double-Cut with V-Stoptail is designed for three simple things—high gain-friendly performance, slick, easy playability and spectacular style. A sleek music machine, the G2655 cranks out the hits with updated features while staying true to That Great Gretsch Sound!TM The secret to the StreamlinerTM guitar’s sound is twofold—the Broad’TronTM BT-2S humbucking pickup and the mahogany center block. Designed specifically for the Streamliner Collection, the high-output Broad’Tron pickup delivers improved definition with tighter bass response. A lightweight mahogany center block runs the length of the body, reinforcing the top while eliminating undesirable feedback for volume-friendly performance on modern stages. Available in Forge Glow Maple and Midnight Sapphire.
Further to their recent news on distribution of Stringjoy, Audio Distribution Group are pleased to announce that the brand has launched a new series of strings.
“The RANGERS Stainless Steel Roundwound Bass Strings take all of Stringjoy’s experience gained from developing their Signatures Bass Strings and apply it to strings with stainless steel wrap wire, to give bass players the piano-like bass tone full of rich harmonics they have been craving. With a bright top end and full low end they are perfect for standing out in the mix” – Stringjoy.
RANGERS bass string sets will be available and shipping from Audio Distribution Group soon!
“Stringjoy Rangers bass strings are made by a small team in the USA, out of all American materials: top quality steel windings, hand wound around a high carbon hexagonal steel wire”.
“The stainless steel roundwound Rangers give you a full piano-like bass tone with rich harmonics, a crisp, bright top end and a full bottom end. Perfect for bassists looking to stand out from the crowd”.
“We’re known for our quality control. Our strings are wound in small batches, and we use real human beings at every step of the process: the winding, the coiling, the packing, you name it”.
“Every string is inspected individually before it goes into your set. If anything is wrong with a string, from the way it’s secured around the ball end, through the entire winding, it doesn’t make the cut”.
“Available for 4, 5 and 6-string long scale basses, Stringjoy Rangers feature a taper at 37.1″ from the ball end, ideal taper-length for all 34″ and most non-string-thru 35″ scale basses”
Main Features:
Stainless Steel Roundwound Electric Bass Guitar Strings
Top quality stainles steel wound around a high-carbon hexagonal steel core wire
Best both worlds when it comes to bass guitar strings
Treble strings provide snappy sound while low strings offer
Perfect for bassists looking to stand out from the crowd
Piano-like bass tone with rich harmonics and a full bottom end
Better tuning stability for the life of the string
Made in Nashville Tennessee, US.
Fender is unveiling American Vintage II, an electric guitar and bass line that celebrates Fender’s iconic models released during the monumental musical decades of the 50s,60s and `70s – a time in which Fender forever reshaped the sonic landscape with its innovative electric guitar and bass designs.
The American Vintage II Series taps into Fender’s illustrious past to fuse the future of music, while also innovating and looking forward to future player and artists’ needs.
Here’s what’s unique about this series:
Build to original specs, all of them
Nitrocellulose Lacquer Finishes (where vintage accurate) that give the authentic visual aesthetic of vintage Fender guitars that will age beautifully over time.
Vintage-Style Neck Profiles that create the playing experience, feel and sound of the classic guitar and basses celebrated from Fender’s golden age.
Heirloom Quality Year-Specific Pickups that emulate the crystalline, warm tone that is the hallmark of Fender instruments.
Ash and Alder Bodies are traditional Fender tone woods used from the `50s to today and provide the look and sound of classic Fender instruments.
Vintage-Style Hardware recreates the tone and feel of Fender’s classic instruments with an authentic aesthetic.
Vintage-Style Cases protect the instruments with traditional style.
To honor the contribution that the Beatles have made to popular musical culture, Hohner has created the new Hohner Beatles Harmonica. Made in Germany to the highest standards of craftsmanship, this great little instrument offers you the opportunity to join the party and play along!
When the Beatles began their musical career in the early 1960s as an unknown pop group from Liverpool, nobody could have dreamed that their music would still be around over 60 years later. From their humble beginnings, in less than ten years they went on to produce a vast body of timeless compositions which have won a place in the hearts of generations of music lovers around the world.
The songs of the Beatles have played a defining role in popular music over the last six decades and will still be setting standards for years to come. With the new Beatles Harmonica, you too can learn to play these timeless melodies. And remember, the Hohner harmonica played a role in some of the Beatles´ early hits.
MSRP: $49.99.
On the heels of their successful launch into the world of stompboxes, PRS Guitars has just released several additional new products including an amp, two acoustics, and the highly-anticipated Robben Ford signature model electric guitar.
PRS Robben Ford Limited Edition McCarty Model
The PRS Robben Ford Limited Edition McCarty was first teased by Ford back in the summer of 2021. Limited to 200 pieces worldwide for 2022, this limited edition has been meticulously spec’d to deliver the highest level of playability and loud, clear, soulful tone. As an added detail, Paul Reed Smith has hand-signed the front of each headstock and Robben Ford has autographed the backplate of each instrument.
"As a guitarist, everything is important. All the details have an impact. The willingness of Paul and everyone at PRS to dig deep and refine based on my feedback as an artist has been priceless.” – Robben Ford
This limited edition is based on the PRS McCarty model and features a thicker mahogany back, a bound, 22-fret, 25” scale length Pattern mahogany neck, and African Blackwood fretboard. The guitar is anchored by a Vintage-Style tuners and a PRS Stoptail bridge with brass inserts, both of which add to the guitar’s liveliness and tone – as do its thin, hard nitro finish and bone nut. Perhaps most noteworthy on this model are the Robben Ford signature pickups and the modified control layout. Personally dialed-in by Ford and Smith throughout the R&D process, these pickups are tuned to deliver loud, clear, and full tone across the spectrum. Never too dark or overpowering, these pickups are paired with a single volume and tone control, 3-way toggle pickup selector, and a single mini-toggle switch that splits both pickups into single coils.
“Working on this guitar with Robben has been such an enjoyable experience. He pushed us hard to get every detail just right, and in the end, I think we have made an exceptional guitar that feels and sounds as good or better than many of the vintage instruments we hold as our teachers,” said Paul Reed Smith.
PRS HDRX 20 and 1x12 Cabinet
The PRS HDRX 20 amp sounds like an old vintage plexi. PRS has painstakingly recreated the sound of the old transformers and it makes quite a difference in the musical smoothness of the sound.” – Eric Johnson
PRS launched the HDRX amp family in the summer of 2021 with both 100- and 50-watt heads. The PRS HDRX 20 features PRS’s newly documented “Authentic Hendrix” Touring Circuit. This circuit is heavily inspired by one of Hendrix’s personal amps, purportedly used at Woodstock, which Paul Reed Smith and PRS Amp Designer Doug Sewell were able to study in 2018.
Designed to push the high-end so it is very clear, but not so much that it’s harsh, the PRS HDRX shines without glaring and allows for thick yet articulate aggression that can be backed off for smooth, sweet tones. In this lower-wattage package, the HDRX 20 breaks up beautifully at more usable volumes. The addition of a Master Volume control on the HDRX 20, a new feature for HDRX amps, is another modern convenience. Players can use the Master Volume to control the power amp section of the HDRX, making it more user friendly for players who do not want to add a volume attenuator to their setup. The PRS HDRX 20 also features a 3-band TMB tone stack, 2-way bright switch, high-mid gain switch, and presence controls and is designed with internally bridged channels with individual treble and bass volume controls, eliminating the need for a jumper cable (historically used on the outside of the amp).
PRS SE A20E and PRS SE P50E
We are always looking for ways to expand the sounds we are offering. Sometimes that is revolutionary, sometimes evolutionary. The A20E brings all-mahogany focused midrange and warmth to our most-popular body shape, the Angelus Cutaway. The P50E was actually the first parlor instrument we designed and is now bringing a different sonic presence and some added style to PRS parlor guitars.” – Jack Higginbotham, PRS Guitars Chief Operating Officer
The PRS SE A20E Angelus Cutaway body shape delivers comfort and playability and is well-suited for picking and fingerstyle playing. The all-mahogany body gives the PRS SE A20E an organic, warm voice. The PRS SE P50E is a parlor-sized acoustic featuring a solid spruce top and figured maple back and sides, bringing a sophisticated new aesthetic to the popular parlor platform. This body size offers bold projection with more focused tone, and the maple back and sides provide unexpected warmth and tonal transparency.
Both new acoustics feature PRS’s distinct bracing pattern, which is modeled after a speaker cabinet and creates a single-diaphragm instrument. PRS hybrid “X”/Classical top bracing allows the top to freely vibrate and project, while the back and sides are more heavily braced to “lock them down” and encourage the tone of the guitar to push through the top. All PRS SE Series acoustics also feature the PRS-Voiced Fishman Sonitone Pickup system, which allows the natural sound of the instrument to come through. This electronics system features an undersaddle pickup and soundhole mounted preamp with easy-to-access volume and tone controls. Additional high-quality features include solid tops, ebony fretboards and bridges, bone nuts and saddles, as well as PRS trademark bird inlays and headstock design. Both acoustics ship with high-quality gig bags included.
Set for release in 2023, Ibanez has officially announced its latest collaboration with modern guitar Phenom, Tim Henson. The TOD10N is Tim’s newest signature instrument and a vast departure from his original AZ-based guitar. This specialized acoustic/electric immediately drew interest and attention when it appeared on Tim’s social media channels and Polyphia’s music video for their song, Playing God.
Tim’s inspiration for this guitar came from a previous Ibanez design called the SC500N. This older model was unique in that it was a solid body electric, but it utilized nylon strings paired with a Piezo pickup system. While the TOD10N certainly drew inspiration from that model, the specifications are quite different and it’s very much its own creation.
The body shape is based on the FR series but is hollow in its construction. The design also incorporates a discrete sound hole located on the upper bout, directed towards the player. This preserves the clean, modern appearance of the guitar, while also providing clear and accurate acoustic tone. Fan Bracing is another critical element of the TOD10N. A bracing style generally found on classical guitars, it was incorporated to help facilitate and enhance the “Nuevo Flamenco” style Tim and Polyphia have been exploring as of late. Other notable features include a solid Sitka Spruce top, Walnut fretboard, Fishman® Sonicore pickup, and the “Tree of Death” inlay, designed by Tim. The TOD10N will be hitting stores sometime in Q1 of 2023.
Features:
22 frets
FRH body
Solid Sitka Spruce top
Sapele back & sides
Body depth: 50/50mm at neck joint/body end
C shape Nyatoh neck
Walnut fretboard & bridge
46mm width nut
Tree of Death Pearloid inlay
Bone nut & saddle
Gold Classical tuners
Fishman® Sonicore pickup
Ibanez AEQ210TF preamp w/Onboard tuner
Daddario® EXP45 strings
Fan Bracing
15.7” fretboard radius
Side Sound Port
Finish: Transparent Black Flat
LIST PRICE: $1049.99
ESTIMATED STREET PRICE: $699.99
For over forty years, Malcolm Young’s riffs have inspired generations of rock and metal guitarists. Gretsch now honours the late AC/DC co-founder, guitarist, and songwriter with an all-new signature guitar: the G6131G-MY-RB Limited Edition Malcolm Young “Red Beast” Signature Jet.
Malcolm and Gretsch have a storied relationship and this new Signature Jet pays tribute to Malcolm’s famous 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird 6131, aka “The Beast”. Designed in consultation with Malcolm’s nephew, Stevie Young, this Signature Jet reflects the earliest iteration of Malcolm’s famed guitar used in early AC/DC performances and music videos, including “It’s a Long Way to The Top,” before eventually making his own mods and stripping the top.
Key Features
2”-deep double-cutaway chambered mahogany body with maple top
TV Jones® Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity bridge, TV Jones® Starwood humbucker middle and TV Jones® Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity neck pickups
Individual pickup volume controls, master volume, three-position pickup toggle switch, three-position tone switch and three-position standby switch
Harmonica-style Adjusto-MaticTM bridge with pinned ebony base
Available in an aged Vintage Firebird Red finish with black pickguard and aged gold hardware.
G6131G-MY-RB Limited Edition Malcolm Young Signature JetTM, Ebony Fingerboard ($2,799.99 USD, £3,179.00 GBP, €3,699.00 EUR, $5,699.00 AUD, ¥638,000 JPY) Malcolm Young’s fiery rock ‘n’ roll spirit lives on through AC/DC’s enduringly timeless music. It is Gretsch’s great privilege to pay tribute to the groundbreaking rhythm guitarist with the all-new G6131G-MY-RB Limited Edition Malcolm Young Signature JetTM. Nicknamed “The Beast,” Young used this Firebird Red iteration of the guitar in early AC/DC performances and music videos including “It’s a Long Way to The Top,” before eventually making his own mods and stripping the top. To recreate Young’s earliest days with the instrument, the G6131G-MY-RB signature model comes equipped with TV Jones® Ray Butts Ful- Fidelity Filter’TronTM bridge and neck pickups that replicate the unmistakable vintage Gretsch voicing, along with an added TV Jones Starwood humbucker in the middle for clear and punchy tone. Available in Vintage Firebird Red.
Gary Holt is worldwide known as the guitarist of the bands Slayer and Exodus.
Out of conviction, Gary has designed his signature guitar strap model from vegan materials. In addition to high comfort, the main focus in the development was on the high quality and robustness of the materials used.
Holt Awaits!
Width: 2.36 inches
(6 cm)
Length adjustable: 45.7 – 72.8 inches
(116 – 185 cm)
Vegan
Handmade
“Blood splatter” design painted by hand. Each strap is a unique piece.
High-end quality guitar strap. Length adjustment by slide-system.
Material
Vegan textiles and materials.
Robust coated fabric. Water repelent. The middle layer consists of a non-stretchable and extremely tear-resistant tarpaulin.
Perfect grip. The strap is not too slippery, not too sticky.
Robust saddle thread gives the strap a striking contour.
Reinforced area around the pin holes.
After Kirk using Solar Guitars over the last year, Solar Guitars is proud to introduce Kirk’s Signature Model, the E1.6KW. Simplicity equals power to handle Kirk’s requirements for Crowbar and Down with a tried and true EMG81 in the bridge and single volume control to get it done. Style points are registered with a custom NOLA 12th fret inlay and special block inlays on the side of the fretboard offering unmatched stage visibility, even in the darkest environments.
Kirk Windstein has been a staple of the American Metal scene since 1989. Hailing from New Orleans, he has played in a number of influential and successful bands, most notably his own band Crowbar and as a founding member of the heavy metal supergroup, Down. Having toured the world extensively for the last 30 years, he recently rejoined Down for the 25th anniversary of their classic first album NOLA and is also recording Crowbar’s 12th LP.
6 string Type E – Alder body – 3 piece maple neck (thin C profile) with ebony fingerboard – 24,75” scale - 22 stainless steel frets – block side inlays - Solar locking tuners – Tonepros locking TOM with string thru bridge – EMG81 bridge pickup – 1 volume control – gigbag included.
Priced at $1149.
Tone2 Audio has updated the synthesizer-workstation Electra to v2.11. The update comes with VST3 support, a new standalone version and enhancements. It is available for free for all Electra2 users.
New features:
Added a VST3 version for Mac (M1 native and Intel).
Added a standalone version for Mac (M1 native and Intel).
Completely new AudioUnit interface.
AU and VST3 version display the layer of the automation parameter.
The installer of the PC version automatically detects the path of a previous installation to avoid duplicates.
The VST3 version now comes with mousewheel support for all DAWs on PC.
Enhancements:
Many small enhancements.
Fixes:
Workarounds for many DAWs which did not resize the VST3 plugin properly.
Automation in the VST3 version did not work with parameters that were located behind the 10th slot.
Workaround for a bug of Ableton and FL Studio which do not properly stick to the AudioUnit2 standard and did not display the AudioUnit.
Workaround for a bug of Reaper which did display automation parameters incorrectly.
Compatibility fix for Ableton which did not record the automation of knobs from layer2-4 correctly.
KX77FREE has released updates for all its 64-bit plugins (to versions x.06x).
New:
Adding nonlinear curves to Kx Synth x16 plug-in envelopes with relative or absolute mode.
Fixed:
Possible oscillator bug during Cubase 12 initialization.
Plugins pass compatibility tests of Steinberg's VST3 verification tool.
Soundiron has announced the release of Drums of St. Paul, a powerful multi-sampled drumset recorded at St. Paul's Church in San Francisco, California. This library is built for the full retail version of Kontakt 6.22 or later.
Soundiron says:
This library is designed for light to "epic" cinematic drum arrangements, concert percussion, Pop or Rock drum tracks, drum replacement or layering. We've also included 20 unique sound designed ambiences, atmospheres, and sustaining pads to provide tonal leads and background textures.
Drums of St Paul was recorded in the massive sanctuary hall at Saint Paul's Church in San Francisco, CA (the same location as their renowned Requiem Light Symphonic Choir). These powerful samples capture big kick, snare, and tom articulations in 3 microphone positions for a crisp and lush natural reverb and open tone you can blend effortlessly to create an epic sound for any genre.
Intro Price: $12 until October 25th, 2022 (Reg. $19)
Igor Vasiliev has updated the BeatCutter - Rhythm slicing and recombining app for iOS to version 1.8. They say:
BeatCutter is an experimental multi-channel app for slicing and recombining sound based on rhythm. In the center of the app is a matrix of sample cells with smoothly reconfigurable recording, playback and control busses. This app is best for those who would like to experiment with long sound files or live instruments, creating chaotic constructions and patterns from sliced rhythm-driven samples.
All changes:
BeatCutter can be used as an Instrument or Effects plugin in DAWs and hosts on iOS and macOS (AUv3).
Added a panel for quickly selecting a preset, which opens by double tap on the preset name area at the bottom of the screen.
Files recorded in standalone on iOS and macOS are available through the "App" - "Files" panel, and you can save them to any other directory.
In the MIDI control panel, double tap to cell resets the assigned control.
Added fullscreen mode when using the plugin with GarageBand (iOS).
Several minor bugs were fixed.
Price: $15.99
Bitwig has announced that the newly released Spectral Suite add-on is now included as part of Bitwig Studio 4.4, which is out today and available to anyone with a current Upgrade Plan.
Here's what they say:
We've had time to reflect on last week's Spectral Suite announcement and the responses from our community. We apologize for how we handled this and want to make this right.
Spectral Suite is now part of Bitwig Studio 4.4, which has an official release date of October 5, 2022. Anyone with a current Upgrade Plan now owns Bitwig Studio 4.4 and the four Spectral Suite devices. We will contact everyone who purchased Spectral Suite to offer a choice of a refund or an extension of their Upgrade Plan.
Moving forward, all of our Bitwig Studio feature development, including devices, will be covered by the 12-month Upgrade Plan.
Your support of Bitwig Studio (and us) means more than we can say. Thank you.
Onward and upward,
Your Bitwig Team.
Eplex7 DSP has released Unisonizer, a new real time unison VST effect plugin for Windows.
The Eplex7 DSP team says:
Typical unison is effect of synthesizer where oscillator is played more time at the same time and every oscillator signal is detuning in real time, changing its volume, panning and fine-tune. This makes sound heavy and intensive. Usual problem is, that most of synthesizer are working only in monophonic unison mode. This mean you cannot play chords etc.
Many synthesizers do not have unison effect at all. Other synths have unison effect, but their sound is not fat and heavy enough.
For this reason we developed Unisonizer. Just put Unisonizer on any synthesizer, sampler or other instrument channel (ad VST effect in mixer channel) and hear fat unison sound, real-time.
Eplex7 Unisonizer is ideal for synthesizer bass, leadys, keys, pads, sweeps, but can be used also with vocals (to make heavy voice), special FX creation, drums, samples.
Suitable for any music style, mostly drum and bass, synth pop, dubstep, 80s, electro, house, trance, psytrance, tech house, disco and much more.
Features:
3X signal distributor (1X -1 octave detuned signal, normal signal, 1X +1 octave detuned signal) with volume control for every part of separated signal.
Unison vibrato (volume + tune) modulation with Vibrato speed and Vibrato amount.
Unison PAN speed control.
Retardment knob.
Classic Unison detuning module with Rate, Depth, AntiX and Mix knob.
Dry / Wet knob.
Compatibility: Windows 32-bit / 64-bit VST host.
Price: 31 €. There is an introductory price for first 100 customers of 15,90 €.
Digital Brain instruments has released DSP Manager 2, a 64-bit standalone software application developed to manage loudspeaker systems for studios, concerts, venues, conferences or any other kind of event that requires loudspeaker management or routing audio sources to different listening spaces.
It allows managing complex loudspeakers systems (2-way & 3-way) using a computer, soundcard, MIDI controller and VST/AU plugins instead of a crossover hardware unit.
Main features:
4 Stereo Inputs / 4 Stereo Outputs.
Built-In Brickwall Limiter.
4th Order Linkwitz-Riley & 3rd Order Butterworth Crossovers.
2-Way & 3-Way Crossover Modes.
Matrix Mode. Route audio sources to different loudspeaker systems.
5-Band Parametric EQ.
Output Delay Compensation.
Up to 4 plugins on each output.
Recording.
MIDI.
Preset Manager.
What's new in DSP Manager 2:
Improved Audio Engine.
New 4th Order Linkwitz-Riley Crossover Filter.
New Delay Compensation System.
New Built-In Recording System.
New MIDI Assign System.
Compatibility with the latest Mac & Windows OS, including Apple Silicon ARM.
Intro Price: $76 until October 31st, 2022 (Reg. $109).
Available for Mac & Windows. 7-Day Trial version available.
Spectral Plugins has announced the availability of Spacer, a modular effects plugin featuring three reverb processors, two delay units, and other effects.
Spacer offers five re-orderable main processor modules: Reverb, Convolution, Grain Reverb, Delay and Grain Delay. Each comes with its own parameters, its own presets, and its own output EQ.
Next, a final Utilities/Chorus module offers a chorus processor, 'Dimension Expander' effect, saturation, width, air EQ, an instant Haas effect, and vintage ageing.
Spacer Features:
Three Reverbs (Algorithmic, Convolution, Grain).
Two Delays (Simple, Grain).
Modular setup with re-orderable processors.
150 global presets, 200 module presets.
Pitch-shifting technology powered by Zynaptic.
Independent two-band EQs (post module).
Per-effect Mix and Gain controls.
Module and global parameter randomization.
110 Impulse Response types, user import available.
Presence and Air EQ controls.
Multi-Voice Chorus module.
Vintage ageing effect.
Output signal saturation dial.
Haas effect controls.
Intro Price:$69 until December 5th, 2022 (Reg. $119).
Spacer runs as a VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plugin for Mac and PC. For Apple Silicon M1/M2 users, Rosetta is required.
LHI Audio has released ST4b. They say:
ST4b is a multi-band transient shaper, but cooler.
To be blunt: if you've been underwhelmed by transient shapers or never found a use for them, this is the transient shaper for you. It gives you the ability to reshape sounds in ways that no other tools can, regardless of the genre you're working in or whether your material is sampled or synthesized.
ST4b's proprietary detection algorithm gives you control over even the fastest attacks – electronic drums, foley, raindrops, even single-sample impulses (if you're so inclined). It's precise enough that even the maximum boost or cut of 45dB sounds crisp and clean, and a smart auto-gain means you're not constantly adjusting your gain staging. ST4b does it all with minimum CPU load and only 2 samples of latency.
ST4b also includes ST1b, the same transient design algorithm but in a separate single-band plugin.
In addition to the standard transient boost and cut functionality, ST1b also includes the unique feature of "splitting" the signal into transient and body and routing them independently back into your DAW.
Price: €69.
Larry Taylor announces the release of MIDIRMX, a simple utility that allows routing from one MIDI port to another, and monitoring or saving of MIDI data.
Price: $0.99 on the Mac App Store.
The Vienna Symphonic Library has released Synchron World Winds, a brand-new library of nine ethnic woodwind instruments, recorded in the large hall of Synchron Stage Vienna, including:
Synchron Bansuris.
Synchron Dizis.
Synchron Duduks.
Synchron Gajdica.
Synchron Hulusi.
Synchron Koncovka.
Synchron Shakuhachi.
Synchron Tin Whistles.
Synchron Zurna.
Here's what they say:
The instruments are from diverse countries and regions such as India (bansuri), China (dizi, hulusi), Armenia (duduk), Slovakia (gajdica, koncovka), Japan (shakuhachi) the British Isles (tin whistles), and Central Eurasia (zurna), this deep-sampled collection offers a wide range of evocative sounds from exquisite wind instruments.
All instruments feature a wide variety of playing techniques, including short notes, long notes, legatos, portamentos, trills, flutter tongue, repetitions, glissandos, bends, grace notes, ornaments and much more.
The performances on the large Stage A of Synchron Stage Vienna were captured with seven separate phase-coherent microphone configurations to provide a broad range of room options. All of them are available as separate channels in the mixer section of the Vienna Synchron Player, letting users customize their sound according to their needs and liking. A variety of mixer presets makes getting started with perfectly mixed sounds right out of the box easy and rewarding.
All instruments in the Synchron World Winds library were played by multi-instrumentalist, folk instruments expert, and member of the Synchron Stage Orchestra, Veronika Vitazkova. She has played in many orchestras, among them the Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna, the Vienna Chamber Orchestra, and Tonkünstler Orchestra, has toured Europe as a solo flutist with the late Ennio Morricone, and played at esteemed festivals from Salzburger Festspiele to Hollywood in Vienna.
Having performed on countless film scores at Synchron Stage Vienna, Veronika feels very much at home on the large Stage A and marvels at the exceptional acoustics of this scoring stage that contribute substantially to the overall sound of each instrument. Recording for Synchron World Winds, she not only draws from her experiences of performing as a solo artist or ensemble member of the Synchron Stage Orchestra, but also from recording samples for VSL libraries such as Synchron Woodwinds, Big Bang Orchestra, and the free Fujara Flute.
Price: $565 - ($375 sale price) for the Standard Library and $807 - ($560 sale price) for the Full Library. All included instruments are also available separately, starting at $38 during the introductory period.
Keith McMillen Instruments has announced the release of the K-Board C, a colorful upgrade of their K-Board portable MIDI keyboard. Here's what they say:
K-Board C is a simple yet expressive, durable, portable USB MPE MIDI keyboard, and the perfect introduction to the new and exciting sounds possible with MPE synths. The new K-Board features a USB-C port and is available in 5 colors (Galaxy, Snow, Orchid, Lime and Aqua.).
K-Board-C is designed for music producers and performers to use anywhere. K-Board-C works with all of your music software, connecting to your computer or mobile device via USB-C. K-Board-C is MPE compatible with 25 touch sensitive keys to detect velocity, polyphonic aftertouch, and per-key tilt, giving you total control of musical expression. The new K-Board-C enclosure features a durable ABS polycarbonate finish that comes in 5 fun colors: Snow, Galaxy, Orchid, Lime and Aqua. Powerful and portable, the K-Board-C is designed for everyone making music.
We wanted to make an expressive fun keyboard that would delight beginners and experts alike. K-Board-C is durable, easy to play and works with everything. I think the KMI team has hit it out of the park with K-Board-C.
Keith Mcmillen, Founder
Price: $119.
Bela D Media has released two more sample libraries for the free Decent Sampler plugin. New content includes vocal phrases taken from DIVA Revamp and horror effects gathered from Giovani Revive.
Price: $10.00 each.
100% of this can be applied toward the cost of a full version Kontakt upgrade.
Ample Sound has updated Lapsteel and Banjo to v1.5 and Ukulele to v3.5 with native M1 support, Native accessibility, and Guitar Pro 8 tab reader. All Ample Sound products are native M1 with this update.
New Features:
Native support for Mac M1 machines.
Native accessibility support on both Windows and Mac.
Tab Reader supports Guitar pro 7 and 8 format.
Improved sample engine, memory management, and efficiency.
New VST3 parameter system.
Updated AAX format version.
Added support for multiple sample rate.
Improved DSP algorithms such as impulse response.
Optimized UI display.
New standalone – Rectangles.
Riffer now supports 64 measures at max, with navigation markers.
Added Sync feature in Delay.
Issue Fixed:
Fixed a potential problem related to the DAW clock.
Fixed a potential problem in the process of loading sample library.
Fixed an issue of the velocity sense parameter.
Fixed potential crash caused by a bug in main panel and Strummer UI.
Fixed a number of bugs in Strummer, Riffer, and the conversion between Strummer pattern and riff.
Ample Sound users can update for free through the MyAmpleSound webpage.
Ample Sound is running a sale for ASL, AEBJ and AEU with a 25% off discount until November 10, 2022.
Iceberg Audio has released Sub Cut, a plugin
designed to help producers make precise and
accurate cuts at low frequencies. They say:
The plugin follows Iceberg Audio's popular instrument "The Sub" and features a similar minimalist design and an intense focus on the job of removing low end from audio.
Producers typically use generic EQ tools to target low frequencies. Sub Cut allows producers to focus on the region below 220Hz and apply accurate cuts when mixing. Sub Cut features an AUTO mode that analyses audio in real-time and continually adjusts the cut by following the notes of the source material.
The plugin can also generate test tones at sub frequencies to help identify problematic frequencies both in tracks or in the studio.
The Sub was released in 2020 and now features a range of expansion packs providing a wide range of curated bass sounds. The new plugin, Sub Cut, can be used independently or as a complementary tool to The Sub. Sub Cut can be used to clear low end space before using The Sub.
Sub Cut is available as a 14 day trial.
Intro Price: $35 from the Iceberg Audio Website (regular $49).
Antonov Samples has announced the release of Whistler, a whistle sample library for the full version of Kontakt (5.8.0+).
Features:
Legato feature.
4 Round Robins per note.
Realistic and Rich sound.
Intro Price: $89 (Reg. $139).
Samples From Mars has released Viscount From Mars, a drum sample pack. SFM says:
The Viscount R64 is one of the more mysterious drum machines we've ever sampled. There's little to no information about it online, and by some accounts there are less than 10 functional units left in existence (not to be confused with the later and more common model R64S). What we do know is that the R64 was released in 1980 by Viscount, an Italian, family-run manufacturer that began in the 1800s making accordions, and have since made everything from synths to bicycles. Despite having rhythm box patterns, it sounds more like a cross between a Lindrum and a Drumulator. Super funky machine that sounds right at home making Italo disco.
What You Get:
(560) Samples at 24-bit 44.1k.
(320) Viscount loops including Full, Tops, and Stripped.
(240) One Shots, with clean, color, and pitch variations.
Includes all 64 Factory Loops, in stereo, with additional stripped and tops patterns at various tunings.
(150) Repaired (de-noised) loops.
(5) pitches for Bass Drum, Snare, Rimshot, Handclap, Agogos, Bongos, Hi Hat, Clave, Cowbell, and Percussion Combos.
Loops are stereo with original panning.
Round Robin Cymbals at (6) different tone settings.
One Shots organized into (5) 16x hit kits.
(4) Ableton and MIDI Groove files.
Recorded though a Radial J-DI, API 1608 console, & Apogee Symphony MKII, and processed with an Overstayer NT-02A, API 2500 Compressor, and API 560 EQ.
100% Hardware processing.
850 MB Unzipped.
Intro Price: $19 (Reg. $29).
nakst has updated the Integrate synthesizer for CLAP hosts and FL Studio to version 1.1.
This adds several features, including support for Linux and Windows 7, eight new distortion algorithms, a separate effects plug-in called IntegrateFX, and a dark theme.
The update is free for all existing owners.
Price: $54.99. During October it is available for $38.49 (30% off) as part of a Halloween sale.
Mercuriall Audio has updated their amp modeling suite Ampbox to version 1.1.3.
Changelog:
Fixed:
In rare cases, Metal Area pedal was adding a DI signal to the main tone.
Presets with external IRs saved in Ampbox < 1.1.2 were incorrectly showing the IR names.
Added:
Native Apple Silicon installer.
SKnote has released F76 FET compressor. They say:
F76 is a detailed model of "the famous one". FET compression, fast action, snappy.
It was modelled at component level for greatest detail, also adding a couple of special features like complete control on combinations of pressed Ratio buttons (hold "Shift" for that.) and a control on the headroom of the preamplifier stage (that, being in the feedback loop, strongly interacts with compression. Try about 70% Headroom with all-buttons-in on drums).
It is great on drums, vocals, guitars, bass, piano and all sources where some character is useful.
It features SKnote's new registration system that makes registration transparent and immediate and also manages a full-featured, no-restrictions, Demo mode. Just set and go. It will be fully-functional for 14 days from the first use.
Main features:
Component-level model of the original hardware.
Full control on all possible combinations of Ratio buttons (including the famous "All-in" setting).
Extra control for preamplifier "Headroom", for fine control on interaction between feedback compression and stage saturation.
Extra control for sample-aligned mixing between processed and dry signal, for parallel compression.
Auto-gain function, the output volume automatically matches output to input level (no ear-fooling by levels).
Simple to use.
Simple preset management with copy-paste and clear-text option (share presets as text).
Resize-able interface (VST3/AU).
Price: $39.99.
HoRNet Plugins has updated JammingRock, their amplifier simulator and effects collection dedicated to reggae music.
The new 1.0.1 version is a maintenance release and includes:
Fixed plugin not working on mono tracks.
Fixed weird sound when stopping g transport in some DAWs.
Fixed standalone app not working with audio interfaces with less than two inputs.
The update is free for owners of the plugin and can be downloaded with HoRNet DoIn or from the user area
UnitedPlugins has released Cryostasis, an effect to freeze the sound of individual tracks or whole songs. They say:
Cryostasis is a spectral inertia effect that can progressively smear your audio until infinitely frozen in time. You can use the various controls to change the sound of the freeze effect. For example, the Size parameter will change the time length of the spectral window, which completely changes the sonic character.
Cryostasis would typically be used in electronic music projects. But it can be used on guitars or other acoustic instruments. Cryostasis can serve many purposes: Create tape-stop effects, rhythmical effects or creative transitions between song parts. Also, the ways to trigger Cryostasis may vary. Control the main freeze knob by hand, DAW automation or simply set the melt-to-frost time in milliseconds or musical measures and engage the effect by hitting a button.
There is a 15-day, fully working trial version.
Price: €79. There is an intro price €19 until the 13th of October, 2022.
UVI has announced the release of Falcon 2.8, the latest update to their flagship hybrid instrument.
The update features the all-new Texture oscillator, 7 new effects including the pitch-shifting Shifter and Harmonizer, the expanded Dual Delay X, Diffuse Delay, Velvet Delay, Granulizer, and the vintage-inspired Feedback Compressor, a collection of new scripts including Chip Arp, Ostinato Arp, Waterfall, Slicer Remixer, Strum Wheel, and Tape Mod, 100 new presets in the new "Organic Texture" category, and enhancements to the Multi Envelope modulator, allowing the extrapolation of brightness, transient, and pitch envelopes from audio files to use as a modulation source.
Falcon 2.8 is available immediately for all users of Falcon through the UVI Portal desktop app, or at uvi.net.
Chief among the updates is the all-new Texture oscillator, a two-channel texture and noise generator that lets users easily create complex and evolving sounds, with pitch, blending, filtering and more. Falcon 2.8 features a powerful assortment of new effects including the new Shifter and Harmonizer pitch-shifting effects, a new Granulizer effect, enhanced Dual Delay X now with dispersion, diffusion, digital grit, and tape saturation, the all-new Diffuse Delay and Velvet Delay, novel delay lines ideal for morphing sounds into lush ambience, and a new take on vintage compressor designs with the featured Feedback Compressor.
Falcon 2.8 also includes a selection of all-new sequencers and scripts, including the Chip Arp for creating video game-inspired arpeggios, Ostinato Arp, a 4-part evolving pattern generator, Waterfall arp, Slice Remixer, a featured interface for the Slice oscillator allowing slice sequencing and randomization, Strum Wheel, a performance utility that lets you strum notes with MIDI CC, and Tape Mod, for adding lo-fi vibes with wow and flutter.
Falcon represents the pinnacle of hybrid instrument design, with unrestricted use and layering of oscillators, effects, modulation generators and event processors for nearly unlimited sound design potential. Falcon offers native 64-bit operation in stand-alone and plug-in formats, supports surround setups up to 10.2 channels, is compatible with all UVI and UVI-Powered soundbanks, and provides simultaneous authorization on up to 3 computers or iLok keys.
UVI
Falcon 2.8 is a free update for existing users, and is available immediately through UVI Portal. Falcon and 2 free Falcon Expansions are available at the reduced price of $244 / 244€ through October 17th, 2022 (regularly $427 / 427€). The discount is applied automatically when users add Falcon and 2 Falcon Expansions to their cart.
Falcon and the entire catalog of UVI products is also available with UVI SonicPass. For $24/24€ a month or $240/240€ annually.
Moog Music have released an assortment of new accessories for current synth owners and those interested in getting into Eurorack for the first time. Now available at Moog dealers worldwide.
Moog Powered Eurorack Cases (60HP & 104HP)
Moog’s new Powered Eurorack Case, available in both 60HP and 104HP formats, invites modular artists to expand their setups and serves as the perfect jumping-off point for anyone interested in constructing their very first Eurorack system.
The intuitive plug-and-play unit features 10 Eurorack-compatible 16-pin power connectors and is designed for low-noise performance, high efficiency, and convenient input voltage compatibility. Mount your modules perfectly every time with the included sliding nuts and mounting screws. Once assembled, all modules can be turned on or off as a system using the rear-mounted power on/off button.
Featuring a durable aluminum case with wood sides, the Moog Powered Eurorack Case offers a versatile solution for expanding your setup of Moog’s semi-modular family of synthesizers (Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Mavis) and the case’s angled extrusion mounts into Moog 2-Tier, 3-Tier, and 4-Tier Rack Kits. The 60HP case allows for easy expansion of Mavis alongside smaller Eurorack modules, while the 104HP option perfectly fits Mavis plus one Mother-32, DFAM, or Subharmonicon.
Dust Covers for Matriarch, Grandmother & More
Moog’s latest dust covers are designed specifically to protect Matriarch, Grandmother, two-tier setups, and three-tier setups, made with high-quality materials and features customized for these instruments and configurations.
Protective coverings are essential for keeping these coveted semi-modular synths safe when not in use.
Each water-repellant dust cover is made from rugged Ballistic Cordura to safeguard gear from dust, spills, and other studio (and stage) mishaps, while the ultra-soft interior remains gentle against the instrument. This protective covering is custom fit with room to accommodate patch cabling and rear I/O panel access.
By leveraging its iconic past and leaning into the future, Epiphone has set the stage for the next era of sound for present and future generations. Epiphone is proud to take the next step in its partnership with world-famous guitarist and guitar collector Joe Bonamassa and launch the Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 in Sixties Cherry. The Epiphone Joe Bonamassa 1962 ES-335 is now available worldwide at authorized Epiphone dealers.
“I used my Gibson 335 on my first solo album because I wanted to sound like Eric Clapton,” says Joe Bonamassa. “A 335 makes you sound different because it’s semi-hollow, but it also has a very unique, fat and warm sound that no other guitar has. I sold the guitar about three years later to finance a move from NYC to Los Angeles. For almost 17 years I searched for that guitar, but then I finally got it back and now I want to share it with you.”
Introduced in 1978 among the earliest models in the Boss compact series, the DS-1 redefined the sound of distortion and remains as influential today as ever. Its hard-edged attack and smooth sustain have made it the best-selling compact effect, with over 1.5 million units sold to date. The iconic orange stomp is behind the signature sounds of a long list of rock, alternative, and fusion legends, and its aggressive tone can be heard on countless famous tracks. Filled with artful Waza Craft refinements, the DS-1W expands the DS-1 experience for a broader range of styles and applications.
Standard mode on the DS-1W delivers the authentic sound of the original in every way. Its innovative two-stage gain circuit is a critical part of the fullness and definition that so many guitarists love about the DS-1. The versatile tone control affects low and high frequencies, simultaneously boosting and cutting each end of the frequency spectrum as the knob is turned. This allows players to dial in the sound for any application, from sharp rhythms and searing solos to maintaining low-end clarity when boosting amps and other drive pedals.
The Boss DS-1W Distortion will be available in the U.S. in October for $149.99.
Ueberschall has released their newest loop library Concert Guitar for the Elastik Player. Here is what they say about it:
With seriously cool playing and an ultra-smooth vibe, Concert Guitar can both inspire your next song idea and provide the classy instrumental hook needed to make that song stand out. The library is an ideal choice to bring something extra-special to your next RnB, HipHop, LoFi, Downtempo, Lounge or Chill project.
Smooth Sound Of A 6-String Nylon Guitar
Concert Guitar contains over 3 GB of sample data comprising 239 individual loops and phrases. With original tempos ranging from 60 to 98 BPM, the performances are perfect for that downtempo feel. However, with Elastik's powerful tempo features, you can always get a perfect tempo match to your host project. The loops are organized into 47 different performance folders, each containing multiple unique phrases. The phrases are 8 bars or up to 32 seconds in length and, within each folder, they feature both rhythmic/chordal parts and solo/melodic lines. The phrases can therefore be used individually or easily layered.
Sophisticated Downtempo Moods
The phrases are available in two Elastik soundbanks. The DRY soundbank includes both DI and close microphone recordings of each phrase. This soundbank provides a direct and intimate sound without any effects and is ready to be used with your own choice of processing applied. The FX soundbank contains the same loops with a beautiful touch of mix-ready ambience provided by some high-quality reverb and delay; drop them in your project and you are good to go.
Instant Touch Of Musical Class
Recorded with the usual pristine signal flow, Concert Guitar contains an inspiring collection of session-ready guitar performances. Whether it's for Downtempo, HipHop, LoFi, RnB, Lounge or Chill, nothing delivers that mellow vibe better than a beautifully played hook on a nylon 6-string concert guitar.
Credits
Guitar played by Kai Reuter.
Elastik Features
The Elastik-Player is the ideal plug-in for Concert Guitar with efficient time-stretching, pitch-shifting and scale syncing. Functions like resample, formant, reverse and the multimode filter make further loop manipulation quick and easy. Elastik's attribute-based browser locates specific sounds across all installed Elastik libraries within seconds.
Attention: Please note that the backing loops used in the demo are not part of the library!"
3.3 GB, 239 Loops & Phrases
http://www.ueberschall.com
Instrument: Acoustic Guitar
Elastik Soundbank for Mac/Win - AU/VST/AAX/StandAlone
Elastik Player included - no sampler required.
Price: 49,- Euro.
Cherry Audio has announced Sines, an innovative polyphonic synthesizer utilizing diverse waveshaping to bend pure sine waveforms into variable and complex shapes and sounds. With four sine-wave oscillators, wide-ranging modulation capabilities, and integrated effects, Sines users can create a distinctive array of unique timbres.
The state-of-the-art Sines interface provides immediate access to all sound parameters and comes alive with illuminated indicators, color, and mini oscilloscopes, providing instant visual feedback. The primary sound design controls highlight the "four of everything" nature of Sines: four LFOs with 14 wave shapes, four oscillators, and four envelope generators. At the core of each section are unique sine-wave oscillator waveshaping controls: feedback, phase, width, shape, wavefold, and drive, along with a sub and super sine-wave oscillators. Phase modulation and ratio controls allow oscillators to be configured in modulator/carrier arrangements for four-op DX/FM-style synthesis.
Sines also features a multimode filter, an arpeggio, a selection of effects, a drift function, and an eight-band graphic EQ. Many controls include an adjacent mod source button, and a comprehensive four-slot mod matrix provides modulation options for nearly every Sines parameter.
We've been looking forward to bringing another of our novel concepts to life following the success of Dreamsynth, our first original synthesizer," said Dan Goldstein, CTO and lead developer at Cherry Audio. "Sines was an ideal opportunity to merge West Coast and East Coast synthesis styles in a way anyone can immediately explore to create their own sounds. The unique aspect of Sines is that it's like having three synthesizers in one," added Mitchell Sigman, Lead Designer. "The subtractive aspect processes waveshaped sine waves through an analog-style filter. The additive approach allows stacking of sine waves like a super-powered tonewheel organ. And the oscillators can be configured to modulate each other for classic DX-style FM results. We can't wait to hear what users do with Sines.
Sines is available now from Cherry Audio for $39 (Reg $59)
First released in 1995, the original Dunlop Trigger Capo quickly became the go-to for live performances—it can be placed anywhere with a quick squeeze of the hand thanks to its sleek, lightweight design and balanced tension. The Trigger Fly Capo takes all of that to the next level with a more ergonomic grip, a specially engineered spring mechanism for precise, even pressure and easy placement, and an optimized rubber pad that allows notes and chords to ring out with smooth clarity up and down the fingerboard.
Trigger Fly Capo highlights:
Our most popular design with better handling and tuning stability than ever
Streamlined grip for more comfortable, ergonomic feel
Custom spring mechanism for easy placement and precise intonation
Optimized fret pad ensures notes ring out with smooth clarity
Available in black, satin chrome, and gun metal finishes
$25.99 MSRP
FeelYourSound has released version 1.1.0 of its MIDI generator plug-in ChilloutEngine (VST + AU).
ChilloutEngine is a specialized songwriting tool. It turns your chord progressions into relaxed keys, smooth basslines, memorable hooks, and lovely arpeggios. If you don't have your own chord progression yet, ChilloutEngine can generate one for you. Different progression algorithms make it easy to start a new song from scratch.
The plug-in is suitable for all Chillout styles, but it is a good fit for other genres as well.
ChilloutEngine comes with a big list of presets for all occasions. The influences reach from classic Downtempo and Ambient songs to modern Lo-fi, Chillstep, and Lounge tracks.
New in ChilloutEngine 1.1.0:
The chord progression generator "Lock scale" feature works with more than just the Minor and Major scales now (you can generate Lydian, Dorian, etc. progressions as well now).
UI scaling from 50% to 200% (new settings icon at the upper left of the starting page).
42 new presets (10 drone notes, 2 arpeggio layered, 5 arpeggio non-layered, 10 bass, 6 keys and chords, 2 keys free playing, 4 rhythmic chords, 3 chord stabs).
Price: $46 / €46 (Standard version) and $368 / €368 (Pro version). The update is free for all customers.
Voices of Eclipse for Omnisphere, is the second release in Plughugger Dark Cinematic series, based on both traditional and experimental choirs. The majority of the sounds are based on recordings from the Spectrasonics Symphony of Voices library, but have been taken further with the processing engines in Omnisphere.
The sounds are based entirely on choirs, classical, pop as well as experimental vocal recordings.
Voices of Eclipse contains 174 sounds:
16 Effects.
72 Pads & Strings.
46 Textures & Soundscapes.
40 Multis.
Intro price: 9.90 Euro / 50% off until the until October 16th, 2022. Use coupon code DARKVOICES to get the discount. Ordinary price is 19.90 Euro.
Today, Charvel announced two new finishes coming to its Pro-Mod Series. Available today, the Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M, Maple Fingerboard is now available in a Cherry Kiss Burst finish and beginning next Thursday, October 13, the Pro-Mod San Dimas® Style 1 HH FR E Ash will be available in a Sunburn finish.
Crafted with style and playability in mind, these instruments blend timeless design with features and technology that make them perfectly suited for the modern-day shredder and purists alike. Above all else, they build upon Charvel’s storied legacy of excellence, playability and innovation.
Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M, Maple Fingerboard
Alder body
Graphite reinforced maple neck with satin urethane finish
12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets
Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 humbucking bridge pickup and Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6N humbucking neck pickup.
Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo bridge system
Now offered in Cherry Kiss Burst
Also offered in Satin Primer Gray, Gamera Black, and Platinum Pink
Pro-Mod San Dimas® Style 1 HH FR E Ash
Alder body
Bolt-on graphite reinforced maple neck
12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets
Direct mount Seymour Duncan JB TB-4 humbucking bridge pickup and Seymour Duncan ‘59 SH-1N humbucking neck pickup.
Push/pull coil split and no-load tone control
Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo bridge system
Now offered in Sunburn
Also offered in Sin City Sparkle, Platinum Pearl, Chameleon, Lime Green Metallic, and Miami Blue
Pro-Mod So-Cal Style 1 HSH FR M ($1,099.99 USD, £1,029.00 GBP, €1,199.00 EUR, $2,299.00 AUD, ¥165,000 JPY) Born from a love of high-speed playing and So-Cal style, this high-octane axe is packed with the classic playability and innovative design elements that have made Charvel® a legendary name in high performance. The comfortable So-Cal body is sleekly sculpted out of alder and paired with a rock-solid bolt-on maple neck with a pair of graphite-reinforcement rods to handle the ravages of the road and climate. A conveniently located heel-mount spoke wheel allows rapid truss rod tweaks. Engineered for effortlessly nimble playing, the speed neck profile and 12”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets is perfect for all playing styles—from low end riffing to soaring leads with dizzying upper-register bends. Hot-rodded for unparalleled performance and sound, this instrument hosts a high-output Seymour Duncan Distortion TB-6 humbucking bridge pickup, Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat® SSL-6 Single-Coil middle pickup and Seymour Duncan Distortion SH-6N humbucking neck pickup. This powerful trio produces aggressive harmonics in the bridge position for distinguished blues and metal runs, the perfect blend of heightened output and springy Stratocaster® attitude in the middle, and the ideal searing, crunchy tone for brazen leads at the neck. Other features include five-way blade pickup switch, volume control and a no-load tone control that operates like a standard tone control from positions one through nine and is removed from the circuit at position ten for transparent sound, letting the full natural voice of the guitar shine through, and Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo system. Available in Cherry Kiss Burst with white pickguard and chrome hardware.
Pro-Mod San Dimas® Style 1 HH FR E Ash ($1,399.99 USD, £1,159.00 GBP, €1,349.00 EUR, $2,999.00 AUD, ¥203,500 JPY) The Pro-Mod Series continues Charvel’s storied legacy of innovative excellence in high-performance guitar design, offering modern players the latest technology and top-notch features. The Pro-Mod San Dimas® Style 1 HH FR E Ash boasts scorching sound, stunning style and unrivaled feel and performance. It’s Sandblasted ash San body is coupled with a bolt-on speed maple neck featuring graphite-reinforcement, and comfortably rolled fingerboard edges for the broken-in feel. Perfect for fast tempos, the 12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard has 22 jumbo frets, white dot inlays and a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel. The DiMarzio Super Distortion DP100 bridge pickup is an ideal blend of full lows, defined mids and soaring highs that can handle lead or rhythm playing, while the DiMarzio PAF Pro DP151 neck pickup rips with intense mid and high frequencies that pair well with high-gain amps. Other features include red and yellow pickup bobbins, three-way blade pickup switch, tone control and volume control with push/pull coil splitting and Floyd Rose 1000 Series double-locking tremolo bridge system. Available in Sunburn with black hardware.
The new CAD Audio WXGTS Digital Wireless Guitar System provides high-quality wireless audio in an easy to use, compact design, eliminating the need for cumbersome body packs, offering speedy instrument changes in the studio or live stage environment.
Synchronising channels and frequencies at the touch of a button and with status LEDs for power, pairing, transmitting mode and low battery level, this stylish CAD Audio WXGTS Digital Wireless Guitar System, operates within the 2.4 GHz bandwidth, delivering pristine, interference-free 24-bit audio quality.
Built with robust materials within a cool guitar shape design and a 280-degree rotating body, the CAD WXGTS can support up to 6 units operating simultaneously, or one transmitter paired with as many as 6 receivers at a time, with up to 100ft range of maximum freedom of movement, and 5 hours performance from one single USB charge.
CAD Audio WXGTS Digital Wireless Guitar System includes a double USB charging lead and 1/4″ jack to stereo 3.5mm adaptor.
Whilst designed for acoustic, electric and bass guitar players to freely roam the stage, studio or rehearsal room, the versatile CAD Audio WXGTS Digital Wireless Guitar System, also provides dependable wireless performance for use with a host of electronic instruments like keyboards, synthesisers or electronic drums for example.
The CAD Audio WXGTS Digital Wireless Guitar System is the perfect choice for musicians who have yet to experience the benefits of a lead-free performance and, another superb example from the vast range of CAD Audio Professional instrument products.
Price: £99.99 rrp. Includes double USB charging lead.
Malcolm and Gretsch have a storied relationship and this new Signature Jet pays tribute to Malcolm’s famous 1963 Gretsch Jet Firebird 6131, aka “The Beast”. Designed in consultation with Malcolm’s nephew, Stevie Young, this Signature Jet reflects the earliest iteration of Malcolm’s famed guitar used in early AC/DC performances and music videos, including “It’s a Long Way to The Top,” before eventually making his own mods and stripping the top.
For over forty years, Malcolm’s riffs have inspired generations of rock and metal guitarists. Today, Gretsch honors the late AC/DC co-founder, guitarist, and songwriter with an all-new signature guitar: the G6131G-MY-RB Limited Edition Malcolm Young “Red Beast” Signature Jet.
Features
2”-deep double-cutaway chambered mahogany body with maple top
TV Jones® Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity bridge, TV Jones® Starwood humbucker middle and TV Jones® Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity neck pickups
Individual pickup volume controls, master volume, three-position pickup toggle switch, three-position tone switch and three-position standby switch
Harmonica-style Adjusto-MaticTM bridge with pinned ebony base
Available in an aged Vintage Firebird Red finish with black pickguard and aged gold hardware
MSRP: $3399.99.
Tom Wolfe has released Aurora Pt. 2, a new soundbank for Arturia Pigments.
Following on from the original Aurora soundbank, Aurora Pt. 2 features over 100 brand new textural presets that explore the depths of cinematic atmosphere. With a collection of 74 samples created using hardware synths, guitars and effects pedals, Aurora Pt. 2 uses Pigments granular engine to create rich, ambient soundscapes. Brimming with long, evolving textures full of light movement, Tom Wolfe describes this soundbank as oozing cinematic ambience.
Also available is the Aurora Collection, a bundle of both Aurora soundbanks at a discounted price, with over 200 presets and 114 soundsources included.
Prices:
Aurora Pt. 2 - £14.99 until 19th October 2022 (regularly £24.99).
Aurora Collection - £29.99 until 19th October 2022 (regularly £39.99).
rncbc.org has announced the Early-Autumn'22 release of Qtractor version 0.9.29, and Vee One Suite version 0.9.27 of old-school software instruments, for GNU/Linux.
Qtractor is an audio/MIDI multi-track sequencer application written in C++ with the Qt framework. Target platform is Linux, where the Jack Audio Connection Kit (JACK) for audio and the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) for MIDI are the main infrastructures to evolve as a fairly-featured Linux desktop audio workstation GUI, specially dedicated to the personal home-studio.
Changes for this season's release are as follows:
Capture same time(stamp) note-off tracking and postponing is now on trial, hopefully mitigating a legato issue, reported to MIDI wind instruments (EWI). (EXPERIMENTAL).
Fixed an old window parenting (aka z-level) issue, related to the Add Track and Track Properties dialogs and whether called from the main or mixer menus.
Fixed the out-of-process plugin scanner terminating too soon and sometimes miss some very last results.
Fixed another old bug in MIDI note-off messages not being sent while playing after a loop region.
Fixed a pretty ancient bug in the VST(2.x) plug-in program names inventory, present when building to the VeSTige header (which is still the default).
The Vee One Suite is comprised of four separate, autonomous software instruments, which are:
synthv1 - a polyphonic subtractive synthesizer.
samplv1 - a polyphonic sampler synthesizer.
drumkv1 - a drum-kit sampler synthesizer.
padthv1 - a polyphonic additive synthesizer.
All still delivered in dual form:
A pure stand-alone JACK client with JACK-session, NSM (Non/New Session Management) and both JACK MIDI and ALSA MIDI input support;
A LV2 instrument plugin.
Changes for this release are:
Fixed MIDI Controller... modeless dialog (de)instantiation.
Custom color/style themes applies only to main widget only.
Fixed typos and updated some old MIDI GM2 Controller names.
Both Qtractor and the Vee One Suite are free, open-source Linux Audio software, distributed under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2 or later.
audiolatry has released 808XD, a free 808 bass virtual instrument for Windows and macOS.
The plugin consists of 31 instrument presets ranging from saturated, distorted, modulated, experimental, and (fairly) clean versions.
808XD's main theme is dirty, detuned, deep and hard-hitting 808s, which make it suitable for any styles where these types of bass sounds are required: Trap, Hardstyle, EDM, Lofi, etc.
The interface is simple with distortion section, modulation, cutoff for the highpass & lowpass filters, attack & release envelope, voice selector, and glide amount selector.
Features:
109 MB extracted size / 90 MB download size.
31 bass presets.
Global gain & pan.
Envelope section with attack & decay.
LFO modulation section.
Voice mode & glide.
Lowpass/highpass filter cutoff.
Distortion with drive, gain & mix.
Cabinet emulation.
808XD is 100% free and comes in VST/VST3 plugin versions for Windows and VST/VST3 & AU plugin versions for macOS.
Bitwig has announced the release of the first add-on product for Bitwig Studio: Spectral Suite includes four audio FX devices designed to offer a new level for mixing and sound design. And it comes with a companion sound package, showcasing some of what the new devices make possible with 100+ presets and clips.
Spectral Suite Devices
The Spectral Suite audio FX are tools for new sonic exploration. Each device focuses on a different musical element (like loudness, harmonic content, transients, frequency), and then gives you individual controls for those different aspects of a sound. Where you need detailed mix tweaks or creative sonic ruptures, this work is now possible within each sound.
Spectral Suite works in the frequency domain, which separates the incoming sound into hundreds of frequency bands for analysis. Each moment of a sound isn't simply loud or quiet, for example, because there are always frequencies that are loud and those that are quiet. Bitwig does the math and then groups related signals into "channels". From there, you mix the channels as you normally would: adjust the volume, move the panning, or insert any Bitwig devices or VST/CLAP plug-ins.
All four devices have an identical structure for each of their channels, and the same output section (with Pre FX and Post FX chains, as well as a Mix control for blending dry signal back in).
What makes each device unique are the musical/sound qualities it gives you access to:
Transient Split divides percussive transients from tonal sounds. Stuttering only the drum hits in a full music loop might be nice. Or separating instruments from percussion allows you to mix the way you want to.
Freq Split distributes a sound across four channels, like a set of filter banks. With random delay times and panning on each channel, we've got a spectral delay. Or use Bitwig's modulators to shuffle thru a different effect on each channel for a new kind of phaser.
Loud Split separates the quiet, mid, and loud elements within a sound. Cranking up the softest parts of a sound will instantly transform it. Or let a thin section of the sound ring out without breaking the mix.
Harmonic Split spreads harmonics into two groups, and collects non-harmonics into a third channel. We could isolate the fundamental frequency and give everything else some distance. Or maybe distorting the even harmonics and adding chorus to the odds is the new cool thing?
Outer Spectra Sound Package
Outer Spectra, the accompanying sound package to Bitwig's Spectral Suite, includes over 70 audio FX presets for Freq Split, Harmonic Split, Loud Split and Transient Split, which can be loaded as audio FX or (in some cases) as synths with spectral devices in the FX slots.
What you put into a spectral analyzer goes a long way in determining what you'll get out of it, so you'll also find 75 clips and 57 audio files that correspond to Outer Spectra's audio processors. This ready-made audio content covers a broad range of musical styles, from heavy techno to live instrumental loops, basslines, pads and beats. Load the presets with their corresponding clips to get a sense of what each one does and what Bitwig's spectral devices are capable of, whether that's sound design-related or mixing tasks, like widening the stereo field or reducing reverb.
Availability
Spectral Suite is an add-on for Bitwig Studio, and it's available now with an introductory price of 79 USD/EUR or as a bundle with Bitwig Studio + Spectral Suite for 479 USD/EUR. If you have an older version of Bitwig Studio you can now get the 12-month Upgrade Plan + Spectral Suite for 199 USD/EUR. The introductory offers are available thru October 23, 2022.
Try Spectral Suite by downloading the Spectral Suite Demo Project and opening it up (with the just released Bitwig Studio v4.3.9 or later).
Hidenori Matsuoka has updated Chord NOTE to v8.0.1 and Piano Kit to v5.0.1. These updates support iOS 16 officially and include some fixes.
Chord NOTE changes:
Fixed an issue on iOS 16 where after recording with microphone, the recorded sound could not be played until the popup window was reopened.
Fixed interval display of Chord dim(b13).
Added iOS 16 official support.
Piano Kit changes:
Improved the display of some UI elements of Direct Menu.
Fixed interval display of Chord dim(b13).
Added iOS 16 official support.
Gibson is proud to unveil the new Gibson Original Collection Faded Series on select electric and acoustic guitar models. The new models blend vintage appointments, and modern, high-quality construction and sound, with a satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish that gives them the look and playing feel of a long-treasured vintage instrument. The Gibson Original Collection Faded Series is available worldwide now at authorized dealers and on Gibson.com.
Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s Faded
The new Les Paul Standard 50s Faded returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved — shaping sound across generations and genres of music. It pays tribute to Gibson’s Golden Era of innovation and brings authenticity back to life. The Les Paul Standard 50s features a satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish that gives it the look and feel of a long-treasured musical companion. It has a solid mahogany body with an AA figured maple top and a rounded 50s-style mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard and trapezoid inlays. It’s equipped with an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, an aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece, Vintage Deluxe tuners with Keystone buttons, and gold Top Hat knobs with dial pointers. The open-coil Burstbucker 1 (neck) and Burstbucker 2 (bridge) pickups are hand-wired to audio taper potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors.
Gibson Les Paul Standard 60s Faded:
The new Les Paul Standard returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved –shaping sound across generations and genres of music. It pays tribute to Gibson’s Golden Era of innovation and brings authenticity back to life. The Les Paul Standard 60s features a satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish that gives it the look and feel of a long-treasured musical companion. It has a solid mahogany body with an AA figured maple top and a SlimTaper 60s-style mahogany neck with a rosewood fingerboard and trapezoid inlays. It’s equipped with an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge, aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece, Grover Rotomatic “Kidney” tuners, and gold Top Hat knobs with Silver Reflectors and Dial Pointers. The open-coil 60s Burstbucker pickups are loaded with Alnico 5 magnets and hand-wired to audio taper potentiometers and Orange Drop capacitors.
Gibson SG Standard ’61 Maestro Vibrola Faded
The SG Standard ‘61 Faded Maestro Vibrola returns to the classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved — shaping sound across generations and genres of music. It features a satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish that gives it the look and feel of a long-treasured musical companion. As the name implies, the Gibson SG Standard ’61 Faded Maestro Vibrola also adds vibrato capability. The Maestro Vibrola offers smooth vibrato effects and the classic styling of the Lyre engraving on the tailpiece cover. Standard features include a SlimTaper mahogany neck and a bound rosewood fingerboard. The mahogany body features a deeply sculpted body scarfing, a 5-ply teardrop pickguard, and a 22nd-fret neck joint. The nickel-plated hardware includes an ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge and Keystone tuners in addition to the Maestro Vibrola Tailpiece. The pickups are open-coil 60s Burstbucker humbuckers for a classic voice with added power and top end. Controls feature audio taper potentiometers and Orange Drop® capacitors.
Gibson J-45 50s Faded
The J-45 is Gibson’s best-selling acoustic of all time. Nicknamed “The Workhorse” and first introduced in 1942, this iconic acoustic has become the cornerstone of its round-shoulder, dreadnought line. World-renowned for its full, balanced expression, warm bass, and excellent projection, the J-45 has been refined to carry this legacy to new heights. The Gibson J-45 50s Faded delivers full-spectrum sound with incredible dynamic range, warm mids, and tight, punchy bass. Now available with a faded satin nitrocellulose lacquer finish that accentuates the guitar’s vintage vibe and equipped with a modern LR Baggs pickup and electronics package for studio and stage use. A hardshell case is also included.
Gibson J-35 30s Faded
The J-35 evolved from the Jumbo in 1936, a time when the Great Depression was still wreaking havoc on Americans. Gibson developed the J-35 to be a pared-down model that still offered musicians a warm and balanced instrument. The J-35 30s Faded delivers every bit of the seasoned, vintage look, feel, and sound of our iconic J-35, with a satin nitrocellulose finish that only adds to its rich legacy and undeniable vintage vibe. Discerning flattop players will love the rich, full-bodied tone from this vintage-inspired, round-shoulder beauty, along with its superb playability and simple aesthetic charm. Includes a hardshell case.
Gibson Hummingbird Faded
The unmistakable Gibson Hummingbird is followed by the masses as one of the most remarkable acoustic guitars ever built. The new Hummingbird Faded blends vintage appointments and today’s modern, high-quality build construction. The Hummingbird Faded is outfitted with gold Gotoh® Keystone tuners, a traditional Hummingbird truss rod cover, and a bone nut and saddle. The built-in LR Baggs VTC electronics make this guitar stage and studio-ready, right out of the included hardshell case.
From humble beginnings to worldwide recognition, MESA/Boogie has remained the original boutique Home of Tone, hand-crafting amplifiers of uncompromising quality from the world’s finest materials in California, USA. Founder Randall Smith instilled basic principles into MESA such as passion, drive, integrity, and excellence, and his insistence on making the best amplifiers has guided half a century of breakthrough innovations, elevating the amplifier into an instrument in its own right one with the power to shape and create musical genres.
The Boogie Cabinet Series dates back to the early 1970s when Randall Smith set out to fulfill player requests for extension cabinets matching their Mark I™ 1×12 and 1×15 open back combos. The compact size was originally determined by the combo’s dimensions, however as the Mark Series evolved and expanded, so did the extensions. Now players have more options than ever before. Designed with portability in mind, all MESA cabinet enclosures are crafted from the finest void-free marine-grade Baltic birch ply and loaded with premium Celestion speakers. Super strong rabbet corners are glued and nailed, and speaker baffles are fitted with superior dado joint construction and braced. Grilles are wrapped around a separate grille board, not the baffle board. Grille material is made of strong twisted jute dipped in a special coating that filters top end for a sweeter response. Each lends its unique character to your tone as a standalone cabinet or an extension for your combo amp.
Within the new MESA/Boogie Cabinet Series, several all-new formats, including the 2×10 and 4×10, maintain the classic Boogie styling, celebrated tones and represent a culmination of over 50 years of cabinet design and signature Boogie sound. All designs pay homage to MESA’s roots as not only the original boutique amp builder, but also the first to exceed player expectations by packing high performance and unsurpassed quality into small, portable packages. MESA/Boogie cabs deliver the best of the open-back world by rear-mounting the speaker and extending the width of the cab to provide more interior low-end resonance while still emphasizing the signature sparkle and chime of an open-back design. Clean, low and medium-gain styles benefit greatly from the open-back format.
The MESA/Boogie Thiele Cabinet is a front mounted, front ported, closed-back extension cab that is one of the punchiest yet most frequency-balanced cabs in the assortment. The tuned front porting provides exceptional balance across the lows, mids, and highs while simultaneously providing additional punch-character via the air/tone escaping the front port. The authority of the Boogie Thiele’s tuned bass resonance sits perfectly with mids that breathe and presence frequencies that shimmer versus non-ported designs that often provide a darker response overall. By themselves, and particularly as a pair, Thiele 1×12 Cabs can be a compact and portable secret weapon for all styles of music and playing situations, but especially effective anywhere players want to maximize punch, width and authority without sacrificing the rest of the frequency range details.
Perfect for stand-alone use or for combining with a second extension, the 1×10 Boogie 14 Open Back Cabinet delivers big, beautiful cleans for its size and classic howling performance with the mid-focus and connected top end that a 10” speaker provides. Perfect for blues, R&B, and most any traditional sounds, from rock to country. Pairs well with any MESA/Boogie “mini” amp (for example, the Mark Five: 25 head) for those styles.
The 1×10 Boogie 16 Open Back Cabinet is a wider, bigger version of the Boogie 1×10 that sounds richer in the low end and has a broader sound overall. It pairs well with the California Tweed™ Series 10” amplifiers and also provides an excellent platform for adding 10” response to the MARK Series 10” amplifier Combo and Head designs.
The 1×12 Boogie 23 Open Back Cabinet is a bigger, deeper, wider sounding version of the Boogie 19 Cab that is perfect for those who need a big open-back sound but can only carry one cabinet. This cabinet is ideal for traditional blues and R&B up through classic rock and nu-country; this upsized rendering of the classic Boogie cabinet is well-suited for many styles, has a small footprint, and is super portable.
With a long reign as the standard for thump on the bottom, this compact classic is a perfect addition to a Combo or 1×12 Boogie 19 open-back cabinet whenever you want to add tight, focused low end. The closed-back and front-ported design give the 1×12 Boogie Thiele Front Ported Cabinet a character all its own that supports anything it’s paired to.
The 1×12 Boogie 23 Open Back Cabinet is a bigger, deeper, wider sounding version of the Boogie 19 Cab that is perfect for those who need a big open-back sound but can only carry one cabinet. This cabinet is ideal for traditional blues and R&B up through classic rock and nu-country; this upsized rendering of the classic Boogie cabinet does nearly everything well, has a small footprint, and is super portable.
MESA/Boogie’s take on a traditional voiced 2×10” built tough to the Boogie® standard. The 2×10 Boogie 23 Open Back Cabinet is an excellent addition to an existing Combo. It is also outstanding as a standalone Cab for a Head or combined with another 2×10 – or any Cab of your choice – to bring classic 10” voicing into the mix in a stack.
The new 4×10 represents the ultimate traditional-voiced rendering in the open-back domain in an all-new, more compact, and portable package. The 4×10 Boogie Open Back Cabinet reigns supreme for sounds requiring musical balance across the frequency spectrum as opposed to a more controlled low end. This cab is as compact and manageable as employing four 10s can get, while still sounding enormous. If a wall of vintage tradition is what you need, MESA claims this will do the trick.
With BOOM you can record, monitor, and mix through class-leading mic preamps and pristine digital conversion. Capture any source from guitar, keyboard, and percussion, to voice and vocals with legendary Apogee sound quality at 24-bit/192kHz resolution. BOOM is the only interface in its class that lets you fine-tune your input sources with premium built-in hardware DSP FX. Are you a creator on the go? BOOM is powered by your device - just connect BOOM directly to your Mac, iPad Pro, or Windows laptop, and let your ideas flow wherever you go.
For almost four decades, Apogee has been perfecting the art of analog recording in a digital world. BOOM continues that legacy by focusing on the details and premium components - allowing your projects to stand out from the rest.
BOOM’s conversion stages employ high-end analog to digital and digital to analog conversion components, not low-end codecs.
All inputs accept a professional-spec maximum input level of +18dBu, ensuring a pristine audio signal even with the loudest sources.
Mic preamps offer a class-leading 62 dB of gain, for capturing delicate sources with clarity and powering popular microphones like the Shure SM7B BOOM’s zero-ohm headphone output provides an audiophile experience, able to drive even high-impedance “hi-fi” headphones with power, clarity and a perfectly balanced frequency response.
BOOM is the first audio interface in its class to offer onboard hardware DSP. With the Symphony ECS Channel Strip (tuned by legendary mixer, Bob Clearmountain), you can shape and sculpt your input sources with a 3-band EQ, compression, and a drive knob that adds the warmth and grit of analog gear. The ECS Channel Strip is also available as a native plugin from Apogee.
Create the perfect live streaming production with the onboard Mixer and Loopback mode. Allowing you to listen to your game, Spotify playlist, & chat notifications all at the same time and at the perfect level.
Bundled with BOOM is Ableton Live Lite, which is a fresh and easy way to write, record, produce and perform your own music. It includes essential workflows, instruments, and effects for creating new sounds, recording ideas, performing on stage, and much more.
Features:
Inputs:
balanced ¼” instrument/line input
1 balanced mic/line/instrument Combi input
Outputs
1 ¼” Zero ohm Headphone output
Left/Right ¼” balanced speaker outputs
Built-in hardware DSP with Symphony ECS Channel strip
PureDIGITAL connection for up to 24-bit/192kHz recording
Rugged construction with steel casing and rubber pads along the base
Connect directly to iPad Pro - Control with Apogee Control 2 app.
Bus Powered with Included USB-C Cable
Includes Apogee Control 2 software for macOS, iOS, and Windows
Includes Ableton Live Lite DAW (free license + download with registration)
Works with any audio recording application on macOS, iOS, or Windows
Get 50% off any Apogee plugin or plugin bundle when you register BOOM
BOOM is available for $299.99 (USD) at Apogee dealers Worldwide.
When using low-output dynamic or passive ribbon microphones, a consistent struggle is the introduction of noise from external preamps. Consoles, mixing boards, interfaces, and other preamps can sometimes require the gain to be maxed out, amplifying unwanted noise and often still being too quiet in overall volume. The Hosa MPA-149 Mic Preamp provides an immediate 26dB’s of gain with an impressive -97dBu signal-to-noise ratio, giving users a very clean and immediate gain boost for louder, clearer microphone performance.
Many volume-boost solutions include more cables, electronics, and failure points, whereas the HosaMPA-149 simply connects directly into the microphone. This convenient solution makes it ideal for podcasters, streamers, public speakers, and gigging professionals relying on unpredictable venue preamps to power low-output ribbon or dynamic mics. The Hosa MPA-149 only needs a preamp supplying 48V phantom power but does not pass the phantom power onto the microphone.
The Hosa MPA-149 utilizes a discrete Class-A circuit design and selected FET circuitry to help achieve a clean signal path and low-noise operation. Its compact metal housing is designed to perform reliably in any circumstance, whether it’s standing up to harsh environmental changes, eccentric performances, or getting thrown in and out of gig bags on the road.
The new Hosa MPA-149 Mic Preamp is available at an MSRP of $127.45. Street pricing $88.95.
Heavyocity Media has announced the release of FURY Distortion Designer, an all-new distortion plugin. Here's what they say:
Offering an expansive range of distortion modules in one plugin — from subtle tube warmth to hard clipping, lo-fi crush to analog-modeled circuitry, simple to downright chaotic — FURY is a distortion playground. An effect plugin designed to be fun and intuitive, but also sonically flexible.
At its core, FURY is a semi-modular distortion designer. The main part of the distortion effect has three distinct sections — DRIVE, DISTORTION, and TONE — within each of these sections there are several modules allowing you to mix and match, altering the behavior of each, as you see fit. There are over 700 possible module combinations and over 100 custom-made presets for you to explore. The LFO, Envelope Follower, and Sequencer can add subtle movement, reactivity, or create harmonic complexity, allowing you to shape, mangle, or crunch your sound.
There has been use of distortion for as long as there has been audio recording, and its styles and sounds have evolved with technology over time. With FURY, we've built a cohesive plugin that not only brings those various qualities of distortion right to your fingertips but also allows for creativity, maximum customization, and complete audio mayhem.
Neil Goldberg, Co-Founder, Heavyocity
Price: $119 - Heavyocity is offering FURY for $99 until October 14, 2022. Owners of our PUNISH or PUNISH Lite plugins will receive an additional 20% off (coupon code appears in your account with registered PUNISH or PUNISH Lite products).
Heavyocity is also offering a FREE, time-limited demo of FURY — in demo mode users will be restricted to 15 minutes of audio processing time and no offline exports will be available.
GSi has announced the release of Electrorchestra, a virtual String Machine for iPad.
Inspired by some of the most famous string keyboards of the seventies, Electrorchestra offers 3 string registers plus one bass, features the classic attack-release envelope generator with break-point, vibrato, a classic chorus/flanger effect and a 4-stage phaser effect.
Price: € / $ 13.99
Excite Audio has announced the release of KSHMR Chain, an innovative utility that instantly copies your plugin chain from one track to countless others, allowing you to spend your time and effort where it matters most while producing.
No more copy and pasting instances of the same plugin, and switching between them to adjust their individual parameters. With KSHMR Chain you can fine tune the settings of multiple tracks with a single twist, and then hear the accumulative effect of that change in real time – great for working with vocal stacks or groups of instruments.
Intro Price: £29/$29 (Reg. £/$ 49).
Sampleson has released Alienize, describing it as a new way to create underscores, melodies, and textures. Create evolving atmospheres for passages or accent moments with your mouse (or your MIDI controller).
From exotic atmospheres to rhythmic textures or evolving melodies and arpeggios. You'll able to play them live and synchronize them with on-screen action on the go.
Alienize implements Granular, Subtractive, Wavetable and Sample playback synthesis to generate sounds. Sounds are generated by dragging the cursor over the interface and playing one (or many) notes. It also publishes this control as an automatable parameter for DAWs.
Alienize has 41 sound modules. Every one of them has gesture behavior (i.e. Theremin pitch is controlled by left-right cursor position). You will be able to play gestures over a movie to sync on the go.
Modules: Alien zones, Theremin, Arp 1, Mouse Blips, Mouse Booms, Alien Speech, Arp 2, Arp Violas, Hard Arp, Bug Flying, Cellos Pizz, AI Drone, Electro Drone, Retro Bass Arp, Simple Pad, Simple Flute, Tuned Bass Drum, Simple Viola, XY Pad, Bass Drone, Sheppard 1, Sheppard 2, Arc, Rubbing, Water, Bronze, Rust, Copper, Siren, Woods, Frame, Smash, Hit, String, Iron, Swoosh, Metal, Ufo, Percussive, Vibration, Plastic and Ratlle.
Features:
Cinematic Instrument for Sci-Fi music scoring.
Ambient, Arps, Drones, Melodic and Textures Modules.
64-bits Plugin and Standalone.
Low CPU usage.
41 sound modules.
120 presets.
Automated parameters for DAWs.
Granular, Wavetable, Oscillator and Sampling Engines.
Scalable HD interface.
Controls/FX:
Ambient Reverb.
Master gain.
Modules Gain.
Intro Price: $39
reFuse Software has announced the release of Spooky Meter 2, a free Halloween-themed metering plug-in for macOS and Windows. It is downloadable only through November 2nd, 2022. They say:
Last Halloween you met the pumpkin-headed Spooky Meter plugin. Now the sequel is here, and Spooky Meter II is 100% spookier and meterier than the original.
Five creepy heads provide you with peak metering at 0, -6, -12, -24, and -36 dB thresholds.
The red devil at the top also functions as a peak hold – it will remain lit if the signal peaks hit 0 dB, until reset by clicking anywhere in the window.
The hypnotic background spiral animation can be changed to different modes using the popup menu at the top of the plugin window. The spiral can be set for slow or fast spin rates, or its motion can be turned off. Or, use the Variable option to cause the spiral's speed to change dynamically, triggered by the input peak levels.
Features:
Resizable window shows peak level meter with five creepy heads.
Exclusive red devil peak hold indicator function.
Hypnotic spiral moves with the music designed to put user into a trance.
Sugar Bytes has released Graindad - a granular effect for high quality realtime audio manipulation.
Freeze, texturize or reorganize and slice your audio, triggered by transients, clocks or MIDI notes. A complex modulation system with intelligent randomizers provides impressive results. Filters, reverbs, delays and the all-at-once manipulating Harvester complete the package.
Key Features:
Grain Engine with up to 64 grains.
12 main controller for easy handling.
Harvester: Innovative modulation system.
Freeze, Stutter, Glitch, Texturize.
Multiband transient detector.
Host sync and transient clock.
16 step trigger sequencer.
LP, BP, HP, Band Reject filters.
HQ reverb, spring reverb, shimmer, delay, flanger, chorus.
Complex dry/wet envelope.
Modulation system with countless random functions.
Morph between Harvester and modulation.
Price: $99.
Apisonic Labs has updated Speedrum to version 1.4.0.
Main Changes since v1.3.1:
Added: Time/pitch stretching.
Added: Geist and SFZ import.
Added: Import/export Pad.
Added: New GUI controls.
And lot more improvements and fixes.
Punk Labs has updated OneTrick Simian to v1.0.1.
Changes and Fixes:
Changed: Reduced glibc requirement for broader compatibility.
Fixed: Bitwig faded notes after momentary silence.
Fixed: Faded first note after plugin load.
Fixed: Dull sound above 48kHz samplerate.
Fixed: Potential crash when clicking elements (Dplug 12.7.21).
Updated Dplug to version 12.7.21.
Updated Documentation:
Added Windows Uninstaller details.
Added Changelog section.
This is a free update for existing users.
All of Madrona Labs' software instruments, Aalto, Kaivo, and Virta, have been updated to version 1.9.5, bringing native Apple Silicon support for M1 and M2 Macs. The new versions are Universal Binaries, which support both Apple Silicon and Intel processors. Users with Apple Silicon computers should be able to run 30% more voices or more, as compared with the previous versions in Rosetta 2 emulation.
This update is free. Installers contain Universal Binaries for both VST2 and Audio Units V2 versions.
Windows versions are unaffected by this update. Aaltoverb, previously released with Apple Silicon support, is also unaffected.
System requirements for Aalto, Kaivo and Virta are: either Windows 10 or 11 (64-bit) and a VST2 host, or macOS 10.10 or higher with Intel or Apple Silicon processor, and an Audio Units or VST2 host.
D’Angelico Guitars has announced the release of two baritone models. The Deluxe Atlantic Baritone and Deluxe SS Baritone were designed to offer exceptional comfort and vivid, articulate tone—unmistakably different from most baritone offerings. Custom pickups from Seymour Duncan capture every nuance in the low-end, while premium features such as Grover Locking Tuners and Jescar fretwire result in professional grade performance and feel.
The Deluxe Atlantic Baritone is a bold new take on our standout single-cutaway solid-body, offering both remarkable articulation and unprecedented depth of tone. Powered by two Seymour Duncan Seth Lover A4 humbuckers, the Deluxe Atlantic Baritone provides the sparkling top ended needed to achieve baritone clarity, but with thick, rich midrange that yields powerful, gut-punching tone. An ebony fingerboard offers sustain and brightness, while a 26.75" scale length strikes the balance between prioritizing player comfort and achieving vivid tone. Designed to be both highly powerful and highly wieldable, the Deluxe Atlantic Baritone features a deep belly cut and a mid-weight Alder body wood. Now available in Solid Black and Satin Walnut.
US MAP $1699.99
The Deluxe SS Baritone is a wholly unique semi-hollow. Pairing its punchy, undersized body shape with two Seymour Duncan D'Angelico Great Dane P90s, the Deluxe SS Baritone stirs together seemingly disparate elements into something all new. A fifteen-inch-wide semi-hollow body offers airy woodiness on top of thick, pronounced midrange—providing enough power to lead a heavy ensemble and enough elegant clarity for emotive clean tones. A 26.75" scale length strikes the balance between prioritizing player comfort and achieving vivid tone. Now available in Satin Trans Wine and Satin Honey.
US MAP $2199.99
The AMPED 1 was designed turns any pedalboard, modeler, or multi-effector into a performance ready amp.
This small and powerful floor amp delivers the sounds and ‘feel’ of a real guitar amp, offering 3 preamp voices and 6 power amp responses for versatility, plus Cab Rig with 3 built-in presents.
Blackstar had two main goals in designing the AMPED 1. First, to produce a 100W, no compromise, pedal platform floorboard rig capable of delivering the tone and feel of traditional valve amps. Countless hours went into the development of the sonics culminating in a complete, from the ground up, redesign of their digital signal processing. The voices and responses contained within AMPED 1 are both the most authentic replications of their analog counterparts and the most refined that Blackstar has ever crafted in a digital product.
reFX has updated Nexus to v4.5.0, saying:
This is the biggest and best update in Nexus history. So many new features have been added, so many improvements, big and small, have been made. All free for Nexus4 customers.
On top of all the quality-of-life improvements that have been made, and the brand new "ROM Extension 4" we've added (70+ new presets), we opened up the internals like never before.
New:
Added "ROM Extension 4" expansion to showcase some of the new features.
Added "Routing"-page (replaces "Effects", "Trancegate" and "Layers" pages):
Added complete routing overview of the entire preset:
See which generators route into which layers, and which layers route into which FX-groups.
Quickly and directly adjust basic parameters directly from the routing page.
Added generator-inspector:
Parameters of individual VA-oscillators, sample-players, and wavetable-players can be adjusted.
Added layer-inspector:
Two filters, amp-settings, adsr-curves, etc. can now be directly edited.
Added FX-inspector:
The FX have been moved into FX-groups. Multiple layers can now route into the same FX-group to save CPU.
FX can be freely arranged via drag'n'drop, even between FX-groups.
You can add, remove, toggle all existing FX.
All FX-groups have their own LFOs and routing-matrix.
Added new reverb-type called "Black Hole".
Added new insert FX "wide mono". Creates a mono signal and then widens it using psychoacoustics techniques.
Added "random preset load" button (the die next to the previous/next buttons). Click on it and it loads a random preset from the list on the right. Very cool to get some surprising presets you may have not heard before.
Added "hold" button. Once engaged, it keeps on playing all notes until you press a new set of notes.
The brightness of the keyzone-note indicators now depends on the velocity of each key.
Added ability to change the number of key zones.
Added "depth" parameter to both user LFOs. They are modulatable via the mod-matrix as well.
Changes:
Moved instance-settings and preferences to the "backside". Click on the reFX/Vengeance logos.
The whole UI now has more of a "hardware"-look.
Shimmer effect is a bit more pronounced now.
Arp-parameters that have no effect for that mode or tempo are now visually disabled.
Replaced cloud-sync with adjustable user-data path (configurable in the cloud app).
Fixes:
Shimmer for the ArtsAcoustic reverb-types was very noisy.
MacOS: Ableton Live disabled automation lanes when NEXUS was used as an Audio Unit and the project was loaded.
Improved stability and general bug-fixes.
PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. have announced the global launch of Studio One 6, the latest version of the company’s award-winning music production software for macOS and Windows. Studio One 6 is the most recent chapter in the evolution of one of the bestselling digital audio workstations in the world, featuring industry-leading innovations, mixing improvements and the most advanced user interface customization options available. Version 6 makes audio content creation fast and easy, with everything you need to record, produce, mix, master and perform in a single intuitive application. Studio One 6 is available for purchase as a perpetual one-time license, or as an annual or monthly subscription to PreSonus Sphere via PreSonus.com and participating dealers. In addition to the latest two versions of Studio One Professional, PreSonus Sphere members get access to expanded collaboration tools in Studio One and online, Community, exclusive educational content, all PreSonus software and add-ons giving the best value to creators and the ultimate Studio One experience. With additional landmark innovations in the works for future iterations, Studio One 6 is just the start of the rollout of a new and improved feature set to support recording professionals.
“In this latest iteration, the team stayed focused on listening to loyal users’ needs, creating innovative solutions to boost productivity in the professional audio production space,” said Arnd Kaiser, General Manager, Software at PreSonus. “We want engineers, producers, recording musicians and creators around the world to feel supported and inspired to build their best work yet. Studio One has evolved over the past 12 years and is now an established major player in the audio production space known for unique features and a fast, intuitive workflow. We continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in recording and are now the first digital audio workstation in the industry to feature end-to-end lyric support for both audio and MIDI, from songwriting to recording and live performance.”
“We are excited for the launch of Studio One 6 and are fully invested in supporting the continued expansion and adoption of Studio One as the total solution for professional and committed at-home creators,” said Evan Jones, CMO, FMIC. “The global adoption of digital creative and productivity tools continues to grow and expand across all forms of musical expression, in the hands of an even wider audience of creators, producers, mix engineers, and artists. Together with PreSonus hardware and Studio One we’re providing the total solution for professional and committed at-home creators, and we can’t wait to hear the music they’ll make.”
Studio One 6 offers major new features and enhancements to boost creativity for seasoned professionals; moreover, the redesigned and customizable user interface helps creators focus on the task at hand. Studio One 6 is available in both perpetual (priced at $399.95 USD for Professional) or as part of the PreSonus Sphere subscription, which gives members every upgrade for free. Going forward, PreSonus Sphere members ($14.95/month or $164.95 annual) will always have access to the current version of Studio One Professional as well as one version back, giving them the freedom to upgrade whenever it works best with their projects.
Studio One 6’s top new features include:
Smart Templates: New Smart Templates combine preconfigured tracks and channels with a customized user interface and automatic download of required content to get started recording and producing right away. Smart Templates provide essential tool sets for the tasks at hand, including basic recording, beat making, mixing stems, mastering an album, setting up for a live show and more. Smart Templates include a convenient drop zone to easily import needed content like audio, video and MIDI files as well as interactive tutorials with instructions and links to related video content.
Customization Editor: The new Customization Editor provides a convenient and easy way to show or hide nearly all tools and functions, customizing the user interface to create a streamlined, focused workflow for the task at hand. First-time users, seasoned professionals and everyone in between can create a Studio One interface customized for their needs. Best of all, customizations can be saved to recall at will — a few for essential workflows are provided as jumping-off points.
Industry-leading Lyrics Support: Studio One™ 6 now provides powerful, industry-leading lyric support. Lyrics can be added to scores, MIDI productions, audio sessions – even live performances! Use the all-new Lyrics Display as an editor, a teleprompter or a quick, innovative way to navigate a lyric-laden production. When working with Score or Piano view, lyrics can be attached to notes word by word or by syllable. Lyrics can also be transferred to the Show Page to use during rehearsals or performances.
Global Video Track: Content creators and sound-to-picture professionals alike will appreciate the all-new Global Video Track and its intuitive workflow. Add video clips by simply dragging video files onto the timeline. The Video Track can hold an unlimited number of video clips, making it easy to work on multiple reels of a feature film in a single session. Video thumbnails are generated automatically to provide a preview for easy navigation. A dedicated sub-track is provided for embedded audio to use as reference, complete with mixer channel, full plug-in processing and output routing options.
Advanced PreSonus Sphere Collaboration: Studio One 6 deepens the integration with the PreSonus Sphere fully loaded with powerful, cloud-based collaboration Workspaces, using convenient sharing options and built-in sync options right from the main menu. An all-new comprehensive installation window lets members quickly explore, download and install exclusive PreSonus Sphere content, with a variety of display, search and filter options.
New Plug-ins: It wouldn’t be a Studio One upgrade without new and improved Native plug-ins and version 6 is no exception. The Studio One new De-Esser is an efficient and intuitive tool for taming vocal sibilance and other high-frequency sounds. The new Vocoder is a creative playground that lets users turn a voice or any audio source into a unique synth or effect. Finally, the ever-popular ProEQ, Autofilter, Mai Tai, Sample One XT and Presence XT have all been significantly enhanced and improved.
“From 2017 on, Studio One has been the official DAW here at Studio DMI, in every room, for every purpose,” said Luca Pretolesi, Grammy Nominated Mixing and Mastering Engineer at Studio DMI Las Vegas. “Every record I’ve worked on so far, from big album projects like Drake to dance records for Diplo, has been done in Studio One. PreSonus Studio One 6 is out and it’s great. There are so many improvements and I think everyone at PreSonus read my mind. They elevated certain functionality and features that are very important for my workflow, especially the Channel Overview. Staying on one channel and being able to access everything on the channel is a key element for me. I love the additional function on the sidechain; it was already crazy before. The ProEQ3 is even better. The dynamic functionality and the solo make it the ultimate EQ in a plugin format.”
Studio One 6 introduces a long list of additional new features and enhancements, including improvements to the Console, the Browser, the Start Page and much more. In addition, the Studio One 6 Console is also packed with new features developed at the request of the loyal Studio One community. Fader Flip lets users control FX/Bus sends, sidechains and Cue Mix sends all from the main faders. Stereo channels now feature a choice between balance, dual or binaural panning as well as a new panner pop-up editor. The new Channel Overview provides a single, consolidated view of all channel parameters, including input controls, inserts, sends and Cue Mix sends for the selected channel that can be pinned to keep a critical eye on individual channels. Finally, Studio One 6 takes workflow efficiency to a new level with Track Presets, storing every aspect of a given track or channel for instant recall, even for multiple selected tracks/channels.
ABOUT STUDIO ONE 6: The latest version of the PreSonus award-winning, best-selling music production software for macOS and Windows, Studio One 6 makes creating fast and easy with everything you need to record, produce, mix, master and perform all in a single intuitive application. Version 6 adds a wealth of new features and enhancements, including a customizable interface that lets you focus on the task at hand, a new Global Lyrics Track and Global Video Track, deeper integration with PreSonus Sphere Workspaces, new and improved Native plug-ins and much more. Studio One 6 makes content creation easier for first-time artists and seasoned professionals alike.
Pricing is as follows:
PreSonus Sphere: ($14.95/mo., $164.95/yr. USD or €12.20/€134.10 EUR)
Current PreSonus Sphere™ members will receive Studio One 6 in their accounts at no extra cost.
Studio One 6 Professional digital audio workstation for macOS and Windows: $399.95 USD
Studio One 6 Artist: $99.95 USD
All previous Studio One Professional versions to Studio One 6 Professional Upgrade: $149.95 USD
All previous Studio One Artist versions to Studio One 6 Professional Upgrade: $299.95 USD
All previous Studio One Artist versions to Studio One 6 Artist Upgrade: $49.95 USD
Studio One Professional 30-Day Demo: Free* & Studio One Prime: Free
Prime and 30-Day Professional Demo not available at launch.
Modal Electronics, a leading global synthesiser manufacturer, has just released an all-new firmware update for their feature-packed COBALT8-Series synthesisers. COBALT8-Series firmware v2 redefines the sound and functionality of Modal Electronics’ extended virtual-analogue synths by adding various new forward-thinking features to inspire the creativity of musicians, producers and sound designers.
New in Firmware v2
With the brand-new Vintage parameter and Oscillator Free Run, COBALT8 adds more vintage and classic synth capabilities. The Vintage setting alters the organic fabric of the advanced virtual-analogue algorithms by emulating the behaviour of vintage synths’ technical imperfections, where certain tuning and other variations were introduced into the sound generation. Oscillator Free Run is a feature known from analogue synthesisers and, when activated, adds to the sonic flexibility of COBALT8. ‘Classic’ Synth sounds are so much more alive with the vintage, and free run parameters ensuring every key press is slightly different than the one before.
A whopping 27 new filter types increase the already impressive arsenal for creative sound design with COBALT8 Firmware v2. The list includes 2-Pole State Variable Filters, various Lowpass, Bandpass and Highpass Ladder Filters with drive, combinations of traditional filter types with Notch characteristics, and much more. The new filters unlock even more classic synth tones and expand COBALT8’s experimental capabilities with the more complex filter outputs to create sounds that no one could imagine before. For all new filter types featuring Drive, the Morph control allows for dialling in the right filter drive amount to taste.
The new Cutoff Scaling patch parameter unlocks improved filter cutoff behaviour with three distinctive modes to increase creative performance and sound design options.
Note-to-Cutoff Scaling can now track with full accuracy in one of two new modes; Relative, and Bipolar. These modes can be tailored to match your preferences on a per-patch basis. The original note-to-cutoff characteristics remain available in Legacy mode.
Additionally, COBALT8 Firmware v2 includes 14 powerful new effects. Harnessing our flexible processing distribution system, some of the new additions harness the power of two effects slots for more sonic power and depth. The V2 Reverb is great for adding a little bit of space to a sound, huge near-infinite reverbs, and everything in-between. Creative sound gourmets will also enjoy the new Phaser v2, Compressor, Three-Band EQ, Unisoniser, Utility and additional Drive effects, giving enough options to give custom patch creations a final, production-ready touch
With the new firmware, the programmable Arpeggiator receives new Arp Directions to inspire musicians and producers. Firmware v3 also improves the capabilities of the OLED display, the Audio In quality, the gain staging of the audio output and much more. For a full list of new Features and Improvements, we recommend the Release Notes, available on the product’s web page.
Firmware v2 is available as a free update via our MODALapp software.
Igor Vasiliev has updated the BeatCutter - Rhythm slicing and recombining app for iOS and macOS to version 1.7. They say:
BeatCutter is an experimental multi-channel app for slicing and recombining sound based on rhythm. In the center of the app is a matrix of sample cells with smoothly reconfigurable recording, playback and control busses. This app is best for those who would like to experiment with long sound files or live instruments, creating chaotic constructions and patterns from sliced rhythm-driven samples.
This update makes BeatCutter a truly universal iOS and macOS application. It can work on iPhone and iPad as well as Mac / MacBook with M1 chip (and later). On macOS the BeatCutter can works both as a standalone application and as an Audio unit with DAWs and audio unit hosts like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage, Cockos Reaper, Plogue Bidule, Hosting AU, and other hosts that support AUv3 plugins. All application features are available on iOS and macOS, including MIDI support (with a MIDI learn option), audio unit parameters and importing samples from any directory on device. BeatCutter has a built-in detailed description of all parameters also available as PDF file on application site.
Also this update makes it possible to use the BeatCutter in DAWs and hosts as an instrument or effect plugin.
Price: $15.99
Fanan team has released Midmid, a free multi-channel MIDI router for Windows.
Midmid is a multi-channel MIDI router that allows live performers an easy yet effective connectivity of their MIDI controller with up to 16 VST instruments opened in their DAW. Users can instantly switch between instruments with a single button press and thanks to the big control buttons, they can even comfortably use Midmid with touch screens and jump instantly from one instrument to another.
Midmid uses the DAW's internal MIDI channels routing system. So once the user sets each VST instrument with its own unique MIDI channel number and Midmid as its "MIDI in" source, the MIDI signal will be routed only to the selected path.
Midmid can also split the user's keyboard into 2 zones and route instruments to the keyboard's upper and lower zones. Moreover, Midmid can also play in "multi mode" and allow users to triggers up to 16 instruments at once.
The Very Loud Indeed Co. has announced the release of Chimaera: Mutated Pitched Percussion, a new instrument for the full version of Native Instruments' Kontakt (6.7+).
They say:
Chimaera is a Kontakt instrument designed for speed, flexibility and ease of use. Just like the mythical creature made of the body parts of different animals, Chimaera is a collection of several pitched percussion instruments. However, it goes beyond just sampled instruments — it puts a formidable amount of power at the user's fingertips, by allowing endless combinations of its 18 sound layers.
Features:
552 sound files at 16-bit / 48 kHz resolution in a compact 1.25 GB footprint.
6 sampled pitched percussion instruments (marimba, vibraphone, steel pan, hang drum, kalimba and glockenspiel).
Simultaneously playable short notes and pads in each instrument module.
30 highly curated presets to serve as starting points or templates.
Instrument modules can be activated or deactivated to save on voices and CPU power.
All WAV files are included, so you can use them in your DAW or other samplers.
Intro Price: $47 until October 13th, 2022 (Reg. $79).
Forgotten Keys has updated ROLA-78 (formerly Compu-78) for Kontakt.
Below are the improvements from the last two versions:
2.1.0:
Change instrument name to ROLA-78.
Add "free-fills" randomized fill-ins function.
Add DAW automation of mixer controls.
Add ability to change the order of mixer channels.
Add switch to show/hide current value while adjusting.
controls.
Allow start/stop switch to stop MIDI recording and playback.
Change voice assignment of each sound to just one so that.
quick re-triggering sounds more authentic.
Change volume slider range to mirror Kontakt instrument.
volume slider.
Improve various graphics and text.
Fix tempo not changing when host tempo changes.
2.0.0:
Add dedicated switch for host sync control.
Add UI effects switch.
Add LED-style volume level meters to mixer channels.
Add solo switches to mixer channels.
Add swing feature.
Allow host sync to respond to DAW transport controls.
Improve and fix MIDI file creator.
Improve various graphics.
Move info switch to sounds tab.
Remove In-built help.
Lese has released Glow, a VST3 / AU audio plugin for performing "Mass Granulation", which, according to their website, involves using optimized techniques to overlay a large amount of grains on top of one another. However, it is not limited to this. Here is more information from the announcement:
Featuring three granular engines, three post-processing effects, and four modulators, Glow is a powerful tool for any musician looking to add complex, multilayered fragments of sound to their productions.
Fragmentation Engine
At Glow's core is three independently controlled granular processors. With visual controls reminiscent of aircraft HUDs, these processors take in your audio, and return a jittery, fractured representation of it.
While the typical granulation method is offered through the use of Stream Mode, Glow's other method, Cloud Mode uses intelligent optimizations internally to allow each engine to process up to 50 grains overlaid upon each other for an effect previously unheard of. (3x50=150).
The output of each of these engines can also be fed back into itself to be further processed. This feature is used extensively in some of the demo presets to create multilayered "pseudo-reverbs".
Your Modulation, Your Way
Glow's four modulators go beyond what is usually available in effects processors.
Our system allows you to work off of a selection of "primitive" shapes, and click & drag extra points onto the line to get it controlled exactly how you want it. When ramps are created, you can drag your mouse over the circular dot to specify the curve of the ramp for even further shaping.
Additionally, you can select the pencil icon to draw shapes directly; Specify the grid snapping, the shape to draw, and then drag to paint any shape you want.
Freeze Control
Glow is designed to be frozen. Either control freezing & unfreezing manually, or use either the rate retrigger mode (synchronized to the DAW or free-time), or the envelope-based retrigger (and the source retriggering the audio can even be external through use of your DAW's sidechain routing).
Price: 55 USD.
Babylonwaves has released Art Conductor 8.3, a collection of over 9500 professionally built articulation switching templates available for Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Studio One and Cakewalk. The new update adds support for ten new sample libraries bringing the total to 647.
Additional content in Art Conductor 8.3:
Spitfire Resonance.
Spitfire Thematic Horns.
Chris Hein Horns Pro.
Complete Snapshots.
Orchestral Tools Berlin Muted Brass Sine.
Orchestral Tools Berlin Strings FX Sine.
Virharmonics Bohemian Violine v4 Update.
Cinematic Studio Strings 1.7.
VSL Synchronised Solo Strings Sordino.
Special Spitfire Chamber/Symphonic/Solo Strings Performance Legato Snapshots.
Audio Impera Nucleus 1.2 Update.
A full list of compatible libraries is available on the Babylonwaves website. Version 8.3 contains over 30 bug fixes and improvements for older articulation templates.
Art Conductor templates share unified key switches for the most important articulation and feature color/notation symbols. Depending on the host, you can drag a MIDI region from one orchestral library to another, and the articulations will keep working.
Art Conductor is available for Cubase/Nuendo (as Expression Maps), Logic (as Articulation sets), Digital Performer (as Articulation Map), Studio One (as Sound Variation) and Cakewalk (as Articulation Maps). The templates are made for every platform with their specific features set in mind. They're not just converted.
Price: 85.50 Euro.
Martinic, in cooperation with Macaris, have recreated the famous Colorsound Tremolo pedal as a VST/AU plugin.
The original vintage pedal, having been used regularly by artists like Green Day, Joe Bonamassa, and Phil Manzanera has a rich history and notable pedigree; with VOX inventor Dick Denney having developed the circuitry.
With Martinic's addition of modern software capabilities, the Martinic Colorsound Tremolo offers enhancements including stereo, tempo sync, and recreations of both the 1974 and 1996 hardware versions. With the added capability of digitally saved presets, the plugin offers the flexibility to enhance any audio track with unique, throbbing tremolo.
Intro Price: $12.35 (Reg. $19).
Loot Audio has announced the release of David Forner's El Dorado: Legato Bowed Guitar, a Kontakt Instrument focused on capturing the most lyrical part of the Ebow applied to an electric guitar.
Loot Audio says:
The result is an inspiring, expressive and fun-to-use tool that will give you realistic results and, thanks to its combination of pads and legato, will make you not want to take your hands off the keyboard.
Intro Price: £54.62 until 15th October, 2022 (Reg. £72.83).
Deal for existing customers
If you purchased Legato Ambient Guitar from Loot Audio previously you can get an extra 15% off the intro price using the code below at checkout: LEGBOW15LOOT
Please note the code will only work if you purchased Legato Ambient Guitar from the Loot Audio website and will expire on the 15th October 2022.
Full version of Kontakt 5.8.1 required.
Sitka Studio is a new innovation incubator that aims to expand the boundaries of culture through design exploration, brand collaborations and conservation.
To debut Sitka Studio, the brand has partnered with one of America’s oldest instrument makers, Martin Guitar, and three-time ACM Male Artist of the Year winner, Thomas Rhett, in a Collaboration for Conservation. “Together we created a custom Martin guitar symbolizing our collective stoke for wild places, craftsmanship and music,” said Sitka Studio's Brand & Creative Leader, Brad Christian.
In honor of these brands, Sitka Studio has partnered with Martin Guitar to customize a one-of-one Martin HD-28 to feature a GORE-TEX Fabric pickguard in OPTIFADE Camo and Sitka’s “Darkest Before Dawn” mallard design inlay.
From October 28 through November 15, 2022, Sitka will auction off the customized guitar, which Thomas Rhett has been playing on his BRING THE BAR TO YOU TOUR, with the goal to fund an ambitious waterfowl research project with partners including University of Arkansas at Monticello, California Waterfowl, Five Oaks Ag Research & Education Center, Delta Waterfowl, Ducks Unlimited and other conservation organizations. Money raised by the sale of this guitar will be used to encourage a national collaboration with on-going projects to establish a continent-wide study of Mallard ducks. Sitka will match auction bids up to $50,000 to help further fund these efforts.
With its powerful speaker and long-lasting lithium battery, the Nomad is the ideal solution for portable premium tone.
The guitar amp everyone can't stop talking about is back and better than ever!
Templo Device's iconic NOMAD rechargeable lithium-battery powered guitar amp is making a return with new and improved features that will take your playing to new heights.
With its compact design and lightweight neodymium speaker, this amp is decked out to allow you to play wherever you want.
Featuring a new 3-way tone switch and a real spring reverb, the NOMAD 2.0 is designed to please even the pickiest of tone hounds.
The microphone tone is better than ever, with a handy XLR microphone input and retains the indispensable 9 volt output to power your pedals. The presale is now open with limited quantities and you won't find anything else like this on the market. Make sure you get your hands on this unit before it sells out again!
PRS Guitars enters into the pedal world with three all-new stompboxes. Designed by PRS Guitars in Stevensville, Maryland and made in the USA, the lineup consists of a Transparent Overdrive, Optical Compressor, and Dual Flanger.
“This whole concept started in my home studio. When recording, I was looking for tones and textures I couldn’t get straight from the guitar. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I would build a device with the help of some friends. That’s how the first pedal prototypes were born,” said Paul Reed Smith. “Over time, we all got so excited by them, that we decided to offer them to more players. I think these first three designs are the start of something very cool."
Horsemeat Transparent Overdrive
The PRS Horsemeat transparent overdrive is a from-scratch circuit designed to enhance guitar tone without coloring it. Using germanium diodes, Horsemeat will give throatiness without sounding nasal or too high-pitched and harmonic richness by boosting both low- and high-end frequencies, all while providing more available headroom. Depending on the setting, the PRS Horsemeat can be used as a clean boost, straight overdrive, or even enhance an amplifier’s distortion by slightly pushing the front end of the amp’s preamp section. In essence, “Horsemeat sounds a lot like a good amp.” – Paul Reed Smith
Mary Cries Optical Compressor
The PRS Mary Cries optical compressor is based on the storied LA-2A and helps to harness players’ dynamic audio range. When engaged, Mary Cries can boost clean tone, add sustain to leads, help control signal peaks, and push guitar tone without losing definition or clarity. By using the output/gain control and leaving the compression control low, players can also use Mary Cries as a boost pedal.
Wind Through the Trees Dual Flanger
The PRS Wind Through the Trees dual flanger is best described as two flangers fighting each other, resulting in a sound that is reminis- cent of the wind whipping through the trees. Use the PRS Wind Through the Trees to create airy harmonics, moody frequency swirls, jet-engine swooshes, and fluctuating warbles.
New Product Premiere | PRS Guitars
All PRS pedals feature through-hole soldering, which broadened the component selection and allowed for the best-sounding parts to be used. PRS pedals are also true bypass, so they are out of the signal chain when turned off, allowing players to have uncolored tone at the tip of their toes.
AudioThing has released Dials, a test equipment channel strip plugin made in collaboration with Hainbach.
Dials is a detailed digital translation of a unique combination of 1950s electronic music hardware from composer and YouTuber Hainbach's studio. It is made with the rich sound and experimental spirit of early electronic music studios in mind.
Intro Price: $49 until October 31, 2022 (Reg. $79).
Avid and Celemony have announced that Pro Tools version 2022.9 and later now supports the interface extension ARA Audio Random Access. This makes Melodyne workflows possible that are considerably shorter, faster, and in some cases even totally new – and does so for every Pro Tools user, as Melodyne 5 essential is bundled with all three commercial editions of Pro Tools.
Thanks to the new ARA integration, Avid Pro Tools and Melodyne are so tightly meshed that Melodyne feels less like an external plug-in and more like an integral part of Pro Tools. That not only accelerates the work process but also opens the door to entirely new workflows and creative possibilities.
The interaction between the two programs is so far-reaching that not only do clips and tracks open as Melodyne blobs with a single mouse click and follow every change made to the arrangement, but selection, zooming, scrolling as well as cycling, controlling the playback, and all kinds of other functions are also intelligently coordinated. Furthermore, Melodyne's algorithms expand Pro Tools' own possibilities in areas such as comping and time-stretching.
Thanks to the tremendous ARA integration and the fact that Melodyne 5 essential is now included in the bundle, the Melodyne world with all its unique musical functions is now truly open to all Pro Tools users. There's a great deal there to discover.
Anselm Rößler, Celemony CEO
Adding ARA to an established DAW is a major task. The tight integration into such a wide range of workflows impacts nearly all aspects of the application. It was a pleasure to experience the level of focus and dedication that the Pro Tools team brought to the table, and they managed to create one of the best ARA implementations in the market.
Stefan Gretscher, ARA lead engineer at Celemony
Thanks to Celemony's clever SDK, Melodyne integration within Pro Tools removes any hint of context switching and makes the workflow, not just streamlined, but natural. The things Melodyne can do to audio, from subtle to outrageous, are absolutely mind-blowing. Celemony is a fantastic partner and we couldn't be happier with the results of our close collaboration.
David Cotton, Lead Product Designer for Pro Tools at Avid
For the ARA integration of Melodyne, Pro Tools Version 2022.9 is required. Melodyne 5.3, which is also necessary, is installed automatically with the software update 2022.9 for Pro Tools Artist, Studio, and Ultimate, and is available to all customers with active subscriptions and perpetual licenses with current Updates + Support plans.
Ableton has announced the release of Live 11.2. This free update delivers improvements to the Reverb device – a standard device in every Live edition. It's been refreshed with a modernized UI, improved usability and subtle sound improvements.
Live 11.2 also introduces AUv3 support, making more plug-ins available to music makers using Mac computers with Apple silicon chips.
If you already own a Live 11 license, the Live 11.2 update is free for you.
New features and improvements
Capture MIDI:
Capture results are no longer influenced by the song tempo set by the target track's previous Capture attempts.
When Live's transport is running, Capture MIDI will keep longer phrases in captured clips.
Control Surfaces:
In the Launchkey MK3 Control Surface script, the Quantise button can now quantize clips in Session or Arrangement View.
The Launchkey MK3 Control Surface script now also works with the Launchkey 88.
On the PreSonus ATOM SQ, it is now possible to scroll between device parameter banks by holding the bank navigation buttons down.
In the ATOM SQ Control Surface script, it is now possible to control the Master Track volume and pan in Song mode when the Master Track is selected.
The encoder sensitivity for the ATOM SQ Control Surface script has been refined to better match the parameters they control. Additionally, the encoders can be used to fine tune parameter values when the Shift button is pressed.
Core Library:
Added audio and MIDI clips to Session View in Live's Demo Song.
In the DS Drum Rack preset, devices contained in the selected chain are now always shown by default.
Interface:
The icons in Live's Preferences and dialogs have been improved.
Updated the appearance of the "Record/Warp/Launch" tab in Live's Preferences.
The error dialog window that appears when loading a Live Set with disabled plug-ins now displays the track name before the timestamp.
Live now shows different icons for Live Clip (.alc) files that distinguish between Audio and MIDI content in the browser.
When renaming tracks, [Tab] will navigate to the next track or chain header, while [Shift][Tab] navigates to the previous track or chain header.
Value ranges on vertical rulers in the MIDI Note Editor are now always displayed as two values stacked vertically.
Improved drag and drop behavior within list views (such as the Groove Pool and device chains). Instead of always being inserted before the target item, dropped items will now be placed dynamically, depending on which half of the target item the cursor hovers over. In addition, the copy modifier [ALT] now works more consistently.
When Num Lock is switched off on Windows, the number pad arrows, PgUp, PgDn, Home, and End keys now function as expected.
Disabled devices now display an alert icon above error messages in Device View.
When exporting multiple tracks, the option to also export video at the same time is now deactivated in the Export Audio/Video dialog.
Updated various software texts.
Updated various Help View lessons.
Updated various software text and Help View lesson translations in German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese.
Max for Live:
Updated the bundled Max build to version 8.3.1. For the changelog, visit: cycling74.com:
live.banks: added warnings to explain non-reactivity in Max-only.
Dynamic Colors: changed label of 'live_control_fg' to 'Text /Icon'
jweb / CEF: fixed usage in Max for Live (Windows).
live.* ui objects: updated color code.
live.banks: banks configuration is retained if device is opened and saved in Max.
live.comment: linecount is preserved.
live.gain~: @orientation 1 typed-in a box works as expected.
live.gain~: auto-adapts when transforming to MC version.
live.observer: fixed value output after opening/closing Max editor.
crosspatch: works in the context of a Max for Live device hosted in Live.
Max for Live / Gen: improved fixes for intermittent crashes.
A new property in the Max for Live API allows users to observe the number of visible Macro Controls for a RackDevice.
Audio driver input and output latencies are now taken into account for Max for Live devices that contain audio routings to external targets. If needed, users can revert to the previous behavior by using the -DisableM4LRoutingCompensation debug option in an Options.txt file.
The time_signature_numerator, time_signature_denominator, time_signature_enabled and tempo_enabled properties are now available in the Max for Live API. Corrected descriptions for the properties have also been added.
Improved and updated the scale_name and scale_intervals descriptions in the Max for Live API.
New Devices and Device Improvements:
Reverb:
The Reverb device's interface has been updated with a fresh design.
The Reverb device's Density and Quality parameters have been renamed to Diffusion and Density. The parameter values for Density (previously Quality) have also been changed from Eco, Mid, and High to Sparse, Low, Mid, and High. Sparse mode allows for lower CPU usage.
Added a Smooth dropdown menu to the Reverb device. You can now specify how the Size parameter responds when changed using the Smooth options None, Slow, or Fast.
Setting Smooth to None means that some artifacts may occur when changing the Size parameter values. The Slow and Fast options ensure that new delay times are updated over a specific period of time, resulting in a more musical sound.
Added a switchable filter type to the High filter in Reverb's Diffusion Network. You can choose between a one-pole low-pass filter or a low-shelf filter.
Optimized for better CPU performance.
Tuner:
The Tuner device now includes three new options for note spellings. You can access a menu with these options when you right-click anywhere within Tuner's UI:
Sharps (C#).
Flats (D♭).
Sharps and Flats (C#/D♭).
It is now possible to zoom out to a full octave in Tuner's Histogram View by clicking the interface and dragging the cursor horizontally.
In the Phaser-Flanger device, the Phase parameter of the LFO now has a default value of 180 degrees.
The Excitator section of the Tension device is now called "Exciter" in Live and on Push.
A context menu option for a Hi-Quality mode has been added to the Delay device. Switching off Hi-Quality uses less CPU resources.
The Channel EQ device now uses less CPU resources.
Presets containing the Saturator device now run with improved CPU usage.
Inactive visualization data will no longer be sent in the Wavetable and Phaser devices, resulting in slightly improved performance.
When mapping and unmapping device parameters to Macros, the Map/Unmap labels now appear as expected.
A Hi-Quality option has been added to the right-click / CTRL-click context menu of the Redux device. Using Redux with Hi-Quality switched off saves some extra CPU.
Plug-ins:
Added native support for AUv3 plug-ins on macOS 10.15 or higher:
Live's Preferences now include options to enable both AUv2 and AUv3 plug-ins.
Plug-in errors are now shown in Live's Status Bar, along with a linked detailed error report.
If the connection to an AUv3 plug-in gets lost, an error message will be displayed. The plug-in will also be disabled, the output muted, and the plug-in window closed.
Push:
On Push 2, the parameter names of the AAS devices (Analog, Collision, Tension and Electric) have been improved and aligned with the UI for readability.
Session View Improvements:
It is now possible to simultaneously rename multiple Rack chains in Session View.
When navigating tracks and device chains using the left arrow key in Session View, navigation will stop at the first track header as expected.
Setup:
To avoid incompatibilities, you will be asked to save Live Sets created with an older version of Live as a new file in Live 11.2.
Renamed the Customization section of Live's Preferences to Display Customization, which now also includes the Zoom Display setting.
Metal rendering is now enabled on macOS by default to improve UI rendering performance. To deactivate this, use the Options.txt entry -DisableGraphicsHardwareAcceleration.
Bugfixes
Live Bugfixes:
Improved Live's performance when selecting or deselecting many clips.
On macOS, Live's UI would sometimes show graphical errors after opening Live on a HiDPI monitor, changing the Zoom Display settings to a value other than 100%, and moving the window to a LowDPI monitor.
Fixed the appearance of the Phaser-Flanger device's Env Fol parameter when the device is deactivated.
Fixed a bug that would stop the manual freeze output when switching the Spectral Time device's Freezer Fade Shape from Crossfade to Envelope mode.
Fixed an issue that caused the Corpus device to output silence when using larger buffer sizes on Windows.
Added info texts for the Frz > Dly and Dly > Frz toggles in the Spectral Time device.
Added a missing info text for the Env Amt parameter in Collision's Noise Filter section.
Fixed some issues with the LFO and MPE Control devices.
Previously, Live would crash when routing an Ext. Instrument's MIDI output to an MPE routing target if the track's device chain also contained a plug-in, Max for Live device, or certain built-in audio effects.
The dropdown menu for Reverb's Density parameter is now 2px wider to avoid cutting off the word "Sparse."
Fixed an issue that could cause an invalid selection when selecting all chains in a Drum Rack in Session View.
On Windows, Live's UI now refreshes as expected after tapping [ALT] to open the main menu.
Any time the Clip Detail view panels are arranged vertically, Live now opens the Envelopes panel and scrolls it into view when creating per-step automation on Push or using the "Show Automation" or "Show Modulation" context menu entries on a parameter.
Opening a context menu on Windows with the keyboard shortcut [Shift][F10] no longer changes the time selection in Arrangement View, Session scene selection, or browser selection.
On Windows, opening a context menu with the [Shift][F10] keyboard shortcut no longer changes the selected Session track header or Session clip.
Fixed an issue that could cause artifacts when using the Complex or Complex Pro warping mode on clips that were only slightly warped.
Fixed an issue that caused unnecessary freeze tail clips when freezing and flattening clips with small gaps between them.
Fixed a bug that caused MIDI notes and audio waveforms to jiggle slightly when adjusting clip edges in Arrangement View.
Selecting a velocity or probability marker and typing in a number sets the value as expected.
When Rack Macro Controls and chains are unfolded, the Rand and Map buttons are now properly aligned.
When showing or hiding chains in a Rack, the buttons would previously move up and down depending on the view shown. These buttons are now evenly spaced at all times.
Fixed an issue that caused Session clips to be added over Arrangement clips when copying a track in Session View and pasting it into Arrangement View.
Fixed an issue that caused inconsistent time signatures when launching scenes with specific time signatures in Session View, and then quickly going back to the Arrangement View. This issue could also cause the Re-enable Automation button to become stuck.
When a track is frozen, the Velocity Range slider will now freeze as expected in MIDI clips.
Fixed an issue that prevented the keyboard shortcut to expand Clip View [CTRL][ALT][E] (Win) / [CMD][OPT][E] (Mac) from working when switching from Session View to Arrangement View (or vice versa) when no clip was selected.
Selecting time in the MIDI Velocity Editor now works as expected when multi-clip editing.
When a user changes the MIDI Envelope Auto-Reset option in a set, they will be prompted to save the changes when they close the set or quit Live.
Fixed an issue that caused Live to hang when zooming out of a clip with a small loop region that was being recorded.
Fixed a crash that occurred when loading certain Live Sets containing more than 1,000 tracks.
Fixed a crash that occurred when using the header area of a time selection to select time in a MIDI clip when in the Expression tab.
Fixed a potential crash when opening old Live Sets that contained devices that have since been removed from Live.
AU plug-ins are now informed about silent inputs so that they can release CPU resources and report output silence if possible. This will allow any device in the device chain after the AU plug-in to release CPU resources as well.
Fixed an issue that caused note feedback to break when using certain Control Surface script interactions, such as repeatedly switching the note layout on Push while a MIDI clip was playing.
Fixed an issue that inadvertently showed blue hand icons and device locking options for particular device control features not available in some Control Surface scripts.
Fixed a bug that kept internal buffers of VST3 plug-ins from resetting properly. As a result of this fix, lingering signals (like reverb and delay tails) are now reset before audio export starts. Lingering signals can also be cut off quickly by clicking the Stop button three times.
Fixed an issue with certain VST3 plug-ins that created unwanted artifacts in rendered audio.
Fixed a crash that occurred when loading a Live Set with plug-in automation on the Master track, or on a Return or Group Track.
Live no longer hangs when opening a dropdown menu while Grammarly is running.
Fixed a crash that would occur when VST plug-ins requested the dedicated GPU, or when the user changed the macOS Battery "Automatic graphics switching" preference.
Fixed a bug that caused silence and/or hanging notes when recording MIDI notes into clips that already contained those same notes.
Improved high DPI support for VST3 plug-ins on Windows:
Plug-ins that support high DPI and IPlugViewContentScale should be the correct size.
Plug-ins that have their own resizing logic should not resize when the user drags the window around.
Plug-in windows are instantiated with the correct size in both scaled and non-scaled modes.
Plug-ins that support host-initiated resizing are interrogated by calling checkSizeContraint in the correct place.
Plug-ins that support host-initiated resizing can be maximized by double-clicking on the title bar.
Fixed a potential crash on Windows that occurred when closing Live right before the program tried to install default Packs.
Fixed an issue with various Control Surface scripts that caused clip launch button LEDs to be in an incorrect state when changing the input type of a track.
When using the ATOM, ATOM SQ, and FANTOM Control Surface scripts, Arm button LEDs now reflect a track's implicit armed state.
Fixed an issue in the SL_MKIII Control Surface script that resulted in incorrect LED button states when exiting Drum Mode.
Fixed a crash when loading a corrupt Live Set containing non-unique Pointee IDs. Live now recognizes if the set is corrupt and displays a corresponding error message. Users can reach out to Support to see if their sets can be repaired.
Fixed a bug where context menus would close abruptly if Voice Control was enabled on System Settings on macOS.
Switching between Session and Arrangement View while a launched clip is playing on Push will now always display the clip as expected.
Previously, Live would crash when deleting an instance of Simpler from a Drum Rack pad while the Simpler's Envelopes view was visible on Push.
Previously, Live would crash when using the Extract Chains command on a Drum Rack chain that had automation or modulation for the Chain Send Level.
Fixed an issue that deselected AU plug-ins after duplicating a selected plug-in.
Fixed a crash that sometimes occurred when loading a plug-in that could not instantiate its presets.
Fixed an issue that caused Live's menu bar to become invisible after deleting all video clips if the video window was in Full Screen Mode on macOS.
Fixed a crash that occurred when dragging and dropping another Live Set with Group Tracks into Session View as a new scene in certain circumstances.
Max for Live Bugfixes:
Fixed a bug where adding Expression Control would create unnecessary undo steps.
Fixed an issue that caused Shaper MIDI to produce unnecessary Undo steps.
Fixed an issue that resulted in incorrect Undo values when using Align Delay in Distance mode.
FLUX: Immersive has announced Ableton Live Tools for SPAT Revolution, a complete workflow set up for Immersive Audio creation and production using custom-built Live Devices and Templates, with a complete guide and tutorial videos, created to integrate Ableton Live with SPAT Revolution - 100% Freeware.
Ableton Live is a DAW offering extensive capabilities for automation, making it really suitable for creating outstanding Immersive Audio content using spatial movements, and other effects, in SPAT Revolution.
With Ableton Live being a popular choice for many music creators, this toolset takes the creative possibilities to the next level, presenting a simple and quick way of getting into multichannel object based creation and sound design in an Immersive Audio context, using the extensive powers of both Ableton Live and SPAT Revolution.
Details:
Improve the workflow for Immersive audio creation and integrate Ableton Live and Spat Revolution.
Improve your existing workflow with object based mixing and free yourself by going multichannel.
Make the most of the powerful tools available in Live to improve your creative experience.
Free custom built Live Devices using the powerful audio effect rack in Ableton Live.
Compatible with your existing workflow – Just applied on top of it.
Simple to Set Up, Simple to Use, Simple to Understand.
Compatible with multiple computer setups.
Automation Powered by OSC.
The Ableton Live Tools for SPAT Revolution includes; Templates, Devices, macOS shortcuts, and a user guide for getting it all up and running quickly.
Ableton Live Tools for SPAT Revolution is available now, for macOS only, as a free download in FLUX: Center.
Native Instruments has released the massive update to its flagship production suite, Komplete 14.
Komplete 14 features Komplete's most extensive range of sounds so far and seamless tools for putting the ideas they inspire into motion, creating an all-in-one package for creativity. Komplete 14's expansive libraries help find, design, and transform instruments in previously unimagined ways, with premium search tools to focus on sounds fast.
Komplete 14 is available in four different sizes – Select, Standard, Ultimate, and Collector's Edition, the last being a comprehensive offering of 145+ instruments, 100+ Expansions, and over 135,000 sounds.
With synths, sampled instruments, percussion tools, immersive effects, and more across the stylistic spectrum, Komplete 14 remains the go-to choice for music-makers of all types to find their ideal creative flow.
Included in Komplete 14 Standard and above, Kontakt 7 offers a huge library of sounds, alongside iZotope's all-new mastering tool, Ozone 10 Standard, which assists in putting the finishing touches on any production. More new additions come via an array of synths and effects from Plugin Alliance and Brainworx, as well as the Choir: Omnia sample library, included in the Komplete 14 Collector's Edition.
Included with Komplete 14 Standard and above, Kontakt 7 features a refreshed HiDPI Factory library, with new instruments ranging from an orchestral section from Orchestral Tools to rare analog synths and everything in-between. An enhanced HiDPI browser offers lightning-fast access to filter and preview the large selection of sampled instruments, including global text search and editable filters for searching sounds. Kontakt 7 also includes under-the-hood audio improvements and the new effects Psyche Delay and Ring Modulator from Guitar Rig 6 Pro.
Soundwide (the group consisting of Native Instruments, iZotope, Plugin Alliance, and Brainworx) and its comprehensive ecosystem of audio creation products is on display throughout Komplete 14. Powered by machine learning, the Ozone 10 Standard tools from iZotope make mastering easy, with assistive technology driving balance in this latest version of the comprehensive pro mastering software. New tools from Plugin Alliance and Brainworx help further develop and drive creativity, with synths and effects, including bx_Oberhausen, Knifonium, LO-FI-AF, Focusrite SC, and more.
Choir: Omnia captures a 40-person vocal ensemble at their passionate peak. Created in collaboration with Strezov Sampling, the production process used a "world-class signal chain" to record the choir over six weeks of live performances. The library creates a contemporary symphonic experience for dynamic scoring across soprano, tenor, alto, and bass sections. Two browsers and intuitive controls allow for easier use of the expressive, deeply customisable instrument, and the Syllabuilder enables the construction of individual syllables and intricate phrases to create entirely unique vocalizations.
Soundwide's mission is to make music and audio creation a more joyful and inspiring experience for creators everywhere by helping them to find, and stay in, their creative flow. Komplete 14 is just the latest development in NI's commitment to providing best-in-class tools for bedroom producers and seasoned pros alike. The four tiers of Komplete 14 likewise include a range of advanced instruments, effects, and Expansions, such as Soul Sessions and Neo Boogie in the Select package, Playbox in Standard, Piano Colors and Ashlight in Ultimate, and Lores in Collector's Edition.
Pricing & Availability
Komplete 14 is available from September 27th, 2022, while Kontakt 7 and Choir: Omnia will be purchasable as separate products from October 4th, 2022, all at the Native Instruments online shop:
Komplete 14 Select: EUR 199 / USD 199 / GBP 179.
Komplete 14 Standard: EUR 599 / USD 599 / GBP 539.
Komplete 14 Ultimate: EUR 1199 / USD 1199 / GBP 1079.
Komplete 14 Collector's Edition: EUR 1799 / USD 1799 / GBP 1619.
Kontakt 7: EUR 299 / USD 299 / GBP 269.
PSPaudioware has updated PSP Echo to v1.5.0.
Changes & New Features:
VST3 format for macOS and Windows.
New AAX engine for macOS and Windows.
Apple Silicon native support.
The brand new Preset System - added sorting presets by categories; added Undo/Redo functionality; improved A/B functionality; improved save/load preset experience.
Tons of of new presets and new tempo synchronized presets designed by top sound engineers from around the world.
New graphic engine with zooming and high resolution graphics.
Side chain input for ducker controlling.
Dropdown menu for directly settings value of music notes (including dotted and triplets).
Swap delay channels settings button.
Dry enable button (as global parameter for all presets).
Wet enable button.
Improved compatibility with the latest systems and latest version versions of popular DAWs.
Sound Magic has updated the free Strings One to Version 1.2, adding two new instruments.
Changes:
Add 2 new instruments:
Violin Ensemble 1.
Viola Ensemble 2.
Some minor changes.
The full version, which includes 8 instruments, is available as a free download.
Ueberschall released a new free soundbank management tool called Ueberschall Downloader as well as the version 3.6 update for the free Elastik player.
Elastik 3.6
This update features a huge amount of bugfixes as well as full Apple Silicon M1 support for Elastik. Available for macOS and Windows as standalone app or VST2/3, AU and AAX plugin.
Ueberschall Downloader
The Ueberschall Downloader is Ueberschall's one-stop solution for soundbank management:
Register, download, import and activate your Elastik soundbanks quickly and easily with this standalone app, available both for macOS and Windows. Download huge amounts of loops with a few clicks and then activate them in the Elastik player with just one button. Simple to use but efficient, the Ueberschall Downloader is the perfect partner for Elastik and will help you get the most out of your loop collection.
Ueberschall Downloader key features:
Easy to use with a streamlined user interface.
Download any number of loop libraries to a defined folder.
Pause or resume downloads at anytime.
Automatic decompression of downloaded archives.
Import and activate your soundbanks for use in Elastik.
Register new serials to your Ueberschall account.
Remove soundbanks from your computer.
Ideal app for our Bundles and Complete Bundles.
Developed in cooperation with zplane.
Requirements:
MacOS: recommended 10.12 or higher.
Windows: recommended Windows 8 or higher.
Internet connection.
Taylor Guitars, a leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars, has introduced its redesigned 500 Series, featuring Urban Ironbark, a brand-new tonewood that debuts as the back and sides of its 514ce and 512ce models. The tonewood is a first for the guitar-making industry and joins Urban Ash as the second tonewood in Taylor’s product line to come from Taylor’s urban sourcing initiative in collaboration with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA). The reimagined 500 Series models feature Taylor’s revolutionary, award-winning V-Class bracing system as well as a torrefied spruce top, yielding a sound that’s robust, muscular and sweet.
Urban Ironbark, otherwise known as red ironbark eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sideroxylon), is one of more than 700 eucalyptus species found around the world. Taylor’s partnership with West Coast Arborists allows access to select urban trees from Southern California — part of a municipality’s managed public tree population — that are designated for removal after reaching the end of their life cycle or posing a safety risk to the community. Typically, these end-of-life trees are converted into firewood or mulch. However, Taylor’s innovative partnership with WCA allows the trees to live on as beautiful acoustic guitars.
Today’s announcement marks the first time Taylor has converted an established guitar series from a traditional tonewood (in this case mahogany, long a staple of Taylor’s 500 Series) to a wood sourced from the urban forest. Chief Guitar Designer, President and CEO Andy Powers spent several years testing Urban Ironbark’s workability and viability as a guitar tonewood.
“Usually, denser woods are hard to dry and prone to distortion, which needs to be carefully controlled to yield a stable guitar part — like ebony,” Andy explains. “With red ironbark, we found that we could dry it consistently well the way we might dry East Indian rosewood. This ironbark has similar characteristics in that regard. It’s very stable. On top of all of this, it has one of the smoothest and most uniform textures of any dense wood I’ve ever seen.”
The new urban tonewood has a physical density comparable to ebony while also delivering the sonic depth and richness of Indian rosewood, but pushed to another level. The voicing recipe for the new guitars include a torrefied (roasted) Sitka spruce top paired with Taylor’s V-Class bracing. The result can be described as a fresh variation on the classic spruce/rosewood sound with the help of Taylor’s modern acoustic engineering, and with the guitar’s enhanced volume and projection immediately evident, even with a lighter playing touch.
“Urban Ironbark has a tone-shaping quality where it produces the deep, clear sound of rosewood but with just enough of the damping effect of ebony or mahogany that helps smooth out the sharp edges of the sound,” Powers says. “With the ironbark’s density, the guitar sound is what I would describe as muscular and strong. The sensation I get when I play it is like the guitar is naturally amplifying everything I do. It’s giving me back more than I put into it — like the notes want to jump out of the guitar. These are guitars I’m really excited to get into people’s hands.”
The appointments on the new 500 Series offer a nod to the classic heritage of Taylor’s 500 Series, which were previously mahogany guitars. The back and sides feature a stain that deepens ironbark’s natural reddish and golden-brown hues, along with a lightly shaded edgeburst on the body and neck. Other details include new Aerial inlays in Italian acrylic, faux tortoise shell binding and pickguard, and a single-ring abalone rosette with maple and black purfling. Both models include onboard ES2 electronics and a mahogany neck with Taylor nickel tuners.
The 514ce and 512ce include a Taylor Deluxe Hardshell Case and will be available at authorised Taylor dealers for an RRP of €3.399 (ex VAT).
Taylor Guitars was founded in 1974 by Bob Taylor and Kurt Listug and has grown into the leading global builder of premium acoustic guitars. Taylor now employs over 1,400 people and currently produces hundreds of guitars per day in its state-of-the-art factory complexes in both El Cajon and in Tecate, Baja California, Mexico. The company maintains an active dealer network, with Taylor guitars sold through hundreds of retail locations in North America and with international distribution to 60 countries, including a distribution warehouse and factory service center in the Netherlands. In December of 2020, Taylor transitioned to 100-percent employee ownership, and in 2022, Chief Guitar Designer Andy Powers was also named President and CEO.
Designed for performing guitarists and pro musicians, the Koa preamp offers classic, natural acoustic tone with unprecedented tonal control and extended headroom. The Koa begins with a boutique flat response and adds extensive tone capabilities, allowing you to carve out your signature sound.
The pedal’s interface is intuitive and well laid out, making it easy for you to adjust your acoustic guitar settings on-the-fly. Harmonic content increases as you turn up the INPUT GAIN control, producing the rich harmonics you desire from your preamp. Lightweight, compact design, bullet-proof construction, and a list of indispensable features assure the Koa will be the heart of your tone for years to come.
Key Koa features include:
Preamp GAIN and master VOLUME controls
BLEND control adjusts the EQ/dry mix
Mid sweep semi-parametric EQ
COMPRESSOR: Threshold and Strength controls
Effects Loop
True Bypass
Switchable MUTE
THRU/TUNER output jack independent of MUTE switch
-10dB Attenuation switch
DIRECT OUT balanced XLR and 1/4-inch
9V Power supply included. 90-230VAC, 50-60Hz
Battery compartment for 9V battery operation
Waves Audio has released Waves Spherix: a suite of two plugins – a compressor and a brickwall limiter – designed from the ground up for fast, efficient work on the beds (fixed channels) of immersive 7.1.4/7.1.2 mixing environments such as Dolby Atmos. Here's what they say:
Waves Spherix offers dynamics that are specifically designed for immersive mixing. Finally, you can save precious time and avoid tedious manual workarounds when mixing immersive audio. With Spherix's streamlined, immersive-ready workflows, you can :
Mix faster without swapping channels: Spherix's quick-access controls, available for each channel right below the metering, allow you to tweak parameters quickly across all channels, without tediously swapping from one channel to the next. .
Tweak multiple channels with a single touch (multi-mono): Use "Control Linking" to group multiple channels by speaker zones—tops, surrounds, your choice of three front-wall groupings (L+R, L+R+C, L+R+C+LFE), or all your channels together. Now you can quickly tweak the settings of multiple channels with a single click of the mouse, mixing quickly in multi-mono while maintaining relative settings between channels. .
Process grouped speaker zones instantly: Use "Channel Linking" to group your channels based on speaker zones—and instantly compress or limit each entire zone as a bus (rather than as separately processed channels). Compress/limit your tops as one unified zone, your sides and rears as another, your front-wall (L+R, L+R+C, or L+R+C+LFE) as yet another zone—with a unified compressor or limiter applied instantly across all channels in the group.
Adjust the sidechain reaction you want: The innovative Weight control—a Spherix exclusive—lets you adjust the balance and content of the sidechain that feeds channel-linked groups. You can choose whether the grouped channels will react more to each individual channel, more to the entire group, or more to all other channels—including all points in-between.
Meter multiple channels conveniently: Multi-channel meters let you instantly view the levels and gain reduction of all channels, without having to manually switch channels.
Waves Spherix features:
Includes the Spherix Compressor and Spherix Limiter .
Dedicated workflows for 7.1.4/7.1.2 immersive formats .
Process entire grouped speaker zones using Channel Linking .
Adjust multiple channels (multi-mono) with fast Control Linking .
Choose from three front-wall linking options: L+R, L+R+C, L+R+C+LFE .
Mix faster with quick-access controls in a streamlined multi-channel layout .
Control multi-channel sidechain reaction using the Spherix-only Weight control .
Monitor levels and gain reduction easily with multi-channel metering.
Price: $199.
Eons is designed to offer massively thick fuzz sounds. Use the Voltage (lightning bolt) knob to crank up to 18 volts into the pedal’s circuit for massive, open fuzz sounds, or choose to starve it down to 3 volts for spatty, gated fuzz. Experiment with the Voltage and Mode knobs for nearly endless styles of fuzz tones. Find vintage-inspired sounds emanating from the stages of Woodstock to flannel-clad grunge to chaotic three-chord punk rock.
Features
Silicon soft clipping traditional fuzz that’s well rounded with a huge sound; compressed and smooth.
Silicon clipping with an added bass boost that boosts the low end at the beginning of the circuit; compressed and crunchy.
Germanium soft clipping with a feel of “what if a distortion and fuzz had a kid?”; crunchy and dynamic.
LED clipping diodes with a slight high-end cut; dynamically dark.
Hard clipping silicon transistors combined with LED and Silicon soft clipping diodes. The rowdiest of the modes with tons of gain: compressed, loud, and angry.
The Eons comes in a sandy tan enclosure color with red, cream, and black ink. Artwork features a stoic four-horned, Markhor goat illustrated by Adam Forster. 9V DC, center negative, 100mA min – 2.62 x 4.77 x 2.25 inches including knobs. Walrus Audio is offering the Eons for a retail price of $229 and is available now at walrusaudio.com and with their authorized dealers all over the galaxy and Virgo Supercluster.
Rast Sound has released Generative Collection 3.0 with the addition of the new Motif plugin and the Cinescapes Pro 2 and Rig engines for Kontakt.
Motif (Plugin) will help you create unique ideas/melodies, build progressions on the go for selected key, scale and emotion empowered by a state-of-the-art possibility algorithm. When you are happy with what you hear, drag to MIDI to use with your ready to go sounds.
Cinescapes Pro 2 (for Kontakt): Select an emotion and a key, then click play, the engine will create an ever evolving ambient music from endless possibilities.
Rig (for Kontakt) is a rhythmic pattern maker fuelled by a smart possibility algorithm, a wealth of percussive sounds and dual length controls to help create unique long patterns with natural variety.
Requirements:
Motif is a plugin for Mac & Win available in AU & VST3 formats.
Cinescapes Pro 2 & Rig are Kontakt Engines (Require Kontakt Full Version 5.8+).
New version intro offer: 149€ (total value 247€) until October 19, 2022.
- Second version owners can upgrade for 39€ and first version owners can upgrade for 59€.
Truality Audio has released TruPan, a free VST3 plugin for Windows that claims to work differently from a conventional intensity-based Pan-Pot.
Truality Audio says:
The main drawback of an intensity-based pan-pot is that you must be at the optimum listening position to perceive the intended sound image. Any movement of the listener destabilizes the soundscape. Truality Panning creates a more stable image and a sense of aural depth. There is always sound in both channels (appropriately conditioned), even when panning to the extremes. I never liked the thin clinical sound emitting from one loudspeaker only.
TruPan is an Audio Plugin (VST Windows) that uses a combination of filtering (head shadow effect), delay (precedence – Haas effect), and level manipulation (Intensity variation). I used various techniques to minimize phase (Mono compatibility) problems. For the intended use, I believe the results are quite acceptable. Sure, not suitable for pink noise panning. Trying to replicate how we perceive directional cues, is not an easy task, especially with only two channels.
Price: Free.
Universal Audio have announced the release of their UAD Spark plug-in, now available for Windows PCs as well as Mac. Spark is an ever expanding collection of UAD plug-ins and instruments, including some of UA's best titles from Neve, Moog, API, Lexicon, Studer, UA, and more. which runs natively without UA hardware in all major DAWs that support VST3, AAX, and AU formats.
We launched the UAD Spark plug-in subscription earlier this year, bringing the authentic and inspiring sounds of classic studio and music gear to creators, with or without UA hardware," says Bill Putnam Jr., UA's founder and CEO. "Today, we're thrilled to be able to extend that vision and bring professional UA sound to our Windows community as well.
The UAD Spark subscription is available for $19.99/month ($149.99/year) with a 14-day free trial. Volt USB audio interface owners receive an extended 30-day free trial, and owners of perpetual UAD plug-in licenses receive corresponding native UAD Spark plug-ins for free.
Included UAD Spark Subscription Plug-Ins
Reverbs, Delay & Modulation:
Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb.
Studio D Chorus.
Brigade Chorus.
Galaxy Tape Echo.
Pure Plate Reverb.
Preamps, EQ & Tape:
Neve 1073 Preamp & EQ Channel Strip.
API Vision Channel Strip.
Studer A800 Tape Recorder.
Pultec Passive EQ Collection.
Hitsville EQ Collection.
Compressors:
API 2500 Bus Compressor.
UA 1176 Classic Limiter Collection.
Teletronix LA-2A Leveler Collection.
UAD Instruments:
Moog Minimoog.
Opal Morphing Synthesizer.
Waterfall B3 Organ.
Ravel Grand Piano.
McDSP has announced the release of universal binary versions of the entire APB plug-in line up. McDSP APB plugin can now run natively on both Intel and Apple silicon computers. This release also takes advantage of recent mac OS improvements in graphics rendering for both Intel and Apple silicon processors, for Mojave, Catalina, Big Sur, and Monterey operating systems.
The APB hardware drivers were already updated to run natively on Intel and Apple silicon computers in 2021. Now the APB system will operate more efficiently than ever, delivering high end analog processing under total software control.
Designed to provide an improved system for elevating effects pedals, the product line includes a broad array of options that will fit almost any pedal and pedalboard. Strong, stable, and lightweight, Elephant Foot Risers are designed for gigging musicians who need a reliable and road-worthy solution for improving their pedalboards.
The line features fitted and non-fitted risers and frames that can make your pedalboard as solid, secure, and streamlined as possible – without forcing you to sacrifice your favorite pedals or compromise on your routing preferences.
Features
No more accidental pedal stomps, no more pedal wobble, no more sloppy pedal boards!
Works with all popular brands
Easy and neat cable routing and pedal attachment options
Strong, yet lightweight
Versatile - use on wood, composite or metal pedalboards
Excellent value! Prices starting at only $4.99.
Elephant Foot Risers are priced from $4.99 to $12.99.
Blue Cat Audio has released a new version of Blue Cat's PatchWork, its multi-effects processor also capable of hosting third party plug-ins.
This new version brings new macro parameters features to control multiple parameters from multiple plug-ins with a single knob. With the ability to choose knob styles for the macro controls and hide the plug-ins matrix, it is like creating a brand new plug-in out of many. This new version also improves MIDI I/O and the integration with control surfaces, and includes many other new features and fixes (full list below).
What's New in PatchWork 2.6:
New macro controls editor to edit plug-in parameters mapping.
Assign multiple parameters from multiple plug-ins to a single macro control, and adjust the range for each parameter.
Assign a name to each macro control, that is now displayed in automation lanes in most host applications (may require a session reload in some cases).
Parameters names for existing sessions will be automatically updated upon load.
Select macro knobs appearance among 18 predefined styles.
New learn modes to quickly assign plug-in parameters.
MIDI output is now enabled in standalone application.
Select individual MIDI I/O in standalone application.
Added an option in global & preset input settings to send MIDI events when MIDI-enabled parameters are modified in the plug-in (to update control surfaces accordingly).
In most plug-in formats, internal audio I/O configuration can now be selected regardless of the configuration defined by the host (you can for example reduce the number of channels to save CPU and process only selected channels).
PatchWork App now uses Apple's Hardened Runtime and the installer has been notarized to avoid security warnings on Mac.
Improved performance to load the user interface.
Improved VST parameter value display in some host applications.
Fixed bypass that did not let MIDI messages go thru for some MIDI plug-ins.
Fixed some GUI resizing issues with some VST3 plug-ins.
Fixed signal overflow issues with the Reverb built-in plug-in for some surround configurations.
The free update can be downloaded from the same location as the original full version (link received by email upon purchase).
PatchWork is on sale (20% off / 79 EUR or $79 instead of 99) until October 26th, 2022, while existing customers will receive an even better deal by email. Demo versions are available on www.bluecataudio.com in most plug-in formats (and as a standalone application) for Mac and Windows PC.
Muse Group has announced the release of version 3.2.0 of Audacity, the latest version of the free audio editor and recorder. Audacity 3.2 takes leaps toward being an end-to-end production tool with the addition of real-time effects support, non-destructive editing, VST3 support, UX and UI improvements, and notably, quick audio sharing with the newly launched audio.com.
Share Your Sound With audio.com
Free to all audio creators, audio.com allows creators to easily share audio files by simply sending a link to intended recipients. audio.com empowers creatives to create their own catalog of original audio. Creators can make their own profile with a biography, link to their social profiles, easily upload their audio files either publicly or privately, and share projects in their account using it as cloud storage.
Since Muse Group's acquisition of Audacity in 2021, the intention has remained clear — to improve Audacity's functionality and features for an easier user experience. The combination of Audacity 3.2 with quick audio sharing and cloud storage brings freely accessible music software to creators everywhere. This is an important step on our journey of turning a much-loved audio tool into a fully-fledged DAW.
Martin Keary, Head of Product at Audacity
The addition of audio.com further empowers creators to build their own portfolio of original audio. By either exporting it from Audacity or directly uploading it on audio.com, anyone now has the opportunity to easily create and share their original sound with the world, be it music or podcast.
Lukas Lyrestam, Head of Product at audio.com
Audacity 3.2 Real-Time Effects & Improved UX
With Audacity 3.2, effects and crossfades can now be adjusted in real-time, allowing for changes in timing and precise edits while listening to audio. Audacity 3.2 also brings improved non-destructive audio capabilities, where creators can tweak the effects without changes being permanently written into the audio file.
Virtual Studio Technology (VST3 support) is also enhanced with the new production update. Audacity 3.2 delivers a more streamlined experience for creators with a completely rewritten code base, providing the most stable and reliable VST platform to date.
For user experience, Audacity 3.2 introduces a clearer and more consistent set of visuals in the top bar for a smoother editing experience, with the audio output bar and volume slider combined for more efficient functionality. A new 'Audio Setup' option also allows for quick and easy changes to input, mic and output settings. Muse Group is continuing to develop the product through user experience feedback, which will be available through regular updates.
Dream Audio Tools has released Surfin Guitar for Native Instruments Kontakt, inspired by the authentic 50s and 60s surf guitar sound. Here's what they say:
Everything has been programmed and edited to obtain a mix-ready yet raw and believable tone while offering a nice variety of articulations for the style.
Surfin Guitar is an ideal tool for creating that instant fifties/jukebox feel or to satisfy all your most guilty pulp desires. Amped tones, spring reverb, tremolo, chorus have been meticulously shaped allowing a quick creation of ready-to-use tones for your music.
With its usable interface and a selected array of controls and effects Surfin Guitar allows the customization and creation of an unlimited range of inspiring sounds. Controls include a selection of spring reverb impulses, amp, tremolo, chorus, delay along with ADSR and filter controls for adding a modern twist to vintage tones.
Intro Price: 19.90 EUR until October 15, 2022 (Reg. 29.90 EUR).
Tal Aviram has update TICK Metronome, the open-source cross-platform metronome plug-in, to version 0.5.0.
New:
Vertical layout support (requested by Alex).
Allow showing beat number (avivcohen).
Add Sync Pulse for analog syncing (thanks Mark.).
Don't turn screen off on mobile devices.
Bug fixes and Improvements:
Fix accented beat in projects with signatures changes (thanks Juan.).
Fixed macOS factory folder issues (in Installer).
Updated AbletonLink.
Updated JUCE.
Various bug fixes and improvements.
UVI has updated Augmented Orchestra to v1.1 with over 130 new layers and presets. They say:
An expanded version of the hybrid orchestral instrument, Augmented Orchestra 1.1 melds "a world-class orchestra with processed and synthetic sounds to deliver imaginative timbres and breathtaking soundscapes". Version 1.1 includes the new "Future" preset category, loaded with 100 newly designed patches focused on modern sound design, as well as 35 new source layers to use for your own patch design.
Augmented Orchestra offers native 64-bit standalone operation by way of Falcon or the free UVI Workstation, providing comprehensive support for all modern DAWs and simultaneous authorization on up to 3 computers or iLok keys.
Price: $199/199€ at uvi.net through October 2nd, 2022 (reg. $299/299€). A free update for existing users, available through UVI Portal.
The genre-defining 1969 Laney SUPERGROUP that kickstarted Heavy Metal, is reimagined in 2022 as a stunning, low wattage studio head.
LA-STUDIO DETAILS
MODERN VINTAGE
The infamous 1967 Laney SUPERGROUP amplifier reimagined in a studio format and fused with cutting edge technology.
HI-FIDELITY -LOW VOLUME
The LA-STUDIO is an Impulse Response loaded, 3W <0.1W – watt version of the criticallyacclaimed LA30BL head. Featuring a high quality reactive load for silent, cabinet free,operation. 3 x ECC83 pre amp tubes and a single 12BH7 power tube.
INDUSTRY-LEADING TECHNOLOGY
Loaded with a full TWO NOTES Torpedo module, the LA-STUDIO is a real tube amp with all the benefits and ease of use of a digital PLUGIN. Real hot tubes, real hot tone, real feel and real dynamics. The LA-STUDIO is essentially a REAL PLUGIN.
The LA-STUDIO ships pre-loaded with 6 bespoke virtual cabinets/impulse responses, built-in and ready for use. DynIR is the next-generation of impulse response technology developed by Two Notes Audio Engineering. DynIR revolutionises the concept of a static impulse response: each DynIR Virtual Cabinet from Two Notes comes with 8 microphones, and a choice of multiple rooms. Using the Two Notes app, you can change the environment, move the mics around either in front or behind the cabinet, alter EQ and so much more. Hear the difference your tweaks make in real time and experience the future of on-demand tone.
TAKE CONTROL
Simply hook up your LA-STUDIO to your Mac or PC, Load the Torpedo Remote software and get AAA access to every parameter you could desire. With Torpedo Remote, experience a level of freedom that you’ve only ever dreamed about and discover unrivalled creativecapability!
Just as the original supergroup amplifiers were made iconic by Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi, now the LA-STUDIO is THE amplifier used in Tony’s own recording studio.
Laney’s Supergroup timeline.
1967 – ROOTS
Laney release the iconic and genre defining LA100BL Supergroup. As used by the pioneer of Heavy Metal – Mr Tony Iommi.
2017 – REISSUED
As part of the Laney 50th Anniversary celebrations the Black Country Customs team produced a very exclusive, limited run of Tony Iommi’s original 1969 LA100BL rig.
2018 – REDISCOVERED
The LA30BL born from a single lost prototype in 1968 and features the same pre-amplifier circuit as the LA100BL, with a twin EL34 class AB output stage running at 30 watts.
2022 -REIMAGINED
The LA-STUDIO Supergroup, released September 26th 2022.
Techivation has announced the release of T-Puncher, a new audio plug-in designed to shape the transients in a "natural and musical way".
Key Features:
Major Punchiness Control.
Smoother (Saturation).
Attack Control.
Effect Modes.
Frequency Range Control.
Mid-Side Processing.
Solo Button (delta-listening).
Soft Clip Option.
Stereo-Link.
Oversampling set at 4X.
Scalable GUI (80% to 150%).
T-Puncher is available on an introductory sale for $39 (reg. $79) until October 10th, 2022. Techivation customers can get an extra loyalty discount.
Smaolab has announced the release of Tarabia MKII Pro version 1.1.
What's new in this version:
Better CPU usage / Performances.
Resizeable UI.
Linux + Mac (all processors + M1/M2) + Windows.
Added a new Warm Tube emulation.
Added a Diode Clipping Level Control.
Added a Low Pass Filter.
Intro Price: $14 in the KVR Marketplace (Reg. $27).
If you already bought the plug-in, this update/upgrade is free.
ZAK Sound has announced the release of Morning Coffee Piano, a free piano library for Kontakt based on a calm and smooth acoustic piano combined with an ambient texture and music box-style instrument.
On the main panel, it has envelope knobs (attack and release), performance (stereo image, highcut, and dynamics), and effects (resonance, reverb, delay, and delay time).
It also has volume controls for each instrument (piano, music box, and texture), by clicking on the mix button.
Price: Free.
Requires the full version of Kontakt 6.7.1 or higher.
Treeswift Audio has announced the release of Zebra Elementals: AERA, a new collection of 120 ready-to-play presets for u-he's semi-modular software synthesizer Zebra2. Created by German composer and sound designer Jan Morgenstern, the library marks the next chapter in the series of elements-inspired soundsets for Zebra2 that had its debut in 2021 with the release of Zebra Elementals: ISLA.
The instruments that make up Zebra Elementals: AERA cover a wide range of different uses, styles, and synthesis techniques. What they all have in common is that they're crafted around the themes of air, wind, height, skies, heights, breathing, and voices. Users will find organic simulations of wind, brass, and pipe instruments that make full use of Zebra's physical modeling capabilities; unusual hybrid leads, plucks and mallets, airy and cinematic pads, vocals and choirs, animated textures and sequences, percussion instruments and rhythm patterns, and a selection of parametric sound effect generators for swishes, whooshes, fly-bys, rotors, and wind ambiences round out the collection.
Until October 16th, 2022, Zebra Elementals: AERA is available at a launch discount of 20% off its regular price (€ 34.99 incl. VAT) and can be purchased directly from the Treeswift Audio online store.
FluffyAudio has announced the release of Simple Opera Singer for Kontakt with an introductory price of 39 $ / € instead of 49 $ / € until September, 30th, 2022.
When we sampled Ji Min Oh for Spaghetti Western, we thought to extend the sampling with a unique legato articulation with syllables and quasi-words to make the most out of her lyrical voice. This instruments includes vowel legato sounds (A and O) and this new legato articulation.
Details:
2.0 GB .ncw compressed sample pool.
3 different instruments: Normal Legato (MW Dyn), Fast Legato (MW Dyn) and Legato Control (MW Legato Speed).
True Legato with full sustained note after legato.
3 different microphone positions.
3 articulations (Words Legato articulation not present in Spaghetti Western).
2+ octaves note range (G2 > C5).
Release volume control.
12 IR reverb impulses.
Full version of Kontakt (5+) required. Kontakt Player NOT compatible.
Kuassa has released Amplifikation VVV, inspired by a signature Peavey/EVH which delivers a very specific kind of guitar tone, dubbed as the "brown sound".
Amplifikation VVV will also implement Kuassa's next-generation user interface. Streamlining the process of operating the plugin for users with a cleaner, resizeable interface.
Powered by our 3rd generation tube engine, we recreates and tweaks all three major versions of the 5XXX amps to deliver the infamous brown sound in your DAW.
Adhitya Wibisana, Kuassa's Tech Director
Key Features:
3 channels: Red, Green and Blue.
3 amp types: Mark I, Mark II and Mark III.
High-res resizable graphic.
Improvements for the user interface.
Sag and Bias feature on the power amp section.
Low pass and high pass filters.
Five types of cabinets with impulse responses taken from genuine Mesa-Boogie cabinets.
Nine types of workhorse mics: Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD421, Sennheiser MD441, Shure KSM 353, Royer 121, AKG C414, Neumann TLM103, Sennheiser E609, and Beyerdynamic M 201.
Freely adjustable dual-miking configurations with mono or stereo configuration.
Built-in Noise Gate and Limiter.
Straightforward and easy to use interface.
Supports up to 8x Oversampling.
Availability
Amplifikation VVV is now available as VST, VST3, Audio Unit, AAX, A360 modules, and as a Standalone App, while the Rack Extension version will be released soon through Reason Studio Shop.
Amplifikation VVV is available for purchase through Kuassa website, and selected resellers at an intro price of $25 (valid for purchases until October 2nd, 2022. Normal Price: $49).
Amplifikation 360 and Amplifikation 360 Bundle
Amplifikation VVV will be shown as 3 modules along with its cabinets inside Kuassa's Amplifikation 360 effects platform. To access the new VVV modules, users need to update their Amplifikation 360 to Ver. 1.1.1. Available for free from Kuassa's Download Page.
As the latest addition for Kuassa's Amplifikation 360 Bundle, it will be available for free for complete A360 Bundle owners who can access the license via their member area.
Spitfire Audio have announced the release of Fractured Strings, a collaboration with Hans Zimmer's scoring collective, Bleeding Fingers Music (Frozen Planet II, Planet Earth II, Blue Planet II) recorded at AIR Studios, London.
Fractured Strings introduces an innovative approach to articulations that delivers inspirational surprises through intervallic performances and new modal colours, with unparalleled depth and realism. With these sophisticated and emotive musical gestures and our new Scale Mode technology, this library lends itself perfectly to cellular, ambient, and neoclassical composing — reflecting the intricacies, patterns and contrasts found in natural phenomena.
Featuring an eight-piece string ensemble and two soloists, these sounds were recorded in AIR Lyndhurst Hall, complete with 15 signal paths.
KEY Features:
New — Scale Mode.
Evo Grid.
42 Violin Fractures.
54 Violin Articulations.
51 Cello Articulations.
9 Solo Violin Articulations.
9 Solo Cello Articulations.
15 signal paths.
88.1 GB disk space required during install.
Fractured Strings is available for $299 from Spitfire Audio with a limited intro offer of $249.
GSi has released an iOS version of GS-201 Mark II for iPad. Unlike the desktop version, this iPad version contains only the basic controls found on the original Space Echo, with no additional editing parameters, just everything is needed to relive the experience of dealing with an original Space Echo, with all its pros and cons.
The iPad version comes in Stand-Alone and AUv3 plugin format, at the price of €/$ 13,99 on the App Store.
Fuse Audio Labs has released the VREV-305, a virtual spring reverb plug-in for macOS and Windows in VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in formats.
Fuse Audio Labs say:
The 305 is a very inspiring mechanical masterpiece, so it felt only natural to put our biggest effort into getting its complex and unique signature sound just right for this plugin while offering some really useful DAW add-ons to the original concept.
Intro Price: $29.00 (Reg. $59) until October 23rd, 2022 (12PM CET).
New Sonic Arts has updated Freestyle, a VST host for stage and studio, to version 1.6515.
Until October 15th Freestyle 1.65 is available at an introductory price of £79, discounted from £109.
Improvements:
macOS: Universal Binary with native support for Apple Silicon.
New Horizontal Structure View.
Duplicate now available on multiple selection.
Floating Edit View now has scrollbars when needed.
Recent files feature added to the main menu (under Open).
Project tempo is preserved when changing snapshots.
Rack/Strip: Added FX now inserted after focus when possible.
Bypass now available on Groups.
Esc key now deselects focused module or navigates to parent Group.
Windows/ASIO: Added open Control Panel button.
Unassigned Macros are now potis rather than buttons.
Various misc UI and layout tweaks.
General keyboard input/focus tweaks.
Fixes:
macOS: Fullscreen mode UI would disappear after cmd+tab.
Fixed an undo related crash bug.
Some plugin windows could get 'stuck' when changing snaps.
Fixed an Event Player issue with Nuance (drum names could be displayed on the wrong note).
Plugin Browser: internal modules could not be marked as favourite.
Workaround a crash in some Kilohearts VST's.
Automation assignments did not recall in some hosts.
Host song position sync could be offset by some samples.
Added a workaround for certain plugins that don't report a view size.
VST version: MIDI CC output was not working.
VST3 hosting: added support for MIDI PitchBend and ModWheel input.
VST3 hosting: added support for MIDI note output.
VST3 hosting: fixed some plugins where editing plugin parameters would not affect.
sound or update.
VST3 hosting: fixed some plugins would not respond to Macro assignments.
Fixed a bug with the selection rectangle in rack/strip view.
Eurorack manufacturer Noise Engineering jumped into the world of plugins last year with their free Freequel pack and earlier this year with Bundle 1, each with three plugins based on their modular products. Now they're back with three new plugins that sound unlike anything in your current software music-production arsenal.
Bundle 2, like Bundle 1, includes two synths and an effect:
Loquelic Vereor is based on the module Loquelic Iteritas Percido. It's built around interpretations of three classic synthesis algorithms (VOSIM, summation synthesis, and phase modulation) parameterized onto a complex-oscillator structure with two pitch and four tone controls to help it cut through any mix.
Manis Iteritas is based on the module of the same name. Designed to be gritty and aggressive (think industrial music in a box), it will surprise you with just how sparkly and pretty it can sound too. Built on the concepts of additive, subtractive, and FM synthesis, Manis Iteritas is a shapeshifter.
Imitor is a remarkably versatile multitap delay that can do all your standard delay duties, but also begs you to experiment with it. Based on Imitor Versio, the effects platform module, Imitor required the most tweaks. It went from 12 to 32 taps and, with the interface afforded by the plugin version, the team added tons of control to allow you to shape your delays.
Notable features:
Inspired by the popular Eurorack module: bridge the gap between the sounds of modular and your DAW production.
Easy to automate, user-friendly controls. Easy to use, but synth enthusiasts will love the simple-yet-powerful interface.
Create sounds using unique interpretations of classic and fresh, unique synthesis algorithms.
Complex internal modulation: route macro controls, step sequencers, envelopes, random values, and powerful LFOs to almost any parameter.
Tooltips.
Easy-to-use MIDI learn.
MPE compatibility.
Complex MIDI mappings include velocity and polyphonic aftertouch.
Customize the interface to your liking: change the color, add fire, resize the window, and more.
Loads of presets included to get you started or use the Random button to generate new patches in one click.
Manis Iteritas:
Choose between complex phase modulation or additive synthesis structures.
Great for abstract percussion, bass, leads, and effects.
Shape your sounds with controls like Saw Mod, Profundity, Bash, and Smash.
Loquelic Vereor:
Unique complex-oscillator architecture makes complex sound design a breeze.
West-coast inspired: bring wavefolding, wavemorphing, cross modulation, and other unique sonic tools to your productions, no hardware required.
Features an analog-inspired resonant multimode gate for subtractive timbral shaping.
Control dynamics and modulate timbre with a four-stage ADSR or unique two-stage Percido envelope.
Add width to your sounds with a vintage-inspired chorus.
Imitor:
Wide delay time range from below 1ms to 1.5s between taps.
Use a single tap for traditional echos, or add in up to 32 taps for complex delay patterns.
Tap display shows tap structure and visualizes echos for easy tweaking.
Disable taps and use the flexible panning, dynamics, and timing controls to create wild echo patterns.
Add tap modulation for stereo width and vintage effects.
Sync to host tempo with flexible time divisions: create triplets, dotted notes, or straight rhythms.
Use millisecond delay times to create comb filters, flangers, and other wild effects.
Change echo timbre with the resonant DJ-style filter, or the Shimmer and Doom feedback effects.
Add warmth and flavor or outright distortion with the Crunch output effect.
Bundle 2 is available for $119.00 from Noise Engineering.
Syntheway has released Alphatron Oscillion, a polyphonic subtractive synthesizer.
Features:
Four Voltage Controlled Oscillators (VCOs). They will generate the initial sound signal with four voltage controlled oscillators (VCO1, VCO2, VCO3, VCO4).
Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) Envelope. Changes the produced frequency. It can be used to modify the attack phase or to create special effect sounds.
Voltage Controlled Amplifier (VCA) Envelope. Controls the volume or amplitude of the sound with independent control over each ADSR stage.
Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF). A low-pass filter that lets the lower frequencies or harmonics pass unchanged, while it attenuates or reduces the strength of the higher frequencies, offering a simple and effective tone control to shape and color the sound source.
Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) Envelope. This section provides control of the filter cutoff frequency over time, with independent control over each ADSR stage.
Chorus effect with a toggle switch, stereo spread, amplitude and depth controls.
Delay effect with time and feedback parameters.
Reverb effect with a switch indicator, size and width room controls.
Pitch bend.
Virtual keyboard.
Preset Manager.
MIDI automation.
50 internal presets.
Price: $43.90.
The Nu-X MG-400 is a value-packed modeler akin to his little brother, the MG-300. MG-400 houses 2 powerful DSP chips for high-definition White-Box Amp Modeling algorithm (TS/AC-HD) and Core-Image post-effects. Since releasing the MG-300, people have been blown away by the sound and playability, not to mention the ease-of-use tone tweaking and intuitive interface. And now, the MG-400builds upon the MG-300 feature set moveable signal blocks, extra 12 IR COLLECTION slots, flexible P.L block with MIN & MAX parameter setup, send/return fx loop, abundant SYSTEM MENU, and physical master volume knob, MG-400 is now the best value modeler for the money.
The white-box algorithm offers realistic playability and analog-chaos response. The concept of "Chaos makes the muse" perfectly applies to the analog circuit. When you tweak the knob, it affects itself as well as other parameters. For a linear digital system, the parameter is independent. The white-box algorithm offers real-time feedback, increment-by-increment. Nu-X TS/AC-HD replicates the same playability most guitarists crave in a real tube amplifier.
MG-400 offers 512 samples of IR, you can also load 3rd party IR files through the editor software. The included 25 guitar cab IRs combine 4 classic microphones with 3 mic positions to allow beginners an easy way to jump into the multi-effects experience. Also included are 8 bass cab IRs and 3 acoustic guitar IRs, giving you the ability to play bass on MG-400 or use an electric guitar to simulate acoustic guitar sound.
NUX MG-400 highlights include:
2.8” 320*240 color LCD with intuitive UI.
NG, CMP, EFX, AMP, IR, EQ, MOD, DLY, RVB, P.L | 10 independent moveable signal blocks.
White-box Amp Modeling & Pre-efx algorithm.
512 samples IR resolution and USER slot with each patch. (additional 12 IR COLLECTION slots).
Input trim under SYSTEM MENU.
Scene and Jam functionality.
5 output modes with global 3-band EQ for quick tone tweaking.
USB recording interface, firmware update, QuickTone™ edit software.
Nu-X MG-400 carries a street price of $219.
No feature is overlooked, starting with the precision bearing design they invented in 2016 that makes turning the handle effortless, silent & super fast. The innovative rubber-lined head smoothly & silently slips over your tuning pegs for a scratch-free & clank-free operation compared to traditional plastic peg winders. The contoured head design fits virtually all tuning pegs both big & small, & its narrow profile keeps you from hitting close-fitted pegs on electric guitars. The ergonomic & non-slip rubber grip handle gives you total control & comfort. Cutting strings is a cinch! Whether big or small, use the high-quality carbon steel String Cutter to effortlessly cut through all string types. Ready to pull pins? The Bridge PinPuller's innovative universal design allows you to pull acoustic guitar bridge pins easily. Simply slide under the pin & pull straight up. Grip One is perfect for electric & acoustic guitar, bass, banjo, mandolin, ukulele & orchestral strings. Don't lose it or loan it, you'll look forward to the next time you change your strings.
MusicNomad has developed an easy-to-use, no mess, low maintenance guitar humidifier and a humidity and temperature monitor that is simple, accurate, and reliable. The Humitar One safely releases moisture evenly to eliminate potential problems such as warping, shrinking and, worse yet, cracking. The Humid-i-Bar reusable sponge holds a lot more water than the competition. This means less monitoring on your end while, resting assured, your fine guitar is cared for.
To ensure your guitar is in the safe zone, the Humitar One accurate sensor monitors your string instrument's environment every 20 seconds and gives you the humidity and temperature readings on its LCD display. It also gives you the maximum and minimum range over the period you are measuring and can be reset at any time. The Humitar One comes with many cool features such as a reminder of the humidity and temperature safe zone at which you want to keep your string instrument, a long-lasting AG 13 battery, and Fahrenheit or Celsius readings.
Grip One: Available October 24, 2022 - Suggested Retail $16.99 - $19.99 USD
Humitar One: Available October 24, 2022 - Suggested Retail $29.99 - $34.99 USD
Ample Sound has updated Acoustic Guitar to v3.6 with GP7 GP8 supports.
New Features:
Tab module added support for GP7 and GP8 formats.
Optimized UI with improved efficiency, including Strummer, Riffer and Tab modules.
Updated parameter system.
BPM Sync function added to FX Echo.
Improved accessibility support for pop-up windows such as CPC and Preset Manager.
Issue Fixed:
Fixed timing issue related to BPM sync functions.
Fixed a number of bugs in Strummer, Riffer, and the conversion between Strummer pattern and riff.
Ample Sound users can update for free through the MyAmpleSound webpage.
One of Moog Music’s most beloved legacy instruments, the Model 10 modular synthesizer, is officially back in production at the Moog factory in Asheville, North Carolina. This re-issue of the instrument follows a limited-time production run in 2019 that helped enliven the large-format modular space and introduce these systems to a whole new generation of synthesists.
Today’s Model 10 is a faithful recreation of the first compact modular synthesizer model created by Dr. Bob Moog in 1971, all the way down to its hand-soldered electronic circuits. The fully analog instrument is made up of 11 discrete analog modules, including the 907 Fixed Filter Bank, revered for its vast sound shaping and timbral possibilities, and three 900 Series oscillators, the foundational sound behind works like Wendy Carlos’s Switched-On Bach and Isao Tomita’s Snowflakes Are Dancing.
The predecessor to the Model 15, the Model 10 design focuses on purity of sound, speed, and simplicity while providing the enormous sonic depth and dimension found only in a vintage Moog modular synthesizer.
Learn more about Model 10 here.
Key Features of the 2022 Model 10 Build
The individual modules that make up each new Model 10 are engineered and manufactured just as they were over 50 years ago, using traditional wiring methods. Each module is then tested, finished with an aluminum panel, and placed into a custom cabinet before the instrument leaves for its new home.
Each system is built to order and now includes a host of updates that allow this machine to be more easily integrated into modern studios across the globe.
An updated, onboard power supply now supports a broader range of selectable voltages including 100v, 120v, 220v, and 240v. For users outside the US, this allows you to power your synthesizer without the need for an external step up/down transformer.
The system’s redesigned rear panel accommodates an updated main power switch, power lamp, power inlet, grounding lug, and voltage selector switch.
Model 10 now has improved calibration and tuning reliability, with this current production model holding tighter calibrations with little variance.
The instrument and its contents are packaged with care in preparation for transit anywhere in the world. Model 10 is also internationally recognized as emission, radiation, and safety compliant.
Available at Moog Authorized Dealers Worldwide
A compact, but epoch-making digital delay with multiple filter functions. Using high-speed signal processing with a dedicated DSP and analog & digital audio circuits we perfected over time, this compact unit attains high sound quality. This unit’s tone filter can process the delay sound to have a rich tone or conversely adjust it to be far from the original sound. The proprietary COSMIC filter creates an effect sound reminiscent of outer space, adding a new color to your delay sounds. Utilizing a new method, the newly developed reverse delay succeeds in producing a smoother, more musical reverse sound. In addition, we added a new function to adjust the number of output bits of the delay sound in 1-bit units, from smooth and high-quality 24-bit to rough 8-bit sound that contains distorted noise when the volume is lowered. You can reproduce the nuances of the delay sound used in the 1980s and 90s, and even the delay sound with the bit crusher effect applied.
Features
*Built-in multiple filter effects including equalizer function. It is possible to apply multiple filters at the same time (Cosmic Filter, Bandpass Filter, 3-Band EQ, Tone).
Equipped with a newly developed reverse delay and output bit number adjustment function(8–24 bits).
Combination of high-speed arithmetic processing with 32-bit fixed-point arithmetic and high-precision arithmetic processing with 32-bit floating-point arithmetic achieves both high-quality sound and high processing speed and provides the best performance.
COSMIC WAVE carries a suggested retail price of $318.18
Digital Brain Instruments has updated Oscar, their Multi-Oscillator & Noise Generator Audio Tool, to v1.4.
Version Changes:
Improved Audio Engine.
Improved Audio Settings Configuration.
Fixed bug related to LFO's.
Price: $59.
HoRNet plugins announces the immediate availability of JammingRock, a guitar amplifier and effects designed by Alborosie's guitar player Valter Vincenti to give your guitar the reggae signature sound.
HoRNet JammingRock is a famous overdrive pedal, a vintage solid state amplifier, a mixer preamp, a delay and a reverb. All these effects in a single plugin help you obtain classic and signature reggae sounds and much more.
HoRNet JammingRock is available now for just 18,99€ from Hornet Plugins
Orastron has released a new version of the A-SID plugin with support for Windows, macOS (both Mac Intel and Apple Silicon), and Linux.
A-SID implements a wah effect as a C64 program and a VST3 plugin.
The C64 program uses the SID chip in the original machine. No hardware modification is required, but you need to build yourself one or two adapter cables and copy the program to a cassette.
The VST3 version emulates the original analog filter (the MOS 8580 version) and replicates the look and behavior of the C64 program.
Black Octopus Sound and Basement Freaks have released Fusion Beatmaker. A sample pack made of a variety of samples ideal for a variety of Soul, RnB and Trap productions.
This pack contains:
120 Guitar Loops.
65 Chord Loops.
56 Music Loops.
25 Percussion Loops.
21 MIDI Loops.
35 Drum One Shots
6 Kick One Shots.
8 Snare/Clap One Shots.
5 Hihat One Shots.
4 Percussion One Shots.
2 Ride One Shots.
5 Tom One Shots.
5 Crash One Shots.
7 Sax One Shots.
6 Drum Loops.
7 Bass Loops.
8 Brass Loops.
Price: $32.95
Produce-RNB has released Summer Heat, the new expansion pack for the Signature R&B Plugin. The expansion delivers over 100 new sounds for serious Hip-Hop and R&B producers. This expansion features crisp and textured bells, detailed and interesting keys, warm and emotional pads, evoking basses and purely inspiring leads. You will find a good time browsing through these new sounds. Every sound was designed to be in touch with the current Hip-Hop and R&B sound while still pushing the envelope further.
Included Sounds:
Basses.
Pads.
Leads.
Keys.
Bells.
The Summer Heat Expansion is available now for $29.00 €29.36 £25.60.
Users must own Signature VST/AU 4.0 to use the Summer Heat expansion.
Steinberg today announced the immediate availability of Materials: Wood & Water, the second instrument of the Materials series for HALion.
Materials: Wood & Water features eleven extended playing techniques by an 18-piece string ensemble and other wooden instruments like piano, marimba and guitar played in various ways, as well as also included synthesizer textures, and different types of wood and water sound effects.
All told, Materials: Wood & Water comes with 6 GB of content. Resulting from the collaboration between Steinberg and Magnetic 96 who specialize on sampling and processing unusual sound sources, Materials: Wood & Water is a HALion instrument that also runs in HALion Sonic SE, a free VST and AU version available for virtually any DAW.
As our palettes of sonic exploration grow ever wider, our methods of performance have to adapt. Materials: Wood & Water provides an instrument for this type of performance, combining aspects of sound design with real-time performance and customization options. Page 2 of 2 It's beautifully sourced and will make you want to write some music.
Composer Paul Haslinger
Availability and pricing
Materials: Wood & Water is exclusively available through the Steinberg Online Shop for 129.99 euros or 129.99 US dollars. An introductory offer of 99.99 euros or 99.99 US dollars is available from September 22 until October 17, 2022.
Key features:
6 GB HALion instrument with strings, wood instruments, synths and FX.
11 extended playing techniques by an 18-piece string ensemble.
4-layer sound engine with multi-samples, wavetable and granular.
More than 170 cinematic presets designed by Magnetic 96.
Sonora Cinematic, the developer of Poiesis Cello and the Magnetism series, has released Aria Libera, a free Kontakt instrument:
Aria Libera features the beautiful humming of singer Emma May Price processed through a granular modular synthesiser.
The result is an inspiring and effortless tool for adding beautiful vocal textures, atmospheres or pads to underscores. It's also excellent for experimental and glitchy sounds.
Users can assign Aria Libera to any MIDI controller and use the XY pad to expressively shape their sound. Move across the X axis to increase the granular effect and use the Y axis to diffuse the sound in space.
Price: Free.
VGTrumpet has released VG Soul Trumpet for the full version of Kontakt.
Details:
Set up to work with breath controllers (TEControl, MRT Audio, Yamaha BC3), wind controllers (AKAI EWI4000s, EWI5000, EWI USB, Yamaha WX5 / WX7, Aerophone AE-10, AE-20, AE-30 PRO) and MIDI keyboard controllers.
WAV files can be used directly in your DAW, or any other sampler plugin for further editing.
More than 320 unique samples.
Up to 4 velocity layers per key.
"VG Soul Trumpet" requires the full retail version of Kontakt 5.6.8 or later (Kontakt Player is not supported).
Recorded sample quality: 24-bit / 44.1 kHz.
Custom designed, unique GUI.
Aftertouch, Mod Wheel, and Keyswitches are the key features to morph and perform sounds while playing.
Articulations: Falls, Rips, Squeezes, Soft attack, Accented attack, Bend.
Expressive effects: Expression, Attack, Breath, Vibrato, Flutter tongue, Wah.
Reverb, delay and stereo control to fit the trumpet in every mix.
Best Balance of Natural Velocity Resolution and Data Size.
Library Size: 165 MB.
VG Soul Trumpet Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Intro Price: $24.00 (Reg. $38.00) until October 10, 2022.
Igor Vasiliev has released VintageRack, a minimalistic and convenient multi-effect application that contains modules realistically simulating notable retro gear from the early digital age with their natural lo-fi and warm aesthetics. Most of the effects in this application have been inspired and based on the principles of actual hardware from the 70s and 80s, which is great for giving the sound of any instrument the nostalgic and emotional mood of old recordings.
Igor explains:
This application has a clean and intuitive user interface with a well-considered structure. All controls are located on the main screen, which is divided into seven slots for processing (effect) modules. The first slot contains the module for controlling the input, the last one is for controlling the output. Each of the five slots in between are designed to use one of the effect modules. The input signal passes from the first to the last slot and is then sent to the output.
Each slot has a Master Fader that controls the presence of the effect, and a Mute button that smoothly turns the effect on and off. These controls are available to be assigned to a MIDI controller, or to use as audio unit parameters regardless of the type of module in the slot. Also in each slot, there is a Parameters button that opens a panel of additional parameters for each module. Additional parameters of modules are kept to a minimum and represent the most suitable use cases.
The key idea behind application control is to first adjust the parameters of modules, and then use only the Master Fader to change the presence or depth of the effect and the Mute button to turn it on and off. Everything is geared towards fast and easy use.
Price: $12.99
Riot Audio has announced the release of its latest Kontakt library, Phonetic.
Bridging the organic and digital worlds in the best tradition of previous Riot Audio instruments, Phonetic is an innovative vocal morphing engine for Native Instrument's Kontakt 6. It draws on a wide selection of single and dual phonemes (ah, eh, ba, la, vv etc) as a basis for musical sound design. Although technically a sample library, the architecture and resulting sounds are more reminiscent of a synth.
Phonetic's pulses, pads, keys and other sounds are not limited to the original performers' ranges and are therefore playable across the entire keyboard range. Phonetic is capable of a wide range of looping, whirling and gradually unfolding velvety soundscapes.
Phonetic At A Glance:
Three-layer vocal instrument running in Kontakt 6.6.1 and above (full version only).
Source sounds: 14 open vowel sounds (ah, eh, oh, eeh, ooh, a-e-i-o-u, hum), 16 consonant/vowel combinations (e.g. na, no, lu, ba, mi) and 14 fricative sounds (e.g. vv, zz, sh), all in male and female versions.
Powerful sound design engine that allows for 3000 sound source combinations, envelope and morphing as well as LFO (movement) adjustments for each layer individually.
125 presets (snapshots) in total – 20 pads, 20 pulses, 20 pad/pulse combinations, 20 keys, 20 organs, 10 natural voices, 20 risers, 5 templates.
Intro Deal: £49 until October 13th 2022 (£69 regular).
MOTU has updated Digital Performer to v11.2, adding support for the interface extension ARA Audio Random Access. This allows faster and better Melodyne workflows all DP11 users benefit from, as – on top of that – Melodyne 5 essential is bundled with this version.
In Digital Performer 11.2, thanks to ARA it is now possible to open audio tracks in Melodyne directly and without tiresome transfers. That makes using Melodyne far simpler and more intuitive.
If soundbites on a track or within a sequence are shortened, lengthened, moved or copied, Melodyne mirrors these changes automatically. This also means you can rearrange your material without any problems, even if it has already been edited with Melodyne. Furthermore, ARA makes passing on Digital Performer projects far simpler, as all the data management is handled automatically.
New In DP 11.2:
ARA2 Support: ARA2 is a plug-in protocol extension developed by Celemony that allows Melodyne (and other plug-ins that support ARA2) to access and analyze audio data in sound files ahead of time, prior to playback being engaged. This enables a level of detailed sound manipulation far beyond other real-time plug-in APIs, especially for musical characteristics such as pitch, tempo and rhythm. Apply cutting-edge audio processing to individual soundbites or entire tracks with the very latest ARA plug-in technology.
Melodyne 5 Essential: Now included with Digital Performer 11, Melodyne 5 Essential delivers state-of-the-art pitch editing and beat editing to your tracks using industry-recognized, Grammy-Award-winning algorithms. Use Melodyne's processing to sculpt your vocals and other tracks directly within the context of your production. And you can upgrade at any time to unlock even more advanced editing and control.
Audio to MIDI Conversion: The new Copy Audio to MIDI feature lets you convert pitched audio, percussive audio or drum loops to MIDI notes. From there you can double the original audio with MIDI instruments or transform the MIDI with DP's powerful MIDI editing. Several algorithms are provided for monophonic, polyphonic and percussive audio material.
The ARA integration of Melodyne requires Digital Performer version 11.2 and Melodyne version 5.2.
Bela D Media has announced the release of DSP Paravox EFX, its first library created for the free Decent Sampler plugin.
Paravox is a youth soprano soloist with a soft and lyrical tone. A special emphasis on the horror genre has been captured. Various effects include prayers, whispers, nursery rhymes, hymns, and ghostly breaths. This special version includes some of the most popular vocal effects from the full Kontakt version.
Price: $19.99.
Numerical Audio has updated KB-1 Expressive Keyboard Suite to version 1.3.1 adding improvements, bug fixes and more.
New in v1.3.1:
Added drag and drop support for rearranging keyboards in standalone mode.
Added haptic feedback for key presses (iPhone only).
Added an option to resize the controls section (wheels, xy & strum control).
Added an option to advertise a BLE MIDI device in addition to being able to connect to other devices.
Added an option to select between absolute and relative slide.
Added an option to change the latch behaviour from regular to exclusive where latching a new key will automatically unlatch the previous one (option is located in the controllers settings tab).
Added an option to set the MPE bend range to allow vertical glide to be used instead of the pitch-wheel when playing regular mono synths.
Keyboard Settings now display in a larger window.
Keyboard layouts can now start at any note (use root note setting to shift up/down).
Bugfixes:
Fixed an issue where the XY pad would not register the initial touch.
Fixed an issue where the XY pad would not handle multiple touches properly.
Fixed an issue where some of the XY specific layout controls would not work properly.
Fixed an issue where the XY and Wheel controls would not be available when using the CC layout.
Fixed an issue where using the drum layout in channel per pad mode would not utilize all 16 MIDI channels.
Fixed an issue where testing drum mappings would not work properly when using channel per pad mode.
Fixed an issue where selecting an octave below 0 would crash the plugin.
Fixed an issue where selecting XY mappings in controller mode would not work.
Fixed an issue where editing XY mappings in controller mode would not work properly.
Fixed an issue where only 16 drum pads could only be mapped even though up to 40 pads were available.
Fixed an issue where selecting "chromatic" in the scale section could crash the app in some cases.
Fixed an issue where playing the arp over multiple octaves would start with an offset of -1 octave in some cases.
Fixed an issue where the Arpeggiator would not start on it's lowest octave.
Fixed an issue where the Arpeggiator would not start on it's lowest note in some cases.
Fixed an issue where the Arpeggiator could generate hanging notes in some cases.
Fixed an issue where the Slide #CC setting would not restore when loading a host session.
Fixed an issue where the additional bass note output available on the chord layout would not respect it's channel setting when using the standalone version.
Fixed an issue where the arpeggiator would not start immediately on key down (first introduced in v1.3).
Fixed an issue where note repeat and arpeggiator buttons were not mutually exclusive.
Fixed an issue where configuring button modes for the CC Layout could cause the plugin to crash in some cases.
Bare Knuckle announces their brand new signature humbucker set, designed in collaboration with Chris Robertson of Black Stone Cherry.
The Peacemaker pickups are PAF-voiced humbuckers spiced up to deliver vintage hot output from both bridge and neck powered by isotropic Alnico V magnets and our custom hand wound coils.
The ride is firm and controlled from the bridge with more than enough drive to really saturate under heavy gain but never at the expense of mid-range definition or dynamic headroom. Necktones are designed to sound fat in the highs with just the right amount of bite dialed in to punch through the mix for really solid lead tones. Both bridge and neck are precisely calibrated to work as a matched pair producing the perfect balance of output for scorching rock guitar tones.
Peacemaker humbuckers are available with the full range of Bare Knuckle standard and custom options including the exclusive Peacemaker peace-mandala etch.
Open coil sets start from £358.80. Covered sets start from £388.80.
Both the all-in-one Reamp Station and compact Reamp HP expand the range of recording options and possibilities available to anyone wanting to reamp in a recording environment. The Reamp Station is a combination active DI and reamp device in a single unit. The Reamp HP is a mono reamp that allows use of the headphone output of any compact audio interface as the reamp output source.
The Reamp Station embodies the all-in-one original reamp design intentions of John Cuniberti, a groundbreaking engineer who built the first reamp box in 1993. Rights to his design were purchased by Radial in 2011, resulting in the legendary Radial JCR reamper. The Reamp Station brings together the JCR and an active direct box to create Radial’s first all-in-one recording/reamping solution.
The Reamp station is heavily influenced by qualities found in Radial’s JCR combined with its studio-quality active DI circuits. New tweaks to the active DI design in the Reamp Station include a unity-gain Class-A buffer switch and circuit on the Thru output, preventing any loading down of passive pickups when connected to an amplifier and preserving the natural tone of the instrument.
The Reamp Station is $479.99 and the Reamp HP is $99.99.
Toontrack has released Hitmaker SDX, an all-new expansion for Superior Drummer 3 by multiple-award-winning producer/mixer/engineer Hugh Padgham (Phil Collins, Genesis, Sting, The Police).
This marks another milestone release in Toontrack's collection of SDXs and adds yet another legendary industry icon to the folds. Earlier SDX collaborations include the likes of Al Schmitt, Bob Rock, Eddie Kramer, Michael Ilbert, Tom Dalgety, Randy Staub and many more. Here's what they say:
If you spend ten minutes on a random radio station anywhere in the world, the likelihood that you catch one of Hugh Padgham's productions is strikingly high. From some of the most iconic songs by Phil Collins, Genesis, The Police and Sting to seminal tracks by the likes of Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel, David Bowie, The Human League, Paul Young, Melissa Etheridge and Paul McCartney, Hugh has had a hand in all. At that, not only did he help sonically package some truly timeless pieces of music, he also single-handedly pioneered the sound of an era. Ever wondered who the mastermind behind the iconic gated reverb snare drum was? That's Hugh. Or who the pioneering engineers behind blending acoustic and electronic drums were? Hugh was definitely one of them. Needless to say, his footprint in music history, and especially so when it comes to retooling the role of the drums in a production, couldn't be more obvious.
In this SDX, Hugh set out to create an all-encompassing source of acousticand electronic drums inspired by not only the '80s and '90s eras, but also one designed to reflect some of the most known drummers and album mileposts in his body of work. All in all, six unique acoustic kits were sourced as well as a massive collection of classic vintage hardware drum machines – all captured in the breathtaking ambience of the immaculate sonic marvel that is the British Grove Studios in London, UK. To add an ever more organic and period-correct flavor, all drums and machines were recorded to tape before converted digitally. On top of that, the machines were amped through a PA system in the same ambience as the acoustic drums and captured using a similar microphone setup. This gives you an awe-inspiring canvas of acoustic and electronic sounds that you seamlessly can blend, mix, match and surgically modify using the broad set of onboard design tools available in Superior Drummer 3. Of course, should you want Hugh's mixes right off the bat, there is a hefty amount of his custom presets included.
This SDX gives you some of the greatest kits ever played and some of the most iconic drum machines ever created, all sonically inspired by some of the greatest music ever recorded by the very man who once put it down on tape. Simply put: If you're looking for a source of drums that you can use to produce hits right out of the gate with, this SDX is it.
Feature Spotlight:
Six (6) acoustic drum kits and more than 400 classic drum machine sounds.
Recorded to analog tape making use of four legendary vintage consoles.
Extra selections of acoustic kicks, snares and cymbals.
Recorded by four-time Grammy Award-winning producer/mixer/engineer Hugh Padgham (Phil Collins, Genesis, Sting, The Police).
Inspired by some of the most defining works in Hugh's discography.
Captured at British Grove Studios in London, England.
A generous selection of mix-ready presets by Hugh Padgham.
Includes a bespoke MIDI library of drum grooves and fills inspired by Padgham's discography.
Price: $179.
Roland has announced the SPD-SX Pro Sampling Pad, the new flagship model in the long-running SPD series. Born of user feedback fueled by extensive road testing of the touring-standard SPD-SX, this high-performance instrument raises the bar with a full array of professional enhancements. Offering customizable trigger LEDs, increased audio outputs and trigger inputs, massive onboard memory, and much more, the rugged and reliable SPD-SX Pro sets a new standard for stage drummers and all types of creative performers.
The SPD-SX Pro features nine durable pads with Roland's latest sensing technology, including three shoulder pads with revised sensor structures for increased sensitivity when the instrument is mounted at a shallow angle. In addition, improved crosstalk protection throughout prevents accidental triggering of other pads.
Pad-dividing trigger LEDs increase visibility on stage and help players organize kit setups. Custom colors can be assigned to any of the horizontal or vertical LEDs. Going further, colors can be renamed and combined with tags to group kicks, snares, backing tracks, and other sounds for easy identification. The horizontal LEDs can also be set to light in various ways to suit the performance application.
The SPD-SX PRO's inviting interface includes a large 4.3-inch color LCD and hands-on controls with backlighting for easy operation on stage. The LCD provides access to deep parameters and shows essential info such as A/B layers, WAV sample names, sample playback progress, and more.
With 32 GB of internal memory, the SPD-SX Pro holds nearly 44 hours of crystal-clear 48 kHz/16-bit stereo audio—more than enough for multiple gigs. Users can load 48/44.1 kHz WAV, AIFF, and MP3 files with varying bit rates, and the SPD-SX Pro will automatically convert them to its native audio format, greatly simplifying the process of importing sounds:
The SPD-SX Pro comes with over 1550 high-quality sounds and 200 user kits with 43 pre-loaded presets. It's also possible to connect a line-level device and sample directly to pads. Kits can be switched with complete sound carryover thanks to speedy processing power. And for more creative options, Roland Cloud membership provides an ever-expanding selection of sample libraries and sounds to explore.
Users can create A/B layers and quickly adjust volume, pitch, and transient parameters via dedicated panel controls. Sounds can also be adjusted at deeper levels with waveform editing and other tools. Multiple high-quality effects engines are available to color individual sounds and enhance the overall output.
The SPD-SX Pro flows easily into any stage setup with balanced stereo master outputs, four assignable mono outputs, and an assignable headphones output. Four dual-trigger inputs support up to eight external Roland pads, and up to two footswitches can also be connected to trigger sounds. Additionally, a special control input supports a Roland hi-hat controller or an expression pedal for real-time effects control.
The SPD-SX Pro App from Roland Cloud makes it easy to import, edit, and organize sounds on a Mac or Windows computer via USB. The USB connection also supports DAW music production with the ability to transfer MIDI data and up to eight channels of high-quality digital audio.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland SPD-SX Pro will be available in the U.S. in October for $1,199.99.
Punk Labs has announced the release of OneTrick Simian, an open source cross platform drum synthesizer inspired by the Simmons SDS-V.
OneTrick Simian has 10 configurable voices that can be customized with selectable icons and colors to help quickly identify kit pieces. Each voice has its own velocity sensitive pitch, filter, and amp dynamics. Adjustable global saturation and 1176-style limiter with drive control brings the kit together. All parameters are automatable.
Price: $35.
Source Code is available under the GPLv3 (or later) directly on the OneTrick Simian product page.
This is Punk Labs' first audio plugin having previously developed apps and games for desktop and mobile.
Forgotten Keys has announced the release of ROLA-8000 for Kontakt.
Here's what they say:
ROLA-8000 is an accurate simulation of the Roland CompuRhythm CR-8000 drum machine from the early 1980s. It features 325 samples including multi-dynamic and round-robin variations of the original sounds.
All the rhythms and intro/fill-ins have been re-created as well as the other functionality of the original such as programmability.
Enhancements to the original include a full mixer, "free fills" that play randomised fill-ins based on snippets of existing fill-ins, and a MIDI file recorder.
Price: £19.20.
Devious Machines has announced the release of version 2.0 of Infiltrator, the multi-effect plugin that can stack, sequence and modulate up to 10 effects at once.
Version 2 boasts twice the effects, twice the presets, and twice the modulation power of its predecessor – all with the same intuitive workflow.
Whether it's conventional effects or reality-bending sonic madness, Infiltrator 2 puts it all at your fingertips.
New in Infiltrator 2:
Time manipulation suite: reverse, varispeed, slowdown and granular time-stretch.
Spectral Effects: Fourteen new and unique FFT based effects ranging from beautiful to completely bonkers.
Improved modulation: Each individual effect has a second, assignable envelope which can modulate any of its parameters.
New Filters: Dual filter, a new rich-sounding formant filter and a notch filter.
Vocoder: unleash your inner robot.
Double the presets: now with over 1500, newly catalogued and categorised for maximum productivity.
New Reverbs: the cavernous Void model, and Reflect module for diffuse echoes.
Plus compressor/gate modules, MIDI CC output, more consistent latency compensation, stereo width control...
Infiltrator 2 is a free, drop-in upgrade for existing users. For everyone else, there's a 25% off RRP limited time intro price of £74.99 (Reg. £99.99).
accSone has announced the release of crusher-X 9.54.
This free maintenance release fixes issues with the file lookup buttons and fixes a crash on macOS M1 machines.
Changes:
Optimizes the directory scan of the audio folder on file selection to prevent hangs (max 2048 files, no deeper scan than 8 directory levels).
macOS M1: Fixes a seldom crash on high performance Macs.
crusher-X 9 licensees can follow the download instructions described in their crusher-X 9 delivery mail (received after purchase). The challenge/response wizard will not show up if already executed with crusher-X 9.
Prices:
Upgrade / crossgrade: 99,- €.
Full version: 289,- €.
Quiet Art has announced the release of the Windows version of Defaulter, a clip-gain normalising AAX audio suite plugin for Pro Tools.
Until now it was only available on macOS. You can try it for 14 days or purchase it on their website: quietart.co.nz/defaulter
To mark the occasion, there is a 50% discount available with the following code: DEFWIN22
Defaulter Windows version will only work on Pro Tools 2022.6 and above after necessary Keyboard Shortcuts are assigned. Please read the manual before using Defaulter.
Patchpool has released the sound library First Light for Novum, the granular synthesizer by Dawsome/Tracktion.
This expansion is the result of numerous hours of experimentation, decomposing hundreds of samples of all kinds, manipulating the individual layers until expressively playable and evocative textures and instruments become apparent.
A wide range of samples were used as source material reaching from acoustic instruments to percussion to vocals to electronic soundscapes to drones and pads to field recordings resulting in beautiful, haunting, divine, mesmerizing, massive and sometimes ominous sounds. In many patches samples were imported directly into a given layer and mixed with other already decomposed sources or key-track modulation was used to achieve split sounds or emulate instruments and textures that are sampled at different pitches.
All patches have the modulation wheel assigned, often drastically transforming the sound and/or adding complex modulation of filter, amplitude, effects and the various distortion modules, some presets also use aftertouch.
Specs:
101 patches.
3.15 GB of decomposed sample material.
Delivery: download (2.92 GB).
Price: € 36 EUR.
Last year, Knobula turned the world of Eurorack modular upside down by introducing PolyCinematic — the first module to offer eight voices of polyphonic oscillation in a diminutive, 12HP footprint. The module was instantly recognizable with its pink and blue stylized faceplate and its powerful, one ‘knob per function’ ergonomic layout. Now, as the company celebrates the success of PolyCinematic on its one-year anniversary, Knobula introduces PolyCinematic [Dark Mode]: a limited edition, aesthetic reimagination of the original PolyCinematic.
“We have been thrilled at the response and success of PolyCinematic, a module that I originally designed because there was simply nothing on the market that offered a similar degree of polyphonic oscillation power and sound shaping capabilities,” says Jason Mayo, Founder of Knobula. “We are introducing PolyCinematic [Dark Mode] not only to mark the one-year anniversary of the module that started it all, but as a special edition in response to several artist and customer inquiries we’ve had.”
With a built-in eight-voice polyphonic synthesizer that features no less than 56 oscillators, a multi-mode filter, envelope shaping capabilities as well as a built-in reverb control, it is hard to imagine more functionality in PolyCinematic — particularly within its 12HP form factor. But with PolyCinematic [Dark Mode], Knobula has managed to do exactly that, adding a powerful ‘Easter egg’ functionality that brings even more sound shaping flexibility. Users are now able to access a ‘fatter sounding’ 24db/octave filter — perfect for growly bass lines and darker tones. Simply switch to low pass filter type while holding ‘Shift’ to reveal PolyCinematic’s ‘dark side’. Users with the original PolyCinematic can also access this feature by downloading the latest software update on the Knobula website.
The faceplate of the new PolyCinematic [Dark Mode] features a black, fully anodized faceplate with white screen print, inspired by classic modular synth designs of the ’60s and ’70s. The panels are robust and heavy-duty — 0.5mm thicker than the original at 2.5mm specification — and will not be made available for individual sale. Aside from the additional ‘Easter egg’ functionality that ships with each PolyCinematic [Dark Mode], the unit’s sound and functionality is identical to the original.
PolyCinematic [Dark Mode] features:
7 oscillator supersaw per voice
3 oscillator detuned wave shaped square/pulse
3 oscillator detuned tonewheel organ
8 chord memory controlled by cv/gate
Detune control with unison/5th/sub octave sweet spots
3 filter types: lowpass, notch and highpass
Built in high quality 24bit 96khz reverb
PolyCinematic [Dark Mode] is available now through Knobula’s network of authorized dealers at price of £320 (UK), $399 (US) and €399 (EU). This production run is strictly limited and once they are gone, they are gone.
Voxengo has released TEQ-421. TEQ-421 is freeware equalizer plug-in for professional music production applications. The equalizer features only three bands (Triple EQ), tuned to deliver good results in many cases, and be easy to use. Beside this, the plug-in features internal non-parametric harmonic coloration modules (derived from HarmoniEQ plug-in) that produce a smooth saturation and a "presence" effect.
The frequencies of the bands were carefully selected and are not adjustable. These frequencies target specific frequencies that affect sound's perception the most. The best use-case for this plug-in is equalization of unprocessed acoustical recordings that usually lack in modern balance of low, mid, and high frequencies.
The plug-in is equally useful on individual tracks, groups, and master bus. It was designed by tuning to a set of various sound sources, including vocals, acoustic guitars, drums, basses, and full mixes.
Features:
Easy-to-use design.
Smooth harmonic coloration.
64-bit floating point processing.
Preset manager.
Undo/redo history.
A/B comparisons.
Contextual hint messages.
All sample rates support.
Zero processing latency.
Retina and HighDPI support.
Price: Free.
Eplex7 DSP has released Psytrance lasers 1, a VSTi and AU plug-in instrument with 12 multi octave banks for Windows and macOS.
It works in the Free Eplex7 Player plug-in or can be used as an expanding library in other Eplex7 DSP plug-in instruments (e.g. Psytrance EFX Pro).
Here's what they say:
This multi-octave instrument includes laser and gun sound effects like lasers, space guns, psy shots, micro explosions and FXs. These sounds are designed mainly for classic psytrance, fullon psytrance, progressive, hitech, darkpsy, dark progressive, goa trance, psycore as well as almost all electronic music styles like: dubstep, riddim, dancefloor, melodic dnb, trance, rave, electro or techno music.
The sound quality is retained on professional level in wide range of tones / octaves from C3 to C7 or more.
All sounds can be modified by internal parameters like LFO rate/depth (Triangle, Sinus, Saw, Square, Exponent) with Pitch, Expression and Pan modulation. Low pass / High pass filter with cutoff, Reverb/Space, Amplitude envelope, Pan. You can play in various modes: polyphonic, Monophonic or Legato with Glide function. You can use external VST plug-in effects from Eplex7 or other manufacturer to significantly modify all included instruments and create brand new sounds fast and easy.
Features:
Plug-in instrument for MacOS & Windows / VSTi 2.0 & 3.0 / Audio Unit (AU) / Mac VST (VST3) in x32 / x64-bit systems.
Low pass / High Pass filter with cutoff.
High quality sound engine, disk streaming technology (saving RAM memory and very low CPU consumption).
LFO with rate/depth (Triangle, Sinus, Saw, Square, Exponent) with Pitch, Expression and Pan modulation.
Fast preset / sounds browser with menu / arrows.
Reverb/Space.
Glide function (Legato mode), Mono mode and Polyphonic mode.
Pan knob.
Amplitude envelope (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release).
Velocity mode selector.
List of multi-octave instruments:
Classic aggressive laser.
Deeemmmteee.
Lasertech.
Micro gun.
Mini basic.
Mir.
Short minigun.
Space gun.
Space chamber laser.
Stella r laser.
Syspiritual.
Vacuum laser gun.
Introductory Price: 5,90 € (or 4 credits) (Reg. 7,90 €).
W. A. Production has updated the ImPerfect synthesizer plugin to v1.6. They say:
In version 1.6, we now have added one of our most requested features: GUI resizability. Now you can easily adjust the size of the plugin window by simply dragging the corner.
Additionally, version 1.6 brings you 90 brand new presets crafted by our sound design experts. ImPerfect version 1.6 is also optimized for the latest Mac and PC operating systems and contains several bug fixes.
Version 1.6 is a free update for all current ImPerfect license owners.
New Features:
New: Resizability.
90 New presets.
Improved graphics.
Hi DPI support /Retina display.
Bug fixes.
Native Arm and Intel support.
Price: $89. There is a 70% discount until 29th September, 2022.
MathAudio has updated its Room EQ plug-in to v2.8.0.
Changes:
The new version natively supports Apple Silicon.
Room EQ can be used as a simple conventional mouse drawing EQ if necessary: just load the simple_eq.snr preset and mouse draw any EQ curve you want.
GSi has released an iPad version of TimeVerb-X, a plugin that combines GSi's "classic" Type4 spring reverb, first released in 2008, and a new algorithmic digital reverb.
Main features:
Spring reverb "Type 4" with feedback and stereo operation.
Digital reverb with pre-delay, early reflections and room size adjustment.
Built-in programmer.
Integrated user's manual.
TimeVerb-X was previously available as VST2, VST3, AU and Standalone for Windows and macOS, and is now available as AUv3 for iOS (iPad only) at the price of $17,99
With MOSFET clipping under the hood, this pedal’s overdrive can be pulled back for a clean boost or cranked into full gear for vintage high-gain grind. On the dashboard, a simple set of controls allows you to dial in the right sound for your setup, featuring Output, Tone, and Gain knobs along with a Boost/Cut switch that allows you to bump up the overall level with a little extra midrange or drop everything down a notch.
MXR Super Badass Dynamic O.D. Highlights:
Add extra bite to any setup while preserving your tonal dynamics
MOSFET clipping for smooth, purring overdrive
Shift gears from a nice, clean boost to vintage high-grain grind
Boost/Cut switch bumps the whole signal with a little extra midrange or drops everything down a notch
The perfect pedal for taking your warmed up tube amp over the finish line
The MXR Super Badass Dynamic O.D. is available in the USA exclusively through Guitar Center ($129.99 street) and worldwide through select international retailers.
Xhun Audio has released ModFlorus - a compact and accessible chorus / flanger processor for everyday use - as the second entry of its 'SnapLab' products lineup. They say:
ModFlorus is a versatile, combined stereo chorus / flanger processor unit, built to bring out space and width to any audio track or sound source. It can operate in two modes - as a stereo chorus or stereo flanger effect - its knobs and parameters range will automatically adapt depending on the mode selected.
In addition to its modulated delay section, ModFlorus includes also an analogue modeled saturation circuit to push and emphasize its action.
Intro Price: 9.90 Euro / USD by joining the time-limited, 75% off special introductory offer. This offer is available from the online Xhun Audio Shop as well as from selected 3rd party Dealers (Reg. 39.00 Euro / USD).
ModFlorus is available as a VST, VST3, AU plugin for Windows and macOS (Intel CPU). Although running the software on M1 macOS (Apple CPU) is possible using Rosetta 2, Xhun Audio strongly recommends to download and try the demo version before buying.
Ginger Audio has released GroundControl ROOM V2. Described as a whole new product, it offers a Free and a Pro version and many new features (the previous version was only available as a Pro version).
GroundControl ROOM V2 offers an easy-to-use solution for controlling your listening environment.
Some of the main key features:
2 input sources - A/B test your mix to compare with your reference from any source such as Apple Music, Tidal, Spotify, or YouTube.
Use your favorite AU plugins. You can add them to any GroundControl ROOM output, input, or main section. Add powerful room correction and simulation software from IK Multimedia ARC, Sonarworks, Steven Slate VSX system, and others.
LUFS & True Peak meters on every input and output.
Flip L/R, phase inverse, stereo vs mono image, mid vs sides image.
Panning with versatile pan law options.
Volume / mute / Dim controllers.
Reference level presets, listen to your mix/music in your favorite levels.
Double precision floating point processing for extremely high fidelity audio sound.
Master clock sync capabilities.
All you need is LUFS:
GroundControl ROOM features loudness meters on any input and output. Now you can measure and visualize the loudness at any point in your studio. Measure short-term, Integrated, Range, True peak, and more, for free in GroundControl ROOM. Choose your destination/streaming platform to get the most accurate levels for your mix. Whether you are mixing sound for Music, Television, Cinema, Gaming, Podcast, etc.
The Pro version features (on top of the free features):
5 different input sources.
Talkback input source.
5 sets of outputs.
Create virtual audio devices and use them as virtual cables to route your audio between applications.
NDI streaming (coming soon in fall 2022).
Controller options such as MIDI, hotkeys, Bluetooth, etc.
Try the Pro version for 14 days, free of charge. You can go back to the free version anytime.
Muletone Audio has released Brazilian Series: FX Ensemble for Kontakt.
FX Ensemble features a selection of unique and very distinct instruments used in Brazil performed by the percussion master, Robson Batata:
Ocean Drum.
Trovador.
Necklace.
Molho de Tampinhas.
Molho de Chaves.
Conduíte.
Flex-A-Tone.
FX Ensemble was recorded using a pair of Neumann KM184 and a AKG C414. The preamp section used was a pair of Chandler Germ 500 MK2 and a Millennia HV-35. Coloring, a Shadow Hills Dual Vandergraph Compressor (-1DB GR) on C414. All routed through a Apogee Ensemble MK2.
Intro Price: $14.99 (Reg. $19.99).
*Full version of Kontakt 5.8 or above is required (Not for Kontakt Player)
GPU Audio's patented next-generation audio technology is now supported on select AMD Radeon RX and AMD Radeon Pro graphics hardware, opening up a world of possibilities for the future of sound and music production, collaboration, and innovation.
GPU Audio announced the cutting-edge collaboration with AMD, harnessing the advanced DSP capabilities of AMD Radeon GPUs to deliver revolutionary parallel processing. Following months of goal-oriented collaboration, code-refactoring, and cross platform optimization between the companies, millions of AMD Radeon graphics users now have immediate access to GPU Audio's ultra-responsive, high-fidelity audio technology.
The result is that AMD Radeon graphics owners can use GPU Audio's breakthrough technology with all the advancements it brings - including incredibly low latencies, network connectivity, exponential scalability, A.I. processing, and much more. Alexander Talashov, CEO of GPU Audio explains how the companies set a blueprint for unified collaboration:
"Together with AMD we solved some fundamental computer science challenges. The way AMD works with us illustrates the right approach towards dealing with innovations, and focuses on providing users with new disruptive technologies."
Equally, it illustrates the long-term vision and excitement both GPU Audio and AMD have for audio development; creating a seismic shift in how sound will be produced and delivered in the future. Carl Wakeland, Fellow Silicon Design Engineer at AMD explains:
"Together with GPU Audio, AMD is enabling PCs and laptops powered by Radeon graphics to become true prosumer audio workstations without the need for additional equipment. The results from GPU Audio are audibly amazing, and bring to reality what we knew was possible."
AMD Radeon graphics users can download GPU Audio's Early Access FIR Convolution Reverb now, a free VST audio effect compatible with music software such as Ableton Live, Reaper, Cubase, and many more, as well as video editing packages like DaVinci Resolve. A beta-suite of GPU-powered plugins will be unveiled in the coming weeks, with an SDK for external developers on the horizon.
Orange Amplification announces the return of three iconic effects pedals; the Orange Phaser, Orange Sustain and Orange Distortion — with the trio’s vintage characteristics reworked for the present day.
The modern story of these classic units starts in 2019, when an Orange message board went viral for a photo of the long-discontinued Sustain pedal from the early 1970s, with its outsized form-factor and art nouveau typography. Not long after, the company found the original schematics and the project was started.
The rest of the story writes itself: as more evidence was unearthed about the Sustain and its two brothers, the Distortion and Phaser, Orange set about remaking these beasts, retaining their most-loved qualities and incorporating the contemporary features; LEDs, DC inputs etc — expected on 21st-century effects pedals. The result is three seasoned British made pedals re-tuned and ready for the modern age.
First up is the Orange Sustain, which smooths and regulates guitar sounds, acting like an overdrive for clean tones with added chime and warmth. Boosting volume without scuffing purity and making soft parts louder and the loud parts softer, it offers an expressive, nuanced and three-dimensional take on the sustain/compressor effect.
Then there’s the Orange Phaser, the most elegantly simple of the reboots, with just one knob and one job: to bring sweet psychedelic swirl to any rig, its dial modulating guitar tones from woozy sweeps to fast, choppy stabs via kaleidoscopic insistent, whirling pulses. With four-stage circuitry rebirthed from the original schematics combined with modern techniques inside the box reduces the noise floor. The Orange Phaser adds maximum spin with minimum fuss.
And finally there’s the Orange Distortion, with vintage appearance up top but all-new circuitry below deck, replacing the original’s back-to-back diode design with an amp circuit and tone stack with a user-adjustable treble. New design doesn’t mean new sound though — the Orange Distortion retains all the bite, growl, warmth and howl of its 1970s forefather, from fat gravelly textures to red-hot screamers and maximum saturation.
The trio of effects pedals are a perfect homage to one of rock’s golden ages, but also ripe for any modern set-up. The strong aluminium chassis and classic look offer a 50-year-back teleportation. Then, stomping on the footswitches completes the time-travel: these might be new for 2022, but with the Orange vintage pedals, The Song Remains The Same.
HTTmusic.com has announced the release of X-Bundle, Darbukator X and Sika-Pro X for the full version of Kontakt:
Darbukator X is a poly-rhythm groove sequencer for beats and Middle-Eastern percussion.
Sika-Pro X is a Sample based virtual synthesizer with Oriental Scale capabilities.
X Bundle includes Darbukator X and Sika-Pro.
But it's more than a bundle, it works as a "Real-time Arranger" with Beat, Bass, chords, arpeggiator, etc. Arranger styles are available as a "Kontakt Multi".
X Bundle Main Features:
Full arrangement features (drums, percussion, bass, chords, arps, etc.).
Dynamic split for playing accompaniment and melody lines.
8 Patterns variation.
Free new styles will be released periodically.
Pricing:
X-Bundle: $109 (Save $29).
Darbukator X: $69.
Sika-Pro X: $69.
Requires Kontakt 6.6 or later (full version).
Alonso Sound has released Supersaws [Hero Edition], a new 64 preset soundest for Serum.
They say:
Alonso Serum Supersaws is a collection of 64 presets exploring the full spectrum of classic and unconventional characteristics of the supersaw.
You'll have a versatile collection of classic and modern variations to inspire your Trance, Progressive House, Future Bass, Hard Dance, and 90s Rave productions.
Price: $19.95.
When Lindy started designing the Fralin'Tron, he did so with a particular goal: to get as much clarity and articulation as possible out of this design. The Fralin'Tron features a scooped midrange and defined bass and highs. In addition, you can expect more nuance out of the wound strings, not found in other designs. Furthermore, the treble strings have a round, warm quality, making our Fralin'Tron perfect for all styles of music - from clean to dirty.
Features:
Lindy Fralin Unique Design, with medium output and a clearer tone than other designs.
Overwound Bridge pickup for compensated output and tone across all positions
Hum Cancelling in both positions for dead-quiet performance
USA-made Alnico 5 Magnets, Wire, and Covers for impeccable build quality
Hand-wound with our "Sectioning" technique for unique, dynamic tone
Backed by our 10-Year Warranty on manufacturing defects & Risk-free 30-Day Exchange Policy
Starting at $330.
Fanan team has released Gala SE, a special edition version of Gala synth. They say:
This is a free special edition of Gala, based on our clients requests. Gala XL represents an improved physical modeling code of a virtual analog oscillator with an significant depth and generates 28 instruments ensemble emulation divided into 7 genres, each with it's own size and color.
Gala XL instruments:
4 pop strings.
4 oriental strings.
4 cinematic-pop brasses.
4 clarinets.
4 accordions.
4 oriental organs.
4 saxophones.
More Key features:
Feature called "note slider" which allows creating note sliding sequence effect.
Built-in Arabic scale type pitch tuner.
Full synthesis section.
2 different MIDI velocity options.
User friendly global hipass-lopass filter.
Full section of built in effects (saturation, chorus, phaser, tremolo, reverb and delay), built-in draw-bars system per oscillator, an advanced mono mode, full MIDI map, stereo and gleam effect.
Resizable and customizable GUI.
Price Free.
Born John Antonopoulos in Malden, Mass., Johnny A. first got the guitar bug when he saw the Beatles in Boston at age 13. Taking the stage name “Johnny A.”, he steadily acquired a sterling reputation as a rock, blues and jazz ace with artists including Delaney & Bonnie, Derek and the Dominos keyboardist Bobby Whitlock and Creedence Clearwater Revival drummer Doug Clifford. The 1990s saw a seven-year stint as guitarist and musical director for J. Geils Band frontman Peter Wolf, and to really bring his career full circle, Johnny A. joined the Yardbirds in 2015 for a three-year stint. Today, he continues to wow listeners with his impeccable playing in a variety of studio and onstage projects.
The Custom Shop is proud to honor one of the “City on the Hill’s” finest guitarist/songwriters with the Johnny A. Signature Stratocaster. “I had a lot of discussions about pickups to match my tone and style… I was really able to go in and sculpt and dial in the specs for these guitars. I’m hoping that when the guitars are released to the public, it's the specs people enjoy,” added Johnny A.
Features
Select two-piece alder body with off-center seam, paired with a 3A birdseye maple neck featuring a ’65-style “oval C” profile and contoured heel. The round-lam rosewood fingerboard has a comfortable 7.25” radius and 21 medium jumbo (6150) frets.
The neck and middle pickups are hand-wound 11/56 models, while a steel bottom plate on the custom 11/56 bridge pickups delivers a livelier tone with more wide-ranging response; all are fixed to a three-ply mint green pickguard, along with a five-way switch and Strat Blender wiring with Tone-Saver bleed circuitry.
Other premium features include Custom Shop synchronized tremolo bridge, vintage-style tuners, bone nut, wing string tree with tall metal spacer, deluxe hardshell case, strap, and certificate of authenticity.
The guitar’s special Time Capsule flash-coat lacquer finish comes in striking Lydian Gold Metallic with Closet Classic chrome hardware and in Sunset Glow Metallic with Closet Classic gold hardware, combining several classic ’60s design elements to honor one of New England’s most accomplished sidemen and solo artists.
MSRP: $5,200.00 -$5,450.00.
Handpicked by Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu, Heavy Core Trivium Guitar Strings keep notes stable and focused at lowered tunings while offering a full dynamic range that’s balanced with vivid highs and rich lows. Coming in 6-and 7-string sets, these strings give Matt and Corey the freedom to create the music they love with peak performance and playability.
“Since the beginning, Trivium has used Dunlop Strings—the exact same custom set you are holding in your hands,” say Corey and Matt. “We have vastly different equipment and playing styles, but the one constant between us is—and has always been—Dunlop’s world-class strings.”
Features
Handpicked by Matt Heafy and Corey Beaulieu in the Dunlop String Lab
Each gauge chosen to provide peak performance when tuning down
Designed for a full dynamic range and exceptional tuning stability
Dunlop Heavy Core Trivium Guitar Strings are available as a 6-string 10-52 set for $19.79 MSRP and as a 7-string 10-63 set for $24.19 MSRP
Best Service has announced the release of Celtic ERA 2.
Here's what they say:
With Celtic ERA 2 by Eduardo Tarilonte the doors to the far north are wide open. Discover Celtic culture through sounds which have shaped Ireland's musical landscape for generations.
For Celtic ERA 2 multi-instrumentalist and sampling-expert Eduardo Tarilonte meticulously captured 36 Celtic wind, string, and percussion instruments in full detail and with immaculate quality. Among them you will find catchy flutes, dreamy harps, the famous Uilleann bagpipes, and striking bodhran drums.
A true highlight of this library are four ancient instruments, unheard in any previous sample library: Cranyx, Cornu, Dord and War Horns.
Celtic ERA 2 can be used for a wide range of musical projects and genres. Its spectrum ranges from traditional scoring with authentic sounds, to fantasy games, movie soundtracks, and new age music.
The sounds of Celtic ERA 2 are completely unique and cannot be found in any other library. The outstanding selection of instruments, the MIDI-patterns and soundscapes provide you with an extensive collection with no sound left to be desired.
Top Features at a Glance:
25 GB library with a total of over 25,000 samples.
36 Celtic Wind, String and Percussion instruments, rich in detail and recorded in pristine quality.
Four additional instruments from the Bronze Age: Cranyx, Cornu, Dord and War Horns.
All instruments consist of extensive multisamples (24-bit/44.1 kHz) with several dynamic levels, various articulations, round-robin, real legato as well as glissando samples.
Recorded using selected Kahayan U47-microphones into preamplifiers by the same manufacturer.
Recorded by outstanding musicians of the Irish music scene.
Including authentic phrases as MIDI-patterns as well as inspiring soundscapes.
Price: $259 from Best Service and all authorized resellers, such as KVR. Registered users of Celtic ERA can upgrade for $99.
Mercuriall Audio has released an add-on for Ampbox: Rectofire.
Rectofire is VST/AU/AAX/Standalone plugin based on the MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier Blackface, rev G from the 90s. Complete with the popular 1 meg gain pot mod, optional for each channel.
Rectofire highlights:
Accurate and detailed white-box modeling Mercuriall Audio is known for.
Introduction of Neural Hybrid Engine 2.0 in Rectofire. Further improvements of the modeling engine.
Introduction of Power Link technology in Rectofire. Affects the power supply linkage between preamp and poweramp. Improves palm mutes and note attack definition.
Each channel has an optional 1 meg gain pot mod. More tightness, gain and bite.
Along with the Rectofire release, Ampbox* platform is updated to version 1.1:
New exclusive IRs from Max Morton (Jinjer, Shokran, Morton).
This is a free platform update for all users of Ampbox. Rectofire amp is a separate paid module.
Rectofire pricing:
89.99 USD for new customers.
69.99 USD for returning customers.
For three days after Rectofire release:
69.99 USD fixed price for everyone.
Detailed Ampbox Information
Modeling technology:
Neural Hybrid Engine v2.0 developed by Mercuriall Audio.
Supported operating systems and program formats:
Mac: VST2 x64, VST3 x64, AU x64, AAX x64 (Pro Tools 2019.12 and newer).
Intel and M1 processors are supported.
PC: VST2 x64, VST3 x64, AAX x64 (Pro Tools 2019.12 and newer).
Minimum system requirements:
CPU: Intel or AMD with SSE2 support, 2 cores and 4 threads, 2.8 GHz.
OS: Windows 7/OS X 10.13.
RAM: 4GB.
Free drive space: 500Mb.
If using Pro Tools DAW: 2019.12 and newer.
Screen resolution: WXGA+ (1440*900 px).
Amp/preamp section (purchased separately):
New. Amp model based on MESA/Boogie Dual Rectifier Blackface, rev G.
Amp model based on Bogner Ecstasy 101B.
Preamp model based on MESA/Boogie Triaxis, revision TX5A.
Preamp model based on Engl E530.
Poweramp section:
Poweramp model based on Bogner Ecstasy 101B (free with Reaxis/U530 purchase).
Can be turned off independently from preamp.
Cabinet section:
New. Exclusive cab IRs by Max Morton (Jinjer, Shokran, Morton).
2D cab based on Redwirez IRs (internal cab).
Cab based on Bogner Uberkab 412 - 4x12 Celestion G12T-75.
Cab based on MESA/BOOGIE 412 - 4x12 Celestion V30s.
Cab based on Marshall 1960B - 4x12 Greenback.
Cab based on Marshall 1960B - 4x12 JBL K120 (vintage).
Microphones: Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD441, Royer R121.
Option to load your own Cab IRs (external cab).
Option to load your own room IRs and mix with a built-in or external cab.
Effects/stomps section:
Noise Gate.
Graphic EQ.
Parametric EQ.
Wah-Wah based on Dunlop CryBaby 535Q.
Overdrive based on Ibanez TS-808 with Low Drive Mod.
Overdrive based MESA/BOOGIE Grid Slammer.
Overdrive based on Boss Super Overdrive.
Distortion based on Boss Metal Zone MT-2.
Distortion based on Boss DS-1.
Stereo Chorus.
Stereo Delay.
Stereo Reverb.
Tuner:
Output signal controls: normal, dim, mute.
Reference pitch: default A = 440Hz or user preference.
Additional settings & controls:
Preamp tube selection (U530).
Freely movable module windows inside the plugin.
"Hide/show all windows" button.
Preset system.
Plugin size selection.
Undo/Redo buttons.
Input channel selection (left/right).
Amp grill selection.
Option to run the plugin interface on OpenGL (on/off).
Oversampling: no, x2, x4, x8.
Samplerate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96.
Stereo/Mono processing.
Alex Antonov has announced the release of AC Guitar, an acoustic guitar with rich sound, solo and strum modes, polyphonic "slide" articulation and lots of patterns, for the full version of Kontakt.
A microphone and a piezo pickup are sampled in the library. They can be mixed as you like and you can get bright and rich tones thanks to two independent mixers.
Intro Price: $169 (Reg. $229).
Synchro Arts has announced the release of the new RePitch vocal tuning plug-in with a 30% off introductory promotion until September 30th, 2022.
Here's what they say:
Built on core technologies from our flagship Revoice Pro application, RePitch enables adjustment of the pitch, timing and volume of any monophonic vocal (or instrument). In our mission to redefine what could and should be expected of a professional vocal correction plugin in 2022, we base our pitch analysis on the fundamental principles of human pitch perception, and we think you'll be amazed at how natural and 'undoctored' RePitch's processing sounds, even with the most extreme edits.
RePitch is fast, too... very fast. When you're simply looking to retune a wayward vocal, just load one of the task-orientated macros to instantly snap your singer to the key and scale of the track. Then, for more detailed editing, the powerful graphical editor provides all the tools required to take command of pitch, timing, vibrato, formants, sibilance and more, with a slick, intuitive workflow that never gets in your way.
From radical retuning of whole words and phrases, to subtle correction of individual syllables or microscopic elements within them, and everything in between, RePitch does it all. And, crucially, unlike some other vocal correction plugins, RePitch only applies its processing when it's absolutely necessary, leaving the rest of the signal unaltered.
RePitch works in every major DAW, with ARA 2 integration facilitating instant capture of vocal parts for editing, and VST, AU and AAX plugins making real-time capture almost effortless. Thanks to the proprietary SynchroLink technology, you can connect RePitch to the VocAlign Ultra plug-in, for instant transfer of pitch and timing edits to double tracks and background vocals.
RePitch is available now, the regular price is $249 but there is a 30% off introductory promotion until September 30th, 2022, and owners of current Synchro Arts products get special loyalty pricing on RePitch.
SampleScience has announced the release of Zither Renaissance, a virtual instrument made out of a restored audio recording of a zither.
The original damaged recording has been provided by the good folks at Versilian Studios.
Zither Renaissance has one multi-sampled zither with reverb, lowpass filter, and modulation effects.
The virtual instrument is available as a VST/VST3/AU plugin instrument as well as a Decent Sampler/Kontakt 5/6 library.
Zither Renaissance is free, but donations can be made.
Inertia Sound Systems has released Hinder, a new VST2, VST3 and AU effect plugin for macOS, Windows and Linux that brings uniqueness and character to your tone.
New is not always better. That's why we looked into something that was proven and true. Bucket Brigade Delay has stood the test of time, but since we were not limited to the confinements of its era, we kicked it up a notch.
Its core has been accurately modeled after BBD principles. But it comes with many useful and creative features, towards sound design and versatility. It aims to be a Swiss army knife when a vintage delay tone is needed.
Features:
Accurate BBD modeling with sound tweaking freedom.
Overall tone for brighter or darker sound.
Separate or Linked Delay Time for Left and Right Channel.
Focused or wider delay effect control.
Feedback LP / HP analog modeled filters.
Feedback Compression module with amount and speed controls.
Overdrive via the HEAT parameter that applies to the resampling and feedback filters.
Delay line modulation for Chorus and Flanger effects.
Bit Depth and Quantisation artifact mix control.
Synced to host or free running.
A portable and intuitive preset system.
Explanatory on-screen tooltips on mouse hover over the parameters.
Minimal, clean UI.
Price: €40.
New Loops has announced the release of Particles - Serum Presets Expansion.
Here's what they say:
Particles is an exciting new content pack for Xfer Serum with lots of new presets, wavetables, LFO shapes, noise sound sources, and more. Serum Particles is inspired by modern game and film scores like Mass Effect 2, Ghost in the Shell, Tenet, The Division 2, Deus Ex, and is full of cinematic and modern electronic sounds.
This is undoubtedly our best Serum sound pack yet and makes good use of the noise engine for unique soundscapes, textures, and pads. There's a total of 75 new Serum presets in 6 categories including, 20 evolving soundscapes and textures, 15 aggressive basslines, 15 cinematic sequences, 10 huge ambient pads, 10 dynamic keys, and 5 cutting synth leads. Also included in this Serum expansion pack are 42 audio samples for the noise engine, 22 LFO shape presets, 10 custom wavetables, and 8 presets for the delay effect.
This Serum content pack is suitable for a wide range of electronic music genres including, cyberpunk, darkwave, synthwave, film score, game score, cinematic soundscape, ambient, and many more.
Intro Price: £17.49 / 30% off until the end of September 2022 (RRP £24.99). You can also get an extra 30% off orders over £39 at newloops.com.
HyperSynth has released Hcards REV.2, a major update to their Hcard line (vintage synth accessories) that provided massive external storage for Yamaha's DX series and Roland's D-50.
The updated REV.2 line features four products:
Hcard-701 REV.2 (Yamaha DX7 MKI).
Hcard-702 REV.2 (Yamaha DX7II, DX7s, DX11, RX7, RX5).
Hcard-705 REV.2 (Yamaha DX5 and DX1).
Hcard-750 REV.2 (Roland D-50).
This upgrade offers a solid metal case with new color, better touch-pad action and visibility, easy cartridge insertion, updated firmware, and improved build quality over their predecessors.
Additions and Fixes (REV.2):
CNC metal case with scratch-free anodized finish.
Chamfered edge bottom side that offers easy insertion (H701, H702, and H705).
Colored touch buttons with enhanced action.
CNC milled edge connector for robust connectivity with slot sockets (H701, H702, and H705).
Upgraded from 2L to 4L PCB with new microprocessor and more stable firmware v2.1.
Hcards now draw less power from the synthesizer power supply.
Pricing:
Here's what they say about pricing and upgrade challenges:
Regarding the global semiconductor shortage after the COVID pandemic, obtaining the Hcard microprocessor became impossible and it was the main reason for freezing production of the last batches. We also had trouble manufacturing the old acrylic enclosure, which needed very time consuming manual assembly and calibration for proper fitting in cartridge slot.
These limitations made the old version impossible to produce. We needed to ensure that we can continue delivering the high-quality products our customers deserve, so we started designing Hcard REV.2.
The first challenge was finding a new in-stock microprocessor that was compatible with the old device so that customers don't see a difference in function. But in the end, we must port old firmware to match the new device architecture and it was done with too many hassles.
The new REV.2 is equipped with a metal enclosure and is entirely manufactured by a precise CNC machine. The old PCB of Hcard did not sit in the new enclosure and it must be smaller in size while components density did not allow us to make it small enough and the only way was to migrate from standard 2-layer PCB to advanced 4-layer PCB with higher cost and a project design from scratch. The new PCB required a new PCBA [printed circuit board assembly], new tooling, new fixture, new software for testing, new manufacturing challenges, new quality control procedures, and production team re-training. As there were four products in Hcard's line we performed all steps four times for each model.
All these facts plus inflation in 2022 led us to decide on a price increase unwillingly it was the only way to keep Hcards in production.
Here is the new pricing:
Hcard-701: €249 / $199 USD.
Hcard-702: €249 / $199 USD.
Hcard-750: €249/ $199 USD.
Hcard-705: $429 USD.
Hcards are available to purchase now from authorized dealers in US, EU and hypersynth webstore
Halo Vision is NUGEN Audio's new customizable, real-time visual analysis suite for surround and immersive audio.
Halo Vision allows for precise and confident decision making and troubleshooting, and pinpoints problem areas which might be missed using ears alone.
A variety of modules provide audio professionals with a clearer understanding of every aspect of their audio, allowing for precise and confident decision making.
Halo Vision supports 64-bit AAX, VST3 and AU and requires a surround-compatible plug-in host such as Pro Tools HD or Steinberg Nuendo.
Halo Vision is available now from Nugen Audio for $299.
Guitarfetish.com has just introduced their new Xaviere PRO930 Series Semi-Hollow Guitars. A uniquely shaped take on a classy style semi-hollow guitar that adds punchy attitude and tone without the complications of feedback.
The PRO930 Features:
A pair of GFS “Fat Pat” Alnico pickups with the proprietary Kwikplug System, which allows for instant pickups changes with no soldering.
All PRO930 Guitars feature a multi-ply, all maple laminated construction.
A solid maple center block running the length of the body.
All of the groovy goodness of a Semi-Hollow guitar, minus the F-Holes for a warmer, fuller sound with more resistance to feedback than a typical semi-hollow model.
22 nickel silver hand-polished frets on a solid walnut fingerboard.
Coil taps for both pickups.
The Xaviere PRO930 guitars are designed at Guitarfetish’s headquarters in Sarasota, FL, and have a retail price of $799 but may be ordered directly from the Guitarfetish.com website for a street price of $349.
The Dinky mahogany body with figured walnut top features a sculpted shredder’s cut heel and scalloped lower back bout for comfortable and unencumbered upper-fret access. The caramelized bolt-on maple neck has graphite-reinforced rods for rock-solid stability and a silky-smooth hand-rubbed satin urethane back finish for sublime playability, Luminlay side dots for fluorescent fingerboard guidance on dark stages and heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel for quick and painless neck relief tweaks.
Designed for high-speed playing, its 12”-16” compound radius caramelized maple fingerboard features comfortable rolled edges, 22 jumbo frets, pearloid dot inlays and a Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut. The SSS pickup configuration features a Seymour Duncan Custom Hot Rails Strat SHR-1B humbucking bridge pickup, Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 single-coil middle pickup and Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP single-coil neck pickup for glassy, vintage-style timbre with classic Strat® chime. Other premium modern features include a five-way blade pickup switch, skirted Stratocaster-style knobs for the volume (with 500K EVH Bourns low-friction potentiometer) and no-load tone controls, and Gotoh Custom 510 tremolo bridge. Available in Natural with gold hardware.
Key Features
Mahogany Dinky body with Walnut top.
Scalloped lower back bout with sculpted shredder’s cut heel
Bolt-on caramelized maple neck.
12”-16” compound radius maple fingerboard with 22 jumbo frets
Graph Tech TUSQ XL nut
Seymour Duncan Custom Hot Rails Strat® SHR-1B humbucking bridge pickup, Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 Single-Coil middle pickup and Seymour Duncan Custom Flat Strat SSL-6 RWRP Single-Coil neck pickup.
Skirted Strat-style volume knobs and 500k EVH® Bourns low-friction potentiometer and no-load tone control
Available in Natural Satin with gold hardware
$1,399.99 USD.
C.F. Martin & Co. (Martin Guitar) has partnered with GRAMMY nominated, multi-platinum, singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes to bring you the 000JR-10E Shawn Mendes Custom Signature Edition.
Inspired by Shawn’s go-to vintage Martin and featuring classic Shawn imagery, every detail of this guitar was designed and created in collaboration with Mendes for his official signature model. The new guitar not only sounds amazing, but is incredibly comfortable, and best of all, it’s environmentally friendly. This edition is crafted with 100% Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certified tonewoods in a 000 Junior-sized, 14-fret instrument and comes with a gig bag made from recycled ocean plastic that meets the Global Recycled Standard. The Shawn Mendes Signature Edition marks the largest production run of 100% FSC-certified guitars Martin has ever completed, and it is the first time a Martin guitar has been paired with a gig bag made from recycled ocean plastic. And the retail price of $799 is approachable for avid collectors and first-timers alike.
“Creating this guitar alongside Martin has been a dream of mine. The signature we created together is not only something I’m proud of musically, but also because it aligns with my passion for sustainability, and supports the Shawn Foundation’s initiatives. I can’t wait to share a guitar I love with fans across the world.” – Shawn Mendes
A Shawn Mendes signature guitar wouldn’t be complete without some personal design details that all of Shawn’s fans will appreciate. Laser etched on each wing of the bridge is a swallow inspired by the tattoo on Shawn’s right hand. Additionally, each instrument comes with a special label featuring the Shawn Mendes Foundation sunburst logo. And to finish it off, Shawn’s signature is inlaid at the top of the fretboard.
The Jr. size and 000-body depth make this guitar extremely comfortable for any player. It’s great for strumming on the couch, on the beach, or around a campfire. And with Fishman® Sonitone electronics included, it also sounds great on stage. This is a guitar you will never outgrow.
To add a little more fun to the project, a sample of Shawn’s lyrics is hidden somewhere inside the guitar. You might find one laser-etched on a brace, or under the bridge, or even under the rosette. Some of the phrases include: “We lay under the same stars,” or “You’ll never be alone.”
As part of the partnership, Martin Guitars will be supporting Mendes’ goal of making music accessible to everyone. Martin will be making a contribution to the Wonder of Music Program at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) presented by The Shawn Mendes Foundation. SickKids, affiliated with the University of Toronto, is Canada’s most research-intensive hospital and the largest center dedicated to improving children’s health in Mendes’ home state. The Wonder of Music Program Presented by Mendes aims to fund music therapy activities that are accessible to young patients at the Toronto hospital, with activities including songwriting, first exposure to music, heartbeat songs for families of patients, and lullabies.
LetiMix has updated GainMatch to version 1.4. They say:
GainMatch is a loudness matching tool which is both easy to use and highly versatile.
Improvements:
New architecture:
Apple Silicon Native Support (AU & VST3).
Fixed loading issues in Ableton Live.
Hide gain changes:
Can now hide gain changes in AUTO mode (to leave DAW history unchanged).
Collective listen before:
Collective "listen before/listen to delta" - toggle all instances in project or those linked into collection.
Support inserting on multiple tracks at once (selecting the same mode but different groups for each).
GUI changes:
Slightly larger "Listen before" button.
Text hint when listening to "before".
Animated icon showing measuring time.
Quick menu to display/hide status-bar items.
Slightly increased contrast in Light theme.
Other improvements:
Option to turn off all AUTO in project.
Improved 'Suspend comparison', new Threshold parameter.
Increased maximum number of groups to 128.
Added a config option for increasing maximum ASIO block size (larger than 4096).
Consider "Listen gain" value when displaying the difference.
Reworked/rewritten Ear Protection mode.
Increased "Switch to neutral if no pair" time to 45 seconds (can be optionally changed in the settings file).
Better detection when plugin is bypassed in the DAW.
Better writing automation in some hosts.
Click on plugin title to open profile at letimix.com.
Price: $19 - The plugin is available at discounted price of $9 until October 9, 2022.
Sound Dust has announced the release of Drift 002 for Kontakt with introductory pricing until September 26th, 2022.
Sound Dust says:
Here at Sound Dust, we like to create instruments that inspire and stimulate new music and new ways of making music. This often involves building impossible contraptions packed with possibilities... they also tend to have quite a lot of controls.
Drift 002 goes in a different direction - simple at the front, complex behind the curtain. The business end is just 4 large knobs: Grist, ADSR, Morph and Space combine multiple functions for uncomplicated and intuitive sound design. A minimal interface beneath which lurks a maximalists desire to warp, bend and squash millions of new sounds into the aether.
Features:
11 deeply multi sampled complex sounds sources = 9GB.
180 snapshots.
Morph EQ knob with 100 settings.
Morph ADSR knob with 100 settings.
Grist knob for noisy filth.
50 custom impulse response reverbs.
Space knob adds IR reverb and goes to 100% wet.
BPM synced drift control for tape like chaotic wow and flutter.
3 way BPM synced tremolo.
Custom modwheel settings per sound source.
Full automation capability.
Handy built in instructions in RTFM page.
Price: £24.50 until September 26th 2022 (30% off).
Bunker Samples has announced the release Off-World Vol. 2, a synthesizer made from a single string, powered by Shape, a new dual-layer engine with custom user-drawable LFOs and effects chains for Kontakt.
Here's what they say:
Off-World Vol. 2 is a collection of evocative, living and breathing textures, soundscapes and pads, hand crafted from a single string, then morphed and processed to create new sonic landscapes – from wobbly tape dust and broken oscillators to expansive evolving textures, all powered by the new Shape engine.
All 45 source sounds in this library share the same origin: the single string of the Dan Bau, an ancient Vietnamese monochord with a distinct timbre and a very expressive pitch manipulation handle, which was meticulously sampled in unconventional ways to create sounds that live and breathe with a human feel to them. From the mellow pitch wobble of the E-bow recordings, to the more synth-like textures of the bowed samples, these sounds are well suited for creating atmospheric and engaging sound beds in film, TV and game scoring.
To further expand the possibilities, Shape, a new Kontakt engine was developed:
Dual-layers with independent ADSR, Volume, Pan and Tune controls.
Two custom shape LFOs per layer. Draw any shape you want.
4 effects slot per layer.
15 user-selectable effects available in all effects slots, including 17 filter subtypes.
Modulate Volume, Pan, and and up to four effects parameters per layers with the custom shaped LFOs.
Bi-polar modulation intensity sliders.
Master channel with 4 effects slot.
Built-in quick help.
Intro Price: $39 (reg. $59) until October 9, 2022.
Off-World Vol. 2 is also available in a bundle with Off-World Vol. 1 for $69 (reg. $98). Both volumes are separate products and do not require the other to run.
Requires the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt 5.7.3 or later. It will not work in the free Kontakt Player.
Soundiron has announced the release of Axe Machina, a virtual electric guitar library that is designed for unleashing pure metal destruction. It's built for the full version of Kontakt 6.2.2 or higher.
Soundiron says...
For this library Craig Peters sampled his custom Kiesel Aries multi-scaled 7 string guitar, tuned to A Standard. This instrument features 24 frets, a swamp ash body, birdseye maple neck, Guitarmory Polaris pickups with D'Addario XL 10-64 gauge strings. The swamp ash body has a unique style and flavor, along with a robust natural tone and resonance.
This library includes sampled single note and power chord sustains with palm mute variations. You'll also find an assortment of SFX, like pinch harmonics, mutes, pick scrapes with slow, med and long, fret noise, chokes, rakes, and slides. Dial in your dream tone by sending our pure D.I. signal through your favorite amp simulator plugins, or use our custom reamped tone, crafted with Neural DSP software. Our flexible GUI gives you access to real-time articulation selection and performance features, key-switch and mapping options, arpeggiator, auto-strummer, sequencer, and full FX rack, all packed into an intuitive and customizable user interface.
Intro Price: $79 until September 27th, 2022, at soundiron.com (Reg. $99).
Rick Beato is a record producer, songwriter, musician, and educator who is well-known for his YouTube videos on everything music; his channel has over two and a half million subscribers. Rick's new Les Paul Special Double Cut features a double cutaway body that is slightly thinner (1.5”) than normal, making it lighter and more comfortable.
The Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece ensure excellent sustain and easy intonation adjustment, while the dual P-90 pickups deliver classic Les Paul Special tones. For a distinctive look, the guitar is finished in a new satin nitrocellulose lacquer color, developed with Rick and named TV Blue Mist, and Rick’s signature is reproduced on the truss rod cover. An Original Series hardshell case is included.
Rick Beato is dedicated to music education and has pledged to donate all of his royalties from the sale of his Gibson Rick Beato Les Paul Special Double Cut to the Save The Music Foundation. At Save The Music Foundation, music is core to their national recovery and young people’s mental health. Save The Music is delivering over 15,000 instruments to over 100 school and community projects nationwide for this school year.
$1,999.99 USD
The Aerodyne series features sleek Stratocaster guitars, a futuristic Telecaster guitar and two new basses, all available in a range of never-before-seen finishes. Distinctive aerodynamic lines, custom-voiced pickups, state-of-the-art hardware, finishes and unmistakable silhouettes combine to create instruments that are pure, purposeful, instantly familiar and radically new.
Aerodine Special Stratocaster ($1,299.99 USD)
The Aerodyne Special Stratocaster features a sleek new look with vibrant colors adorning the elegantly bound basswood body and matching headcap. A modern “C” shape satin-finished neck with 12” radius fingerboard ensures effortless playability, while newly designed vintage-voiced Stratocaster guitar pickups and a Babicz Z-Series FCH-2 Point Tremolo deliver a perfect balance of high-performance and classic Fender tone. Available in Bright White, Chocolate Burst or California Blue.
Aerodyne Special Stratocaster HSS ($1,329.99 USD)
The Aerodyne Special Stratocaster HSS features a sleek new look with vibrant colors adorning the elegantly bound basswood body and matching headcap. A modern “C” shape satin-finished neck with 12” radius fingerboard ensures effortless playability, while newly designed vintage-voiced Stratocaster guitar pickups mated to a specially voiced humbucking bridge pickup and a Babicz Z-Series FCH-2 Point Tremolo deliver a perfect balance of high-performance and classic Fender tone. Available in Dolphin Gray Metallic, Hot Rod Burst or Speed Green Metallic.
Aerodyne Special Telecaster ($1,299.99 USD)
The Aerodyne Special Telecaster features a sleek new look with vibrant colors adorning the elegantly bound basswood body and matching headcap. A modern “C” shape satin-finished neck with 12” radius fingerboard ensures effortless playability, while newly designed vintage-voiced Telecaster pickups and a Babicz Z-Series FCH-Tele guitar bridge deliver a perfect balance of high-performance and classic Fender tone. Available in California Blue, Dolphin Gray Metallic or Hot Rod Burst.
Aerodyne Special Precision Bass ($1,349.99 USD)
The Aerodyne Special Precision Bass features a sleek new look with vibrant colors adorning the elegantly bound basswood body and matching headcap. A modern “C” shape satin-finished neck with 12” radius fingerboard ensures effortless playability, while newly designed vintage-voiced Precision Bass pickups and a Babicz Z-Series FCH-4 bridge deliver a perfect balance of high-performance and classic Fender tone. Available in Bright White, Hot Rod Burst or Speed Green Metallic.
Aerodyne Special Jazz Bass ($1,349.99 USD)
The Aerodyne Special Jazz Bass features a sleek new look with vibrant colors adorning the elegantly bound basswood body and the matching headcap. A modern “C” shape satin-finished neck with 12” radius fingerboard ensures effortless playability, while newly designed vintage-voiced Jazz Bass pickups and a Babicz Z-Series FCH-4 bridge deliver a perfect balance of high-performance and classic Fender tone. Available in Chocolate Burst, Dolphin Gray or California Blue.
Nu-X Mighty Plug Pro is a powerful headphone amp for both guitarists and bassists, featuring various effects, Amp Modeling, and Impulse Response (IR) cabinet models. Based on his little brother Mighty Plug, Mighty Plug Pro offers more functions, flexible block routings, and livestream applications. You can stream Bluetooth playback, microphone signal, and guitar signal through USB with OTG onto your mobile device to do live streaming or making videos.
Nu-X Mighty Plug Pro highlights include:
TS/AC-HD (White-Box) Amp Modeling Algorithm offers realistic playability & feedback.
512 samples IR resolution (36 premium built-in IRs and 18 user slots for 3 rd party).
GATE, CMP, EFX, AMP, IR, EQ, MOD, DLY, RVB effect blocks with freely adjustable order.
White-box algorithm EFX offers analog response and natural chaos.
Stereo DLY / RVB effects with gorgeous tone.
High quality earphone out preamp supports TRRS headset or earphone with MIC.
Intuitive MightyAmp APP & Mighty Editor edit software.
7 presets with ACTIVE functions. (PRESET switch toggles ACTIVE ones sequentially.)
Available for live streaming and recording.
Ultra-low system latency (1.2ms) and wide dynamic range (103dB).
Nu-x Mighty Plug Pro carries a street price of $109.
Using his renowned system of hand voicing, all Touchstone Series soundboards are optimized for tonal excellence by Dana and his team of skilled luthiers in their Lewiston, Maine shop. The tops are then sent to Eastman’s workshop in Bazhou, China where a hand-picked group of talented and advanced guitar builders from Eastman’s team, specially trained in Bourgeois construction methodology, incorporate them into guitars of Dana’s design.
“The Touchstone Series is truly breaking new ground—they’re designed, and hand voiced in Maine from old growth Alaskan Sitka Spruce with Adirondack for the bracing. Touchstone is an extension of the boutique playing experience and gives players an opportunity previously unheard of in this product category,” said James Cook, Bourgeois Guitars’ Product Manager.
“Eastman has been able to help us offer a broader range of instruments, allowing us to make our guitars available to a much wider audience. This is something we have always wanted to do for guitar players, but frankly would not have been able to provide at any meaningful volume without this partnership,” stated Dana Bourgeois, Bourgeois’ CEO.
Features
A hand-voiced, old-growth Sitka Spruce soundboard, braced with Adirondack Spruce.
The coveted Bourgeois tone and build quality, now accessible to a wider audience of players.
Available at finer acoustic instrument stores near you.
The Touchstone Vintage/TS is available now through select Bourgeois dealerships, at $3,299 MSRP.
MeldaProduction has released DreamMachines, a drum sample pack that can be used in MDrummer and the dedicated "DreamMachines" MSoundFactory instrument. The sounds have been sampled from a wide range of drum machines and analogue synthesizers, including vintage classics, modern FM and hybrid synth/samplers.
Here's what they say:
It's a big step for the MKind. A new era for MSoundFactory comes with DreamMachines. Up until now, the only addon to MSoundFactory was MonasteryGrand - the free piano instrument. But from now on, you can even purchase Premium instruments. But what are these?
A Premium instrument is a commercial instrument addon for MSoundFactory. The good news for all MSoundFactory and MSoundFactoryLE users is that they can download all Premium instruments published and produced by MeldaProduction free of charge (now and in future too). But those who don't want the whole collection and are interested in a particular instrument only (such as DreamMachines) can purchase them separately and run them in MSoundFactoryPlayer - the free edition of MSF.
DreamMachines is the first of its kind.
DreamMachines is a drum sampler with 6 voices. Each of the drum channels can combine 2 samples and mix between them to get in ideal kick, snare, hat, clap, tom and percussion. Each channel then has a dedicated FX section that can be combined with global reverb and delay effects and a master section.
Intro Price: €19 until the 15th of October, 2022 (Reg. €69). Until then, you can also take advantage of a 50% discount on both MSoundFactory versions that will give you DreamMachines and future Premium instruments for free.
The latest generation of Reidmar amps combines EBS's world-famous analog preamp technology with EBS's lightweight power amp design.
The new lightweight power amp in the Reidmar 752, developed by EBS, is optimized for bass. It delivers 750W RMS at a 2-ohms load and provides the optimal output for any EBS speaker cabinet without risking blowing any speakers. The tone is solid, with lots of punch and clarity. EBS-developed Soft Clip technology protects the amp from overload while preserving bottom and solid bass tone at higher volumes.
The analog preamps' powerful EQ helps dial in any sound you like with ease, and the Drive adds harmonics and dirt when needed. The built-in adjustable Compressor help create a consistent and more controlled sound when desired without losing the dynamic response.
The amp fits nicely in a laptop bag, and the lightweight saves your back when traveling with your Reidmar 752. The EBS Reidmar 752 will replace the Reidmar 750 from now on. It is also 13% smaller in size than the previous model.
Estimated price: $999.
Designed to address an issue for guitarists: every amp sounds better when you boost the input signal. Feeding it with a stronger signal makes it work on a totally different level. The sound is amplified, thicker, and more powerful but that’s true for the noise too. Especially in a long chain of effects.
A perfect solution for these tricky situations is a combination of a boost and a gate. A total of 30db transparent BOOST and a unique innovative GATE defined by the fast reaction and smooth transitions, provide a solid punch for the desired tone. On top of that, a COLORswitch allows for a quick and easy mid-tone shaping.
Features:
GATE pot control
COLOR 4-way rotary switch - four different EQ presets
BOOST pot control - 30 dB clean gain boost
ON/OFF illuminated footswitch
True bypass
Input and output jacks
DC power input.
MSRP: $199.
Toontrack has released The Eighties EBX, an all-new expansion for EZbass focused on capturing that quintessential '80s-style bass sound. This release marks the eleventh title in the company's quickly growing family of EBX expansions for EZbass. Here's what they say:
Much like the decade itself, The Eighties EBX is a merge of electric and electronic. It comes with two individual instruments, one high-end electric bass guitar as well as one classic analog synthesizer, each handpicked for their individual qualities and overall influence on the music of the time.
In addition to the instruments themselves, The Eighties EBX also includes a wealth of presets for a wide range of tones as well as a custom library of MIDI, allowing you to start writing and producing from the get-go.
If you're looking for the ultimate palette of '80s-like bass tones designed to work in anything from pop and rock to all-electronic new wave or synth pop, this is it. Welcome to your new go-to EZbass expansion.
Feature Spotlight:
Two instruments: one high-end electric bass guitar and one synth bass based on an iconic analog synthesizer.
Inspired by the sound and music of the '80s.
Ideal for anything from vintage to modern-sounding pop, rock and electronic productions.
Electric bass sampled with finger and pick options.
Synth bass features up to three user-controllable oscillators for each preset.
Both instruments offer a range from A0 to E4.
Includes a wealth of presets for a wide range of '80s-inspired tones.
Includes a collection of MIDI tailored for each instrument.
Main Changes in EZbass v1.1.5 (Read the full release notes):
General:
Added support for keyboard basses.
A splash screen is shown at startup of the standalone (to earlier show that something is happening). In a DAW, the same image is shown in the plug-in window the first time it is opened in a session (only for as long as the normal interface is being prepared to be shown, so this does not add any time but the window appears sooner).
Song Track:
"Add Groove" has been renamed to "Add Standard Groove.".
Grooves Tab:
Active modifiers no longer have their own row. All modifiers and filters now share the same "active filter" row and the clear button clears everything.
Settings:
On Windows, there is now a setting to invert the horizontal scroll direction when shift+wheel is used.
"Restore MIDI Database" will now preserve user-added MIDI libraries and favorites (in libraries that are still available).
Price: $89.
Available in two formats, a classic EL34 design and a higher gain 6L6 model, these amps are simple to use but highly versatile. Developed after months of forensic examination of vintage valve amps, the intuitive two channel set-up deliver our best ever cleans and overdrives. An reactive load is built into each St. James amp, this allows you to run the valves flat out without having a speaker connected. Normally you would have to pay over $1000 for an additional piece of equipment – St. James has it included.
Add in Cab Rig, our next-generation DSP speaker simulator to capture incredible tones via USB / XLR D.I. out or headphones. The Power Reduction switch allows you to select 50 Watts, 2 Watts or Sag to easily get the perfect balance of power and response for any situation from studio to stage. The unique Celestion Zephyr lightweight ferrite speakers, candlenut plywood cabinet and universal power supply all go together to create 50 Watt valve amps that are less than half the weight of a traditional valve amp. The 2x12 combo weighs only 17kg: these are the lightest 50 Watt valve amps in the world and deliver amazing tones without compromise.
Features
Built-in reactive load: St. James amps have a built-in reactive load allowing you to drive the valves without a speaker connected. The reactive load mimics the electrical response of a typical loudspeaker to deliver the authentic valve power-amp tones possible in the studio or at home. No need to spend over $1000 on another piece of equipment.
Power reduction: Based on Blackstar's patented Dynamic Power Reduction design you can easily switch from 50 Watts for the loudest clean headroom, down to 2 Watts for practicing, recording or smaller gigs, or a more overdriven power amp tone. The third option is Sag. This setting generates more power supply ‘sag’ to accentuate the allimportant amp compression, the ‘feel’ is softer and more ‘vintage’.
Universal power supply: Blackstar's universal power supply, is lightweight and can be used anywhere in the world from 90V to 264V 50/60Hz.
Lightweight cabinet: Candlenut plywood is used for strength and lightness and its beneficial acoustic properties, creating a roadworthy cabinet that sounds great and won’t let you down.
Stunning boutique looks and a new illuminated logo: Desirability is as essential as amazing sound, so we’re delighted to share a completely new look for St. James including an illuminated logo inspired by our original Artisan amps.
The St. James 2X12 EL34 and 6L6 50 Watt amps are now available at your favorite Blackstar dealer for $1,499.99.
AudioThing has updated Vinyl Strip, a modular channel strip, to v1.6.
Changelog:
Added: macOS 12 Monterey support (Universal 2 Binary).
Added: CLAP plugin format.
Added: Light and Dark UI mode.
Added: Option to enable Accelerated GUI.
Added: Internal support for left-hand mouse users.
Improved: GUI and loading time.
Improved: Joined Parameter lock and Random lock.
Price: Vinyl Strip is available for $29 ($59) until October 1st, 2022.
Eventide has released Physion Mk II.
Here's what they say:
Physion Mk II is a powerful, modern approach to multi-effects delivering a new dimension of sounds. It combines our best-in-class Transient/Tonal separation with world-class Eventide effects, opening the door to practical mixing solutions and creative applications. Featuring the improved Structural Split detection from SplitEQ and a streamlined workflow designed with producers, mixers, and sound designers in mind, Physion Mk II allows you to discover new sonic horizons and smarter solutions in no time.
Features:
New Polyphonic pitch shifting algorithm based on Eventide's new SIFT technology.
New Reverse Delays with gating, ping-pong, and crystals modes.
New Side Chain input for dynamics processors.
New State-of-the-art Filters, taken directly from SplitEQ.
New Resizable GUI with scrolling waveform display and easy-to-use layout – no menu diving required.
Hand-tuned Eventide effects for the Transient & Tonal streams.
Process Transient and Tonal Effects separately using Eventide's Improved Structural Split technology.
The original version of Physion is now discontinued. Any customers who are Anthology XII users will automatically be able to download Physion Mk II for free.
Intro Price: $99 until October 31st (Reg. $179).
The traditional German manufacturer Framus, presents high-quality guitar straps. “Made in Germany” by Richter Leder.
Framus Masterbuilt Genuine Leather Guitar Strap – Black with Silver or Gold Embossing:
high quality Framus Masterbuilt guitar strap
excellent wearing comfort due to ergonomic padding
very soft Italian nappa leather
all-round double side seam, extra reinforcement in the area of the strap holes
width: 2.76″ (7 cm), adjustable length: 38.59″ – 62.21″ (98 – 158 cm)
black leather with Framus silver or gold embossing (shiny)
made in Germany by Richter Leder
for international pricing please contact your local distributor or dealer
Available now!
A multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, engineer, and producer based in Brooklyn, New York, Josh is best known for his YouTube channel Josh Turner Guitar, where he posts covers, original music, and instructional content. His D’Angelico signature model was designed to bring the high-end specs and playability that Josh looks for in vintage instruments to his audience at an affordable price.
A satin-finished C-shape neck with just the right amount of thickness offers a premium yet remarkably comfortable playing experience, while vintage-inspired details like antique bronze hardware and a Throwback headstock illustrate Josh's love of classic aesthetics. Designed to offer onstage flexibility, the Josh Turner Tammany comes equipped with the JourneyTek Passive 3-piezo Pickup for unobstructed true-to-tune amplification.
Josh began his YouTube channel in 2007 at just 15 years old. Today, it has nearly 650k subscribers and has amassed over 170 million views. His content highlights his remarkable playing, genre versatility, and some of his many prized instruments. When designing his signature model with D’Angelico, he looked to his personal collection and considered what it was that he loved most about the instruments, what was missing, and the importance of quality.
The Excel Josh Turner Tammany is available only in Natural, exclusively through D'Angelico. Limited to only 50 pieces, each instrument is hand-signed and numbered by Josh. US MAP $799.99
Flow Tune (NTU-3) combines a large colored LCD screen with 3 display mode options (a Strobo mode and 2 Arrow modes), easy to read and tune. There are 3 bypass modes, including an innovative Buffered Bypass Monitor mode. It is easy to set up and will bring your pedalboard a unique highlight.
Flow Tune (NTU-3) features 3 practical tuning modes: Chromatic, Guitar, and Bass. Besides, it offers true bypass, Buffered Bypass as well as Buffered Bypass Monitor mode which can help you monitor the tuning even while you are playing on the stage. Under the Buffered Bypass Monitor mode, the output remains unmuted no matter whether the tuner is activated or deactivated.
Features
Hot Pink color exterior.
3 practical tuning modes (Chromatic/Guitar/Bass).
High-definition and large-size colorful LCD display.
3 tuning display mode options: a Strobe mode and 2 Arrow modes.
3 bypass modes: True Bypass, Buffered Bypass, and Buffered Bypass Monitor.
Compact size, easy to fit any pedal boards.
Comfortable pressing feedback with specially designed footswitch.
Nu-X Flow Tune carries a street price of $69.
Coheed and Cambria vocalist / guitarist Claudio Sanchez has announced details of his brand new signature Anna guitar pedal from Wren & Cuff with pre-orders available today. To celebrate the 20th anniversary Coheed and Cambria’s beloved debut album, The Second Stage Turbine Blade, Claudio and camp had the idea to make a pedal to mark the occasion. They decided on a pedal dedicated to one of Sanchez’s favorite and most trusted combinations when in the studio and on the stage, his 80’s Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive feeding his ’78 “op-amp” Big Muff. A Swiss Army knife of fuzz and drive is the end result.
Earlier this summer Coheed and Cambria released their widely celebrated new album and the latest chapter of “The Amory Wars” saga with Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind. The 13-song collection landed at #1 on Billboard’s “Top Hard Rock Albums” chart marking the band’s fourth #1 on the tally. Vaxis II: A Window of the Waking Mind is available on all streaming platforms with vinyl and cassette variants, along with a deeply immersive Deluxe Box Set available in the Coheed and Cambria’s official store.
Priced at $349.99.
Moog has released the Minimoog Model D softsynth for Mac OS. Here's what they say:
One of the most celebrated and influential musical instruments of all time, the Minimoog Model D synthesizer, is now available as a powerful production and sound design tool for Mac users in the form of the first official Minimoog Model D App for macOS.
This free update to the app, which was first released by Moog Music as a mobile synthesis solution for iPhones/iPads, is available for all Mac users (Big Sur or newer), making it possible to recreate the sounds of the classic hardware Minimoog Model D using a macOS device through Audio Unit v3, using a VST3/AUv2 wrapper, or as a standalone sound design tool. Now optimized for both iOS and macOS, anyone with an Apple device can jump in and play with over 160 included presets or begin exploring electronic sound design to craft their own unique style.
The Minimoog Model D App incorporates a number of inspiring tools and capabilities not present on its analog antecedent. This powerful software synth includes the ability to play chords with up to four-note polyphony, an easy-to-use arpeggiator for rhythmic pattern creation, a real-time looping recorder with unlimited overdubbing capacity, a tempo-synchronizable stereo ping-pong delay module, and the Bender—a wide-range stereo time modulation effect module. This latest update also includes a redesigned preset management system for quicker navigation and adds a random preset generator function.
The Minimoog Model D
Introduced by Moog in 1970, the Minimoog Model D served as the archetype for all synthesizers that followed. It provided a whole generation of artists the ability to design their own sounds, translating imagination into reality. The Minimoog's portability, affordability, and accessibility made it the go-to instrument for musicians looking to expand beyond the traditional sounds of the time.
Bernie Worrell used the Minimoog Model D to establish Parliament Funkadelic's futuristic funk sound. Kraftwerk employed the Minimoog Model D on the influential concept album Autobahn, sparking an entirely new genre. Gary Numan replaced his live band's guitars with Minimoog Model D synths, creating the prototype for industrial music. The classic sound of the Minimoog Model D can be heard on Bob Marley's Catch a Fire, Michael Jackson's Thriller, Dr. Dre's The Chronic, and many more iconic releases by renowned musicians.
Price: There is a limited-time introductory price of $24.99 USD at the Apple Store.
The Minimoog Model D softsynth for Mac OS is Free to all current Minimoog Model D iOS App owners.
Applied Computer Music Technologies has updated their ACM500X-Series plug-ins for Linux to v3.1.1. The company describes the ACM500X range:
Designed to offer the best analogue modelled plug-ins for Linux, the 500X-Series plug-ins make it easy to harness the power of Linux to transform a DAW into a versatile virtual analogue mixing environment.
V3.1.1 includes support for the CLAP plug-in format, together with some minor updates to the VST2 and VST3 versions. Demo versions are provided free to download. Each plug-in includes a detailed manual and easy to use installer.
Features:
Smooth controls with no 'zipper noise' when adjusting the plug-in settings.
Physically modelled rotary control modes.
Resizable graphical user interfaces.
CPU Efficient.
VST, VST3 and CLAP plug-ins for Linux.
Easy to install.
Price: £60 for the 500X-Series bundle, or £45 individually. More information together with free demos can be found at the Applied Computer Music Technologies website. This is a free update for existing users.
Cinematique Instruments has announced the release of Marble 2 for Kontakt.
Marble 2 features a two-track, 16-step sequencer that allows you to shape and control the many different parameters and effects in real time.
It has 63 entirely new instruments, sound sources and field recordings in up to six round robins with several dynamic layers. These include percussive instruments, organic instruments, synths and textures.
The upgrade also includes many new features:
Dynamic start points shift for field recordings and textures.
Revised script and new GUI.
Control attack of the length function.
Two different types of distortion.
Adjustable low pass filter resonance.
New chorus with variable tempo.
Micro tuning.
Event repetition.
Control the sequencer length and low pass filter in real-time.
Dynamic preset browser with circa 400 presets.
Add presets to favorites.
According to Cinematique Instruments:
Marble 2 is a modern creative inspiration source that is super easy to use. With all its patterns and sequences - about 400- it provides building blocks for your musical ideas and lets you compose quickly.
Price: 175 EUR (excl. VAT).
Customers who purchased Marble 1 before the 19th of August of 2022 receive a discount of 80€ on Marble 2 - valid for one month.
Synapse Audio has released World of Sequences, an add-on soundbank for DUNE 3 created by professional sound designer Kevin Schroeder.
Kevin is a sound designer who programs sounds for well-known synthesizer manufacturers, as well as film composers Hans Zimmer, Trevor Morris and Paul Haslinger. Most recently he has programmed the sounds for the motion pictures James Bond 007 - No time to die, Wonder Woman 1984, Top Gun Maverick and others.
This bank comes with 135 arps/sequences, typically multi-layered and supporting a variety of controllers like Modwheel, Breath, Aftertouch, Expression or Velocity. The patches in this soundset are mainly designed for Ambient, Cinematic and EDM projects. Most sequences in this set use the arp and/or step sequencer instead of MIDI files, so that patches can be adapted easily to any project.
Price: $40 in the Synapse Audio shop.
Note: This soundset requires DUNE v3.5 or later to be installed.
Modal Electronics, a leading global synthesiser manufacturer, has just released an all-new firmware update for their critically-acclaimed feature-packed ARGON-Series synthesisers. Never content with a static approach to product development, ARGON-Series firmware v3 redefines the sound and functionality of Modal Electronics’ advanced Wavetable synths and adds a raft of new forward-thinking features that guarantee to supercharge users’ creative output like never before.
New in Firmware v3
The brand-new Vintage parameter helps to alter the organic fabric of the wavetable textures by emulating the behaviour of vintage synths’ technical imperfections, where certain tuning and other variations were introduced into the sound generation. Oscillator Free Run is another new feature known from analogue synthesisers and, when activated, adds to the sonic flexibility of ARGON8. ‘Classic’ Synth sounds are so much more alive with the vintage and free run parameters ensuring every key press is slightly different than the one before.
Firmware v3 adds four new filter types, incl. 4-Pole Ladder Filter, a 1-Pole Ladder Hybrid, a resonant Phaser Ladder Filter and a new 2-Pole Sallen-Key Filter. All new filters come with Pre-Filter drive, and the integrated polesweeping allows seamless morphing through the audio spectrum. The Ladder filter unlocks even more classic synth tones as well as expanding ARGONs experimental capabilities with the more complex filter outputs and the Sallen-Key filter brings a whole new level and character to gnarly, driven sounds, especially when paired with the Drive FX.
Additionally, ARGON8 Firmware v3 includes 15 new powerful effects. Harnessing our flexible processing distribution system, some of the new additions harnessing the power of two effects slots for more sonic power and depth. The V2 Reverb is great for adding a little bit of space to a sound, huge near-infinite reverbs and everything in-between. The new Chorus v2 was brought from our successful COBALT5S and COBALT8 synths and injects vintage Chorus tones to ARGON8. Creative sound gourmets will also enjoy the new Phaser v2, Compressor, Three-Band EQ, Unisoniser, Utility and additional Drive effects, giving enough options to give custom patch creations a final, production-ready touch.
With the new firmware, the programmable Arpeggiator receives new Arp Directions to inspire musicians and producers. Firmware v3 also improves the capabilities of the OLED display, the Audio In quality, the gain staging of the audio output and much more. For a full list of new Features and Improvements, we recommend the Release Notes, available on the product’s web page.
Finally, Firmware v3 launches with the addition of a dedicated new bank of 100 new factory presets to showcase Firmware v3 in action.
Firmware v3 is available as a free update via our MODALapp software.
Online Music Foundry has released Xphonika for Steinberg's Retrologue 2.
Xphonika is an epic sci-fi and fantasy scoring tool that contains 355 deeply programmed presets by Online Music Foundry's Gary Gibbons. With dark evolving soundscapes, otherworldly pads, arpeggiated drum patterns in many time signatures and synth-driven strings, it provides a cinematic solution for science fiction, space-fiction and fantasy projects.
Details:
355 presets for Retrologue 2.
Cinematic percussion, evolving musical FX, pads with motion, string phrases and much more.
For cinematic scores.
Attributes: Comment, Keywords, Signature are available.
Designed by Gary Gibbons from Online Music Foundry.
Price: $29.99.
2Rule has released a new update for the free TugGlincento glitch effect plugin for Windows and MacOS.
TugGlicento can play multiple effects simultaneously, by triggering box TugGlicento can be as gentle or as noisy as you like. TugGlicento divides audio signal to 5 band with different filter setting (Lowpass, BandPass, HighPass) then apply an effect.
New Features:
Dry/Wet Knob.
ReSync counter added(this counter shows and sets the resync time).
Randomization buttons for every group of parameters are added.
AU version.
GUI polishing.
Pitch Shifter Note params are added(Musical).
RingModulator Note params are added(Musical).
Solo buttons are added to effects rocks panels (near effect combobox in the effect racks).
Reverb Tail/no tail switch added (reverb is cut or not).
No filter option is added to filter type.
Bugs fixed:
FL studio weird feedback noise is fixed(variable buffer problem for windows and mac).
Improvement and bug fixes for Repeater effect (little improvement).
ADSR mouse interaction improved.
Filter automation problem fixed.
Rast Sound has released Motif, a generative music assistant instrument for Windows and macOS in VST3 and AU plugin formats.
Motif helps you create multi part melodies on a scale/mood and build progressions with this new plugin version. It comes with real time idea randomisation, compose mode and scale editor.
Intro Offer: 59€ until September 30, 2022 (Reg. 99€).
- Kontakt version owners can upgrade for 39€.
u-he has updated MFM2 to version 2.5 and released Kinesis, a new soundset for Hive 2.
The already massive delay unit More Feedback Machine 2 takes a long-awaited leap forward. Most obviously, the original spacey '3D disk' UI has been replaced by a much more practical design. Less obvious is that MFM2 version 2.5 is u-he's first official release to support their open source format CLAP in collaboration with Bitwig (see www.cleveraudio.org), with more planned for this year.
Features
Already in version 2.0:
4 delay lines with independent absolute time or tempo-synced modes.
4 multimode filters: 2× lowpass, bandpass, 2× highpass, bandreject or allpass.
Delay routing: preset or user-definable (matrix of 16 bipolar amount knobs).
4 syncable LFOs with 8 waveform options or user definable shape.
2 syncable and loopable multi-stage envelope generator (MSEG) modulation source.
4-slot modulation matrix with depth modulation from a second source.
2 pre-feedback effects: distortion, bit crusher, phaser, frequency shifter, filter.
2 compressors with peak or maximize modes.
New in version 2.5:
Redesigned UI focussing on ease of use.
Native support for Apple Silicon (M1) CPU, macOS Monterey.
CLAP support, improved VST3 support.
Input section with transient analysis and balance, lowpass or highpass filter.
'Granular': pitch shifter, syncable to song tempo.
'Diffusor': from audio 'smear' to complex reverbs.
Output guard / soft clipper.
Preferences and MIDI learn pages.
Comprehensive preset browser with tagging and search functions.
MFM 2.5 is a free upgrade for existing users and is available to purchase for $99 for new customers.
u-he has also released Kinesis, a 128-patch soundset for Hive 2 focussing on timbral movement: Organic grooves, evolving sequences and arpeggios as well as shifting ambient pads. According to Sound Author (a.k.a. Bryan Lake), the idea was to create sounds that 'dance around each other' when layered, while purposely avoiding obvious repetition. Most presets react to MIDI velocity, modulation wheel, pitch bend and the XY pads. NKS audio previews are included.
Kinesis is available from u-he for €30.
Heavyocity Media has announced the release of Foundations Synth Bass, the fourth installment in Heavyocity's line of free virtual instruments. Here's what they say:
Foundations Synth Bass is an empowering introduction to cinematic low-end. Featuring the thick sounds of analog synth paired with an expertly-crafted and growling sound design layer that is presented in a highly customizable interface—FOUNDATIONS Synth Bass delivers a fundamental starting point to build your story from the bottom up.
Our Foundations line was created to introduce all music makers to the dynamic world of cinematic sound. We want to deliver professional-quality, foundational instruments designed to inspire the next generation of film, TV, and game scores.
Ari Winters, Creative Director/Senior Partner, Heavyocity
Price: Free at Heavyocity.com/Foundations-Synth-Bass
As a "powered-by-Kontakt" instrument, Foundations Synth Bass offers all playback and sound-shaping functionally through the free Kontakt 6 Player, or the full version of Kontakt 6.
Ultimate MIDI Plugin has updated UChord (Ultimate Chord Engine), a VST plug-in for chord progression based on chord table and rhythm editor, to version 1.5.5.
Updates:
Added rhythm snapshots.
Added snapshot option menu.
Rhythm Snapshots:
8 snapshots are provided, and rhythms with variations can be stored separately.
The snapshot option menu provides "clear notes", "clear selections", and "sync tempo".
Also supports copy & drag reorder.
Backpullver Software has released Vatanator Pro, an advanced multitrack music sequencer with integrated drum machine, sampler and functionality to load external AUv3 instruments and effects, for iPad. It supports full future MIDI and MPE.
Vatanator Pro is an all-in-one music composer for instant results.
Features:
Audio Unit Extension Host.
Advanced multi-track music sequencer.
Edit and record patterns in real-time (with options for quantization, undo and more).
Integrated real-time drum sampler with individual effects and XY pad.
On-screen piano keyboard for playing/recording AUv3 instruments.
Isomorphic keyboard with option for selecting different scales.
Full MIDI implementation (Bluetooth MIDI, Network MIDI and USB MIDI).
MIDI Learn implementation.
Integrated drum repeater and instrument arpeggiator.
MPE support.
Parameter automation (AUv3 and internal parameters).
Song arranger.
Performance Mode (use multi-touch to control patterns).
Drum kit editor (with ability for rearrange/remove/add samples).
Sample recorder and advanced sample slicer.
Audiobus, Ableton Link, Ableton Live Set Export and Inter-App Audio support.
Import Audio/MIDI files from Files app.
Audio track support.
Multi-channel mixer.
Odd-time signature support.
Option to autosave/load last project.
Price: $22.99.
Holeyboard Pedalboards introduces their first ever grab-and-go pedalboard to the world. The Holeyboard Mini is easy, light and compact with one sturdy platform for pedals and, of course, includes their signature “holey” design.
Designed to accommodate several mini pedals or a few full-sized pedals. The patented “holey” design allows you to create a setup custom.
Highlights
13” x 8.25” x 2.5”
1 lb 5 oz light
5052 Series Aircraft-Grade Aluminum
Powder Coated Finish
Holey design allows for adhesive-free use of cable-ties to make adding pedals easier, more secure and damage-free
The Holeyboard Mini is built with precision in Minneapolis, MN- proudly celebrating American design, engineering and manufacturing. The Holeyboard Mini comes with a Lifetime Warranty.
MSRP $99
Free to all current Minimoog Model D iOS App owners, and just $24.99 for new users, this update to the app makes it easy and affordable for musicians of all levels to harness the legendary sound of the Minimoog Model D inside their favorite DAW. Now available in the App Store.
One of the most celebrated and influential musical instruments of all time, the Minimoog Model D synthesizer, is now available as a powerful production and sound design tool for Mac users in the form ofthe first official Minimoog Model D App for macOS.
The Minimoog Model D App allows users to emulate the sounds and workflows of their favorite musicians and create original tracks within a feature-packed software synth for a limited-time introductory price of $24.99 USD.
This free update to the app, which was first released byMoog Music as a mobile synthesis solution for iPhones/iPads, is available for all Mac users (Big Sur or newer), making it possible to recreate the sounds of the classic hardware Minimoog Model D using a macOS device through Audio Unit v3, using a VST3/AUv2 wrapper, or as a standalone sound design tool. Now optimized for both iOS and macOS, anyone with an Apple device can jump in and play with over 160 included presets or begin exploring electronic sound design to craft their own unique style.
The Minimoog Model D App incorporates a number of inspiring tools and capabilities not present on its analog antecedent. This powerful software synth includes the ability to play chords with up to four-note polyphony, an easy-to-use arpeggiator for rhythmic pattern creation, a real-time looping recorder with unlimited overdubbing capacity, a tempo-synchronizable stereo ping-pong delay module, and the Bender—a wide-range stereo time modulation effect module. This latest update also includes a redesigned preset management system for quicker navigation and adds a random preset generator function.
Classic Moog Sound Meets Your Favorite DAW
Perfect for bedroom producers, studio musicians, professional audio engineers, and beginner synthesists alike, this new offering for macOS allows for seamless integration with Logic, GarageBand, MainStage, Reaper, and through a free VST wrapper in Ableton Live and Cubase for use in studio and live performance environments. The Minimoog Model D App can also be used as a standalone instrument or as an effect in your existing audio chain.
This added universal compatibility is now included in all future downloads of the Minimoog Model D App. If you already own the Minimoog Model D App on your iOS device, no additional purchase or upgrade is required to use the app on your Apple Silicon or Intel based Mac laptop or desktop, and it can be downloaded from your previously purchased items.
More to Explore: Expansion Packs & App Bundles
To encourage further experimentation with novel sounds and experiences while inside the Minimoog Model D App, users will find 90 new presets available to download and explore. Each of these expansion packs comes with 30 unique presets, ranging from polyphonic “organ” patches and vintage bass tones to sci-fi sounds and soft, pastoral leads.
Modalics have announced the release of their first plugin, Beat Scholar, a unique rhythm composition system, developed to make deep & interesting grooves accessible in a few clicks. Beat Scholar gives you freedom to create drum fills, linear grooves and place them anywhere whilst keeping you in musical context, encouraging experimentation and
innovation.
Beats can be divided into up to 42 slices and can combine multiple drum strikes on the
same beat. Over 250 carefully samples, from classic drum machine sounds to hand-made synthesized drums are included and the sampler allows for custom drum sounds to be easily loaded via drag and drop. Beat Scholar includes an easy MIDI export function and also transmits MIDI that can be used to drive external hardware drum machines as well.
Beat Scholar is currently available from Modalics on intro offer for $79 ($99 Regular). A fully featured 14 day trial is also available.
The BUMP side is designed as an always-on mid-range bump with high headroom to be placed first in the signal chain. This benefits the drives that follow it in the signal path and pushes the amp to the desired edge of breakup. It has a single output knob, but also includes an internal tone trim pot that acts as a treble boost or cut.
The BOOST side is inspired by transparent boosts with tonal shaping capabilities and can be placed at the end of the drive signal path to act as a decibel boost after the heaviest gain stage. This allows for a boost on your board that is ideal for soloing by shaping your signal to cut through the mix. The BOOST side features Output, Gain, and Tone controls to allow for optimal EQing.
Features
True bypass switching
9-volt from external power supply -- no battery compartment
Made in the USA
The Black Bobbin Boost is designed and manufactured by Old Blood Noise Endeavors and is available exclusively at blackbobbin.com for a $249 retail price.
Darkglass Electronics, a Helsinki, Finland-based manufacturer of handmade bass guitar equipment, announces the introduction of Microtubes Infinity, a new pedal that combines all the sounds of the Darkglass Microtubes line into one unit. Microtubes Infinity shares the footprint of the Darkglass programmable line, packed with the three legendary Microtubes distortions: B3K, Vintage and X. It allows multiband compression on every mode and blending Impulse responses (IR) between distortions, offering infinite sonic possibilities.
Compression and distortion can be bypassed independently, and each has five selectable modes. The pedal also offers selectable cabinet simulation with five on-board IRs. A six-band graphic EQ is also featured, featuring the same touch-sensitive sliders found on the Darkglass Element pedal. And crucially, all settings can be saved as presets.
Features
Mono instrument input (1/4")
Aux input (1/8" stereo)
L and R audio outputs (2 x 1/4")
XLR DI output
Headphone output (1/8" stereo)
USB-C (Audio interface and Darkglass Suite)
MIDI input (1/8" TRS)
Bluetooth (audio in and Darkglass Suite)
The Darkglass Microtubes Infinity is now available with U.S. MAP pricing of $599.99
Electro-Harmonix has announced The Big Muff Pi. Here's what they say:
The Big Muff Pi Hardware Plugin is a new type of product which transcends the limitations of traditional DAW plugins to bring the desirable qualities of analog sound to digital recording artists and computer musicians. It works like a standard DAW plugin, but recorded tracks go through the actual analog circuitry of EHX's Big Muff Pi harmonic distortion-sustainer. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with DAWs such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, GarageBand, Logic Pro X, Reaper and more.
The Big Muff Pi Hardware Plugin can also be used as a stand-alone pedal. Its circuit design is that of the renowned 1973 Violet Ram's Head Big Muff, and the classic pedal has been updated to be true stereo. It also includes Tone Wicker and Tone Bypass as well as ten footswitch-accessible presets.
The new Big Muff Pi Hardware Plugin can function as a 2-in/2-out USB audio recording interface which enables the user to record with or without the Big Muff effect engaged. It is powered via its USB 2.0 Type B port or the supplied EHX 9 Volt power supply.
Price: $328.90.
GS DSP has released MagicBlur, a multi-curve spectral blur and freeze plug-in with built-in modulation system.
Here's what they say:
Turn your samples into a synthesiser to create lush atmospheric sounds, endless worlds of overtone glissandi, crazy reversed and glitch-like sounds, it's all there. Easily and quickly apply separate blur times per frequency, or ranges of frequencies. Mix them, modulate them, spread them, run wild, and create original spectral transformations from subtle reverberish washed out sounds to extreme effects on the brink of insanity.
Intro Price: $49.49 until October 1, 2022 (Reg. $74.74).
In addition there is now a MagicBundle available for $149.49 including MagicDelay, MagicPitch and MagicBlur.
Erica Synths has announced its new LXR Drum Module, a compact and great-sounding percussion synthesizer based on the sound engine of the LXR-02 drum machine. While retaining the core interface of the LXR-02, this module adds the essential eurorack ingredient - assignable CV control over parameters and many more tweaks in the user interface for better integration in any eurorack system.
Features:
6 drum/percussion voices.
7 trigger inputs with accents.
5 assignable CV inputs.
4 assignable outputs.
3 voices can be used as basslines due to 1V/oct tuning.
Over 30 adjustable parameters per voice.
Insert FX section.
Kit memory.
SD card for Kit exchange and easy firmware updates.
Kits compatible with the LXR-02.
Pricing and availability: The LXR Drum Module will be shipping from September 30th and priced at €420.
HoRNet Plugins has just updated Butterfly, their master bus and channel processor.
The new 1.0.3 version is a maintenance release and includes:
Fixed crash in some DAW when pressing the reset button.
The update is free for owners of the plugin and can be downloaded using HoRNet DoIn or from the user area
Native Instruments have announced Komplete 14, due for release on September 27th and available for pre-order now.
New additions include Kontakt 7, although not available at immediately at release, all existing sampled instruments such as Lores, Sequis, Piano Colours, Ashlight and more, as well as numerous Massive X and Maschine expansions.
Native Instruments, as part of the Soundwide brand, will now also include additional products from iZotope, Brainworx and Plugin Alliance in their Komplete offerings. These include Ozone Standard, bx_oberhausen, bx_crispytuner and Unfiltered Audio's Lo-Fi-Af.
Customers can choose from Select ($199), Standard ($599), Ultimate ($1199) and Collectors Edition ($1799), the latter now containing 27 orchestral and cinematic instruments, 19 synthesizers, 48 sampled instruments, 15 percussion tools, 32 effects and 103 expansion packs.
Upgrade paths are available to existing customers from Native Instruments.
Modal Electronics, a leading global synthesiser manufacturer, has announced Filton, a 20HP Dual Analogue Transistor Ladder Filter Module for Eurorack.
Based on the most popular classic filter design in synth history, Filton delivers the distinctive saturated transistor overdrive, resonant harmonic peaks and warm analogue timbres that is adored by many synth lovers for generations. In our acclaimed 002 synth we introduced the concept of polesweeping into the circuitry to allow seamless filter morphing from four pole through bandpass to one pole 6db per octave, or anywhere in between.
Since then, we were asked by many to release the 002 filter as a separate product to use with external sound sources or in Eurorack setups. Filton is our answer to these passionate musicians and producers.
Although the ladder filter within Filton incorporates the same filter circuitry from the 002 synthesiser, Modal made many alterations to the original design to improve both stability and sound. Also, this module contains two discrete filters rather than just one, to process two sound signals independently or allow for series or parallel processing of a single source.
Each filter features an audio input, four analogue CVs with attenuvertor controls for FM, Resonance, Morph and Level, pitch tracking provided by the 1V/Oct input, an audio output and a mixed output. All CV inputs on Filter A have been normalled to Filter B, meaning any CV signal plugged into Filter A is automatically sent to Filter B if nothing is plugged into the corresponding input.
Filton will be available as a limited Kickstarter edition from 7th September 2022. Modal has no plans to distribute it using its usual distribution network. Various pledge models are available, whereas a single Filton module will be at £299.
Based on the Yamaha FX500, the Catalinbread Soft Focus is intended to be an instant shoegaze button, while attempting to address issues of the original pedal.
The Yamaha FX500 was widely used in the ‘90s by early shoegaze bands, most notably Slowdive on Souvlaki. With its roots in that patch, the Catalinbread Soft Focus is intended to be an instant shoegaze button, while addressing the most glaring issues of the original unit: no mix control, a sub-par preamp, and a ghastly tone-sucking bypass signal.
The Soft Focus is a heavily modified plate reverb with adjustable time, which is subsequently split into three paths. One path contains a multi-voiced chorus modulator, another features a well-appointed octave-up mixed in with the reverb, and the third path leaves the reverb untouched. The Mod knob controls the rate of the chorus on path one, and the Symphony knob controls the level of the octave on path two. All controls are "coupled" to the tone of the reverb to give users an expansive playing field of sounds to discover and fine tune.
$209.99 USD
Universal Audio Inc. has introduced the Volt 476P and Volt 4 USB audio interfaces, now shipping worldwide. Featuring 4-in/4-out audio connections with onboard tone shaping, each model brings 48v phantom power, Direct Monitoring for latency-free recording, a suite of audio software, and iPad/iPhone connectivity.
Built for creative collaborators and bands who want to easily record larger audio projects with quality studio sound, Volt 476P is UA's first Volt model to feature four analog preamps, with 76 Compressor and Vintage Mic Preamp modes on every input channel. With expanded outputs for headphones, speakers, and outboard gear, Volt 476P sports added style with rugged metal construction and retro wood sides.
Volt 476P Key Features:
4-in/4-out USB recording interface for collaborators, bands, and larger projects.
Four analog preamps, class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion.
Add punch to vocals and instruments with analog compressor based on UA 's 1176.
Record voice or guitar using Vintage Mic Preamp mode, based on the legendary 610 tube preamp.
Rugged metal construction with retro wood sides.
Volt 476P USB Audio Interface — $469
With 4-in/4-out audio connections, including dual analog mic preamps with Vintage Mic Preamp mode, Volt 4 is UA's portable, bus‑powered USB recording interface for creative collaborators who want to easily record audio projects with professional UA sound.
Volt 4 Key Features:
4-in/4-out USB recording interface for collaborators, bands, and larger projects.
Two analog preamps, class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion.
Record voice or guitar using Vintage Mic Preamp mode, based on the legendary 610 tube preamp.
USB bus powered for recording on‑the‑go.
Volt 476P and Volt 4 expand UA's line of USB recording interfaces, which also feature additional 1 and 2‑input models with iOS compatibility for musicians, songwriters, livestreamers, and podcasters. All Volt interfaces feature Vintage Mic Preamp mode, inspired by the mic/line preamp in UA's 610 tube console. A UA exclusive, Volt's tube emulation circuitry allows users to dial in rich, full sound on vocals and instruments.
Volt 76 models also feature a built‑in 76 Compressor. This innovative analog circuit is based on UA's iconic 1176, and features easy-to-use presets for adding clarity and punch to voice, guitar, and other sources.
Along with an included suite of audio software including Ableton, Melodyne, UJAM's Virtual Drummer, Marshall, Ampeg, and more, all Volts include a special 30-day free trial to UAD Spark — UA's subscription plug-in service.
Volt 4 USB Audio Interface — $239
Starting with the classic Speed Neck profile from beloved Jackson Soloists of decades past, the profile has been suped up to include masterfully rolled edges for maximum comfort. Complimenting this profile is a compound radius that starts at 12” at the nut and flattens to 16” at the 12th fret to promote screaming bends and intricate finger work as players move up the neck. Player-focused features like Luminlay side dots to illuminate the fretboard on the darkest of stages and quick access truss rod adjustment to make easy neck relief adjustments ensure the Soloist is optimized for speed and precision.
The “Concorde” six-on-a-side headstock visually represents the precision of the instrument with its razor-sharp profile. The model is laden with quality features usually found only in custom domestic builds or import models including a Floyd Rose 1500 and neck-through construction. Offering four finishes — Riviera Blue, Platinum Pearl, Black Gloss and Slime Green Satin.
MSRP: $2,499.99 - $2,599.99.
Aurally Sound has updated Song Master to v1.8.02. This is a maintenance update that fixes a number of issues:
If a song file is saved with the mixer enabled and the stems saved, then when the song is reopened, the stems will be loaded and the mixer enabled (previously, the stereo tracks where always active).
Added a new command to toggle Stem Mixer On/Off: stemMixerToggleEnable; so you can now define a key to toggle the mixer on and off.
On the Key assignments tab, the Mixer Solo and Mixer Mute actions have changed to toggle the current state (previously they would just enable the option).
When width of playlist is limited, attempt to display just the cover art and song name.
Added saving and restoring the active tab in the bottom panel.
V1.8 broke snapping when moving markers in the Notes and Ext Control tracks.
Fixed a crash in Notes and ExtController tracks when clicking and dragging in an empty space.
Fixed an issue where the final bar in a song was getting placed in time before the previous bar causing SM to hang when loading the file.
Fixed situation where the Metronome beats wasn't updating after Undo/Redo of Bar changes.
This is a free update for all owners of Song Master.
iZotope, Inc. have announced that RX 10, the industry standard in audio repair, is now available. Ozone 10, their flagship mastering suite, will follow on September 13. Both updates bring users tools with increased intelligence, making it easier and faster to get professional-quality results with confidence — while still allowing plenty of opportunity to personalize sounds to taste.
Built on decades of research, RX 10 is the complete toolkit for audio clean-up in music and audio post production. From analyzing audio capture and production issues to providing processing solutions, RX speeds up editing workflows, salvages poor audio takes that were once unfixable, and delivers reliably clear sound quality.
What's new in RX 10:
Repair Assistant Plug-in – re-built from the ground up, the Repair Assistant uses machine learning to automatically recognize specific problems and intelligently propose fixes that you can modify to taste (included in RX Elements, Standard, and Advanced).
Dynamic Adaptive Mode in De-Hum – save time removing hums and buzzes on the fly with a new Adaptive mode that automatically eliminates complex noise that changes pitch, like electromagnetic interference, without sacrificing quality (included in Standard and Advanced).
Upgraded Spectral Recovery – for recordings made on mobile phones or non-studio-grade recording equipment, bring life back to thin-sounding audio to match the rest of your productions. The new version improves upon the quality of re-synthesized upper frequencies and can now add missing lower frequencies, too. (Advanced only).
Selection Feathering – Make smoother edits with improved Selection Feathering, which now works in both the time and the frequency domain. (included in Standard and Advanced).
And more, including native Apple silicon support, text navigation, and multiple speaker detection.
Achieving a professional master is faster with Ozone 10. Equally powerful for people who are new to mastering or for mastering pros, Ozone has everything needed to bring balance and smoothness, punch and glue, warmth and grit, and a sense of space to a mix, alongside smart technologies that help match the sound of chart-topping hits.
What's new in Ozone 10:
Stabilizer Module – sculpt a balanced sound with this new intelligent and adaptive mastering EQ: dynamically shape a mix into a clear, natural tone, or tame problem resonance, carve away harshness, and smooth transients for better translation across listening environments (Advanced only).
Impact Module – enhance the rhythm and feel of tracks with this new module by intuitively controlling microdynamics: four sliders work across different frequency bands to breathe life into a mix, adding punch and dynamic space, or gluing your track together for a thicker sound (Advanced only).
Improved Master Assistant – match the sound of trusted reference files or today's hit songs with groundbreaking new matching technology for tone, dynamics, and width. An updated Assistant View makes it faster than ever to customize your starting point, while the Tonal Balance curve allows for easy metering (included in Standard and Advanced).
Magnify Soft Clip – boost loudness while maintaining high fidelity audio with this new setting in the Maximizer module (included in Standard and Advanced).
Recover Sides – reduce width without losing the sides with this new feature in the Imager module, which maintains stereo information in mono and helps preserve depth and power when narrowing a problem frequency (included in Standard and Advanced).
And more, including native Apple silicon support, and a refreshed look and feel of the Ozone interface.
Pricing:
RX 10 Advanced: $799 USD (regularly $1,199 USD).
RX 10 Standard: $299 USD (regularly $399 USD).
RX 10 Elements: $99 USD (regularly $129 USD).
Introductory pricing through October 11, 2022:
Ozone 10 will be available on www.izotope.com and from select retailers on September 13, 2022, with introductory pricing through October 20, 2022:
Ozone 10 Advanced: $299 USD (regularly $499 USD).
Ozone 10 Standard: $199 USD (regularly $249 USD).
Existing iZotope customers may be eligible for additional loyalty discounts on RX 10 and Ozone 10. Details can be found in a customer's Account section on izotope.com.
u-he has updated MFM2 to version 2.5 and released Kinesis, a new soundset for Hive 2.
The already massive delay unit More Feedback Machine 2 takes a long-awaited leap forward. Most obviously, the original spacey '3D disk' UI has been replaced by a much more practical design. Less obvious is that MFM2 version 2.5 is u-he's first official release to support their open source format CLAP in collaboration with Bitwig (see www.cleveraudio.org), with more planned for this year.
Features
Already in version 2.0:
4 delay lines with independent absolute time or tempo-synced modes.
4 multimode filters: 2× lowpass, bandpass, 2× highpass, bandreject or allpass.
Delay routing: preset or user-definable (matrix of 16 bipolar amount knobs).
4 syncable LFOs with 8 waveform options or user definable shape.
2 syncable and loopable multi-stage envelope generator (MSEG) modulation source.
4-slot modulation matrix with depth modulation from a second source.
2 pre-feedback effects: distortion, bit crusher, phaser, frequency shifter, filter.
2 compressors with peak or maximize modes.
New in version 2.5:
Redesigned UI focussing on ease of use.
Native support for Apple Silicon (M1) CPU, macOS Monterey.
CLAP support, improved VST3 support.
Input section with transient analysis and balance, lowpass or highpass filter.
'Granular': pitch shifter, syncable to song tempo.
'Diffusor': from audio 'smear' to complex reverbs.
Output guard / soft clipper.
Preferences and MIDI learn pages.
Comprehensive preset browser with tagging and search functions.
MFM 2.5 is a free upgrade for existing users and is available to purchase for $99 for new customers.
u-he have also released Kinesis, a 128-patch soundset for Hive 2 focussing on timbral movement: Organic grooves, evolving sequences and arpeggios as well as shifting ambient pads. According to Sound Author (a.k.a. Bryan Lake), the idea was to create sounds that 'dance around each other' when layered, while purposely avoiding obvious repetition. Most presets react to MIDI velocity, modulation wheel, pitch bend and the XY pads. NKS audio previews are included.
Kinesis is available from u-he for €30.
Prominy has announced SC Electric Guitar 2, a new Kontakt Player-powered guitar plug-in.
SC Electric Guitar 2 is a virtual electric guitar instrument plug-in that is designed to capture the sound of a Fender Stratocaster. It includes approximately 147GB / 200,000 samples.
Main Features:
SC2 SPI (Super Performance Instrument) that enables keyboard players to instantly access and play various guitar playing techniques in real-time.
Built-in amp simulators and Effects with more than 100 inspiring presets.
Fretboard Monitor.
All the pick-up positions can be reproduced.
Real sampled chords.
Real-sounding emulated chords.
User Chord.
Realtime Legato Slide / Realtime Hammer-on & Pull-off.
Cricket.
Feedback.
Customizable Strum Key.
Arpeggio Key.
Auto Stroke Detection.
Double-Tracking.
Intelligent Instrument Key Switch with chord recognition.
Low note samples included.
Direct signals from the guitar.
NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) ready.
For Native Instruments Kontakt Player.
Price: MSRP $399.00. There is a pre-order special price of $299.00 until September 29, 2022.
Upgrade price for SC ver.1 users: $188.00.
SC Electric Guitar 2 will be released on 30 September 2022.
2MGT / Metamusic Generative Tools has released Modularis, a free analog style sequencing tool for Windows.
Modularis has an extensive range of sound creation possibilities especially for Ambient, Berlin School as well as others genre of electronic music.
Details:
Standalone tool application for Windows.
Dual 16 step sequencer with a built in synths that also has the ability to control other softsynths via it's MIDI out (will need a virtual MIDI cable).
Dual Layer Random Seed Pad Arpeggiator.
Creating multitrack layers.
Real-time synthesis and mixing control (MIDI Automation).
Price: Free/Donate. No installation is necessary. It works on Windows XP and Windows 11.
Swiss plug-in developer hitshaper has announced the release of SubKick, a plug-in that creates key-tuned low-end for kick drums.
SubKick is a phase-safe low-end generator, meaning that the phase is always realigned to the transient. The user can choose any note between D#1 (38.89Hz) to D2 (73.42Hz) according to the key of the song, which contributes to the overall musicality.
hitshaper explains:
The humanize feature is a psychoacoustic effect and slightly randomizes the frequency on every hit. Well known engineers like Jaycen Joshua use this effect to keep the attention on a subconscious level.
hitshaper says it also works great on toms or any other percussive instrument that needs help in the low-end.
Price: CHF 28 (about $28).
A trial is available, the plug-in runs on macOS (with native silicon support) and Windows (64-bit) as a AU, VST3 and Pro Tools AAX.
Solid State Logic forays into the world of guitar processing with Guitarstrip, the latest plug-in added to its ever-growing SSL Complete subscription, available from only $14.99 per/m (Ts&Cs apply) and in several formats including VST2, VST3, AAX and AU.
With Guitarstrip, SSL brings its years of experience to a universe of musicians and producers working in the box. The new plug-in complements their renowned Drumstrip and Vocalstrip 2 plug-ins and enables users to access mix-ready guitar tones faster and with greater efficiency. Aside from providing classic tube amplifier emulations, Guitarstrip also contains SSL’s legendary EQ and dynamics processing, as well as phase correction controls so your signal sounds exactly as it should before hitting ‘record.’
“Guitarstrip is a fantastic solution for both recording and mixing, and a great all-rounder for electric, acoustic and bass guitars,” says Jon Sandman, product manager of plug-ins at SSL. “Guitarists will appreciate the Drive module, which can be used to achieve anything from a clean and subtle tone, to trashy, overdriven distortion.”
In addition to the Drive module, which also contains Boost, Punch, Edge and Shape controls to help sculpt the added harmonics, Guitarstrip also contains three other powerful modules: Phase Correction, which helps identify and resolve common phasing issues; Compressor, which contains five carefully selected compression presets as well as an Auto-Gain feature; and EQ, which has a simplified 3-band channel for tonal shaping among other features.
Key features of the new Guitarstrip include:
Apple M1 Native Support: Guitarstrip is a universal binary, and features M1 Native support.
4 carefully tailored guitar processing modules: Drive, Phase Correction, Compressor and EQ — each module is packed with features allowing users to quickly hone the right sound.
All-in-one processor for electric, acoustic and bass guitars: Guitarstrip is an extremely versatile solution in pre-production, recording or mixing scenarios.
Quickly dial in compression, EQ and tube amp drive: With user friendly presets as well as detailed controls over every sound parameter, Guitarstrip makes tonal shaping more efficient.
Packed with useful tools for mixing: Built-in wet/dry mix controls, as well as parallel compression options and multi-band EQ help your guitar tones sit right in the mix.
Along with the SSL Complete subscription, Guitarstrip is also available at a cost of $199 via the SSL eStore.
As part of its Artist Signature Series, Fender have announced the Joe Strummer Telecaster in celebration of the legendary British singer, guitarist, lyricist and co-founder of The Clash. Created in part as a tribute to the versatility of Joe Strummer’s playing, the model features a custom Road Worn finish, single-coil `60s pickups and a vintage fingerboard and frets. The signature model follows the 2021 release of the acoustic-electric Campfire and Fender Custom Shop Esquire models.
The 1st gen Valvebucker was launched in 2019. It gained publicity at the time, being the first and only vacuum tube-powered active pickup system ever for electric guitars. The key Mk2 upgrades are:
Available now for 4- and 5-stringed Ruokangas basses
Available now for 7-stringed Ruokangas guitars
Completely new visual design
The redesigned floor unit features now a balanced output (works as a DI box) as well
The floor unit is now always matched in color with the instrument
Features:
A sensitive magnetic pickup capsule, capturing the instrument sound in high fidelity
Tube-powered proprietary preamp circuit
One pickup - but a wide variety of sounds
Military-grade triode and pentode NOS tubes with a lifetime warranty
A floor unit included, to connect the Valvebucker® -equipped included to the rest of your signal chain
A 12VAC power supply included
A 10-foot XLR cable included
The Valvebucker Mk2 is available as a custom option for Ruokangas guitars and basses, adding 2000€ / US $2,200.00 to the basic cost of an ordered instrument. The Valvebucker is not available as an aftermarket/retrofit product.
Inspired by vintage RCA data sheets from the 1950’s, this is a 2-stage gain circuit utilizing NOS Germanium and modern day silicon transistors.
These hand-wired pedals crank out the vintage warmth and sustain of Germanium along with a biting upper midrange that screams Rock n Roll. A single knob controls output, and true bypass switching makes it great for stacking with other effects.
Features:
Hybrid circuit with NOS germanium & silicon transistors
Warm vintage feel and harmonic sustain, with dynamic touch response
Great for stacking with other effects, very reactive to volume roll-off
2-year warranty, all hand wired, with true bypass
9-volt DC using external power supply – no battery
The ACES Hybrid Amplifier pedal carries a U.S. MAP price of $169.
Nomad Factory has announced the release of 80's Spaces version 2. The upgrade brings major improvements, full Mac and Windows OS compatibility, including "Apple's M series" silicon chips, and new GUIs, to this unique '80s "vibes" reverb plug-in – free for current users. Here's what they say:
After years of hard work, the development and distribution teams at Nomad Factory / Plugivery, are thrilled to share the latest version of their flagship product: 80's Spaces. The development of 80's Spaces was initiated by Plugivery CEO Eric Nolot and late friend Bernie Torelli of Nomad Factory. They joined forces with Sabino Canonne (MoReVoX) who brought his expertise in convolution and unique Impulse Response development. The joint effort paid off as 80's Spaces is now one of the most used reverb units in the professional audio production industry.
Not only has the product been greatly improved, but the entire framework has been completely revamped to be fully compatible with the latest operating systems such as Windows 11 and macOS 12 Monterey (with native M series silicon chip compatibility).
Nomad Factory users have been eagerly waiting for this. This upgrade will affect the entire Nomad Factory product line over the course of the next few months. It has been very challenging for myself and the development team at Plugivery to take over the Nomad factory brand, a few years back, when owner and CEO Bernie Torelli sadly passed away. Our developers have been hard at work to port, literally, millions of lines of codes to our modern framework assuring backward compatibility, and free upgrades for the next decades. We hope to have all Nomad Factory products ported to our new framework as soon as we possibly can.
Eric Nolot, CEO at Plugivery / Nomad Factory
This new version includes 12 reference reverb models (5 added with v2), 250 high quality convolution impulse responses (80 added with v2), and 510 well organized presets (110 added with v2). It now also includes a "Color" Option a Tilt EQ and a new Gate mode.
Intro Price: $39 until September 30, 2022 (Reg. $179). Current owners can download the latest version of 80's Spaces (v2), for free, from the Nomad Factory website.
Studio Major7th has updated SSG7 V to version 1.5.0.
Changes:
Acoustic Guitar has been added.
Various improvements were made.
Other bugs have been fixed.
Price: $120.00. Owners of SSG7V can get this update free.
Sonnet Technologies today announced the RackMac Studio and xMac Studio professional rackmount systems for Apple Mac Studio computers. The RackMac Studio is an enclosure to install and secure one or two Mac Studio computers. Available in three configurations, the xMac Studio holds a single Mac Studio computer plus a Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion module. Both systems are only 3U in height, designed to fit in standard 19-inch equipment racks, and include space beneath each computer that enables users to securely store connected Thunderbolt or USB SSDs behind a panel.
RackMac Studio:
This compact, 9.5-inch deep, 3U rackmount enclosure supports the installation of two Mac Studio computers, securing them behind a removable front panel and providing open access to their SD card slots and front and back panel ports. The RackMac Studio enables front panel operation of a Mac Studio's rear-mounted power switch and connects a panel-mounted passthrough USB cable to one of its USB-A ports, enabling the user to switch each computer on and off without having to access the back and to easily connect a keyboard, mouse, thumb drive, or other USB device to the front of the enclosure. The RackMac Studio's shallow mounting depth makes it especially well-suited for installation into small travel racks and shallow molded rack cases.
xMac Studio:
This 16.5-inch deep, 3U rackmount enclosure plus Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion system supports a single Mac Studio and includes either a three-slot or one-slot Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion module. (A model without an expansion module is also available for customers who already have one from a Sonnet Echo III or DuoModo system.) Like the RackMac Studio, the xMac Studio secures the computer behind a removable front panel and provides open access to the computer's SD card slot and front and back ports. The xMac Studio includes the same power button assembly to switch the computer on and off but replaces the single-port USB passthrough cable with a four-port USB-A hub for connecting devices at the front of the enclosure. The xMac Studio includes adjustable extension rails to support its installation into racks 16 to 24 inches deep. In place of a second computer, the xMac Studio includes a Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion module in two optional configurations:
xMac Studio / Echo III:
This model incorporates an Echo III expansion module (the same one used in Sonnet's Echo III Desktop, Echo III Rackmount, and DuoModo expansion systems); features one x16 and two x8 PCIe 3.0 slots; accommodates full-height, full-length (up to 12.28 inches long) PCIe cards; and connects them to the computer's Thunderbolt port via an included Thunderbolt (40Gbps) cable. The module integrates a universal 400W power supply and includes a 75W auxiliary power connector for non-GPU cards that require extra power. The module includes a mode switch that enables the use of three Avid Pro Tools HDX PCIe cards and features dual Noctua cooling fans for ultra-quiet operation.
xMac Studio / Echo I:
This model incorporates an Echo I expansion module (the same one used in Sonnet's Echo I Desktop and DuoModo expansion systems); features one x16 PCIe 3.0 slot; supports a single full-height, full-length, single- or double-width PCIe card; and connects it to the computer's Thunderbolt port via an included Thunderbolt (40Gbps) cable. The module integrates a universal 400W power supply and includes a 150W auxiliary power connector for non-GPU cards that require extra power. It also features dual Noctua cooling fans for ultra-quiet operation. The module is ideal for use with adapter cards that require Thunderbolt's full PCIe signal bandwidth for maximum performance.
Here's what Sonnet says:
Mac Studio computers offer phenomenal processing power, outperform computers multiple times their size and price, and provide a lot of ports for connecting peripherals. But on their own, they're not ideal for every user. Integrating a Mac Studio — designed to sit on a desk — into a rack to support many professional workflows poses challenges, and the lack of internal expansion card slots found in tower desktop computers limits its connectivity and capabilities. Sonnet's RackMac Studio and xMac Studio address these issues through intelligent design.
RackMac Studio and xMac Studio enclosures secure Mac Studio computers without trapping them in hot, recirculating rack air, enabling them to stay as cool in a rack as out on a desk. Both enclosures are ruggedized and utilize firm rubber cushions that securely hold the computers in place during transport, making the Sonnet solutions ideal for use in molded rack cases, fly racks, or most any travel rack to make Mac Studio computers mobile. Because they feature front panels secured with thumbscrews, RackMac Studio and Mac Studio allow computers to be installed or removed without the need for tools.
For more than 10 years, Sonnet's Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion products and computer mounting solutions have enabled users to overcome limitations in connectivity and adaptability with the computers often favored by pro audio and video users. The Echo III and Echo I models' ability to connect specialty PCIe cards to computers lacking card slots is integral to enabling countless workflows.
Pricing: The xMac Studio/Echo III (part number XMAC-STD-III), xMac Studio/Echo I (part number XMAC-STD-I), and xMac Studio/No Module (part number XMAC-STD-0) will begin shipping from Sonnet the week of September 26 and soon after from its worldwide distribution and reseller partners at suggested retail prices of $1,649.99, $1,249.99, and $549.99, respectively. RackMac Studio (part number RACK-STD-2X) will be available from Sonnet the week of October 24 and soon after from its worldwide distribution and reseller partners at a suggested retail price of $449.99.
Techivation has updated T-Exciter to version 1.1.0, with improvements and addition of a new preset bar feature.
All Changes:
MacOS/Windows: New preset bar was added to the plug-in for a better user experience.
MacOS/Windows: Undo/redo buttons moved to the user interface for a better user experience.
Plug-in Authentication: Fixed a bug that was causing the plug-in to get deactivated randomly for some users.
Auburn Sounds has announced the availability of Lens, a spectral dynamics processing plug-in providing:
Multi-band compression (without crossover phase shifts),
Constant phase EQ (without ringing),
Up to 64 companders (compressing source signals to reduce the dynamic range, and independently expanding them to save headroom and remove noise), all working together on a stereo signal.
Bands can be more or less linked, to continuously switch between full-band punch glue, and auto-balancer.
Simultaneous control of sidechain and output EQ
Clean 'over-the-top' upwards compression — using a parallel path.
According to Auburn Sounds:
All of this achieve provide profound punch and clarity since it achieves so in constant phase.
Available now in two versions:
Lens Free Edition lacks the Expander section ($0).
Lens Full Edition lacks the Expander section ($105, but $49.30 until 20th September, 2022).
Bremmers Audio Design has released version 10.5 of MultitrackStudio.
The new release includes a 'Poly Modulator' MIDI effect, which generates MIDI 2.0 per-note controllers for each note using an envelope and an LFO. It can also work with CLAP polyphonic modulation. The Poly Modulator works with instruments that respond to MIDI 2.0 per-note controllers, CLAP/VST3 note expressions, MPE or CLAP polyphonic modulation.
Changed:
Poly Modulator MIDI effect, generates MIDI 2.0 per-note controllers or CLAP polyphonic modulation.
Velocity Curve MIDI Effect.
Automation editors (Pro edition), MIDI controller editors and Automated Fader effects: the Dots Editor window that pops up on clicking EDIT when multiple dots are selected can now generate Square waves. The Triangle option now has a Shape slider that can turn the triangle into a sawtooth.
Audio effects no longer emit old reverb tails etc. when the effect is un-bypassed.
MIDI effects: 'Apply to track' option can now generate MIDI controllers etc. (it used to do notes only).
Mac: AU plugins can now receive MIDI 2.0 protocol messages (requires macOS 12).
MultitrackStudio Instruments: synths have a MIDI effect slot. Some sounds use a Poly Modulator.
MultitrackStudio Instruments: synths respond to MIDI 2.0 per-note Timbre controllers (controls Resonance).
MultitrackStudio Instruments: synths respond to MIDI 2.0 per-note Attack and Decay controllers (values at start of note count).
MultitrackStudio Instruments respond to MIDI 2.0 per-note Release Time controller (value at note-off time counts).
MultitrackStudio Instruments: Electric pianos respond to note-off velocity.
Sampler responds to Poly Aftertouch and MIDI 2.0 per-note Volume and Expression controllers.
Sampler can import .exs (EXS24) instruments.
Touchscreen (Windows): score editor note duration touch handle now offers dotted quarter note.
The feature that prevents plugins from stealing keyboard focus has been tweaked a bit to make plugins work better.
Some (minor) CLAP and VST3 plugin compatibility improvements.
Fixed:Plugin Manager category selector menus didn't fit the screen if the number of categories was very high.
Fixed: Score editor lasso could select tied notes twice.
Fixed (Windows): An exception error could occur if the system clipboard wasn't available for use.
Fixed (Windows): Crash after punch-in recording with an audio track containing an EQ effect which has multiple automated knobs (Pro edition).
Fixed:Onscreen MIDI Keyboard "Keyboard" layout note-on velocity sensitivity didn't work.
Users who purchased MultitrackStudio after October 28, 2013 are entitled to lifetime free updates. Older versions can be upgraded: $39 (Pro) / $23 (Standard).
GSi has released their VariSpeed tape echo emulator for iPad.
VariSpeed is a simulation of the WEM Copicat IC-400 Belt Drive VariSpeed model, the first tape echo machine made by WEM with a DC capstan motor capable of changing speed, thus varying the delay time. GSi VariSpeed replicates the hardware instrument "as is" with all its pros and cons, without any additional feature.
This can be considered as the second chapter of a tribute to the genius of Mr. Charlie Watkins that GSi began back in 2008 with the release of the freeware "WatKat", which was a simulation of the "Custom Copicat".
VariSpeed was previously available as a freeware for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Price: EUR/US $9.99
With broadcast, post production, recording studios and live sound rapidly transitioning to IP Audio, the need for dedicated AoIP-solutions have increased accordingly in recent years. Nixer Pro Audio specializes in developing, designing and manufacturing high quality and cost-effective AoIP tools that address this growing demand.
RS32 offers simple and intuitive operation, providing 32 individual 2-by-1 change-over switches in a compact 1RU frame where each switch has two inputs that can be routed to any one output. One input is active at any given time and these switches can be ganged together to create a maximum 32-pole switch. The RS32 is designed for quick and easy reassignment of critical audio sources in the event that a main source fails, allowing engineers and operators to seamlessly route to a backup device.
RP64 is a 64 Dante input to 64 Dante output digital patchbay. Using an intuitive interface, it is possible to connect any Dante input to any Dante output. This facilitates rapid and effortless re-patching of critical signals without having to use a laptop with Dante Controller, causing delays and potentially critical downtime. Re-patching with RPB64 is near-instantaneous.
“Both of these new products are direct results of customer requests, particularly coming from engineers in live productions and events, as well as theatre applications,” says Nick Fletcher, CEO of Nixer Pro Audio.
“We’re always listening to the audio professionals, who actually do the hands-on real-world work, and when we hear of a demand that falls within our expertise, we pursue it relentlessly and with dedication to come up with product designs that solve the problems in question.”
Both RS32 and RP64 share the same compact 1RU enclosure and can be powered via PoE on the primary Dante port. Further, a DC input offers power redundancy, while a secondary RJ45 port ensures network redundancy.
At 120mm depth, RS32 and RP64 can be deployed in almost any frame, desk or custom location, while providing simple and intuitive operation via a large 168mm letterbox colour LCD display.
RS32 and RP64 can be experienced at IBC 2022 at Stand F93 in Hall 8.
Martinic has just released an important update to its Scanner Vibrato FX Plugin. The new v1.1.0 build has been updated with Martinic's trademarked ACE Modelling technique, a completely new framework, native M1 support for Mac users, and scalable GUI graphics for Windows users.
Changes in Version 1.1.0:
Restyled FX view.
Added toolbar, settings view.
Added HDPI (Retina) support.
Added native Apple M1 support.
Added improved model.
Added host tempo sync.
Added output volume.
Fixed/implemented host soft bypass.
Fixed VST2 default bus layout in Gig Performer.
Fixed settings view display value length in Windows 32-bit VST2.
Made 32-bit VST2 optional in installer.
Added custom GUI scaling options to Windows installer.
Added Retina support to macOS installer.
Improved behavior on new AU install.
Owners of the plugin can download the free update via Martinic's website
Dusty Devices has announced the release of Phaser-DDL, a software emulation of an Ensoniq DP/4, saying:
Over the years there have been users all over the Internet wishing for software versions of the effect algorithms from the Ensoniq DP/4 parallel effects processor. Dusty Devices has finally brought one of them into the software realm: Phaser-DDL.
The Phaser-DDL plugin is a cycle-accurate emulation of the hardware counterpart, and it has all the same controls and parameters.
Phaser-DDL is available for Windows 7 or newer (VST3) and macOS 10.15 or newer (VST3 and AU).
Price: €24 + VAT.
Sonica Instruments has updated all eight of its Virtuoso Japanese Series libraries — ranging from three koto libraries to Kabuki and Noh theater percussion instruments, and from the sanshin to the rare sho flute.
The updated libraries now include 20 default MIDI grooves and a useful Groove Browser for exploring authentic musical phrases tailored for each instrument. The Browser provides full control over swing, velocity, and other parameters, and the MIDI phrases can be exported directly to your DAW.
When combined with the upcoming Groove Inspirations MIDI packs, the Groove Browser gives you access to a wealth of high-quality phrase banks.
Updates are available for free through Native Access.
Two Special Offers
To mark the release of the updated Virtuoso Japanese Series libraries, Sonica Instruments is running two special time-limited offers.
Ten Percent Off All Titles
All Virtuoso Japanese Series titles can be purchased at 10 percent off regular prices until October 31, 2022:
Complete Bundle: $1,644 (regularly $1,827.50).
KOTO Three Sisters: $631 (regularly $702).
KABUKI and NOH Percussion 96k: $297 (regularly $330).
KOTO 13 Version 2: $234 (regularly $260).
KOTO 20: $234 (regularly $260).
KOTO 17: $234 (regularly $260).
SANSHIN: $234 (regularly $260).
SHO: $234 (regularly $260).
SHAKUHACHI: $234 (regularly $260).
TSUGARU SHAMISEN: $234 (regularly $260).
MIDI Pack Giveaway for Early Purchasers / Existing Owners
Anyone who purchases KOTO 13 Version 2 or TSUGARU SHAMISEN by October 31, 2022, will receive the respective Groove Inspirations MIDI pack (regularly $49 each, scheduled to be released on November 1) for free. This offer is available to existing owners of the NA editions of these libraries as well (NA libraries are libraries installed through Native Access.).
A coupon code will be sent out to be redeemed on the Sonica Instruments online store for the Groove Inspirations packs when they are released.
About Groove Inspirations packs
Sonica Instruments is creating a line of Groove Inspirations MIDI packs to introduce owners of Virtuoso Japanese Series libraries to authentic phrases, complete with natural articulations and nuances, commonly played on the real instruments.
Designed exclusively for each instrument, the Groove Inspirations packs contain over 500 MIDI phrases, including both full traditional songs and short phrases that showcase what the instruments are capable of.
The ready-to-use MIDI phrases serve many applications. You can use them as is or take them as inspiration for your own compositions or customize and extend them as you explore new musical directions.
NoiseAsh Audio has announced the update release of Vocal Finalizer v1.3.9 for Windows and macOS (Intel and Native Apple Silicon).
The new version 1.3.9 includes:
Added: Native Apple Silicon support.
Improved: CPU & DSP Performance.
Improved: Online License Authentication.
Fixed: Invalid License key error.
The update is free for the license owners of the plugins and can be downloaded from the user area
Nembrini Audio has announced the update of the LoFi Vintage Clipper plugin designed to add grit and weight to your mix with two distinctive custom designed saturation algorithms:
Distortion: this is a fine-tuned clip algorithm designed to limit the transients as happens using a real analogue signal chain and increase the density of your tracks.
Saturation: a special designed algorithm that mimics the behavior of vintage analog equipments like old tape machines and mixing console input/output stage.
From gentle clipping to wild distortion, Nembrini Audio says the LoFi Vintage Clipper plugin is ideal for Tracks, Busses and the Mix Bus - use it to add presence and density to your tracks and control transients.
New features:
Low and high cut.
Dry/wet mix.
Input sensitivity.
Phase inversion on wet signal.
Auto levelling.
Free update and special price of $29.99 for new customers (Reg. $79).
EBS Sweden have announced the Magni 502, a super lightweight bass combo series with innovative design solutions to extend the sound capability from a compact rig.
The choices of materials in conjunction with neodymium speakers make the EBS Magni 502 one of the lightest bass combos in its class claim EBS (only 15.4 kg for the 210-model!).
“With the innovative porting of the cabinet both on the front and back, the compact cabinet delivers more output and low-end bass than you would imagine judged by the appearance,” states EBS. “The double-porting helps distribute the sound evenly for a great sound experience independently if you stay next to the combo or step further away. It uses the room itself to support and distribute the sound. Still, the tone is solid, punchy, and tight due to the amp’s use of EBS-developed soft clip technology and the highly efficient Neodymium speakers” – EBS Sweden.
Filters and features that make a difference
The amplifier is similar to the EBS Reidmar 502, which means an analog preamp with powerful filters to shape the sound and a 500 W power module developed by EBS with the possibility to add an extra cabinet at 4 or 8 ohms if ever needed. You can also use the high-quality XLR output for a balanced line signal from the amp to the FOH mixer without needing an external line box.
Upgrades since the previous Magni:
Reduced weight by 6 kg (total weight only 15.4 kg)!
Neodymium speakers add a lot more volume and punch.
Improved low-frequency response.
The new power amp operates at 4 ohms and can handle a 2-ohms load. It makes it possible to extend the combo with one 4-ohm or up to two extra 8-ohm speaker cabinets.
Better suited for the road due to a new hard vinyl coating.
The woven steel grill contributes to the lesser weight and provides improved airflow.
Estimated price: €1199/ $1399 / 12995 SEK
Audio Brewers has announced the release of Signals 'Green', a continuation to their Signals line for the full version of Kontakt.
Here's what they say:
Signals 'Green' is a versatile tool to design custom pulses and textures that can adapt to any key, be major or minor and from there, to a plethora of chords with multiple voicings. This way, the resulting texture not only fills the composer's music with an ambience, but this ambience is coherent to the chord progressions as they move through the music.
Unlike some other textural libraries where samples are ready with baked effects or pulses, Audio Brewers created raw textural samples to offer users complete artistic control on the results thanks to the powerful and versatile engine. By having these textures in raw, the user can decide how they combine, how they pulse, how they modulate and which effects are applied - a complete textural Swiss-army knife.
But that's not all. Because the company's philosophy is to create sample libraries in Ambisonics so that they can be compatible with any speaker-array, they saw the sampling phase as a new challenge and instead of using plugins with reverbs or virtual halls, they built an acoustic installation that would reshape sounds in a natural custom three-dimensional sphere.
Audio Brewers says this helped push their sampling methods to a new level, and thanks to it, Digitally Processed samples can now be translated into an organic Ambisonics environment - everything that was captured and mixed was the natural replica of real acoustic morph.
Signals 'Green' is listed with a final price of 49€ (Stereo-Only) / 89€ (Ambisonics + Stereo) but the Ambisonics + Stereo version is available for the introductory price of 49€ until October 2nd, 2022.
Arturia have announced the release of Dist COLDFIRE, a dual-engine distortion effect that covers everything from tube saturation to extreme digital distortion. Users can combine analog and digital algorithms with deep modulation and customization, and unlock near-infinite distortion possibilities.
Dist COLDIRE fuses 11 forms of distortion into a single plugin, from analogue to digital, each with distinctive controls. These include tape, tube, transistor, transformer, germanium, force (overdrive), rectifier, bit crusher, bit invertor, wave folder and wave shaper modules.
In the sphere of contemporary music, it can mean the pumping analog imperfections of artists like Caribou and Floating Points; the hybrid industrial soundscapes of acts like Nine Inch Nails and Skinny Puppy; the seismic guitar sounds of everyone from Eric Gales to Bring Me The Horizon; the gritty, intimate production of today's songwriting pioneers like Billie Eilish and Phoebe Bridgers.
Features:
Two distortion engines.
11 distortion algorithms to choose from, each with specific controls:
Hidden Advanced control panel for in-depth sound design.
5 routing options: Serial, Parallel, Stereo, Mid/Side, Band Split.
Routing balance slider to blend Distortions A & B, with real-time visualizer.
Pre or Post 3-mode Dynamics module: Compressor, Multiband, Limiter.
Feedback module.
6-mode Pre Filter per distortion engine, including Comb Filtering.
2-band Post Filter per distortion engine.
6 assignable modulation slots, each with 4 modes: LFO, Function, Follower, 16-Step Sequencer.
Over 150 presets built-in.
A/B comparison.
Oversampling.
Arturia Dist COLDFIRE is available now for €99.
FX Collection 3 owners can check their accounts for exclusive upgrade offers.
rncbc.org has announced the (northern) Late-Summer'22 release of Qtractor version 0.9.28, for the free/open-source GNU/Linux audio ecosystem.
Qtractor is an audio/MIDI multi-track sequencer application written in C++ with the Qt framework. Target platform is Linux, where the Jack Audio Connection Kit (JACK) for audio and the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) for MIDI are the main infrastructures to evolve as a fairly-featured Linux desktop audio workstation GUI, specially dedicated to the personal home-studio.
Changes:
Complete overhaul of the current host time(base)/BBT information delivered to plug-in types that matter: VST(2), VST3, CLAP and LV2.
Improved key-signature editing and display on Tempo Map / Markers (time-scale) management dialog.
Fixed plugin selection, when creating and switching initial track type, from audio to MIDI and vice-versa.
Fixed typos and updated some old MIDI GM2 Controller names.
Add current system user-name to the singleton/unique application instance identifier (when explicitly opted in at build configure time).
Tone2 Audio has updated their wavetable-workstation Icarus to v2.5. The update is a major update that is available for free for all Icarus2 users.
New features:
161 additional patches created by professional designers.
Reworked patch browser with 6 different sizes (small/normal/big + with/without keys).
Native M1 Silicon support on the Mac.
Added a VST3 version for Mac.
Added a standalone version for Mac.
A spectrum analyser displays the frequency-response in the patch browser.
Tooltips with descriptions and hints are shown when you hover over a control.
Help->'Show version info' displays the mode in which the plugin is running (ARM/Intel).
When samples are played back a red sample preview window is shown.
A vertical line shows the current sample playback position.
A double-click resets a knob to default.
Free Soundset demos.
Extended skin support for 3 sizes.
The shape of AHDSR envelopes can now be edited by drawing in the display.
Timing info is shown in the AHDSR windows.
AHDSR envelopes are animated when MIDI CCs are routed to them.
Traditional sample import with Tools->Load/Save->'Load Sample'.
Added feature descriptions to many menus of the wavetable editor.
You can load traditional samples in .wav format with drag&drop to the oscillator's waveform display.
Samples can be tuned automatically on import.
The mouse-wheel can be used to switch through wavetables.
Tooltips can be hidden or shown in the Config section.
It is possible to record automation with the effect sliders.
The mouse arrow changes over controls that can be edited by drawing in the display.
Enhanced sound:
Higher sound-quality in 44 kHz, 48 kHz and 88 kHz sample-rate.
More precise timing.
New microtuning algorithm that detects and enhances a wide range of chords.
Enhanced sound of Reverb. It has a more smooth rolloff and less detuning.
Enhanced sound and default settings of the Vocoder.
Enhanced sound of Ensemble effect. It has a more subtle modulation and is in-tune.
Enhanced sound of Hypersaw 10x Stereo.
Enhanced sound of Delay, Delay Wide, Delay Diffuse, Delay Band and Delay Dual.
Enhanced sound of Multitap and PingPong. They have a more subtle modulation.
Enhanced sound of Reverb Dark. It is calculated with higher precision.
Fine-tuned the default values for some effects.
Enhancements:
More smart detection of the VST2 path.
The native M1 support results in 20% lower CPU use compared to Rosetta2 Mode.
More responsive GUI on M1 Macs.
The ideal GUI size is detected automatically.
Better workflow and more intuitive use of the interface.
Enhanced many graphics.
Higher performance.
The slider in the wavetable editor is more easy to handle.
The interface has more contrast.
Random Button with extended feature set (3 oscillators, creates new wavetables, etc).
Many small enhancements for the wavetable editor.
Much faster loading and saving.
Further optimisation to prevent denormalisation.
Importing .wav files with drag&drop to the oscillator displays gives much better results.
Fine-tuned the coordinates of some GUI elements.
The resynthesis with single oscillators gives much better results.
More efficient compression for image resources.
The resynthesis menus have been cleaned up and are more straightforward to use.
The OSC Tool menu has been cleaned up. Redundant items have been removed.
Graphics performance in wavetable editor is faster.
The envelopes in the drum sequencer have a blue color.
The Vocoder has higher default volume and is more easy to play.
Added descriptions to the Resynthesis menu.
Added descriptions to the Vocoder menu.
Many small enhancements.
The scrollbar in the patch-browser has more contrast.
Fixes:
Tooltips did not work with Dark Mode with Big Sur.
Workaround for the 'unusual' designed audio architecture of FL Studio. It is not longer necessary to enable 'Use fixed size buffers' to avoid crackles.
Workaround for a bug of Big Sur where new AudioUnits are only detected after a reboot.
Several small compatibility fixes for MacOS 11 and MacOS 12.
The coordinates of the context-menu for knobs were not always correct.
Fixed a rarely appearing crash in the wavetable editor.
A drag&drop line is not longer shown when the wavetable editor is open.
The coordinates of the scrollbar-handle in the patch-browser could have an wrong offset.
A double-click to a knob of an envelope now correctly redraws the display.
Tooltips were not properly readable in some DAWs under Big Sur with Dark Mode.
Workaround for a bug of Ableton and FL Studio which do not properly stick to the AudioUnit2 standard and did not display the AudioUnit.
Workaround for a bug of Reaper which does not display automation parameters incorrectly.
Workarounds for many DAWs which did not resize the VST3 plugin properly.
Changes:
AudioUnit is now an AUv2 plugin.
AudioUnit and VSTi are now a Universal Binary for 64-bit Intel and M1.
Apple's development tools are unable to build 32-bit Intel binaries when you support M1. Sadly we had to drop support for it.
Apple's Notarisation and the M1 support requires a MacOS version higher or equal than 10.11. If you still use an older version you must stick with Icarus 2.0.
The name of 'Reverb Trance' is now 'Reverb Swirl'.
Blue Cat Audio has released an update for all its free plug-ins, with a couple of new features and bug fixes.
The new versions of the 7 free plug-ins improves the interaction with MIDI control surfaces and host applications, and bring several fixes for the VST and VST3 plug-in format (details below). It is a recommended (free) update, fully compatible with the previous versions of the plug-ins. The installers have also been notarized, to prevent warnings on recent MacOS systems.
All these free plug-ins (Blue Cat's Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, FreqAnalyst, Gain Suite, Triple EQ and Free Amp) are available separately or as part of the "Blue Cat's Freeware Pack" bundle. They are 100% free and do not require any registration, dongle, or mailing list subscription. They can be downloaded freely on www.bluecataudio.com.
What's New In All 7 Free Plug-Ins:
Added an option in global & preset input settings to send MIDI events when MIDI-enabled parameters are modified in the plug-in (to update control surfaces accordingly).
Improved undo management and automation when using the mouse wheel to move knobs.
VST: improved parameter value display in some host applications.
Mac: installers and plug-ins have been notarized to avoid security warnings on Mac OS Catalina and newer.
Mac: fixed user interface display issues on early versions of MacOS 10.9.
VST3: fixed some parameter update issues in some hosts.
System requirements:
Intel or Apple Silicon Mac running Mac OS 10.9 or newer.
PC running Windows Vista or newer.
Octagon Audio has released PlugData v0.6.1 as a plugin, with a new GUI. Pure Data is an interactive programming environment that allows you to process, synthesize and modify real-time audio signals. It also has a system for control messages.
PlugData is a new Pure Data spinoff with a more modern GUI, and the ability to run both as a standalone and as a DAW plugin. It offers musicians an environment to build their own effects and instruments. PlugData also ships with two large libraries of extra objects (ELSE and cyclone).
Version 0.6.1 comes with several bugfixes, includes the new [button] object.
Price: Free
W. A. Production has launched the Deluxe Vocal Bundle flash sale. They say:
Professional sounding vocals can often be the difference between a hit track and just another song lost in the mix. However, getting that commercially viable sound can be impossible without the right tools. This common challenge is what inspired us to create this incredible bundle.
Products included:
Vocal Cleaner.
Orchid.
Vocal Compressor.
Vocal Splitter.
Mutant Delay.
Mutant Reverb.
Imprint.
Screamo.
Outlaw.
Vocal Limiter.
Price: $39.90 until September 15th.
Shattered Glass Audio has released Phoenix 2, the successor to its Phoenix plug-in.
Phoenix 2 brings much improved UI while retaining other, computational, features from Phoenix. In addition to the resizable UI, Phoenix 2 brings improved Presets Manager and more informative controls among other improvements.
Features:
Analog sound through real-time high-performance circuit simulation.
Freely resizable UI.
3 preamps featuring triodes 12AX7, 12AT7, and 12AU7.
2 preamps featuring JFET transistors J201, 2N5457.
3-band EQ that can be taken out of the signal path or placed either before or after the preamp.
Automatic 4x oversampling.
Wet/Dry mixing.
Automatic gain control.
DAW independent Presets Manager.
Price: $39.99 until September 11, 2022 (Reg. $54.99).
Upgrade Prices: $14.99 until September 11, 2022 and $24.99 thereafter, for users who purchased full (i.e. not upgrade) license for Phoenix.
D16 Group has announced the release of Phoscyon 2 - The Acid Line plug-in.
The new version comes with an entirely re-designed 303 emulation engine and many new features, including AAX, VST3 and Apple Silicon support.
Introduction Price: 89 Eur until September 19th, 2022 (Reg. 119 Eur).
There are special offers available for Phoscyon 1 owners and remaining loyal customers of D16 Group (delivered via email and also available in User Area).
30 days fully functional trial version is available
MeldaProduction has announced the release of V16 of all MeldaPlugins, saying:
You can't stop technological progress. As the world of computers evolves, we evolve too. As a result of the hard work, observing and testing in our studios, we are bringing a new version of all our plugins that reflects the current (and future) state of technologies and DAW applications, and it will help you squeeze the most of your computers.
All Melda Production updates and upgrades are free for all users and for eternity.
Goodbye 32-bit
Every progress has its casualties. In this case, it means V16 no longer provides 32-bit plugins on Windows (Although you should be able to run V15 32-bit along with V16. Simply do not uninstall V15 and do not perform plugin cleanup). Backwards compatibility is intact, however, note that there is a new optimized storage system using a new format. If you save projects with the latest version, old versions won't be able to read the settings.
But the efficiency and performance gain you will get with version 16 is said to be worth it.
MSoundFactory
A lot of the internal performance improvements had one main goal. To improve the performance of MSoundFactory, which can now process the sound more seamlessly and work more efficiently with large sample libraries. These factors are crucial for new instruments that MeldaProduction will introduce soon.
MTurboAmp (65% off) and MCabinet
But not only was MSoundFactory improved, of course. For example, MeldaProduction's newest portfolio addon, MTurboAmp, gained new guitar amps (Phobos, Overstage ST-12, Junko, Mithras) and even two bass amps (Hard Key, Thunder). MCabinet also got new cabs - Shimmer and Thunder (bass).
With that said, MeldaProduction decided to extend the MTurboAmp 65% intro discount period until September 11, 2022.
From MFreeFXBundle to MCompleteBundle (50% off)
Last but not least, the free plugin suite MFreeFXBundle, containing 37 effects, is updated too.
And to celebrate the new version, MCompleteBundle (containing every plugin MeldaProduction has released and will release in future) is discounted by 50% until the end of September, 2022.
Techivation has updated T-Warmer to v1.1.0, improving things and adding a new preset bar feature.
All Changes:
MacOS/Windows: New preset bar was added to the plug-in for a better user experience.
MacOS/Windows: Undo/redo buttons moved to the user interface for a better user experience.
Plug-in Authentication: Fixed a bug that was causing the plug-in to get deactivated randomly for some users.
MacOS/Windows: Slight performance improvements.
XILS-lab has announced that a major update for its two Vocoders, XILS 5000 and XILS 201, is now available for download.
Changes in v1.1:
High Resolution User Interface with various sizes available.
UI: New XILS 5000 UI for an enhanced user experience.
UI: Better CPU management.
VST3: MIDI controller assignation working.
Always the same warm and intelligible sound of our vocoder.
To celebrate this major enhancement XILS-lab is taking 40% off until September 30th, 2022.
SlapKlatz have made some fantastic new changes to their line-up. Introducing the BRAND NEW “MINI Pack” and an overhaul of the ever popular “Pro Pack”
With the NEW MINI Pack” you get the same high quality drum dampeners as the renowned “Pro Pack” only at a lower price point. With 6 gels, a new slimline container, handy for storing in stick bag pockets, as well as a choice of 4 colours, this is a great new addition to the SlapKlatz family.
SlapKlatz Pro Packs have now been upgraded to contain 12 Gels instead of 10, all still available in the same 4 colours as before.
The Refillz packs are a great alternative to the Pro Packs. With no plastic storage container, these packs provide a great, eco-friendly option, either to replace lost gels or to add a splash of colour to existing set you already have. With its flat, easy to post packaging, it will save retailers on postage costs, making it more cost effective when sending these out.
Tascam has announced a firmware update to version 1.30, which is intended to provide significant enhancements to the already richly equipped Portacapture X8 portable multi-track recorder.
32-bit float resolution is now also available when using the recorder as a USB audio interface to a DAW (digital Audio Workstation). This facilitates wider dynamic range and higher resolution for better overall audio quality when recording to a computer. The 32-bit float technology enables audio to be dynamically controlled and edited to an extent that is impossible with conventional 16- or 24-bit resolution. Clipped audio segments can easily be corrected and, similarly, low-level audio passages can be adjusted to a higher dB level without raising the noise level.
The firmware update also adds new memory capabilities for device and input settings. Users can now store up to three individual settings on the Launcher main interface as well as up to three input presets for recording apps. This way, preferred and most frequently used configurations can be easily defined and recalled with a tap of the finger.
Also new with firmware v1.30 is the possibility to use Mix Minus with the recorder’s Podcast app. When switched on, a USB audio source can be recorded and monitored by all participants while avoiding an audio feedback loop that would normally occur without Mix Minus. This is particularly important when connecting to a video conference, for example.
Featuring 192-kHz/32-bit float-point audio technology, a 3.5-inch colour touchscreen display, internal 8-track recording, USB audio interface and more, the Portacapture X8 is an exceptional choice for videographers, vlog content producers, media production and music applications to name just a few.
SampleScience has announced the release of Sitar Renaissance, a free plucked sitar instrument made from a damaged recording that has been restored.
A combination of audio engineering techniques has been used to make these sitar samples great: spectral repair, adaptative noise removal, and manual retuning.
Price: Free.
It's also available as a Decent Sampler and Kontakt library.
sonicLAB has updated Fundamental2 and Thermo introducing the Pitch Glide feature to both synth plugins.
Previously the glide effect could be used only along with the Portamento function. Now it is possible to apply continuous pitch transitions between tune scaled oscillator frequency changes.
The glide speed can be adjusted accordingly until endless glissandi.
The update is free for registered users.
Thermo and Fundamental2 come as standalone, VST3, AU and AUv3 formats. OS X and Windows versions can be purchased at the sonicLAB webshop.
The perpetual licence costs 99Euros each and the bundle costs 178Euros. The authorization requires an iLok account for direct to machine, iLok Cloud or iLok dongle registration methods.
Thermo and Fundamental2 iOS versions are available on the AppStore.
Toontrack has launched its Superior September campaign, including deals on classic SDX expansions as well as an added value offer on Superior Drummer 3. In addition, Toontrack has announced The Hitmaker SDX by multi-award-winning producer/mixer/engineer Hugh Padgham (Genesis, The Police, Sting, Phil Collins).
Hugh Padgham
Working with Hugh Padgham adds another legendary name to our range of SDXs. His track record simply speaks for itself and we couldn't be more thrilled with how this product came out. This is truly a unique SDX.
Peter Knutsson, Toontrack CEO.
Details:
Six (6) acoustic drum kits and more than 400 classic drum machine sounds.
Extra selections of acoustic kicks, snares and cymbals.
Recorded by four-time Grammy Award-winning producer/mixer/engineer Hugh Padgham (Phil Collins, Genesis, Sting, The Police).
Inspired by some of the most defining works in Hugh's discography.
Captured at British Grove Studios in London, England.
A generous selection of mix-ready presets by Hugh Padgham.
Includes a bespoke library of MIDI drum grooves and fills inspired by Padgham's discography.
Price: $179 - Ships September 20th, 2022.
Sonic Cat has updated Purity, the workstation and PCM Sound Module / ROMpler software, to version 1.4.2.
Changes:
MacOS: Setup - Tuning Scale - Load/Save Scala(.scl) file function now works correctly.
MacOS: previous path is restored in file load/save.
Fixed: memory leaks with UI window closed.
Fixed: some UI update issues.
Price: $49.99.
Audient has announced that the ASP4816 Heritage Edition console is ready for shipping. Previewed back in June at this year's NAMM show, it features a brand new look and a few more tricks up its sleeve, inspired by its larger counterpart: Audient's flagship console, ASP8024-HE.
Marketing director, Andy Allen says:
Designed from the ground up by David Dearden and featuring his legendary analogue circuitry, the ASP4816-HE is the perfect centrepiece for production studios.
Upgrades include Vintage Mix Bus processing, John Hardy Op Amps on the mix bus output, powerful new additions to the Mix Bus Compressor - and much more.
Andy continues:
The addition of the Vintage Mix Bus gives our customers the flexibility to add that much coveted analogue colour to their mixes and when utilised in tandem with the Mix Bus Compressor, they are the perfect tools to add the finishing touches to your mix. Featuring a real Transformer Drive alongside a Low Bump and High Lift EQ - inspired by classic mastering equalisers of yesteryear - they allow for wider, more spacious mix bus tones.
Another enhancement - also found on the ASP8024-HE - is the bus compressor Bass Expand feature. According to Andy:
This brand new high pass filter in the compressors' side chain tightens up your mixes and adds punch without destroying your low end.
The mix bus summing amplifiers have also been significantly upgraded to the renowned American John Hardy 990 discrete transistor amplifiers.
These offer increased dynamics, sweet spot and punch, ensuring your mix bus benefits from total clarity with a little bit of character.
Further improvements to ASP4816-HE include the addition of a monitoring grade headphone amplifier; latching footswitch triggers for remote, hands-free talkback; an all metal main output pot and a gain reduction VU meter.
Shipping at the same time is the standard ASP4816-SE, which has had its own aesthetic redesign. With 48 inputs and 16 Console mic pres - the same as those in ASP8024-HE and across the entire Audient range - both of these inline consoles provide the versatility and sound of a large format recording console but in a compact, space-conscious package.
Says Andy, indicating their new looks and ease of navigation:
They both sport a new colourway, all-new cool-white metering, easy to read labeling, and a stylish, UK handmade wooden armrest. With ASP4816-SE we wanted to add value to our smallest console and provide a better user experience, without affecting its affordability.
Audient is also showcasing the new desks with a series of high-quality Feature Overview videos, which give potential buyers a clear idea of the desk before committing to a purchase.
As well as their versatile array of connectivity, the signal conditioning, routing, summing, processing and monitoring capability of both the HE and SE make them suitable for both professional and project studios.
For the full, detailed list of features - as well as a comparison table of the two consoles - head over to Audient's website.
Both the new ASP4816 and the ASP4816-HE are priced as follows:
ASP4816-SE: US MAP $16999; UK £12000.
ASP4816-HE: US MAP $19999; UK £14999.
WAVDSP has announced the release of WD G-Bus, a new compressor plug-in for macOS and Windows in VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in formats.
Based on G Console compressor, the WD G-Bus Compressor is a clone of the original's input and VCA gain-reduction amplifier design.
The WD G-Bus Compressor is a faithful recreation of the compression sound heard on countless recordings. This iconic compressor is loved for its ability to glue together your mix. It features a unique IC input stage and twin VCAs for warm, musical compression that responds easily to the nuances of individual sources and the mix.
Features:
VCAs Compressor.
Variant attack, release and ratio.
Auto Attack, Release and Makeup.
Lookahead.
Dry/Wet Processing.
Intro Price: $79 (Reg. $119).
Ueberschall has released their newest Elastik loop library: LoFi HipHop Beats. Here is what they say about it:
Whether you're producing HipHop, LoFi, RnB, Downbeat, Lounge or Chill, you can never have enough drumbeats to drive your inspiration. LoFi HipHop Beats delivers the absolute motherload of the coolest, smoothest, electronic rhythms. Including both played and programmed grooves, this Elastik library is a treasure chest waiting to be explored.
Containing over 400 core beats, 11 GB of sample data, and nearly 4000 individual 4-bar loops and phrases, LoFi HipHop Beats has plenty to offer. A total of 10 different drum kits – retro, punchy, classic, sub-rich, snappy and more - were used to create 45 drum beat construction kits, each of which is presented in both played and programmed versions. Each of the 45 construction kits also offers multiple groove variations. In turn, each variation provides both a full dry mix, a full FX mix, and individual loop layers for fat and deep kicks, snares, claps, snaps, hihats, toms and cymbals. Two additional FX loops are also provided and can easily be layered with the main loops.
With original tempos ranging from 60 to 98 BPM, the grooves are perfect to that downtempo feel. However, Elastik's powerful tempo manipulation features allow you to easily match the tempo of the grooves to an existing project. In addition, Elastik's Inspire function can create almost limitless groove combinations by creatively mixing and matching loop layers between the different groove sets.
Ueberschall's included Elastik-Player offers fast time-stretching, pitch-shifting and scale syncing. Functions like resample, formant, reverse and the multimode filter make further loop manipulation easy and efficient. The player's attribute-based browser makes it possible to locate specific sounds across all installed Elastik libraries within seconds.
Summary:
Credits: Drums played by Peter Kohlwage, Sounddesign by J.Holo.
11.6 GB, 45 Construction Kits, 3981 Loops & Phrases.
Genre: LoFi, HipHop.
Elastik Soundbank for Mac/Win - AU/VST/AAX/StandAlone.
Elastik Player included - no sampler required.
Price: 99,- Euro.
discoDSP has updated Bliss, the performance sampler with VST/VST3/AU freezing for Windows, macOS and Linux, to v2.2.
What's new:
Custom Macro MIDI CC values editable at Settings.xml (Macro1-2MIDICC).
Standalone app enhancements.
Framework update with enhanced VST and VST3 instrument loading compatibility.
GSi has announced the release of Krill Synthesizer, a very simple polyphonic virtual analog synthesizer available as a standalone App and Audio Unit v3 plugin for iPad.
For those quick and dirty synth sounds you sometimes need without getting lost in endless parameter navigation and menu diving. So here it is, just one screen, one knob - one function, what you see is what you get.
Price: US$ / € 9.99
Yamaha has introduced three models of the MODX+ range. Further improving on the popular MODX synthesizers, the new, overhauled models offer even greater flexibility and performance for discerning musicians and producers. With larger memory, greater polyphony and improved haptics, the new models MODX8+, MODX7+ and MODX6+ draw ever closer to flagship synthesizer MONTAGE.
MODX+: compact high-end synthesizers
When they were introduced in 2018, the MODX synthesizers already brought a lot to the table. Inspired by the outstanding functionality and sound of the Yamaha MONTAGE synthesizers, MODX featured innovative controls including the multi-function Super Knob, four faders and a touch screen, while combining sample-based and FM-based sound creation just like the big sibling. The idea behind MODX was mainly centred around mobility, giving gigging musicians a chance to unleash the power of MONTAGE style synthesis and performance on stage without breaking their backs. Constantly updated with functionality improvements and new sounds, the MODX range has been on stages around the world, exciting musicians and listeners alike.
MODX+: more potential, more sound, more feeling
With the new Yamaha MODX+ models, the regular updates and expansions now transfer over to the hardware. The three new synthesizers feature 1.75 GB of internal flash memory, an upgrade of 75 percent compared to the original models, giving musicians more space for custom samples and synth sound libraries. The plus also stands for more polyphony, with 128-note stereo AWM2 and 128-note FM-X polyphony allowing for extended playability and more freedom in sound design. Even the haptics are further improved by rubber-coating both the modulation and pitch bend wheels for better grip and control in passionate performances – lending the MODX+ a proper MONTAGE feel.
The synthesizer powerhouse for the performing musician
All these improvements enhance the already brilliant experience of the original Yamaha MODX without compromising its strengths. MODX+ still features both sound engines: with AWM2 stereo samples for authentic and organic sounding natural instruments and FM-X frequency modulation synthesis for characteristic, flavourful synth sounds. It still allows for up to 13 simultaneous Dual Insert effects and three additional Master effects to shape the sound to perfection. Seamless Sound Switching prevents notes from cutting off when switching to a different performance. The extensive sound library covers original sounds as well as compatibility with MONTAGE, MOTIF XS/XF, MOXF and even DX and TX sounds (via the free FM converter on YamahaSynth.com). With Motion Control and a programmable matrix, all of these sounds can be dynamically performed, mixed and combined. The MODX+ is a real workhorse for musicians.
On the stage
Yamaha designed the MODX+ with the stages of the world in mind. MODX8+, MODX7+ and MODX6+ are meant to be on tour, to help musicians achieve their full potential in the heat of a live performance. Accordingly, all three models remain comparatively compact in size and lightweight. Optional cases and stands tailor-made for the MODX+ range ensure longevity and easy transport.
Three models cover all players
Just like its predecessors, the Yamaha MODX+ series features three different models to address the specific needs and requirements of different types of musicians.
MODX6+: features 61 semi-weighted keys for sound designers and producers wanting deep synthesis capabilities;
MODX7+: features 76 semi-weighted keys for keyboardists needing a wide variety of sound, including all the layering and splitting they might need.
MODX8+: features 88 graded hammer keys for the authentic acoustic piano touch discerning pianists require.
Prices and availability
Yamaha MODX8+, MODX7+ and MODX6+ are available immediately. The SRP (Inc VAT) are:
MODX8+: £2,239
MODX7+: £1,959
MODX6+: £1,680
EVH announces a limited run of newly designed 5150 series guitars. Engineered with speed, comfort and precision in mind, this collection retains all the magic of the original 5150 while taking a step into the future of optimized design and playability. The nimble neck, comfortable contours, and classic flourishes like the hockey stick headstock and Floyd Rose tremolo harken back to the series’ iconic lineage. However, updated features such as the new custom dual humbucking pickups and kill switch make it clear that this is a 5150 with the modern player in mind.
KEY FEATURES
Graphite-reinforced bolt-on quartersawn maple neck.
Comfortable modified “C” profile.
Heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel.
“Hockey stick” headstock with EVH® logo decal.
12”-16” compound radius ebony fingerboard.
22 jumbo frets with cream dot inlays.
Dual humbucking pickup configuration featuring EVH® Wolfgang Alnico 2 pickups with three-way toggle switch.
A lower bout kill switch.
Certified EVH-branded top-mount Floyd Rose bridge.
Locking tailpiece with fine tuners and patented EVH D-Tuna for switching back and forth from drop-D to standard tuning in an instant.
Available in Slime Green, Purple Daze with quilted maple top, and a limited edition Natural Finish with lightweight ash body.
Silvertone Guitars, manufacturer of wholly unique and widely affordable electric and acoustic guitars since 1940, and Jackson Audio, one of the most innovative and customer-oriented guitar electronics companies operating today, are thrilled to announce the release of an all new Silvertone® guitar effects pedal that beautifully recreates the renown Silvertone “Twin Twelve™” model 1484 guitar amp, both in sound and looks.
The Twin Twelve was offered from 1963 to 1967 and became the most coveted of all the Silvertone amplifiers. The unique sound of this amplifier proudly powers the tones of many of today’s best rock icons such as Jack White, Dave Grohl, Beck, Billie Joe Armstrong (Green Day), Dan Auerbach (The Black Keys) and many more.
This new pedal was meticulously designed and engineered from scratch to evoke the look of the famous 1484 amp and to exactly replicate its tone. It can be used as a studio grade preamp, booster, EQ or overdrive depending on how the controls are set.
“The people at Jackson Audio are top notch,” says Brad Kirkpatrick, President of RBI Music, parent company of Silvertone Guitars, “and the way they have been able to recreate that classic 1484 sound is nothing short of amazing.”
Brad Jackson, President and CDO of Jackson Audio, adds “We are so pleased to have been able to collaborate with Silvertone on this unique and special project. The end result has been just fantastic! If you play the two side by side, you can’t tell which is the original amp and which is the new pedal.”
Silvertone Product Manager, Rick Taylor, says “I am so excited about this pedal. The sound is stunning, and the look is as cool as it gets! This pedal is another vital step in the revival of the iconic Silvertone name. And it’s just the start. We have more new products and accessories in the pipeline.”
Price: $249.00
Available to Consumers: September 1, 2022
Today Gretsch guitars and guitarist, songwriter, and producer Nigel Hendroff released the G6134TFM-NH Nigel Hendroff Signature Penguin. Hendroff is known for playing flashy Gretsch Penguins throughout his career and for this signature guitar, the brand leveraged the same vibrant aesthetic while building a foundation tailored for the traveling musician. It’s a guitar with an understated elegance that players won’t be afraid to take on the road.
Hendroff was extremely involved in the design, opting for a model that felt old, comfortable, and easy, like a worn glove. The result was simplified controls, a semi-gloss neck, and Broad’Tron pickups that produce a larger sound with more punch and power.
The Penguin’s single-cutaway chambered mahogany body with flame maple top captures the harmonic richness and resonance of the top and body for a livelier, more articulate tone. Designed by the famed Tim Shaw, the highly versatile BT65 Broad’Tron pickups meticulously capture the guitar’s sonic palette and reproduce the perfect mixture of wall-shaking power and full-spectrum fidelity.
Key Specifications Include:
Satin-back neck
Single-cut chambered mahogany body with flame maple top
Semi-gloss mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard
Broad’TronTM BT-65 pickups
String-thru Bigsby® B7CP vibrato tailpiece
Grover® Imperial locking tuners and strap locks
Tortoise body binding and pickguard
Available in Amber Flame or Dark Cherry Metallic Flame with nickel hardware
Amber Flame has a tortoise logo inlay on the headstock, while Dark Cherry Metallic Flame features a chrome log
MSRP: $3499.99
Charvel today released the Jim Root Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR E/M, the latest in a long line of innovative FMIC (Fender Musical Instruments Corp.) instruments crafted to honor the legendary Slipknot guitarist’s brutal tone and dexterous playing.
“For almost 30 years Slipknot's attention-grabbing, aggressive style of music, energetic and chaotic live shows have influenced and honored heavy metal and its impact on music culture,” said Jon Romanowski, VP Category Management Charvel. “Jim Root is an innovative and ferocious player – we could not be more excited to introduce his new Signature Pro-Mod San® Dimas model, continuing our long-standing collaboration with an incredible talent who has dedicated most of his life to his career.”
Although Root is one of metal’s most beloved players, his history with Charvel began long before he was shredding in front of packed arenas. As a teenager, he spent night after night watching Headbanger’s Ball on MTV, falling in love with the lightning speed riffs and chugging rhythms of early hair metal. But one player grabbed his attention like none other—Warren DeMartini of Ratt. While his playing left him speechless, Root was particularly mesmerized by DeMartini’s rotating arsenal of ornate Charvel guitars. Needless to say, when Root got a Charvel of his own for Christmas that year, it was a dream come true.
“I freaked out. It was a Charvel Model One with the fulcrum tremolo. One humbucker and a hockey stick headstock,” said Jim Root. “It was like a goal to reach, you know? I would always think to myself, one day I will have one of those Charvel guitars. And then, there it was.”
The Jim Root Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas® Style 1 HH FR E/M is as much an ode to the classic Charvel guitars that captivated Root as a child as it is a perfect representation of the Slipknot guitarist’s progressive, earth-shaking sound. The heart and soul of this guitar is its mahogany body; the heavy wood provides a rich and warm tone that is the foundation for much of Root’s sludgy yet melodic playing. Paired with the custom EMG Jim Root Daemonum humbucking pickups, the Jim Root Signature is a versatile metal making machine unlike any other.
“The signature pickups have the high output of active pickups but with the response of passive pickups,” said Jim Root. “They’re as good for artificial harmonics and dive bombs as they are for chimey, clean jazz.”
In addition, the Jim Root Signature is outfitted with a bolt-on maple neck that is reinforced with graphite, making this the ideal workhorse for any touring guitarist. While the neck is tough as nails, the 12”-16” compound radius fingerboard with rolled edges and 22 jumbo frets make easy work out of the most delicate and complex riffs. And even though the amount of features and versatility that this instrument boasts might seem dizzying, much like Root’s style, it is straightforward and to the point. The guitar features streamlined controls consisting of a three-way blade pickup switch and a single skirted Strat®-style volume knob. The guitar also features a heel-mount truss rod adjustment wheel, Luminlay side dot fret markers and a Floyd Rose 1500 Series double-locking tremolo to fulfill any dive-bombing needs. Models include a maple fingerboard option in Satin Black and an ebony fingerboard in Satin White. Both colors feature black hardware and come in a Charvel multi-fit hardshell gig bag.
Mojotone is proud to welcome the all new 'Anthem Series' into their famed line of Mojotone branded loudspeakers. With the intention of complementing vintage American-voiced amps, Mojotone's Anthem Series Speakers were purpose-built to optimize their overall power and functionality without compromising their finely-tuned classic American-voiced tone.
Available in 12", 10", and 8" versions, each speaker basket is paired with the perfect paper, voice coil, and magnet counterpart. Straight-seamed ribbed cones, were chosen for their superior performance and unmatched tone, and top-shelf voice coils and magnets have been carefully paired to each of their respective speaker cone sizes.
Additionally, Mojotone's Anthem Series Speakers will be included with many of their Amplifier Kits to help better the overall sound and functionality of each amp kit.
Samplicity has announced Berlin Studio, an audio plugin that gives you full access to the acoustics of the famous Teldex studio, where for decades classical albums were recorded, and later also many highly acclaimed sample libraries.
Berlin Studio features the acoustic perspectives of 18 locations in the studio hall, captured with a Neumann Decca Tree, an A-B Pair and Surround microphones. There is full control over the amount of early reflections, pre-delay and the tail per microphone set.
Pre-order Price: € 149.00 excl. VAT (€ 219.00) with a planned release date at the end of October 2022.
The Mustang LT40S is the newest addition to the popular Mustang LT series guitar amplifiers. It’s ideal for practicing and jamming at home, with 40 watts of stereo power, a pair of high-fidelity, full-range 4-inch speakers, a super-simple user interface and full color display. The Mustang LT40S features a collection of presets covering a wide range of music—a “greatest hits” of electric guitar tones. The versatile signal chain with high quality onboard amp and effects models produces amazing tones. With the free Fender Tone® LT desktop app download, use your Mac or PC to edit, store and manage your presets with ease. The Mustang LT40S is a fun, flexible and easy-to-use modeling amp for any guitarist. It’s the only desktop amp in its class with such a rich feature set.
Gibson and Epiphone are proud to announce they have teamed with world-renowned singer, songwriter, and guitarist, Noel Gallagher to re-create his beloved 1960 Gibson ES-355 guitar and the Epiphone Riviera used during the mid-nineties.
“Fuck me, what a Guitar!” says Noel Gallagher of the 1960 Gibson ES-355. “I’ve actually sent my main one back to storage, something I haven’t done since the day I bought it… THAT’S how good it is!”
“This is THE guitar associated with Noel Gallagher since the late 1990s, we have taken our time over the details, we have worked closely with the artist and we have produced not only a truly remarkable recreation of the original but also a beautiful instrument which can be appreciated by all,” says Lee Bartram, EU Head of Marketing & Cultural Influence EMEA at Gibson Brands. “Gibson Custom continues to push the boundaries of what can be done with new guitar production, this project has been a labor of love for over 10 years and I’m extremely proud of what has been produced by amazing artisans in Nashville.”
Since the late 1990’s the 1960 Gibson ES-355 has been Noel’s main live guitar and continues to grace stages around the world and be seen by millions of people. Gibson is proud to launch a limited run of 200 pieces of Noel’s main electric guitar which includes all the appointments which make the Gibson ES-355 the pinnacle of guitar craftsmanship, including a multi-ply bound maple body, a mahogany neck, and ebony fretboard, a Varitone switch, and a Bigsby B7 vibrato tailpiece. A reproduced handwritten lyric sheet, a hand-signed Certificate of Authenticity, and a custom Bear Strap exactly like Noel’s are also included.
MSPR: $9,999.00.
Working closely with Head and Munky of nu-metal architects Korn, Dunlop crafted Heavy Core Korn Guitar Strings to unlock the true potential of their 7-string guitars. These strings feature increased dynamic range, optimal tension when drop-tuned, and incredible tuning stability.
Highlights:
Developed in close collaboration with Munky and head
Carefully tailored to the tonal and tactile dynamics of 7-string guitars
Increased dynamic range, optimal tension when drop-tuned, and incredible tuning stability
Dunlop Heavy Core Korn Guitar Strings are available for $24.19 MSRP from your favorite retailers or directly online
Xhun Audio has announced the forthcoming release of ModFlorus, a compact and easy to use chorus / flanger unit.
Sharing the same approach reserved for all devices in Xhun Audio's SnapLab Collection, ModFlorus can be considered as a useful, very low-CPU footprint and cheap chorus / flanger processor for everyday use.
ModFlorus is expected to be released during the month of September, 2022.
Arturia have released today Dist COLDFIRE, a dual-engine distortion effect that gives users a reactive arsenal of classic & cutting-edge ways to process and destroy their sound. Going beyond conventional on/off & dry/wet distortion effects, this creative plugin allows users to manipulate and combine various distortion types for truly unique and powerful sound design.
Dist COLDFIRE is an all-in-one distortion effect delivering subtle mix-enhancing saturation, dual-engine custom crunch, or unrestrained sonic destruction, combining analog and digital algorithms with deep modulation and customization to unearth near-infinite distortion possibilities for any sound.
Totally Custom Distortion
Pair up any of the 11 distortion types, from emulated tube heat to icy digital bit crush, customise routing, sprinkle in some modulation, and forge entirely unique sonic carnage.
Creative Destruction
Create resonant metallic melodies, introduce artificial harmonic reflections, trigger wildly destructive feedback loops; get creative with Dist COLDFIRE’s dual-engine architecture.
Modulate, Animate
Swap static sound processing for distortion that evolves, flickers, and dances to any tune with 6 assignable modulation slots, step sequencing, envelope following, and more.
Intuitive but powerful
Dist COLDFIRE is simple enough to create exciting dual distortion effects in just a few easy clicks, but flexible enough to become totally immersed in deeply destructive sound design.
Dist COLDFIRE: Intro offer
To celebrate the launch, registered users can purchase Dist COLDFIRE at a one-off introductory price, with discounts up to 50% off. All users will also have access to discounts on a bundle comprising FX Collection 3 + Dist COLDFIRE. Users can login at arturia.com to unlock their exclusive discounts, available until Thursday, September 15th.
Reintroducing the Orbit with Schaller Tremolo to the Caparison lineup as an evolved and unique take on the classic high-impact stage guitar, now in two new stunning pearlescent finishes alongside classic gloss black and white. An amalgamation of balance unhindered 27 fret access, the Orbit is the extreme shape designed to offer all the attitude and impact, but with superlative handling and screaming tones.
The Orbit features a 5-piece maple and walnut neck through a mahogany body, which has the gloss finish of the body seamlessly fading into the natural finish of the neck. This resonant basis, together with the combination of a Schallerlocking tremolo, newly added Jescar jumbo stainless steel frets and Caparison’s own revised design pickups.
Priced at $3,899.00
The design on the body of the guitar was inspired from the band’s album “Legacy”. Being a USA Custom shop model, the team did some really cool tricks to truly stand out. A few innovative features include the Luminlay, a custom-made glow-in-the-dark acrylic that Vola made in-house, poured, and cut the logo out flush into the body. The artwork on the body of the guitar is laser etched in and left open to feel the texture of the design so you have this high gloss finish and still have the texture of the artwork.
Features
Neck through construction
Mahogany body, Birdseye maple neck, Ebony fingerboard
The Vola designed Modern C profile neck
Custom Artwork and designed pieces inlaid into the guitar
SP Custom Savage beast neck and Chaos land VIII Bridge
1 Volume 1 tone and 3-way switch Hipshot 7 string Bridge
Buck-eyed Burl Top
Finish options – Sands (natural Buckeye) and Void (purple burst)
Crafted by Vola's USA CustomShop located in Southern California. The Djinn has a street price of USD $4,239.99.
BABY Audio has released IHNY-2, a successor to their first plugin I Heart NY. Here's what they say:
IHNY-2 is a punchy parallel compressor that offers surgical control and a range of new features compared with V1.
The plugin hosts a parallel signal chain internally for a fast and obstacle-free parallel compression workflow. It is engineered for a modern and ultra-aggressive compression sound – the kind that makes your drums slap and sing.
Intro Offer: $39 (Reg. $69)
D16 Group has announced the release of Phoscyon 2 - The Acid Line plug-in.
The new version comes with an entirely re-designed 303 emulation engine and many new features, including AAX, VST3 and Apple Silicon support.
Introduction Price: 89 Eur until September 19th, 2022 (Reg. 119 Eur).
There are special offers available for Phoscyon 1 owners and remaining loyal customers of D16 Group (delivered via email and also available in User Area).
30 days fully functional trial version is available
MeldaProduction has announced the release of V16 of all MeldaPlugins, saying:
You can't stop technological progress. As the world of computers evolves, we evolve too. As a result of the hard work, observing and testing in our studios, we are bringing a new version of all our plugins that reflects the current (and future) state of technologies and DAW applications, and it will help you squeeze the most of your computers.
All Melda Production updates and upgrades are free for all users and for eternity.
Goodbye 32-bit
Every progress has its casualties. In this case, it means V16 no longer provides 32-bit plugins on Windows (Although you should be able to run V15 32-bit along with V16. Simply do not uninstall V15 and do not perform plugin cleanup). Backwards compatibility is intact, however, note that there is a new optimized storage system using a new format. If you save projects with the latest version, old versions won't be able to read the settings.
But the efficiency and performance gain you will get with version 16 is said to be worth it.
MSoundFactory
A lot of the internal performance improvements had one main goal. To improve the performance of MSoundFactory, which can now process the sound more seamlessly and work more efficiently with large sample libraries. These factors are crucial for new instruments that MeldaProduction will introduce soon.
MTurboAmp (65% off) and MCabinet
But not only was MSoundFactory improved, of course. For example, MeldaProduction's newest portfolio addon, MTurboAmp, gained new guitar amps (Phobos, Overstage ST-12, Junko, Mithras) and even two bass amps (Hard Key, Thunder). MCabinet also got new cabs - Shimmer and Thunder (bass).
With that said, MeldaProduction decided to extend the MTurboAmp 65% intro discount period until September 11, 2022.
From MFreeFXBundle to MCompleteBundle (50% off)
Last but not least, the free plugin suite MFreeFXBundle, containing 37 effects, is updated too.
And to celebrate the new version, MCompleteBundle (containing every plugin MeldaProduction has released and will release in future) is discounted by 50% until the end of September, 2022.
Techivation has updated T-Warmer to v1.1.0, improving things and adding a new preset bar feature.
All Changes:
MacOS/Windows: New preset bar was added to the plug-in for a better user experience.
MacOS/Windows: Undo/redo buttons moved to the user interface for a better user experience.
Plug-in Authentication: Fixed a bug that was causing the plug-in to get deactivated randomly for some users.
MacOS/Windows: Slight performance improvements.
Lese has updated Transfer to v1.2, fixing things and adding a new "Reflections" processor for room simulation.
Reflections:
Enable the new reflections processor with the "Reflections" toggle button, and switch to its control panel with the "Room" icon.
Switch between simulating early reflections, late reflections, or both.
Change the "Room Model" with the dropdown, This changes the simulated space's materials and alters both the early and late reflections.
Change the size of the room with the controller on the left side of the panel, or skip this step and synchronize it with the control panel's distance value.
All Changes:
Added a reflection system.
Fixed stability issues on certain DAWs.
Improved certain GUI elements.
Internal optimizations.
Parameter handling improvements.
UX Improvements.
Technical Notes: Early reflections are binaurally spatialized, and late reflections are processed in mono. The late reflections are simulated with a multiband spectral reverb, which is altered based on the room's volume & the room's materials (set with the "Room Model" parameter).
Lese has updated Transfer to v1.2, fixing things and adding a new "Reflections" processor for room simulation.
Reflections:
Enable the new reflections processor with the "Reflections" toggle button, and switch to its control panel with the "Room" icon.
Switch between simulating early reflections, late reflections, or both.
Change the "Room Model" with the dropdown, This changes the simulated space's materials and alters both the early and late reflections.
Change the size of the room with the controller on the left side of the panel, or skip this step and synchronize it with the control panel's distance value.
All Changes:
Added a reflection system.
Fixed stability issues on certain DAWs.
Improved certain GUI elements.
Internal optimizations.
Parameter handling improvements.
UX Improvements.
Technical Notes: Early reflections are binaurally spatialized, and late reflections are processed in mono. The late reflections are simulated with a multiband spectral reverb, which is altered based on the room's volume & the room's materials (set with the "Room Model" parameter).
Homegrown Sounds has updated Batch xFader, an application for processing folders of samples and automatically creating cross faded loops which can be used for multi-sampled instruments by samplers, to v1.1.
This update introduces single sample export which are common for capturing single cycles of oscillators. The source audio file must provide the MIDI note number either via the header or in the filename ('-036'). Akai auto sampler embeds this data automatically both as a header and in the filename which would be a good way of sampling the source material.
The loop is created from the middle of the file, a positive zero crossing is found for the start the sample length added and then the next negative zero crossing is found to ensure the loop is seamless. All other data is removed in the export so that it only contains the loop section.
Other new features/fixes include:
A choice of 5 different cross fade modes; Equal Power, Linear, and 3 S-curve types.
Cross faded loops are now quantized to multiples of the single sample size if Note information is found in the sample.
Loop section now looks for positive zero crossing at the start & negative at the end which can help with phase issues & also setting xFade amount to zero will now bypass the xFade altogether. If you have constant material this can perhaps create seamless loops if single cycle mode is not sufficient.
Added xFade Mode menu with a choice between Equal Power, Linear, & 3 S Curve modes.
Fixed: Trim Start 'All' ignored the Trim Start enable.
Fixed: occasional small click on some loops.
Fixed: The Fade in sample amount was left when using 'Delete All' even though 'Fade In' was disabled.
Mac version is now code signed.
The Mustang LT40S features a collection of presets covering a wide range of music—a “greatest hits'' of electric guitar tones. The versatile signal chain with high-quality onboard amp and effects models produces amazing tones. With the free Fender Tone®LT desktop app download, use your Mac or PC to edit, store and manage your presets with ease. The Mustang LT40S is a fun, flexible, and easy-to-use modeling amp for any guitarist. It’s the only desktop amp in its class with such a rich feature set
Features
1/8 in (3.5mm) Stereo Auxiliary Input
Two 4" Full Range Fender Special Design Speaker
Black Textured Vinyl Covering
Molded Plastic Strap with Black Powder Coated Caps
Priced at $229.99.
Two-plus years in the making, the Z-28 Mk. II builds upon the original Z-28 by revamping the power section to two robust 5881 tubes pushing a Celestion Creamback M65 in a specially-designed 1x12 cabinet draped in muscle car red tolex. Dr. Z included his Mk. II master volume control circuit, as seen in the flagship MAZ series, to achieve full control over the volume and dynamics this high-headroom amp is capable of, be it at home at practice, or on stage.
The Z-28 Mk. II features:
35 watts of power from dual 5881 power tubes, controlled by Dr. Z’s Mk. II master volume; a first in his EF-86 series of amps.
A high-headroom, high-voltage preamp designed around a NOS Winged C EF-86 tube, capable of producing dynamic range and harmonic content beyond the typical 12ax7 designs.
A return to Dr. Z’s signature red tolex for this combo only, which was specifically tuned to be light-weight, yet project a massive sound from the cabinet.
Hand-wired turret board construction assembled in Cleveland, OH utilizing high-quality Heyboer transformers, a custom welded aluminum chassis, and Mallory signal capacitors.
The Z-28 Mk. II 1x12 Combo retails for $2049, and the head version for $1899. The Z-28 Mk. II is available for sale at authorized Dr. Z dealers
Boss announces the Dual Cube LX and Dual Cube Bass LX, the latest members of the acclaimed CUBE amplifier family from Boss and its parent company Roland. For over four decades, Cube amplifiers have brought exceptional value to musicians everywhere, offering great sound and versatile features in portable, go-everywhere designs. These new guitar and bass amplifiers carry on this long tradition, evolved with the latest Boss advancements for unmatched flexibility.
Dual Cube LX Guitar Amp
The Dual Cube LX Guitar amp produces full, punchy guitar tones that belie the amp’s compact size. There are eight versatile amp types to choose from, all with natural feel and organic response honed with decades of BOSS amp development. There’s also a mic preamp type for using the amp as a portable vocal PA system. DUAL CUBE LX The DUAL CUBE LX includes a variety of BOSS stereo and mono effects to enhance the sound. Each amp type features three user memories, allowing users to store gain, EQ, and effect settings for quick recall. Dedicated editor software opens up even more creative power, providing access to different amp and effect variations, detailed parameter adjustments, and more. The DUAL CUBE LX also features a special Stereo In amp type for connecting stereo devices, complete with advanced spatial processing for even more expansive sound. By default, it provides a full-range platform for an amp/effects processor such as the GT-1000, GT-1000CORE, GX-100, GT-1, or IR-200. With the editor, it’s possible to choose a neutral guitar amp tone inspired by the famous Roland JC-120, providing an ideal platform for stereo pedals like the BOSS 500 and 200 series.
Dual Cube Bass LX Bass Amp
This amp delivers big, refined bass tones from an amazingly small footprint. Five different preamp types are available, offering uncolored sounds for studio and slap playing, vintage sounds for classic styles, and aggressive modern tones for heavy genres. A variety of bass-tuned effects are also included. Like the DUAL CUBE LX, the amp features onboard memories for storing sounds and support for deeper editing via dedicated software.
BOSS DUAL CUBE LX Guitar Amplifier | CUBE Amp Series
The Dual Cube LX and Dual Cube Bass LX amplifiers will be available in the U.S. in September for $299.99 and $359.99 respectively.
UVI has released Walker 2, their redesigned and expanded footstep foley designer, available now with special intro pricing. They say:
With a new engine, new recordings, and a redesigned interface, Walker 2 is a comprehensive, flexible and easy to use sound design tool that delivers everything you need to create realistic or completely fantastical footstep and movement sounds for film, games and more.
Built on a library of 45,000+ all-new samples, Walker 2 users can now choose from between 14 shoes including sneakers, boots, dress shoes, heels, socks, bare feet, crowds and more, 8 animal feet including multiple sizes of paws, hooves, and talons, a designer section for creating creature, robot and effect sounds, up to 32 surfaces now including stairs up and down, 24 clothing options, and extensive sub-layer accent sounds including buckles, shoe laces, squeaks, spurs, water and more.
Walker 2 is able to create a realistic sound in most situations thanks to the utilization of both normal and lift samples, discrete recordings for different step speeds including slow, normal, and fast-paced, combined with a high-quality IR-based reverb now sporting 46 spaces designed to replicate the most common acoustic environments. Further detail and nuance can be added with the built-in 3-band EQ with low and high cut, compressor and limiter.
Walker 2 dramatically improves workflow with an all-new user interface, including visual menus, clearer arrangement and presentation, and the support for user samples (via Falcon). Quickly browse to find the elements in your scene, dial-in level, pitch, attack and decay, randomness, audition 4 different microphones, utilize IR reverb to place your sound, then perform with speed, distance, velocity and lift controls to precisely match the action.
Intro Price: $129/129€ (regularly $199/199€). Existing Walker users can upgrade for $59/59€. Introductory and upgrade offers expire September 5th 2022. Walker 2 is also included in SonicPass.
Spitfire Audio has announced the release of Mercury, a collaboration with Los Angeles-based composer and instrument builder, Chas Smith.
For forty years, Chas has transformed disused metal into unique instruments featured in numerous Hollywood scores, such as Dune, Interstellar, Man of Steel, The Hunger Games, and throughout the Saw film franchise.
No single human being would be crazy enough to design an instrument as illogical as this.
Hans Zimmer
With Mercury, Spitfire Audio has sampled 14 of Chas's most celebrated acoustic instruments, then fused, warped, and reinvented them in Solar, their new eDNA-powered synthesiser. This collection delivers 600+ textures, tones, and pads, both organic and synthesised.
This library combines two components: Mercury and Solar. One, a collection of pure, organic sounds; the other, a tool for reinventing them. The latest iteration of Spitfire's eDNA technology, Solar is the host to Mercury's samples and the eDNAs warp and preset library.
Within Solar, you will find the expansive soundscape Mercury, a world built around 14 unique handmade instruments like no other. The Bertoia, Sceptre, Pez Eater, and Que Lastas (just to name a few) have had lasting impressions on some of Hollywood's leading luminaries. The Que Lastas in particular has an entertaining story. First commissioned for John Williams for his composition for the inaugural season of the Walt Disney Concert Hall (but later deemed too dark and too menacing), it became the quintessential sound of the Saw film franchise. Charlie Clouser upon hearing it for the first time was moved to tears.
Mercury is available now for a limited time on intro offer for $99 ($149 Regular) from Spitfire Audio.
Luftrum has released Vangelis for Omnisphere, a tribute soundset of synth emulations and Vangelis-inspired sounds, created by Luftrum by closely studying some of the classics Vangelis composed throughout his life.
Price: $39 with 20% off for newsletter subscribers.
ZAK Sound has released Infinite Space Piano version 2, a new version of the piano plugin combined with improved background ambient textures.
New:
Renewed GUI with more controls.
7 piano presets (previously had only one).
Improved ambient texture samples.
Price: Free. Infinite Space Piano 2 is compatible with VST3 for Windows, and VST3/AU for macOS.
Adding to the company’s line of innovative effects, LPD Pedals has launched the new Seventy4 Deluxe preamp. The Seventy4 Deluxe is an all-analog, two-channel overdrive preamp pedal designed for the discerning musician seeking 70’s era British style tones in a versatile dual-channel package.
The Red channel features LPD’s original Seventy4 circuit, capturing the immediacy and intensity of a golden-era British full-stack amp. The Green channel is a new design specifically made to compliment the original Seventy4 (Red) channel. It adds low-mid girth to the pedal’s sonic profile. Each channel has a new Voice switch which brings two individual tone foundations per channel, for increased versatility. LPD’s Lawrence Petross—drawing upon over fifteen years of experience building amps and pedals—devoted countless hours to designing and perfecting the circuit found in the Seventy4 Deluxe.
The Seventy4 Deluxe Features:
Level and Gain controls per channel
2-position toggle switch on each channel to select varying Voices
Global 4-knob EQ controls: Bass, Mid, Treble and Presence
Soft Touch Switches for turning effect on/off and selecting channel
9-volt operation using standard external supply (no battery compartment)
Made in Mesa AZ USA
The street price for the Seventy4 Deluxe is $299.99
Spectral Plugins has announced that OCS-45 Cassette Simulation, developed in collaboration with and previously sold by Oversampled, is now available from spectral-plugins.com.
OCS-45 Cassette Simulation brings the lo-fi, vintage feel of cassette tapes to your DAW. Choose from four cassette types, each with its own character, and bring in pitch modulation, background noise and dropouts. OCS-45 also offers distortion processing with five distinct distortion types.
The plugin is available now for the new regular price of $15 for Mac and PC in VST, AU and AAX formats. You can find out more on the Spectral Plugins website.
Wow/Flutter
Add the variations in pitch and tonal degradation that are characteristic of cassette tape recordings with OCS-45's Wow/Flutter module. Visualize the changes you're making to your sound with a single flowing line representing the modulated audio signal.
Dropouts
Physical cassettes have a tendency to randomly cut out short amounts of sound periodically, due to damaged or degraded tape, or playback heads. OCS-45's Dropouts module applies this effect separately on both the left and right channels and runs independently on both input signal and the Noise generating module.
Noise
One of the features of low-fidelity cassette tapes is background hiss, caused by the electronic circuitry and the magnetic elements of the machinery. OCS-45's Noise module provides four noise types to choose from, and the noise generator is equipped with an envelope follower so it will run alongside your audio and stop whenever your sound stops playing. The D/O switch can also be flicked on to apply periodic dropouts to the noise signal.
Distortion
OCS-45's distortion processing module works either in combination with the other effects modules on the plugin, or alone. Choose between five types of distortion: tube, diode, soft clip, saturation and downsample.
Cassette Types
Each of the plugin's four cassette emulations are modelled on the major tape types of the golden era of compact cassettes, classified in 1979 by the IEC: Type I, Type II, Type III and Type IV. The magnetic tape in each type was created with a different chemical, and performed and sounded uniquely as a result.
Full Feature List
Four authentic Cassette Emulations (Ferric, Chromium, Ferrichrome, Metal).
Quality, Dry/Wet and Mono settings for cassette types.
Choose between five Distortion Types (Tube, Diode, Soft Clip, Saturation, Downsample).
Wow/Flutter module with Rate and Depth controls for each effect.
Noise module with four Noise models and adjustable Volume and Dropouts Switch.
Dropouts control running on input signal and (optionally) noise signal.
Input/Output gain panel with Global Dry/Wet control.
Effects modules have individual Dry/Wet and bypass controls.
80+ factory presets for quick retro effects.
VST2/VST3/AU/AAX compatible. Apple M1 support for VST/AU formats.
LANDR wants to give music creators the power to create whenever, wherever and however they want. It’s unveiling the latest leap in that direction with LANDR Studio, the new name and face of its expanding subscription package. For one reasonable price, subscribers now get unlimited access to LANDR’s groundbreaking mastering technology, in addition to collaboration and distribution tools, samples and sounds, plugins, and an ever evolving range of additional features. Studio is a first-of-its-kind hub, including everything needed for creators to make, refine, share and monetize their music.
The most recent expansion of Studio rewards users with licenses for 13 additional third-party plugin instruments and effects from major industry partners such as IK Multimedia, UJAM, Arturia and Baby Audio, along with helpful educational content from Melodics and Groove 3. In the coming months, more plugins, software, and courses from partners like Ableton and Berklee College of Music will be added to the plan for all yearly subscribers (existing and new), totaling more than $2000 worth of simple yet powerful tools.
“Our goal is to meet creators of all kinds where they are, by providing the most feature-rich, high value subscription offering ever created,” explains Daniel Rowland, Head of Strategy and Partnerships at LANDR and award-winning producer. “Whether they are in a high-end professional space or working on their laptop from a closet, LANDR Studio can support their creativity, help them find community, and give them the tools and education they need to realize their musical ambitions.”
For only $12.49/mo (annual rate), music and audio creators can access more than ten tools and services from LANDR Studio. They can explore LANDR’s royalty-free catalog and find the right sound or sample, or play loops live with LANDR’s Chromatic virtual instrument. They can chat with collaborators via video or audio and share files. They can add pro-sounding mastering polish to a demo or finished track. They can distribute to more than 150 streaming services and stores. They can even network with, collaborate with and hire vetted industry professionals, right from LANDR Studio.
To create LANDR Studio, the company partnered with some of the leading names in music production, in addition to developers of high-end plugins and effects. As Studio grows, LANDR will bring more partners into the mix, regularly adding value for subscribers. Next up: mobile collaboration thanks to a new app that will let creators work together on the go.
“Music is your story,” reflects Pascal Pilon, CEO of LANDR. “We want you to be able to express this story without limits or obstacles. An artist should be able to take their idea from inspiration to a mastered and released track in one place. That place is LANDR Studio.”
About LANDR
Founded in 2013, LANDR is a platform where music makers can create, master, and distribute their music. Powered by a passionate team of engineers, producers, and musicians, LANDR continues their groundbreaking work at the intersection of music and technology, combining the broadest set of tools and services in the industry under one platform to support both emerging and professional creators.
Photosounder has been updated to version 1.11.1.
Changes since v1.11:
Removed non-live non-lossless noise synthesis mode, which caused crashes and wasn't needed anymore.
Fixed crash when loading archive files.
Fixed crash when image was modified while live synthesis volume calculation was still running.
A 30" scale allows for easier playability due to the shorter spacing between the frets. The Ernie Ball Music Man passive humbucking pickup, equipped with higher output neodymium magnets, has been specially designed for the short-scale bass, providing its signature warm tone. The electronics package includes a 3-way rotary switch featuring parallel, true single-coil, and series modes. Like its big brother, the Stingray Special, the short-scale bass comes standard with a modern classic bridge, roasted maple neck, 22 stainless steel frets, and new lightweight Music Man tuning machines with a finer gear ratio. These limited edition short-scale basses will come in five new color options with the choice of Ebony, Rosewood, or Maple fretboards, depending on the finish selected.
Features
Product Specifications:
Ash body
30" scale length
Ernie Ball Music Man® top loaded chrome plated, steel bridge plate with nickel plated steel saddles
3-position rotary switch with parallel, single coil, and series modes • Neodymium magnets for higher output
Push volume pot features boost when engaged
5-Bolt contoured neck joint on the body
22 stainless steel frets
New color options include:
Candy Man
Plum Crazy
Burnt Ends
Silver Shadow
Vincent Blue
Street price $2399.
Now iPhone and the previously released Rig Manager iPad offer wireless control of the PROFILER Stage, PROFILER Head, and PROFILER Rack. This adds another dimension of parameter editing and fine-tuning of your guitar tone at home, in the studio, at rehearsal, and on stage.
You can add, swap and modify effects using the intuitive graphical user interface. You only need one hand to optimize your PROFILER performance while the other one is holding that power chord. It has never been easier to get the best tones out of the PROFILER.
While Jerry Garcia is perhaps best known for his kaleidoscopic playing with the Grateful Dead, the story of the Alligator begins with a different, albeit equally historic musical act. By 1970, Garcia had earned himself quite the reputation. He was called into the studio by acts like Jefferson Airplane and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young as a session player. That same year, singer-songwriter and co-founder of Crosby, Stills and Nash, Graham Nash, began recording his solo album, Songs for Beginners. Among the roster of rock and roll greats he enlisted to play on the album was twenty-eight-year-old Jerry Garcia. Nash was so impressed by Garcia’s playing that he decided to gift him with a 1955 swamp ash Stratocaster guitar. Garcia was immediately infatuated with the lightweight guitar. The single coils allowed him to conjure the twang of his country and western heroes, while the guitar’s remarkable high-end response provided clarity even when played through heavy distortion.
But just as Garcia was entering the honeymoon phase with his new go-to axe, the ‘55 Strat guitar almost met its demise. In November 1971, Garcia had just hit the stage at Boston Symphony Hall when the frigid November weather hit him like a ton of bricks. He hit the first note of his set and just like that, the lower half of the pickguard cracked wide open. As the guitar’s electronics spilled out, Garcia frantically waved his tech, Steve Parish, onstage for a helping hand. Parish started shoving the guts of the instrument back in place while keeping everything together with nothing more than a roll of gaffer’s tape. Miraculously, Garcia and the Strat made it through the rest of the show. Some days later, the pair decided to replace the missing chunk of pickguard with a Masonite plate (replaced with a brass plate in the early 80’s). From there, the modifications just kept coming. By 1972, the Alligator was hardly recognizable from the 1955 Stratocaster that Graham Nash gifted Garcia back in 1970. However, thanks to the countless personal touches added by Parish and Garcia, it has become one of history’s most iconic guitars.
Every detail of the Jerry Garcia Alligator Stratocaster is meticulously recreated, from the carefully measured contours and radii of the one-piece ash body to the hammered brass control plate, replica pickguard and body stickers, and custom replica “Blaster” clean-boost output jack assembly. Master built in the Custom Shop by Austin MacNutt, the Jerry Garcia Alligator Stratocaster is limited to 100 built-to-order instruments.
All three pickups are Josefina hand-wound ’55-style single-coil Stratocaster pickups replicated from the Alligator itself, along with five-way switching, standard vintage Stratocaster wiring and replica “hat” control knobs on a three-ply parchment pickguard. Premium features also include a Relic lacquer finish, one-piece rift-sawn maple neck with a profile scanned and replicated directly from the original guitar, 7.25” fingerboard radius and 1.625” brass nut width, 21 Medium Vintage frets, custom brass bridge and tailpiece with rosewood base plate, Schaller M6 tuners, disc string tree with custom retainer bar, and custom birdseye maple back plate. Custom hardshell case included.
$20,000.00 USD.
GSi has released ECHO B2, a digital reproduction of a particular unit of Binson Echorec B2 from 1965.
Available for Windows and MacOS in VST, VST2, Audio Unit and StandAlone, and for iPad as an App and with AUv3 extension.
Price: € 30,00 (+TAX if applicable).
3rd Power and the Christy Lynn Mitchell Foundation team up to introduce the Love Drive Pedal, a hand-built, clean-boost/preamp/drive pedal designed to create, optimize and refine your guitar signal with immersive wave-shaping 3 band EQ. The original Roosevelt Drive was inspired by the venerable Ibanez Mostortion pedal, a soft-clipping overdrive pedal that became incredibly popular with players everywhere. The goal then was to remedy the negatives; original units were expensive, hard to find, and costly to re-house in order to sturdy them up for road use.
The true-bypass, buffered input, and output (when active) allow you to place the Love Drive at the beginning, middle, or end of your chain. When active, the input buffer ensures your signal will enter the FET circuitry under optimal conditions. This ensures that the two gain stages and 3-band EQ will sound their absolute best. The output buffer means the LOVE DRIVE will drive longer cable runs while keeping your tone intact. When cascading with other dirt pedals, the dual buffer stages of the LOVE DRIVE will ensure that your tone soars without collapsing into itself due to mismatches in circuitry.
Features
Through-hole construction
Critical amp-style components
Wave-shaping 3-Band EQ (Controls include: Drive, Level, Bass, Middle and Treble)
Soft-touch Foot-switch for True-Bypass Operation
Top mounting Input, Output and Power Jacks
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Street prices for the LOVE DRIVE will be around $279 and are available now in limited edition matte black, and gloss white heart graphic enclosures.
5% profit from LOVE DRIVE sales go to Christy Lynn Mitchell Foundation providing merit scholarships for college-bound high school seniors who exhibit the intrinsic motivation to be kind and compassionate.
German studio specialist Neumann.Berlin expands its line of reference-class studio monitors with the KH 150. The bi-amplified, DSP-controlled loudspeaker features the same high-resolution tweeter as all Neumann studio monitors and a newly developed 6.5” woofer with ultra-low distortion and high SPL capability. Despite its rather compact format, the KH 150 surprises with outstanding clarity, even at high volume, and extended low-end. The KH 150 has an exceptionally flat frequency response from 39 Hz to 21 kHz (±3 dB) and is recommended for all applications from broadcast to music production. Including styles that require a powerful, deep low-end and/or elevated listening levels such as urban music, EDM, and film scoring.
“The KH 150 closes the gap between the KH 120 and the KH 310, but it does far more than that”, explains Portfolio Manager Stephan Mauer. “Its internal DSP engine offers many benefits such as a phase linearized crossover and a new level in tonal consistency. The KH 150 is made to extremely low tolerances of no more than ± 0.8 dB! And you can hear it, too: Stereo imaging is razor-sharp.”
Digital electronics also allows the KH 150 to be calibrated via Neumann’s MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment (sold separately). “The KH 150 follows the same philosophy as all Neumann studio monitors: highest linearity, lowest distortion, no coloration, and perfect adaptability to any acoustic environment”, states Neumann’s CEO Ralf Oehl. “In our pursuit of sonic perfection, we not only optimize every parameter of the loudspeaker itself, we also include the greatest variable: the listening environment. The KH 150’s DSP engine perfectly integrates with Neumann’s game-changing MA 1 Automatic Monitor Alignment for best possible sound in any room.”
In addition, the KH 150 is extremely energy efficient. Neumann engineers took great care to develop a patent pending amplifier technology which combines superior audio performance with the energy efficiency of Class D. Although the KH 150’s amplifiers deliver up to 145 W to the 6.5” woofer and 100 W to the 1” tweeter, they only consume 17 W at idle. Auto-standby reduces power consumption to 0.3 W when the KH 150 has not been used for a while, but can be deactivated.
The KH 150 offers analog and digital inputs (S/PDIF). It will also be available in an AES67 variant with redundant AES67 audio network ports that are fully compliant with broadcast standards such as ST 2110, ST 2022-7 redundancy, and RAVENNA. At the same time, the KH 150 AES67 is compatible with DANTE®-generated AES67 network streams.
Linear frequency and phase response
DSP engine for outstanding performance and automatic room alignment via MA 1
Deep low end down to 39 Hz and high SPL capability
Analog and S/PDIF connectivity, optionally with AES67
The KH 150 and KH 150 AES67 will be available in September 2022. List prices: KH 150 € 1,650 / $ 1,750 ; KH 150 AES67 € 1,895 / $ 1,999.
discoDSP has updated OB-Xd for iOS to v1.12.
Recent changes:
Improved FXP presets and FXB banks import.
Fixed AUv3 GUI issues.
Fixed FXP import issues.
Fixed banks voice number issues after saving a preset or reopening the app.
Popup menu fonts left aligned for better readability.
Knob shadows properly aligned.
Popup text scaling based on screen size.
Voice pan knobs reposition.
Purchase is available at Apple iOS store. More information at OB-Xd page.
Woodman's Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio has released v2.6 of WoodSynth, its multi-layer MPE synth, both on MacOS and iOS.
New features:
Added Wavetable (playback) support:
Wavetable files can be loaded or any sample file or sample recording can be converted to a Wavetable.
Wavetable start position (wave number) can be set and changed/modulated by LFO1, LFO2, note velocity or pressure, note position (key tracking), Expression pedal or Mod Wheel, Aux Envelope, Sequencer, or set to a random number for each new note.
A new Wavetable display shows an overview (4 waves) and the current wave within the overview.
The Wavetable can also be used as source for the 2 general LFOs. .
Improved Preset Selection with (system) File selection panel:
Although this "Browse" panel was already present as item in the Preset dropdown, it now has its own button which makes it always and easily accessible (which was sometimes hard when a preset was selected at the bottom of a long list).
The (system) File selection panel also allows to rename, delete, copy, move, duplicate and tag a preset file.
The "Add" and "Save" preset also have their own button now (same reason).
The spacing in the classic Preset dropdown is reduced to display more presets (less scrolling).
Added (Wavetable) presets:
"Riding the Waves".
"Up and Down".
"Caribbean Waves".
Doom Plugs has announced that they have now released the free Bratwurst Fuzz plugin in the new CLAP plugin format for Windows.
Features:
16x internal oversampling and mono / stereo compatibility.
Resizeable UI.
Handy arrow button for mini mode.
Paint splat for good measure.
Cinematique Instruments released Mountain Dulcimer as a new member of their Stringed Instruments category, and announced a price reduction on three of their top instruments: Marble, Zilhoutte, and Interval.
Priced at 45 EUR, the Mountain Dulcimer Kontakt instrument comes with five different articulations, a strumming engine, and more.
Cinematique Instruments says:
We focused on capturing the Mountain Dulcimer in a variety of articulations and the new Stringed 2022 GUI impressively keeps many options available. But in no way should we forget to mention the soft shimmering strumming, which can be achieved with our Strumming Engine.
This strumming engine is very realistic and simulates the velvety and delicate strumming of the Mountain Dulcimer. It is a unique feature with a Strumming Speed Slider that mimics the speed of the hand and drone option.
The Mountain Dulcimer also contains 5 presets, articulations such as finger plucking, hammer and unison, a glissando mode, a tremolo which you can control using the mod-wheel, and eight types of reverb, FX, and an arpeggiator.
When it comes to the sound itself, Cinematique Instruments summarizes it:
We mainly focused on capturing the notes in a very realistic and organic way. All main articulations were recorded with a cool condenser in four times round robins and 2-3 velocity layers.
We recorded many different and unique articulations to give you a vast spectrum of sound possibilities. Each of them is useful for a different kind of musical style.
In preparations for an upcoming and still undisclosed new release, Cinematique instrument has also announced a price reduction on Marble, Zilhoutte, and Interval.
Marble (Was 120 EUR / Now 75 EUR) contains two parallel slots with an open sequencer, real-time sound shaping, circa 900 presets, and 63 sound sources such as a complex Gretsch jazz drum kit, a bass, a marimba, the pizzicato notes of a cello trio, several modern and classical synths, a gran cassa, and much more.
Zilhoutte (Was 120 EUR / Now 95 EUR) is a string collection for those who like natural, catchy sounds. Whether you want a more natural or smoother sound, Zilhoutte is flexible, and you can use it with various musical styles. It contains seven violins, two violas, seven cellos and two basses.
Interval (Was 110 EUR / Now 65 EUR) combines a selection of sound sources with a unique engine for creating harmonies. Build inspiring pads, organic atmospheres, textures, creative arpeggios, and more.
All prices are +VAT inside EU.
Sound Magic has released Supreme Drums Orange, featuring a hybrid modeled 9 piece drum kit with Fusion Effect.
Sound Magic explains.
Supreme Drums is made using a completely different approach known as Hybrid Modeling, which is a combination of modeling and sampling. This will not only cost less resources, but also give more freedom on usages and sounds. Supreme Drums Orange has 27GB uncompressed original sample data, but after the modeling, it reduces to a small size – 800MB, which is only 3% of the sample size, while keeping the same sound quality. Also, the RAM usages are much smaller than sample libraries. This leaves more resources for other plugins when you need a drum in a big project.
With AI technology, we are able to combine EQ, dynamic processing and transient designer into only three easy-to-understand controls. This effect can make an effective change in sound on the fly without the need for vast professional knowledge to carry out the operation.
Intro Price: $99 until November 19th, 2022 (Reg. $129).
AURA Plugins Ltd has acquired Mystery Islands Music's editor development and online store platform.
Here is what Jani has to say about the acquisition:
It is great to have more hands on deck and provide better support for our customers. We have plans for new products in 2022 and even more for future.
All the existing products will be updated to version 3 framework, which is the last tier of free updates. Since updating process is time consuming with constant framework and silicon changes, we have to adapt as well.
As of now, Waldorf Blofeld and Roland JP-80x0 Editor & Librarians are being rewritten and they should be out soon.
Access Virus Editor version 3.0.0 build 9019 comes with Native AAX, Audio Unit, VST2, VST3 and Standalone Application for macOS and Windows. Full version of the Editor comes with macOS USB MIDI Driver which allows Virus TI users to use USB Audio & MIDI stream with the latest macOS.
Version 3 introduced Native Apple Silicon support, realtime user interface skin change, realtime user interface resize, MIDI Learn.
Here are some key points of the Virus Editor:
Custom skin from predefined skins.
Freely resizable interface.
Randomizer function with amount control.
Randomize via MIDI command.
MIDI learn for almost all of the controls.
Load and save MIDI CC mappings.
Save multi with patch data included.
Works with all Virus models.
Standalone App, native AAX, VST, VST3 and AudioUnit (mac and windows).
Compatible with latest macOS with USB MIDI and audio stream.
Continuous support and development.
Virus Editor is currently on sale for $49.95 (+VAT)
Aurally Sound has updated Song Master to v1.8 which includes several new features and improvements.
Song Master provides a suite of tools and analyzers designed to help you learn and practice songs directly from the recording. Advanced algorithms analyze and determine chords, song sections, measures, key, BPM, and time signature. Tools to slow tempo, change pitch, re-mix and mute instruments, metronome, and phrase & key trainers simplify learning.
A few of the updated features and improvements are:
Chord Start Time Quantization: A new, smarter algorithm for quantizing chord start times making for a much cleaner chord track.
Stem Mixer improvements
Support for AirPod Pro earphones.
Support for Intel CPUs that do not support AVX2 instructions.
Stem tracks can be added to playlists.
For a complete list, please view the release notes.
Price: $50 USD. This is a free update for all owners of Song Master.
Rast Sound has released India Vocals 2 for Kontakt featuring three performers, playable solos, phrases, patterns and performances.
Features:
Over 1GB for Kontakt & WAV.
325+ samples.
100+ Patterns.
11 Playable Solo, Pattern, Phrase Vocal Instruments.
Improvisations, Phrases & Words.
Intro offer: 25€ until September 3, 2022 (free for first version owners).
Supreme Drums is made using a completely different approach known as Hybrid Modeling, which is a combination of modeling and sampling. This will not only cost less resources, but also give more freedom on usages and sounds. Supreme Drums Orange has 27GB uncompressed original sample data, but after the modeling, it reduces to an amazingly small size – 800MB, which is only 3% of the sample size, while keeping the same sound quality. Also, the RAM usages are much smaller than sample libraries. This leaves more resources for other plugins when you need a drum in a huge project.
Translator is a unique feature in Supreme Drums. As we know, many drum sample library often has its own groove resources. Some of them are very huge in quantity and vast in details. Translator will enable you to use the groove design for other drums in Supreme Drums, and the AI inside this tool will translate the MIDI into a format that Supreme Drum can play the same as on other drums library. Translator is compatible with the major groove MIDI packs on the market, including Superior Drummer, EZdrummer, Additive Drums and UJAM Virtual Drummer. In this way, you can get an unlimited groove source for Supreme Drums by using other groove library.
Supreme Drums Orange has a MSRP as $129, now has introduction offer as $99 until November 19th, 2022.
Supreme Drums Orange is available to purchase online directly via Sound Magic Co., Ltd for $99.00 USD
Ultimate MIDI Plugin has updated UChord (Ultimate Chord Engine), a VST plug-in for chord progression based on chord table and rhythm editor, to version 1.5.0.
Updates:
Added rhythm note editing (move, copy, change length, multiple selection, line selection).
Reloading the data list doesn't change the current data state.
Rhythm Note Editing:
You can also adjust the note length by dragging it immediately after creating a note.
In multiple selection, if you release the control key while dragging and keep dragging, only the notes in the rectangular area will be selected.
Also supports "toggle selection (single note) ", "deselect all and select only one note", "remove all selection notes".
Kemper GmbH/ Ruhr Area/ Germany, August 18th, 2022 (ictw) – Kemper today announce the immediate availability of the new KEMPER Kone™ NEO replacement Speaker for 12“ loaded guitar cabinets. Now the same speaker from the acclaimed KEMPER Kabinets is also available for a wider range of cabinet designs with new lightweight neodymium speakers for guitar tone monitoring with a choice of 19 classic guitar speaker imprints for PROFILER players with their KEMPER PROFILER PowerRacks and PowerHeads.
The KEMPER Kone is specially designed for the PROFILER and the exclusive and unique speaker tone mining technology developed by KEMPER, making it possible to digitally „imprint“ various speaker characteristics onto one single cabinet.
For the new KEMPER Kone NEO speaker, KEMPER replaced the conventional magnet with a modern lightweight neodymium magnet, providing the identical magnetic field and identical sound of the „classic“ KEMPER Kone. Now the Kone is 1,5 kg lighter than before which makes 2 x 12“ and 4x 12“ cabinet designs much easier to log around.
Cabinets loaded with KEMPER Kone Speakers can be driven by the power amp of a PROFILER PowerHead™ or PowerRack™, as well as by utilizing any external solid-state power amp. When using external stereo amplifiers, driving two Kabinets in stereo is possible. The unpowered PROFILER models like Rack, Head, and Stage require also external power amps for driving the Kabinet NEO.
About KEMPER Kone
The KEMPER Kone is a 12“ full-range speaker which is exclusively designed in cooperation with Celestion for KEMPER. The Kone is controlled and driven by the KEMPER PROFILER’s processor to an ultra-linear (full range) frequency response, using a dedicated algorithm. In contrast to the conventional idea of a full-range system, the radiation pattern of the KEMPER Kone™ has been narrowed towards the physics of a classic guitar speaker chassis, so that even the full-range sound carries a distinct guitar speaker character, unlike regular PA speakers or monitor speakers. To season the speaker behaviour to the player’s individual taste KEMPER offers the unique „Sweetening“ and „Directivity“ Parameters for detailed adjustment.
The 19 included speaker imprints offer the finest choice of well-known guitar speakers from Celestion, and many renowned other classic brands, and even rare and particular speakers. More speaker imprints may be added via future software updates.
The new KEMPER Kone NEO is available as a single unit and as 2 and 4 speaker sets for 2 x 12“ and even 4 x 12“ guitar cabinets. Requests from 3rd party cabinet makers are welcome!
Pricing and availability
The KEMPER Kone replacement speaker is available exclusively from the Kemper Online Store for Euro 150,- USD 180,- GBP 128,-. The prices for multi-speaker Sets below:
2x12 Set
270,00€ 191,00 GBP 31.280 JPY 545,00 CAD
4x12 Set
480,00€ 337,95 GBP 55.609 JPY 1.040,00 CAD
SPECIFICATIONS
KEMPER Kone
Dimensions: 30.5 cm (12 inches)
Weight: 2,4 kg (5,4 pounds) vs. prior 3,90 kg (8.60 pounds)
Power Handling: 200W rms
Impedance: 4 ohms
Cut-out-diameter: 28,3 cm (11,14 inches)
Godin Guitars launches the Radium-X as part of its high-quality guitar lineup. After over 30 years of hand-crafting award-winning multi-voice guitars, celebrated by players worldwide, we are proud to introduce the Godin Radium-X! Designed to be ultra-versatile, the Godin Radium-X delivers both electric and acoustic tones.
With a Seymour Duncan Jazz SH-2 at the neck and a Bare Knuckle Boot Camp True Grit Zebra at the bridge, the Radium-X is designed to be a powerhouse of tone. This diverse magnetic pickup combo is capable of delivering powerful, warm distortion to clear, glassy tones, appealing to a wide range of players and musical styles. The Radium-X’s stunning acoustic voice comes courtesy of a custom-designed LR-Baggs X-Bridge tremolo with six built-in “HEX” saddle transducers.
Body : Chambered Mahogany
Top : Carved Swamp Ash
Neck : Mahogany
Fingerboard : Rosewood
Scale Length : 25.5" (647.7 mm)
Neck Pickup : Seymour Duncan Jazz SH-2
Bridge Pickup : Bare Knuckle Boot Camp True Grit Zebra
Bridge : LR Baggs X-Bridge Tremolo
Controls : 1x Volume, 1x Tone, 3-way Toggle for magnetic pickups, 1x blendable volume and 3-way mini-toggle for acoustic/electric mix
Colours : Rustic Burst, Natural
Finish : Semi Gloss
Spitfire Audio is proud to announce availability of BLANKFOR.MS - TAPE SYNTHS — duly designed to immerse producers, composers, and beat-makers in the tape-drenched world of renowned Brooklyn-based composer and electronic musician Tyler Gilmore (a.k.a. BlankFor.ms) as an aptly named unique-sounding, deeply-sampled software instrument anchored around a vast (~10.5GB), inspiring collection of mind-bending dreamlike sounds and unpredictable, multi-layered textures, dripping with vintage analogue warmth and nostalgia, thanks to the radically transformative processed signal featuring over 150 layers of tape and granular processing across 28 main presets presented in the sound- specialising British music technology company’s award-winning AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, NKS (Native Kontrol Standard)-ready plug-in that loads into all major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) without the need for any additional software — as of August 18…
As a living, breathing machine of complex sonic metamorphosis spanning multiple genres, BLANKFOR.MS - TAPE SYNTHS pushes the tone-shaping magic of tape to its limits, harnessing its Brooklyn-based BlankFor.ms namesake’s enviable collection of classic and unique tape machines, pedals, and unusual gear, coupled with bespoke experimental processing techniques to create a kaleidoscopic range of multidimensional textures that change and grow beneath its user’s fingertips. For through BLANKFOR.MS - TAPE SYNTHS, Tyler Gilmore (a.k.a. BlankFor.ms) shares his unique creative process and lifelong passion for the world of tape and its endless spectrum of sonic possibilities — from lo-fi digital grit and playful stabs, plucks and bells through to Eighties neon-lit, retro pads, gamer’s nostalgia, and woozy, shimmering euphoria. While working out of his Brooklyn-based studio, the artist uses a range of degraded tape machines run through rare and classic pedals, tone- shaping devices, vintage delay chips, and other unusual equipment, spanning Sony’s once-ubiquitous Walkman (starting its revolutionary life in 1979 as a culturally- changing portable cassette player before the brand was extended to serve most of the Japanese giant’s portable audio devices) to a 1981-vintage Library of Congress C1 cassette player (featuring some unique features, making it an interesting tool for experimenting with cassette tapes), and a range of TASCAM Portastudio 4-track cassette recorders (famed for jumpstarting the home recording revolution), as well as a modular (synth) system — all heavily mangled and processed via tape splicing, pitch-shifting, generative techniques, analogue saturation, filtering, distortion, granular synthesis, and more.
Perfectly positioned to provide further insight into the creativity of working with tape, Tyler Gilmore himself says, “To my ear, tape introduces a deep, organic version of chaos. It brings a level of randomisation in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Pitch [tape speed], filtering, and level are all subject to constant variability. It occurs to the brain as a hazing effect when used lightly, and disorienting when intensified. We have become so accustomed to digital audio and its pristine perfection that tape’s magic has a new sort of value. It brings something more tactile — more alive — to the tones.”
But BLANKFOR.MS - TAPE SYNTHS subsequently grew out of its creator’s vision of ‘only’ passing basic synth tones through each tape machine, which users could then scroll through using the mod wheel, to include complex synth tones, delay circuits, analogue distortion circuits, and effects pedals passed through various signal chains for degradation, flavour, colouration, and vibe.
But better still, the resultant unique-sounding, deeply-sampled software instrument — presented in Spitfire Audio’s award-winning AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3- compatible, NKS-ready plug-in that loads into all major DAWs without the need for any additional software — allows its users to move between up to seven layers of tape and granular processing on each preset, featuring over 150 layers across the 28 main presets — PADS (x10), KEYS (x12), and ARP (x6), while wide-ranging inbuilt controls — EXPRESSION (adjusts the level of the technique), DYNAMICS (allows users to move between multiple layers of varied processing, including tape machines, vintage delay circuits, analogue distortion, and granular synthesis), ATTACK, DECAY, SUSTAIN, RELEASE, REVERB (allows users to select between alternative reverb types, choosing between a bespoke collection of seven impulse responses, ranging from short studio and rooms to long, cavernous churches and halls), and START POINT (cuts further into the note) — offer endless analogue inspiration and exploration, effectively.
It is fair to say, then, that BLANKFOR.MS - TAPE SYNTHS has what it takes to transform the wonderful world of soundscapes — from woozy, dusty lo-fi atmospheres to rich, multi-tonal granular synth textures that will haunt and glisten, regardless of whether used by pop producers, electronic remixers, beat-makers, or composers writing their next indie or game score.
Says Tyler Gilmore: “Imagine that dusty unmarked cassette you find in a thrift store... lush tones hidden behind a veil of tape degradation, distortion, and magnetic saturation. There’s something magical about how each tape machine filters, destabilises, and saturates whatever is recorded onto it.”
Duly designed to encourage sound design, BLANKFOR.MS - TAPE SYNTHS showcases 138 presets — including no fewer than 110 made by BlankFor.ms — as a starting point, offering users as many opportunities as possible to make the sounds their own. If it is instantly usable sounds straight out of the box being sought after or, conversely, hours spent getting lost in analogue inspiration then BLANKFOR.MS - TAPE SYNTHS surely succeeds in its musical mission of introducing new and unpredictable colours and textures to anyone’s sonic palette.
Put it this way: “I don’t know of another software instrument quite like this... once the Spitfire [Audio] team built out the first draft, we knew we had something incredible.” So says Tyler Gilmore by way of a fitting conclusion.
BLANKFOR.MS - TAPE SYNTHS is available as an AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible plug-in supporting Native Instruments’ NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) for Mac (OS X 10.10 - macOS 11) and Windows (7, 8, and 10 — latest Service Pack) that loads directly into any compatible DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for an RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of only £49.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$49.00 USD/€49.00 EUR (inc. VAT)
Native Instruments today launched TRAKTOR PRO Plus, a new subscription offer to sit alongside their perpetual portfolio of products.
TRAKTOR PRO Plus is an ever-growing add-on subscription for TRAKTOR PRO 3, complementing the standalone version, which will remain available for purchase on a perpetual basis. For an additional $4.99 per month or $49 per year, TRAKTOR PRO 3 owners can unlock a range of exclusive tools and effects that utilize certain innovative technologies found across the entities of Soundwide—the umbrella brand that includes iZotope, Plugin Alliance, and Brainworx—with the goal of creating new opportunities for inspiration, creative expression, and experimentation.
Starting in August, PRO Plus will see the introduction of iZotope’s Ozone Maximizer – a professional, intelligent master limiter that preserves transients while simultaneously minimizing distortion. Originally designed for the studio, this flagship limiter has now been integrated in a DJ-friendly interface.
Arriving alongside it comes the Pattern Player, a custom percussion loop maker that enables DJs to layer rhythmic samples to enrich their mix in breakdowns or during transitions. Optimized for live use, the tool can be controlled with the FX section of many TRAKTOR performance controllers, including the S4MK3, and X1.
Native Instruments will continue to add exclusive features to TRAKTOR PRO Plus on a quarterly basis, while also delivering maintenance updates to the entire user base. Non-subscribers will benefit from regular free compatibility updates and bug fixes, as well as an increased release cadence that will help advance the core functionality and technology of TRAKTOR PRO.
Users that cancel or pause their subscription will revert back to the TRAKTOR PRO 3 feature set, whilst settings and mappings that users have created will be saved and available again upon reactivation.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
TRAKTOR PRO Plus is available from August 18, 2022 at the Native Instruments online shop.
Monthly: €4.99 / $4.99/ CNY 39 / A$7.49 / £4.49 / CHF 5.49 / JPY 700 / CAD 6.49
Yearly: €49 / $49 / CNY 399 / A$74 / £44 / CHF 54 / JPY 7000 / CAD 64
Limited time offer: 50% off the yearly subscription running from August 18 - September 1, 2022.
NEW: The 'Cue' Page
Clip Launching is a serious tool for all of your productions: Use clip launching to sweeten your mixes with extra percussion layers; raise the energy with risers and synth swells; add depth with tape or vinyl noise; engage your podcast audience with stingers and bumpers; or cut-up a song idea and arrange the pieces to form the verses, chorus and bridge using Cues and Cue Markers.
Visit the manual (https://rsrc.harrisonconsoles.com/mi...iggering-clips) to learn more!
NEW: Clip Launching - Mixbus Style
Drag and drop loops and one-shot samples into the Grid.
Select from the bundled content, or use your own library of loops and effects.
Import dozens of file formats from nearly any loop provider, including the bundled content of other DAWs.
Audio clips are automatically time-stretched to fit the tempo of your timeline. Or change their tempo for artistic effects!
Trim the length of clips and choose how many times they will repeat before they trigger a Follow Option
Develop an automated sequence of clips using Follow Options: Forward, Reverse, Jump and Multi-Jump, which randomly picks between several slots. A great way to add random fills and unexpected twists to your drum tracks!
MIDI clips can have 16 midi channels, and every Clip can have its own patches (sounds) assigned. Change those boring MIDI drums to 808's !
Multi-timbral MIDI files can be loaded in a slot: layer a regular kick with an electronic sub-kick, play a true snare 'flam' by playing the same note on 2 different channels, or stack multiple channels of string pads into a single region.
Mac users already have a collection of accessible loops installed: Mixbus can load your Apple Loops(tm) for Garageband(tm) or Logic(tm)
NEW: Bundled Content
The new Clips tab, found on both the Cue Page and the Editor Page, provides over 5,000 Bundled Audio and MIDI Clips.
Hundreds of audio clips: one-shot, vintage drum machine, and percussion loops by Goldbaby
Hundreds of great MIDI drum grooves and fills provided by GrooveMonkey.
Hundreds of MIDI chords and common chord progressions, in every key, to kickstart your arrangements.
Thousands of MIDI drum elements ... kick, snare, cymbals, percussion; covers hundreds of styles so you can mix & match.
We provide great material to kickstart your arrangements but leave plenty of room for your own creative ideas and execution!
Add folders to your Clip Library by simply drag&dropping a folder on the Clips tab.
Best-in-class MIDI auditioning files with our built-in General MIDI Synth or your preferred synth.
Generate your own loops and drop them onto the Clip tab to store them in your User Library for use in other sessions or to distribute.
Bounce from the linear tracks into your User Library, and use your own tracks as clips in the Cues grid.
NEW: The Cue Grid
Cues (the orange circles on the left of the grid) allow you to launch a row of clips with one click
Combine Cues with Follow Options to trigger complicated arrangements on-the-fly
Combine Cues with Cue Markers (below) to create a repeatable, linear arrangement that you can jam with
Set the Cue Isolate on any clip so it won't play (launch) when you fire that Cue row. This allows you to generate quite complicated arrangements using Follow Options and Cues together.
Capture a live multitrack band recording, and then bounce live tracks to a Cue row A,B,C so you can trigger those parts like a sampler, program them with Follow Options, or stick them to the timeline with Cue Markers.
NEW: Cue Markers
Cue Markers are incredible!
Once you've built your Cue rows on the Grid, you can arrange Cue Markers to fire your clips from the timeline.
Build your arrangement with Cue Markers, and then replace or tweak your clips until they fit perfectly.
Cue Markers can be recorded live onto the timeline, or placed manually from the editor ruler.
Cue Markers are shown on the mini-timeline in the Cue and Mix page, so you can see your song structure everywhere, even the mix window.
Cue playback is continuous: you can even locate between cue markers, and the entire arrangement is calculated up to that point: so even if you start your session with only a single drum clip, you can locate anywhere on the timeline and hear your clip playing!
There is a Stop cue marker which stops all of your clip playback on the timeline. Then you can re-start it with another cue marker later!
Individual clips can be assigned Cue Isolate which prevents them from firing (or stopping) with Cues, allowing you to fire those clips manually even if "Play Cues" is enabled.
Why didn't anyone think of Cue Markers before?
NEW: Test Session
Mixbus v8 now includes a Test Session so you can experience Mixbus without importing or recording anything first.
Double-click to open the Test Session, hit play, and instantly start finding your way around Mixbus!
The Test Session includes recorded electric, acoustic, and MIDI instruments
The "Clips & Cues" snapshot provides an introduction to the new Cues page
NEW: EQ and Sends Hiding
It is now possible to hide and show the channelstrip EQ and Sends knobs.
This allows more room for plugins and plugin controls in the mixer strip.
NEW: Mixer Scenes
Mixer Scenes allow you to quickly store and recall your knob settings.
You can compare 8 different mixes with a button-click.
Audition a scene using 'momentary mode' before you actually overwrite your current settings.
Mixer Scenes take plugin A/B'ing to a new level: you can A/B the setting for dozens of plugins, and your faders/mutes/sends/eqs/compressors ... all with one click!
Compare up to 8 different mixes to see which one is working best. Stash a safety mix that you can return to later. Or use the scenes to drive a realtime podcast/broadcast, switching between the hosts, the guests, and a band on-the-fly.
Other Important Upgrades in v8
Improved Stems / Bouncing : stem-export and re-import your tracks; this is great for collaborators!
More Ripple Editing Modes : Ripple All and "Ripple Interview" speed-up your podcast and interview editing dramatically.
Improved MIDI Editing : New tools make it easier to see and edit MIDI in the Mixbus editor.
Mixbus v8 includes a native Mac M1/M2 package for cutting-edge mac users. The ARM package provides extreme performance at the lowest latencies and longer battery life.
Mac and Windows installers are now Signed and Notarized: no more security prompts during installation!
Updated Mac builds use the latest Apple tools to support the new Waves v12 plugins (among other benefits)
Updated ASIO driver for Windows: improved cpu performance and better support for ASIO devices that use milliseconds to set the buffersize rather than samples
Version 8 adds several improvements for devices that use the Mackie MCU fader protocol as well as new, dedicated support for iCon devices including the iCon ProX.
MSRP US$ 129
INTRODUCTORY PRICING:
Get Mixbus v8 now for $59
During checkout, enter the code MB8-INTRO and click Apply
For years, many of our customers have been asking for a tool to help create killer guitar parts without writing out every note, as you would with one of our flagship Shreddage guitars. Our response is this new library, the first in the Riffage series, built on a similar engine as our previous phrase libraries like Allura, Charisma, and Cosmos. With Riffage: Metal, you can create badass rhythm guitar parts easily - no sequencing required - and it even comes with a badass out-of-the-box double-tracked, amped tone (with optional DI signal available!)
Riffage: Metal delivers 300 looping guitar phrases in 3 separate tempos (80, 120, 160bpm), each recorded in 4 keys, allowing you to play them in any key with minimal transposition. Phrases can be quickly previewed and auditioned with the built-in browser, which also features tag filters to help find the perfect phrase quickly by important characteristics.
Oh, and all phrases are also included as WAV files, in case you'd like to re-slice and mangle them in your DAW or another sampler!
KEY FEATURES
300 tagged phrases playable in any key
Ideal for heavy rock & metal rhythm parts
Map up to 3 octaves of phrases for quick triggering
Per-phrase volume, tone, and formant adjustment
Includes AMPED and DI tones
Includes the CONSOLE FX rack and mixer to sculpt and shape your own tone
AVAILABILITY
Riffage: Metal is available now for the introductory price of $59 (MSRP: $79) and works with the FREE Kontakt Player (6.6+), also including complete NKS functionality.
Cherry Audio has released Elka-X, a software synthesizer based upon the rare Italian ELKA Synthex. Here's what they say:
Elka-X replicates the original's exceptional character and luxury features without compromising sound or functionality and expands its features to deliver the authentic Synthex experience at a price anyone can afford. Cherry Audio's Elka-X synthesizer is now available at cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide at the very low price of only $39.
The Synthex was designed by Mario Maggi and released by ELKA 40 years ago in the summer of 1982. It combined uncommon and forward-looking features that stood out from other contemporary synthesizers, including highly stable digitally-controlled analog oscillators and a flexible four-pole multimode filter. It was multitimbral and even included an innovative four-track sequencer. Notable users of the Synthex included Stevie Wonder, Geoff Downes of Asia, Keith Emerson, Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran, and Jean-Michel Jarre, who used it for his famed "Laser Harp" sound.
Cherry Audio precisely crafted each aspect of the Elka-X synthesizer to sound and behave exactly like a vintage hardware Synthex. Every effort was taken to emulate the prized tone of the original's DCOs, dynamic filter, and chorus. The innovative sound-sculpting and performance features such as layering and keyboard split have been preserved, and the original's 128-step sequencer has been greatly improved.
"For 40 years, I have been searching for the alternative to lugging around the heavy beast that started my career. Cherry Audio have delivered big time, " raves Paul Wiffen, sound designer and synth programmer for Jean-Michel Jarre, and creator of the original Synthex presets, including the famous Laser Harp sound. "They've doubled the voices to 16, retained the Split/Double and Sequencer features that other clones forgot, and there's no compromise I can detect in sound quality or features."
"I had the opportunity to play with the Elka-X and a lot of memories came flooding back," says Peter Howell, who used the Synthex as part of his exceptional work at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop throughout the 1970s and 1980s. "Elka-X has been put together with a lot of love and attention to detail. The Synthex certainly was a versatile instrument and it's great to be able to have access to those sounds again."
As with its other vintage synthesizer and effects products, Cherry Audio has kept the soul of a classic alive while updating its feature set for modern studio environments. Elka-X expands the polyphony and filter modes and introduces mono and unison modes that were absent from the original design. The extended functionality of the LFOs and addition of velocity response expands modulation potential, and a new arpeggiator delivers new performance possibilities.
Unique panel controls make it painless to exchange settings between layers, sequencer tracks, and even different presets. In addition to the original chorus effect, Elka-X adds studio-quality echo and reverb stereo effects, with independent settings for both layers. With additional touches such as chord memory, over 600 pro patches, and flexible MIDI mapping, Cherry Audio's Elka-X brings the authentic and expanded Synthex experience roaring into the 21st century.
Price: $39 (list $59) at cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide, and a free 30-day demo is available. The software is provided as both a standalone application and in AU, VST, VST3, and AAX plugin formats for Windows and macOS, with native Apple silicon support for the highest performance on the latest Mac computers.
RJ Studios has updated their True Mid/Side, Mid<>Side Channel Extractor to version 1.3.0 with additional improvements including a new Ring Suppression option. They say:
The new Ring Suppression feature greatly reduces (typically eliminates) the pre-ringing and post-ringing artifacts of the channel separation processing which is especially noticeable on clips and samples that rapidly rise from and/or fall back to silence.
The new Ring Suppression option defaults to normally ON however can be turned off for legacy sound and a slight reduction in CPU load. Ring Suppression is most effective on percussive material that rises and falls rapidly to/from low levels - it is not necessary or beneficial to audio material that fades in/out gradually (such as vocal tracks) and can be turned off in those cases to reduce CPU load.
This update also improves upon the main separation algorithm and fixes compatibility issues reported in some DAWs.
Price: $39.95 at the RJ Studios webstore and KVR Marketplace while the update is free for all current owners. Free 14-day trial demos are available for download at RJ Studio's website.
True Mid/Side is a 64-bit plugin in VST, VST3 and AAX formats for Windows PC and VST, VST3, AAX and AU formats for Mac OS 10.11+ on Intel and Apple Silicon.
The Tremolo Buddy is a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-use tool designed to simplify necessary maintenance tasks on a Floyd Rose or other tremolo systems! This unique design offers a simple solution to tackling the “BIG FIVE” problematic maintenance areas of a tremolo-equipped guitar by helping to keep tension on the bridge:
• String changes
• Intonation adjustments
• Bridge height adjustments • Spring claw adjustments
• Truss rod adjustments
Using two simple clamps, the Tremolo Buddy allows you to keep the strings on the instrument without having to loosen tension or place blocks under the bridge. This design also works as a stand to flip the guitar on to conveniently work on spring tension adjustments in an upright position. The tool is quickly unclamped by using easy-off triggers so you can get back to tuning or playing in a matter of mere seconds.
In addition to its intended usage for tremolo systems, technicians and musicians have found that the “third hand” is also handy for working on non-tremolo equipped instruments. A durable glass-reinforced nylon body provides lightweight strength, while the rubber TPE foot pads protect the guitar’s body and is safe on all finishes.
Caveman Audio’s BP1 Compact gives bass players a fundamental bass tone that is very similar to that of the 1073-inspired BP1 Bass Preamp, but with a significantly smaller footprint. Since the goal is improving the core bass tone, its purpose is not to act as an effects pedal, but to serve as an always-on component in the signal chain.
“I am extremely pleased that we succeeded with shrinking our bass preamp design while maintaining a true and breathtaking bass sound. In fact, more than anything BP1 Compact is all about tone,” says Steen Skrydstrup, Founder and Head Engineer of Caveman Audio.
Caveman Audio recognizes that the sheer preamp design is not the only component capable of enhancing the fundamental sound of a bass audio signal. Therefore, they also pay focused attention on suppressing noise and avoid impedance mismatch in the electronic design that surrounds the preamp circuit, which includes transformer-balanced DI output, onboard input buffer, and unique RFI protection – all of it housed in a road-ready, zinc-plated steel enclosure.
Combining the classic tone of valve amps and the modern technology of amp modeling, the LB 30 2.N. delivers a one-stop solution for all modern-day bassists.
A familiar sight in the backline of some of the world’s biggest bands, Ashdown bass amps have a global reputation for delivering solid, bottom-end tone with just the right features required by the busy, working bass player.
Always innovating, Ashdown raises the bar again with the new LB-30 2.N, a 30-Watt,all-tube head that offers a choice of conventional speaker outputs, or onboard IRemulations of 6 iconic Ashdown cabinets for direct injection into the PA or recording console.
Housed in a stylish, retro all-metal sleeve and sporting Ashdown’s iconic illuminated VU meter, the amplifier uses 1 x ECC81, 1 X ECC82, and 2XECC83 preamp tubes, with 4X EL84 in the power section. Inputs for Active and passive basses, plus gain trim, Volume and Output Level controls, enable players to set up for a wide range of tones from clean and punchy to warm and growing. Tone shaping comes courtesyofTreble, Hi Mid, Lo Mid, and Bass rotary controls, and FX loop Send and Returnsalso feature on the front panel.
A bass amp that oozes vintage appeal comes bang up to date with the addition of Torpedo Technology from audio engineering supremos Two notes, providing on-board Impulse Response emulations of 6 classic Ashdown cabinets and microphone setups: ABM-810H-EVO IV, ABM-410H-EVO IV, ABM-210H-EVO IV, ABM-115-EVO IV, RM-212-EVO II, and the CL-310 DH.
On stage, the mic’d cabinet emulations can be sent direct to the PA, while the cabinet on stage acts as a monitor. And in the studio, the LB-30 2.N can be used without a cabinet, with the speaker emulation output connected directly to the recording console.
Cabinet emulations are selected by a rotary control on the front panel, and program changes and more sophisticated editing of mic placement, etc. are facilitated by MIDIand USB ports round the back.
“Tonealwayscomes first at Ashdown” comments managing Director Dan Gooday, “but we’re also all about helping bass players with the tools they need in a range of different applications. On stage or in the studio, the new LB-30 2.N effectively delivers a real, vintage-style tube amp with a selection of cabinets and microphones, all in a package you can carry in one hand”.
MSRP: £1,399.00
Audio-Technica announced today the release of its AT2020USB-X cardioid condenser USB microphone. A reimagining of the popular AT2020USB+, the AT2020USB-X microphone is specially designed to meet the needs of musicians, streamers, podcasters and other content creators, offering the critically acclaimed and award-winning sound of the original AT2020 upgraded to 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate with the convenience of plug-and-play USB-C operation.
Improvements to the AT2020USB-X include a soft-touch capacitive mute button on the body to quickly and silently mute audio at the microphone, high-resolution A/D converter with 24-bit/96 kHz sampling rate for extremely clear and natural sound production, two-state LED indicator ring lights for when the microphone is powered on or muted, and an improved custom desk stand for a stable and secure base.
The AT2020USB-X also features a built-in headphone jack with volume and mix control to let you directly monitor with no delay, as well as blend your microphone signal with computer audio. Equipped with a USB-C output and a cable with USB-C and USB-A options, this expands the microphones compatibility and makes it easier to use, now and in the future. The AT2020USB-X has a high-output internal headphone amplifier that delivers superior clarity, volume, and musical detail.
Accessories included: 3/8"-16 to 5/8"-27 threaded adapter, desk stand, 2.0 m (6.6') USB-C to USB-A cable with a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
Available separately: AT8455 shock mount, to effectively absorb vibration noise. The AT8455 is compatible with 3/8"-16 and 5/8"-27 threaded stands.
The AT2020USB-X is available with an MSRP of $149.00.
The Fullerton Guitar Amp plug-in reproduces with utmost accuracy the sound of a 1966 Twin (S/N A07091, based on the classic AB763 circuit) equipped with two original Jensen 12” speakers, captured in all its punchy bite and powerful clarity by four microphones (selectable in pairs) plus two different stereo room ambiences.
Great care has been taken in reproducing to the fullest extent possible the same user experience as that of a real amp, down to such details as the true-to-life scaled action of the various controls, the unique waveform of the opto-cell vibrato circuit and the ever popular, gorgeous reverb tone.
This amplifier has a strong personality of its own and reflects the sonic vision of its creator… Leo Fender had a specific tone in mind, a sound 'like lemonade', defined by a scooped frequency balance that favors the high and low ranges at the expense of a lighter midrange. Both his guitar and amp designs are a testament to this intention of his; what back then Leo couldn’t imagine, though, was the huge variety of musical contexts in which his creations have left their mark in contemporary music history.
Fullerton, just like the real hardware that inspired its creation, is no exception to this scheme. Its unmistakable trademark clean tone can be pushed to venture into distant musical territories, always with absolutely classy results.
Fullerton handles its CPU load dynamically; the internal structure is designed in such a way that it utilizes only the system resources it actually needs at any given moment, depending on the settings chosen by the user. As an example, using only one mic instead of two can considerably ease the system load. This design choice explains why, differently from previous SoundDrops releases, there’s no ‘Fullerton Light Edition’ on offer this time. Just switch something off, and probably you won’t be needing it…
SPECIAL 30% OFF INTRO PRICE: 56€ instead of 80€!
As usual, a free full-functioning 30-days trial version is available on the Aquarius app, as well.
With the addition on the new XU3C Wireless Condenser Microphone System with switchable 6 channel transmitter and receiver, the very popular Xvive U3 Plug ‘n’ Play wireless system is now available for both dynamic and condenser microphones.
Once again, the theme of the XU3C is for a no-fuss, easy to operate microphone wireless system, with features proving invaluable in a studio or live stage environment, and a performance that’s akin to wireless systems costing many times the price.
Operating on 2.4Ghz frequency range, and with an undetectable 5 millisecond latency response, both the XU3C transmitter and receiver are built to last with a compact, stylish, tough, robust plastic/metal construction.
This popular wireless system will deliver up to 7 hours of high-quality performance from a single 2.5 hour USB charge, with a line-of-sight range of 90ft (27.5m) and with a signal to noise ratio at 110dB, provides clear detailed audio at any volume.
Also available as separate items, the Xvive U3R Receiver, has been designed for use with either the Xvive U3 Dynamic Microphone Wireless System or the U3C Condenser Microphone Wireless System and, like the Xvive U3T wireless transmitter can also expand existing U3 systems or, as a replacement or backup receiver.
The versatility of these unique products abounds, as the receiver itself can toggle between two transmitter sources by changing from the channel of one, to the channel of the other, whilst two receivers connected to one U3T transmitter, allows a wireless microphone signal to be sent to two individual destinations, mixers, powered monitors or recording equipment for example.
Each unit features a balanced XLR connection, Power buttons, USB charging port, blue LED six channel status, whilst the transmitter includes addition Mute button and 12v/48v switching.
Available now and specifically designed for use with condenser microphones the XU3C switchable 6 channel wireless system, is the perfect solution when high-quality, high-fidelity performance is required for wirelessly miking vocals, guitar cabs and instruments at gigs, public speakers at presentations or within professional video production.
Xvive XU3C Condenser Wireless Microphone system: £289 rrp Xvive U3R Wireless Microphone Receiver: £149 rrp
Xvive U3T Wireless Microphone Transmitter: £149 rrp
The MIDI Association has released details of the ongoing, industry-wide initiative to develop MIDI 2.0 products and services. Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, MIDI Association members persevered, and have addressed these challenges through global collaboration and cooperation.
Yamaha Corporation has funded the development of the MIDI Workbench, a software tool for MIDI 2.0 testing and compliance developed by Australian Andrew Mee.
Mee has also updated firmware for the TB2 Groovesizer, an Open Source MIDI 2.0 hardware synthesizer developed by Jean Marais, a South African living in Taiwan.
Canadian-based company AmeNote, founded by industry veterans Mike Kent (Chair of the MIDI 2.0 Working Group) and Micheal Loh (founder of iConnectivity) has designed ProtoZOA, a flexible Raspberry Pico based prototyping tool for MIDI 2.0.
To accelerate MIDI 2.0 development, the MIDI Association has helped fund ProtoZOA's technical development and donated ProtoZOAs and TB2 Groovesizers at no charge to any MIDI Association member who wanted to join the prototyping effort.
These tools work together for prototyping and testing foundational MIDI 2.0 features such as the new Universal MIDI Packet, MIDI-CI Discovery, Profile Configuration, Property Exchange, USB MIDI 2.0, and MIDI 1.0 to 2.0 Translation. With these advances, companies around the world now have the software and hardware tools needed to build, test, and ensure the compatibility of their MIDI 2.0 products.
AmeNote developed the ProtoZOA using Raspberry PICO CPUs because they are openly accessible and extremely affordable. ProtoZOA is a USB MIDI 2.0 device that software developers can use to test with their MIDI 2.0 applications and its firmware provides source code that hardware developers can incorporate in their own MIDI 2.0 devices. MIDI Association members are currently helping to test, and optimize the ProtoZOA code.
Our plan is to release most of the ProtoZOA source code as Open Source with a permissive license. That will allow even non-MIDI Association members to use the code to develop MIDI 2.0 products.
AmeNote's Mike Kent
With a hardware and software foundation for MIDI 2.0 development in place, companies can move forward to take advantage of the protocol's advanced features—as well as maintain full backward compatibility with existing MIDI 1.0 gear.
These MIDI 2.0 prototyping efforts highlight what is truly unique about the MIDI Association. Since MIDI's genesis, companies that are traditionally fierce competitors have chosen cooperation as the best way to solve difficult problems—and to contribute those solutions at no charge back to the global community, for the benefit of musicians, artists, and engineers everywhere.
MIDI Association president, Athan Billias
UnitedPlugins has released TrapTune, a new automatic-tuning multi-effect for trap and other modern electronic music genres. During the introductory discount (76% off) period you may get TrapTune for €19.
Here's what they say:
TrapTune is (not just) an automatic tuner which can give you everything from subtle pitch correction to the strong artificial Cher-effect. TrapTune is here for natural tuning, hard tuning, and also complex vocal effecting. The plugin is especially well suited to genres where hard-tuning is needed, such as Hip Hop, Trap, RnB, contemporary pop and EDM etc.
The core of TrapTune is the Tune-in section. For some, Trap Tune Intensity may be the only knob they will use. And they would maybe add Second voice. But many will fall in love with TrapTune's Reverb, Distortion and Delay effects that not only make this effect unique, but also give endless options how to make your track sound different than any other. You will never sound like someone else (unless you really want to).
Get the trial
The best way to understand and experience TrapTune is to put it on your tracks. Grab the 15-day fully working trial version and play with the plugin.
Intro Sale: €19 (76% off; Reg. €79) until the end of September 2022.
TrapTune is compatible with the majority of VST/AAX/AU DAW applications on both Windows and macOS.
Karoryfer Samples has updated the Nanfo sample library of West African instruments. The update includes seven new instruments:
14-string seperewa - rectangular box harp.
14-string kora - gourd resonator harp.
Kavivi - newly invented string instrument.
Kologo - 2-string instrument which is an ancestor of the banjo.
Large xylophone - pentatonic xylophone with gourd resonators.
Atenteben - chromatic bamboo flute.
Flute - diatonic flute.
The new content is over 1000 samples.
The update is free to existing owners. New users can purchase Nanfo for $29 until September 4, 2022 ($39 regular price).
Designed for bassists, this gain staged preamp/overdrive features Lounsberry’s eye-grabbing graphic appeal and pro-quality construction.
Lounsberry Pedals has launched the new Mo Bass pedal. Designed for bassists, it’s a gain staged preamp/overdrive featuring Lounsberry’s eye-grabbing graphic appeal and pro-quality construction.A bass guitar pedal for the working man, the Mo Bass delivers both overdrive and clean big bottom tones with mild natural compression and even-order harmonics, and can do both at the same time.
Features
Simplified, two-knob operation, The knob labeled "Mo" is the drive control, and theknob labeled "Less" is the level control.
The Mo Bass pedal is capable of all the grind, bottom end, and transparent overdrive ofthe one could ask for, layered with the clean sound of a tube preamp.
Allows for the growly top end favored by rock and prog rock players, while still delivering the round, fat bottom bassists are looking for.
The clean, fat sound is always present, but as the drive control (Labeled "Mo") is advanced, the balance is tipped more towards overdrive.
The Mo Bass provides an excellent pre-driver to help any bass cut through a dense mix, and enhance the sound of any bass amp.
Designed for bassists, this gain staged preamp/overdrive features Lounsberry’s eye-grabbing graphic appeal and pro-quality construction.
The PGV expands the capabilities of traditional vocoders by analysis of the guitar signal that controls the voice synthesis.
Adding to the company’s line of cutting-edge digital synthesizers, Audiospektri has unleashed a new digital effect stompbox – the PGV or Parametric Guitar Vocoder. It expands the capabilities of traditional vocoders by deep analysis of the guitar signal that controls the voice synthesis.
A typical guitar vocoder modulates the guitar signal spectrum with the spectrum of the vocal singer. The new PGV instead first measures the pitch and amplitude of each of the six strings. When these parameters are analyzed, the synthesizer can build clean voices that follow the singer's voice – or add various special effects to the parameters for more fun. The PGV is available in three forms, A studio version, a smaller gig stompbox, and a modular Eurorack version.
The gig pedal stompbox offers the following features:
Spectrum shift for voice manipulation from “baby” to “giant” voice
Vibrato, pitch bend, and VCF
A pilot signal for synthesis without the vocal, adds also FM synthesis
Transpose, spectrum freeze, and distortion-free compressors
True bypass on/off switch
9-volt operation and standard DC input
The larger studio version has also noise synthesis and balanced stereo outputs.
The J Mascis Ram’s Head Big Muff Pi produces the indulgent fuzz tone of equal parts thickness and clarity that J has utilized as his sonic center for decades. "That's my sound. The Muff is always on," J says. "All distorted sounds begin with the Muff. That's what I grew up playing so it's kind of amazing to have my own signature one."
The special edition pedal is housed in a die-cast chassis with a white and violet finish and includes true bypass switching, a 9V battery and the option of being powered by a 9V AC adapter.
Pays homage to the sonic center of the alt-rock legend’s iconic tone of equal parts thickness and clarity in a special edition white and violet finish.
A collaboration honoring Grammy-award winner and guitar virtuoso Christone "Kingfish" Ingram featuring his signature humbucking pickups.
"The Kingfish Telecaster Deluxe guitar gives me a sense of comfort when I’m playing across genres; everything from blues to smooth rock, it’s all about versatility. For me, it is important for people to play other genres,” said Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. “One of my favorite features on the Tele are my signature pickups because they’re a solid option for players in all genres. Being a blues player is a beautiful thing, but it’s about more than that. I’ve always been into heavy tones from my influences like Gary Moore and various blues players like Freddy King. I hope this Tele inspires players of all genres to dig in and rock out.”
The Kingfish Telecaster Deluxe guitar has been designed to the artist’s specifications with an emphasis on power and personal flourish. The heart of the instrument is the Kingfish Signature Humbucking Pickups, custom wound for velvety lows, punchy mids and a snarling high end. The custom pickups will also be sold separately, making it that much easier for players everywhere to achieve Christone’s signature tone. Finished in mesmerizing Mississippi Night, the guitar looks as stunning as it sounds and the custom color is more than meets the eye. This mystifying shade of purple harkens back to the deep night skies Kingfish would often marvel at while growing up in Clarksdale, Mississippi. The Kingfish Telecaster Deluxe features an alder body. The “V”-shaped roasted maple neck gives the instrument a distinctly vintage feel and the comfortable 12” radius rosewood fretboard allows for huge bends and scorching riffs up and down the neck. A custom “K & Crown” logo on the pickup covers and Kingfish’s signature autograph on the headstock rounds out the instrument’s personalized touch.
The Kingfish Telecaster Deluxe features two custom humbucking pickups voiced for growling, overdriven blues-rock, delivering deep, shimmering and dynamic tones.
The “V”-shaped roasted maple neck has a classic vintage feel and improved resonance thanks to our roasting treatment.
An adjust-o-matic bridge allows each string to be adjusted for perfect intonation.
The slab rosewood fingerboard offers warm vintage Fender tone, while the 12” radius is great for big bends and soloing up and down the neck.
The mesmerizing Mississippi Night finish pays tribute to the birthplace of the blues.
Other features include a custom etched “K” crown logo on the neck pickup cover, a custom neck plate and Kingfish’s signature on the headstock.
Man Makes Noise has released a new Omnisphere library called Transmissions, which aims to take you on a journey to the world of noise.
Created from samples recorded with a combination of synth noise oscillators and filter resonations and then manipulated inside Omnisphere, this collection is not clean. Its heartbeat is dirty and full of imperfections, nothing is static. It explores the ambient, cinematic side of music.
The Transmissions library contains 100 patches and 120 new soundsources for Omnisphere 2.8.2+. Transmissions also includes a bonus library for Omnisphere called Ambient Drum Company, which contains 15 patches and 15 multis.
The price of Transmissions is 25€ (excluding VAT where applicable) with an introduction price of 15€ (excluding VAT) until September 30th 2022.
Igor Vasiliev has updated their SoundSaw - The Art of Sound Destruction App for iOS and macOS to version 1.3. They say:
SoundSaw is a complex sound processing app with easy-to-use controls designed to distort the sound of musical instruments or voice, and give the sound the aesthetics and atmosphere of noise, lo-fi, chiptune and experimental music scene.
This update makes SoundSaw a universal iOS and macOS application. It can work on iPhone and iPad as well as Mac / MacBook with M1 chip (and later). On macOS the SoundSaw can works both as a standalone application and as an Audio unit (AUv3) with DAWs and audio unit hosts like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage, Cockos REAPER, Plogue Bidule, Hosting AU, etc. All application features are available on macOS, including MIDI support and audio unit parameters. SoundSaw has a built-in detailed description of all parameters also available as PDF file on application site.
All changes:
Added MIDI support.
Adapted to work on macOS as a standalone and as an AUv3 plugin.
Ready for the upcoming iOS 16.
App setting to restore parameters for audio unit.
Optimization of the audio engine.
Built-in description has been updated.
Minor bugs were fixed.
Tube Amp Doctor announces the newest addition to their REBASE-tubeline - their 6V6GT-STR.
The TAD 6V6GT-STR REDBASE is the ideal tube for Fender Deluxe Tweed 5E3 or BlackfacePrinceton Reverb amps, single-ended Class A amps like the Fender Tweed Champ, VibroChamp, Fender Champion 600, or the Univalve. Also, many boutique amp builders already use and rely on the TAD 6V6GT-STR REDBASE.
The TAD 6V6GT-STR REDBASE shines with the typical NOS "sweet top end" and a strikingly dense and complex midrange. This special and organic midrange character produces a tonal liveliness that otherwise only NOS 6V6s are able to achieve and which remains unparalleled. When pushed into saturation, there are no harsh upper mids, which is frequently the case with other 6V6s.
The TAD REDBASE series is built on an optimized production line - exclusively for TAD and only for this series. It is therefore a completely new development, combining the latest manufacturing techniques with traditional design and impeccable quality.
In preparation for the unparalleled TAD-premium matching, the TAD REDBASE series tubes receive a special, additional burn-in and formatting process in Germany, optimizing the quality of the cathode emission and achieving an exceptionally detailed sound structure.
heavy-duty 6V6
sweet, full-bodied tone with silky highs
superb responsiveness
outstanding dynamics
individually tested and approved
selected and premium matched
Initial Audio has updated their synth plugin Sektor to version 1.6.3.
Changes include:
Added 3 new filters, SV Lowpass, SV Bandpass and SV highpass.
On the wavetable edit page users can now select a new wavetable to load. Previously users had to go back to the main page and select in the oscillator.
GUI improvements.
Fixed an issue where clicking a preset would keep the keyboard focus, preventing notes being played from the users type keyboard.
Fixed an issue with the pitch wheel range.
Updated GUI rendering on Mac to use Metal instead of OpenGL.
Made OpenGL rendering optional in the settings page on Windows.
Fixed an issue where the master Envelope would not update correctly when changed from the host.
Wrongtools Woodwindulator are non-authentic woodwind instruments created with vintage electronic circuits, analogue modular synths and a whole lot of tapemachines.
Wrongtools release a sample-library with an unusual approach to sampling analogue modular synths.
Instead of recording all kinds of sounds from one particular synth, the project for Woodwindulator was to record similar woodwind sounding timbres, like clarinet, flutes etc from different vintage synths. Sampled in a handsome array of contours and configurations
All created different early 70ties synth systems that they had access to. To add character, we drove the sounds up to three times through rounds and rounds of tapemachines.
at a glance :
71 patches
2.89 GB
1194 Samples
pre-order for the handsome price of €19 [-->€39] — Out this Friday
Nektar's new Widiflex and Widiflex USB add fast wireless BLE MIDI functionality to almost any MIDI device and operating system. Here's what they say:
MIDI cables are of course essential ingredients in MIDI setups. But they tend to get in the way as they are hardly ever the right length - and keep keyboard players from moving around freely on stage. Enter Nektar Widiflex and Widiflex USB: These new wireless MIDI products with high-performance Bluetooth BLE MIDI help getting rid of those cables.
Widiflex is a set of two 5-pin MIDI Din plugs that add wireless BLE MIDI to almost any standard MIDI device. Plugged into the device's MIDI sockets, auto-pairing takes care of instant setup and connects Widiflex automatically with other BLE MIDI or WIDI products. The larger plug includes all the wireless functionality and connects to the MIDI out, the smaller one to the MIDI In. As Widiflex is powered from the device's MIDI bus, it does not require any external power supply.
To connect two standard MIDI instruments, one Widiflex set each is simply plugged into the instruments' MIDI ports. It is also possible to establish a direct Bluetooth connection with MacOS and iOS devices - for Windows the best choice is using a Widiflex USB to provide BLE MIDI functionality.
Widiflex USB is a USB dongle that adds Bluetooth BLE MIDI to all major operating systems, delivering an even better performance than integrated BLE MIDI solutions. As a USB-class-compliant device, it does not require any custom drivers and works with the operating system's MIDI drivers on supported platforms.
A groups feature enables wireless networks with up to 5 active WIDI devices (one central and up to 4 peripheral WIDI devices over 16 channels). It is also possible to create multiple fixed pairs of directly connected devices. Creation, management and recall of such user setups is greatly simplified by using the "WIDI app" for iOS and Android, which can be downloaded free from the corresponding app stores.
Widiflex and Widiflex USB both use Bluetooth 5, ensuring a secure connection for live and stage with twice the speed, four times the range (up to 20 metres / 65 feet) and half the latency of earlier Bluetooth versions. The minimum latency between two WIDI devices is as little as 3 ms, so even supported MacOS devices do benefit from using a Widiflex USB.
Widiflex and Widiflex USB are available now from Nektar resellers worldwide.
Pricing (MAP / MSRP):
Widiflex: 49.99 USD / 41.99 GBP / 49.99 EUR.
Widiflex USB: 59.99 USD / 49.99 GBP / 59.99 EUR.
Full Bucket Music has released Frequency Shifter v2.0.0 for Windows and Mac as VST2, VST3, AU and CLAP plug-ins.
Changes:
New resizable UI.
New LFO Sync to Host parameter.
Added VST3 version.
Universal Binary 2 build for both Intel and ARM Macs.
Refactoring and minor bug fixes.
Features:
Frequency shifting up to ±5000 Hz.
Optional LFO with five waveforms and Sync to Host option.
Four frequency ranges, three mix modes.
Linked or individual control for both stereo channels.
Resizable user interface.
Price: Free.
Applied Computer Music Technologies has updated their ACM-SA range of plug-ins for Linux to V3.1.1. The company describes the ACM-SA range as:
Designed to offer the best analogue modelled plug-ins for Linux, capable of transforming a DAW into a versatile virtual analogue mastering environment, the ACM-SA range are aimed at professional or aspiring professional users looking to make the switch to Linux.
V3.1.1 Adds support for the CLAP plug-in format, together with some minor updates to the VST2 and VST3 versions. Demo versions are provided free to download. Each plug-in includes a detailed manual and easy to use installer:
Smooth controls with no 'zipper noise' when adjusting the plug-in settings.
Physically modelled rotary control modes.
Resizable graphical user interfaces.
CPU Efficient.
VST, VST3 and CLAP plug-ins for Linux.
Easy to install.
Price: £60 for the bundle or £45 individually. More information together with free demos can be found at the Applied Computer Music Technologies website. This is a free update for existing users.
GSi has released Genuine Sounds Vol. I - Piano Edition, a new sample-based virtual instrument featuring a collection of acoustic and electric piano samples that GSi has been producing in the last two years using a custom-built robot and its dedicated audio editing software.
The new instrument is based on a proprietary format called WLF, acronym for Wavetable Linear Format, developed by GSi during 2021 and aimed at the efficient playback of big samples using the DFD (direct-from-disc) technique providing fast loading times and low RAM usage.
Genuine Sounds Vol. I is available as standalone and plugin for Windows, Mac OS and iPad.
Price: € 100,00 + TAX (if applicable).
Orange Amplification launch the new, updated O Bass, retaining all the best features from the 2015 model, enhanced with improved characteristics.
Launched in 2015 to critical acclaim, the orange O Bass is easily one of the most colourful bass guitars on the market. It remains easy to play and very versatile with its classic single cutaway body shape, tone options and an unorthodox split-coil pickup position which produces the bass’ warm deep growl and fatter higher register.
The 2022 makeover means the O Bass now plays even better than before. The lightweight African okoumé wood body has a resonance that transfers well through the custom-wound split-coil humbucker pickup and gives articulate high end and tight low end notes. The purpleheart fretboard gives the instrument flawless balance whether played seated or standing. The re-tooled fretwork and neck moulding improves playability; funky octave swoops have never felt more natural. The classic black headstock and binding all around the instrument adds to the O Bass a premium feel.
Designed in the UK by Orange, the O bass is suitable for all types of music including Soul, R & B, Reggae and Rock. It is supplied in a padded gig bag with the iconic Orange logo and comes as standard with an alternative 3-ply scratchplate.
The Orange finish comes with brilliant white scratchplate and alternative black scratchplate.
The Black finish comes with creamy ivory scratchplate and alternative tortoiseshell scratchplate.
The O Bass is available in the UK for RRP £399 and in USA street price $549.
Homegrown Sounds has announced the release of Batch xFader, a new tool designed to automate the tedious work involved making sampler instruments out of samples. This process generally involves:
Creating a sustain loop.
Cross fading the loop so it loops seamlessly.
Trimming any space at the start.
Or trimming all/most space at the start.
Creating a short fade in at the start to avoid any non zero-crossing clicks.
Deleting all data after the loop section which is not usually used.
Converting Stereo to Mono.
Convert to multiple Formats.
Batch xFader can accomplish all of these tasks as a batch process on a selected folder of WAVs very quickly. It's a great companion to an auto sampling program such as MPC Software or Beats that samples instruments. It's like a finishing tool.
It can either use an already existing sustain loop in the file or create a new/replace existing loop. Creating a loop allows visually selecting percentage values for the loop start, loop end and the cross fade amount. The cross fade uses data from before the loop to mix the cross fade at the end of the loop section.
Each section has an enable button to use the section. This means you can use the application just for specific purposes such as for removing some samples at the front or fading in for example.
Batch xFader costs $34.99, but is available for the intro price of $19.99 until the end of August 2022. It is available for x64 Windows and as a Universal Binary for macOS.
XS, D'Addario's innovation combines an unprecedented level of strength and stability—all without sacrificing iconic D’Addario tone.
XS Acoustic is now available in 80/20 Bronze, D'Addario's brightest string offering now infused with maximum life. XS, D'Addario's innovation combines an unprecedented level of strength and stability—all without sacrificing our iconic D’Addario tone. The portfolio now offers Acoustic players the choice between Phosphor Bronze and 80/20 Bronze in the most popular gauges.
D'Addario XS 80/20 Bronze Strings
With its ultra-thin film coating on every wound string and unique polymer treatment on the plain steels, XS offers our highest level of protection for maximum life with an uncommonly smooth feel, making it the most innovative coated string ever created.
Optimized for a balanced sound with plenty of booty on tap, Nordstrand Audio CatPups offer classically inspired tones for any platform into which you can fit them.
This simple ceramic and steel single coil pickup utilizes a single (monolithic) steel bar and 2ceramic magnets arranged in a classic P90 style configuration. Optimized for a balanced sound with plenty of booty on tap, Nordstrand Audio CatPups offer classically inspired tones for any platform into which you can fit them.
The exact same pickups that come on their Acinonyx “Cat” bass, these were developed with an ear towards vintage character with thick and punchy lows and mids. Inspired by simple clas-sic single coils they pair simplicity of design and solid reliable tone together in a chrome-covered violin size pickup.
Nordstrand Audio Cat Pups Pickups
Violin style pickup
Loaded with 2 ceramic bar magnets
Laser cut, fiber bobbins
Wax-potted to contain any unruly frequency that may attempt to desecrate your desired tone
An all-analog polyphonic amplitude synthesizer that alters the attack and decay time of any sound source without sacrificing the fidelity of the original tone.
Gloamer’s attack function provides a pick-triggered volume swell: a cinematic “slow gear” effect that is smooth and controllable with variable timing from extremely fast to very slow. The volume swell cycle can be reset at any moment by muting, allowing players to craft bowed string-like lines and chords with ease.
Gloamer also features a powerful optical compressor that can add subtle punch or extreme sustain, helping to maintain a smooth volume swell effect even with very long attack times. A Volume knob controls loudness at the peak of the attack cycle, while a master Blend control allows players to layer an uncompressed clean sound in with the volume swell effect.
Additionally, when activated, Gloamer’s Decay function allows notes to fade out once the attack cycle is complete. When the decay cycle is completed, an auto-reset function causes the attack to begin again immediately, as long as there is audio input. This allows you to create a wide range of undulating, asymmetrical tremolos at slower settings as well as pulsating stutter effects when using faster attack and decay times.
US MAP $279.
Outboard gear will always have a place in the professional studio. No matter how all-encompassing in-the-box solutions become or how well plug-ins recreate the sound of certain processors, nothing compares to dialing in your compression with actual physical knobs. The Zaor Maestro Solo 12+6 adapts the popular Maestro desk concept for sidecars that perfectly complement any main desks or mixing consoles.
More rackspace, more flexibility: Maestro Solo 12+6
The Zaor Maestro desks are immensely popular mixing and mastering solutions employed all around the world. The firm wood construction is airy enough to allow for ideal ventilation of analogue 19-inch processors. With the entire design optimised for acoustic performance, the Maestro desks do not get in the way of listening. With the new Maestro Solo 12+6, the outstanding Maestro concept can now be employed as an extension to other desks and mixing consoles, offering twelve rack units at the top and six more at the bottom. As a sidecar, the Maestro Solo 12+6 holds all the valued analogue and digital treasures in a construction that is both outstandingly practical and mesmerizingly beautiful.
Wings for any mixing desk
Whether a studio employs a big old-school analogue mixing console, a digital mixing or controller surface, or just a compact setup with mouse and keyboard for all in-the-box producing, the Zaor Maestro Solo 12+6 is the perfect extension to hold outboard equipment. While it functions as a side rack, holding all those rackable gems, the Maestro Solo 12+6 still retains the ergonomic qualities of a producer desk, allowing easy access and great overview. It may feel appropriate to bow before precious compressors, EQs and preamps – however, it is much more ergonomic to remain upright and operate the processors in a relaxed seated or standing position. And it is acoustically advantageous, too! The Maestro Solo 12+6 looks great on its own, but it is really designed to allow outboard gear to achieve its full potential – along with the engineer operating it.
Quality wood furniture: Classic line
As part of the Classic line from Zaor, the Maestro Solo 12+6 is made from high-quality wood and MDF, immaculately handcrafted by experienced specialists in the company’s own workshop. Its luxurious appearance and excitingly elegant finish are indicative of the gear it was designed to hold: legendary dynamics and spectral processors will look right at home in the Maestro Solo 12+6. Along with its sibling desks, the Maestro 36 and Maestro 24, and other desks from the Classic line like the Onda, the Maestro Solo 12+6 marks the top range in the Zaor catalogue – a fine example of how well-made furniture can enhance a studio in both look and feel.
Price and availability
The Zaor Maestro Solo 12+6 is available immediately in the colours Cherry, Oak or Silver, all combined with Matte Black. The MSRP is 1,449.00 EUR (incl. 19 % VAT).
A faithful recreation of the Germanium Mosrite Fuzzrite with a modern twist.
From the years of 1966 to 1968, Mosrite produced two distinct fuzz circuits---one outfitted with silicon transistors, the other with germanium parts. Of the two, the germanium version is by far the most rare, with original designer and Mosrite employee Ed Sanner estimating that around 250 ever made it out the door. In that final year of production, Mosrite shifted exclusively to silicon parts, making germanium components a thing of the past. However, by 1968 the public was hungry for fuzz, having heard it on a handful of recordings, most notably "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" by Iron Butterfly and "Incense and Peppermints" by Strawberry Alarm Clock. These two buzzy, sinewy fuzz tones were part of a wave of psychedelic rock gaining traction in the mainstream, and both were recorded prior to the introduction of the silicon Fuzzrite.
Other purported users of this early Fuzzrite circuit include Ron Asheton of the Stooges, Norman Greenbaum on "Spirit in the Sky", Henry Vestine of Canned Heat, and many others. We at Catalinbread happen to have a germanium version at our disposal, and we've used it as a benchmark to create an extremely faithful version with a modern twist. Just like the original, the Catalinbread Fuzzrite Germanium includes two NOS PNP germanium semiconductors with a polarity inverter IC so it plays nice with all forms of power. Unlike the original, we've added a toggle switch to shift into modern mode, significantly beefing up the low-end content to suit more contemporary rigs.
The Fuzzrite Germanium is out now and available for $179.99 at participating retailers
Noise Engineering is excited to announce two new modules: Tymp Legio for the 6hp Legio platform and Polydactyl Versio for the 10hp Versio platform.
New Modules
Tymp Legio
Tymp Legio is inspired by the Noise Engineering team's love of all types of bang/crash/kick/boom sounds. This is not your normal drum-kit module with samples or simple emulations, though. Instead, they took the challenge of a small percussion module as an opportunity to fit the drums they wanted quick access to in 6hp. “We really wanted the module to showcase our sense of playfulness. We don’t take ourselves very seriously here and we had so much fun designing this module. We wanted the panel to reflect this,” said Markus Cancilla, Chief of Destruction. Tymp Legio has three modes—labeled Boot, Cat, Boing—each an onomatopoetic reference to the sounds it makes. The Tang switch offers variations within a mode. If you want to duck other signals in your patch to your percussion, run your audio into the stereo Quack input. Tymp Legio’s simple interface puts a massive tonal and textural range under your control.
Availability and pricing:
Preorders open now. In stock in black and silver. Shipping from Noise
Engineering and retailers starting August 25, 2022; MSRP US$279
Notable features: Tymp Legio
● 6 HP
● Stereo percussion
● That’s not a kick but it’s kickin’ my butt
● Release the quack in: Stereo ducking
● Intuitive controls but powerful sound
● Platform: many modules for the price of one!
Polydactyl Versio
Polydactyl Versio is Noise Engineering's take on a stereo multiband dynamics processor. Equally at home on single-instrument timbral processing and on end-of-chain gloss and mix cohesion, Polydactyl Versio is sure to be love-at-first-patch for anyone looking to zest up their mix. Polydactyl applies a unique and transparent algorithm across three adjustable bands for maximal dynamic impact. If transparent doesn’t suit your needs, add in some multiband saturation. Polydactyl also features a noise gate and limiting capabilities; this is a processor that gives ultimate control of color and dynamics in just 10hp.
Asked about the history of the module, Chief Noisemaker Stephen McCaul said, “We’ve wanted to make a multiband compressor forever, but never had confluence of hardware components to do it. For so long, it was just another idea that languished on our very long list of “someday” modules; we’re really excited that we can finally make it happen. Polydactyl builds on a lot of Noise Engineering products that came before it.”
Availability and pricing:
Preorders open now. In stock in black and silver. Shipping from Noise Engineering and retailers starting August 25, 2022; MSRP US$355.
Notable features: Polydactyl Versio
● 10 HP
● Three-band stereo dynamics processing
● Optional saturation
● Limiting
● Noise gating
● Platform: many modules for the price of one!
Platforms
Both modules are part of Noise Engineering’s platform concept: Tymp on the 6hp Legio platform and Polydactyl on the 10hp Versio platform. Owners of a platform module can swap between firmwares, completely free, at the Noise Engineering Customer Portal. The new firmwares will
be available when the modules are shipping on August 25, 2022 so current platform owners will get to try them out at the same time. Both platforms are also built on the ElectroSmith Seed and open-source support is available through LibDaisy for customers interested in creating their own firmwares.
Zynaptiq announces the immediate availability of the Mac Audio Apps Bundle 2.0.
Available for purchase to new users for the first time, the Zynaptiq-branded version 2 of this powerhouse bundle supports native operation on Apple Silicon processors, and features the brand-new TRIUMPH 3 – Zynaptiq’s creative sound design and productivity focused multi-channel editor for macOS.
The Mac Audio Apps Bundle 2.0 also includes the MYRIAD 4 batch processor, SPECTRE audio analyzer, LOOP EDITOR 2, plus Zynaptiq’s critically acclaimed WORMHOLE multi-FX mangler plug-in – as heard on shows like Altered Carbon, Westworld or The Witcher.
An upgrade path to the 2.0 Bundle is available for users who own a license for at least one of the following: TRIUMPH, MYRIAD, SPECTRE, LOOP EDITOR, AURA, Wave Editor, or Sample Manager.
“If you work with sound on the Mac, The Mac Audio Apps Bundle 2 is a real must-have.” said Zynaptiq CEO Denis Goekdag. “We’ve started the ‘zynaptification’ of this toolbox with TRIUMPH for this release, and are looking forward to putting the other apps through our trademark paces one by one, in regular intervals – stay tuned, exciting times are ahead!”
Pricing and Availability
The Mac Audio Apps Bundle 2.0 is now available world-wide from the Zynaptiq website as well as from authorized resellers, with an MSRP of USD 399 / EUR 469*.
A special introductory discount is available through September 30th, 2022, at USD 249 / EUR 289*
Registered users with a pre-existing license for any one of the following applications: TRIUMPH, MYRIAD, SPECTRE, LOOP EDITOR, Aura, Wave Editor, or Sample Manager, may upgrade at a reduced price of USD 99 / EUR 119* from the Zynaptiq website.
Zynaptiq announces the immediate availability of Triumph 3, a major upgrade to their powerful sound design & productivity focused multi-channel editor for macOS. Version 3 adds more than 100 new features and enhancements, runs natively on Apple Silicon processors, and is available now exclusively as part of the Mac Audio Apps Bundle 2.0.
Triumph 3 feature highlights include advanced Zynaptiq DSP algorithms like morphing and vocoding (based on Zynaptiq’s popular MORPH 2 and ORANGE VOCODER plug-ins), ZTX® Pro time/pitch/formant processing, the brand new and precision engineered Cyclic Stretch granular processor, support for plug-in chains with automation, and massively enhanced usability and workflow features. A comprehensive list of everything new in TRIUMPH 3 can be found here.
Triumph 3 is exclusively available as part of the new Mac Audio Apps Bundle 2.0, which also includes the MYRIAD 4 batch processor, SPECTRE audio analyzer, LOOP EDITOR 2, and Zynaptiq’s critically acclaimed WORMHOLE multi-FX plug-in. An upgrade path is available for registered users of either TRIUMPH, MYRIAD, SPECTRE, LOOP EDITOR, or AURA, as well as Wave Editor or Sample Manager.
“We’re excited to release what we believe will become the number one creative audio editor for macOS” said Zynaptiq CEO Denis Goekdag. “In concert with the other Mac Audio Apps Bundle 2.0 tools, Triumph 3 represents a huge creativity and productivity boost for anybody working with audio on the Mac.”
Pricing and Availability
Triumph 3 is available now world-wide as part of The Mac Audio Apps Bundle 2.0 from the Zynaptiq website as well as from authorized resellers, with an MSRP of USD 399 / EUR 469*.
A special introductory discount is available through September 30th, 2022, at USD 249 / EUR 289*
Users with a pre-existing license for any of the following applications: TRIUMPH, MYRIAD, SPECTRE, LOOP EDITOR, Aura, Wave Editor, or Sample Manager – may upgrade at a reduced price of USD 99 / EUR 119* from the Zynaptiq website.
Sound Magic has released Electric Guitar T Lite, featuring a sampled Fender Telecaster Guitar.
Sound Magic says:
Electric Guitar T Lite is a sample library for Fender's Telecaster, the world's first commercially successful solid-body electric guitar. It's simple yet effective design and sound broke ground and set trends in electric guitar manufacturing and popular music. Telecaster is a versatile guitar, usable for most styles of music and has been used in many genres, including country, reggae, rock, pop, folk, soul, blues, jazz, punk, metal, alternative, indie rock, and R&B.
Sound Magic has also updated Legendary Hu to Version 1.3.
Changes:
Re-arrange some techniques.
Fixes some error in Key Switch Sample Sets.
New Downloading Gateway.
Includes latest updates in Neo Erhu.
Intro Price: $19.99 until August 24th, 2022 (Reg. $49).
Studio Major7th has updated SSG7 V to version 1.4.0.
Changes:
Auto Release is equipped.
Inverted chords are available.
Loads and saves are displayed in a list.
Presets have been added.
Other bugs have been fixed.
Price: $120.00. Owners of SSG7V get this update free.
Microphone connoisseurs around the world have awaited this news for decades: German studio specialist Neumann.Berlin announces a reissue of the legendary M 49. Ever since its introduction in 1951, the M 49 has been regarded as a studio microphone par excellence. With its continuously remote controlled polar pattern, it revolutionized studio technology and its incomparably silky sound has graced countless recordings, from the cool jazz of the 1950s until today's chart toppers. As a result, the M 49 is in great demand not only among collectors, but also as a vital recording tool: The digital age has made its characterful sound even more desirable.
The M 49 V is a reissue according to original specifications and design documents from the Neumann archive. It uses the same circuitry as the last and most popular historical revision, the M 49 c, but with an even lower noise, hand-selected subminiature tube. “In our field tests, even renowned microphone experts could not detect any difference in sound,” explains Portfolio Manager Sebastian Schmitz. “In timbre and dynamic behavior, the M 49 V is identical to a historic M 49 in top condition. The circuitry and acoustic design have been adopted from the M 49 c. And the most important component, the classic K 49 large diaphragm capsule, has been manufactured by Neumann with no changes since the 1950s – what company could claim anything like that?
V for Variabel
Detail improvements have been made to the pattern control unit, which now automatically adapts to the mains voltage and is also compatible with old M 49 microphones. Instead of the old bayonet connector, the M 49 V uses the RF-tight connector of the historic broadcast version M 249. In addition, the M 49 V can be configured via internal switches, either as a made-to-order option or post-sales by Neumann Service.
The infrasonic filter, which protects the BV11 output transformer from unwanted distortion, can be lowered from 30 Hz to 12 Hz, resulting in the frequency response of the early M 49 (without suffix) up to 1957. Like the historical M 49 b model variant, the M 49 V can be set to fixed cardioid pickup pattern, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio by about 3 dB. This option is useful if the M 49 V is to be used exclusively in cardioid mode, for example for vocals and speech.
“The M 49 is a very special microphone not only for a large number of our customers, but also for me personally. It is an icon of recording technology and is inextricably linked to some of the most extraordinary voices and instrumentalists of the last 70 years. Its physical presence alone, and even more so its incomparable sound, lend that magic and authority for which the Neumann name has become synonymous,” explains Ralf Oehl, CEO of Georg Neumann GmbH. “That gleam in the eyes of our mostly Grammy-awarded testers, after they sang or played into a new M 49 V for the first time, cannot be put into words. But it touched me incredibly every time. That’s exactly what we work for so passionately.”
Regarding availability, Ralf Oehl states: “Less than 48 hours after the official sales launch, we already have more than 200 orders. That’s overwhelming. Especially when you consider that we can only hand manufacture about 25 pieces per month with three specially trained employees. We must therefore hope for your patience. I promise ... it will be worth the wait!”
Features:
Superb vocal microphone for male and female voices
Versatile microphone for all types of instruments
Classic tube circuit with output transformer
Continuously variable polar pattern, remote controlled
Made to original specifications using archived documentation
New pattern control unit (compatible to historic M 49 microphones) automatically adapts to mains voltage
Handmade and hand soldered in Germany
Handmade vintage case manufactured in Germany
The M 49 V comes as a set with remote pattern control unit, microphone cable, and the classic "yoke" swivel mount, delivered in a high-quality, handcrafted case. The list price is 8,495 € / 8,499 $. Available in August 2022.
discoDSP updates his Nord Lead 2 based synth Discovery to version 5.0
What's new
New Silver Haze GUI.
Updated framework.
Fixed Logic Pro Audio Unit plug-in error after opening a existing project.
Revised PDF manual.
Demo is available for macOS, Windows and Linux. Full version license costs for $99. Update for Discovery 3 and 4 customers can be found at discoDSP Members Area for $19. Because of complex issues with AAX SDK and the framework update, ProTools plugin version will be offered with a future update without any additional costs.
The all-new HT series offers "heat treated" pickup technology along with the Cutlas HT, StringRay HT, and Sabre HT guitars.
Sabre HT
The Ernie Ball Music Man Sabre HT guitar delivers an incredibly dynamic and responsive playing experience. The pickups are able to achieve an ultra-high-output, powerful low-end response while retaining a distinctively clean, clear tone and definition at lower volume control levels. The HT (Heat Treated) bridge pickup utilizes patent-pending heat-treated pole pieces with a large ceramic magnet and an overwound coil that gives the pickup higher frequency harmonics and excellent touch sensitivity. The Sabre's custom-wound neck humbucker also features a large ceramic magnet and has been wound specifically to pair with the Sabre's HT bridge pickup. In other respects, the Sabre HT shares many of the original Sabre guitar specifications such as a contoured Okoume body with a thick maple top, Schaller locking tuners, and 22 stainless steel frets. The Sabre HT is available in a Yucatan Blue, Raspberry Burst, Showtime, and Snowy Night finish.
Cutlass HT
The Ernie Ball Music Man Cutlass HT showcases new custom Music Man pickup technology delivering an incredibly dynamic and responsive playing experience. The pickups are able to achieve an ultra-high-output, powerful low-end response while retaining a distinctively clean, clear tone when rolling back the volume control. This set of three HT (Heat Treated) pickups uses patent-pending pole pieces and a large neodymium magnet which provides remarkable definition. The bridge pickup has been wound with plain enamel magnet wire providing a strong, powerful tone, while the neck and middle pickups have been underwound with heavy formvar magnet wire for a more traditional voice. All three pickups have been crafted for a complimentary tonal offering across all five switch positions. The Cutlass HT shares many of the standard specifications of the original Cutlass guitar, including a contoured Alder body, a roasted figured maple neck, 22 stainless frets, Schaller locking tuners, and Music Man vintage tremolo. The Cutlass HT is available in a Showtime, Brûlée, Midnight Rider, and Raspberry Burst finish.
StingRay HT
The Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray HT showcases new custom Music Man pickup technology inspired by over a decade of guitar string research delivering an incredibly dynamic and responsive playing experience. The pickups are able to achieve an ultra-high-output, powerful low-end response while retaining a distinctively clean, clear tone and definition at lower volume control levels. The Stingray HT (Heat Treated) bridge pickup utilizes patent-pending heat-treated pole pieces with a large ceramic magnet and an overwound coil that gives the pickup higher frequency harmonics and excellent touch sensitivity. The custom-wound neck humbucker also features a large ceramic magnet and has been wound specifically to pair with the Stingray's HT bridge pickup. This Stingray HT is outfitted with a stop tail Tune-o-Matic bridge which sets it apart from the Stingray's vintage style tremolo but shares a number of the standard specifications, including a contoured body, a roasted figured maple neck, 22 stainless frets, and Schaller locking tuners. The StingRay HT is available in a Showtime, Brûlée, Midnight Rider, and Raspberry Burst finish. HT Series instruments are available now at authorized Ernie Ball Music Man dealers.
Features
More Output and Dynamic Range - Outperforms normal spec pickups by providing extra output and excellent touch sensitivity
Stronger Low End and Extended Frequency Response - HT pickups display a more powerful bass response and expansion of higher frequency harmonics
Push-Push Boost Circuit - Adjustable 20dB boost function for solos
Transparent Buffered Output - Complete tonal consistency at all volume control levels
ADDAC System announces its latest Eurorack module, the ADDAC713 Stereo Discrete Mixer. Inspired by Moog's legendary CP3 mixer, the 713 is a fully discrete analog mixer that is a wolf in sheep's clothing. Despite its harmless looking exterior, there is a dark, snarly soul behind the control panel that will take your sounds into a new realm of gritty, gnarly growls.
As a stereo version of the ADDAC703 discrete mixer, the new 703 was originally conceived as a percussion mixer with mono inputs and panning, allowing placement of various percussive voices in the stereo field while keeping one channel for low end sources — such as a like a kick drum or bass. However, during the development process, the module designers expanded on this initial idea, adding stereo inputs for the first three channels, while keeping the fourth channel in mono.
Functionally, the new 703 Stereo Discrete Mixer delivers both functionality and a healthy dose of sonic grit. All four Gain controls can be driven to extreme levels, and the first three channels also feature Pan controls. Meantime, the Feedback Gain control is used to overdrive the entire mix — as this control is turned clockwise, the resulting sound will be clipped harder and harder until it is off. As feedback increases, the audio bias reference also moves up — and at extreme levels it offsets the entire signal until it begins clipping, hence the resulting gate effect.
Other key controls include the The Master Output, which sets the overall output gain of the mixer — metering is provided by two LEDs which correlate to the output signal. The Soft Clipping switch engages an anti-click circuit which adds a low pass before the output. The Soft Clipping switch allows 3 states: soft low pass, off, and hard low pass.
The ADDAC703 Stereo Discrete Mixer is available now and priced at €220. Additionally, the unit will soon be made available as a full DIY kit.
HoRNet Plugins has updated HATEFISh RhyGenerator One their free euclidean step sequencer.
The new 1.1.0 version is a maintenance release and includes:
Added support for Apple M1.
Removed 32-bit support.
Added hardware acceleration for user interface.
Fixed interface not working in latest macOS.
The update is free for owners of the plugin and can be downloaded with HoRNet DoIn or from the user area
Kramer, the original Made To Rock Hard guitar brand has been setting trends with premium, performance-focused instruments since 1976. Made for rule-breakers that play fast and loud, Kramer has been embraced by legendary rockers and shredders like Eddie Van Halen, Vivian Campbell, Richie Sambora, Elliot Easton, Mick Mars. With its Original, Modernand Artist Collections, Kramer covers entry-level and intermediate guitars, as well as professional musician offerings, across the entire line. Kramer continues to be the guitar of choice for today’s hard rock and metal legends. Today, Kramer has unveiled the new Striker collection, available in three different configurations. The Kramer Striker collection is now available worldwide at authorized Kramer dealers and on www.kramerguitars.com.
Part of the Kramer Modern Collection, the all-new Striker collection is a gorgeous entry into the high-performance, shred-ready world of Kramer guitars. Each Striker features a satin-finished maple neck with a Kramer K-Speed SlimTaper C profile that’s fast, easy to play, and incredibly comfortable. An optional hardshell case is available for all.
Striker HSS (Floyd Rose Special) is available in both right and left-handed versions in Jumper Red, Ebony, and Majestic Purple colorways. The Striker HSS (Floyd-Rose Special) features a satin-finished maple neck, three Alnico 5 pickups, including a zebra-coil bridge humbucker and two single coils, so it can provide sparkling clean single coil tones as easily as it delivers hard-rocking humbucker tones. It also has licensed Floyd-Rose locking vibrato so you can use the whammy bar to your heart’s content while remaining in tune.
Striker Figured HSS (Laurel FB; Floyd Rose Special)–available in Wild Ivy and Transparent Red—features a stunning AAA flame maple top veneer, and a satin-finished maple neck. Two single coils provide sparkling clean single coil tones as easily as it delivers hard-rocking tones that cover a wide range of styles. This Kramer Striker Figured also has a licensed Floyd-Rose locking vibrato which provides all the whammy bar dives and theatrics a true performer needs while remaining in tune.
The Striker Figured HSS (Laurel FB; Stop Tail)–available in Transparent Ebonyand Transparent Purple—features a stunning AAA flame maple top veneer. This Striker Figured offers exceptional sonic versatility with a zebra-coil bridge humbucker and two single coils, delivering sparkling cleans as easily as harder rocking tones that can cover a variety of styles. An Epiphone LockTone Tune-O-Matic bridge and Stop Bar tailpiece ensure excellent intonation and loads of sustain.
“We are excited to bring back the classic Strikers, but with a modern twist” says Andrew Ladner, Brand Manager of Kramer and Epiphone at Gibson Brands. “This collection is 100% Kramer delivering fast, heavy, and loud guitars to fans for over 40 years. These Strikers, living in Kramer’s Modern Collection, cover the demands of a wide range of players including Floyd Rose fans, those who need a diverse assortment of pickups, and AAA maple figured lovers. And, if you are left-handed, we’ve got you covered. Striking again, is what Kramer does best.”
The Kramer Modern Collection adds a present-day twist on killer classic designs and introduces the Kramer name to a new generation. Kramer Modern Collection guitars feature new neck-to-body joints, contemporary hardware and tremolo options, cutting-edge pickups and electronic options for a wider range of tonal possibilities, and other options geared toward players that want to launch into hyperspace all with the Kramer DNA intact. KRAMER’s Modern Collection features innovative design with classic lines including the new Striker collection,Assault 220, Assault Plus, Nite-V, Nite-V Plus, and Kramer’s premier bass, the D-1 Bass and more.
Heavyocity Media has announced the release of Vocalise 3. Here's what they say:
Building on the inspiring content from its award-winning predecessors, Vocalise and Vocalise 2, Vocalise 3 is an emotive exploration that unearths the beauty, intimacy, and profound power of the human voice ― making it our most complete and cutting-edge vocal library to date.
Featuring 7GB of ethereal vocal content, Vocalise 3 unveils the deeply expressive nature of cinematic vocals ― from organic phrases to abstract whispers to haunting soundscapes ━ these are delicate hybrid vocals that flow beyond emotion.
Intro Price: $99 (Reg. $119) until August 22, 2022.
As a "powered-by-Kontakt" instrument Vocalise 3 offers all playback and sound-shaping functionality through the full version of Kontakt 6 or the free Kontakt 6 Player. Vocalise 3 is delivered with the Gravity: Modern Scoring Tools engine. Use of these packs do not require the purchase of Gravity: Modern Scoring Tools.
Sounds And Effects has released a bundle containing The Mandolin and Ukulele, for Kontakt Full or Reason, at a special intro price that is less than either library alone.
Individually each library is normally $59.95, but for a limited time the price of both together is $49.95. After the one week intro period it will become $99.95.
UnitedPlugins has released United Guitar Essentials, a plug-in bundle that includes two lightweight amp simulations, Electrum Core for guitar and Bassment Core for bass, accompanied by DIFIX which can help you fix some recording input imperfections.
All together it is three plugins worth €147 for €69. But if you already own Electrum Core, Bassment Core or DIFIX your price will reduce accordingly after you sign in to your UnitedPlugins account.
All the plugins offer a 15-day fully working trial version while Electrum Core and Bassment Core turn into a free limited version after the trial expires.
Capable of anything from light boost to a gritty drive that can send an amplifier into heavily overdriven tones, the Moxie is designed to be an ultra-flexible, wonderfully warm and rich pedal but with an extra bite. In addition to the standard controls, Brian has added two unique switches. The Voice switch adds clarity by changing the entire EQ associated with this design giving it a more transparent yet robust tone. The Fat switch adds an extra dimension of gain with a custom MOSFET clipping stage, reminiscent of a classic high-end boutique amp.
Staying true to the vintage sound of an Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer, the Moxie is powered by the classic 4558 chip, enabling it to scream with authentic woody tones. Use it to pour out a cold shot of Texas Blues, add gravity to rhythm chops, or tighten up and push your lead channel into brutal high gain. The Moxie is sensitive to nuanced picking with layers of complex harmonics allowing it to play nicely with a broad section of amplifiers and pedals. Stack this with another distortion or overdrive pedal like the Wampler Ratsbane, Tumnus, or Belle for a variety of tone options.
Features
High-grade components selected for superior sound and response, premium finish and controls.
Based on one of the most classic overdrive circuits of all time, the TS10 Tube Screamer
Volume, Gain, Tone controls
Fat switch to enhance the gain structure
Voice switch to equalize critical frequencies
Dimensions: 1.5” x 3.5” x 1.5” (38.1mm x 88.9mm x 38.1mm) - height excludes knobs and switches
Power draw: 11mA at 9V, 16mA at 18V • 9-18V power jack – DC supply only, no battery connection within
Includes limited 5-year warranty
$149.97 USD.
Mackie, a leading producer of high-quality professional audio products, today announces a complete refresh and expansion of its acclaimed Thump Loudspeaker Series, including updates to the standard Thump and the all-new ThumpXT Loudspeakers. Built with Mackie’s legendary sound, the new models live alongside the popular Thump GO making this the biggest lineup in the history of the series, featuring all-new cabinets, more power, and greater optimization options.
"Since its debut, the Thump Series has been a staple of the gigging DJ's toolkit everywhere, but in true Mackie fashion, the team is always finding ways to take Thump to a new level of performance.”, said Matt Redmon, Director of Product Marketing at Mackie. "We've re-designed Thump from the ground up, giving musicians and venues the best in both quality, experience, and affordability. For weddings, clubs, patio performances, and everything in between - This is honestly the most powerful, best-sounding, and fullest featured generation of Thump that Mackie has ever produced.”
Featuring a completely new design, the all-new loudspeakers maintain Mackie’s signature Built-Like-A-Tank™ construction and versatile I/O of the popular Thump Series loudspeakers plus some powerful upgrades. The 1400W ultra-efficient Class D amplifiers provide ample headroom for demanding performances allowing vocals, instruments, and music to cut through loud outdoor venues or indoor crowds with up to 128dB and 47Hz - 20kHz for optimal clarity.
Available in Thump and ThumpXT options, both offer a built-in Feedback Eliminator in addition to a convenient Music Ducking Mode. The new ThumpXT tacks on extra capabilities with venue-specific voicing modes and supplementary controls via the Thump Connect 2 App. Access system EQ, levels, mutes, Voicing Modes, and more, then link the speakers together for Bluetooth® wireless streaming and control.
For easy connectivity and input flexibility, the Thump Series utilizes dual TRS/XLR inputs and a stereo 1/8” aux input makes it easy to quickly connect a media player on the fly. Add the new Thump Series subwoofers (Thump115S and Thump118S) with 33Hz - 200Hz frequency response and up to 133dB to your system for extra rumble. As the most compact Thump Series subwoofer ever, the ergonomic Thump115S simplifies transport without sacrificing power.
Thump and ThumpXT powered loudspeakers, and Thump powered subwoofers will be sold on Mackie.com and at participating retailers with an MAP of $399.99 (Thump212), $499.99 (Thump215), $449.99 (Thump212XT), $499.99 (Thump215XT), 749.99 (Thump115S), and $849.99 (Thump118S).
Sampleson has released MetaPiano, a spectral modeled grand piano built upon real sound captures from a Japanese concert grand piano and meticulously rebuilt by math algorithms.
For its creation Sampleson captured every detail of the real instrument in a peaceful studio in Patagonia:
The mountains and solitary landscape gave the right scenario to meticulously record notes, resonances, and mechanical noises, to be used for feeding the Sampleson Spectral Engine 2.0.
Why is Sampleson doing spectral modeling?
Because it's a technique that produces highly accurate results. It provides a much closer sound representation of the real instrument (than other modeling techniques) to the brain's perception because it's based on the real waveforms and not in mathematical estimations.
The result:
The most realistic modeled Grand Piano nowadays. It features full decay for every note (you'll find up to 90 seconds of decay in the lowest notes, without loops). No velocity switching. No noise. And a small footprint. With these characteristics, a sampled Grand Piano plugin should weigh at least 30 Gb. Sampleson did it in only 60 MB.
Features:
Spectral modeled 88 notes grand piano.
~60MB.
Low CPU usage.
Based on real samples.
Full decays (no loops).
No velocity-switching.
Scalable HD interface.
Controls/FX:
Reverb effect.
Master gain.
Mechanics sound level.
Releases sound level.
Dynamic velocity adjustment.
Intro Price: $59 (Reg. $89).
Sampleson is also having a Summer Sale offering:
Suit73 V2, regular price $59, Summer Sale price $39.
Reed106, regular price $49, Summer Sale price $29.
ElectroNylon, regular price $49, Summer Sale price $39.
Things, regular price $39, Summer Sale price $19.
Gretsch has launched its collection of Electromatic Double Jets. Classic Jet tone begins with a chambered mahogany body with arched maple top that produces full lows and mids with a well-defined, yet smooth high end. The result is a strong and balanced acoustic foundation fit for a variety of tones.
The four models are available in a variety of finishes and offer two options for left-handed players.
G5232T Electromatic Double Jet FT with Bigsby, Laurel Fingerboard
G5232LH Electromatic Double Jet FT with V-Stoptail, Left-Handed, Laurel Fingerboard
G5222 Electromatic Double Jet BT V-Stoptail, Laurel Fingerboard
G5222LH Electromatic® Double Jet BT with V-Stoptail, Left-Handed
The Gretsch Electromatic Collection gives you essential Gretsch power, style and performance. These are the guitars that will get you to the big stage — they’re pure power, plugged in.
G5232T Electromatic® Double JetTM FT with Bigsby®, Laurel Fingerboard ($649.99 USD, £589.00 GBP, €679.00 EUR, $1,399.00 AUD, ¥112,640 JPY)
G5232LH Electromatic® Double JetTM FT with V-Stoptail, Left-Handed, Laurel Fingerboard ($649.99 USD, £589.99 GBP, €679.00 EUR, $1,399.00 AUD, ¥95,700 JPY)
G5222 Electromatic® Double JetTM BT V-Stoptail, Laurel Fingerboard ($549.99 – $649.99 USD, £529.00 GBP – £589.00 GBP, €609.00 EUR – €679.00 EUR, $1,199.00 – $1,399.00 AUD, ¥95,700 JPY)
After years of careful development the British Pedal Company are now proud to announce their new Dumble Overdrive Special range of pedals. Each of our pedals has been voiced from an original Overdrive Special amplifier ensuring authenticity of tone and dynamics. All our pedals are built by hand in our Custom Shop using the finest components.
The Dumble Silverface pedal has been been inspired by the classic sounds of the late 1970s Dumble amplifiers. The pedal features four controls including etc etc, the pedal can be used at both 9 volts or at 18v to give a little more head room. Dumble Silverface amplifier owners include SRV, Jackson Browne, Carlos Santana and many more..
Controls:
• Gain
• Volume
• Depth
• Tone
Power 9-18V for extra Headroom
Price £329
The Dumble Blackface pedal has been been inspired by the classic sounds of the late 1980s and 1990s Dumble Overdrive Special. The pedal features four controls etc etc and boost switch, the pedal can be used at both 9 volts or at 18v to give a little more head room. Dumble Blackface amplifier owners include Eric Clapton, Joe Bonamassa, Larry Carlton, Robben Ford and John Mayer
Controls:
• Gain
• Dynamic
• Tone
• Volume
• Boost Switch
Power 9-18V for extra Headroom
Price £329
A compact pedal format preamp designed to offer classic, natural bass tone with increased tonal control and extended headroom.
The BX1 begins with a boutique flat response, then Carvin added extensive tone control allowing you to carve out your signature sound. Harmonic content increases as you turn up the INPUT GAIN control, producing the rich harmonics you desire from your preamp. The BX1 was designed to offer lightweight, compact design, bullet-proof construction and a list of indispensable features. Now shipping worldwide.
Features
Preamp GAIN and master VOLUME controls
BLEND control adjusts the EQ/dry mix
Mid sweep semi-parametric EQ
COMPRESSOR: Threshold and Strength controls
Effects Loop
True Bypass
9-volt power – can use external power supply or internal battery
Switchable MUTE
-12dB Attenuation switch
DIRECT OUT balanced XLR and 1/4-inch
The BX1 is available on the Carvin website for a $239 street price.
Bremmers Audio Design has released version 4.5.1 of MultitrackStudio for iPad.
New in version 4.5.1:
Apple Pencil: adding notes in MIDI editors can now be done without waiting for the selector to pop up.
Some tweaks to using a mouse with the MIDI editors.
Score editor note duration touch handle now offers dotted quarter note.
12.9" iPad: there can now still be content panes when tracks have an output selector. (Pro Extension).
Audio track scrubber uses less CPU.
Fixed: Multi MIDI Editor: score editor note duration setting made Multi MIDI Editor disappear. (Pro Extension).
Fixed: Score editor: lasso could select tied notes twice.
Fixed: Onscreen MIDI Keyboard "Keyboard" layout note-on velocity sensitivity didn't work.
Fixed: Arpeggiator presets couldn't be imported.
Rast Sound has released Master Tanbur, a Middle Eastern string library for Kontakt that offers playable solo articulations, phrase plays, rare performances and patterns.
The term Tanbur can refer to various long-necked string instruments originating in Mesopotamia, Southern or Central Asia. Three figurines have been found in Susa that belong to 1500 BC, and in hands of one of them is a tanbur-like instrument.'
Solo Styles:
Master Solo Picks (3 Octaves).
Glissando Bend Solo (3 Octaves).
Effects + Strum Solo (3 Octaves).
Trill Solos (3 Octaves).
Phrase Plays (Tuned).
Features:
485 MB for Kontakt & WAV Unzipped.
224 Samples.
4 Natural Solo Styles with Keyswitches.
Patterns - Phrase Builder - Performances.
Royalty Free.
Kontakt Full version (5.8+ or more).
Harrison Consoles has updated their Mixbus32C DAW to version 8.1. Here's what they say:
Mixbus32C is Harrison's flagship "analog-style console" that has been incorporated into a Digital Audio Workstation. The Mixbus32C mixing engine was developed at Harrison Consoles, where we have been designing high-end digital and analog consoles for over 40 years.
If you are striving to create "in the box" mixes that sound like a hit record, Mixbus32C is the music production software for you! Try a Free Demo to see what you are missing.
v8.1 introduces a killer new feature: Mixer Scenes. Mixer scenes allow you to quickly store and recall your knob settings. You can compare 8 different mixes with a button-click. And you can audition a scene using 'momentary mode' before you actually overwrite your current settings. This takes plugin A/B'ing to a new level: you can A/B the setting for dozens of plugins, and your faders/mutes/sends/eqs/compressors ... all with one click.
v8.1 includes dozens of user-suggested fixes and improvements for the Clip & Cue Launching features introduced in version 8. Clip Launching isn't a new idea, but when you see how Harrison has implemented it, you'll have to admit that we've taken it to another level.
Our goal is to be 'better than Ableton(tm)' for acoustic and electric bands. Specifically, this means that we've made a tool to complement and extend, not replace, your linear recordings. Once you've transformed your song parts into Clips, then it's trivial to add embellishments like drum tracks, percussion, synths, risers, and sweeteners. As a final step, you can re-sequence the parts on the timeline with Cue Markers.
Watch the video to see how Nathan uses Cue Markers to sequence a song after he's recorded the individual parts on the timeline: Watch a new way to record and arrange your clips
Clips+Cues aren't just for songwriters, either: it's a quick way to sweeten a mix with contrasting percussion parts or add a 'stinger' to a podcast session.
Finally, v8.1 includes a native Mac M1/M2 build for the newest mac laptops and desktops. The ARM package provides extreme performance at the lowest latencies and provides longer battery life, too.
This software update is for both Demo and Licensed users of Mixbus32C. The software download is free. If you do not have have a v8 license, the software will run in Demo mode. If you already have a license for v8, it will be found by the new v8.1 software with no additional steps required.
Existing users should have received an email notification about the new update with a complete change-list.
Also new in v8.1: Stem export of MIDI tracks:
MIDI tracks (without an instrument) can be included in a stem-export, resulting in consolidated MIDI files for each track.
For tracks with an instrument, un-check the "Apply Track/Bus Processing" to stem-export the MIDI before a track's instrument plugin.
Also new in v8.1: Freesound search added to the Import dialog:
Access millions of free, user-uploaded sounds.
Search the freesound database directly from the Import dialog.
Filter your results by popularity, length, license, or other criteria.
Nembrini Audio has released JMP Pro Guitar Amplifier, a plugin is based on a Marshall JMP1 preamplifier.
JMP Pro Valve Amplifier drives pure tone into each of its four uniquely voiced channels OD1, OD2, Clean1 and Clean2.
Power Amplifier
Powered by four EL34 virtual tubes with presence, volume and power switch in class AB push-pull configuration.
Effects Section:
Digital Delay.
Analog Modulations.
Ambient Reverb.
Filters Cleaner.
Analog Noise Gate.
Studio Compressor.
Cabinets
With Nembrini Audio JMP Pro Valve Guitar Amplifier it is possible to choose between six different guitar cabinets, four microphone emulations with on/off axis position switch, continuous position and distance knobs. A complete Mixer section with Solos, Mutes, Pans and Faders allows you to blend together the two microphones with the ambience.
Impulses Response Loader
The Impulse Loader lets you load up to three third-party impulse responses that you can even blend together using volume, pan, phase, solo and mute controls. A useful browser window has been added so you can easily search through all your third-party IR files.
Intro Price: $39.99 until August 31th, 2022 (Reg. $137).
Lese has released Codec, a plugin for "Modern Degradation", available for free as a VST3 / AU audio plugin.
Here is what they are saying:
Codec is for sound destruction.
Unlike other plugins that simulate degradation in "old school" ways like vinyl, tape or cassette, Codec degrades sound in the most common way we hear today, through internet compression algorithms.
Codec is essentially a container that holds an audio compressor (not that kind of compressor) so you can compress and then decompress your sound, in real time, in your DAW of choice.
Since Codec is basically just a container, we figured it would only be fair to provide it for free as a VST3 and AU plugin, so enjoy.
Price: Free
Tone2 Audio has updated their digital synthesizer Nemesis to v2.4. The update is available for free for all Nemesis1 and Nemesis2 users.
New features:
Added a VST3 version for Mac (M1 native and Intel).
Added a standalone version for Mac (M1 native and Intel).
Completely new AudioUnit interface.
All parameters are available for the DAW's automation now.
Enhancements:
Many small enhancements.
Fixes:
Workarounds for many DAWs which did not resize the VST3 plugin properly.
Automation in the VST3 version did not work with parameters that were located behind the 10th slot.
Workaround for a bug of Ableton and FL Studio which do not properly stick to the AudioUnit2 standard and did not display the AudioUnit.
Workaround for a bug of Ableton which did not configure the Automation parameters of the VST3 version properly.
Workaround for a bug of Reaper which did display automation parameters incorrectly.
Fixed a possible crash.
Ample Sound has announced the release of Ample China Erhu (ACEH), a new virtual instrument plugin featuring samples of 3 Erhus in the key of D, C and low G, with 7.6 GB samples, including head, body and legato group articulations, FX sounds, as well as a select collection of improvised licks.
Details:
The Artist: Ying Wang (Ph.D. Erhu major, Central Conservatory of Music).
The Instruments: the ACEH is sampled on 3 Erhus in the key of D C and low G. Main notes (D3~G5) are sampled on the Erhu in the standard key of D. Lower notes (G2~C#3) are sampled on Erhus in the key of C and low G.
Sampling:
Portamentos with customizable pitch and timing, within one octave. Aided with Virtual Portamento technology that supports customizable slide process.
There are 4 articulation groups (Head, Body, Legato and Special Effects), consisting of 30 articulations in total in the ACEH:
Bowed Articulations: Sustain, Staccato, Ricochet, Grace Tremolo, Expressive Tremolo and Portato.
Expressions: Whispering, Sighing, Crying and Hoarse.
Fingered Articulations: Pizzicato, Diminuendo, Sforzando, Expressive, Vibrato, Uniform Trill, Variable Trill, Mordent, Inverted Mordent, Double Mordent, Full Slide Up, Full Slide Down, Slide in Below, Slide in Above, Slide Out Downward, Slide Out Upward, Portamento and Virtual Portamento.
Special Effects: Lick, Mirroring.
Sustained articulations have 5 velocity layers. Legato articulations have 4 velocity layers including Mordent, Straight Legato, Expressive Legato and Soft Legato. ACEH can produce sound from mildly soft to bright and aggressive.
Bowed string instruments have the feature that with higher velocity, the tone is brighter and cleaner and the duration is shorter; with lower velocity, the tone is darker and the duration is longer. If longer notes are needed, users can switch on the Loop function, which will keep the note sustained instead of reaching a natural release (only for a number of articulations). Polyphonic chords can be played using the Polyphonic mode.
Recorded with 5 mics (Mid low, Mid High, Front, Back and Far Position). Each mic volume is adjustable and equipped with channel EQ. Providing 4 Mic modes: AB, Wide AB, MS and Bright MS, capable of colorful sound designs.
Features:
3 fingering modes: A string mode, D string mode and Position mode, capturing the realistic fingering of the Erhu performance.
Intelligent Legato system that fine tunes to the timing of notes.
Endless legato between articulations.
Creative Mirroring feature.
Voice independent SAHDS Modulation System.
System Requirement:
Windows: Windows 7/8/10, 64-bit only (32-bit not supported).
Mac: 10.9 or newer versions.
VST2, VST3, AU, AAX and Standalone host (Rectangles).
Intel i5 or higher.
iLok Anti-Piracy system, which requires a free iLok account. The license can be stored on the local machine without an iLok dongle, or on 2nd/3rd generation iLok dongle.
Promotion
ACEH Intro Price: $127 until September 5, 2022 (Reg. $169).
Ample Sound is running a Summer Sale until August 15:
Full bundle (29 plugins) - 67% off.
Full guitar bundle (13 plugins) - 59% off.
Full bass bundle (7 plugins) - 52% off.
Electric guitar bundle (6 plugins) - 50% off.
Chinese instrument bundle (6 plugins) - 50% off.
Acoustic guitar bundle (5 plugins) - 49% off.
Electric bass bundle (4 plugins) - 48% off.
Metal bundle (3 plugins) - 46% off.
Acoustic bass bundle (2 plugins) - 33% off.
Ethno bundle (2 plugins) - 33% off.
Single products - 20% off.
Ultimate MIDI Plugin has updated UChord (Ultimate Chord Engine), a VST plug-in for chord progression based on chord table and rhythm editor, to version 1.4.7.
Updates:
Added drag reorder in data lists (rhythm, progression, voicing list).
Added scrollbar movement keystroke in data lists.
Data Drag Reorder:
Drag reorder is possible even in the data filter state (search & favorite).
There is a specific icon on the drag label in the filter state.
When moving data by dragging, you can quickly move the scroll bar by using the mouse wheel or Home & End keys.
Double-clicking the scroll bar, the scroll bar moves to the selected index in the data list.
In column sort state, drag movement is not possible and the state of drag label changes, but you can switch to initial index sort by toggling the favorite filter (or pressing reload button).
Techivation has announced the release of their new plug-in, T-Warmer. The company's goal in developing T-Warmer was to create an effective tool for filling up the sound by adding unique musical harmonic saturations to low and mid frequencies.
Techivation T-Warmer offers four different high-quality harmonic saturations designed for the purpose of making the low and mid frequencies warmer, and thicker. The plug-in allows you to apply any of these harmonic saturation makers, to a certain frequency range of the sound, from 20Hz to 600Hz, or to the user's tailored choice.
With its minimal, yet effective Techivation style design and essential options, T-Warmer will add extra weight to your sound.
The Techivation team has focused on creating a fast and simple solution for adding more weight and warmth to sounds, with this new audio plug-in.
Intro Price: 29.00 USD at techivation.com (Reg. $39). Owners of other Techivation plug-ins can get a special loyalty offer of 19.00 USD until August 15th, 2022. There is not a free trial available for T-Warmer yet.
Excite Audio has announced that Lifeline Expanse and Lifeline Console are both now Apple Silicon (M1) compatible along with a few other updates.
Expanse:
25 new presets across all categories.
Visual optimisation for enhanced GUI performance.
Native Apple M1 compatibility.
Console:
25 new presets across all categories.
Visual optimisation for enhanced GUI performance.
Native Apple M1 compatibility.
Homegrown Sounds has announced the release of Hydra Stack, a collection of multi sampled instruments sampled from a Hydrasynth using the Wavestack Mutant.
This module creates a detuned unison style of sound from the loaded oscillator shape. 218 instruments have been sampled at 96kHz using 2 samples per octave over 5 octaves for a full sampled range. There are 2 complete sets, one set at 20% detune and the other at 40%.
The digital waveforms from the Hydrasynth are special due to their high resolution and a great collection for bright sounds that don't sound harsh.
The WAVs use metadata and naming that should make them compatible with samplers that look for this info.
The 'Stack' Kontakt instrument was designed to be a simple 2 'Oscillator' Synth for easily creating / randomising sounds It deploys a wave shape and time method to shape the volume and filter envelopes.
Hydra Stack costs $29.99 but is currently available for an introductory price of $19.99 until the end of August, 2022.
In the Spanish language, Mira is a command that translates to look, see, and call attention to and today Walrus Audio is bringing attention to their newest pedal offering, the Mira Optical Compressor. Starting with the bonus features: Walrus decided to also provide a push-button High Pass Filter in the side-chain (the part of the circuit that controls the optical element in the compressor). This is designed for preventing bass frequencies 120Hz or below from engaging the compressor as much as higher frequencies. The keen result of this keeps the compressor from overworking on lower notes and is great for bass guitar or keeping low-frequency dynamics dramatic for guitar players.
The Mira is a true bypass optical compressor offering studio-grade sound sculpting and sustain packed with controls you’d normally only find on studio units. Mira also offers in-depth control over Attack, Release, Ratio, and a Make-Up knob to help maintain unity levels after your signal has been compressed. Use the Blend knob to mix in your compressed sound with your clean tone to maintain note clarity while offering increased sustain.
Walrus Audio is offering The Mira for a retail price of $249 USD
The company behind the hugely popular and acclaimed Pure Piano for iOS, announce Pure Upright, the perfect companion for those wanting to expand their piano collection.
Pure Upright - AT A GLANCE
Pure Upright is a professional multi-sampled upright piano for iPhone and iPad that puts the many timbres of one beautifully recorded piano, quite literally at your fingertips.
Offering the unique timbre of the upright piano for those who don’t always need the splendour of a grand piano but the character and immediacy of an upright piano.
An upright piano sits perfectly in pop, R&B, Hip-Hop, and many more genres of modern music. That’s why it’s heard in countless iconic tracks throughout musical history with the upright at the heart of the song.
Pure Upright - KEY FEATURES
Interactive Morph Pad
Nine core piano timbres
Studio Quality Audio
Extensive Connectivity
Standalone and AUv3 plug-in compatible
Zynaptiq QREV Reverb
3-Band EQ and Delay
Save, Load and Share Your Own Presets
Mechanics section for adjusting the amount of pedal and key noise
Flexible Tuning Options including Semi-tone and Fine adjustments (Hz)
Customisable velocity curve
Pure Upright - IN DETAIL
Pure Upright is a professional multi-sampled Upright Piano on your iPhone or iPad that puts the tonal palette of the Upright at your fingertips. The Morphpad offers up nine core timbres of the piano. The pure tone of the Upright sits untouched at the heart and centre of the space, surrounded by eight more presets for the player to explore. User reviews of the original Pure Piano show just how loved this simple workflow is for those wanting to get unique and great piano sounds fast.
Pure Upright works as a standalone app or as an AUv3 plug-in within your iOS DAW of choice, and extensive connectivity options allow you to play the piano using your keyboard controller via USB, direct or Bluetooth MIDI. The app also supports direct connection to your Mac using Inter Device Audio (IDAM) as well as networked midi and Inter-App Audio.
Equipped with Zynaptiq QREV reverb technology, sound creation becomes even more creative. Maybe you want to add a long reverb tail to add some extra atmosphere, adjust the 3-band EQ or experiment with some delay. It’s up to you.
Intro Price - €14,99 (Half Price) until September 5th 2022.
Regular Price - €29.99 from September 6th onwards.
A.O.M. has released a new plugin, Invisible Limiter G3, and updated their plugins to version 1.15.0.
Invisible Limiter G3 is the third generation of the Invisible Limiter series coming with significant updates around the fundamental limiting algorithm and oversampling engine. Supporting modern mastering techniques, Invisible Limiter G3's limiter features have been refined and reorganized from the previous generation.
Price: ¥22000 at aom-factory.jp
Changes in A.O.M. plugins v1.15.0:
New Plug-in:
Invisible Limiter G3.
Bugfixes:
[All Plugins] Factory presets did not appear in preset selector. This bug was introduced in version 1.14.2. – Fixed.
Improvements:
[All Plugins] Support unbounded drag operation on knobs and sliders.
[Invisible Limiter G2] Reduce CPU load by 37% (typical) in Modern III, IV, V modes.
[Nu Compressor] Reduce CPU load by 4% (typical).
[tranQuilizr G2] Reduce CPU load by 46% (typical).
The Surge Synth Team has updated Surge XT (formerly Surge by Vember Audio) to Surge XT 1.1.
XT 1.1 retains full compatibility with XT 1.0 patches and sessions. Added are several big new features, including action history (undo/redo), support for the new CLAP standard, expanded and improved support for accessible interfaces like screen readers, several new DSP and voice management features, and much more. Several other highlights include:
Easier patch navigation when searching by text (filtered results persist after loading a patch, allowing fast auditioning).
Royal Surge skin (available in Skin Library) updated to match the latest features.
Keyboard shortcut editor.
Filter analysis overlay.
Several new Airwindows effects.
Scalability in Surge XT Effects plugin.
3D wavetable waveform display option.
New wavetables and patches.
Surge is free and open source software, released under GPL3 license.
Plughugger has announced the release of World of Darkness for u-he Repro, a soundset that is conceptually inspired by the Dune movies and TV series. Rather than replicating the sound design and score, the main focus was to create a dark and forceful soundset with cinematic qualities.
To balance out the harshness Plughugger added sounds inspired by the scores from 90s action and thriller movies, inspired by John Carpenter.
The majority of the sounds are focused on otherworldly textures, strangely tuned pads but also deep analog bass sounds, effects and drum & percussion sounds.
World of Darkness contains 150 sounds in the following categories:
16 Bass sounds.
9 Drum & Percussion.
23 Effects.
37 Pads and Strings.
30 Synth sounds.
35 Textures & Soundscapes.
All sounds are properly tagged making finding sounds easy (both in Repro as well as in Native Instruments Maschine and Komplete Kontrol). The soundset also supports audio previews for Maschine and Komplete Kontrol.
Intro price: 9.90 Euro / 50% off until August 14th, 2022. Use coupon code EXPLORER to get the discount. Ordinary price is 19.90 Euro.
The CVPlate-T is essentially an improved/modernized clone of the original late 1950's V54S tube amps found in the very first production plate reverbs of the late 1950s. All class-A/single-ended on both pickup and drive amps; results in super thick and warm sound with lots of pleasing harmonic distortion and the ability to push the amp into some amazing tube distortion!
The CVPlate-T adds expanded EQ options on the front panel to include: 4-position stepped driver LPF, HPF (as per the original), pickup HPF, and on-board jumpers to disable the built-in mid-cut and high-boost pickup EQ's (if you'd prefer to use your own outboard EQ instead).
It uses modern-production equivalents to the tubes used in the original since some of them are rather expensive and/or starting to get more rare. For authenticity all tube-types are the same as the original, i.e. the EF804S pentode is now EF806S/EF86 pentode, E80CC dual-triode is now the ECC99 dual triode (pin-compatible with original tube), and the E81L power pentode is now the EL84/EL844 power pentode. There are TONS of possible tube combinations and additional substitutes that tube-nerds might want to try out!
The CVPlate-T features cutting-edge glass-composite diaphragm drivers for near-zero resonance of the speaker cone - so you hear the plate and not the resonance/freq. peaks of the driver.
The beefy power supply features low-noise fully-regulated DC on all outputs, to include the filament. The noise is so low, its actually on-par with the super quiet solid state version! This is one of the safest power supplies around, with redundant thermal overload protection and 4 x fuses. Externally switchable for worldwide 120/240VAC operation. Externally accessible voltage trim and standard 2mm multimeter test points make this a service techs dream come true!
The suspension has been improved to allow for fast & easy 1-bolt shipping lockdown - making it by far the easiest plate to ship or travel with!
Prices (UPDATED 7/11/2022):
(note that even mono drive still has stereo output):
CVPlate-MMT manual - mono drive - all-tube: $5000
CVPlate-MST manual - stereo drive - all-tube: $5600
CVPlate-RMT remote control - mono drive - all-tube: $6000
CVPlate-RST remote control - stereo drive - all-tube: $6600
International customers:
Worldwide shipping with full insurance at buyer expense - I've shipped high-end vintage pro audio gear to studios and individuals all over the world.
The packaged dimensions & weights for the CVPlate-T are:
37" x 25" x 13" - 68lbs ( CVPlate-T main plate unit)
23" x 23" x 9" - 14lbs (CVPlate-RT remote & PS)
23" x 15" x 7" - 12lbs ( CVPlate-MT power supply)
The un-packaged dimensions & weights for the CVPlate-T are:
34" x 22" x 11" - 46lbs (main plate unit)
11" x 9" x 4" - 9lbs (power supply unit)
ZAK Sound has released Sierras Altas. Sierras Altas is a cinematic plugin inspired by high mountains that features drums, pads, pianos, synths, and more sounds in one plugin.
Each preset is made up of two sounds, which can be individually adjusted with the X and Y knobs, allowing for a greater variety of customization of each instrument.
Controls and functions:
Gain and pan: Master controls.
X/Y knobs to level each sound separately.
Low-pass filter.
Room.
Settings: Curve, pitch, high range, width, three modes, and glide (for legato).
LFO: Type, waveform, speed, and depth.
ADSR.
Price: $34.90. There is an intro offer of $24.90 until August 15.
It is available for macOS El Capitan to Monterey (VST3 & AU) and Windows 8 to 11 (VST3). It has native support for Apple Silicon.
Equipped with noise reduction and noise gate modes, the Integrated Gate has a signal monitoring function that constantly monitors the input signal.
In order to solve the unnaturalness at the time of sound interruption, which was a problem of conventional noise gates, it is equipped with a signal monitoring function that constantly monitors the input signal, such as peaking and attenuation of the input signal, by using a CPU. The optimum output level is controlled while monitoring the waveform. Even with the Integrated Gate connected, the sound quality does not change, and in order to convey the original sound of the guitar or bass to a device connected after this unit, the circuit through which the audio signal passes is completely analog. We took extra time to study the sound quality and complete the design. You can feel the fundamental difference from the sound quality of conventional noise reduction and noise gates.
Features
Equipped with Noise Reduction and Noise Gate modes. You can select the operation to suit your purpose.
Equipped with input impedance select switch (Hi-Z/Lo-Z).
Control by MIDI signal (Control Change Number) is possible (effect on/off only).
Equipped with Free The Tone’s original HTS (Holistic Tonal Solution) circuit.
Integrated Gate carries a suggested retail price of $228.00
Harrison has published a new, free software update for Mixbus32C : version 8.1!
What's new in v8 ?
In addition to hundreds of fixes and improvements, v8.1 introduces a killer new feature: Mixer Scenes. Mixer scenes allow you to quickly store and recall your knob settings. You can compare 8 different mixes with a button-click. And you can audition a scene using 'momentary mode' before you actually overwrite your current settings. This takes plugin A/B'ing to a new level: you can A/B the setting for dozens of plugins, and your faders/mutes/sends/eqs/compressors ... all with one click!
v8.1 includes dozens of user-suggested fixes and improvements for the Clip & Cue Launching features introduced in version 8. We are quickly executing on our plan to be 'better than Ableton(tm)' for acoustic and electric bands.
Finally, v8.1 includes a native Mac M1/M2 build for cutting-edge mac users. The ARM package provides extreme performance at the lowest latencies and provides longer battery life, too!
This software update is for both Demo and Licensed users of Mixbus32C. The software download is free. If you do not have have a v8 license, the software will run in Demo mode. If you already have a license for v8, it will be found by the new v8.1 software with no additional steps required.
Existing users should have received an email notification about the new update with a complete change-list. You can also see a full list of changes here.
You can get the new Mixbus32C software from the Mixbus32C demo store page. Due to high download volume, we use the FastSpring download service to provide you with localized, fast downloads of the Mixbus32C software. You will be prompted for your email address and area-code so FastSpring can provide you a fast download link.
New in v8.1: Mixer Scenes
Mixer Scenes allow you to quickly save and recall your knob settings of the mixer: this includes the fader, panner, sends, send levels, eq settings, compressor settings, and plugin settings. You'll find the mixer scenes in the bottom-left corner of the mix window. (If you don't see the mixer list on the left side of your mixer, click View->Mixer List in the main menu)
Use mixer scenes to temporarily stash a mix, like "wetter vocals" or "vocal +2dB" and compare the 2 mixes.
Clip Launching : Mixbus Style
We introduced Clip Launching in v8.0, and we've made many improvements to this new feature in v8.1
Clip Launching isn't a new idea, but when you see how Harrison has implemented it, you'll have to admit that we've taken it to another level.
Our goal is to be 'better than Ableton(tm)' for acoustic and electric bands. Specifically, this means that we've made a tool to complement and extend, not replace, your linear recordings. Once you've transformed your song parts into Clips, then it's trivial to add embellishments like drum tracks, percussion, synths, risers, and sweeteners. As a final step, you can re-sequence the parts on the timeline with Cue Markers.
Watch the video to see how Nathan uses Cue Markers to sequence a song after he's recorded the individual parts on the timeline:
Cue Markers aren't just for songwriters, either: it's a quick way to sweeten a mix with contrasting percussion parts, or add a 'stinger' to a podcast session.
What else is new in Mixbus v8.1 ?
NEW: Stem export of MIDI tracks
MIDI tracks (without an instrument) can be included in a stem-export, resulting in consolidated MIDI files for each track
For tracks with an instrument, un-check the "Apply Track/Bus Processing" to stem-export the MIDI before a track's instrument plugin.
NEW: Freesound search added to the Import dialog (thanks to Colin Fletcher)
Access millions of free, user-uploaded sounds
Search the freesound database directly from the Import dialog
Filter your results by popularity, length, license, or other criteria
NEW: native ARM builds for Mac M1, M2 computers
The "native' Mac M1 build uses Apple's latest OS and processor features to achieve effortless low-latency performance.
Offering innovative composite instruments made of Ruffaine, a fully adjustable material designed to achieve pristine tone.
This new line of Ruf Guitars offers ergonomics combined with the adjustable sound creates a reliable and comfortable tool for modern musicians because instruments made of Ruffaine are insensitive to changes of temperature and moisture in the air.
Features
Ruffaine flavored - Plain, Brown or Grey, depending on your tone preferences
Fretboard material type - Black Diamond or Maple Valley Richlite with a variety of inlay options, including our top-shelf hexagons and custom wishes
25-1/2” scale length for 6 strings, 26-1/2" scale length for 7 strings
Wide choice of pickups’ brands and configurations
Neck coating of nano-silver molecules that reduce sweating and bacterial growth
Top-class hardware from Hipshot, Schaller, ABM and more
Schrödinger 6 and 7-string guitars carry suggested prices of 3150 EUR and 3300 EUR plus tax respectively.
Akunull has updated Fang Synth, the motion controlled Android synthesizer based on control through accelerometer information, to v1.6.
New features:
Accelerometer can update for voiced synth on note on (default) or instantly.
UI improvements.
Sequencer and arp rate buttons slide to control.
Can change formant filter glide length.
Can change number of filter poles.
Price: $3.50.
The Halcyon Green Overdrive Adapt switch allows this mid-forward voicing to gradually fade away as the pedal cleans up, giving you classic TS808 tone with your guitar cranked but revealing the full spectrum of your clean tone as you roll back the volume knob.
Despite being their simplest pedal yet, Origin Effects have given us a generous helping of tweakability, with two Adapt settings, a Dry level control for adjusting the clean signal and a choice of voicings. With the ability to select either the classic TS808 mid hump or a brighter, more focused presence peak, even full-bore Metal players can reap the benefits of the Halcyon Green Overdrive when tightening up their high-gain tones. All these extra features also help this pedal to work as a standalone overdrive, relying far less on your amp’s tone than the original. Of course, all the sounds of the stock Tube Screamer are available too, should you want them, recreated with Origin-level accuracy.
The Origin Effects Halcyon Green Overdrive is available now from Origin Effects dealers worldwide.
Eventide has released Misha, a new type of Eurorack instrument and sequencer that utilizes a unique, interval-based approach to playing and creating melodies.
Inspired by twelve-tone composition, Misha's sequencer expands upon the tone row technique, allowing for new paths of spontaneous creativity. Modify sequences using some of the classic techniques such as PRIME (forwards), RETRO (backwards), or Inverted playback, or completely rearrange sequences in unpredictable and exciting ways.
Misha comes preloaded with a variety of scales ranging from typical Western scales, microtonal scales, scales that use just intonation, and everything in between. Additionally, two banks of user scales allow users to upload their own scales using the Scala format for further experimentation. Create a simple melody or sequence, change the key and scale, and manipulate the pattern into a whole new creation.
Features:
Innovative 28HP Eurorack instrument/sequencer that utilizes a unique, interval-based approach to playing and creating melodies.
Make sound three ways via MIDI, control voltage (with three independent CV and t/g — trigger/gate — pairs), or outputting waveforms via the audio jack.
External control templates for MIDI and QWERTY keyboards.
100 factory scales and additional slots for up to 100 user/custom scales (Scala support).
Tone row-based sequencer inspired by the classic compositional technique used in serial music.
Comprehensive control of sequence playback to easily manipulate and expand upon musical ideas.
Create rhythmic variations using clock division.
18 user presets.
CV inputs for external trigger/control sources.
Clock input for syncing to external sources (with user-configurable PPQ settings).
Audio output for internal oscillator.
Polyphony via three CV outputs or MIDI.
Micro-USB for easy firmware updates using Eventide Device Manager.
MicroSD card for saving/loading scales and settings.
Price: $599.00 USD from Eventide and authorized dealers worldwide.
Palmer’s River Series of reliable and professional DI boxes, re-amping boxes, line isolators, splitters and summers is available now. Musicians and sound engineers worldwide will appreciate these German-developed solutions for their unobstructed signal flow and unadulterated sound – crystal clear and as alive as water! For this reason, the various models in the River Series are named after German rivers and feature names such as ilm, enz, wipper, vils, trave and tauber. Thanks to their high-precision circuits, the sound always reaches its destination in its purest form.
Based on a distinctive and uniform design language, all of the Palmer River Series products are made of solid aluminium and feature a robust steel front panel that ensures years of reliability in the face of tough everyday stage and studio use. All come with the standard Palmer 5-year warranty – which the brand offers on all of its products.
Palmer Senior Product Manager Robin Henlich says: “In the tradition of the Palmer brand, which has been manufacturing audio tools for professional use on stage, in broadcasting and in the studio since 1980, all new developments are meticulously thought through down to the last detail, so that they meet the high demands of professionals both technically and aesthetically. Of course, we have also implemented this claim in the development of the new Palmer River Series.”
These six new live stage and studio sound helpers are available immediately, and each is a specialist in its own discipline:
– Palmer ilm – passive speaker simulation DI box
– Palmer enz – passive 2-channel line isolation box, unbalanced
– Palmer wipper – passive DI box
– Palmer vils – passive mono merge line isolation box
– Palmer trave – passive re-amplification box
– Palmer tauber – passive microphone merge box
Boutique recording equipment maker Lindell Audio is proud to announce availability of its LiN76 Vintage Limiting Amplifier — aptly designed to recreate the timbres and nuances of ’76-style FET (field-effect transistor) compressors, duly delivering instant vintage-vibe dynamics processing for today’s demanding recording studios — as of August 2…
As a resident producer at Bohus Sound Recording in Kungälv, Sweden — itself boasting a long and prestigious history that is intrinsically linked to the Swedish recording industry, namesake Lindell Audio founder Tobias Lindell knows only too well what recording equipment works best, boutique or otherwise. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that the most classic and respected sounds of dynamic processors live on in Lindell Audio’s aptly-named LiN76, proudly designed in Sweden to recreate timbres and nuances of ’76-style FET compressors — backed by the Vintage Limiting Amplifier wording boldly blazoned across its no-nonsense front and back panels. Put it this way: with LiN76, it is even possible to replicate the infamous ‘all-button mode’ made famous by British recording engineers throughout the Seventies, reproducing a sound that is still popular today.
This ‘secret mode’ effectively changes the RATIO to roughly 20:1, and also changes the bias of the circuit as well as the way that the knobs interact with each other. As a result, the LiN76 becomes much more aggressive, with its reaction knee becoming more like a plateau than a gentle curve with a more aggressive dirty tone that sounds incredible on aggressive drums, while the ATTACK becomes very punchy with a gooey ‘sucking’ sound on the RELEASE. Regular settings, however, are: ATTACK — continuously variable 20 μs to 800 μs; RELEASE — 50 ms to 1200 ms; and RATIO — 4:1, 8:1, 12:1, and 20:1 (and any combination thereof).
Vintage-vibe dynamics processing continues with a front panel-dominating VU (volume unit) meter, metering the amount of gain reduction applied with units selected by the chosen METER mode: +4 — meters output level at 0 with +4dB output; +8 — meters output level at 0 with +8dB output; Off is self explanatory; and GR allows for meter calibration (by turning the back panel-positioned METER CALIBRATION screw until the needle rests at 0, having ensured that no RATIO buttons are selected beforehand).
Back panel-positioned OUTPUT and INPUT are both balanced line-level TRS (Tip, Ring, and Sleeve), rounding out an easy-to-use, solidly-built 19-inch rack-mounting (2U) package — powered by an AC (alternating current) 12V 5A switching supply, adaptor included — that weighs in at 8kg, duly delivering instant vintage-vibe dynamics processing for today’s demanding recording studios.
Boutique microphone manufacturer Mojave Audio have announced the MA-D, the company’s first hand-held dynamic microphone. Designed by Technical Grammy Award Winner David Royer for an optimized full-frequency response and rich musicality the MA-D is the ideal hand-held microphone for vocalists, with a versatile sound profile equally useful for a variety of live and studio miking situations. As with all Mojave Audio microphones, the MA-D is built with the highest-quality components and attention to detail, making it a valuable addition to any microphone cabinet. MA-D is available now for MAP $159.00
The MA-D’s smooth frequency response makes it extremely versatile, able to do double duty on guitar and bass amps, drums, and brass as well as a variety of vocal styles for live sound, recording, and broadcast applications. It has excellent off-axis rejection, an integrated pneumatic shock-mount, and a built-in internal windscreen which gives it a focused performance with reduced handling noise and the ability to easily eliminate plosives. The MA-D includes a flexible mic clip and a zippered bag.
“When we set out to create our first dynamic microphone, we wanted to avoid the harsh ‘presence peak’ common in a lot of well-known mics on the market and deliver a smoother-sounding alternative,” said Mojave Audio President Dusty Wakeman. “The MA-D has a rich, musical response that will make any vocalist happy, while working just as well on many other instruments in live miking situations. We’re proud to have a dynamic mic that we can put the Mojave name on.”
Specifications
Type – Dynamic
Uniform Cardioid Pickup Pattern
Frequency Response: +/- 2.5dB 60-10,000 Hz, + 2dB-6dB 30-15,000 Hz
Polar Pattern – Cardioid
Sensitivity – -53 dB. Re 1V/pa
Max SPL: Greater than160dB @ 1 kiloHz
Impedance – 600 Ohms @ 1 kiloHz
Connector – Three-pin XLR (Male)
Weight – .5 lbs.
Dimensions – L 7.25”, W 2”
Spectral Plugins has announced that the Pancz multiband transient shaper plugin, developed in collaboration with and previously sold by Oversampled, is now available from spectral-plugins.com.
The company has reduced the plugin's price from $119 to $75, and is running an "re-intro price" of $45 until 22nd August, 2022.
Pancz combines multiband transient shaping with sound polishing controls: a limiter/soft clipper, 'NYC' parallel compression, plus Presence and Air EQ.
Pancz Features:
Transient shaper adds impact to transients and weight to sustain.
Multiband operation with adjustable crossovers, solo and mute.
Limiter / Soft Clip function for aggression and distortion.
NYC control for signal-warming parallel compression.
Presence and Air EQ controls for high-end polish.
Input/Output Gain controls and metering for level matching.
Bypass control.
Available as a VST2/VST3/AU/AAX plugin for Mac and PC.
M1 Mac-compatible for VST/AU.
Cool WAV has announced the release of Simple Console, a free VST3 plugin for Windows.
Simple Console has some of the features found in an analog console. This plugin can be used on the first insert of every track on your mix, except for the Master. Add some drive (preamp saturation) for each track to bring warmth and glue. Cut the low/high frequencies of your melodies using the filters. Gain stage with the input/output knob.
Features:
Filters: High Pass filter from 20.0hz – 300.0hz Low Pass filter from 6.0kHz to 20.0kHz.
Input: Gain before going through the Saturation circuit. Range is -10db to 10db. The knob is stepped by 1db.
Drive: 0 to 100% Be careful going past 85% it gets really intense. This is the same as Simple Saturation.
Output: Gain after going through the Saturation circuit. Range is -10 to 0db. The knob is stepped by 1db.
Luftrum has announced the release of Xenon, which consists of 150 presets for u-he Diva inspired by modern electronic scores with an eastern influence from cinema and video games.
Taking its cues from Japanese Manga and Anime, it pushes virtual analog to the razors edge.
Xenon is $39 with 20% off for Luftrum newsletter subscribers.
RJ Studios has released version 1.1.0 of Pristine Peaks, Ultra-low Distortion Peak Limiter, incorporating numerous new features and enhancements including:
x2 Range expansion controls double the range of the Gain and Ceiling controls (while maintaining backwards compatibility with v100).
A new, optional "B" Release mode which provides a different release curve and speed - can produce slightly higher LUFS levels and/or more transparent sound on some material.
Choice of the original stereo-linked or new independent gain reduction modes.
Gain Compensation control that reduces the output level by the amount of the Gain control - to provide near unity gain matching for better monitoring of limiter gain action.
Attenuation Delta Control that allows auditioning what the limiter is removing.
Complete removal the linear phase HPF latency when the HPF is turned off (some latency is still required for Pristine Peaks to do its thing and cannot be reduced further).
Improved visibility of gain reduction scale on Attenuation meters.
Pristine Peaks uses a unique approach to peak limiting that does not employ saturation or clipping in its gain reduction process. The result is extremely low THD and no aliasing for applications where "clean" limiting is most desirable.
Features:
Less than 0.005% THD at any gain reduction amount (20Hz-20kHz, ISP on) *.
No aliasing*.
Oversampling option for ISP detection.
4 choices of Dither (16 and 24-bit).
Linear Phase input High Pass Filter.
Up to 20dB of limiter drive Gain and Ceiling control.
Peak hold meters that capture the max gain reduction.
Mono and stereo channel applications.
*Steady-state measurements.
Pristine Peaks is a 64-bit plugin in VST, VST3 and AAX formats for Windows PC and VST, VST3, AAX and AU formats for Mac OS 10.11+ on Intel and Apple Silicon.
Price: $59.95 from the RJ Studios webstore or the KVR Marketplace. Current owners of Pristine Peaks can download the v1.1.0 update for free from the RJ Studios website. Free 14-day trial demos are available for download at RJ Studio's website.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, MusicLab's virtual instruments deliver everything you need to lay down amazing virtual guitar tracks. They are authentic, easy to use and open up endless musical possibilities.
New Features in Version 6
Over 200 carefully crafted new sounds, which will greatly expand your sonic library.
You can use amp simulator plugins right within the instruments as well as save and recall factory and user presets without leaving the instrument window.
Backwards compatibility with previous versions.
Strumming engine authenticity improvements.
DAW compatibility improvements.
All guitars are now available as download, and registered users of a previous version can upgrade at a reduced price.
Waves Audio has announced the release of the Waves Harmony plugin, a real-time vocal harmony processor. Here's what they say:
With Waves Harmony, you can now create instant vocal harmonies—up to eight voices generated from a single voice—and quickly craft your dream vocal production. Easily personalize the character and texture of each voice with built-in pitch, formant, panning, delay, filtering and drag-and-drop modulation, to back up your vocal leads with creative color. Harmony creates drama to suit a multitude of musical genres: pop, hip hop, R&B, rock, country, folk, and many more.
Waves Harmony enables you to take a solo vocal and immediately surround it with epic multi-part harmonies, spread among low and high, male and female (yes, you can transform any voice), light and heavy. In seconds, you can audition sounds styled after Kanye, Jacob Collier, Ty Dolla $ign and Imogen Heap in your song. Better yet – perform them live in real time.
Don't know music theory? Quick-harmony chord presets will supply you with beautiful and musically rich results on any material—with surprising voicings you may have not thought about.
Producing a complex vocal arrangement? Save hours of comping, editing, tuning and additional takes—just draw in the voices and automate snapshots to move with the song.
Performing live? MIDI control lets you play backing vocals on stage in real time.
Waves Harmony gives you three choices of workflow, so whether you're a producer, songwriter, mix engineer or composer, it's designed to be adaptable to your creative process.
Three workflow modes are available:
Automatic mode: To have the plugin instantly create harmonies on any vocal, simply scroll through a versatile bank of chord presets and pick what you like—the EASIEST way to generate harmonies if you're not sure where to go.
Playable MIDI mode: Connect a MIDI keyboard and play notes or chords in real time to harmonize your voice—once you set the key and scale, everything you play will sound musical.
Graphical mode: Click to draw in harmonies on the visual display—arrange, tune, shift formant, delay, filter and pan—then adjust per song section using snapshots.
Beyond harmonies, the Waves Harmony plugin is a powerful vocal FX palette in any production or mix. You can efficiently layer thick vocal stacks and create exceptional doubling effects, as well as complex delay arrays, creative voicings, modulated melodies and sequencing.
Waves Harmony features:
Real-time vocal harmony plugin.
Instant generation of up to eight voices from a single vocal.
Adjust pitch, formant, panning, delay, filtering, modulation of each voice.
Three workflow modes: Automatic harmonies, MIDI control, graphical mode.
Perfect for the studio and performing on stage.
Powerful vocal FX playground for harmonization, doubling, layering, modulated FX.
Intro Price: $39 at Waves (Reg. $149).
W.A. Production, producers crafting creative plug-ins to help anyone achieve studio- quality processing speedily and easily, is proud to announce availability of the InstaChord 2 MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) processing plug-in — initially inspired by how chords are played on a guitar and applying that technique to experience the same feeling from a MIDI controller keyboard and DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) without memorising chord shapes and holding down all the notes to make the chords ring true, then taking the concept to the next level of music-making with notable new features as a chord creation and sequencing tool — as of July 28…
“We were so blown away by the reception to the original InstaChord that we couldn’t resist developing that concept into a fully-fledged chord creator and mini-sequencer; simple enough to be used by anyone, but with the power to make professional music, this dynamic MIDI processing plug-in is the chord creation and sequencing tool that will take your music to the next level.” So — speaking collectively — says W.A. Production by way of an introduction that is as easily digestible as the plug-in itself.
After all, when making music, the right chords are needed to set the tone, and InstaChord 2 delivers exactly what was called for... fast! Finding the best chord progression and applying a single pattern to play all of them while easily mastering some of the most difficult chords (in any music key and combination of notes and different voicings), this ideas engine will help to speed up workflow and the creative process. Producers or songwriters alike can use the plug-in in question to generate chord shapes, learn tricky harmonics, and share their creations with anyone.
After releasing InstaChord — itself initially inspired by how chords are played on a guitar (by fretting a chord with one hand and picking the strings with the other) and applying that technique to experience the same feeling from a MIDI controller and DAW without memorising chord shapes and holding down all the notes to make the chords ring true, an oft-requested update was to gain more control over strums and chord playback. Put it this way: with InstaChord 2, W.A. Production took note and ran with it, creating the Pattern Editor as a brand-new interface window, wherein users can create their own patterns and sequences, dragging notes around in a way that is already familiar from working with DAWs — produce soaring synth arpeggios, pounding piano chords, or delicate guitar riffs with full control over Time signature (independently for each of the 24 patterns, providing more flexibility), Play Mode (Loop — keep playing, One-shot — play once, or Hold — sustain the notes), and velocity (with creative editing controls for strum programming).
Turning to InstaComposer, a new-generation MIDI generator plug-in that can conjure up Melody, Rhythm, Bass, Pad, and Chord parts at the click of a button by plying AI (Artificial Intelligence) to create real McCoy musical motifs that are genuinely gainful as the next step in automatic composition — for further inspiration, W.A. Production implemented an AI-GEN button in InstaChord 2, which will take the existing scale and spawn brand-new riffs based on complex algorithms and a touch of randomisation. Results are always musical and inspirational, therefore those new ideas can be tweaked in the same way as any user-created patterns so that they will always fit perfectly into any composition.
Compared to the original InstaChord, the updated version also has many more playback options for fretting and picking notes — five in total, in fact, covering different behaviours for holding notes and toggling chords. Editing existing chords or creating custom ones by selecting intervals between notes is also possible, as is alternatively playing in notes with a MIDI controller keyboard to help InstaChord 2 learn its user’s favourite chord shapes. Since there are over 60 chord shapes to choose from, users are also free to explore inversions, voicings, augmentations, and extensions like never before, making their music sound more interesting and compelling. Choose chords from the extensive collection or hit that AI-GEN button to ask InstaChord 2 for fascinatingly inspirational suggestions. Set up to 24 different chords and switch between them using the Chord keys (for setting the chords and switching between them). It is even possible to transpose the current chords to any desired key with a couple of clicks.
Then there are more ways with InstaChord 2 to play with the Chord keys and Pick keys (for playing patterns) than there ever was with InstaChord, and all are fully customisable in its Pattern Editor. Examples include assigning a key to strum the top three notes of a chord and another to play a riff on the other three notes; needless to say, users could also play individual notes of the chord separately, so it is perfectly possible to manually arpeggiate or strum chords. Integrated into the Pick keys is an Action feature (for setting what the key should do when pressed); Action can be set to transpose by an octave or semitone, so provides an easy way to move chords around when playing live. Indeed, InstaChord 2 is highly customisable, allowing users to change things to suit their needs, such as selecting the size of the GUI (Graphical User Interface), playback type, key configuration, and position.
Programming chords and riffs with InstaChord 2 is simplicity itself, yet it is even easier to use its preset system to take care of things. Ultimately, users will never be stuck for ideas, thanks to having access to so many carefully prepared presets for both chord sequences and patterns that are suited to many types of instruments — all making for ideal jumping-off points for their next composition.
Clearly, then, InstaChord 2 is more than just an upgrade, but rather a complete overhaul of what was already an amazing MIDI processing plug-in that helped make playing chords and chord progressions faster and easier, forming a chord creation and sequencing tool taking music-making to the next level!
InstaChord 2 is available to purchase for a time-limited introductory promo price of only $26.70 USD (representing a significant 70% saving) — rising thereafter to its regular price of $89.00 USD — as a 64-bit AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in for macOS (10.15 or later) and 32- or 64-bit VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in for Windows (8 or later), as well as an AAX-compatible plug-in for Pro Tools (11 or higher), directly from W.A. Production via its dedicated webpage
MusicLab has announced the release of Real instruments version 6 for macOS and Windows.
200+ New Guitar Sounds:
Over 200 carefully crafted new sounds which will greatly improve your sonic library.
You can use amp simulator plug-ins right within the instruments plus save and recall factory and user presets without leaving our instrument window.
Backward compatible with previous versions of Real instruments.
Strumming engine authenticity improvements.
DAW compatibility improvements.
Price: $139: RealStrat, RealLPC, RealRick and RealEight. $199: RealGuitar.
Already own MusicLab products? You will be offered special price for V6 upgrades in your MusicLab account depending on the amount of Real instruments you already own. Please login to your MusicLab account and check our Special Offers.
With the new version 1.3, SpaceFields - Space Ambient Machine becomes a truly universal application for iOS and macOS with AUv3 plugin support.
SpaceFields can work on iPhone and iPad as well as Mac / MacBook with M1 chip (and later). On macOS the SpaceFields can works both as a standalone application and as an Audio unit (AUv3) with DAWs and audio unit hosts like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage, Cockos Reaper, Plogue Bidule, Hosting AU, etc. All application features are available on macOS, including MIDI support, audio unit parameters and importing samples from any directory of device.
Also in this update:
Added new presets.
Ready for the upcoming iOS 16.
Added an indicator of the threshold exceed.
Shift + Touch and drag to change the second value of the knobs for macOS.
Option to enable Shift + Touch and drag on iOS with external keyboard.
Slightly optimization of the audio engine.
Fixed an issue with some audio unit parameters.
Fixed a bug with a mismatch between the actual loop length and the parameter in some cases.
Fixed a bug with loop length when loading samples in Fixed / Ready modes.
Igor Vasiliev has updated their AltiSpace 2 - Advanced Convolution Reverb App for iOS to version 1.3. They say:
AltiSpace is a convolution reverb app with advanced controls that provides realistic sounding natural acoustic space or vintage reverb devices for any track or mix.
This update makes AltiSpace a universal iOS and macOS application. It can work on iPhone and iPad as well as Mac / MacBook with M1 chip (and later). On macOS the AltiSpace can works both as a standalone application and as an Audio unit (AUv3) with DAWs and audio unit hosts like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage, Cockos REAPER, Plogue Bidule, Hosting AU, etc. All application features are available on macOS, including MIDI support, audio unit parameters and importing IR files from any directory of device.
All changes:
Adapted to work on macOS as a standalone and as an AUv3 plugin.
Shift + Touch and drag to change the second value of the knob for macOS.
Optimization of the audio engine.
Built-in description has been updated.
Minor bugs were fixed.
Price: $7.99
Initial Audio has updated Heat Up to version 3.5.0.
Changes include:
Fixed issues with MPE mode.
Added a graphical multitouch MPE keyboard.
Added an import Expansion button on the expansion page, this removes the need for installers and users can directly import the expansion.
Graphical improvements and optimisations.
Removed OpenGL rendering from the Mac version. Now uses the native Metal renderer.
Minimum Mac OS version is now 10.11 (El Capitan).
Fixed an issue where LFO 1 didn't work on certain presets.
Existing owners of Heat Up 3 can download the update for free from the "My Account" section the Initial Audio website.
Flandersh Tech has updated Stepocea, a polyphonic stereo synthesizer for Windows, to v1.5.
New:
New oscillator shapes and FM mode.
New option to load custom single cycle waveforms (SCW).
New individual filters and effects sections.
New effects: Ringmod, Air EQ, Autopan, and Reverbed noise.
New knee option to shape the envelope of the oscillators.
New presets.
Fixed:
Improved GUI.
Optimized CPU usage.
Minor bug fixes.
Audio Helper Project has updated Samplism to version 1.9.8.
Enhancements:
Newly-designed Preferences window.
New option in the Preferences:
Enable/disable automatic tagging.
Default [Set Favorite] action in the Sample List view.
Option+drag to copy exported samples in the Sample List view.
Apply audio units when exporting from the Audio Player view.
Minor UI improvements.
Overall optimization.
Bug Fixes:
Minor bug fixes.
Price: $59.99
Crocus Soundware has released Liminal: Chamber String Textures Volume 2 for Kontakt, a sample library of closely recorded violin, viola and cello samples. They say:
The library's articulations are aleatoric, long and evolving, with the performer imparting character and movement into the samples. Recorded closely and dry, the sounds are intended to add unpredictable nuance, detail and texture. This second volume has a strong focus on rhythm and synchronicity, taking advantage of Kontakt's Time Machine Pro feature. This brings the samples into lock-step with the DAW's tempo, allowing for rhythmic patterns and ostinatos.
The user-interface allows articulations to be layered, mixed and reversed. LFO controls can be enabled, allowing the DAW's tempo to dictate the modulation of an individual layer's volume. This opens the door for tempo-synced swells and provides more opportunities for evolving textures.
Features:
Made for the full version of Kontakt 6.7.1 or higher (Not intended for Kontakt Player).
2 GB of samples uncompressed.
Includes sample sets of both ensemble and solo performances.
30 Core Articulations.
Dozens of Presets.
Intro Price: $36 until 29 August, 2022 (Reg. $60).
Sound Skulptor AB528 Microphone preamplifier for the '500' Series
The AB528 is a transformer coupled, class A mic preamp. The design, from the late 60's, is inspired by a legendary console, that was used at the most famous London studio by the greatest artists, such as the Beatles or Pink Floyd.
Highlights
Transformers on input and output,
0 to 60 dB of gain, 66dB on 300 Ohms
Switchable between 300 Ohms, 1200 Ohms and line input impedance,
DI input, relay switched, the signal passes through both transformers,
High grade components throughout,
Easy build,
Available assembled or as a full kit (everything included).
Blue Grand is a dynamic combination of two distinguished Steinway Grand Pianos combined into one amazing and affordable price. This gives musicians of all skill levels more freedom to create beautiful music and unmatched artistry all their own.
Blue Grand is not merely a piano instrument, but also a powerful songwriting tool. Blue Grand embodies over 100 piano loops designed by professional composers that cover different styles of music. These will make the whole process easier for the musicians as they can be inspired by the pre-recorded creative music pieces and add extra layers to their music. This will have an immediate result on most music styles. What is more, we also provide different BPM versions for each loop. With this powerful tool, even a starting musician can write professional piano tracks without spending too much time learning composing.
ToneLib has updated TL Metal to version 1.2.0.
New:
Added: new Mega Black amp sim;
Added: Dual Chorus rack effect;
Added: Phase Machine rack effect;
Added: Volume pedal effect.
Fixed:
Fixed: GUI-related hiccups;
Fixed: Custom impulses processing minor bugs;
Improved: Stability in some DAWs;
Improved: total quality of oversampling filters;
Improved: Optimize CPU usage;
Misc bug fixes and stability improvements.
Cherry Audio and MRB have announced the release of the Miniverse Module Collection for Voltage Modular, an expansion of the Miniverse virtual instrument into 14 flexible modules for use with the Voltage Modular platform.
It retains all the classic tone and mojo that made the original Mini great while freeing users of the fixed "hard-wired" limitations of the original. Poly module versions are also included for up to 16-note polyphony, giving users the ability to design the Mini of their dreams.
Designed specifically for Voltage Modular, these new modules extend the magic of Cherry Audio's Miniverse, recently awarded a rating of 5/5 stars from Computer Music Magazine and MusicRadar. MusicRadar also recently selected the Miniverse synthesizer as one of their "Must-Have Soft Synths for 2022."
Like Miniverse synthesizer and other Cherry Audio/MRB releases, the Miniverse Module Collection components have been expertly adapted to the modular workflow. Pioneering synth designer Mark Barton's (MRB) proprietary DSP coding reproduces every sonic nuance, every curve, and every response of the audio based on the original hardware. In addition, polyphonic module versions of the oscillator, mixer, filter, glide, contour, and VCA sections are included for up to 16-voice polyphony via poly jacks.
The 14 module Miniverse Module Collection includes:
Miniverse Oscillator and Poly Miniverse Oscillator modules super accurately replicate the famously brawny sounds of the original Mini.
Miniverse Filter and Poly Miniverse Filter are 24dB/oct, lowpass filters based on the famous transistor ladder filter.
Miniverse Glide and Poly Miniverse Glide modules allows notes to slide smoothly from one pitch to the next and Mini's unique glide unique asymmetrical glide characteristics are accurately emulated.
Miniverse Mixer and Poly Miniverse Mixer are four-channel mixers, usable with audio or CV signals.
Miniverse Contour and Poly Miniverse Contour are ADS envelope generators used to dynamically shape note volume, filter cutoff, or any other voltage-controlled mod destination.
Miniverse Noise faithfully replicates the Mini's noise section. It's not apparent from the front panel, but the original instrument actually contains white, pink, and red noise generators.
Miniverse VCA and Poly Miniverse VCA replicate the unique mojo of the original Mini circuit. They are usable with audio or CV signals.
Miniverse A-440 module replicates the Mini's unique tuning reference oscillator circuit.
Price: $59 from the Cherry Audio store. At an introductory price of $39. A 50% discount from the $39 price is available for customers who previously purchased the Miniverse instrument.
W. A. Production has released InstaChord 2, a new version of the MIDI plugin. They say:
We believe that creative expression should be simple, intuitive, and inspiring. When you're making music, you need the right chords to set the tone and Instachord 2 delivers exactly what you called for... and fast.
We were so blown away with the reception to the original Instachord that we couldn't resist developing that concept into a fully-fledged chord creator and mini-sequencer. Simple enough to be used by anyone, but with the power to make professional music, this dynamic MIDI processing plugin is the chord creation and sequencer tool that will take your music to the next level.
Features:
Inspiring Chord, Strum & Pattern MIDI Processor.
Connects to any sequencer.
New Advanced pattern editor.
New AI chord sequence & pattern generation.
New Playback modes.
New Edit & create custom chords.
60+ Chord shapes & multiple voicings.
Resizable interface.
Factory presets.
PDF Manual & Tutorial video.
Price: $89. There is a 70% launch discount until 11th August, 2022.
Kuassa has updated all of their Studio FX Plug-ins for MacOS. Now with native Apple Silicon support.
Studio FX release notes:
Native Apple Silicon support for Kratos 2 Maximizer, EVE-MP5 Equalizer, and EVE-AT Series Equalizers.
This update only affect Mac OS installers only.
The Studio FX versions have been updated to:
EVE-AT1 to Ver.1.3.0.
EVE-AT4 to Ver.1.3.0.
EVE-MP5 to Ver.1.2.0.
Kratos 2 Maximizer to Ver.2.2.0.
All updates are free for all licensed owners.
Production Voices has announced the release of 300 Grand, a piano sample library for Native Instruments Kontakt Player that consists of nine microphone perspectives and over 100,000 samples from a Yamaha CFX grand piano recorded in a modern piano recital hall.
300 Grand provides players and producers with an immersive virtual piano experience with the precision and control of a multi-track recording.
The 9 microphone perspectives are capable of close piano sounds through to distant sounds with variable natural hall ambience in both the samples and the release tails depending on the microphones selected. Binaural and ambisonic perspectives are also included, putting the player right at the piano when headphones are used or providing 3D sound respectively.
All the microphone perspectives are user controllable with each channel having its own SSL emulated EQ, compression, volume, pan, and mono select for detailed control that is typically only available within a multi-track recording.
300 Grand exhibits true piano dynamics from the sampling of up to 36 velocities per note. The machine-precision sampling provides accurate dynamic response across the entire range of the piano using Production Voices' own velocity curve optimized for weighted controllers resulting in a natural playing experience. Users can select presets with either 16, 20, 24, or 32-36 velocities per note.
From forward sounds to lyrical pianissimos with natural ambience and everything in-between, 300 Grand's selection of microphone perspectives and velocity range provides a virtual piano experience that rivals recordings.
300 Grand is compatible with all major DAWs such as Pro Tools, Cubase, Reaper and Logic and also runs standalone for live performance.
Features:
9 microphone perspectives.
Up to 36 velocities per key.
Ambisonic 3D sound control.
72 GB of samples after lossless compression.
24-bit 96k source samples converted to 16-bit 44.1k with GoodHertz conversion.
Round-robin pedal noise samples with normal and loud settings.
Sampled key up mechanical noises.
Sympathetic Resonance.
Recorded in modern concert hall.
Lynx Aurora & Apogee A/D converters.
Premium API, Focusrite ISA 828 and Millennia HV-3D/8 microphone preamps.
Advanced half-pedal control with catch.
Native Access installation.
Full NKS implementation.
300 Grand is designed for Studio Production, Stage Production, Film Score Production, Practice, and Performance.
System Requirements:
Fast modern computer (i5 or greater, Apple Silicon).
MacOS 10.14 or greater.
Windows 10 or 11.
8 GB RAM or greater.
Up to 171 GB available SSD space for installation (72 GB after installation).
Price: $149
Fog Convolver 2 is a true stereo convolution reverb/processor plugin. This new version has been rewritten and redesigned from scratch, and now features modulation, effects, an impulse response generator, and a lot of improvements.
You can now load 2 separate impulse responses (or one true stereo/quad channel impulse response) and have separate or linked controls for both. There are 5 different routing modes to arrange the impulses: single, serial, parallel, parallel mix, and true stereo.
Each impulse can have 2 LFOs, with 10 waveforms and 18 destinations, one dedicated multi-mode filter (with pre, IR, or post modes), and a 5-band graphic EQ.
Fog Convolver features 8 factory banks with more than 660 impulse responses made from spaces, analog and digital equipment, organic sources, and more.
If you own Fog Convolver v1.x, you can purchase the upgrade in your user area for $5 / €5.
Details
Price: $39 / €39 (goes $69 / €69 on August 31, 2022)
Available as VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, CLAP (64bit only)
Lightweight Real-Time Convolution Engine
5 Modes including True Stereo
Dual IR Engine with Parameter Link
4 LFOs with multiple destinations
2 Multi-mode Filters
Chorus, Phaser, Compressor, Waveshaper
Impulse Response Generator
Preset Browser with customizable categories, tags, ratings, …
660 Impulse Responses
Resizable Window
Preset system with randomizer
Fuse Audio Labs has released a free maintenance update including GUI improvements, bugfixes and feature additions.
Changes and feature additions in v2.3:
GUI improvements.
Add grouping feature to various plugins.
Add mix lock feature to VREV-666.
Fix offline automation issues.
Fix automation issues in AU in native M1 mode.
Fix HighDPI scaling issues on Windows.
Fix tail gating issues in Bucket-500.
Go here to download the new v2.3 builds.
Additionally all Fuse Audio Labs plugins are 50% off until July the 31st, 2022 (12PM CET). Use the following voucher code during checkout: ALL50
Homegrown Sounds has announced the release of Vibrations, a sample collection sampled from a Roland TR-6S which includes the machine emulations and FM sounds. Altogether there are 3,700 96kHz samples, over 1000 Kits for each of the supported samplers and a couple of Kontakt Instruments.
It includes kits for MPC, Ableton Drum Rack, Speedrum, TAL-Drum and Sitala.
Intro Price: $19.99 until the 7th August, 2022 (Reg. $29.99).
Homegrown Sounds has also updated Kit Creator, a desktop application for creating Kits from folders of samples, to 0.992. This update sees export support added so it now supports:
MPC - Current hardware & Software.
Ableton Drum Rack
Speedrum
TAL-Drum
Sitala
Kit creator costs $34.99 but is currently available for an introductory price of $24.99.
RICHTER, currently used by members of Korn, Megadeth, Lamb of God, Rammstein, Aerosmith and others, is proud to announce its collaboration with Kathryn Hanneman on the first ever signature strap to bear the name of Slayer founding member and guitarist Jeff Hanneman.
The strap is the brainchild of longtime Hanneman guitar tech and RICHTER associate Warren Lee, produced in an effort to pay tribute to the tragically fallen axe-slinger, who wrote some of Slayer’s most iconic riffs including, “Raining Blood”, “South of Heaven” and “Angel of Death”. Jeff’s wife Kathryn has directly green-lighted the strap, which offers fans a special way to keep Jeff close as they shred.
The strap features a silhouette of Hanneman, as well as his signature, dates of his birth and passing, plus a unique Jeff Hanneman logo created exclusively for the strap.
Width: 3.15 inches
(8 cm)
Length adjustable: 36.2 – 56.9 inches inches
(92 – 144 cm)
Very softly padded guitar strap with a comfortable padded hem. Highest wearing comfort. A classy stitched seam gives the strap a noble contour. Reinforced area around the pin holes.
The ergonomic padding made of special cold foam runs throughout the entire shoulder part.
Focusrite has released FAST Limiter, a plugin designed to help musicians finish music and get their tracks to a release-ready standard thanks to a powerful AI and deep controls to craft their sound.
FAST Limiter completes the FAST Bundle.
This is a mastering tool like no other, avoiding presets, and using AI to apply the perfect settings to the track's overall sound. AI analyses audio to carefully select the perfect settings unique to the sound's characteristics. Musicians can use Reference Mastering to take the key sonic characteristics of their favorite songs and apply them to their tracks.
Perfect tracks and create release-ready music with FAST Limiter — the powerful AI plugin keeps musicians creating. Use AI to get a solid foundation, then dive deeper to take a mix even further by adjusting Gain, Saturation, and Resonance.
Details:
FAST view gives users the best sound easily, with AI doing the heavy lifting and setting parameters unique to the track's characteristics. Keep in the creative flow and quickly adjust Bass, Resonances, Saturation, and Transients settings to get the most out of the mastering experience.
Detailed view presents the full controls for FAST Limiter. Get a solid foundation with a powerful AI and move on to use settings like Gain, Limit, and Speed to adjust the limiter and volume output.
Recreate the sonic characteristics of the user's favourite tracks with Reference Mastering and adjust the parameters in Detailed view to achieve the desired sound.
There is a choice of three unique Flavours — Modern, Neutral, or Aggressive — to instantly change how FAST Limiter influences the track's sound.
Users will see how the plugin shapes their sound thanks to FAST Limiter's unique and intuitive graphic visualiser which responds to changes in real time. Make quick, well-informed decisions, and create professional results that are ready to be heard by the world.
Pricing:
UK: £8.33 inc. VAT per month or £124.99 inc. VAT as a one-time price.
EU: €8.33 ex. VAT per month or €124.99 ex. VAT as a one-time price.
US: $8.33 ex. TAX per month or $124.99 ex. TAX as a one-time price.
Customers who have previously purchased FAST Bundle can buy FAST Limiter at a discounted price for:
UK: £1.66 inc. VAT per month or £24.99 inc. VAT as a one-time price.
EU: €1.66 ex. VAT per month or €24.99 ex. VAT as a one-time price.
US: $1.66 ex. TAX per month or $24.99 ex. TAX as a one-time price.
Discount available from 28th July 2022–31st August 2022.
To celebrate the introduction of FAST Limiter, The Collective are offering a discounted package of all the FAST plugins available as FAST Bundle. As a Focusrite or Novation registered hardware customer, they can shop before 31st August 2022 to save over 60%. Customers should log in to The Collective site with their customer.focusrite.com account credentials to access the introductory offer which will be automatically applied at checkout.
FAST plugins are currently only available to customers in UK, EU, US, Canada, Japan & Australia.
Cadenza Solo Strings is a sample library/plugin collection featuring Italian handmade Solo Strings powered by the latest Neo Orchestra Hybrid Modelling Engine.
A virtual instrument that sounds far beyond what digital is supposed to be, we captured the genuine tone and emotion of a solo violin, a solo viola and a solo cello by recording it at Platinum Sound in New York City.
To get up to 95% OFF on over 60 instruments and effect plugins, please visit their sale page
A cinematic and expressive effect used by just a handful of in-the-know guitarists, reverse octave delay can add otherworldly sonic textures to your creative toolkit. The Octaverse offers a wide array of moody, mind-altering reverse octave delay effects and includes a pushbutton selector for High or Low octave reverse delay preference. Functions that were previously available only on some high-priced multi-function delays are now easily attainable with this simple pedal design, offering easy tweakability onstage or in the studio.
Features
Controls for Rate, Mix, and Feedback
Push button selection for High or Low Octave Delay options
True-bypass switching
9v, center negative power supply – no battery compartment
Baked-on sparkle powdercoat
Made in USA, limited lifetime warranty
The Octaverse carries a $159 MAP / street price
The MB58R line—the name of which is comprised of the brand’s initials, Marco’s age and the letter R for Revolution—includes a dazzling array of 20 new cabinets, 8 combos, and two new heads. The trademark “true-to-the-source” tone that Markbass is known for remains the top priority, but it’s now delivered with a next-level power-to-weight ratio—and these attractive, eco-friendly products are all made in Italy.
The ultra-light MB58R cabinets include 2x10”, 3x10”, 4x10”, 1x12”, 2x12” and 1x15” configurations, with three versions of each featuring a different tweeter type. The Energy cabinets feature a Markbass hi-fi tweeter (very smooth highs), the Pure series includes a 1” driver with custom horn (focused, crips highs), and the P series models have a new piezo tweeter for (more aggressive highs). Additionally, the 2x10 cabinets are all available in standard and XL versions: standard cabs have the two woofers arranged vertically, whereas the XL version is a larger cabinet with the speakers diagonally placed. The 3x10 cabinets are 6 ohms, all 2x10 and 4x10 cabs are available in 8 ohm and 4 ohm versions, and all other cabs are 8 ohms.
Markbass is famous for its distinctive yellow neodymium speakers; but in a departure for the brand, the P-series cabs feature Markbass custom classic ceramic speakers. Thanks to the new ultra-lightweight enclosures, these cabs still weigh a fraction of what traditional equivalents weighed before Markbass changed everyone’s expectations of what bass cabs should weigh in the early 2000s. For example, a traditional ceramic 4x10 weighs about 90 lbs; the MB58R 104 P (with ceramic speakers) is almost exactly half that weight: 45.53 lbs / 20.65 kg.
The Little Mark 58R (500W, solid state) is available as a standalone head and is also included in all MB58R combos. Unlike previous Little Marks, the 58R incarnation is designed with almost all the controls and connections on the front panel, for greater ease-of-use. It’s also even lighter than all previous Little Mark models, weighing in at an incredible 4.41 lbs / 2 kg.
Solid State Logic has expanded its SSL Complete subscription offering with X-Limit.
X-Limit is an essential tool for a range of applications, including recording, mixing, mastering and live sound, given its extremely low latency performance. Producers, engineers and other content creators will appreciate its ease of use in the studio as an effective means of increasing the loudness of tracks, buses and masters — without clipping.
We are delighted at this robust new addition to our plug-in portfolio, giving users another indispensable mixing tool that is both powerful and simple to use." commented. "Whether you are looking for extremely transparent limiting, colour and punch, or classic SSL glue, X-Limit has you covered.
Jon Sandman, Plug-ins Product Manager at SSL
As with other SSL plug-ins, X-Limit is designed to excel at delivering concise visual feedback as well as providing a wide-ranging feature set and sonic options. The unique steering and ducking meters indicate how the limiting process might influence the stereo image of a signal and provides visual feedback on how to minimise stereo degradation while using the channel link control. Meantime, the all-in-one waveform and threshold display lets you easily set your threshold and ceiling against the incoming signal level.
Key features of the new X-Limit include:
Apple M1 Native Support: X-Gate is a Universal Binary, and features M1 native support.
All-in-one visualiser: The all-in-one waveform visualiser and threshold/ceiling sliders let the user easily set parameters against the incoming signal level.
True Peak: True Peak mode engages SSL's True Peak algorithm, ensuring that inter-sample peaks are effectively limited and providing momentary and max True Peak value readouts.
Channel Link: The Ducking and Steering meters provide intuitive visual feedback to understand the effect of limiting on the stereo, helping guide users towards the ideal amount of channel linking for minimum stereo degradation.
Styles function: Users can pick from four carefully designed limiter characteristics, including Transparent, Glue, Punch and Auto, allowing quick but versatile options for any occasion.
Gain Lock: Allows uses to easily lock the applied gain to quickly demo different presets and styles for any given source material.
Mix Control: When using the limiter to add punch rather than catch peaks, the Mix control enables users to dial back the effect.
Intro Price: $69 until August 28th 2022 (Reg. $99). SSL Complete subscription from $14.99 per/m (Ts&Cs apply).
Digital Brain instruments has updated the MacOS version of DSP Manager to version 1.1. It now works natively on Apple Silicon computers and within the latest MacOS.
DSP Manager is a 64-bit standalone software developed to manage loudspeaker systems for concerts, venues, conferences or any other kind of event that requires loudspeaker management or that requires routing different audio sources to different listening spaces.
It allows managing complex loudspeakers systems (2-way & 3-way) using a computer, soundcard, MIDI controller and VST/AU plugins instead of a DSP hardware unit featuring crossover filters.
Highlights:
4 Stereo Inputs / 4 Stereo Outputs.
Built-In Brickwall Limiter.
2-Way & 3-Way Crossover Modes.
Matrix Mode.
5-Band Parametric EQ.
Output Delay Compensation.
Up to 4 plugins on each output.
Recording.
Midi.
Preset Manager.
Price: $109. Available for Mac & Windows.
SirenFX has updated all of its products to version 1.1.0.
Major features include support for Ableton Live, new formant frequency LFOs for WindGen, and a new Host Playback Mode option that only generates sound when the host's transport state is playing. There have also been many bug fixes related to the preset manager.
New features in v1.1.0:
Ableton Live compatibility.
New formant frequency LFOs for WindGen.
New 'Host Playback Mode' so that noise is only generated when the host's transport state is Playing.
New options in the preset context menu for easier management.
Bug fixes.
SirenFX is also running a Summer Sale for WindGen and RainGen, offering a 25% discount until August 15th, 2022. Both plugins are now £30 (Reg. £40).
Each new Wavy guitar stand is handcrafted and weaves together five different woods (Mahogany, Walnut, Red Oak, Cherry, and Maple) to give each stand a unique wavy look.
Premium solid wood is used - no particle board or laminate. These are furniture-quality stands designed to last a lifetime. Show off your prized instrument in any environment with a finely handcrafted guitar stand. Will hold both an acoustic or electric full-size guitar. Each stand is unique in color and grain pattern and has a beautiful hand rubbed natural oil finish.
These stands are designed to get better with age. The hand rubbed oil finish hardens in the wood, not on the wood. A bottle of lemon oil included to keep stands looking new.
Features
Stable and secure design
USA Made String Swing cradle
38" of clearance from cradle to base
100% Happiness Guarantee
The original hanging guitar stand.
Zither’s new Wavy Guitar Stand carries a street price of $219.99
smart:comp 2 automatically delivers transparent, precise results; providing you with the creative tools that will transform your sound from nice to extraordinary.
Audio compression powered by AI
Incredible sound – your tracks deserve nothing less
smart:comp 2’s AI-powered automatic parametrization, spectral compression, and sidechain ducking abilities aim for one goal: clean, well-balanced compression results that remain true to your input signal – no matter whether you are working on single instruments, instrument busses or entire mixes. By analyzing the characteristics of your material, its intelligent processing will enhance transparency and preserve crucial details without compromising the integrity of the signal. Supported by such a sound base you can go ahead and let your creativity flow.
Intro Sale for 39% OFF till August 31, 2022.
Minimal Audio has announced the release of Morph EQ, a creative EQ and filter effect plugin.
Morph EQ's morphing feature allows you to draw endless custom filter paths and navigate them with the turn of a knob. Audio can be sculpted using controls that globally shift and move the filter shapes.
Morph EQ is able to morph through paths, control the filter's cutoff, and create wide stereo effects with ease.
Morph EQ's flexible features can mix and match any combination of 7 filter types, analyze sound in real-time, change filter routing for creative effects, and more.
Morph EQ Features:
100+ presets with deep macro control.
7 filter types with stereo, single-channel, and mid-side filter routing.
Drawable filter morph paths.
High-resolution spectrum analyzer.
EQ undo and redo make editing a breeze.
Adaptive Q mode for analog-inspired filter resonances.
Serial and parallel filter configurations.
CPU optimized algorithms and more.
Morph EQ is available from Minimal Audio for $49.
Bela D Media has announced the release of its new vocal sample library VOCI by design for the full version of Native Instruments Kontakt.
As with all Bela D Media products, our niche is sampled voice. This time around, we have done something slightly different. We hope you will find it inspirational. VOCI by design – a combination of careful editing, sound manipulation techniques, and stage noises – coupled with advanced scripting in Kontakt, is a unique and hauntingly ethereal vocal scoring sample library.
Bela D Media utilized the delicate vocal humming of a teenage Soprano soloist (Paravox X) and altered her recordings to resemble a stringed instrument. The result is a breathy, dark, and mournful, string-like vocal. In addition, VOCI by design includes the four choir vowels (V Alto Choir) Ah Ee Oh, and Oo.
VOCI by design features:
Female soprano vocalist – stringed voice simulation.
Female alto choir.
Multi and single Kontakt patches.
Mapped G3- E5.
Far microphone GUI simulation.
Studio environment.
Church ambient with IRF included.
Price: $69.99 USD
Epiphone the leading innovator and accessible brand for every stage, presents the all-new Epiphone Power Players™ collection. The Epiphone Power Players collection offers classic Gibson Les Paul and SG guitar shapes in a high-quality, youth-sized guitar, that is easy-to-play and an ideal learning or traveling guitar. All Epiphone Power Players Les Paul and SG’s are accessorized with a guitar strap, cable and picks, and a gig bag. The Epiphone Power Players™ are available worldwide through authorized Epiphone dealers.
“The Epiphone Power Players Les Paul and SG is designed to be the solution for beginning youth musicians, parents, and music teachers to kickstart a guitar playing journey–the first forever guitar!” says Krista Gilley, Director of Brands at Gibson Brands. “The challenge was to solve for the earliest stage of playing–Epiphone’s First Stage–by building confidence for youth players with a product that is tailored to them in size and playability, while offering the thrill of playing the same iconic Gibson guitar body shapes they recognize their favorite artists play on the biggest stages around the world. Next, we solved the need for a high-quality and reliable beginning guitar that parents can trust in and provided a solution for music teachers to offer an accessible Gibson Brands guitar to support their lessons and product recommendations. From the Gibson Labs, we are excited to introduce the Epiphone Power Players Collection to solve an array of needs in the market and inspire young guitarists everywhere.”
Epiphone is proud to debut the first-ever youth-sized guitar collection, the Epiphone Power Players™. Tested and approved by music teachers, the all-new Epiphone Power Players™ is a quality built ¾+ sized version of Gibson’s iconic Les Paul and SG guitar shapes. Teachers and parents can purchase the all-new Epiphone Power Players collection knowing they’re high-quality Epiphone guitars, with better sound and playability, that will inspire and build confidence in new players, keeping them more engaged as they learn the instrument.
Epiphone Power Players Les Paul and SG
The Epiphone Power Players Les Paul is a 3/4+ version inspired by the legendary Gibson Les Paul shape. The Epiphone Power Players Les Paulhas a 22.73” scale length and a slightly smaller mahogany body making it light, easy to play and an excellent choice for younger players. For more experienced players, the Epiphone Power Players Les Paul is an excellent travel guitar for the road. The guitar sounds better and stays in tune longer than any other “student model” guitars due to its high-quality components and superb build quality. The bolt-on mahogany neck has a sculpted heel for improved upper fret access, and it is powered by a pair of authentic Epiphonehumbuckers for rich, full Les Paul sound.
The Epiphone Power Players SG is a trimmed-down version of the legendary Gibson SG with a 22.73” scale length and slightly smaller body, making it an excellent choice for younger players, yet this guitar is not a toy. The Power Player SG is a solid travel guitar for the road, and it’s powered by a pair of Epiphone 650R and 700T ceramic humbuckers for a rich, and full and unmistakable SG sound.
Every Epiphone Power Players Les Paul and SG package comes well-equipped with a gig bag, strap, picks, and a guitar cable. The Epiphone Power Players Les Paul and SG are available everywhere in an Ice Blue andLava Red finish, a Dark Matter Ebony finish in both the Les Paul and SG
Soundiron has announced the 2.0 upgrade for Twine Bass, comprised of a pair of very special instruments: a modified cello and a traditional Kenyan fretless stringed instrument called a Bolon. This library is built for the full retail version of Kontakt 5.5 or later.
Soundiron Says...
For this 2.0 upgrade, we remastered the samples and inserted them into our efficient four-layer template. After that, we expanded these experimental organic tone with a collection of ambient pads, atmospheric drones, evolving soundscapes as well as 20 custom FX presets to give your next track a running start.
Inside Twine Bass, you'll find Bass and Gourd plucks, slides, slams, brushes, flams, and more - ideal for orchestral layering, sound-design, or anything that calls for something truly unusual.
Intro Price: $25 until August 9th, 2022 (Reg. $39)
Jim Root came to the Dunlop String Lab to design a set of strings that can handle blast-beat-driven grooves and extra twisted melodies from downtuned depths. Jim handpicked each gauge and core size to ensure peak performance, from feel and response to tuning stability.
“These strings give me what I need to get my sound, and they’re comfortable to play no matter what I throw at them,” Jim says. “They keep their high-end clarity for a long time, and they’re really consistent from one pack to the next—they never break on me.”
Features
Handpicked by Jim Root in the Dunlop String Lab
Each gauge chosen for peak performance under intense playing conditions
Designed for exceptional tuning stability and high-end clarity when tuning down
Dunlop Jim Root Signature Strings are available in Drop A and Drop B sets for $19.79 MSRP from your favorite retailers
S3 Fretless was recorded by esteemed multi-instrumentalist George "Norg" Nowik using three channels: DI, plus two mics on a real amp (the first time we've ever provided live amp channels as a signal option!) Naturally, we've also captured all key articulations precisely, including lots of detailed noises and even per-finger RRs.
The result is a wonderfully-playable bass that excels at jazz, blues, fusion, and new age music, but is equally at home as either a bass OR a lead in any number of genres.
ARTICULATIONS
Sampled at 24bit / 48kHz, up to 3x dynamics and 4x RR per note!
Sustained notes on every string, all the way up the neck including those beautiful high tones
Mutes
Harmonics
Staccato
Slides
Hammer-on/pull-off
Buzz trills
Pitched and unpitched releases
SHREDDAGE 3.5
Shreddage 3 Fretless marks the debut of our improved Shreddage 3.5 engine, offering better playability, a cleaner UI, and easier articulation mapping than ever before.
You can now switch "Performance Styles" right from the main UI - for example, standard bass playing or virtuosic soloing - without worrying about things like hand position, fret position, or other aspects of the algorithm. There's also a new "Keyboard Mode" which makes the instrument as responsive & consistent as a premium workstation. Every MIDI note gets pre-assigned to a specific 'fret' / string so you'll always get the same sound on any given MIDI note, with no limits on polyphony or articulation.
The new Articulations tab is based on our "Total Articulation Control Technology" (TACT) 3.0 system debuted in Tokyo Scoring Strings, allowing you to more easily visualize and adjust mapping and tweaks for every articulation.
STL Tones has updated ControlHub to version 1.0.3.
The new version fixes various known issues, improves performance, and also adds new content. See info below:
Added the new 'Valley Room' Reverb model with 8 different types, based on the Valhalla Room reverb plugin.
Pre & Master EQ modules on/off filter buttons now turn on when the knobs are adjusted, for a more efficient experience.
Fixed a known issue whereby the output would clip when scrolling through various presets that have the Effects module engaged, and specifically using the Reverb effect.
Price: $299.00 - The update is free for ControlHub owners.
The Vienna Symphonic Library has announced the release of four new products that feature the human voice: SYNCHRON-ized Vienna Choir features ensembles of sopranos, altos, tenors and basses. SYNCHRON-ized Soprano Choir is another, additional ensemble consisting of 16 female singers. SYNCHRON-ized Solo Voices offers coloratura soprano, soprano, mezzo soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass. The SYNCHRON-ized Whistler features performances by Marcus Schmidinger, a horn player and art whistler from Vienna.
All Collections bring the performances of the Vienna's acclaimed Voices Libraries of the VI Series to the powerful capabilities of the Vienna Synchron Player. The entire sample database was re-edited, updated and optimized for Vienna's proprietary sample player to achieve improvements in terms of authenticity, usability and flexibility.
All ensembles and soloists were recorded in Vienna's second studio, the Silent Stage, a recording facility with a tight, controlled ambience specifically designed and built for recording samples. The short ambience of this room allows for placement of the singers in any virtual acoustic environment.
Using the Synchron Player's reverberation and placement presets users can position each ensemble or soloist at the perfect spot in the large hall of Vienna's own scoring stage, Synchron Stage Vienna, with options such as close, classic, and distant. This way they perfectly blend with any other product of the Synchron Series, resulting in a production-ready sound "out of the box".
But these virtual instruments are much more flexible. By turning off the internal convolution and algorithmic reverb of the Vienna Synchron Player the singers can be placed in any virtual acoustic environment, from dry closets to cathedrals, from the authentic natural rooms provided by Vienna MIR Pro 3D to artificial reverb and delay effects. The Synchron Player provides a variety of FX presets in the Mixer Preset menu. Here's what they say:
Vienna's team of sound editors recreated a perfectly balanced and pristine-sounding sample database that lives up to the high standards of the SYNCHRON-ized Series. The meticulously balanced volume levels of the recordings guarantee seamless note transitions when moving from one articulation to the next. Velocity crossfading has been further optimized for extra-smooth volume changes. All legato transitions have been considerably improved, and the new release sample technology greatly increases the flexibility and usability of many articulations. Notes such as crescendos and diminuendos can be played at various lengths and always trigger the correct release sounds. This way, for instance, it is possible to use the first part of crescendo notes as soft portato articulations, or the first part of diminuendo notes as an espressivo technique with a slight decrescendo that sounds very musical and natural.
Pricing: All products are currently available at introductory prices, starting at $38. Upgrade paths from the corresponding VI Series Libraries are available, starting at $9. The SYNCHRON-ized Voices Bundle contains all four products at a reduced bundle price of currently $418.
The George Harrison Rocky Stratocaster features an alder body hand-painted with a replica of Harrison’s famous psychedelic brushstrokes. Every detail is captured, from the artwork on the pickguard and plastic parts to a replica decal on the back of headstock from Grimstone’s - the original music store where the guitar was purchased.
Known for pushing musical boundaries and sonic experimentation, George’s inventive hooks and groundbreaking tones helped propel the Beatles into legendary status. Fender previously released a limited number of meticulous “Rocky” recreations via the Fender Custom Shop in 2020, but now this release gives fans the opportunity to enjoy the sound and history behind this iconic guitar.
Exploring The George Harrison Rocky Stratocaster | Artist Signature Series | Fender
$1,999.99 USD.
UVI has released Mission 6, a new instrument inspired by a 16-voice analog polysynth with a special introductory pricing.
Mission 6 is a new instrument inspired by the most audacious 16-voice analog synthesizer. Delivering a powerful collection of all-new hand-crafted sounds, Mission 6 covers an incredible sonic range capable of morphing between lush analog sounds to gritty FM bursts and beyond, making it both an inspiring and useful sonic tool for music producers of any background.
Packed with innovations and an iconic design, the original hardware came out of nowhere in early 2000. From custom ICs delivering 16 voices with 16-part multitimbrality, to both SEM and Ladder-style filters per voice, to an expansive mod matrix and built-in effects, the instrument is incredibly capable and affored a powerful canvas for UVI's sound designers to work with.
Putting it through its paces we created 400 all-new presets made from 340+ layers, recorded directly from the hardware, giving you a modern take on a timeless synthesizer, all with authentic hardware sound.
With a 2-layer architecture and iconic user interface design, Mission 6 gives you deep control as you adjust the factory presets or design your own. Set unique tones per layer and blend them with ADSR amp controls, utilize flexible multi-mode filters, use pitch and voicing controls to create auto-panning and unison sounds, generate motion with the built-in step modulator, LFO, and powerful arpeggiator/ phrasers, then take it to the next level with high-quality effects including EQ, drive, Thorus, ensemble, Phasor, delay, and Sparkverb.
UVI Mission 6 offers native 64-bit standalone operation by way of Falcon or the free UVI Workstation, providing comprehensive support for all modern DAWs and simultaneous authorization on up to 3 computers or iLok keys.
UVI Mission 6 is available now with a special intro price of $49/49€ through August 8th, 2022 (regularly $79/79€).
Mission 6 is also included in SonicPass. Get UVI Mission 6 and the entire catalog of products instantly with UVI SonicPass for $24/24€ a month or $240/240€ a year.
American audio production and online course specialist Spectre Digital is proud to announce availability of Extinction Level Event - Master Kit — created to sound so big and explosive it could conceivably be categorised as an ELE (extinction level event) insofar as blowing the competition away as a new drum library standard that was over two years in the making, meticulously recorded with a world-class signal chain at Round Table Recording Company, a brand-new multi-studio complex located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, to prove to the world how programmed drums should sound, with every single detail placed under the musical microscope to ensure the best-sounding drums on the market as a robust KONTAKT PLAYER instrument — as of July 25…
It is a proven production fact that recording great-sounding studio drums is difficult, tedious, and, most of all, an expensive undertaking. Ultimately, it comes down to this: the involvement of a great drummer, a fantastic-sounding live room, and the right equipment — not forgetting, of course, the years of experience and know-how needed to get the best possible sound out of the drums themselves. That same combination clearly also applies to creating world-class drum libraries. Obviously, other drum libraries are already on the market in abundance, but often suffer from one (or more) of the following issues: the shells sound fake, due to a lack of dynamic layers; the drums are overly processed, making for a one-dimensional sound; articulations are nonsensical in a musical context, due to not being correctly sampled; the user interface is confusing, created by someone without any experience of using drum libraries; and poorly implemented important features such as room and overhead microphones, due to a lack of space or improper microphone selection.
Spectre Digital’s Extinction Level Event - Master Kit is here, however, to prove to the world how programmed drums should sound. Indeed, it is created to sound so big and explosive it could conceivably be categorised as an ELE insofar as blowing the competition away as a new drum library standard that was over two years in the making, meticulously recorded with a world-class signal chain at Round Table Recording Company, a brand-new multi-studio complex located in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, featuring finest audio and recording equipment, encompassing an extensive microphone selection spanning tube mics to ribbons and outboard gear galore, as well as an Audient Heritage Edition ASP8024 large-format console (with Slate Media Technology RAVEN MTi2 state-of-the-art 27” multi-touch production console combining to provide the best of analogue and digital audio) and massive — Ocean Way Audio HR 3.5 — main monitors. An adjacent live room and three isolation booths with full sight lines makes recording almost anything imaginable. Indeed, it is easy to see (and hear) why Spectre Digital spent so much time there in pursuit of creating a new drum library standard.
So why, exactly, does Extinction Level Event - Master Kit sound so powerful, then? To put it simply: ultimately, users are in complete control of their drum sound. Seeking full control of how the bleed interacts between the shells and the cymbals? Then there is a dedicated BLEED CONTROL page available, allowing users to tweak every aspect of drum bleed, whether opting for the All Bleed setting or balancing Bleed Level for each drum kit part. Processing? Put it this way: while, to a degree, other drum libraries usually ship preprocessed, preventing the user from making any creative decisions, Extinction Level Event - Master Kit allows anyone to turn off every aspect of processing and shape their perfect drum sound from scratch. MIDI mapping to create a specific drum map for playing live on a MIDI controller is also a speedily straightforward process, thanks to the dedicated MIDI MAP page. It is also possible to reroute the multiple outputs of Extinction Level Event - Master Kit beyond stereo so users can control where they want all audio signals to go in their DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).
What also sets Extinction Level Event - Master Kit apart from the sound of the drum library crowd is its unparalleled realism, courtesy of a strikingly high number of dynamic layers — ghost notes and rimshots will actually bring dynamic qualities to the user’s music as a direct result; tons of samples — no more easily detectible round-robins that are annoying during double-bass drum or blast beats; and tons of really useful articulations — allowing users to create realistic hi-hat patterns, snare rudiments, and more. Indeed, its realism effectively enables any style of music — from the softest dynamics favoured in jazz circles through to the absolute shotgun rimshots required for heavy metal breakdowns.
Beyond that, Extinction Level Event - Master Kit is also compatible with electronic drum kits, providing the touch of an acoustic drum skin like never before, but also comes complete with TCI (INMOS Transputer Development System Occam Configuration Info) files of all the drum shells used, so owners of Steven Slate Drums Trigger 2 — enabling replacing a drum recording stem with drum samples whilst retaining dynamics and detail — can easily sample and replace recorded drums with Extinction Level Event - Master Kit.
Clearly, not all drum libraries are created equal; Extinction Level Event - Master Kit certainly sets a new drum library standard, showing that the two years Spectre Digital invested in making it was time well spent since it not only comes complete with a sizeable number of ready-to-go mix-ready presets to get users started with a bang but every one of its pages has been duly designed with making everything needed no more than one click of a button away — no more menu diving, no more hunting for settings, less time looking for great-sounding drums, and more time playing with great-sounding drums!
Extinction Level Event - Master Kit can be purchased and digitally downloaded for a time-limited introductory promo price of $84.00 USD until the end of August 2022 — rising thereafter to an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $99.00 USD
software application, software effect, and hardware processor developer Audified is proud to advance its U73b Compressor effect plug-in — an authentic emulation of its Sixties-vintage hardware namesake, now seldom seen as an all-tube vari-mu (variable gain) German broadcast compressor/limiter later involved in mastering almost all vinyl recorded and cut in Europe into the early Eighties (thanks to the speedy nature of the forward triggered sidechain and adjustable release time implemented in its design), despite its origins — and associated U78 Saturator spinoff — supplementing meticulous models of said hardware’s tube saturation with LowPass and HighPass filters alongside a unique Tone filter for adding characteristic colouration to any sound — with updated versions bolstered by gorgeous GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) and additional improvements, as of July 25…
As a software application, software effect, and hardware processor developer with history — having over 20 years of R&D, education, and collaboration connected with its own notable name, Audified was first musically motivated to breathe new life into a certain Sixties-vintage all-tube vari-mu compressor/limiter by bringing its unique sound into the modern production world when releasing the first version of the U73b Compressor effect plug-in as an authentic emulation of its hardware namesake to widespread critical acclaim back in 2015. Ultimately, U73b Compressor succeeded in recreating one of few remaining original U73b units in existence, consummately capturing the musical magic of its analogue character from the outset, then repeating the feat to even greater effect the following year when a ‘second-generation’ version was seen and heard in DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) worldwide, benefitting from an ‘audiovisual’ makeover with improved algorithms and a number of other notable improvements — including an eye-catching GUI, which was even switchable from the (authentic) German-only wording of its plug-in predecessor to English!
Fast-forward to today, then, and Audified’s ‘third-generation’ of its impressive U73b Compressor effect plug-in — updated to version 3.0.0 — is bolstered by a gorgeous GUI acting as an easy-on-the-eye gateway to easily access that still-sought-after Sixties-vintage sound, as well as improved compatibility. Again, Audified has kept the unique sound as it was originally designed — despite having already added Input and Output gain controls (before and immediately after the emulated compressor circuit to assist with proper adjustment of the compression), albeit adding a Comp. amount control this time (to allow version 3.0.0 users to adjust the compression effect of the vari-mu stage).
Saying that, U73b Compressor (version 3.0.0) continues in its musical mission as a unique-sounding compressor suited to modern-day production, providing inspirational sound and intuitive workflow. An automatic (optional) output level control, additional high-pass filter (to switch between vintage and modern sound), external sidechain capabilities, and three program-dependent and three fixed Release times to choose from are among its impressive highlights.
U78 Saturator
However, those producers sold on the unique sound of Audified’s acclaimed U73b Compressor effect plug-in — perhaps intent on adding additional flavourings to their tracks, though — should seriously consider its U78 Saturator spinoff since it takes the former’s authentically emulated analogue saturation to the next level with filters — HiPass sets the cutoff frequency of the high-pass filter, which comes before the saturation circuit in the signal path, ranging between 30 to 800 Hz; LowPass sets the cutoff frequency of the lowpass filter, which also comes before the saturation circuit, ranging between 1 to 8 kHz — added alongside a Tone control to dial in (or out) the unique tone filter, with lower settings producing Dark sounds with more low frequency content while higher settings result in Bright, sparkly sounds. Sharing some features and workflow with its U73b Compressor 3.0.0 sibling, the ‘second-generation’ U78 Saturator — updated to version 2.0.0 — also improves upon its 2016- released predecessor, bolstered by another gorgeous GUI, an improved saturation circuit, and also improved compatibility.
U73b Compressor (version 3.0.0) is available to purchase at a promo price of $79.00 USD until August 8, 2022 — rising thereafter to its regular price of $149.00 USD — from Audified’s online shop, which also includes in-depth information.
U78 Saturator (version 2.0.0) is available to purchase at a promo price of $79.00 USD until August 8, 2022 — rising thereafter to its regular price of $149.00 USD — from Audified’s online shop, which also includes in-depth information.
U73b Compressor (version 3.0.0) and U78 Saturator (version 2.0.0) are also available to purchase as part of the German Studio Bundle that also includes RZ062 Equalizer — itself originally released in 2017 as a two-plug-ins-in-one affair for music production and mastering, featuring complex control over the frequency spectrum and saturation, based around authentic namesake models of the now-scarce and sought-after Sixties-vintage Klangfilm RZ062a and RZ062b valve EQ modules made by German giant Siemens for installation in its film sound-centric Universal Mixing and Control Console (Klangfilm System), updated last year to version 2.0.0 status with improved tube simulation, reduced CPU (Central Processing Unit) consumption, and improved compatibility — for $199.00 USD, representing a substantial saving over purchasing the three included plug-ins separately, from Audified’s online shop , which also includes in-depth information.
Oberheim today began shipping the OB-X8: an eight-voice polyphonic analog synth that combines the classic sound and key features of the legendary OB-X, OB-Xa, and OB-8 products from the 1980s – including all of the original presets that gave them their signature sounds.
“It’s an exciting day for Oberheim and for musicians that have been anxiously waiting for the OB-X8 since we first announced it,” said company founder Tom Oberheim. “Naturally, we’re proud to reintroduce the Oberheim sound in a new instrument. But even more, we’re proud that we’ve been able to combine the voice architectures of the various original OB series synths in a way that gives players unique new sounds and capabilities that even the originals didn’t have. It’s an amazing-sounding instrument.”
The catalog of artists associated with the original OB-series synths is long, and includes innovators like Prince, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Jam, and Herbie Hancock. For many, it was much more than just an instrument; it was part of their signature sound and a key part of the musical tapestry of the 1980’s and beyond.
Oberheim alumni Marcus Ryle, who was deeply involved in the design and execution of the OB-X8, summed up the new synth: “As a whole, the OB-X8 covers more sonic territory than any OB-series synth ever created. The Oberheim team has delivered an instrument that will satisfy even the most die-hard Oberheim fans — and introduce an entirely new generation to the incomparable Oberheim sound.”
Oberheim CEO David Gibbons added: “Bringing back Oberheim and creating the new OB-X8 has been a true labor of love. Even more gratifying is the overwhelmingly positive reaction we’ve received from both artists and the music industry as a whole. Everyone is excited about this instrument — and nobody more than us.”
Oberheim brings its products to market with the help of the Focusrite organization and renowned synth maker, Sequential.
The OB-X8 eight-voice analog synthesizer is available now with a US MAP of $4,999.
2B Played Music released an updated version of 2B Controlled, a dynamic stereo / mid / side frequency processor / enhancer.
2B Controlled is a plug-in built to help you:
Enhance your track/kick low end.
Enhance mid/side frequencies.
Control and enhance stereo frequencies.
Enhance vocals/drums/bass.
High pass track parts while keeping them strong.
Control your master stereo/mid or side frequencies.
Here's what they say:
2B Controlled consists of a unique combination of filters combined with the so-called pull-push technology. There are 4 modes to choose from: Pitch, Classic, Trimmed and Single. With all 4 modes you can choose between: Stereo Processing, Mid Processing or Side Processing.
In addition to a new design, the new 2.0 version of 2B Controlled also received a Limiter and Oversampling function. Also, the plugin has become self-explanatory, which helps to explore the options. Furthermore, 2B Played Music indicates that 2B Controlled is now also available in VST3 format for macOS in addition to the already supported AU version. 2B Controlled is compatible on macOS with both Intel and Apple Silicon chips. For Windows, the well-known VST3 format is supported.
2B Controlled v2.0 is now available for Windows and macOS with an intro offer at the 2B Played Music website.
Price: €15,50 Excl. VAT.
Carvin Brothers features a classic custom Carvin guitar. Carvin is well known for its high-quality, USA-built instruments, custom made for a great price. Carvin guitars are rarely seen as they are only custom made for its users. We have sampled this legendary guitar with neck and bridge pickups so it can fit for different style/genres of music.
Deeply sampled over 23GB uncompressed contents，over 10,900 samples with multi velocity layers and round robin samples, Carvin Brothers aims at precisely reproducing hi-end electric guitar sound from Carvin guitars. To achieve the best possible sound, we are not only choosing a Carvin guitar in excellent condition which is considered to have the authentic Carvin sound, but also samples with 2 pickups. It took our team several months to prepare the sample recording.
Produce-RNB has released an update to the Signature R&B Plugin. Signature 4.0 now features a new synth engine for adding synth textures to the high fidelity audio samples already in Signature. The update adds over 100 new patches in addition to minor UI improvements. Here's what they say:
The new synthesizer in Signature features 2 oscillators and 7 effects. This gives users a whole new world of sound design on top of the extensive sample manipulation Signature has available. Produce-RNB designed the synthesizer to be easy and simple to use even if you know nothing about synthesizers.
The new update is now available in VST, VST3 and AU format at www.producernb.com/signature for $79.00 / €77.23 / £65.53.
Owners of the unlimited update plan get this update free of charge. Upgrades are also available for Signature owners.
Independent developer Marcel Blum has released Soundplant 50.5 for Windows and MacOS, a major update to the venerable sound triggering software entering its 23rd year.
Version 50.5 brings native Apple Silicon support for improved performance on the latest M1/M2 Macs, randomizable realtime effects for expanded sound design possibilities, and flexible input recording for capturing from microphone (or any other source) while continuing to play sounds and mix live input with Soundplant's output.
Soundplant is an ultra low latency standalone software sampler allowing the instant playback of any format sound files from standard computer keyboard keys or MIDI, having become a beloved secret weapon of sound designers, DJs, podcasters, producers, gamers, and streamers. It can mix tons of sounds at once, queue playlists, trigger in the background with global hotkeys while using other apps, record its own output or any input (or both at the same time), and more, all with drag and drop ease and rock solid stability for live use. Just drop some sound files onto onscreen keys and start jamming.
Soundplant has been rewritten from scratch for its v50 generation, optimized for modern systems while maintaining its budget-friendly price, building on feedback from users in the theater, film, and music industries and feature sponsorship support from Nike, Inc., rock band Man Or Astro-Man?, and sound engineers and artists worldwide.
Availability & Pricing
Soundplant is available as a free download at soundplant.org with a 25-launch trial of the paid features. In unregistered mode it is free for non-commercial use. The registered version (USD $60, or upgrades from $36) includes professional features like output device selection, expanded sound file format support, sample rates up to 384 kHz, recording, MIDI, and 'background key input' for global hotkey triggering.
Soundplant runs on minimum Windows 7 64-bit or macOS 10.11.
Igor Vasiliev has updated SpaceFields - Space Ambient Machine App for iOS and macOS to version 1.3. They say:
SpaceFields is a loop-based mangler effect for creating slowly changing rhythmic sound structures in a deep reverb space from any external signal. Great for experimenting and designing ambient and noise backgrounds with rhythmic elements.
This update makes SpaceFields a truly universal iOS and macOS application. It can work on iPhone and iPad as well as Mac / MacBook with M1 chip (and later). On macOS the SpaceFields can works both as a standalone application and as an Audio unit (AUv3) with DAWs and audio unit hosts like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, GarageBand, MainStage, Plogue Bidule, etc. All application features are available on macOS, including MIDI support, audio unit parameters and importing samples from any directory of device.
All changes:
Added new presets.
Ready for the upcoming iOS 16.
Added an indicator of the threshold exceed.
Shift + Touch and drag to change the second value of the knobs for macOS.
Option to enable Shift + Touch and drag on iOS with external keyboard.
Slightly optimization of the audio engine.
Fixed an issue with some audio unit parameters.
Fixed a bug with a mismatch between the actual loop length and the parameter in some cases.
Fixed a bug with loop length when loading samples in Fixed / Ready modes.
Price: $10.99 in the App Store.
The Bob Moog Foundation is offering offer pre-orders for Switched On: Bob Moog and the Synthesizer Revolution by lauded author Albert Glinsky, the first complete biography of the synthesizer pioneer's storied life and career. The 496-page hardcover book, with 58 black-and-white and color illustrations and a Foreword by Francis Ford Coppola, published by Oxford University Press, will retail for $39.95. Pre-orders will ship the week of August 19, 2022, and the book will be released to the general public on September 2, 2022.
In Switched On, Glinsky draws on exclusive access to Bob Moog's personal archives and probing interviews with Bob's family and a multitude of associates. Switched On takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride. at turns triumphant, heart-breaking, and frequently laugh-out-loud absurd---a nuanced trip through the public and private worlds of this legendary inventor who altered the course of music forever.
Bob Moog was a brilliant engineer and lovable geek with Einstein hair and pocket protectors. He walked into history in 1964 when his early synthesizers unexpectedly became a sensation. A wide variety of musical acts including The Beatles, The Doors, The Byrds, Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Yes, and Stevie Wonder discovered the Moog synthesizer, and it came to be featured in seminal film scores including A Clockwork Orange and Apocalypse Now. The Moog synthesizer's game-changing sounds saturated '60s counterculture and burst into the disco party scene in the '70s to set off the electronic dance music movement. Bob had helped create the synth industry, and had unwittingly become a star in the process.
But his life was not all it seemed. He was also going broke. Imitators copied his technology, the musicians' union accused him of replacing live players, and Japanese competitors started overtaking his work. He struggled to hang on to his inventions, his business, and his very name. Bob's story upends our notions of success and wealth, showing that the two don't always go together.
The biography took Glinsky over 12 painstaking years to research and write. He draws on an astounding depth of original research, including over 65 interviews and thousands of archival documents. His beautiful synthesis of troves of information disrupts many long-held views about Moog's story by drawing on a host of primary sources to overturn common myths, timelines, and assumptions.
"I was honored to be asked by Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, to write Bob's biography, " Glinsky said. "The process of writing this book has been an extraordinary experience, and I am proud to be able to offer this definitive story of Bob's complex life and career."
The Bob Moog Foundation is proud to have supported Glinsky's efforts by facilitating interviews and providing access to hundreds of rare historical documents and photos. The Foundation's executive director, Michelle Moog-Koussa, is mentioned in the acknowledgements of the book for her role in its creation. These efforts are an extension of the Foundation's mission to protect, preserve, and share the wealth of materials of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives with people from all over the world.
Switched On can be pre-ordered through the Bob Moog Foundation's online store starting on July 25, 2022. It will be available in the Moogseum store beginning on September.
Stam Audio announces availability of 3A-5 500-Series Opto Compressor, 1073-5T 500-Series Preamp, SA4000 Tube-5 MK2 500-series Buss Compressor and SA-87i Large Tube Condenser as well as Two Tube SA-47 MK2 B-Stock Microphones and two weekly giveaway winners.
Introducing the Stam Audio 3A-5!
We proudly proclaim the 3A-5 to be the most accurate and faithful sounding LA-3A/LA-4 recreation on the market!
The 3A-5 is a sonically accurate, 1:1 recreation of 2 classic, wildly popularsolid state optical compressors from the 70's - the UREI LA-3A and LA-4!. Featuring custom wound, USA-made transformers crafted to our exacting specifications coupled with the world's BEST (full-size!) T4B recreation - handmade by Bill Jones @ Kenetek Pro Audio in the USA. A custom Carnhill Output Transformer rounds out the featureset - all of these things come together to harness the vintage euphony, color and compression behavior of the original units in every perceivable way.
STOCK PRICE: $899 USD
PRE-ORDER PRICE: $799 USD
FIRST 50 : $699 USD
LEAD TIME = 4 WEEKS
Announcing the 1073-5T!
A 1073 with all it's glamorious low end girth and heft but with smooth, tube-driven high-end brilliance and character!
Fully discrete, Class-A circuitry with a Carnhill VTB9045 Input Transformer, TWO BA284 cards (as per the original modules), NOS tubes and a Custom-Wound, USA-Made Output Transformer specifically crafted for Stam Audio. The "king" of preamps, imbued for the first time with a tube to crank things up to 10 (or 11; if that's more your thing!)
STOCK PRICE: $799 USD
PRE-ORDER PRICE: $699 USD
FIRST 50: $599 USD
LEAD TIME = 4 WEEKS
A TUBE 4K Buss Compressor!
A number of companies have paid great tribute to this legendary design, but we have always felt there was a key part missing: the discrete DBX VCA found in the SSL QUAD-COMP - located in the center section of vintage SSL Consoles. We decided it was time to step up our game and take it to the next level by reverse engineering the original, venerable DBX 202C cans. Vintage SSL Consoles do not just glue your mixes, they also imprint an alluring character that has been lacking since modern VCA chips were invented and ultimately used to replace the character-laden DBX 202C cans.
The SA4000-500T, with its DBX 202C recreation VCA's and tube output stage is not only sonically insanely flexible, but it is arguably the best sounding 500-Series Buss Compressor created to date!
STOCK PRICE: $999 USD
PRE-ORDER PRICE: $899 USD
FIRST 50: $799 USD
LEAD TIME = 6 WEEKS
Finally, a 1:1 replica of our favorite Neumann U87i from 1972!
After auditioning over 25 vintage Neumann U87's - we picked our favorite and created a sonically imperceivable replica!
All SA-87i's are painstakingly matched for frequency response and are within +/- 1dB between them. Handmade in small batches at our lab in Chile like all Stam Audio gear!
Braingasm K87 capsule (Handmade in Rome, Italy)
Sowter 1303F Output Transformer (Handmade in the UK)
Vishay and Polystyrene Capacitors
Carbon Resistors
100% Conforms to the Original Schematic
2 year warranty
Hand-Made in small batches one at a time - just as they were in Germany.
STOCK PRICE: $899 USD
PRE-ORDER PRICE: $799 USD
FIRST 50: $699 USD
LEAD TIME = 8 WEEKS
WEEKLY GIVEWAYS!!
The winners of these weeks SA-3A-5's are
1.-@rufionasound
2.- @ kik etrianip
Congratulations, we will send you an email to confirm your prize !!
During August and September we will be giving away one unit every single week exclusively to our Newsletter subscribers!!
Winners will be randomly selected and announced weekly on our weekly Newsletter every Friday at 4PM AST
B STOCKS UNITS.
We have the following B stock units available for shipping this week:
Two Tube SA-47 MK2 Microphones
M7 Capsule, NOS Telefunken EF800 tube and a AMI BV8 output transformer.
2 year warranty. Fully tested and in pristine condition
1,200 USD plus shipping
discoDSP has updated OB-Xd to version 2.9.
What's new:
JUCE framework updated to 7.0.1 (better GUI performance and overall stability).
Added AU parameter version hints for better GarageBand and Logic support.
Linux LV2 plugin support.
Linux installer now places VST3 and LV2 plugin files to ~/.vst3 and ~/.lv2 folders.
OB-Xd can be updated at the discoDSP Members Area or OB-Xd page.
discoDSP has also released the Daniel Stawczyk Paradoxia sound bank for Discovery Pro, which delivers 128 presets with lush multi-layered sounds using PADSynth re-synthesis.
Paradoxia costs $39 but has a 40% off discount for a limited time at the discoDSP soundware page.
With LoFi Dreamvibes, we've put together all the elements you need to produce relaxing chill or study beats inspired by some of the most popular producers and genre-specific playlists on the scene. Effortlessly blend electronic sounds, acoustic instruments and field recordings to create a variety of textured and sonically rich instrumentals that will have your listeners hitting repeat again and again.
Featuring 60 expertly-crafted presets covering basses, chords, FX, keys, pads, plucks and synths all with macro controls mapped to only the most useful parameters, enabling efficient on-the-fly tweaking for custom sound design.
Also included are 5 complete Construction Kits packed with wet and dry loops, oneshots and MIDI files ensuring this pack contains every element required to create LoFi tracks completely tailored to your liking and only limited by your creativity.
Contents
60 Serum Presets
9 Bass
6 Chords
10 FX
8 Keys
5 Pads
12 Plucks
10 Synth
5 Construction Kits
154 Loops
42 Oneshots (Drums, Percussion, Bass)
44 MIDI
5 Mixdown Demos
2 Full Product Demos (WAV & MP3)
Total Files
307
Price: £18.00
Fender Custom Shop and The Fender Play Foundation have announced the “Fender x Minions: The Rise of Gru” Collection in collaboration with legendary animation studio Illumination and its recent release of Minions: The Rise of Gru. To continue supporting the Foundation’s efforts to equip, educate and inspire the next generation of players, all proceeds from the sales of the Minions: The Rise of Gru inspired instruments will support the FPF’s music education programs with elementary and middle school students in Los Angeles. With the otherworldly creativity of Illumination designers, Fender Custom Shop Master Builders built one-of-a-kind instruments inspired by the beloved Minions universe and the importance of music to the franchise. Each creation was thoughtfully crafted in a collaborative effort to create stunning, unique, and endearing guitars that will be loved for many years to come. The collection of bespoke, master-built guitars, bass and ukulele are available for purchase globally. Information on how to buy any model is available on fender.com or by contacting fenderplayfoundation@fender.com.
As part of the partnership, students in the Fender Play Foundation programs in Los Angeles receive the opportunity to see the new movie, Minions: The Rise of Gru, which tells the origin story of how the world’s greatest supervillain first met his iconic Minions. Additionally, students will be learning to play and perform the lead song on the movie’s soundtrack, “Turn Up the Sunshine” by Diana Ross, featuring Fender artist, Tame Impala.
“Since we introduced the Fender Play Foundation™, it’s been our mission to equip, inspire and educate the next generation of players, supporting their passion for music through our programs,” said Aarash Darroodi, President of the Fender Play Foundation. “Our partnership with Illumination® is a special one, as both organizations are committed to expanding the equitable access to music and arts education in after-school programs. For more than two years, the Foundation has been offering virtual music classes for Los Angeles Unified School District students, while Illumination has simultaneously been providing LAUSD students with virtual animation classes through their Animation With Illumination program. By joining forces, we have been able to create truly unique musical instruments inspired by Minions: The Rise of Gru, all proceeds of which will help expand access to music education to even more students in Los Angeles.”
“We are extremely proud to partner with the Fender Play Foundation to celebrate and support the power of music and movies to move and inspire audiences of all ages,” said Founder and CEO of Illumination Chris Meledandri. “With a unique combination of Illumination’s artistry and Fender’s craftsmanship, we are bringing our characters to life with this special collection of instruments that will help drive this mission-critical work. Together, we are harnessing the power and creativity of our movies and characters to help expand equitable access to music and arts education for all.”
Fender® x Minions: The Rise of Gru Collection includes:
StratoStuart
StratoStuart ($48,000 USD)
Masterbuilt by Kyle McMillin, the custom Minions Stratocaster® guitar is a Dakota Red guitar outfitted with unique fret markers and pearl inlays. This unique creation is made with a roasted alder body, 3A flame maple neck with a “C” back-shape and a 9.5” flat laminated rosewood fingerboard with custom Minions eyes as fret markers. Features include 21 narrow tall (6105) frets, Josefina Campos hand-wound ‘60s Strat® pickups with RW/RP middle, modern strat wiring and controls, a 3-ply white nitro pickguard, American Vintage synchronized tremolo bridge, Fender® American Pro staggered tuning machines, bone nut and wing string tree. The StratoStuart (Stratocaster®) guitar is completed with a reliced finish and unique artwork including custom carved Minion symbols etched into the body, a bite taken out of the sides by “a Minion” and a custom black acid washed distressed denim case with Minions patches and stenciled artwork.
McMillin says of his StratoStuart build, “The most challenging parts of this build were drawing and engraving the artwork but it was so worth it in the end. Overall, this Stratocaster® [guitar] was so much fun to make and it feels great to know that this project will benefit the children as well!”
Otto’s Moon Bass
Otto’s Moon Bass ($50,000 USD)
Masterbuilt by Ron Thorn, the Otto’s Moon Bass, built and piloted by astronaut Otto, features a 7-piece snap-together alder body that can be taken apart and reassembled. Drawing from his machinery design career, Thorn utilized a variety of hardware and custom machined components that allow the pieces to interlock into one another in different stages. Designed by the partners at Illumination, Thorn hand carved Otto, including his goggles, airbrushed the ship, machined and polished the clear cockpit canopy, even making his little denim overalls. The Bass comes equipped with a “C” back-shaped maple neck and 9.5” maple fingerboard decorated with custom-painted Minions graphics. Otto’s Moon Bass comes with 20 frets, a Lace alumitone pickup, single volume control, a 4-saddle ‘70s style Precision Bass® bridge, Fender® ultra light bass tuning machines, a bone nut and ultra bass string tree. Otto’s Moon Bass is delivered in a unique case designed to look like the surface of the moon and lined with galaxy print fabric.
Thorn commented on his Otto’s Moon Bass guitar: “The Illumination team is an incredibly talented group of artists and designers. To say I was blown-away by their initial concepts is an understatement. The fact that they’re not guitar designers seemed to liberate their creativity, resulting in instruments that a guitar-designer would never conceive. These instruments are totally unique, fresh and amazing!”
Kosmic Kevin
Kosmic Kevin ($71,500 USD)
Masterbuilt by Gonzalo Madrigal, this custom acoustic guitar boasts unique features from its carved headstock to colorfully painted soundhole. This one-of-a-kind Kosmic Kevin showcases a laser-engraved sitka spruce top with Minions-themed artwork painted by Madison Roy on its dreadnought-shaped body. This guitar is styled with mahogany back and sides and adorned with a “C” back-shaped neck. It comes with an ebony custom Minions inlaid 12” fingerboard, 20 vintage frets, an ebony bridge and Gotoh SE700 tuners. The Kosmic Kevin guitar includes a custom guitar case with Minions artwork covering and Minions’ googly eyes on the surface.
When asked about his Kosmic Kevin creation, Madrigal notes, “I’m happy knowing I get to help kids enjoy the gift of music by doing what I love to do – building guitars!”
The King Bob
The King Bob ($50,000 USD)
Masterbuilt by Dennis Galuszka, the King Bob Minions ukulele features a custom Minions artwork finish painted by freelance artist Sarah Gallenberger, iconic musical instrument visual artist, and comes with a custom black fur gig bag lined with Minions embroidery. The ukulele has a mahogany “C” back-shape neck with a maple top, back and sides body. Additional specs include a rosewood fingerboard decorated with painted graphics, a flat fingerboard radius, 12 mandolin frets, rosewood top load with corian saddle bridge and American standard “shorts” with ebony buttons for tuners.
When building the King Bob, Galuszka said, “Ukuleles are a rare build in the [Fender] Custom Shop™so this was a great change of pace! That being said, we have zero tooling and/or specs, so with some reverse engineering from photocopies of the artwork, mockups emerged as a fun challenge. For me, I’m personally very interested in any and all opportunities to help kids build a relationship with the arts. Music saved me as a kid and I can’t say I would have ended up in a good place in life without it.”
To support this collaboration, in the latest episode of Fender’s serialized content series, Dream Factory, Fender Custom Shop teamed up with Illumination to bring joy, music, and educational opportunities to young people in Los Angeles through the Fender Play Foundation. Esteemed master builder Dennis Galuszka kicks off as he leads the Fender Play Foundation™ program students on a Q&A tour of the Custom Shop factory. As the students met each master builder, they were simultaneously introduced to the instrument each master conceptualized, helped design and built. Students’ first reactions were captured live as they watched a select group of Fender Play instructors and employees play each of the unique instruments. Watch as Momo Wang, designer of the bass from Illumination, presents the bass with Ron Thorn to the program students discussing the intricacies of each model and exploring how the creation of them are a representation of the upcoming film.
The centerpiece of the Fender Play Foundation™ is its music education partnership with Los Angeles Unified, the 2nd largest school district in the U.S., with two key programs. The virtual middle school music enrichment program provides equipment donations, a teacher-led curriculum with access to the Fender Play® app and artist experiences. The elementary school ukulele program, supported and championed by none other than Billie Eilish and her brother, FINNEAS, provides instruments and weekly in-school music instruction at 10 schools in Highland Park. Since launching music education programs in Los Angeles in June 2020, the FPF has placed instruments and Fender Play® subscriptions in the hands of more than 10,000 students.
Illumination was founded with the goal of infusing joy and discovery into every character and putting smiles on the face of every person in their audience, no matter their age or nationality. Aligned with Fender’s dedication to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends, this partnership is bringing joy, music and educational opportunities to the greater Los Angeles community.
For technical specs, additional information on new Fender® products, visit www.fendercustomshop.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender, @FenderPlay and @FenderCustomShop.
ABOUT FENDER CUSTOM SHOP™
Since 1987, the Fender Custom Shop™ and its esteemed builders have astounded players and collectors worldwide with marvels of creativity, ingenuity and artistry. From its humble Southern California beginnings, the Fender Custom Shop™ has grown to become the world’s preeminent maker of highly collectible, custom instruments operating in Corona, Calif. Known as the “Dream Factory,” the Fender Custom Shop™ is also home to an honored group known as the Master Builders – some of the most-skilled luthiers in the world – who craft Fender’s legendary instruments and push the boundaries of possibility. The distinguished Master Builders make dream guitars a reality for players – from Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, H.E.R. and Jimmy Page to collectors, working professionals and guitar enthusiasts. As the epicenter of innovation at Fender and the pinnacle of the brand, ideas and production techniques devised in the Fender Custom Shop™ for both Masterbuilt and Teambuilt guitars go on to inspire and influence Fender’s other production line models.
ABOUT FENDER PLAY FOUNDATION™
Established in 2019, the Fender Play Foundation™ (FPF) is a 501(c)(3) public charitable organization on a mission to equip, educate and inspire the next generation of players through music. The Fender Play Foundation™ places instruments in the hands of youth who aspire to play and reap the powerful benefits of music education, including enhanced cognitive function, improved creativity and confidence, and better mental health and emotional stability and higher test scores and academic achievement. Operating under the belief that music is a universal language that empowers self-expression and community-building everywhere, the Fender Play Foundation™ prioritizes its music education partnership with Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD), the 2nd largest school district in the U.S., reaching over 10,000 students. FPF’s programs are breaking new ground as sustainable, scalable and innovative models for music education.
ABOUT FPF PROGRAMS:
The centerpiece of the Fender Play Foundation™ is its music education partnership with Los Angeles Unified (LAUSD), the 2nd largest school district in the U.S., reaching over 10,000 students. The virtual middle school music enrichment program provides equipment donations, a teacher-led curriculum with access to the Fender Play® app, and artist experiences. The elementary school ukulele program in partnership with Grammy winners Billie Eilish and FINNEAS provides instruments and weekly in-school music instruction at 10 schools in Highland Park with the goal of creating a robust 3rd-8th grade music pathway for nearly 2,500 students over 3 years.
ABOUT FENDER MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS CORPORATION:
Since 1946, Fender has revolutionized music and culture as one of the world’s leading musical instrument manufacturers, marketers and distributors. Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC)–whose portfolio of owned and licensed brands includes Fender®, Squier®, Gretsch® guitars, Jackson®, EVH®, Charvel®, Bigsby® and PreSonus® – follows a player-centric approach to crafting the highest-quality instruments and digital experiences across genres. Since 2015, Fender’s digital arm has introduced a new ecosystem of products and interactive experiences to accompany players at every stage of their musical journey. This includes innovative apps and learning platforms designed to complement Fender guitars, amplifiers, effects pedals, accessories and pro-audio gear, and inspire players through an immersive musical experience. FMIC is dedicated to unlocking the power of musical expression for all players, from beginners to history-making legends. In 2021, Fender celebrated 75 years of giving artists “wings to fly,” carrying on the vision of its founder, Leo Fender, and connecting players through a shared love of music.
ABOUT MINIONS: THE RISE OF GRU:
This summer, from the biggest global animated franchise in history, comes the origin story of how the world’s greatest supervillain first met his iconic Minions, forged cinema’s most despicable crew and faced off against the most unstoppable criminal force ever assembled in Minions: The Rise of Gru. Long before he becomes the master of evil, Gru (Oscar® nominee Steve Carell) is just a 12-year-old boy in 1970s suburbia, plotting to take over the world from his basement. It’s not going particularly well. When Gru crosses paths with the Minions, including Kevin, Stuart, Bob and Otto—a new Minion sporting braces and a desperate need to please—this unexpected family joins forces. Together, they build their first lair, design their first weapons and strive to execute their first missions.
When the infamous supervillain supergroup, the Vicious 6, oust their leader—legendary martial arts fighter Wild Knuckles (Oscar® winner Alan Arkin)— Gru, their most devoted fanboy, interviews to become their newest member. The Vicious 6 is not impressed by the diminutive, wannabe villain, but then Gru outsmarts (and enrages) them and he suddenly finds himself the mortal enemy of the apex of evil. With Gru on the run, the Minions attempt to master the art of kung fu to help save him and Gru discovers that even bad guys need a little help from their friends.
Featuring more spectacular action than any film in Illumination history and packed with the franchise’s signature subversive humor, Minions: The Rise of Gru stars a thrilling new cast, including the Vicious 6: Taraji P. Henson as cool and confident leader Belle Bottom, whose chain belt doubles as a lethal disco-ball mace; Jean-Claude Van Damme as the nihilistic Jean Clawed, who’s armed (literally) with a giant robotic claw; Lucy Lawless as Nunchuck, whose traditional nun’s habit hides her deadly nun-chucks; Dolph Lundgren as Swedish roller-skate champion Svengeance, who dispenses his enemies with spin kicks from his spiked skates and Danny Trejo as Stronghold, whose giant iron hands are both a menace to others and a burden to him.
HY-Plugins has released updates for HY-Filter4, HY-POLY, HY-RPE2 and HY-SEQ32.
HY-Filter4 v1.1.0:
New: EnvTrig FX.
New: Ring Modulator FX.
New: Added Step Sequencer to Resonator.
New: Added trigger probability control to Gate SEQ.
Fix: Demo version didn't work properly.
Fix: Shuffle of Gate SEQ didn't work properly.
Fix: Linux version crash issue.
Fix: Some minor issues.
HY-POLY v1.4.0:
New: Linux version.
Change: Improved the panel layout.
Add: Add arrow buttons to the waveform loader of the Vector OSC.
Add: New skin colors.
Fix: Meter of GateFx didn't work correctly.
HY-RPE2 v1.2.1:
New: Linux version.
Fix: Note preview button of Grid Mode didn't work properly.
Fix: Some minor issues.
HY-SEQ32 v1.1.8:
Fix: Linux version crash issue.
Change: GUI improvement.
Kuassa has updated all of their Amplifikation Guitar Amp Plug-ins for MacOS. Now with native Apple Silicon support.
All Amplifikation release notes:
Native Apple Silicon support.
The Amplifikation versions have been updated to:
Amplifikation Lancaster to v1.1.0.
Amplifikation Clarent to v1.1.0.
Amplifikation Matchlock to v1.2.0.
Amplifikation Caliburn to v1.2.0.
Amplifikation Cerberus to v1.2.0.
Amplifikation Vermilion to v1.3.0.
Amplifikation Creme to v1.5.0.
All updates are free for all licensed owners of Amplifikation plug-ins and Amplifikation Rectifor
Photosounder has been updated to version 1.11.
Also on August 1st, 2022 the price will increase from $79 to $100.
Changes since v1.10.1:
License validation dialog.
Audio output dialog for selecting an API, device, sample rate and buffer size.
Save dialog for selecting the file format.
Dialog to extend or cut the project's duration.
Save non-lossless mode sound files now uses live synthesis which gives better output and solves previous problems with trying to save when live synthesis mode on.
A crash report file is generated and revealed when Photosounder crashes on Windows.
Faster graphics thanks to SIMD optimisation.
Restored road-roller and magnet and mask erasing functionality.
and mask erasing (as opposed to one for the whole project).
Each layer can now have its own original copy used for road-roller and magnet.
logfile.txt on Windows is now in the AppData folder, like config.txt.
Fixed the Save command when scripting an image save.
Fixed "Merge all to new layer" in scripting.
Fixed PHA file saving for the status type.
Fixed WAV file loading for some cases.
Floating window manager so windows don't have a fixed order anymore.
Fixed an issue with program not launching due to restoring window position, now the window always starts maximised.
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has partnered with Newport Festivals Foundation through its philanthropic arm Gibson Gives at this summer’s Newport Folk Festival to celebrate the music icon Sister Rosetta Tharpe and the 55th anniversary of her groundbreaking Newport Folk Festival performance on July 16, 1967.This Sunday, July 24 at 12:40 PM on the Newport Folk Festival Foundation Stage a special performance will feature acclaimed singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Celisse performing classic Sister Rosetta Tharpe songs such as “Didn’t It Rain,” as well as a special performance of SRT’s “Up Above My Head” alongside the youth players from RIOT RI–a local nonprofit that fosters the development of healthy identities in girls, women, trans, and gender-expansive youth and adults, through the power of music. Gibson will donate six of the soon to be released new Epiphone Power Players guitars to the RIOT RI Foundation.
“Sister Rosetta Tharpe is one of music’s most important and influential figures as the creator of rock and roll music” says Celisse. “Celebrating the 55th anniversary of her debut at Newport Folk Fest, in collaboration with RIOT RI further affirms one of the most important tenants of Newport’s mission, a commitment to honoring and remembering the true founders and innovators of American music. I am incredibly proud to be one of the many artists that stand on Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s shoulders and hope that in continuing to name and celebrate her incredible contributions to popular music, it may inspire more people to believe that great music can come from anyone.”
Founded in 2011, Newport Festivals Foundation’s mission is to preserve the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals and expand their impact through year-round music education and artist relief initiatives. The festivals have always strived to present artists who respect and honor jazz and folk music traditions, while at the same time reflecting the changes in trends and the times in which they live. As the first modern music festivals in the U.S., they continue, to this day, to be leaders and innovators in the festival landscape.
The sold-out 2022 Newport Folk Festival will take place this week at Fort Adams State Park on Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 23, and Sunday, July 24. The festival will celebrate its 61st year with wide range, of singer-songwriters, indie and soul artists and folk rock bands including Brandi Carlile and Friends, Bleachers, Courtney Barnett, Maren Morris, Trampled by Turtles, Dinosaur Jr, The National, The Roots, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Valerie June, Celisse, Sierra Ferrell, Adia Victoria, Joy Oladokun, Japanese Breakfast, and many more.
The Gibson and Newport Festivals Foundation partnership and Sister Rosetta Tharpe celebration follows the recent announcement of Gibson’s annual Scholarship Program. Gibson announced it will award 15+ music scholarships in 2022 comprised of both cash grants ($75,000), as well as instruments and gear directly to high school seniors as they prepare to navigate their post grad education and careers.
The Gibson Gives Scholarship Program launched with the Sister Rosetta Tharpe Scholarship–the first-ever music scholarship created in honor of the iconic and incomparable Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Sister Rosetta Tharpe. The Sister Rosetta Tharpe Scholarship, created through support by the Fund for the School District of Philadelphia, has been awarded to Sierra Guilmartin, a senior at Philadelphia High School for Girls who will pursue music at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia in the Fall.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s immense talent and confidence arrived during an era when women, and especially women of color, had no voice. An era where no woman dared play guitar at the front of the stage, let alone front a solo act. No woman except Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
An audacious performer from Cotton Plant, Arkansas who became a gospel superstar, Sister Rosetta Tharpe is an artist that rarely comes up in debates about the true founding father of rock ‘n’ roll. SRT fronted her own band, she was one of the first artists of note to play the iconic ‘61 Les Paul SG Custom electric guitar, she was a headlining, black female artist who toured through the segregated Jim Crow South, and she has been largely overlooked as a seminal figure in the creation of rock music. As it turns out, the founding father of rock ‘n’ roll wasn’t a father at all – that distinction belongs to Sister Rosetta. A gospel-trained force of nature that broke barriers, stereotypes, and norms with astonishing regularity, her electrifying music predates the work of like-minded guitar legends including Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, and Elvis.Sister Rosetta Tharpe unequivocally remains the textbook definition of an iconoclast – The Godmother of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Karoryfer Samples has released Hster, a sample library of an opera mezzosoprano singing in the reconstructed Proto-Indo-European language spoken approximately 5000 years ago. The concept is not to accurately reconstruct prehistoric singing, but rather to provide prehistoric phonetics in a tuning and format which will be usable for modern music.
Key features:
Over thirty Proto-Indo-European words.
Syllable patches allowing the combination of syllable starts and ends for hundreds of possible syllables.
True sampled legato on vowel sustains.
Additional hummed m sustains.
Controllable vibrato.
Unison simulating the sound of three singers.
Over 6000 total samples.
24-bits, 44.1 kHz sample rate.
Requires the free Plogue sforzando 1.971 or newer, 4 GB RAM and an SSD.
Intro price: $19 until August 15th, 2022 (full price $39).
Developer nakst has announced the release of Integrate, a subtractive synthesizer inspired by old-school virtual analogue synths. It combines a characterful digital sound engine with a polished user interface.
Integrate is available for Windows CLAP hosts, such as the latest versions of Bitwig, and as a native FL Studio plugin.
Price: $54.99 (15% off during launch week)
Ultimate MIDI Plugin has updated UChord (Ultimate Chord Engine), a VST plug-in for chord progression based on chord table and rhythm editor, to version 1.4.6.
Updates:
Added master output (pitch & velocity).
Changed setting system.
Descriptions:
Now there are two kinds of transpose, voicing-based root transpose and actual MIDI output transpose.
For example, you can apply master transpose to string or auto-accompaniment guitar VSTs.
Setting save system has been changed from the global to the individual instances.
You can set default options using the "Save As Default" option.
Toca Percussion is pleased to announce an amazing evolution to its line of Nesting Drums. The new Sympatico System of tunable, interchangeable drums and heads will change how lightweight drums are perceived. By design, lightweight drums must be portable, durable and, well, light, easy to carry and transport. Unfortunately, the most common way to achieve this desired outcome is to eliminate bulky and heavy tuning mechanisms. In their place is a pre-tuned head. It does the job, it is definitely light, and durable, but the sound is what you get.
What if you didn’t have to choose between tunable, but heavy, drums and light, but un-tunable, drums? The Sympatico System solves the issue with its innovative, and proprietary, internal tuning design. It’s significantly lighter than traditional tuning systems, and easy to use, and there’s no extra bulky, heavy, hardware attached to the side of the drum to get in your way. In fact, it’s hidden inside! And the heads are designed to simply integrate with Toca’s existing line of Freestyle II Nesting Drums including Djembes, Tom-Toms, Djun-Djuns & Ashikos. If you already have one of these instruments, pop on a new Sympatico tunable head and bring your playing, your sound, to a whole new level.
Toca is also introducing two new Freestyle II Nesting Drum series that will come standard with the Sympatico tunable head. A set of Gathering Drums and our exclusive Tubadoras, which sound like traditional congas. The sound is at once amazing and, by virtue of the ability to tune, uniquely your own. At much less than half the weight of traditional hand percussion drums.
“This is a very exciting development for hand percussion instruments,” says Brad Kirkpatrick, President of RBI Music, Toca’s parent company. “Toca has a long history of bringing innovation to the market, but this has the potential to truly change the lightweight drum sector in a distinctive way. This system can turn a category of drums that has traditionally been for education and recreational use into instruments that truly are for every level of musician”
Millenia releases the high frequency peaking/shelving section of the famed NSEQ-4 as a 500 Series module.
Ever wonder how they get those amazing clear vocals or the sparkle of an acoustic guitar? The NSEQ's HF section has been used on countless recordings as a not-so secret trick to add musical sparkle to vocals, acoustic instruments and the entire mix. The most frequent comment we hear from our mastering clients: "...the 21k doesn't sound like an EQ ... It sounds like music."
NSEQ-4 ultra-low noise circuitry has been incorporated into the affordable NSEQ-HF 500 series module, including Millennia's all-discrete third generation Class A JFET FSA-03 EQ amplifier and true-differential all-discrete JFET DSA-01 Class A line amplifier, delivering unparalleled sonic reality.
Choose peaking or shelving filter shapes. Select 1 of 6 frequency centers from 4.8k to 21k and dial in the sound. The cut/boost range is +/- 18dB, controlled by a 21-position detented gain control. A gain range switch allows for finer adjustment by changing the range to +/- 9dB. The NSEQ-HF's Input switch compensates for the 6dB level difference when using an unbalanced input.
DO YOUR BEST WORK.
$689 Street Price, available now from stock.
Driftwood uses the exact same high-end components as in our tube heads to ensure the same sound and feeling. In addition to the preamp Driftwood added the versatile power section controls Rumble, Sharp and the well-known Sizzle switch along with the Master volume to shape the overall tone and match it to your power amp. On board you can also find our T/S overdrive with Gain, Tone and Volume controls. You can also use it alone to boost your existing amp.
The Purple Nightmare can be used like a normal operation in three ways: plug your guitar cable into the Input of the pedal and connect the output from the pedal to a power amp, FX return or front input of your amp. If you have an amp with FX-Loop you can use the 4-wire method to basically just add another channel to your existing setup. By pressing the Bypass button your guitar signal is going straight to your amp’s input. When you activate the PreampPedal, the signal will be routed through the pedal and directly to the FX return of your existing amp without going through the preamp of your amp.
Features
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Burn Channel from PurpleNightmare
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Four knobs: Gain – Treble – Mid – Bass controls
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Low/High gain switch
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Built-in T/S Overdrive with Gain – Tone – Volume controls
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Master section with Master – Rumble –Sharp controls
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3-way Sizzle switch
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2-Watt mosfet power amp for practice
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4-cable connection method ready
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12V DC 1,5A input
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2x 12ax7 high grade selected
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External switch input for bypass and T/S
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23cm x 15cm x 4.5cm aluminum enclosure
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974g weight
The Purple Nightmare Pedal is hand built in Germany from premium quality components. It is available for €666.00
Shnobel Tone has launched the new Mid Driver pedal, an original circuit featuring an open and dynamically responsive overdrive. The Mid Driver shares the same circuit with Shnobel Tone’s Daily Driver, which offers a flexible and transparent style overdrive. However, the Mid Driver is voiced to deliver more mids and lower mids, designed to push your sound forward and add weight and thickness to your guitar tone.
Features
Four knobs: Gain and Volume controls, plus Bass and Treble EQ controls
True bypass foot switch
Top mounted power and in / out jacks
Hand-built with through-hole components
Diecast aluminum enclosure, dimensions 4.7 x 3.7 Inches
Standard 9v center negative power – no battery compartment
The Mid Driver has a suggested retail price and MAP of $259.00
Blue Cat Audio has released Remote Control version 3.1, a free update of their virtual control surface software that can be used to control multiple plug-ins or MIDI-compatible devices from a single user interface.
In addition to most existing plug-in formats (VST, VST3, AAX, Audio Unit), this new version is now available as a standalone application, to control MIDI devices directly without the need for a host application. It also improves the integration with physical control surfaces and brings a couple of other improvements and fixes (full list below).
What's New in Blue Cat's Remote Control 3.1:
Now available as a standalone application (can run without any host application).
Added an option in global & preset input settings to send MIDI events when MIDI-enabled parameters are modified in the plug-in (to update control surfaces accordingly). These MIDI output messages work independently from the usual Remote Control outputs (it's only for control surface feedback).
Improved undo management and automation when using the mouse wheel to move knobs and sliders.
Fixed VST3 version not showing in Cubase.
Fixed VST3 version not loading properly in Ableton Live 11.
Price: 39 EUR/USD instead of 49 (20% off) until August 21st, 2022.
System requirements:
Intel or M1 Mac running Mac OS 10.9 or newer.
PC running Windows Vista or newer.
Explore the endless potential of the human voice. Spitfire Audio is proud to present Epic Choir — the one you’ve been waiting for. A 50-piece large scale ensemble recorded at the renowned Lyndhurst Hall at AIR Studios, split into two sections (Sopranos & Altos and Tenors & Basses). Epic Choir features London’s finest vocalists, presented in our in-house plug-in — designed to inspire and ease your scoring journey. Available across three signals (Close, Tree, and Ethereal), with 12 different articulations at your fingertips - from shorts and longs to episodic, with a range of vowel sounds. The Ethereal signal has been created using post production FX which add an interesting textural, atmospheric quality, while keeping the organic essence of these stunning vocal performances.
KEY FEATURES
50-piece ensemble
Three bespoke signals (Close, Tree, and Ethereal)
Split into two sections — Sopranos & Altos, and, Tenors & Bass — both sections offering identical articulations
Classic shorts and longs, as well as ‘episodic’ vowel blending textures and short staccato syllables, alternating between vowel sounds
SIGNALS (3)
Close - All spot mics summed together for a clear and detailed sound.
Tree - A decca tree microphone array, giving a spacious and enveloping sound.
Ethereal - A treated signal (saturation, reverb, EQ) which adds texture, brightness and width to the vocals for a glistening and shimmering sound, while still retaining an organic feel.
PRESETS (12)
Sopranos & Altos: Long Ahh — A long sustained note, sung on the vowel sound “ahh”
Sopranos & Altos: Long Mmm — A long sustained note, hummed on the consonant “mmm”
Sopranos & Altos: Episodic Combo 1 — A long episodically changing sustained note, blending between a combination of different vowel sounds, for a textural and shifting sound
Sopranos & Altos: Episodic Combo 2 — A long episodically changing sustained note, blending between a combination of different vowel sounds, for a textural and shifting sound
Sopranos & Altos: Short Staccato Syllables — A short, sharp sound, sung on one of up to seven different syllabic sounds
Sopranos & Altos: Short Staccato Syllables (keyswitch) — A short, sharp sound, sung on one of up to seven different syllabic sounds, with keyswitch functionality to change between specific syllables
Tenors & Basses: Long Ahh — A long sustained note, sung on the vowel sound “ahh”
Tenors & Basses: Long Mmm — A long sustained note, hummed on the consonant “mmm”
Tenors & Basses: Episodic Combo 1 — A long episodically changing sustained note, blending between a combination of different vowel sounds, for a textural and shifting sound
Tenors & Basses: Episodic Combo 2 — A long episodically changing sustained note, blending between a combination of different vowel sounds, for a textural and shifting sound
Tenors & Basses: Short Staccato Syllables — A short, sharp sound, sung on one of up to seven different syllabic sounds
Tenors & Basses: Short Staccato Syllables (keyswitch) — A short, sharp sound, sung on one of up to seven different syllabic sounds, with keyswitch functionality to change between specific syllables
CONTROLS (3)
Reverb — A realistic Hall-style impulse response
Release — A release trigger which only applies to long patches
Tightness — This cuts further into the note to make it tighter, and only applies to short patches
DOWNLOAD SIZE
~2.92 GB
THE SPITFIRE AUDIO ORIGINALS SERIES
Originals is a series of inspiring sample libraries making rare and classic instruments accessible to all for just £29 / $29 / €29 — meticulously sampled in authentic detail, with no compromise on recording quality. This is the 16th library in the series. It’s the perfect next step from Spitfire Audio’s free LABS series, particularly LABS Soft Piano, offering composers and producers more depth and more control over their sounds. NKS compatible and lightweight at under 3GB, users can tailor these sounds to suit a range of scoring styles and genres through a range of carefully curated signals, presets and controls. The plugin is designed to be incredibly useful and inspiring straight out of the box, with presets loading up with controls set in the way they are intended to be used.
HOW DOES EPIC CHOIR DIFFER TO ERIC WHITACRE CHOIR?
Epic Choir is made entirely of newly recorded sample content. Though both recorded in the same space, Eric Whitacre Choir features 22 singers, compared to Epic Choir’s 50 piece ensemble. At over 200GB, Eric Whitacre Choir is a much more detailed offering, with each of the four sections separated, 170 techniques, 9 signals and a range of sophisticated features including an intuitive Evo Grid for instant inspiration.
VGTrumpet has released VG Trumpet Harmon muted for the full version of Kontakt.
Details:
Set up to work with breath controllers (TEControl, MRT Audio, Yamaha BC3), wind controllers (AKAI EWI, Yamaha WX5 / WX7, Aerophone AE-10, AE-20, AE-30 PRO) and MIDI keyboard controllers.
WAV files can be used directly in your DAW, or any other sampler plugin for further editing.
More than 220 unique samples.
Up to 3 velocity layers per key.
"VG Trumpet Harmon muted" requires the full retail version of Kontakt 5.6.8 or later (Kontakt Player is not supported).
Recorded sample quality: 24-bit / 44.1 kHz.
Custom designed, unique GUI.
Aftertouch, Mod Wheel, and Keyswitches are the key features to morph and perform sounds while playing.
Articulations: Falls, Rips, Squeezes, Soft attack, Accented attack, Bend.
Expressive effects: Expression, Attack, Breath, Vibrato, Flutter tongue, Wah.
Reverb, delay and stereo control to fit the trumpet in every mix.
Best Balance of Natural Velocity Resolution and Data Size.
Library Size: 176 MB.
VG Trumpet Harmon muted Quick Start Guide (PDF)
Intro Price: $24.00 (Reg. $38.00) until August 7, 2022.
accSone has announced the release crusher-X 9.52.
This free update adds an integrated, interactive quick-start tutorial that leads you thru the basics of crusher-X. It also comes with support for older crusher-X sound packs: The associate samples of the patches are now loaded automatically in the DCO.
Changes:
Adds an integrated interactive quick-start tutorial that introduces the main workflow and elements of crusher-X.
Adds VST3 Bypass parameter and button.
Adds backward compatible automatic loading of sample files for Soundpackages and crusherX-Live! sheets.
Adds a visual representation for samples that are below -60dB in the Wave Drop view (if there is a sample in the grain buffer that is not zero one will see it).
Adds a "Clear Audio Folder" button in global settings.
Increases mouse and mouse wheel sensitivity on Generator Wheel.
Increases the amount of files that can be shown in a load selector to 2048.
Removes the automatic switch to the Delay Grain Modulation Tab while changing the Delay with the mouse or mouse wheel in the Wave Drop view (improves live performance handling).
Fixes a minimal pixel paint issue in the Wave Drop view.
MacOS M1: Fixes a seldom crash on au validation.
crusher-X 9 licensees can follow the download instructions described in their crusher-X 9 delivery mail (received after purchase). The challenge/response wizard will not show up if already executed with crusher-X 9.
Prices:
Upgrade / crossgrade: 99,- €.
Full version: 289,- €.
All prices incl. VAT. For outside EU residents VAT will be removed.
A familiar sight in the backline of some of the world’s biggest bands, Ashdown bass amps have a global reputation for delivering solid, bottom-end tone with just the right features required by the busy, working bass player.
Always innovating, Ashdown raises the bar again with the new LB-30 2.N, a 30-Watt, all-tube head that offers a choice of conventional speaker outputs, or on-board IR emulations of 6 iconic Ashdown cabinets for direct injection into the PA or recording console.
Housed in a stylish, retro all-metal sleeve and sporting Ashdown’s iconic illuminated VU meter, the amplifier uses 1 x ECC81, 1 X ECC82 and 2XECC83 preamp tubes, with 4X EL84 in the power section. Inputs for Active and Passive basses, plus Gain Trim, Volume and Output Level controls, enable players to set up for a wide range of tones from clean and punchy to warm and growling. Tone shaping comes courtesy of Treble, Hi Mid, Lo Mid and Bass rotary controls, and FX loop Send and Returns also feature on the front panel.
A bass amp that oozes vintage appeal comes bang up to date with the addition of Torpedo Technology from audio engineering supremos Two notes, providing on-board Impulse Response emulations of 6 classic Ashdown cabinets and microphone set ups: ABM-810H-EVO IV, ABM-410H-EVO IV, ABM-210H-EVO IV, ABM-115-EVO IV, RM-212-EVO II and the CL-310 DH.
On stage, the mic’d cabinet emulations can be sent direct to the PA, while the cabinet on stage acts as a monitor. And in the studio, the LB-30 2.N can be used without a cabinet, with the speaker emulation output connected directly to the recording console.
Cabinet emulations are selected by a rotary control on the front panel, and program changes and more sophisticated editing of mic placement, etc. are facilitated by MIDI and USB ports round the back.
“Tone always comes first at Ashdown” comments managing Director Dan Gooday, “but we’re also all about helping bass players with the tools they need in a range of different applications. On stage or in the studio, the new LB-30 2.N effectively delivers a real, vintage-style tube amp with a selection of cabinets and microphones, all in a package you can carry in one hand”.
IK Multimedia is pleased to announce AI Machine Modeling™, a revolutionary new technology from the makers of AmpliTube, the world's most popular amp and FX sim.
For the first time, using artificial intelligence, Machine Modeling software enables guitar and bass players, without any custom hardware, to model the sound of any amp, cabinet or combo, plus pedals like distortion, overdrive, fuzz, EQ or boost, all with a new level of accuracy that's virtually indistinguishable from the real thing.
IK's powerful machine learning neural network captures the rig's tone in just minutes using real guitar signals, not just test tones, for a level of authenticity unimaginable until now.
How It Works
Users simply route IK's special guitar/bass capture track through their setup to record the sound of any rig or piece of gear and then feed it into the Machine Modeling's deep neural network software together with the original DI track. The AI Machine Modeling software will compare the DI and wet signals to generate an exact algorithm of the modeled rig in minutes.
Tone Models
The result is called a "Tone Model," a hyper-realistic, dynamic software clone of the rig or gear. Tone Models reproduce every nuance of an amp or pedal in precise detail with technology so advanced that even an amp and cabinet can be modeled together, then the two virtually separated to try other cabinets.
The algorithm can even capture an entire rig including harmonically complex fuzz, overdrive or other distortion pedals in front of an amp. And users can create all of these with just a computer, audio interface and reamplification box.
Minimal Hardware
Creating a Tone Model is easy and requires only a few pieces of standard recording equipment in addition to a modern computer. An audio interface like IK's AXE I/O with its dedicated Amp Out is ideal for users to create Tone Models using a mic and no additional hardware. Or any regular 2 input/output audio interface and reamplification box can be used to capture amps, combos, and pedals.
Optional equipment for Tone Modeling without microphones includes a reamplification box to connect an amp/pedal rig to an interface, and/or an attenuator/load box to connect a power amp directly to an audio interface. And that's it.
AI Machine Modeling software does the rest.
Sound Devices is shipping the A20-RX: a two channel, true diversity receiver with industry-exclusive SpectraBand technology. SpectraBand gives the A20-RX receiver and A20-Mini transmitter an unprecedented tuning range: 470 MHz - 1525 MHz. The A20-RX also features high-discrimination front end filtering for better performance in noisy RF environments and Frequency AutoAssign for faster setup. The receiver is compatible with both A20-Mini and A10-TX transmitters. Sound professionals with the previous model, A10-RX, can upgrade the hardware of their receivers to the A20-RX for $995 USD or for a reduced price of $750 if they purchased their A10-RX within the last 12 months or an A20-Mini since June 1st. The upgrade program lasts until the end of 2022.
SpectraBand eliminates the need for purchasing different wireless receivers dedicated to specific frequency bands, covering approximately 285 MHz of available spectrum in the United States and 383 MHz in the United Kingdom.
“As wireless spectrum becomes increasingly crowded, sound professionals need flexibility when it comes to tuning range. The A20-RX is the first receiver on the market that can tune not only in common UHF TV bands around 470 – 608 MHz, but far above that,” said Gary Trenda, RF Applications Engineer at Sound Devices. “We’re excited to offer the A20-RX and an upgrade path for our A10-RX customers.”
SpectraBand eliminates the need for purchasing different wireless receivers dedicated to specific frequency bands. In the USA, the A20-RX can tune to the 600 MHz guard band (614-616 MHz), 600 MHz duplex gap (653-663 MHz), 900 MHz ISM Band (902-928MHz), 900 MHz STL Band (941.5-960 MHz), and, with the appropriate license, the 1.5 GHz AFTRCC band (1435-1525 MHz). This is in addition to the core USA UHF TV band from 470-608 MHz that’s commonly available. Overall, this totals approximately 285 MHz of available spectrum. In the UK, the A20-RX can tune to the 800 MHz duplex gap (823-832 MHz), 800 MHz guard band (863-865 MHz), and, with a proper license, the DME and 1.5 GHz bands (961-1015 MHz, 1045-1075 MHz, 1105-1154 MHz, 1518-1525 MHz). This is in addition to the core UK UHF TV band from 470-702 MHz that’s commonly available. Overall, this totals approximately 383 MHz.
The A20-RX is the second product in Sound Devices’ first wireless product line. The first product, the A20-Mini transmitter, is receiving a free firmware upgrade to enable SpectraBand when used with the A20-RX. The A20-RX is also compatible with all tuning ranges of the full-size A10-TX and is SuperSlot compatible with an SL-2 SuperSlot Wireless Module and 8-Series mixer-recorder.
Two other notable features of the A20-RX are its front-end filtering and Frequency AutoAssign. While tracking filters are common in wireless receivers, the A20-RX uses superior low-loss, brick-wall SAW filters to deliver excellent performance in noisy RF environments. These built-in filters also provide excellent immunity from nearby IFB or camera hop transmitters without the need for external filters or extra cabling. The AutoAssign feature scans a user-designated tuning band and selects available frequencies for the A20-RX's two channels. This feature is designed to make frequency selection and setting quick and easy.
The release of the A20-RX coincides with supporting firmware for the A20-Mini, A10-TX, 8-Series, SD-Utility and A20-Remote.
The launch of S-Gear v3.0 opens an exciting new chapter in the development of S-Gear with the inclusion of a virtual pedalboard and the Drive thru pedal. The upgrade is free for those with an S-Gear v2.9 license, just download and install. If upgrading from S-Gear v2.7, a discounted upgrade (USD $35) is currently available.
S-Gear's new pedal board runs in an 8x oversampled processing block along with the S-Gear amps, allowing for very high-quality analogue modelled algorithms. The first pedal, Drive thru, is a combination of a classic drive pedal format along with refined modelling of the overdriven stages. The result is a very natural analogue drive which complements the S-Gear amps perfectly.
DroneLab, the soundscape synth for iPad and iPhone, has been updated to version 1.3. The update adds sound sources with random fluctuation, new sound effect options, and updated visual effects.
The developer says this about the new version:
This update focuses on making the sounds a little more unpredictable, and the visual experience more fun and engaging.
Updated sounds:
New randomly fluctuating sound sources have been added to complement the sine wave-based sounds.
Now you can select more than one sound effect at a time. Sound effects are triggered at random during playback.
There are two new custom-sampled sound effects, Cymbal and Chimes.
Three new presets are included which incorporate the new sound sources and sound effects.
Updated visuals:
A animated display shows while sound effects are played.
The waves representing the three main sound components now move with a parallax 3D depth effect.
A new full screen mode hides most of the controls, maximizing the display of the waves.
The update also includes performance and stability improvements.
DroneLab 1.3 runs on any iPad and iPhone running iOS/iPadOS 14.2 or later. Additionally, DroneLab can now run as a "made for iPad" app on M1 and M2 based Macs.
Although it does not run as a plug-in, music producers and video creators can export audio files faster than real time (depending on the device), at sample rates up to 96kHz.
DroneLab 1.3 is available worldwide on the App Store for $2.99 USD, with prices and currencies varying by country.
Toca Percussion is pleased to announce a teaching and product arrangement with Mary Knysh. Mary is the founder of Rhythmic Connections, an innovative company advancing education, health, community building, and creative development through drum circles and music improvisation, and has traveled the world for over 35 years inspiring participants to tap into healing and human potential through the transformative power of music. Mary is also a professional musician, recording artist, and published author who works with people of all ages. A sought-after facilitator, trainer, and Orff Schulwerk clinician Mary has long been an endorser of Rhythm Band Instruments, the parent company of Toca Percussion.
Since the release of the Toca Freestyle II line of drums, Mary has increasingly used these instruments as part of her repertoire. And with those Toca products as a base, she has created a curriculum course designed for music educators, music therapists and drum circle facilitators to develop and practically apply methods, techniques and practices for leading and engaging students, Pre-K to Grade 5 in creative music performance circles that emphasize improvisation, responsive musicianship, social emotional awareness, student leadership, and community building using body, percussion, voice, drums and small percussion.
Central to this course is a World Drumming Kit anchored by Freestyle II Nesting Djembes and Tom-Toms, Toca’s game changing Flex Drums, Egg Shakers and an assortment pitched tubes from Toca’s sister company, Boomwhackers.
“I am absolutely enthralled by Toca’s line of nesting and pre-tuned world percussion drums,” says Mary. “As an educator, I couldn’t want for more, they are light-weight, super easy to transport, incredibly versatile and, best of all, they sound amazing! These are not just kids’ drums, these are drums for everyone!”
The new Graph Tech TUSQ XL Slotted 6 String nuts have been specifically designed as a significant upgrade for just about all Fender electric guitars and re-issues made in the 1950’s, 60’ and 70’s, featuring the now classic, 7.25” fingerboard radius.
These precision engineered nuts are constructed with Graph Tech’s world famous, formulated TUSQ man-made ivory. Impregnated with PTFE, the material remains self- lubricating, reducing string drag and ensuring stable tuning whilst improving the sonic performance of the guitar, with enhanced sustain and revealing hidden harmonics.
Maintaining the original period-correct 43.18mm / 1.7″ length, 3.3mm / 0.13″ width, 5.41mm / 0.213″ height specifications, each Graph Tech TUSQ XL Slotted 6 String nut has been designed to fit either curved or flat fingerboards, by simply sanding off the tab for a curved fit.
Available in Black or White TUSQ, the new 43mm Graph Tech® self-lubricating nuts are an ideal upgrade for original Fender® guitars or re-issues from the 1950’s, 60’s or 70’s.
Graph Tech TUSQ XL Slotted Nut 6 String 7.5″ Radius. Black TUSQ finish: £12.29. rrp.
Graph Tech TUSQ XL Slotted Nut 6 String 7.5″ Radius. White TUSQ finish: £13.49. rrp
Graph Tech products are exclusively distributed by JHS in the UK and ROI.
Soundiron has released Cosmic Hand Pans, a complete collection of steel handpan virtual instruments in partnership Hapi Drum.
Soundiron Says...
This library includes a classic D minor handpan in detail, as well as a pair of unusual hybrids that each have an utterly unique sonic flavor you won't hear anywhere else. You'll find plenty of percussion articulations recorded up close as well as in St Paul's Church with multiple microphone options. We hand-crafted 20 out-of-this-world evolving soundscapes, drones, and pads from the raw recordings, as well as 20 custom FX presets designed to inspire your next galactic track.
This 12.7 GB library includes 24,327 samples, including 3 Unique, deeply sampled Hand Pans with up to four microphone positions. Cosmic Hand Pans is built for the free Kontakt Player (version 6.2.2+), Komplete Kontrol, all S-Series Keyboards and NKS software and hardware by Native Instruments.
Intro Price: $45 until August 2nd, 2022 (Reg. $59)
J. Rockett Audio Designs revives an analog classic with modern functionality.
“This was a five year project to create the most authentic Univibe pedal we could while adding modern features players would love” says Chris Van Tassel. The Uni-Verb is a faithful analog recreation of the Univibe with an added 50’s spring tank reverb, expanded control section and effects loop. “We know most players want to separate the vibe and reverb in their chain so we created an effects loop to give the player the most amount of flexibility". Chris continues “This pedal runs at 24v like the original, but is internally converted to 24v so you can use a standard 9v power supply. We paid special attention to making the vibe section very musical and useable compared to the original. The Uni-Verb vibes faster and slower than the original and also has slightly more output.”
Features
● Analog vibe/chorus running at 24v like the original (powers with a standard 9v)
● Built in 50’s spring tank reverb selectable via foot switch
● Effects loop separating reverb and chorus/vibe for versatile routing options
● Expanded modulation controls for more flexibility and versatility than the original
● True Bypass
Uni-Verb is available now for $449.00. Available for online purchase via select dealers.
Using the Evolution Neck as the basic platform, the UtoPIA Neck was designed to focus more on the low-end response of the guitar while adding thickness and body to the top end. The challenge was to still deliver the harmonics for which the Evolution is known. Upper mid-range frequencies were also dialed back to produce a less aggressive attack and provide more control.
Designed to be a perfect choice for bright guitars that favor an upper mid-range peak, the UtoPIA Neck will level out uneven frequencies. Great for coil-splitting in combination with the UtoPIA Middle. The UtoPIA Neck is also a great choice for the bridge position when looking for something to balance with a lower output neck pickup.
Available in F-spacing only.
Features
Recommended For: Neck or Bridge position for all solid body guitars.
Quick Connect: No
Wiring: 4 Conductor
Magnet: Ceramic
Resistance: 12.68 kOhm
$159.99 USD.
Graphite is the first Acqua plug-in dedicated to the needs of bassists, and without a doubt, it is one of the most modern-sounding bass amps emulations you will find on the market today.
Designed by Acustica Audio together with N4 library developer SoundDrops, the Graphite bass amp emulator is fully endorsed by GR Bass (https://www.grbass.com/), the innovative and dynamic Italian manufacturer of bass amplifiers and cabinets.
The challenge was to faithfully recreate the sound of the GR Bass One head in combination with the AT 212 bass cabinet, both produced by GR Bass.
The GR Bass One head is designed according to the 'PURE SOUND' philosophy, producing a realistic sound with a natural transparency. The AT 212 bass cabinet is the lightest 2x12" cab available in the world: it is part of the revolutionary AeroTech series and an example of the incredible technological advancement GR Bass achieved with its Carbon Fiber cabinet line.
About Graphite
Thanks to its intuitive single-screen interface, and no matter what style you're playing: fingerstyle, pick or slap, Graphite will give you the pure sound, impact, and loads of ultra-solid bass tones ready for any genre!
Graphite GUI
To further refine and sculpt your sound, use the powerful 4-band EQ, then add to the output mix any dose you want from your D.I. signal using the various controls to your liking.
Accurately tuned with enough power to shake your studio from the ground up!
Key features
• GR ONE Solid-state amplifier with a powerful semi-parametric EQ section and an adjustable high-quality D.I. output.
• Input and Output LED meters.
• AT 212 Carbon fiber cab (2x12") captured by 2 microphone setups which can be used individually or in pairs, with 4 different mic models each, plus a switchable tweeter emulation.
• Freely adjustable cab settings with independent mic management, closely emulating a real bass recording session.
• Easy-to-use graphical user interface.
• Faithful graphic reproduction of the head.
• Low CPU usage and low latency.
• Presets available, suitable for different playing techniques.
• Resizable GUI.
What you get
Graphite includes:
• An emulation of the GR ONE bass head.
• An emulation of the AT 212 (2x12") bass carbon fiber cabinet sampled with four different classic microphones, expertly selected and placed.
• Standard and 'ZL' (zero latency) version, suitable for use when tracking with less latency to play in real-time.
Head features
Transparency is one of the main characteristics of the GR ONE solid-state head; It includes a 4-band equalizer which allows you to sculpt the sound according to your needs, but that’s not all: in addition to the usual low and a high-shelf controls, two additional mid-band equalizers allow you to choose from three central frequencies each, and to top it all, deep and bright filters give you control over any extra punch and/or definition you might need.
Cabinet features
Compared to other similar wooden cabinets on the market, the AT 212 (2x12'') carbon fiber cabinet has better focus, sonic detail, richer tone, and a more open sound, not to mention its much lighter weight. After careful design, an intense sampling and optimization phase, and thanks to the invaluable contribution of the GR Bass team themselves, Acustica was able to effectively capture the essence of this cabinet with all its tonal shades, harnessing it all in this plug-in and offering you a sound as close as possible to the original.
Technical information
• Plug-in Format(s): VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
• System Requirements
• Available sample rates: 44.1 - 48 - 88.2 - 96 kHz
• Windows 10 compatible
• M1 macOS Monterey compatible
Price and availability
Graphite price: €69 | 30% OFF introductory price until August 16, 2022 (reg. price €99). Buy now!
The product is at an introductory period for the first four weeks after release or until the first official version is released; this implies that the product may receive improvements, changes, or fixes available through Aquarius Desktop updates.
TransAudio Group, U.S. distributer of the finest professional recording equipment in the world, is pleased to announce the new ATC SCS70 Pro, a compact, ultra-high performance subwoofer using ATC’s first, in-house-designed and built sub driver. Designed by Billy Woodman and his team of engineers, this new 12-inch sub driver delivers the kind of honest and detailed low-frequency information that professionals have come to expect from ATC and, without the use of EQ or porting, still delivering deep bass down to 20Hz. The ATC SCS70 Pro is the perfect partner to ATC’s legendary line of active monitors and can be deployed as a single, in pairs, or larger multiples to suit a huge range of rooms and applications/formats. ATC SCS70s can be daisy-chained for scalable performance and any number of them can be muted with a single footswitch. Flexible gain, and multiple low-pass frequencies allow users to optimize the ATC SCS70 in any room with any ATC monitor, as well as universal application with other brands of monitors.
Both the acoustic and electronic properties of the ATC SCS70 are designed to deliver uncompromised performance and sub bass fidelity. The new 12-inch SS75-314SC neodymium sub driver is housed inside a sealed cabinet (i.e., an infinite baffle) that is deliberately heavy to minimize cabinet interaction (the entire 18 x 22 x 20-inch box weighs in at 97 pounds). Consistent with other ATC designs, the driver uses a short coil inside an exceptionally long magnetic gap to produce high sound pressure levels with remarkably low distortion. A new Grounded Source MOSFET based Class A-B convection-cooled amplifier is expressly designed to work with this sub driver and accepts balanced input from either mono or stereo sources. Buffered and unfiltered balanced throughputs provide connection to additional ATC SCS70 subwoofers and/or full-range monitors.
“Billy and his team have meticulously engineered this sub from the ground up, including a brand-new driver with a neodymium motor and matched amplifier to give the active ATC SCS70 the same kind of brutal honesty in the sub frequencies that ATC is so famous for in the midrange,” said Brad Lunde, founder and president of TransAudio Group. “Engineers are dealing with greater and greater demand from artists for more sub output and they need accuracy down low. Subwoofers can be a source of distortion, making the mixing or mastering process a guessing game. Now an ATC system, complete with the one or two SCS70 subs, can deliver full bandwidth audio for any genre, enabling superior translation on any system it gets played on, from ear buds to home hi-fi to clubs and everything in-between. Other subwoofers rely on EQ and poorly implemented ports, transmission lines or passive radiators to boost low end and make their subs sound impressive. These ideas are audibly appealing, but they give audio professionals a cloudy impression of what’s going on down there. Just as engineers have come to trust ATC’s full-range monitors for translation, the new ATC SCS70 will do the same in the sub frequencies.”
The ATC SCS70 Pro is replete with features that allow it to merge seamlessly into any coupled room-loudspeaker scenario. These features include 21dB of gain control, four low-pass frequencies, and a polarity reversal that, together with 180-degrees of continuously variable phase, allow complete 360-degrees of continuous phase shift. The four low-pass frequencies are set at 50, 65, 80, and 320 Hz (off) and delivered via a fourth-order Linkwitz Riley filter. The 320 Hz (off) setting allows users to implement their own external processing. Fault monitoring protects the ATC SCS70 in the event of extreme temperature or amplifier dc offset, and an ATC Active FET Momentary Gain Reduction protection limiter prevents amp overload. Users can toggle an entire system of ATC SCS70 Pros on or off via a daisy-chained single latching footswitch (without affecting the thru jacks to the full-range monitors). Two LEDs on the front panel indicate power on, limiting, and mute/unmute. Maximum sound pressure is 110dB continuous, 116dB peak, and total output power is 300W into 8 Ohms. Amplifier total harmonic distortion plus noise is less than 0.003%.
USA List Price: $5,490.00 USA MAP: $4,990.00
Introductory pricing good through August 18, 2022: $4,490.00.
Units are now available.
Studio Major7th has updated SSG7 V to version 1.3.0.
Changes:
Amplifier screen has been renewed.
A Quick Button has been placed in the preset.
In code mode, the B3 key has been moved to B4.
Improved quality of code mode.
Price: $80.00. Owners of SSG7V get this update free.
SoundGhost has announced the release of Texturize, a new reactive texture plugin for MacOS and Windows (AU/ VST3) described as "an inspiring creative tool that adapts to any audio and seamlessly layers dense textures over the original sound."
Texturize includes over 200 original noise sources from retro recording devices, unique foley and organic rainfall, to modular synthesizers and electromagnetic drones. The user can shape the texture using envelope controls, sculpt the frequency content with high-quality filters, plus import and store their own samples for instant recall.
Features:
Adaptive envelope follower plugin (VST3/AU) with rise and fall controls.
200+ sounds included with built-in sounds browser.
Sample import with WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG and AIFF formats supported + 'user' browser category.
Parallel 24db high-pass and low-pass filters.
Mute the input signal to solo the selected texture.
Deactivate the envelope follower to assist editing or to use texturize as a noise source.
Waveform view for editing start and end points.
MIDI control and automation supported.
Plugin window resize functionality.
Native apple silicon support.
Introductory Price: £29 (25% off / Reg. £39
sonible released smart:comp three years ago. On July 27th, 2022, sonible is going to release smart:comp 2.
The new spectro dynamic compressor will sport – besides all features that the original offered – a whole lot of sound-shaping options, in-depth monitoring elements, a redesigned interface and much more.
Check out sonible's sneak peak and register to get notified as soon as smart:comp 2 is available.
The HVA-NEQ is finally here!
This the culmination of many years of R&D, listening tests and refinement. We have created what we consider to be one of the most feature rich analog mastering equalisers on the market.
Full Specifications:
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Dual-mono 4 band fully parametric EQ with selectable Left/Right or Mid/Side modes
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19" 3RU anodised aluminium enclosure with heavy duty aluminium knobs.
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12 step rotary switches for frequency band selection
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5 step rotary switches for Q/bandwidth control (Q=1.0 to 3.0) with shelf option on LF/HF bands
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6 step rotary switches for LPF and HPF filter frequencies (12dB/Oct) with in/out toggle
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12 step rotary switches for GAIN with cut/boost/bypass toggles and gain multipliers of x½, x1, x2 for a max cut/boost per band of 2.75/5.5/11dB
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Low noise, filtered power supply with universal input voltage range for all regions
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Hardware relay bypass (true bypass), Mid/Side encoder/decoder and LPF/HPF filters
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Noise level, dB (A-weighted) @ -108 (L/R or M/S)
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THD, % @ ~0.0008 (L/R or M/S)
Stereo crosstalk, dB @ -102 (L/R) or -55 (M/S)
- Two (2) year warranty
PRICE: $3900 (AUD) / Approx $2600 (USD)
The Vienna Symphonic Library has released Vienna MIR Pro 3D, the third generation of the company's Multi-Impulse Response convolution technology. The new version of Vienna's holistic mixing and reverberation engine offers a multitude of improvements and new features including 3rd Order Ambisonics, 3D audio support, 3D positioning of instruments and virtual microphones, and gorgeous 3D graphics. All six previously existing MIR RoomPacks have been upgraded to Third Order Ambisonics as well and are now available as 3D versions.
Here's what else they say:
Vienna MIR Pro 3D is a holistic mixing and reverberation application based on Vienna's groundbreaking Multi Impulse Response Convolution technology. Not just virtual instruments, but any audio signal can be authentically placed in a "multi-sampled" room using the unique MIR Icon, making it exceptionally easy for the user to combine all aspects of placement and reverberation into a single intuitive workflow.
As opposed to traditional mixing, where countless parameters create a barrier between the music creator and the desired outcome, Vienna MIR Pro 3D offers an entirely new spatial concept, allowing the user to interact with the players more like a conductor than an engineer. Instead of using two-dimensional faders, pan pots, pre-delays, and a host of other inconveniences to achieve clarity and depth in a mix, the MIR Control Icon lets users easily place any audio signal in a three-dimensional room and control almost any sonic aspect quickly and intuitively. Parameters such as volume, stereo width, 3D direction and dry/wet signal ratio can be accessed directly in the MIR Icon.
New features of Vienna MIR Pro 3D include:
Full 3D Audio Support: Vienna MIR Pro 3D provides output options for a wide range of applications, from stereo and surround to mixes ready for binaural and Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos, Auro 3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and even "raw" Ambisonics. Instruments, virtual microphones and microphone capsules can be moved around in a fluid three-dimensional space and rotated and tilted in any direction.
3rd Order Ambisonics: Higher Order Ambisonics (HOA) is used throughout the entire signal path. It guarantees for a better, more natural sound with improved spatial enveloping and localization. All existing RoomPack venues have been upscaled to HOA by means of a proprietary process developed at the Institute of Electronic Music and Acoustics - IEM of the University of Graz, one of the worldwide hotspots of Ambisonics research.
Tabbed Venues: Multiple rooms or even different setups of the same room can be used side-by-side. Instruments and entire orchestras can be drag-and-dropped from one hall to the other.
New Preset Management: A wealth of factory presets makes it easy to switch setups instantly, to mix-and-match selected instruments by using the concept of "Roles" for individual sound sources, and to set up entire orchestras using pre-configured Venue Presets.
Upmixing: Vienna MIR Pro 3D can be used as a simple yet sophisticated tool to create immersive mixes from stereo sources.
Intro Price: Vienna MIR Pro 3D is currently available at an introductory price of $758 (reg. $812). Vienna MIR Pro 3D (24) with a limitation of 24 instruments, ensembles and audio signals that can be placed on its virtual stages is available at $354 (reg. $387).
Upgrade paths from the previous versions Vienna MIR Pro and Vienna MIR Pro 24 are available, starting at $82. Customers receive one free MIR 3D RoomPack of their choice when they purchase Vienna MIR Pro 3D or Vienna MIR Pro 3D (24).
Visions TNT Music has released Morphed - Weaving Soundscapes, a Kontakt instrument designed to give the user an intuitive tool to morph between sounds while playing. With 150 instrument patches, Morphed aims to be an inspiring tool for the creative composer/producer, focusing purely on sound.
Features:
150 instrument patches:
58 Morphing instruments.
92 Single instruments.
Download size: 1.28 GB size (compressed).
The Morphing Instrument Engine:
58 unique Morphing Instrument Patches.
Every Patch consists of 3 Sound Layers which can be seamlessly morphed while playing.
Individually Pads, Textures, and Pulses.
Easy finetuning with Low Pass Filter, Reverb Control, and Attack and Release.
The Single Instrument Engine:
92 Single Instrument Patches.
All Sounds are derived from organic Soundsources meticulously recorded, sampled and designed.
Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Ukulele, Singing Bowls, Violin, Zither.
A full version of Kontakt 5.6 is required.
Intro Price: € 29.00 EUR (+VAT) (Reg. € 39.00 EUR).
SonaMetro recently released version 2.0 of Guitar Notebook, providing guitarists with a redesigned experience and new features. It's available as a free download for iPhone, iPad, and Mac:
Guitar Notebook features FlexFrets, an innovative notation method similar to chord diagrams that enables guitarists to tap in patterns that span any number of frets.
Version 2.0 includes the release of the Mac version of Guitar Notebook, so users can seamlessly move between iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
A redesigned experience is more intuitive and flows from Song to Page to Fretboard, as well as displaying fretboard thumbnails on iPhone, and new motion help screens.
Pro users can now add a Capo to their guitar on any fret.
A new Lifetime In-App Purchase option ($19.99) provides all current and future pro features for the life of the product.
Audiomodern has released Exea, a collection of "transcendent, cinematic electronic patterns with a haze of introspective, eclectic style and soaring atmospheres" for Playbeat 3.
Created by Composer & Sound Designer Venus Theory, Exea is produced to the highest standard which come as fully unlocked customizable preset kits, where each can be re-arranged and remixed into infinite combinations with Playbeat's pattern sequencer.
Price: Free.
sonicPlanet has updated StarWaves, a 3D audio-visual sound app creating dynamic textures and soundscapes within 3D interaction, to v1.3.
This free update brings new features and add-ons:
StarWaves can now use tuning scales for quantizing its pitch modulation. Each StarWaves waveform platform can have its own tuning scale, and the sample base frequency can be typed in / and modulated.
Improved sequencer panel design.
The theme FOV slider acts with floating point precision and can be used on smooth scene transitions.
ThemePark contains the additional "Mars" theme with a dedicated preset.
The new Laurent Mialon abstract IDM preset bank (12 presets) is available as in app purchase for 8.99USD.
StarWaves v1.3 is available on Apple AppStore bundled both for OS X and iOS platforms. The price is 19.99USD but will increase to 29.99USD by beginning of August 2022.
Tutorials, app videos and manual links can be accessed at sonicPlanet site.
CAD Audio have introduced a new Studio Pack and accessories specifically designed for home and mobile recording, podcasts, broadcast and studio recording at a professional level.
The new self-contained, CAD Audio E100SP Studio Pack contains everything required to record podcasts, voiceovers, vocal tracks or acoustic instrumental tracks at a professional level, featuring an E100Sx Microphone, CX2 USB Audio Interface, AS10 Acousti-Shield, VP1 Pop Filter and CLC5 XLR Microphone Cable (CAD Audio E100SP Studio Pack: £549 rrp)
With a highly sensitive 1in (2.54cm) nickel plated capsule, low noise and low distortion, the Equitek E100Sx supercardioid, large diaphragm studio condenser microphone, delivers smooth, true-to-life reproduction with enhanced isolation from unwanted room noise or instrument overspill. With its robust construction and stylish satin black finish, this excellent versatile microphone also features handy High Pass and -10dB/0dB side switches.
(CAD Equitek E100Sx available separately: £389.00 rrp)
To ensure low noise and high microphone definition, a 25ft (7.6m) CAD Lo-Z balanced XLR-M to XLR-F lead with metal connectors and sure-grip™ strain relief, is included.
(CAD CLC25 Lo-Z Cable available separately. £26.99 rrp).
This extremely versatile package also contains the brand new CAD CX2 Connect II, a powerful, compact 2-channel USB audio interface for home studios or mobile engineers and podcasters. Housed within a robust steel enclosure and highly portable, features include 2 preamps to accommodate microphone or instrument-level audio signals, 48V phantom power for condenser microphones and is fully USB powered, whilst high quality recordings are recorded with 24-bit/96kHz digital resolution. (CAD CX2 Connect II available separately £89.99 rrp).
Also incorporated within the CAD Audio E100SP Studio Pack, is the CVP1 Vox-Pop Filter. With a 14in (35.56cm) metal goose neck for optimum flexibility, this handy product, with its specifically designed 6in diameter double-layer acoustic nylon mesh grill, diffuses unwanted vocal sound pressures for example p and b syllables. (CAD CVP1 Pop Filter available separately £19.99 rrp).
The AS10 miniature desktop or stand-mounted Acousti-Shield plays an essential role with the CAD Audio E100SP Studio Pack, as an effective accessory for the audio recording professional. With a lightweight, robust metal diffusion shell constructed from high quality 12-gauge perforated metal and 38mm high density acoustic foam, the new CAD Acousti-Shield AS10 with fully adjustable microphone clamp, dampens and absorbs vocal sound wave reflections, ensuring a dry and balanced sound evenly across the whole frequency spectrum. (CAD AS10 Acousti-Shield available separately £52.99 rrp).
Like all CAD acoustic shields and vocal filters, the new low-profile, compact VP3 Pop Filter has been designed for the video or audio recording professional in the studio or live environment. VP3 is of exceptional build quality and features a dual layer metal mesh and foam for protection and again, to help eliminate unwanted vocal vowel pops and instrument overspill. With a curved frame and adjustable bands, the compact VP3 is compatible with a wide range of microphones without the use of any additional mounts or clamps. (CAD VP3 Pop Filter rrp £12.99)
Over the last couple of years, the advantages of virtual business meetings online have become quite apparent. With this in mind, CAD have introduced the new U5 USB Condenser Boundary Microphone, with a 360-degree wide capture ensuring everyone in the room can be heard equally – up to 20 feet [6m] away. Whilst specifically designed for spoken word applications, with built-in noise cancellation, mute button and quick plug and play, delivering high fidelity audio the CAD U5 is also ideal for podcasting, video, streaming and gaming. (UCAD 5 USB Condenser Boundary Microphone £52.99 rrp).
With over 90 years of innovation and success in the audio industry CAD microphones can be found in restaurants, airports, churches, schools, corporate boardrooms, professional studios and live stage events around the world.
CAD Audio products are distributed exclusively in the UK and ROI by JHS.
With the CD-A580 v2, Tascam presents the return of the company’s immensely popular CD-A580. Combining a cassette recorder, CD player and USB flash drive recorder/player into one rack-mountable unit, this unit supports three distinctly different media types making it an excellent playback device for sound reinforcement installations in town halls, hotels or sports facilities, to name a few.
Cassette
The integrated cassette deck utilises a logic-based transport control with exceptional stability and longevity – chosen to withstand years of professional use. The cassette deck facilitates copying content from CD in addition to being able to record content from the USB flash drive or the line inputs. The transport also includes ±10% pitch control.
CD
As a CD player, the CD-A580 v2 supports playback of CDs, CD-R/CD-RW discs and data CDs containing MP3 files. In addition to conventional CD playback, the drive supports repeat, shuffle and programmed playback.
USB
The USB flash drive recorder/player built into the CD-A580 v2 is extremely versatile. Users can easily convert cassette tape content to MP3 files on a USB flash drive, enabling analogue masters to be saved and archived in a digital format. Further, audio from both the CD drive and the line inputs can be recorded in MP3 format to USB flash media. When material is transferred from CD to USB, each track is automatically captured as a separate MP3 file. Recordings from either the cassette deck or the line inputs can be manually divided into separate MP3 files. When playing back MP3 files, repeat, shuffle and programmed playback are all supported.
The unit can be operated by its wireless remote control and also offers a Power-on Playback mode. This feature is ideal for restaurants, shopping areas, etc. and facilitates unattended playback (or recording) the moment the power comes on. For easy operation of the three media sections, the CD-A580 v2 includes an attractive, easy-to-read LC display with level meters.
iDance have added six new products from their ever-expanding catalogue, featuring a host of innovative designs that have earned the company respect as world leaders in the field of portable, compact, self-contained entertainment systems.
Producing up to 8 hours of high-quality performance from a single USB charge, the newiDance Groove 217 Rechargeable Bluetooth® Partybox (£54.99 rrp) is a fine example.
Visually striking in a white ergonomically designed moulded cabinet, the iDance Groove 217 delivers a punchy 200 watts of warm bass and crystal clear highs from a heavy-duty speaker, with built-in colourful RGB LEDs housed within the speaker grill, and central jewelled lens, for a captivating disco light show.
With a sensitive microphone included, the iDance Groove 217 is instantly primed for karaoke. Vocals are enhanced with a built-in echo feature to blend with music streamed wirelessly, via Bluetooth® or USB/MP3 players, whilst compatible with YouTube, Spotify and most Karaoke apps, along with EZ technology for pairing with smartphones and tablets.
For larger events, the iDance Groove 217 includes Sharing Mode technology to connect to additional compatible iDance systems.
Also from the iDance Groove series, the Groove 214 with wired microphone and Groove 119 with wireless microphone are both all-in-one systems (£59.99 rrp & £99.99 rrprespectively) that both deliver a powerful 100watts, whilst also karaoke ready with included microphone, echo effects, handy remote control, wireless BT + USB/MP3 Player streaming and sharing facilities.
Looking stunning within a moulded black cabinet, both the Groove 214 and 119 include built-in RGB LED disco lighting within the sub woofer’s bass reflex speaker grill. With a convenient telescopic handle, the iDance Groove 214 and 119 are also ideal for any party, or Karaoke night, as a small PA system for schools, clubs, personal trainers or gyms.
Finished in white, the new 100w rechargeable all-in-one iDance Blaster 301 (£49.99 rrp) looks effortlessly stylish with its retro boom-box design, whilst featuring everything required for up to 8 hours of fun-filled party events from one USB charge. Also with a bright LED display and front facing control panel that’s easy to operate manually or with the included remote control.
With a sensitive microphone included, vocals are enhanced with a built-in echo feature to blend with music streamed wirelessly via Bluetooth® from external sources or USB/MP3 players, whilst compatible with YouTube, Spotify, or most Karaoke apps. Sharing facilities are also included and, with bright, colourful disco lights housed within the bass speakers and central jewelled lens, the iDance Blaster 301, is a superb all-in one portable entertainment package.
Also, with iDance ‘Sharing Mode’ technology, the size-defying iDance GoParty 1Rechargeable Bluetooth® Speaker (£29.99 rrp) with synchronised disco flame LED lighting, delivers a healthy 5watts from its highly portable, compact dimensions. With well over 4 hours performance from just one USB charge, the iDance GoParty 1 is again, karaoke ready with mic input, vocal enhancing echo effects and streaming via USB, Bluetooth® or auxiliary inputs.
The new iDance Sing/Share/Live Streaming Kit is fully equipped to produce professional results online.
This extremely handy, all-in-one kit includes a sturdy, height adjustable stand with tripod base, adjustable mic boom arm and a 10″/26cm USB powered LED light ring with 3 light modes and 10 levels of brightness. For the perfect ‘head height to camera’ angle a universal phone/tablet (phone/tablet not included) holder with goose neck, is strategically positioned in the centre of the LED ring which itself, can be adjusted via a wired remote.
Lightweight and compact, the iDance Sing/Share/Live Streaming kit folds away neatly for transportation and is the essential accessory pack, for mobile Vlogging, streaming or video presentations.
iDance products are distributed in the UK, ROI & EU by JHS.
Rast Sound has updated Cinescapes PRO, an ambient music assistant for Kontakt, to version 2.3 with refreshed looks and improved sparkle function.
Summer Offer: 49€ until July 24, 2022 (Reg. 89€).
Kuassa has released a version 1.2.0 update for all of their Efektor Guitar FX Plug-ins for MacOS. Now with native Apple Silicon support.
All Efektor v1.2.0 release notes:
Native Apple Silicon support.
The Efektor Series update can be downloaded here.
Changes in Amplifikation Rectifor v1.0.1:
Recursive preset folder bug fixed.
Missing IR Loader text bug fixed.
Windows standalone Gate and Filter boxes position fixed.
Download Rectifor v1.0.1 update here.
Both updates are free for all licensed owners of Efektor Guitar FX plug-ins and Amplifikation Rectifor.
HoRNet Plugins has updated ELM128 MK2, the EBU R128 loudness meter with normalization.
The new 2.2.1 version is a maintenance release and includes:
Fixed random crash with graph view.
Fixed normalization volume spikes on activate.
Fixed crash when resizing interface in Pro Tools.
Fixed memory leak.
The update is free for owners of the plugin and can be downloaded using HorNet DoIn or from the user area on www.hornetplugins.com
RJ Studios has updated the True Mid/Side, Mid<>Side Channel Extractor plugin to version 1.2.0 with new features including:
Algorithm enhancement that now routes polarity inverted Left/Right channel signals to the Side outputs producing a cleaner separation with some sources.
Approximate 15% reduction in CPU load.
Slightly larger UI for improved visibility in some DAWs.
Traditional "Mid/Side" processing is often a misnomer for what is technically "sum and difference" processing. In this traditional approach the "Mid" output is simply the mono sum of left and right (M=L+R) while the "side" output is the mono difference of left and right (S=L-R). Any signals panned hard left or hard right - which are actually pure "side" signals - will appear in both the Mid and Side outputs. Meanwhile, the "Side" output is a mono mix containing both the left and right sides. This is not how we hear stereo and is not "true" Mid/Side.
True Mid/Side actually separates the phantom center (what we hear in the middle of a stereo mix) from the stereo side signals. The stereo Side signals are separated to their respective Left and Right sides. All three resultant signals (Left-Center-Right) can be exported and controlled independently. Signals panned to the center of the stereo mix (the "Phantom Center") emerge ONLY in the Middle/Center output while signals hard-panned Left/Right in the stereo mix emerge ONLY in the Side outputs (and on the same side they appear in the stereo mix).
True Mid/Side offers a choice of two different separation algorithms including the original "Linear" mode and the new default "Power" mode which produces even greater separation and detail in the side channels.
True Mid/Side features 3 pairs of stereo output channels including the Main Stereo Outs, Mid only and Side only outputs. This allows True Mid/Side to produce simultaneous Mid and Side outputs in DAWs and helper apps that can support multiple I/O pins.
True Mid/Side's "Power Mono" output mode produces a mono mix using true power summing of left and right channels (vs. typical simple addition/mix) which captures more of the ambience and balance that we hear in stereo for a fuller, more accurate mono mix.
True Mid/Side is a 64-bit plugin in VST, VST3 and AAX formats for Windows PC and VST, VST3, AAX and AU formats for Mac OS 10.11+ on Intel and Apple Silicon.
Price: $39.95
Current owners of True Mid/Side are encouraged to download the latest version from the RJ Studios website while newcomers are encouraged to try the FREE 14-day trial.
Tone2 Audio has released a free update for their analog synthesizer emulation Saurus.
New features:
AudioUnit version supports M1 native.
VSTi version supports M1 native.
Help->'Show version info' displays the mode in which the plugin is running (ARM/Intel).
Enhancements:
Much faster loading times on M1 Macs.
The native M1 support results in 20% lower CPU use compared to Rosetta2 Mode.
More responsive GUI on M1 Macs.
The ideal GUI size is detected automatically.
Several small enhancements.
Fixes:
Workaround for the 'unusual' designed audio architecture of FL Studio. It is not longer necessary to enable 'Use fixed size buffers' to avoid crackles.
Several small compatibility fixes for MacOS 11 and MacOS 12.
Workaround for Apple's unreliable AudioUnit validation. It is not longer necessary to reboot the Mac after an installation.
Changes:
AudioUnit is now an AUv2 plugin.
AudioUnit and VSTi are now a Universal Binary for 64-bit Intel and M1.
Apple's development tools are unable to build 32-bit Intel binaries when you support M1. Sadly we had to drop support for it.
Apple's Notarisation and the M1 support requires a MacOS version higher or equal than 10.11. If you still use an older version you must stick with Saurus 3.0.
HoRNet Plugins has updated ELM128 MK2, the EBU R128 loudness meter with normalization.
The new 2.2.1 version is a maintenance release and includes:
Fixed random crash with graph view.
Fixed normalization volume spikes on activate.
Fixed crash when resizing interface in Pro Tools.
Fixed memory leak.
The update is free for owners of the plugin and can be downloaded using HorNet DoIn or from the user area
BOSS releases Katana MkII Version 2 free software update featuring new tone-shaping tools available in the BOSS Tone Studio app and compatible with 9 different Katana Amplifier models.
BOSS Katana—Sharper Than Ever
The free Katana MkII Version 2 software update delivers a host of new features that further enhance the capabilities of your BOSS Katana MkII guitar amplifier.
KATANA MKII VERSION 2—NEW CREATIVE TOOLS
Version 2 elevates the expressive power of your amp with newly added tone-shaping tools available in the BOSS Tone Studio app.
Contour Settings—Shape your core tone with three different Contour settings, each with four customizable frequency curves to choose from.
New Solo Block in FX Chain—Refine your lead guitar voice with a moveable Solo block, which can be assigned for on/off control via an external footswitch or the GA-FC Foot Controller.
New EQ Block in FX Chain—Moveable EQ block for additional tonal adjustment.
Two New Effects—Centa OD (Booster block) and Solo EQ (Solo block).
Three Global EQs—Fine-tune the overall sound for different guitars and styles.
Expanded Cab IR Capabilities—The Line Out cabinet IR options now include selectable microphone types and positions, giving you greater control of your direct sound.
Note: Some Version 2 features were previously available in the original release of the Katana-Artist MkII model.
COMPATIBLE MODELS
Katana MkII Version 2 software is available for the following Katana MkII guitar amplifiers:
KATANA-50 MkII
KATANA-100 MkII
KATANA-100 MkII
KATANA-100/212 MkII
KATANA-100/212 MkII
KATANA-Head MkII
KATANA-HEAD MkII
KATANA-Artist MkII
KATANA-ARTIST MkII
Clara E expands the MARIAN portfolio with an audio solution for the seamless integration of Dante Audio-over-IP networks in computer-based production systems. Equipped with two independent Ethernet ports, the PCIe audio solution features redundancy on the hardware side. Combined with elaborate drivers, the system achieves a level of reliability fit for demanding broadcasting applications. The integrated 1,024 x 1,024 channel routing matrix allows for comfortable management of up to 512 bidirectional Dante channels and all internal resources.
The integrated Beast DSP mixer provides sophisticated signal processing and mixing functions. With the MWX option and separately available add-ons, Clara E can be enhanced with additional digital and analogue audio interfaces as well as two MIDI inputs and outputs.
Gauting, 14th July 2022 – MARIAN introduces the Clara E PCIe audio solution, enabling a seamless integration of audio computers in Dante networks. Digital real-time transfer of up to 1,024 uncompressed audio channels via standard Ethernet infrastructures make Dante one of the most versatile audio distribution systems. MARIAN combines this versatility with its own technology to achieve exemplary reliability.
Future-proof Dante technology and proven MARIAN quality
The Dante format has been established as a quasi-standard for real-time transfer via Ethernet connection. MARIAN combines the renowned flexibility of Dante with the proverbial reliability of its Clara and Seraph systems in the new Clara E. The solution can work in tandem with other MARIAN solutions through the TDM bus, behaving like one cohesive sound systems towards the audio software. Well-developed latest-generation MARIAN drivers feature both multi-client support for ASIO 2.2 and multichannel WDM audio / WASAPI, guaranteeing extremely short latency of around a millisecond through the fast PCIe connection.
Up to 1,024 Audio-over-IP channels
With a maximum of 512 bidirectional channels transmitted via IP, Dante revolutionised the real-time transmission of digital audio. Dante is easy to integrate into existing Ethernet infrastructures, configuring itself for the most part, allowing for a cost-effective and flexible audio network. MARIAN Clara E opens the Dante universe for the users, giving them access to up to 512 inputs and outputs at 48 kHz. At 96 kHz there are 256 channels available, at 192 kHz the channel count is still at an impressive 128 inputs and outputs.
Broadcast features included: redundancy and AES67 support
MARIAN audio solutions are known for their reliability under all circumstances. Clara E satisfies strict broadcast standards in that regard. Two separate Ethernet connections enable full hardware redundancy – if one line fails, the system immediately switches to the other one without interruption. Clara E boasts flexibility beyond Dante: both Ethernet ports are AES67 compatible, allowing to alternatively work with Ravenna or other Audio-over-IP formats.
Latency-free real-time routing and integrated digital mixer
With its staggering number of channels, Dante presents unprecedented possibilities in complex installations. However, managing these resources is a challenge in itself. MARIAN overcomes this challenge with the 1,024 x 1,024 real-time routing matrix integrated with Clara E. Even internal sources or signals from other systems connected through the TDM bus can be managed seamlessly, including level-adjustments inside the matrix. Clara E also comes with the proprietary Beast digital mixer. Its 64 inputs can access all audio resources within the computer and from the installed MARIAN systems, mixing them latency-free to eight sums. All input channels feature parametric four-band EQs modelled after analogue high-end studio consoles. The Beast is processed entirely on the MARIAN DSPs, leaving the host computer’s CPU untaxed.
Expandable versatility
Up to 1,024 Dante channels and direct access to other MARIAN solutions installed in the host computer – even if this versatility is impressive, the possibilities of the MARIAN Clara E go even further. Optional modules expand the system by additional inputs and outputs like digital AES/EBU interfaces, integrating these signals seamlessly into the Dante universe. The MWX version Clara E+ adds MIDI interfaces to the system, making it the control centre of complex installations and studio setups.
Prices and availability
MARIAN Clara E audio solution is available from mid August at specialist retailers and directly from the online shop at cma.audio. The MSRP including VAT are 1,980.00 euros for Clara E and 2,080.00 Euro for Clara E+.
To celebrate International Joke Day 2022 Caelum Audio has released Dustbin, an effects plugin that re-creates the sound of a speaker system made from a bin.
This plugin will litter-ally change your life. Stop wasting time, you can't refuse it any longer. Take everything you thought you knew about music production and throw it out.
Imagine you left two easily entertained idiots alone with a dustbin, amp, speaker, some microphones, and a worrying idea. Well actually, you don't have to imagine at all, because Dustbin is here to answer those musical questions you never asked.
Pick your way through the impulse responses taken from the Bin's cavity and built-in speaker. Transform your Garage into Garbage, Rap into Scrap, Pop into Slop, Punk into Junk, and New Age into Sewage.
Caelum Audio
Price: £0.99.
Woodman's Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio has released v2.5 of WoodSynth, its multi-layer MPE synth, both on MacOS and iOS.
New features:
Added new expanded UI view, showing all controls in one window. (MacOS and 12.9" iPads).
Added "gated" filter ADSR (useful for percussive, plucky sounds, preset Mysterious plucking).
Added ring modulation between layers (new sounds with different sample files per layer).
Added Filter Up/Down to LFO1 destination (preset Nervous chase).
Added Amp Env Sustain level to LFO1 and LFO2 destination (preset Nervous chase).
Added LFO1 Amplitude Modulation and Filt Up/D to Aux Env destinations.
Fixed: LFO1 Amplitude Mod is now also working for Osc2, Osc3 and the Samples.
Added presets:
Mysterious plucking (using the gated filter, random sequence, slice start mod).
Nervous chase (gated filter, filter up/down mod, amp env sustain mod).
Intergalactic bells (ring mod between layer1 and layer 2).
Intergalactic rings (ring mod between layer1 and layer 2).
Simple drum (simple, drum).
Distorted Clarinet.
8AM Sequence.
A Cloud Between The Waves.
You Shall Not Pass.
The Unfinished has announced the release of Diva Anahera, a collection of 300 patches, comprising of Anahera Volume I and Anahera Volume II, for u-he's analogue-modelling synth, Diva.
Anahera is all about using modern analogue and virtual analogue techniques to create contemporary cinematic sounds. It provides a sophisticated sonic palette, immersed in rich and dynamic synthesis, with a laser focus on driving, kinetic pulses and rhythms alongside vivid and opulent textures and soundscapes.
This soundset is inspired by working in the studio with my hardware synth collection, such as the Moog Mother-32, Sub 37 and DFAM, the UDO Super 6, Access Virus TI2, Roland JP8000 and Analogue Solutions Impulse Command.
I took the hands-on, experimental techniques I'd been using with those synths and transferred them to Diva's bravura, analogue-modelling capabilities; producing a deep and essential collection of brutal and beautiful, contemporary, cinematic analogue sounds.
The Unfinished
Diva Anahera comes in two volumes, Vol I and Vol II, both priced at £19.99 +VAT. This combined bundle is £29.99 +VAT.
Introducing Cordoba's first nylon string electric guitar.
At the heart of the guitar is the new Stage Pickup System paired with a solid, fully chambered body for reduced weight and enhanced resonance, and a robust, tonal foundation. Equipped with easy-to-access Volume, EQ, and Body Blend knobs the Stage Pickup System allows players to dial in their preferred acoustic tone.
Cordoba’s unique Fusion Neck with a comfortable 48mm nut width and fast 16” Fretboard Radius is slightly thinner than a traditional nylon string guitar and provides a playing experience closer to that of a steel string guitar. This familiarity offers an easy transition for steel string players and players with smaller hands to the world of nylon string guitar.
Roland announces the JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer, the latest addition to the Legendary instrument series available through Roland Cloud. Released in 1978, the JUPITER-4 was Roland’s first polyphonic synthesizer and the first to carry the JUPITER name. With the JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer, the authentic sound of this trendsetting icon is now available as a computer-based plug-in and a PLUG-OUT for the SYSTEM-8 synthesizer keyboard.
Roland products with the JUPITER name represent the current pinnacle of the company’s synthesizer development, a benchmark started over four decades ago with the JUPITER-4. In addition to incredible analog synthesis power, it brought then-revolutionary digital voltage control and the ability to store eight presets with technological wizardry dubbed “Compuphonic.” But the JUPITER-4’s real appeal was its warm, fat voice and inviting hands-on panel, which inspired synth pioneers to create the defining sounds of synth-pop, new wave, and other emerging styles of the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Roland’s evolving Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology brings the JUPITER-4 to life through careful analysis of original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. This information is then used to recreate the authentic circuit behaviors of the vintage instrument—including all the beloved quirks and instabilities—giving the JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer a breathtakingly accurate sound that buzzes with unique character.
While the JUPITER-4 only has a single VCO, it sounds positively massive, thanks to the combined characteristics of its oscillator, filter, LFO section, and more. ACB brings all these elements together like the original hardware, capturing the behavior and component interactions to create sonic magic. Going further, powerful new Circuit Mod and Condition controls allow users to adjust the overall character to suit their taste.
The JUPITER-4 also includes enhanced features for modern workflows, including extended oscillator range, adjustable noise, velocity sensitivity, sub-oscillator volume control, and a flexible arpeggiator. In addition, phaser, flanger, overdrive, reverb, and delay effects are available to complement the lush Ensemble chorus effect from the original keyboard.
The plug-in flows easily into modern DAW environments with a resizable UI, support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats, and native compatibility with Apple silicon. It also offers full integration with the Roland SYSTEM-8 Synthesizer. Users can control the software plug-in from the keyboard’s panel, and PLUG-OUT functionality turns the SYSTEM-8 into a standalone, eight-voice JUPITER-4 for stage and studio playing.
Availability & Pricing
The JUPITER-4 Software Synthesizer is the newest member of Roland’s Legendary series on Roland Cloud, which includes plug-in versions of the JD-800, JUNO-60, JUPITER-8, TR-808, TR-909, and other Roland classics.
Users can select two Legendary titles with the Pro membership level for $99/year, or get full access to all titles with Ultimate membership for $199/year. All paid levels—including Core and Pro—start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate, allowing users to try out the JUPITER-4 and other Ultimate instruments, effects, apps, and more. In addition, any Roland Account holder can purchase Lifetime Keys for individual Legendary series titles. This provides unlimited access for as long as their account is active, even if they don’t have a Roland Cloud membership.
The JUPITER-4 is part of the Analog Polysynth Collection, a new Legendary series bundle that also includes the JUPITER-8, JUNO-60, JX-3P, and JUNO-106 software plug-ins. The bundle provides Lifetime Keys for all included products and offers a savings of nearly 40 percent over purchasing individual titles.
Today, Fender releases the Limited-Edition Pro Junior IV SE (£399.00 / €469.00), the newest addition to the Fender amplifier line-up. Long-revered by all types of players, it’s ideal for guitarists who enjoy touch-sensitive dynamic response and great clean-to-mean tones with an uncluttered feature set.
Amplifiers were among the first products to wear the official Fender seal. A qualified electronics technician by trade, Leo Fender developed his iconic amplifiers during the mid-1940s putting innovation at the forefront. To this day, Leo’s influence and innovative spirit can still be heard in today’s amps, as that same iconic, clean Fender tone continues to colour new music around the world.
The new Limited Edition Pro Junior IV SE is a simplified alternative to Fender’s core Lacquered Tweed model. Fun, flexible and pedal-friendly, the Pro Junior IV SE is an ideal addition to any electric guitarist’s amp collection. It comes equipped with a Fender Special Design speaker for tight, well-balanced output with plenty of high-end sparkle. Its stage-and studio-ready style features black vinyl covering, aged silver grille cloth, and a chrome control panel with red jewel light, giving it the unmistakable look and vibe that’s classic Fender.
Some key features include:
Modified Overdrive Circuit
One 10″ Fender Special Design Speaker and one 1/4″ Input
Black vinyl covering and aged silver grille cloth
Chrome control panel with red jewel light
Available in global voltage power
The Limited Edition Pro Junior™IV SE is offered in 120V, 240V AU, 230V UK, 230V EU, 100V JP
IK Multimedia releases Beat Machines for SampleTank 4, an extensive collection of 1.6 GB of round robin samples from 100 vintage analog drum machines and rhythm units, along with over 300 MIDI patterns, all created to take full advantage of the powerful features and effects of SampleTank 4.
From '60s swing to '80s hip-hop, '90s house and beyond, the iconic machines included in Beat Machines have shaped the course of music history. From the earliest Ace Tone machines to the iconic, essential TR-808 and -909, plus esoteric novelties, far-out drum synths and even modern designs, this anthology is packed with endless inspiration, each carefully studied to capture its most recognizable sounds.
Easy to Use and Versatile
Over 200 kit presets are mapped to the General MIDI drum mapping standard so they can be dropped into any DAW session, putting these classic sounds instantly to work. The GM mapping is also consistent with the other drum kits available for SampleTank 4, so users can mix and match kit components or even layer entire kits.
Expansive Percussion
To give classic beats that extra punch, the presets for each individual machine also include the full General MIDI set of vintage electronic percussion sounds constructed from across the full library of hardware instruments. This extends the sound of every original machine, making this collection of vibey percussion a must-have for any fan nostalgic for those bygone sounds.
Customizable Kits
In addition to the main presets, there are hundreds of additional "single element" presets that represent each kit piece. This enables users to take advantage of SampleTank 4's Multi Mode to combine up to 16 different elements from this collection and others. Start with a Roland® TR-808 kick drum, add a snare from the Maestro Rhythm King, toms from the Simmons® SDS-V, hi-hats from the Elka Wilgamat, and so on.
Adding Space and Effects
Using SampleTank 4's Multi Mode, each kit element has its own 5-slot effects section so that kicks, snares, toms, hi-hat, cymbals and percussion can be processed separately before using the sends and returns for kit reverbs and even buss compression. And finally, add up to 5 more effects on the master buss.
Beats That Come to Life
All 100 vintage machines have been meticulously recorded with round robin samples to capture the real feeling of these boxes and not just snapshot glimpses of them. SampleTank's DRIFT algorithm - originally developed for Syntronik - adds further movement to the samples for maximum animation.
SampleTank 4
Beat Machines works inside the latest versions of SampleTank 4 for Mac/PC, including SampleTank 4 CS, the free version which offers all of the features of the new SampleTank 4 engine and over 4 GB of fresh sounds to get users started.
Pricing and Availability
Beat Machines is available from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide for $/€79.99.
Sonic Cat has updated Purity, the workstation and PCM Sound Module / ROMpler software, to version 1.4.1.
Changes:
New patch bank: Acidwork Bank / 128 patches (total 1,622 patches).
Setup: Tuning Scale: Scala(.scl) file supported.
MacOS: crash fixed in Cubase running on 10.14 Mojave.
MacOS: some user data path problem fixed.
Price: $49.99.
Muletone Audio has released two new instruments, Brazilian Series: Zabumba and Brazilian Series: Triângulo for Kontakt.
The Zabumba is part of the emblematic musical groups and genres of the Brazilian north-east. It became known in other regions of Brazil, mainly from baião, the forró trio including xote, and xaxado.
The Triângulo is used in combination with Zabumba and accordion in regional rhythms from the north and north-east of Brazil such as forró and xote.
The instruments were recorded using a pair of Neumann KM184, a Neumann TLM 102 and a AKG C414. The preamp section used was a pair of Chandler Germ 500 MK2, a pair of Millennia HV-35 and a Shadow Hills Dual Vandergraph Compressor (-1DB GR) on Room Mics, routed in a Apogee Ensemble MK2.
Intro Price:
Zabumba: $13.99 (Reg. $17.99).
Triângulo: $8.99 (Reg $11.99).
*Full version of Kontakt 5.8 or above is required (Not for Kontakt Player).
Applied Acoustics Systems has announced the release of the Love Lost sound pack for the Strum GS-2 and AAS Player plug-ins in collaboration with resident sound designer Niall McCallum.
With Love Lost, AAS resident sound designer Niall McCallum places the pedalboard at center-stage to infuse emotion and tension into Strum GS-2, throwing up a panoply of effects configurations and permutations for your dreamiest or darkest sonic experimentations.
Love Lost represents a diverse journey through the complete landscape of Strum's powerful onboard effects units highlighting the psychedelic modulations found in Dream Pop and Shoegaze, the cavernous reverb and delays of Ambient music, and the all-out fuzz of Drone/Sludge Metal.
Dive into this collection featuring 12 styles, 84 presets, and 84 strumming patterns to discover fraying phasers, funky flangers, crooning chorus, rippling reverb, delirious delay, and demented distortion. Love Lost is your own private arsenal of stacked FX boxes dialled up to 11 for maximum flavour and style.
Love Lost works with both the Strum GS-2 plug-in (sold separately) and the included AAS Player plug-in. AAS plug-ins run on both Windows and Mac OS and support the VST, Audio Units, AAX Native, RTAS, and NKS plug-in formats.
50% Off Summer Sale
Get 50% off on Love Lost, Strum GS-2 products as well as all orders from AAS' web store until August 29, 2022. Visit the AAS Summer Sale promotion page below to get all the details:
The Love Lost sound pack US$19.
The Strum GS-2 plug-in US$99.
The Strum GS-2 +PackS bundle US$149.
The Strum GS-2 Upgrade for Strum GS-1 users US$39.
The Strum GS-2 Upgrade for Strum Session users US$49.
All Strum GS-2 sound packs US$19 each.
Strum GS-2 +PackS bundles the Strum GS-2 plug-in, the new Love Lost sound pack, and 11 additional sound packs.
Universal Audio has announced the addition of the Pultec Passive EQ Collection to UAD Spark, UA's plug‑in subscription service. With this update, UAD Spark is now also compatible with native Apple M1 Silicon‑based Macs.
Available natively for the first time ever (no UA hardware required), the UAD Pultec Passive EQ Collection gives music creators plug‑in emulations of some of the greatest tube equalizers ever made for sculpting vocals, guitars, bass, drums, and more.
Pultec Passive EQ Collection
$19.99/month
Originally developed as a UAD Powered Plug-in for the Apollo audio interfaces – and one of UA's best-selling plug-ins of all time – the Pultec Passive EQ Collection for UAD Spark leverages extensive end‑to‑end analog circuit modeling to capture the full essence of the highly‑coveted vintage hardware.
It's fitting that the Pultec EQ Collection is now available in UAD Spark, alongside plug‑ins from so many other iconic audio brands. We created UAD Spark to bring the sound of the best studio hardware ever made to all music creators, and these classic equalizers certainly belong in that category.
Says Bill Putnam Jr., CEO of Universal Audio
The Pultec Passive EQ Collection is available to demo free for 14 days in UAD Spark, with an exclusive 30‑day trial for Volt audio interface owners. Featuring over 20 plug‑ins, with titles from Neve, API, Moog, Lexicon and more, the UAD Spark subscription is available for $19.99/month.*.
Key Features: Pultec Passive EQ Collection:
EQ collection includes plug-in emulations of EQP-1A, MEQ-5, and HLF-3C units.
Sculpt vocals, guitars, drums and more with the sound of the greatest tube EQs ever made.
Get pro sound quickly with over 100 presets from Jeff Balding, Richard Dodd, John Paterno, The Glitch Mob, and more.
UAD Spark now compatible with native Apple M1 Silicon‑based Macs.
- UAD Spark plug‑ins are available for Mac (Windows coming Fall 2022); no UA hardware required.
Hidenori Matsuoka has updated Chord NOTE to v8.0 and Guitar Kit to v8.0.2.
Chord NOTE update add Pad Mode. Pad Mode stop editing chords of chord progression. User can focus on playing by tapping Square Pad. And Chord Picker can add chord directly now.
Chord NOTE changes:
The following changes have been made to Chord Progression:
Added Pad Mode. Users can focus on playing by tapping square Pad.
When there is no selection in Chord Progression, the Chord user taps in Chord Picker will be added now.
Added "1 Bar Beats" to the "All" section of Beat Menu. All chords can now be reset to default beats count with a single operation.
Organized Title Menu.
Rewritten to completely new UI engine for Chords list.
Improved management of Undo and Redo for Chord Picker.
Solved the problem of noise when exporting.
Improved management of Play button.
Made Beat Count label easier to see.
Guitar Kit changes:
Improved the display of Popup Menu in Sheet View.
Digital Brain Instruments, in collaboration with Mechanical Wave FX, has released Interakt, a new Multi-Sampler audio tool.
Interakt is a 64-bit standalone multi-sampler software for macOS and Windows developed in collaboration with Mechanical Wave FX for creating high quality sound effects for games, apps, films, music and multimedia projects.
Interakt is a user-friendly tool to create new sounds by combining your sound effects and selecting specific parts of these sounds to blend them together manually. It allows manipulating each source separately to achieve the desired sound effects. Sounds can be triggered via MIDI keyboard or computer keys.
Highlights:
Files Browser Section.
8 Dropzone Selections.
4 Layer Sections.
Fade In/Out Settings.
Dropzone Pitch Bend.
MIDI & Computer Keyboard Triggers.
Layers Pitch Shifting & Envelope.
Master Plugins.
Recording.
Batch Exporting.
Presets Manager.
Soundbanks available separately: General Pack, Impacter & Footsteps.
Price: $99 or $125 including 3 soundbanks including presets and 2GB+ samples.
Intro Offer: 25% off until July 27th, 2022. Use the promo code: WELCOMEITK
System Requirements:
Mac: Mac OS X 10.11.6 or Later. Apple M1 OS 11 or Later. 4GB RAM Recommended. Apple M1 Processor OS 11 or Later.
Windows: Windows 8 or Later. 4GB RAM Recommended.
MESA/Boogie is proud to announce three new releases in the storied California Tweed series with the addition of the California Tweed 6V6 2:20 in 1X12 Combo, 1X10 Combo, and the compact 2:20 Head, all hand-crafted in their Petaluma, CA shop. The MESA/Boogie California Tweed Series is available now at authorized MESA/Boogie dealers.
Based on the award-winning California Tweed 6V6 4:40, MESA has distilled the essence of tweed-based performance and authentic 6V6 character in a new, more compact format. The new California Tweed 2:20 is a beautifully simplistic design that raises the bar in the world of vintage tone. A quick glance at the front panel of the California Tweed 2:20 reveals single-channel simplicity. Channel features include Normal & Low Inputs, Gain, Treble, Mid, Bass, Presence, Reverb, & Master Controls. MESA’s legendary vintage all-tube, spring reverb with external reverb switching jack and a fully buffered, tube-driven series FX loop round out a feature set that delivers everything needed for golden tone, and absolutely nothing more.
The California Tweed 2:20 is powered by 2x 6V6 Power Tubes while the preamp features 5x12AX7 and 1x12AT7 preamp tubes. MESA’s patented Incremental Multi-Watt™ (Patent 9,917,560) Power Amp, featuring Duo-Class™ (Patent 7,173,488) and Dyna-Watt™ technologies, provides three power levels, two operating-classes, and three wiring options via a single 3-Way Rotary Switch. The following power options are featured:
20 Watts – 2x6V6 Class A/B Pentode – Fixed Bias
10 Watts – 2x6V6 Class A/B Triode – Fixed Bias
1 Watt – 1x6V6 Pentode, Single-Ended Class A – Cathode Bias
Maintenance-free, Fixed Bias (20 and 10-Watt Modes) and Cathode Bias (1-Watt Mode) both provide consistent, maintenance-free performance.
Whether players choose to run pedals straight into the input or through the included fully buffered, tube-driven series FX loop, the California Tweed 2:20 is the perfect partner for pedals and delivers an ideal platform for pedal users in a compact, lightweight head, 1×12 or 1×10 Combo format that expands vintage tone and defines portability.
With classic 6V6-Tube performance, controlled by MESA’s patented 3-position Multi-Watt switch, the new California Tweed 2:20 provides 3 of the most sought-after vintage, American power sections in one amp, all available at the flip of its 3-positon, Multi-Watt power switch. The result is the ultimate collection of real, vintage, low-powered tube amps all from one of the smallest, lightest, most portable, and price-friendly Boogies ever – available in the classic formats of a compact head, 1×10 or 1×12 combo, both loaded with premium Jensen Blackbird 40 Alnico speakers.
New Loops has announced the release of Mosaic, a collection of 64 presets for DS Audio Thorn.
Here's what they say:
This is our best thorn expansion yet with unique sounds never heard in Thorn before. You'll find 6 deep and punchy basses, 12 emotive keys, 15 futuristic spacey pads, 12 cinematic leads, 10 evolving atmospheric soundscapes and textures, and 15 melodic,
and bass sequences. As well as the main 64 presets, we've also included 34 MB of addition content including, 10 samples for the noise oscillator, 15 arp presets, 5 harmonic filter presets, and 5 custom oscillator presets.
These Thorn presets are suitable for a wide range of genres including cinematic, soundtrack and film score, ambient and downtempo, cyberpunk, dark wave and industrial, and also suitable for trance, techno, and other synth music.
Intro Price: £17.49 / 30% off until the end of August 2022 (RRP £24.99). You can also get an extra 30% off orders over £39 at newloops.com with code: 30OFF39
TASCAM is pleased to announce the debut of the CD-RW900SX CD Recorder/Player, the latest version in the company’s long line of robust CD recorders/players. Featuring a new high-quality slot-loading CD drive, the CD-RW900SX offers a rich feature set that makes this unit ideal for a wide range of applications, including studio use, broadcast applications, and commercial playback in restaurants, clubs, and similar venues.
For those involved in recording studio or broadcast environments, the CD-RW900SX’s independent trim controls will be most appreciated. In addition to offering analog input gain controls for the left and right analog inputs, the CD-RW900SX also offers trim control for the digital input—enabling one to easily set the optimal recording levels from a digital source.
The new TASCAM CD-RW900SX also has a variety of track division functions designed to make recording easier. This includes Automatic Track Division, whereby a track marker can be created based on the input level—effectively adding a new track when the input falls below a specified level, which can be defined within a range from –24 to –72dB. Further, a rec-mute function can insert silence between tracks. The unit’s Time Track Division function enables time-based track creation to be set every 1-10 minutes. This feature is ideal for conference recording or similar cases when there is no gap between segments—such as when recording music. The CD-RW900SX also offers Manual Track Division, whereby a new track can be written manually by pressing the Record key while the unit is in record mode.
The CD-RW900SX offers a comprehensive set of playback features. For playback, the unit offers auto-cue, auto-ready, pitch control, repeat, playback, and power-on playback capabilities. Power-on playback is particularly useful for environments such as restaurants and clubs—effectively enabling the CD-RW900SX to be cued up and automatically start playback the moment the power is enabled. It should also be noted that the CD-RW900SX offers transport control via a P/S2 keyboard (sold separately).
The CD/CDRW drive in the new CD-RW900SX provides a stable platter that is designed to minimize errors while writing to the disc. Track markers can be easily embedded without a gap, which is ideal for seamless continuous live recordings. And in the rare event that the disc should become locked in the drive, there is an included emergency hole in slot so that a pin or paperclip can easily eject the disc. Supported media includes CD, CD-R, CD-R-DA, CD-RW, CD-RW-DA for recording and CD-DA and Data-CD for playback. Equally notable, the CD-RW900SX offers shockproof memory that prevents skipping due to vibration. The unit incorporates a RAM buffer that stores audio data in memory to ensure smooth playback, even if shock or vibration lasts for upwards of four seconds.
The TASCAM CD-RW900SX provides a wealth of input connectivity. Unbalanced analog and S/PDIF coaxial and optical connections are provided for connection flexibility. The result is the ability to accommodate a wide range of sound sources.
In addition, the new CD-RW900SX provides for Fade-in/Fade-out recording ranging from 1 to 30 seconds in 1 second increments, a sync recording function that automatically starts/stops recording at a preset level spanning a range of –24dB to –72dB in 6dB increments, digital level adjustment, a key control playback function and more.
The new CD-RW900SX includes a wireless 10-key remote control. The CD-RW900SX is 2U EIA rack mountable and is RoHS certified.
The TASCAM CD-RW900SX CD Recorder/Player is expected to become available Q3, 2022.
Gibson, the iconic American instrument brand, has shaped sound across generations and genres of music, becoming one of the most relevant, played, and loved guitar brands around the world. Gibson is proud to unveil the latest addition to its collection of bass guitars, the Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Bass. The acclaimed multi-instrumentalist, solo-artist, and member of Pantera and Down, Rex worked closely with Gibson luthiers for two-and-a-half years to create the Thunderbird bass that can fulfill any level of a player’s ability. A striking new Bass model in Ebony, with Gold accents the Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Bass is available now at select global dealers and on Gibson.com.
“Before meeting up in Nashville for a tour of Gibson USA, I got to meet the whole team at Gibson” says Rex Brown. “Cesar Gueikian (Gibson Brand President), and I forged a strong bond that day, that I can only describe as ‘Long Lost Brother’s”! He invited me to his home that night and we played music into the wee hours. Gibson has come so far, in such a short amount of time, and I’m beyond delighted to be in cahoots with this extraordinary bunch of music professionals. This new Thunderbird with Gibson is a life-long dream.”
Gibson is proud to introduce the first collaboration with Rex Brown, the Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Bass. The Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Bass features a mahogany neck and body, with a slimmer neck profile, and gold hardware with a Hipshot bridge and tuners, including a Drop D Xtender. A pair of powerful Rexbucker T-bird pickups provide plenty of output and low-end punch. A master tone control is equipped with a push/pull switch that puts the pickups into passive mode when it is pulled out. Rex’s signature is reproduced on the truss rod cover, and the backplate is embellished with a Rex Brown self-portrait sketch. A Modern series hardshell case is included. With enough case candy to make you lick your boots, Rex and Gibson have built the ultimate Thunderbird to sling low and watch it go.
Plenty of folks who’ve accomplished a lot less are fine to rest on past achievements, but Rex Brown is forever charging forward. With music influences from John Paul Jones, Pino Palladino, Jaco Pastorius, Tom Hamilton, Pete Way, and Geddy Lee, Rex’s boots are firmly planted on the foundation of his storied past, while both eyes maintain a steely and steadfast gaze upon the future horizon.
Brown and his Texas brethren forged a blueprint with Pantera that’s been studied by nearly every metal act that followed. Late lead guitar player Darrell “Dimebag” Abbott is rightly immortalized as a good-natured, guitar-shredding legend. The rhythmic punch forged by Rex and Pantera’s drummer, the late Vinnie Paul Abbott, has yet to be outdone. Along with singer Philip H. Anselmo, hailed as one of the greatest frontmen of all time, the self-described Cowboys from Hell, Pantera sparked a movement that reinvigorated heavy metal, inspired countless bands, and is memorialized in tattooed skin around the world, representing the five groundbreaking multi-platinum albums unleashed between 1990 to 2000 with billions of music streams annually.
Rex and singer Philip H. Anselmo partnered once again in the group Down, crafting their doomy, smoke-enhanced Southern dirges that helped shine a light on a whole other subculture in heavy music.
Roland expands its award-winning home piano lineup with two new entry-level instruments and a refreshed companion piano app for select models in the series. The attractive F107 and RP107 bring a new level of performance to the category, offering premium Roland piano sound and keyboard action derived from higher-end models. The new Roland Piano App is the latest mobile device app for Roland pianos with Bluetooth® connectivity, combining powerful remote control functions and enhanced learning features with an updated interface for easier operation.
F107 and RP107 Digital Pianos
The affordable F107 and RP107 make an authentic grand piano experience more accessible to everyone, providing exceptional performance in slim, space-saving cabinets that are perfect for contemporary lifestyles. The F107 features a stylish design based on the Roland F701—winner of the 2021 Red Dot Design Award—making it a great fit for young adults and modern living spaces. The RP107 features classic upright styling that’s ideal for families and anyone who prefers a more traditional appearance. Aside from the cabinets, both pianos offer identical features.
Roland RP107 Piano
The F107 and RP107 deliver authentic sound and expression that’s unavailable in other pianos at this price point, giving players a solid foundation for learning and the range to go further as skills blossom. Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL Piano engine combines sophisticated sampling and modeling technologies that reproduce all the complex nuances of an acoustic grand piano. The 88-note PHA-4 Standard keyboard provides true weighted response, while sustain, soft, and sostenuto pedals are ready to support a variety of advanced pedal techniques.
RP107
Roland F107 and RP107 Piano
Built-in Bluetooth audio/MIDI connectivity makes it easy for F107 and RP107 owners to extend their piano experience with a smartphone or tablet. They can wirelessly stream favorite music and educational content through the onboard speaker system and play along, or explore music composition with MIDI music apps like GarageBand and others. USB ports are also available for connecting with computers and flash storage devices.
The F107 and RP107 feature onboard recording that lets players check their progress and share music, plus Twin Piano mode for playing alongside a family member, friend, or teacher. Volume control is just a button press away, and dual headphones jacks allow two people to play quietly at the same time, each with independent sound control.
F107
Roland Piano App
The Roland Piano App for iOS and Android mobile devices is an essential companion for the F107, RP107, and other Roland home pianos, unlocking deep features for extended operation and continuing musical growth. Based on feedback from users of previous Roland apps, the interface has been redesigned for a smoother, more free-flowing experience. Everything is easier to access, with a direct layout and visual feedback that invites players to fully immerse in music and learning.
Roland Piano App
Roland RP107 Piano with Roland Piano App
When paired with a compatible Roland piano via Bluetooth, the Roland Piano App provides remote control of sound selection, metronome settings, recording, and more. The app also includes inspiring lesson features to encourage progress, such as an activity log with goals, flash card games, rhythm exercises, and a One Week Master program for learning different piano pieces. In addition, the app includes scores for the piano’s onboard song library, plus a fun auto-accompaniment feature for playing along with a full-band sound.
The Roland Piano App replaces the previous Piano Every Day app and works with select Roland home piano models that include built-in Bluetooth connectivity.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland F107 and RP107 digital pianos will be available in the U.S. in August for $1,099.99 and $1,199.99, respectively. The new Roland Piano App is free to download and can be accessed via the App store for both iOS and Android mobile devices. And with the Core, Pro, and Ultimate membership levels of Roland Cloud, users can access over 300 additional pieces of sheet music within the app.
The Quantum 2772 Evolution reverb algorithm is fundamentally different from other reverb simulators in that it models the resonance of a space, resulting in incredible realism, depth, and dimension.
The Quantum 2772 Evolution is offered for the special introductory price of $74 and is compatible with all major DAWs supporting VST or AU. AAX Pro Tools support is forthcoming. Additionally, The Quantum 2772 Evolution features special presets emulating the original 1980s hardware, heard on thousands of legendary recordings ranging from Kate Bush to Peter Gabriel.
There are three principles that make the Quantum 2772 Evolution uniquely different than the vast majority of other reverb processors:
Accurately modeled resonances of a space. Reverb simulators commonly use “ray tracing” within the time domain to attempt to provide the aural cues necessary for size, depth, and other factors. The Quantum 2772 Evolution takes a different approach by modeling the resonant modes and modal densities of a real room, providing the listener with psychoacoustical cues that help to create a true sense of space and depth.
Unique, non-linear dynamic envelope. Most reverbs respond in a linearly static way to sound impulse stimuli, resulting in a rather predictable and two-dimensional sound. Because of its system of related, interconnected resonators, the Quantum 2772 Evolution is able to create a much more realistic envelope of sound in the attack phase by creating a non-linear system which models the complex resistance and inertia characteristics of a real room.
Clear, un-modulated reverb. Most reverb simulators rely on modulation to avoid a buildup of harsh resonances within the soundfield which often results in unnatural time and pitch fluctuations. Because the Quantum 2772 Evolution embraces the natural interaction and build-up of well-coordinated resonances, it does not need to rely on any form of modulation, offering a degree of clarity, naturalness and pitch-stability not typically found in other reverbs.
Voyager features interchangeable pickup and control modules, which swap in seconds, onstage and tool-free, without the need to mute the amplifier. This eliminates the need for a player to bring multiple guitars to a gig or session in order to access a range of tones, making it ideal for players who perform a variety of styles. Its unique breakaway control module ensures the player can customize their control setup to suit their preferred pickups and playing style.
The Voyager Standard features a solid Ash body with colorful finishes such as Crimson and Obsidian. It is available with either a hardtail bridge or a JM-style tremolo with a roller bridge. The Voyager Custom is available in a range of attractive woods including Walnut, Cherry, and Sapele Mahogany with a Curly Maple top. In addition to a selection of hardtail or tremolo bridges, players can choose from a 25.5” scale length for tight attack and pronounced treble, or a 25” scale length for a slightly warmer tone and slinkier bends.
Features
Maple neck with a slim and ergonomic Asymmetrical C-Profile
Selection of stock modules featuring Seymour Duncan pickups
Gotoh tuners and hardware, and electronics from CTS, Switchcraft, and Oak Grigsby
Sleek custom body carve with several options for wood, including Ash, Walnut, and Cherry
The Voyager Standard starts at $1599.99. The Voyager Custom starts at $1799.99. Each includes one pickup module and one control module. Additional pickup and control modules start at $199.99. Custom options are available.
In 2018, Fender introduced a new line of ukuleles that tapped into their Southern California roots featuring five new models with the beloved Fender look and feel. The instruments, each named after California beaches, are resonant, portable, easy-to-play and distinctly Fender, with a mix of Telecaster® and Stratocaster® style—all offered at accessible price points. In 2022, Fender is introducing updates to preexisting California Coast Series models, in addition to new colors and a new tenor model at an affordable price point, broadening the appeal to more players. Alongside the offering of eye-catching exotic wood options, all electro models will feature Fender branded electronics.
Avalon Tenor Ukulele ($119.99 USD, £94.99 GBP, €109.99 EUR, $175.00 AUD, ¥22,000 JPY) Inspired by the beach community on Catalina Island in Southern California, the Avalon Tenor Ukulele is the larger sibling to our incredibly popular Venice Soprano model. Our Tenor Ukulele gives the player a deeper tonal register than a concert or soprano body size, while maintaining portability to travel easily from the beach to the studio or jam room. The Avalon’s all basswood construction and slim “C”shape neck profile provide the superior tone and playability that is a hallmark of Fender ukuleles. Other features include a no-tie bridge for quick, easy string changes, classic Fender color options and painted 4-in-line Strat® guitar headstock. Available in 2-Color Sunburst, Daphne Blue, Black, Natural, Surf Green or Cherry.
Zuma Exotic Concert Ukulele ($189.99 USD, £149.99 GBP, €169.99 EUR, $279.00 AUD, ¥35,200 JPY) Like the famous Southern California beach it’s named for, the Zuma Exotic Concert Ukulele inspires creativity. Built with a choice of bocote or spalted maple top, back and sides, the Zuma Exotic has a striking and elegant appearance with a warm, balanced tone to match. A nato neck, walnut fingerboard, abalone rosette and an open-pore satin finish compliment the instrument’s earthy look and feel. The convenient no-tie bridge allows for easy string changes, making the Zuma the perfect go-to for leisure and studio play. The Zuma falls between the smaller soprano and the larger tenor sizes, providing a full sound and comfortable playing experience for players with larger hands. The easy-playing 16-fret neck extends the range, while the pull-through bridge makes changing strings quick and easy. A striking abalone rosette, bound top, back and fingerboard and 4-in-line Tele® guitar headstock stand out from the crowd with plenty of Fender vibe. Available in Bocote or Spalted Maple.
Rincon Tenor Ukulele ($219.99 USD, £189.99 GBP, €219.99 EUR, ¥37,400 JPY) Named after one of the most famous surf spots in Southern California, Fender’s Rincon Ukulele has a rich, deep voice packed with unique style. Constructed completely from ovangkol, this tenor-sized uke provides enhanced resonance and volume, singing with full-bodied chime. The Rincon comes equipped with Fender® designed electronics for players who want to bring their music from the beach to the stage. Other notable features include a no-tie bridge for quick, easy string changes, a bone nut and saddle for superior intonation. An open-pore satin finish, abalone rosette, vintage-style closed-back tuning machines and a 4-in-line Strat® guitar headstock round out this Fender’s unmistakably classic look. Available in Aged Cognac Burst.
Montecito Tenor Ukulele ($279.99 USD, £219.99 GBP, €259.99 EUR, ¥47,300 JPY) Inspired by the chic coastal California town that’s home to many celebrities, Fender’s Montecito Ukulele offers a mellow, sonorous tone that matches its elegant, elevated aesthetic. Constructed completely from acacia (a cousin of koa), this tenor-sized uke provides incredible warmth and well-balanced projection. The Montecito’s body is appointed with abalone top purfling and a matching abalone rosette for a luxurious touch. The cream binding that outlines the body and fingerboard accentuates the instrument’s natural beauty and figure. Other notable features include a no-tie bridge for quick, easy string changes, a bone nut and saddle for superior intonation. A lustrous gloss finish, vintage style closed-back tuning machines and a 4-in-line Strat® guitar headstock round out this Fender’s unmistakably classic look. Available in Shaded Edge Burst.
Available July 2022.
Spitfire Audio has announced the release of Nok Cultural Ensemble - Tape Percussion, a new virtual instrument plugin developed in close collaboration with the Nok Cutural Ensemble (NCE) collective of percussion prodigies.
Explosive afro-percussion meets dub and free jazz. On Tape Percussion, the Nok Cultural Ensemble centre diverse Afro-diasporic percussive traditions expressed through free jazz sensibilities and glitching beats, extending the futuristic pulse of dub technologies. This intuitive toolkit opens with 5 one-shot jazz kits and 6 one-shot African percussion patches, followed by Caribbean rhythms and dub-inspired warps over 8 drum loops, 69 atmospheric scenes, and 13 tonal, melodic warped presets — complemented by a range of in-built FX. Recorded to tape at the legendary Ariwa Studios, these sounds and textures thrum, crackle and crash with new possibilities for modern tracks and contemporary media scores.
Led by Edward Wakili-Hick, this collective of percussion prodigies are all leading lights playing across various genres underpinning London's eclectic jazz and beat scenes.
Features:
Recorded to tape at the legendary Ariwa Studios, London.
Presented in Spitfire Audio's dedicated plugin.
Five sections:
Full Kits (5): Detailed drum hits from five distinctive acoustic and electronic kits.
Kit Loops (8) - Tempo-synced drum loops, stemmed out across the keyboard.
Percussion (4): A selection of various African and Caribbean percussion instruments.
Atmospheres (2): Experimental drum loops played live with various kits and percussion.
Tonal Warps (13): Melodic, abstract hits and loops, warped and distorted from the original percussion recordings.
Five controls:
Processed Signal — The dynamics slider allows you to fade into a processed signal featuring bespoke live FX from Ariwa Studios.
Reverb — Controls the amount of reverb being added. Choose between a collection of 7 impulse responses, ranging from short studios and rooms to long, cavernous churches and halls.
Release — Allows you to change the length of the release of a note.
Tape Saturation — Controls the amount of tape saturation added.
Attack — Allows you to change the length of the attack of a note.
NKS compatible.
~2.7GB.
Price: £29.00 GBP (inc. VAT) / $29.00 USD / €29.00 EUR (inc. VAT).
Nok Cultural Ensemble - Tape Percussion is available as an AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible plug-in supporting Native Instruments' NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) for macOS and Windows.
Node Audio has announced the availability of Entonal Studio, a plugin and standalone app that enhances the creation of microtonal music.
Entonal Studio's Radial Graph was built to make tuning custom intervals simple and intuitive, the Mapping Editor helps take command over alternative scales using MPE or MIDI control, and plugin hosting (VST/AU) removes the need for MIDI routing within a DAW.
With over a hundred tunings in the preset browser, no knowledge of microtonal theory is needed to start making music in alternative scales.
Entonal Studio can run as a standalone application or as a VST2, VST3 or Audio Units plugin. It can host VST2, VST3 and Audio Units plugins.
Entonal Studio is available now for Mac, PC and Linux from entonal.studio. An introductory price of £59 will rise to £79 on 16th August, 2022. A 28-day demo is available.
The Radial Graph
Retune scale notes by colour and angular position, drag notes freehand in cents, or have them snap to custom EDO degrees or simple ratios within a given prime limit. You can also view the relative intervals between two or more held notes, and check harmonic alignment with the 'harmonics view'.
Plugin Hosting
One cause of friction in the microtonal music workflow is the MIDI routing required behind the scenes. Entonal Studio can work this way, but it can also host VST2, VST3 and AU instruments, making your favourite synths and other instruments microtonal in just a couple of clicks.
Preset Browser
Discover a plethora of non-standard tunings with Entonal Studio's browser. From common tunings and useful starting points – Just Intonation, 19-tone Equal Temperament – through to more esoteric selections such as a Harry Partch 43-tone scale or 7-limit Hexany.
Scale Editor
Add or remove new notes in a list, and type their values in cents, ratios, EDO degrees or mathematical expressions. Define the ratio of the 'repeating interval' for scales that don't repeat at the octave (2/1).
Input Mapping
Define how your custom scale is controlled by your keyboard controller or your DAW's piano roll. Choose the root note and its frequency, define the number of notes in the scale, exclude black notes... or just use the default 'Auto' mode.
Scale Generator
Import new tunings from Scala files, or whip up a new equal temperament by selecting the size of the octave and the number of its divisions.
Grouping
When using multiple instances of Entonal Studio in a DAW project, you can group instances together to follow each other. For example, tweak notes for your chord part, and your melody's scale will follow.
Onboard Synth
Hear your tunings without connecting a thing behind the scenes. The built-in Simple Synth features anti-aliased oscillators, a snappy envelope and a tape-style delay unit.
Full Feature List:
Host any AU/VST2/VST3 instrument.
Radial Graph gives angular control over pitch.
Easy to use with any level of tuning know-how.
Enter note values in cents, ratios, EDO degrees or as mathematical expressions.
Custom mapping of notes to a MIDI controller or piano roll.
Snap to ratios or EDO degrees.
Display relative note intervals.
View MIDI keyboard, white-notes keyboard, MPE keyboard.
View tuning information as table between -2nd and 8th octave.
Built-in simple synthesizer.
Group plugin instances to link tunings between tracks in a project.
Create scales of up to 192 notes.
Generate equal temperaments.
Piano roll can adopt note values as note names (Bitwig Studio, FL Studio, Studio One).
Import/Export Scala files and Tuning XML.
Flexible layout and custom plugin sizes.
Runs as: AU, VST2, VST3 plugin; Standalone app.
Hosts: AU, VST2, VST3 instruments.
Ivor Mairants are delighted to announce the arrival of Flattley Boutique Effects Pedals designed and built in the UK.
UK based company Flattley Guitar Pedals, have been manufacturing high-quality, custom boutique guitar and bass effect pedals since 2016, designed, and meticulously hand-built and hand wired in England using only components of the finest quality.
With stunning artwork often based on Mexican sugar skulls, all models within the popular Flattley Platinum and Silver Series models which include overdrive, distortion, phase, univibe and tremolo units, highlight Flattley’s creativity. Creativity that has earned respect from the music industry and from guitar players around the world, who have labelled Flattley pedals as modern day classics, whilst adoring their lush tones, transparency and extremely low noise level.
As a guitar player and a highly qualified electronics engineer, Flattley knows exactly what guitar players require within versatility, functionality and sound.
“I’ve always been a guitar player,” says Paul, “I also worked for over 30 years as an avionics technician in the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm working on helicopters, so when I started Flattley pedals back in 2016, I was very confident I could produce high-quality products with superior built qualities, immense tonal versatility and reliability.
I’m also old school, by that, I mean we are still analogue here, it’s all hands-on. I’ve built all our pedals with live performance in mind, either in the studio or on stage.”
The powerful and dynamic Platinum Range “Revolution” overdrive pedal with a trio of clipping options and the popular transparent Silver Series Overdrive, are both fine examples that highlight Paul Flattley’s ability to transpose ‘head sounds’ into reality. From the first schematic diagram to completion, each and every Flattley effects pedal, is hand-built and hand-wired in house in the UK, as Paul explains,
“I’m passionate to say the least, about our products being built in the in the UK within a 30 radius of our premises, and also packaged in sustainable recycled materials.
Every pedal starts life as a schematic diagram, which is then tested for many hours in basic prototyping formats, when we are 100% satisfied that the sound and component values are all correct, the unit is sent to our PCB design and manufacture company here in Gloucestershire.”
Aside from tonal qualities and performances, Flattley pedal enclosures are renowned for their innovative graphic designs, with artwork often based on Mexican sugar skulls.
The Platinum Series models for example, also feature metallic holographic chrome flake, applied by slowly dipping by hand through activated hydrographic film…for that ‘personal touch’
The platinum Series pedals also feature aluminium control knobs with laser etched descriptive text and, like the Silver Range, features colourful HALO status on/off switch ring lights as standard to dissipate glare whilst performing.
Doom Plugs has announced its debut release, Bratwurst Fuzz, a free fuzzy distortion plugin for Windows and MacOS.
Doom Plugs make uniquely designed and efficient fx plugins, inspired by the DIY fx pedal building scene.
Features:
16x internal oversampling and mono / stereo compatibility.
Corner resizer.
Handy arrow button for mini mode.
Paint splat for good measure.
Great Eastern FX have come up with a pair of original, proprietary EQ controls, dubbed ‘Width’ and ‘Edge’. The Edge knob controls the top end of the frequency spectrum, simultaneously adjusting two separate filters – a gentle treble roll-off and a more intense cut in the high presence region – as well as subtly affecting the aggressiveness of the circuit’s hard-clipping diodes, letting you dial in precisely the desired amount of bite, grit and presence.
Like Edge, the Width control does exactly what the name suggests. Ranging from ‘Thin’ to ‘Fat’, this six-position rotary switch reshapes the pedal’s mid-range response – probably the biggest single factor in dictating how well your guitar, amp and OD pedal will get along. Via this simple control, the Design-a-drive lets you dictate where across the frequency spectrum your amp gets pushed and by how much. Finally, wide-ranging Gain and Level controls mean that, with the gain turned down, the pedal can be used as a powerful tone shaper and clean boost, on its own or stacked with other drives and fuzzes. According to Great Eastern FX, you can set the pedal to be as transparent and true to your original tone as possible, or configure it to do exactly the opposite, making single-coils sound thick and meaty or rendering humbuckers lean and incisive.
The Design-a-drive is available now
Following its lineage of effect pedals recreating specific tones of the 60’s bands, Aclam has developed an overdrive pedal for fans of Cream and Eric Clapton’s fabulous sound heard on songs like "Sunshine Of Your Love, " I "Feel Free" or "SWLABR."
The Woman Tone features a touch sensitive plexi style overdrive, designed with F.E.T transistors and tuned to roar like the 100W Marshall full stacks Cream used, but definitely the cherry on the cake of this pedal is the Woman Tone knob. By turning it counter-clockwise you’ll gradually get that silky sound he attained with his Gibson while soloing. It is engaged via a footswitch, so players can switch from on sound to the other.
Features
Custom humbucker pickup simulation circuit to accurately recreate the Woman Tone
Woman Tone knob controllable via footswitch
Touch sensitive plexi-inspired overdrive using discrete components
Artwork by The Fool’s Marijke Koger
Smart Track Fastening System
The Woman Tone Effect Pedal Official Demo: A tribute to Eric Clapton's legendary sound!
The Woman Tone pedal is available for $339 at retailers in the US and 359€ (VAT included in the EU).
A high powered two-channel preamp and overdrive, based around an audiophile-grade Burr Brown Op Amp.
In ‘Preamp Mode’, Strategy can range from unity volume to a staggering 30dB boost, delivering enough volume to slam the front end of your amp for an incredible, fat and articulate overdrive. Toggling the switch on the back engages ‘Overdrive Mode’, adding subtle to substantial grit when riding the volume knob. Strategy V2 is a highly powerful two-channel preamp and overdrive, based around an audiophile-grade Burr Brown Op Amp. In ‘Preamp Mode’, Strategy can range from unity volume to a staggering 30dB boost, delivering enough volume to slam the front end of your amp for an incredible, fat and articulate overdrive.
This device is equipped with Smart-Bypass, their new relay-based, true bypass switching system. The main advantages are its on-the-fly latching/momentary capabilities and fail-safe operation. A click of the footswitch will latch the pedal on as normal, but holding it for 300 milliseconds or more will activate a momentary mode. This feature can also be disengaged via the internal DIP (see manual). In the event of a power loss, your signal will automatically revert to bypass, ensuring signal always reaches its final destination.
Features
● Powerful, two channel preamp and overdrive
● Audiophile-grade, hi-fi op-amp
● Wide-sweep capable tone control
● Master volume control ranging from boost to breakup
● Proprietary SMART BYPASS switching system
● Latching, momentary, fail-safe operation
● Perfect choice as an “always on” pedal
● Customizable finish, pickguard, knobs, and hardware (free)
● 9V - 18V operation
Mastrcode Music has released Substrate - Subharmonic Bass Booster, a free VST effect plugin for Windows.
Substrate is an effect plugin especially designed for boosting the low frequency range of bass sounds and instruments. It uses a special technique to add more harmonics to the low end frequency range of a sound by generating these additional harmonics based on a pre-set fundamental frequency. A boost control will add these harmonics to the low end frequency range of the sound. The higher the boost amount, the more harmonics will be generated and amplified. These harmonics then can be mixed to the original dry sound to give the low end of the sound more "boost".
The second advantage: if the pre-set fundamental frequency is set exactly to the fundamental of the sound, the generated harmonics will create a "psycho-acoustic" effect that may give your brain the feelings, to perceive the sub-frequency range of a sound on weak playback systems that can't produce such low frequencies (like weak laptop speakers or mobile devices), even if these low frequencies are not really audible on these systems.
Features:
Frequency control to set the fundamental frequency in Hz from which the harmonics will be generated. This is a special designed filter to only leave the set fundamental frequency of the processed sound. All other frequencies above and below the set frequency will be cut out.
Boost control to generate additional harmonics based on the set fundamental frequency. The higher the amount of this control, the more harmonics will be generated and amplified.
Invert Phase control. In some cases the processed signal can cause phasing issues or phase cancellations when it will be mixed back to the original signal. Inverting the phase of the processed signal can prevent such phasing issues. And in some other cases inverting the phase also can result in an even fatter low end.
Boost Mix control to set the level of the processed signal to mix it to the unprocessed dry signal.
Dry Mix control to set the level of the unprocessed dry signal.
Mute Boost control to mute the processed signal.
Mute Dry control to mute the dry signal.
Main Volume control for setting the main output volume level.
Price: Free.
Flandersh Tech has released Stepocea, a polyphonic stereo synthesizer tuned for spatial, massive leads and pads that evolves in counterpoint. It includes two oscillator sections with detuned oscillators, reverb and saturated drive, dual multi-type filters/effects, and a poly arp section.
Features:
Four fat sounding oscillators with pan.
Individual convolution reverb per oscillator.
Dual amp envelope and mod envelope.
Filters with envelope and LFO.
Individual arpeggiators for each oscillator.
Oscilloscope and spectrum meter.
Price: Free. Includes a reference manual and impulse responses, and requires a host that supports VST3 (64-bit) and runs on Microsoft Windows 8.1 or later.
Tascam is pleased to announce the latest v1.30 firmware update for the Mixcast 4. As the ideal tool for podcast creation, live streaming, event production or voiceover work, the Mixcast 4 offers a wealth of functionality for streamlined content creation with its built-in audio recorder and USB audio interface. With the upcoming v1.30 firmware update, the product gains another significant boost in its feature set – resulting in enhanced audio production functionality.
Newly introduced in version 1.30 is the addition of level adjustment for each of the Mixcast 4’s eight sound pads. Now, each individual pad, including the pre-assigned Bleep tone, can have its own user-defined output level for volume. This enables complete control by the user for the sound pad mix – to adjust the volume of individual pads to constitute a well-balanced production. Equally convenient, especially when utilised in a live streaming and recording scenario, is the ability to switch between sound pad banks while recording. The Tascam Mixcast 4 has an 8 pad × 8 bank matrix that allows 64 sounds to reside in the sound pads. These banks can now be changed while in record mode, thus facilitating access to all 64 sounds during recording.
Ideally suited for live event production is the Normalize function for sound pad sources. With this new capability, audio on the sound pads can now be normalized. Hence, the Mixcast 4 will automatically set the optimum audio level for a sound that, otherwise, might be too low or too high. Another compelling enhancement is that the Talkback output has been expanded to the USB, Bluetooth and TRRS connections. The Talkback function is a particularly useful feature that enables the host to talk to event participants privately. Previously, Talkback was limited to the Mixcast 4’s four headphone outputs. With the update, participants can now additionally hear Talkback even while connected via USB, Bluetooth or the 3.5-mm TRRS input.
The Mixcast 4 V1.30 firmware update is expected to become available on the product’s download page in late July 2022
Rast Sound has announced the release of VoxPlay for Kontakt, a playable contemporary vocal instrument processed from recordings of 20 performers.
The library includes 72 tuned vocal sets, each up to 2 octaves of range.
Intro Offer: 29€ until July 25, 2022.
Kush Audio releases Tweezer 500-series compressor featuring sidechain contouring, stereo-linkable capability with included link cable, ultra-responsive gain reduction metering, wet/dry mix for parallel compression and much more.
Kush announces Tweezer 500-Series Contouring Compressor-tweezer.png
THE SOUND OF Tweezer
Tweezer is a punchy, vintage VCA powerhouse of a compressor, packed into a single 500 series module.
With an independent, pre-compression distortion section – capable of everything from subtle warming to intense, fiery overdrive – a widely variable “tilting” eq in the sidechain, attack & release controls capable of extreme speeds, and built-in parallel compression, Tweezer’s endless sonic palette rewards fearless experimentation.
After witnessing the enormous success of TWEAKER — Kush's 19" Rackmount Mono Compressor — we immediately turned our attention to condensing the same versatility and tone of that groundbreaking hardware into the limited space of a 500 module.
In development since the day Tweaker was released, we finally landed on a brand new piece of gear that ticks all the boxes that represent what this generation of Kush compression has to offer.
Tweezer Specs - Just tha facts
• 500 Module Single Channel Compressor.
• Stereo-linkable with included molex link cable.
• Sidechain Contouring via Detector-Path Filtering.
• Ultra-Responsive Gain Reduction Metering.
• Frequency Response 10Hz - 22kHz +/- 1dB.
• Total Harmonic Distortion = 0.003% min - 10% max
(Translation: goes from squeaky clean to filthy).
• Wet/Dry Mix for Parallel Compression.
• Makeup Gain with 18dB of gain ‘in hand’.
Tweezer is available now for $549 from Kush Audio's website
Viking is a studio chair with various adjustable features to make sure it provides ultimate support to people with different body shapes. From the headrest, the seat back, and lumbar support to the seat shell, almost every part of the chair could be adjusted to let users find out the posture that best fits them.
Viking is now available only through Gearspace.
We all know that having a great chair behind your back to deliver ultimate support means a lot when it comes to long hours sitting in front of your desk.
Not to mention the foldable armrest design that every guitarist and bassist dreams of having on their chair, Viking™ also got this! Playing your instrument on a supportive chair is no longer a mission impossible!
Now Viking is available for purchase through the link below with an intro price of $549.
The delivery time would be 7-10 business days after placing the order.
We also have a special promo for friends here at Gearspace.
Use 【GS777】at the checkout page to get a 7% off discount.
The promo is only valid until July 31st. Make sure to order in time!
An all-analog overdrive stompbox designed for the discerning musician seeking 50’s American Tweed style tones.
A straightforward layout allows quick access to great tones. Level, Drive and Tone controls with Voice and HDRM toggle switches provide the tailoring to match a wide variety of guitar and amp setups. Low, medium and high output sounds are all accessible. The Voice toggle is interactive with the Tone control allowing for more or less low mids and bass. The HDRM toggle shifts between high and low headroom, and is interactive with the Drive control to bring in more or less power amp drive.
Features
Level, Drive and Tone controls
Voice and HDRM toggle switches
True Bypass Switching
9-volt operation using standard external supply (no battery compartment)
Made in Mesa AZ USA
The street price for the Fifty5 is $199.99 and it is available at the LPD Pedals website
A blend of fuzz and overdrive that attempts to combine punchiness and warmth, without sacrificing body or getting too “fizzy.”
Fuzz pedals provide great warmth, but obliterating the signal can get a little chaotic. The Sensation Fuzzdrive attempts to bring out the best of both by blending that punchiness and warmth, without sacrificing body or getting too “fizzy.” At its core, it’s a tool to push your signal hard without the chaos. It goes from a fuzzy low-end to crisp, overdriven mids, sure to make a screaming solo really jump out in a mix. The fuzz aspect provides just enough compression to smooth out the breakup.
Tone-shaping is achieved through three distinct transistor-based gain stages controlled by the “Saturator,” with an additional gain switch providing hi/low options. There are three tuned settings for mids-presence and another three for bass-presence. These functions expand your range and maximize precision.
Features
Up to 3 selectable gain stages
Additional gain bump option at each saturation level
Separate bass and mids switches
9V DC. (Center Negative)
The Sensation Fuzzdrive sells for $249 and can be purchased from the Heather Brown Electronicals website
Kuassa has released Amplifikation Rectifor, a new guitar amp software inspired by the High Gain Mesa/Boogie Guitar Amp. It's the fifth product in their range of Guitar Amp Simulator products which utilizes their 3rd generation of circuit modeling technology, claimed to give a satisfying dynamic response from the amp tone generated. It's also the first to implement Kuassa's next-generation user interface. Streamlining the process of operating the plugin for users with a cleaner, sleeker interface.
Key Features:
3 channels: Raw, Vintage and Modern.
3 types: Clean, Raw and Aggressive.
New: High-res resizable graphic.
New: Many improvements for the user interface.
Sag and Bias feature on the power amp section.
Low pass and high pass filters.
Five types of cabinets with impulse responses taken from genuine Mesa-Boogie cabinets.
Nine types of workhorse mics: Shure SM57, Sennheiser MD421, Sennheiser MD441, Shure KSM 353, Royer 121, AKG C414, Neumann TLM103, Sennheiser E609, and Beyerdynamic M 201.
Freely adjustable dual-miking configurations with mono or stereo configuration, just like a real-life guitar recording session with mix option.
Built-in Noise Gate and Limiter.
Straightforward and easy to use interface.
Supports up to 8x Oversampling.
Amplifikation Rectifor supports various audio plugin formats, VST/VST3/AU/AAX, compatible with any kind of Digital Audio Workstation software. Standalone and Amplifikation 360 modules versions are also available. The Rack Extension version will be released soon.
Intro Price: $25 through their website and selected resellers, such as the KVR Marketplace, until August 8th, 2022 (Normal Price: $49). It's also the latest addition to Kuassa's Amplifikation 360 Bundle thus it is also available for free for complete A360 Bundle owners.
TAL-Software has announced the release of TAL-U-NO-LX version 4.6.3.
Changes:
New unison mode with up to 7 VCOs per voice and true stereo signal path.
New round-robin voice mode.
Minor fixes.
CLAP plugin format added.
XILS-lab has updated XILS 4 to v1.6 and is offering 40% off XILS 4, XILS 3 and Upgrade from XILS 3 until July 31st, 2022.
New in v1.6.0:
Easier and faster User Interface.
OS X Apple M1 full compatibility.
VST3 compatibility.
Various bug fixes.
New High Resolution GUI.
Tune: Easy A3 reference settings.
New Factory presets (Nicolas Jaussaud, Daniel Stawczyk, EmptyVessel).
Audiomodern has announced the release of Oracle, an Urban Trap Expansion Pack for Playbeat.
A sonic palette featuring raw & visceral patterns designed for producers looking for an uncompromising & authentic urban trap sample library inspired by artists from the Trap scene.
What's included?
35 fully unlocked presets for Playbeat which include patterns and samples.
250+ unique audio samples especially designed for this expansion.
Each preset can be re-arranged and remixed into infinite new combinations.
Requirements: Playbeat version 3.0.0+.
Akunull has announced that Piloslib is now available for all desktop platforms.
Piloslib is a free open-source library of audio and modulation tools that focus on synthesis, live electronic music, interconnection, probability, unique sounds, and intuitive interfacing, built by Akunull in Pure Data starting in 2014.
What is in the library:
Vanilla only patches without expr(~) editable in pd.
Syntactic sugar to make Pure Data programming more efficient.
Several ways to make complex rhythms and a global clock to guide it.
A save and load system with preset management.
A way to handle per voice modulation for synthesizers.
Unique modulators for control Tools for generative design.
Model-(View) -Controller programming architecture.
An assortment of synths and audio effects capable of some classic sounds and many strange ones.
Ideas behind the library:
Readable, encapsulated code with intuitive interfacing and ease of use in mind.
Simple code, commenting, and intro tutorial instead of help files.
Portability through naming conventions and no externals.
Synths:
Rhine-2 osc synth with 2 filters and mhx modulation system.
Sentinel-2 osc synth with variable pole lp/bp filter and mhx modulation system.
Imp-2 osc synth with a lot of linkage to exponential envelopes and mqu modulation system. Built around synthesizing drums.
Ajah-3 osc synth with fm interconnection between them and mhx modulation system.
Osciano-Simplest synth, one oscillator.
Nbd-Simple bass drum synth.
Rhibd-Simple bass drum synth with complex per voice modulation (mhx).
Rewbd-Bass drum synth with more saturation options.
Ncym-Simple cymbal synth.
Nhh-Simple hi-hat synth.
Nsn-Simple snare synth.
Audio Effects:
Asym_tanh-Asymmetry and tanh(x) for non-linear compression, distortion, tape-like saturation.
Bellmid_3band-3 band eq with tanh(x) (non-linear compressor) with the middle channel also including the low and high.
Eq_3band-3 band eq.
Eq_3band_tanh-3 band eq with tanh(x) (non-linear compressor) on each band.
Bit_red-Bit reduction.
Bp_mix-bandpass filter with dry/wet mixing controls.
Lop_mix-lowpass filter with dry/wet mixing controls.
Hip_mix-hipass filter with dry/wet mixing controls.
Vcf_mix-bandpass filter with dry/wet mixing controls.
Vcf_np-vcf (bandpass filter) with variable amount of poles.
Vcf_npnp-vcf~ ("voltage controlled" filter) with variable amount of poles and variable "low-pass" or band-pass.
Formant_filter-Formant (vowel) filter with 5 formants.
Formant_filter_3v-Formant (vowel) filter with 3 formants.
Delay_extfb-Delay with external feedback so you can customize the delay line.
Delay_ms-Simple delay.
Delay_ms_pitch-Simple delay with pitch shifting in the feedback loop.
Pitch_shift-Pitch shift via phase vocoding.
Downsample-Down-sampler.
Retrig-Retrigger/stutter/buffer/beat repeat.
Retrig_ij-Retrigger with multiple rates inspired by Instajungle.
Tanhx-Tanh(x), a non-linear compressor capable of emulating a lot of saturation and distortion.
Vverb-Reverb via freeverb algorithm.
rncbc.org has announced the (northern) Early-Summer'22 release of Qtractor version 0.9.27, featuring CLAP plug-in support, as "an absolute first to the free/open-source GNU/Linux audio ecosystem".
Qtractor is an audio/MIDI multi-track sequencer application written in C++ with the Qt framework. Target platform is Linux, where the Jack Audio Connection Kit (JACK) for audio and the Advanced Linux Sound Architecture (ALSA) for MIDI are the main infrastructures to evolve as a fairly-featured Linux desktop audio workstation GUI, specially dedicated to the personal home-studio.
Changes:
CLAP plug-in host support introduced. (EXPERIMENTAL).
Reviewed LV2 plug-in UI Touch feature/interface.
Auto-unlink MIDI clips when pasted/placed with Ctrl+click/Enter.
Fixed LV2 plug-ins UI X11 (native) initial size.
Fixed implicit deactivation when a plugin is removed from chain.
Fixed audio clip export, normalize and tempo-adjust when audio file number of channels is disparately greater than respective track's output bus count.
Fixed one killer lurking in MIDI Controller... modeless dialog instantiation.
Fixed non-effective automation curve node editing.
Track/Export Tracks... dialog ranges are not capped to current session-end anymore.
Fixed MIDI clip editor vertical-zooming when using the [Ctrl+]mouse-wheel.
Set auto-backward play-head location also when clicking on main track-view header/time-ruler and on thumb-view.
Fixed LV2 plug-in buffer-size initialization, esp. affecting the ZynReverb LV2 playback.
Export Tracks dialog last range selection is now remembered.
Fixed the out-of-process plugin scanner path resolution on some self-container(ized) formats e.g. AppImage and possibly Flatpak.
See also: Qtractor 0.9.27 - An Early-Summer'22 Release
An all analog chorus featuring a feedback control that can blur the line between chorus and flanger.
For starters, the Callisto MKII is 100 percent analog just like the original for some classic trembling warmth you can really feel. Just how much wobble you want can be dialed in with the Mix control, which achieves 100 percent wet or dry in either direction. Turning it all the way up delivers a wonderfully-tuned pitch vibrato that can add some spice to your solos or some disorienting tape-like warble designed to help you create your next bedroom pop record.
Classic Rate and Depth controls go beyond the basic two-knob chorus and into hi-fi territory that makes your guitar shine and sound equally great for both lead and rhythm applications, or any other instrument you find may be lacking in thickness. Catalinbread has also taken the liberty of adding a new Feedback control, which dumps a varying amount of signal from the output of the BBD chip back into the circuit after the filtering occurs, for a striking regenerative tone that blurs the line between chorus and flanger.
For more information and demo videos, please visit catalinbread.com. The Callisto MKII is out now and available for $209.99 at participating retailers.
A pedal designed to generate the iconic brown panel-style drive.
The BlackBird Deluxe has the same medium gain as the original BlackBird with natural compression and dynamic touch sensitive character. An added Channel switch to choose between Normal and Bright channel like the original ’61 Deluxe amp. Plus a true bias tremolo, using MOSFET and JFET technology that modulates the bias voltage of the output stage of the pedal, the same way that the famous power tube bias tremolo circuit behaves. Bias tremolo is considered by many to be the most liquid and watery of all the tremolo types due to its natural, pulsating character. Its touch-sensitive dynamic response allows to control the tremolo effect with your picking dynamics or your guitar’s volume knob with overdriven sounds, capturing the tone and behavior that makes the Brown Deluxe great.
BlackBird Deluxe flexibility doesn’t end here. A dual mode Bypass switch selects between the Low Gain mode that delivers softer edge of breakup response while the High Gain adds more edge and higher output. Placing the BlackBird Deluxe further down your effects chain reveals its ability to function like a true preamp, an additional passive effects loop also grants versatile rig-integration options and lets users employ each side independently in a pedalboard friendly size format.
BlackBird Deluxe available now at selected dealers worldwide, with street price of 229.00€.
Tom Oberheim and GForce Software have announced the release of GForce Oberheim SEM. They've also updated the Oberheim OB-E to v2.1.
Here's what they say:
When Tom Oberheim created the first Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module (model SEM-1) in 1974, he had one goal - to make a synth that sounded great, whilst being extremely simple to use. In the decades since the release of this iconic synth, it's been used by countless legendary musicians, making the SEM one of the most revered synthesizers of all time.
As well as painstakingly recreating the huge, unmistakable sound of the SEM, the GForce Oberheim SEM also recreates the ethos of the original - a simple monophonic synth that allows you to shape incredible sounds in an instant. And with Tom Oberheim's seal of approval, you can be confident in its authenticity. Add to this more than 400+ categorised presets, and inspiration is just moments away.
And as it happens, it's Tom Oberheim's birthday today. Tom, Happy Birthday.
Made In Collaboration With Oberheim
When GForce first worked with Tom Oberheim and Marcus Ryle (an Oberheim engineer during the 80s) to create the GForce Oberheim OB-E v2, they felt that there were no software emulations of the SEM that accurately recreated the sound and the ethos of the original monophonic SEM. They decided to change that, and under the close guidance of Tom and Marcus, GForce developed the GForce Oberheim SEM to ensure an experience that is truly authentic to the original instrument.
In the GForce Oberheim SEM, every section of the synth has been emulated to ensure sonic authenticity. They've even modelled the authentic analog inaccuracies of the original SEM, blurring the lines between analog character and digital precision.
The beauty of the SEM lies in its combination of great sound and simple to use architecture. That's why, since its release in 1974, the SEM has remained highly coveted and musically relevant. Over four decades later, we're beyond thrilled to release our software version with Tom Oberheim's full blessing, collaboration and endorsement.
Dave Spiers & Chris Macleod, co-founders of GForce Software Ltd.
Enhanced Where It Matters
While staying true to the original SEM, GForce also added a number of enhancements to make the GForce Oberheim SEM even more useful for modern music production. Alongside a new VCO3, which doubles as an audio rate LFO for additional modulation and FM possibilities, the SEM now has tempo-syncable LFOs and a host of performance controls via velocity and aftertouch. GForce also integrated a fun, fast arpeggiator & sequencer, and added a stereo delay and a lush reverb to sonically compliment your sounds.
Finally, they've included 400+ factory presets designed by Dave Spiers, Graeme Rawson and Tom Wolfe, each created to demonstrate the sonic character of the SEM. Every preset has been tagged, categorised and is quickly accessible from the preset browser. The SEM even integrates with the GForce Oberheim OB-E, allowing you to load your SEM presets in either device. This enables you to quickly sketch out your sounds in the SEM, and then make them polyphonic in an instant.
The GForce SEM manages to be both simple to use, and yet diverse. It has been a continual source of inspiration for me, and the depth and quality of the sound have kept my creativity flowing whenever I sit down to use it.
Tom Wolfe, Sound Designer.
Oberheim SEM – key features:
Authentic monophonic SEM experience and sound - small package, big sound.
The most playable SEM, full of character, and augmented with a 3rd VCO.
400+ factory Patches designed to fit in a mix, all tagged and categorised.
Librarian for easy access to the presets (Arrow Keys Navigation).
Arpeggiator, Sequencer, Analog style Delay, Reverb.
Undo/Redo, Extend and Flip mode.
SEM presets can be exported to and imported from OB-E.
Extensive Velocity & Aftertouch modulation.
Intro Price: £29.99 + VAT (Reg. £49.99 +VAT).
Oberheim SEM is available for macOS and Windows as a Standalone Application and in AudioUnit, AAX, VST and VST3 plugin formats.
The Oberheim OB-E v2.1 update sees the return of the MIDI Program Change folder along with a new FX Lock that 'locks' the current FX settings while patches are changed. Additionally, a number of small bugs have been addressed.
Complimenting the update is a set of 50 new patches from Synth_nyc. The set contains a range of pads, leads and basses along with a selection of unique rhythmic pads and risers.
dSONIQ has updated Realphones to version 1.8. They say:
dSONIQ Realphones is a software product designed for mixing with headphones.
Realphones 1.8 is a fundamental improvement in terms of overall sound quality. Headphone profiles, psychoacoustic target curves and room emulation are improved. The sound has become punchier, clearer, more detailed and now it is much closer to dSONIQ studio reference than before.
Realphones 1.8 got two new room emulations - "Car" and "Club".
Full list of changes:
Improvement in the overall sound quality.
Two new room emulations: Club, Car.
Standard correction profiles for the most popular Headphones updated.
Room emulation technology updated.
Audio engine update: "Presence" and "HRTF" modules are updated.
New limiter.
Latency reduced.
Bug fixes: cracking noise and resampling problems with Realphones System-Wide Windows app are solved.
Full native Apple Silicon support.
Stability improvements.
Other minor tweaks.
The upgrade is free for all Realphones users. All the trials are reset. If you took the trial period for Realphones 1.7 and earlier, you can now take it again:
There is a 45% discount on Realphones 1.8 until August 31, 2022.
Spitfire Audio recently released Abbey Road One: Thematic Horns:
From the wistful main theme of Braveheart to the thunderous horn section used in The Batman original theme, as well as countless other themes spanning the entire history of cinema, the horn has proven itself to be the irreplaceable heart of orchestral scoring. Horns play myriad roles, from chorale accompaniment to strings, through to punchy main themes that transcend anything the rest of the orchestra has to offer.
The first of our Film Scoring Selections to feature two legatos, this library provides an agile section of eight horns, capable of going from speedy playing with fast run articulations across dynamics to slower, stately and more lyrical performances all with the sound of cinema - Abbey Road Studio One and London's A-list players - right out of the box.
Thematic Horns captures the most essential ingredient to successful orchestral scoring; that vivid and intense sound of an 8-piece horn section. With two distinctly different legatos - 'performance' and 'lyrical' - Thematic Horns adds even more flavour to the Film Scoring Selections range.
Designed to be the more acrobatic and instantly playable legato, the performance legato patch is performed with accented attacks at the front of sustains. Allowing for fast runs across every dynamic, this is very much the 'plug in and play' of the two legatos. The lyrical legato patch offers a more measured and deliberate alternative, with a softer entry, perfect for slower lyrical lines. The difference between how the two patches feel is significant, as is the way they each uniquely influence a composition's melodic character.
Price: £49.00 (inc. VAT) / $49.00 / €49.00 (inc. VAT). Abbey Road One: Thematic Horns is available as an AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, NKS-ready plug-in for macOS and Windows.
G-Sonique has announced the release of Analog Tape ASX-72, a reel-to-reel magnetic tape emulation 32/64-bit VST plug-in.
G-Sonique team says:
Let's be honest. Most of "analog tape" plug-ins do almost nothing just simple classic saturation (comparing to real reel-to-reel hardware recorder which affect sound in many non-linear ways: for example it produces not just basic saturation but also natural non-linear compression, wow and flutter effect, variable noises and hiss, hysteresis, rounding and softening sharp transients and trebles etc.) Many producers need versatile analog tape plug-in that can emulate various types of analog tapes and their electronics (recording electromagnets, pre-amps) from various ages 1960 to warm 1980 and clean 90s.
We designed Analog Tape ASX-72 to offer various types of tape sound for various styles of use and high level of sound creativity: from very gentle "invisible" modern tape sound to add just little bit of warmth to very fat, grungy vintage sound. You can use ASX-72 during mixing modern tracks with subtle settings, to add massive amount of dirt to rock / indie music, to add real analog sound to techno or dnb tracks, to add noisy wavy sound to synthwave tracks, psychedelic atmosphere of twisted old tapes to psytrance / dub or psychill tracks or just to make your digital beats / synths more realistic and natural.
Analog Tape ASX-72 is lot of fun and sound creativity, it is not just another mix plug-in with almost inaudible effect designed only for few audiophile mix engineers, with ASX-72 you can totally change character of your drums, synths, guitars, vocals, strings and other instruments while you can still use it as very gentle mix processor with low settings.
Analog tape AXX-72 comes as a 32-bit / 64-bit native VST effect plug-in for Windows.
There is limited introductory price of 19.90 Eur instead of 38.90 Eur available
Way Huge is celebrating a major milestone with the 30th Anniversary Red Llama MK III overdrive, a compact take on the company’s first effect.
The brand says that the MKIII was a “painstaking recreation” of the original, which took months of testing modern components to recreate not just the sound of its ancestor, but its signature touch sensitivity as well.
With just two knobs – one for volume and the other for drive – this overdrive makes it easy to dial-in the tone you want from it. Its compact and brightly coloured enclosure also makes it easy to take on the road, and difficult to misstep on your board.
“With delicious harmonic overdrive reminiscent of a vintage tweed amp and a wide array of tones from soft and cuddly to burly and brutal, this llama can bite,” writes a press release. “But it also purrs. And screams –if you smack it just right. You might lose a few fingers and toes, but you’ll be glad you did.”
You can pick one of these up right now at $149.99 at retails around the globe
UnitedPlugins has announced the release of United Guitar Bundle, which contains 5 guitar focussed plugins for €199 (Usually €525 when purchased separately).
United Guitar Bundle includes:
DIFIX deploys several independent sophisticated processes to level the sound and adds a little bit of analogue saturation as if you used a real DI-box.
Electrum is an all-in-one single-screen guitar solution. The last amplifier and pedalboard your guitar will ever need. It matches any guitar style or technique.
Bassment is a multi-effect all-in-one one-screen bass solution built around the most flexible bass amp that was ever made. Bassment is an amp that contains them all.
QuickAG is the shortcut to the great and natural acoustic instruments sound.
QuickBass is here to give you the quick EQ, quick compression, quick saturation, and fatness in no time. QuickBass is the bass polisher and finalizer.
The bundle costs €199 and if you already own any of the included plugins your price will reduce accordingly after you sign into your UnitedPlugins account. All the plugins offer 15-days fully working trial versions.
sonicLAB has updated Fundamental2, which now offers a stylized Ring Modulation with several features. Here is a list of new add-ons:
The Ring modulation mode handles the 8th oscillator of Fundamental as the carrier oscillator and the other 7 oscillators as individual modulator oscillators.
All stochastic frequency and gain modulation structure of the Fundamental applies on the Ring modulation oscillator setup as well bringing new generative sound synthesis possibilities.
The 7 modulator oscillators can be lined up with harmonically related frequency distributions and modulate the carrier oscillator.
A continuous transition between non-ring mod output to full ring mod output can be managed with a balance slider.
The circular frequency display has been revised to show dynamically the oscillator gain states, the side band frequencies and the carrier frequency.
The stereo waveform display has been re-implemented.
A dedicated preset bank using the ring modulation features has been packaged.
The manual has been revised and a dedicated chapter for the Ring Modulation has been added.
The update is available free to registered Fundamental2 users on all platforms (OS X, Windows and iOS).
Price: 99 Euros in the sonicLAB webshop as standalone, VST3 and AU formats for OS X (native Apple Silicon) and Windows systems / $22.99 in the iOS App Store.
MusicDevelopments has updated RapidComposer to version 4.4.2. The new update includes minor features and a few bug fixes.
Improvements:
[MIDI Mutator] Recalling a MIDI Mutator preset won't disable the 'Apply Changes' button.
[MIDI Mutator] Notes are updated live when moving the chord edges.
[MIDI Mutator] Fixed internal inconsistency (e.g. 'randomize progression' did not work sometimes).
Ctrl-up/down transpose selection by semitones in the Phrase Editor.
Fixed: editing notes during Phrase Editor loop playback are heard immediately.
Fixed: due to a compiler bug harmonization crashed in the plug-in (but not in the standalone, or on macOS).
MIDI Mutator was updated to v1.0.5.
Improvements:
Notes are updated live when moving the chord edges.
Fixed internal inconsistency (e.g. 'randomize progression' sometimes did not work).
These updates are free for all users.
Audio Brewers has announced the release of ab Reverb, a digital reverb plugin with spatial properties which add not only width but also height and depth to your signal with both early and late reflections that can be manipulated independently.
ab Reverb works natively with Mono, Stereo or Ambisonics sources (1OA, 2OA, 3OA)** and creates Stereo or Ambisonics signals so that the user can later decode it to any speaker-array possible, from binaural all the way to Surround, Atmos, custom speaker arrays, etc.
ab Reverb's internals work natively in Ambisonics, meaning that the user can apply spatial transformations to the reverberations for psycho acoustic results. Created spaces can later be rotated towards any direction as well as frozen function, offers a creative tool for sound designers that work in Dolby Atmos.
With ab Reverb a user can:
Work completely in Stereo whilst taking advantage of the psycho-acoustic characteristics sound takes when it's being manipulated three-dimensionally.
Blow-up a Mono/Stereo sound source to Ambisonics, and subsequently to any Surround, Atmos or Immersive format out there.
Work natively with any 1st, 2nd or 3rd Order Ambisonics signal, getting 1OA reverberations.
Apply Reverb and Mixdown any 1st, 2nd or 3rd Order Ambisonics signals down to Stereo.
Intro Price: 49€ through 5 August, 2022 (Reg. 59€)
audiolatry has announced the release of Amurg and Amurg Lite, two new virtual instrument plugins for DAWs and other plugin hosts on Windows and macOS.
Both plugins are identical in terms of GUI and features, the only difference being the Lite version has 33 presets instead of the 132 found in the full edition.
All the sounds were captured from hardware synthesizers only, edited, and carefully looped. Each preset is customizable with a set of controls such as ADSR envelope, modulation, filter, reverb, etc.
Amurg and Amurg Lite are suitable for a wide range of styles including Ambient, Lofi, Hip Hop, RnB, Cinematic, EDM, etc. All the sounds are 100% royalty-free.
Features:
Amurg:
1.41 GB extracted size / 1.16 GB download size.
132 presets organized by category.
Amurg Lite:
348 MB extracted size / 286 MB download size.
33 presets.
Keys, leads, pads, basses, fx.
100% royalty-free.
ADSR section.
Filter section with cutoff.
Modulation section.
Voice mode & glide.
Lowpass/highpass filter cutoff.
Tune knob.
Reverb module.
Video demo:
Both plugins are available in VST/VST3 64-bit plugins for Windows & VST/VST3 & AU for macOS.
Amurg Lite is provided 100% free, with no strings attached.
Amurg is only $10 for a limited time (intro price, $15 list) with coupon code hi5 at the checkout.
Sound Dust has announced the release of Plankton for Kontakt:
Like a warm ocean of diaphanous Crustacea, looping, colliding and generating harmonized polyrhythms Plankton is made from multiple sound sources, amorphous sequencers, cunning algorithms and a unique pitch/scale quantizer.
Details:
1.1 GB download.
12 sequencers.
Scale and key quantizer includes Pitch Wheel.
24 scale types.
6 octaves of articulations.
72 articulator engines with 11 algorithms.
1500 samples.
50 snapshots.
1 Kontakt instrument.
Huge, non-fiddly GUI.
Classic Sound Dust RTFM instruction manual built into interface.
Intro Price: £28 until 18th July, 2022 (Reg. £40).
NoiseAsh Audio has announced the update release of the Rule Tec Collection v1.8.6 for Windows and macOS (Intel and Native Apple Silicon).
The new version 1.8.6 includes:
Add: New Menu & Preset Browser Design.
Add: Direct access to the Product Manual.
Add: Tooltip.
Add: Enable OpenGL.
Add: Undo & Redo.
Add: Stereo Width control.
Improved: DSP & UI Performance.
Fix: Logic Pro Automation Read issue.
Fix: So many decimal values on Apple Silicon Macs.
The update is free for the license owners of the plugins and can be downloaded from the user area
The team at Ex Machina Soundworks is proud to reveal their newly minted compact loudspeaker: Ganymede. Named after our solar system’s largest moon, big things can come in smaller packages.
DSP & Converters : Our 2nd generation DSP boards feature improvements in every aspect. Flagship discrete AKM AK5572EN and AK4493EQ AD/DA chips and commensurately optimized clocking and analog circuitry improves the S/N ratio to 123dba. Dedicated low power AMTEL processors and new power regulation code ensure safe shutdown behavior under a wide range of fault conditions. 5th generation SHARC+ AD21565 DSP’s provide us four times the available computing power.
Calibration Code and Test & Measurement Facilities : We’ve taken full advantage of our newly available computing headroom and brand new multimillion dollar facility (featuring Brooklyn’s only hemi-anechoic chamber) to further improve our proprietary calibration algorithms. As with Pulsar and Quasar, Ganymede can now maintain phase linearity within +/- 15° all the way down to 30hz, and within +/- 5° from 80hz to 30khz. New advancements in our code have also allowed us control for hysteresis (the natural overshoot from a pistonic driver’s momentum); as a result, all models will now cleanly reproduce a square wave even at the crossover frequencies, and can even reproduce single cycle tone bursts (as generated using an Audio Precision 555b Analyzer).
As global supply chain issues and component shortages continue to mount, and delays continue to grow, we’ve spent the better part of this year front running our parts stock, and are continuously optimizing our manufacturing process so that we readily have units available with minimal gaps. We expect to begin shipping Ganymede by Q4 of this year.
Ganymede: Mini, Mighty
Big things come in smaller packages. Building off our popular Pulsar model, Ganymede is our most compact 3-way monitor yet. Ganymede is ideal for near field, surround, and ATMOS applications in professional studios, yet provides full range response and enough output headroom to serve as primary monitors in smaller rooms as well. As with all our models, Ganymede features custom drivers designed in collaboration with SEAS, and uses the same, state of the art Composite Sound Metamodal TX™ material and technology in the brand new 5.5” midrange and 1” tweeter diaphragms. Ganymede also features the same acoustically inert, sealed Valchromat® cabinets, Hypex Ncore® amps and AKM AK5572EN & AK4493EQ conversion, and 5th generation SHARC® DSPs as its larger siblings. Like all our monitors, it offers an ultra-wide sweet spot, linear phase and frequency response, vanishingly low distortion, and superb transient response, for effortless clarity and highly detailed insight into your mixes.
Technical Specifications
PERFORMANCE
Magnitude Linearity: +/- 1db 45hz - 30khz
Low Frequency Cutoff: -6db at 38hz
Phase Linearity: +/- 15° 30hz - 30khz
Maximum Continuous SPL: 106db
THD (100hz - 16khz Power Average, 94db @ 30cm cal position): <0.5%
DRIVER COMPLEMENT
146mm (5.5”) midrange/25mm (1”) tweeter Custom SEAS/Composite Sound Metamodal TX™ Coaxial
176mm (7”) Custom SEAS Woofer
AMPLIFIER COMPLEMENT
125W Hypex Ncore Woofer
75W Hypex Ncore Midrange
50W Hypex Ncore Tweeter
CROSSOVERS
Digital 8th order, phase corrected. 200hz L-M, 2khz M-H
DIMENSIONS (HxWxD) AND WEIGHT
407 x 243 x 300mm (16 x 9.6 x 11.8 inches)
13.8kg (30.5lb) per speaker
TASCAM is pleased to announce the CD-A580 Cassette Recorder/CD Player/USB Flash Drive Recorder, the return of the company’s immensely popular CD-A580. By combining a cassette recorder, CD player and USB flash drive recorder/player into a rack-mountable unit, the CD-A580 makes a terrific tool as a playback device for installed sound applications in addition to being an excellent choice for a single unit capable of supporting three distinctly different media types.
The CD-A580’s integrated cassette recorder utilizes a single-direction logic-based transport control with exceptional stability and longevity. An IC Logic-based transport control is used for the cassette mechanism. This transport was chosen to support years of professional use. The cassette mechanism facilitates copying content from CD to cassette in addition to being able to record content from the USB flash drive or the Line Inputs. The transport also includes +/-10% Pitch Control. For playback, Normal (TYPE I), Chrome (TYPE II), and Metal (TYPE IV) cassettes are supported. For recording, Normal (TYPE I) and Chrome (TYPE II) cassettes are used.
As a CD player, the CD-A580 supports playback of CDs, CD-R/CD-RW discs, and data CDs containing MP3 files. In addition to conventional CD playback, the system also supports repeat, shuffle, and programmed playback.
The CD-A580’s integrated USB flash drive recorder/player is extremely versatile. Users can easily transfer cassette tape content to MP3 format on a USB flash drive—enabling analog masters to be saved and archived in a digital format. Further, audio from both the CD drive and the Line Inputs can be recorded in MP3 format to USB flash drives. When material is transferred from CD to flash drive, each track is automatically captured as a separate MP3 file. Recordings from either the cassette desk or the Line Inputs can be manually divided into separate MP3 files. When playing back MP3 files, Repeat, Shuffle, and programmed playback are all supported.
In addition to wireless remote-control operation, Power-on Playback mode is available. This function is ideal for restaurants, shopping areas, etc. and facilitates unattended playback (or recording) the moment the power comes on. To facilitate easy operation of the CD-A580’s cassette deck, CD drive, and USB flash drive capabilities, the unit also includes an attractive, easy-to-read LCD display with level meters, CD-A580 includes the RC-1329 remote control, plus rack ears and mounting screw kit.
The TASCAM CD-A580 is expected to become available Q3, 2022 and will be designated as the CD-A580 v2 on specific technical documentation since it was out of production for a period of time.
Automated Processes Inc. (API) proudly announces the addition of the new TranZformer® LLX Bass Pedal to the API Select range of products. After the successful introduction of the TranZformer GTR guitar tone and the CMP compressor pedals just last year, enthusiastic end users began the request for an EQ/tone pedal specifically made for bass guitar.
Designed to easily fit onto your pedal board and engineered to run on standard 9V or 18V power supplies, the API Select TranZformer LLX offers +/-15dB of gain on 3 frequencies optimized for bass guitars. Additionally, the gain stage can be switched from Clean Boost to Overdrive to drive the proprietary API 2510 input OpAmp and add even more tones to your arsenal. Other features include a buffered bypass, -20dB output pad, selectable peak/shelf for upper frequency range, transformer output, and of course the classic API sound.
“The original Tranzformer LX pedal was incredibly popular, and was a favorite with bass players like Victor Wooten and Les Claypool,” commented API Sales Account Manager Mark Seman. “When we first introduced the GTR and CMP we had calls and emails from all over the world asking when we would release a bass version. You asked, we delivered – the LLX Bass Pedal is here and we are thrilled to add it to our lineup of high-quality compact effects pedals.”
Units are now shipping, and all API Select products feature API’s industry-exclusive Five Year Warranty.
The Stereo Image Bigger Maker for series 500
With BiG, SPL expands the series 500 product portfolio with a double-slot module for stereo stage processing.
BiG is special. BiG is unique.
BiG redefines the big of stereo.
SPL BiG enlarges the stereo image in a new manner and opens up new creative ways of sound shaping. Intuitive with just three controls.
With the RANGE control, the frequency range which should be processed can be selected.
With the STAGE control, this frequency range can be moved backwards or forwards on the stereo stage.
The huge BIGNESS control adjusts the intensity of the processing.
Another highlight is the BASS function, which many users already know from the SPL Iron Mastering Compressor. This bass boost is created by a passive filter, which is implemented in a similar circuit to the AirBass function of the IRON.
Also with BiG, SPL developed not only according to plan, but also by ear.
All components are installed on the circuit boards using Through-hole technology, so that the best-sounding components can be used.
Like all SPL devices, BiG is manufactured in the company's own production facility in Niederkrüchten on the Lower Rhine, Germany.
Tone2 Audio has updated the synthesizer-workstation Electra to v2.9.5.
The update is available for free for all Electra2 users. It adds native Apple M1 Arm support for Mac.
New features:
AudioUnit version supports M1 native.
VSTi version supports M1 native.
Help->'Show version info' displays the mode in which the plugin is running (ARM/Intel).
Enhancements:
Much faster loading times on M1 Macs.
The native M1 support results in 20% lower CPU use compared to Rosetta2 Mode.
More responsive GUI on M1 Macs.
More precise graphics for the knobs.
Several small enhancements.
Changes:
AudioUnit is now an AUv2 plugin.
AudioUnit and VSTi are now a Universal Binary for Intel and M1.
Minimum MacOS version is now 10.11. If you still use an older version you must stick with Electra v2.9.
RJ Studios has released Pristine Peaks, an Ultra-low Distortion Peak Limiter.
Pristine Peaks uses a unique approach to peak limiting that does not employ saturation or clipping in its gain reduction process. The result is extremely low THD and no aliasing for applications where "clean" limiting is most desirable.
Features:
Less than 0.005% THD at any gain reduction amount (20Hz-20kHz, ISP on) *.
No aliasing*.
Oversampling option for ISP detection.
4 choices of Dither (16 and 24-bit).
Linear Phase input High Pass Filter.
Up to 10dB of limiter drive gain.
Peak hold meters that capture the max gain reduction.
Mono and stereo channel applications.
*Steady-state measurements.
Pristine Peaks is a 64-bit plugin in VST, VST3 and AAX formats for Windows PC and VST, VST3, AAX and AU formats for Mac OS 10.11+ on Intel and Apple Silicon.
Price: $59.95. Free 14-day trial demos are available for download at RJ Studio's website.
Toontrack has released updates for Superior Drummer 3 and EZdrummer.
Superior Drummer 3.3.2
General:
A splash screen is shown at startup of the standalone (to earlier show that something is happening). In a DAW, the same image is shown in the plug-in window the first time it is opened in a session (while the normal interface is being prepared to be shown).
Song Track:
In the tempo editor, it is now possible to multi-select nodes with cmd-click on Mac and ctrl-click on Windows as well as with shift-click.
Mixer Tab:
Channels can now be moved and rearranged.
It is now possible to mute or solo a range of channels without first selecting the channels: press the mouse on a mute or solo button and drag over the other channels.
E-Drums:
Added EFNOTE presets.
Check out the full release notes at toontrack.com/release-notes/superior-drummer-3
EZdrummer 3.0.3
General:
Added a MIDI Mapping Layout window which can be opened through the Help menu or from instrument right-click menus.
It is now possible to save your own Drum Kit presets.
Mixer-only presets in some older EZXs can now be loaded – a "Mixers" submenu has been added.
A splash screen is shown at startup of the standalone (to earlier show that something is happening). In a DAW, the same image is shown in the plug-in window the first time it is opened in a session (while the normal interface is being prepared to be shown).
The error dialog for when an audio file could not be read has been redesigned.
Song Track:
"Add Groove" has been renamed to "Add Standard Groove.".
A menu has been added to the right of the displayed time signature and tempo. The time signature and tempo editors can be opened from this menu.
In the tempo editor, it is now possible to multi-select nodes with cmd-click on Mac and ctrl-click on Windows, as well as with shift-click.
Duplicating a song track now uses a letter within parentheses instead of a number to distinguish the copy.
The progress dialog for exporting audio has been redesigned.
Audio export error messages have been improved.
When exporting stems, the filenames now contain the mixer channel names instead of channel numbers.
Edit Play Style:
The Options menu now contains the same Quantize submenu as the instrument right-click menus.
Drums Tab:
Specific articulations can now be previewed in the instrument selection view.
The Use Preset Stack menu has been modified to be easier to understand.
Grooves Tab:
Web Shop MIDI libraries are now separated by headers, so you can easily see if a library is from an EZX, an SDX or a MIDI pack.
Grid Editor:
It is now possible to mute or solo a range of instruments: press the mouse on a mute or solo button and drag over the other instruments.
Mixer Tab:
The scrollbars are slightly thicker now.
Bandmate:
When a generated Bandmate groove is selected (as opposed to a groove taken from the Grooves tab), "Generated Groove" is written in parentheses on the drum groove block.
Moving audio or switching between All Notes and Tonal Notes now shows a progress indicator next to "Amount" while the MIDI is being generated.
When the Velocity and Swing knobs are working, an animation is shown.
E-Drums/MIDI In:
The "E-Drums" view has been renamed to "E-Drums/MIDI In.".
Added support for Bank Select and Program Change.
Added a setting for MIDI In Channel.
Added an option to the instrument menu to automatically select the played instrument.
Added an option to show notes and keys at the same time in the mapping view.
Changing the hi-hat pedal range now shows a "tooltip" with the value.
Editing the velocity curve now applies to all selected instruments.
The velocity editor is now disabled when its power button is off.
Settings:
"Restore MIDI Database" will now preserve user-added MIDI libraries and favorites (in libraries that are still available).
Standalone:
The current project name (and on Mac the project file icon) is now shown in the title bar (unless no project has been saved or loaded).
Launching the standalone on Windows on a display with a scale other than 100% is now faster because the window uses the correct size and scale at once.
ircamLab has updated TS2, the powerful audio toolbox application to edit, transform, time-stretch and pitch-shift audio files, to v2.2.3.
New Features:
Apple Silicon M1 native compatibility for app and plugins.
Bug Fixes:
TS2 had an error when creating a default empty document.
The sonogram was not well refreshed at startup.
Multichannel audio files generated infinite feedback.
Opening a sound file with TS from the system didn't work.
This new update's arrival is being celebrated with an 80% off MSRP promo - get it now for $49
Voxengo has updated r8brain PRO, the sample rate converter tool for 64-bit Windows and, now, macOS computers, to v2.10.
Version 2.10 includes the following changes:
Added support of drag&drop of files from the OS.
Added information line about a selected file.
Updated dithering noise generator to PRVHASH 4.3.
Increased conversion speed in some cases.
Released macOS version for the first time (Intel/Apple Silicon).
Intro Price: $80.92 (Reg. $109.95).
Cherry Audio has announced the latest release in their growing line of plugin effects processors, Galactic Reverb, an algorithmic effects plugin that captures the expansive sound of coveted classic hardware digital reverbs.
With a decay time up to 35 seconds, it enables users to create massive, beautiful aural spaces. Galactic is a natural for transporting guitars, drums, keys, and even vocals into an extraterrestrial ambience.
Galactic began as an effect option in Cherry Audio's Dreamsynth. Buenasideas magazine praised this reverb setting for its ability to "sound like gliding through the vastness of space." Many users cited it as one of their favorite aspects of Dreamsynth and desired a standalone plugin of this otherworldly effect.
But Cherry Audio didn't stop there - they fine-tuned Galactic, added modulation and predelay, and equipped it with an equalizer. A unique ducking function has been added for automatically reducing reverb levels while a singer or an instrument is playing to improve mix clarity, no sidechain required. Ducking can also be used to dramatically alternate between super dry and immense reverb tails, setting Galactic apart from other spacey reverbs.
Cherry Audio says Galactic Reverb is intuitive to use and produces musical results at lightspeed. Like all Cherry Audio plugins, Galactic includes a convenient preset browser, loaded with over 50 ethereal presets. It can be used as an insert or bus effect, and is fully compatible with mono or stereo sources.
Intro Price: $19 ($29 list) at cherryaudio.com and authorized resellers worldwide, including the KVR Marketplace, for Windows and macOS, in AU, VST, VST3, AAX formats, with a seven day demo.
Audiolounge has announced the release of Sliderman, a new compressor / limiter plugin for macOS and Windows.
Here's what they say:
Don't let your creative flow get interrupted by tools with too many knobs and faders. Let intuition win. Sliderman is probably one of the easiest plugin to use, but with the sound that can compete with the big boys.
Anyone who ever used a 163x, is immediately hooked, since it's so easy to use and has such a cool sound. Sliderman is inspired from the original hardware - state of the art as originally developed by DBX in 1986.
Sliderman sounds great on snares, drum rooms, overheads, bass, piano and acoustic guitar. Your imagination is the limit.
If you feel like you wanna add a little extra flavor to the sound, you can engage the "edge" switch, which introduces some light harmonic distortion to the sound. This works especially well, if u need to shave off some of the transients on your snare.
Price: 49 CHF (Reg. 70 CHF).
Ginger Audio has announced the release of GroundControl CASTER, a free audio hub for Mac.
This release replaces GroundControl Cube & Caster with an all-in-one software to accommodate all your audio routing and mixing needs for streaming. The free version comes with an upgrade option to CASTER Live.
The free version, CASTER, is made for content creation, gaming, streaming, and e-learning and it includes everything from the Cube app and a lot more:
Soundboard- Play live sounds from the available samples or add your own.
Recording - record your Mac desktop sound and/or individual application sound.
Route audio between applications using our virtual devices.
Two output tracks, one for streaming and one for monitoring.
Plugin support- insert plugins on input and output tracks.
Light/ Dark mode user interface.
The premium version, CASTER Live includes many more options - you can try it for 14 days before you decide to upgrade.
CASTER Live features:
Up to 8 application tracks.
Up to 6 microphones or device inputs.
Route any track to any application on your Mac with a single click.
Use MIDI & Hotkeys for easy control.
With CASTER Live you can Blend multiple audio sources of any kind: applications audio, microphones, and audio interfaces. Mix and stream to your favorite streaming apps (Twitch, OBS, StreamLabs, Zoom, Restream, etc). You can separate your audio tracks into various virtual audio devices and get them as inputs in OBS etc. With CASTER Live you can stream gameplays, create professional screencasts, produce high-quality podcasts, and much more.
Strymon has given six of its pedals the Next Generation treatment, updating them with more processing power, updated effects, MIDI talents and more.
The Blue Sky, Deco, Dig, El Capistan, Flint and Lex have a new ARM DSP chip that offers “more processing processing power for every sonic nuance” and helps pedals consume less energy overall.
These are also MIDI-capable now, meaning you’ll be able to control most parameters remotely via USB-C or the dedicated expression-MIDI jack.
The JFET input circuit has also been updated to offer better response, and a new input switch lets you easily choose between mono or TRS inputs.
Strymon Blue Sky
The Blue Sky’s Shimmer function has been refreshed with new behaviours and a dedicated Shimmer knob for more varied sounds. There’s also a new Spring algorithm and a Mod switch to select modulation depth for each reverb mode.
Deco
An all-new cassette tape voicing is now available on the Deco, which employs an auto-level control for a compressed, fat tone. There’s also a new Tone knob to adjust the saturation of your signal from dark to bright.
Dig
A new Tone knob lets you set the feedback filter response for a customised echo sound. It’s actually two filters in one: anti-clockwise for high-cut, clockwise for low-cut or 12 o’clock for a flat response.
El Capistan
The Tape Age knob is new in this version of the El Capistan, letting you achieve an authentic tape echo sound – whether it’s the characteristics of glossy new tape you want or the warm and worn sound of older, used tape.
There’s also the secondary Tape Crinkle function to emulate tape irregularities, friction, creases, splices and contaminants for a chewed-up sound. This one should be especially fun with MIDI control to take your signal from pristine to degraded.
Flint
The updated Flint takes slow tremeloes to the extreme with a Speed knob that goes all the way down to “nearly 1Hz” at its lowest setting. The reverb function has also been expanded with adjustable pre-delay time.
Lex
Strymon has spun up greater user controls for its Lex rotary pedal, which now lets you control over the mic position, distance, dry level, acceleration speed, volume boost or cut, and rotor speed.
As for pricing, the Bluesky, Deco, Dig and El Capistan are priced at $379, while the Flint and Lex go for $349.
Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop has announced the Cat Stevens J-180 Collector’s Edition acoustic guitar, the first such collaboration between Gibson and Stevens.
The acoustic, which is limited to 50 units available worldwide, is modelled after the same guitar Stevens used to write the classic albums Tea For The Tillerman and Teaser And The Firecat.
It features a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, mother-of-pearl moon and star headstock and graduated star fretboard inlays, with the interior label hand-signed by Cat Stevens.
Currently retailing at $7,499, a custom Cat Stevens J-180 hardshell case is included alongside the customary Certificate of Authenticity. Buyers will also receive a selection of patches, pins and stickers inspired by Stevens’ artwork.
In a statement, Stevens praised the impact his J-180 acoustic guitar has had on his craft having used it to write hits like Wild World, Peace Train, and Father and Son, explaining, “I really turned a corner when I got my hands on a black Gibson Everly Brothers J-180.”
He continued, “It was my favourite guitar, and it had a very easy action. I played it almost percussively, and that sound gave real character to my recordings. It looked amazing too! Handling the new model is like going back in time to when I first started playing.”
Steven’s fondness for the guitar was such that he originally auctioned it off at the end of the 2010s, but has since reunited with his original J-180 and acquired a second vintage model to be used when touring worldwide.
Gibson recently launched its first-ever music scholarship programme, which is set to provide funding for 15+ students, as well as setting them up with gear and instruments. Gibson states that the scholarship is available to students with a guitar interest, who are planning to pursue music of some form in college and will be available to high school seniors who are about to embark on their post-graduate education and careers.
apulSoft has updated apTrigga3 to v3.7.1.
Changes:
New "Input Layers" feed the plugin input through the sampler engine. This transforms apTrigga3 into a percussive sound effect processor. It can act as a gate, enveloper, filter and/or downwards pitch-shifter.
Bug fix: Work around a plugin loading issue on macOS 10.11 and 10.12.
Acon Digital has updated their dialogue noise suppression plug-in, Extract:Dialogue, to version 1.2. The plug-in separates dialogue from common types of background noise such as wind, rustle, traffic, hum, clicks and pops.
Version 1.2 includes a new and improved neural network model. A large set of high quality audio recordings is crucial for the training of neural networks. Acon Digital has teamed up with the sound effects company Soundly in their pursuit of high quality training data. Soundly is a complete sound effects platform with a user-friendly software package and a large library of professional quality audio recordings.
Our partnership with Soundly allows us to gain access to a massive library of consistently labelled audio recordings that we can use as high-quality training material for our neural networks. The quality of the training set is reflected in the robust noise suppression that the latest version of our Extract:Dialogue plug-in offers.
Stian Aagedal, CEO of Acon Digital.
There were also improvements in the structure of the neural network that lead to better performance and less perceivable artifacts.
Acon Digital Extract:Dialogue is available for both Windows (PC) and macOS (Macintosh). Both 32 and 64-bit versions are available for Windows and the version for macOS is 64-bit. The plug-in formats VST, VST3, AAX Native / AudioSuite and Audio Units (macOS only) are supported.
Extract:Dialogue is available in the Acon Digital Store for $99.90 USD. Extract:Dialogue is also included in Acoustica Premium Edition 7.x, the powerful audio editing, mastering and restoration package that is available for $199.90 USD. The upgrade is free for Extract:Dialogue 1.x and Acoustica Premium Edition 7.x owners. Extract:Dialogue 1.2 is included in Acoustica from version 7.4.7.
Empirical Labs has announced the release of Arousor LT, a simplified version of Arousor, the classic knee compressor plug-in flagship, with identical processing.
Here's what they say:
Since its release in 2016, the Arousor has become an industry standard used on dozens of Grammy Winning records. Now, that glorious Arousor sound is available in its simplified and cost-effective little brother: Arousor LT.
Like the full version, Arousor LT is a Classic Knee Compressor plug-in, with identical processing. Its Distressor "DNA", gives it that look, feel and sound of beloved analog compressors. Arousor LT brings all this tone and functionality into a price range that works for everyone. The "Arousor SOUND" top tier engineers rely on for their hit tracks will now improve your mixes at a price that won't sprain your wallet.
By simplifying the controls, hiding a few functions, and reducing the available ratios from 12 to the most commonly used 4, the Arousor LT provides the core sound and function of the full version in a low cost, easy to use but still powerful package. The Arousor LT can excite any source, be it an instrument, voice, submix or master buss. Just like the full version, LT provides Mono and Stereo versions, supports VST, AU, AAX native, AAX-DSP and VENUE systems as part of the standard license.
Intro Price: $49.00 USD until July 8, 2022 (Reg. $79.00).
A fully-functional, 15-day trial of Arousor LT is available to download. It is necessary to activate Arousor LT, demo and full versions alike, via an iLok USB dongle or iLok Cloud.
Solid State Logic has announced the release of its latest plug-in: SSL X-Gate. The new plug-in is available now in several formats including VST2, VST3, AAX and AU as part of the ever-growing SSL Complete subscription from $14.99 per/m (Ts&Cs apply). X-Gate is the fourth new plug-in added to SSL's Complete Bundle in recent months.
Featuring a rolling waveform graph, mid/side processing options and tweakable hysteresis using independent open & closed thresholds, X-Gate builds upon the company's renowned knowledge of hardware gates, all delivered through SSL's advanced workflow interface. The new plug-in is suitable for music and content creators alike and delivers a unique range of features for extended sound sculpting — an invaluable tool for sound design, audio restoration and of course, mixing.
X-Gate continues to expand the SSL plug-in offering with a comprehensive but easy-to-use surgical gating tool for mixing, live and broadcast applications. Fast, snappy and precise, X-Gate is guaranteed to be your new workhorse plug-in for shaping drums and other instruments, adding punch to your mixes, and transparently fixing ghost notes, noise or room bleed.
Jonathan Sandman, Plug-ins Product Manager at SSL
In addition to M1 processor compatibility, X-Gate also introduces variable lookahead times and zero additional plug-in latency at the lowest setting, making it a perfect tool for tracking situations where mic bleed can distract from the primary source material. Meantime, its EXP and DUCK modes allow either transparent gating or ducking options; ducking is typically used for attenuating a signal when it exceeds a certain threshold, and this can be used in conjunction with a DAW's sidechain function for intelligent ducking.
Features of the new X-Gate include:
Easy-to-use Threshold and Range controls, visually aligned with Waveform Graph and Gain Reduction Meter for coordinated control.
Rolling Waveform Visualisation Graph for setting the perfect threshold.
Attack, Release and Hold time parameters gives detailed control over the shaping of the audio.
Tune the performance of the gate using the interactive Filter Graph to apply High- and Low-Pass Filters the sidechain signal.
Use the Expander mode and accompanying Knee control for a more transparent option: make quiet signals quieter and expand the dynamic range of the signal.
Simple discrete Lookahead options for minimising the latency when using a lookahead.
Transform the plug-in into a production ducker with a single click – use Duck mode to invert the sidechain logic, attenuating the signal only when it exceeds the threshold i.e., to duck the music when you speak into your microphone.
Tri-colour Traffic Light Cues give a clear indication on the momentary open/closed/hold state of the gate.
Use the Mid/Side processing options to trigger the gate in creative ways or gate only the mono or stereo components on the signal.
Sidechain and Gate audition modes.
Apple M1 processor compatible.
Intro Price: $89 until July 28th, 2022 (Reg. $129). It's also available as part of the ever-growing SSL Complete subscription from $14.99 per/m.
Bitwig has announced that Bitwig Studio v4.3 is now available. The new version introduces some new devices (Convolution and Delay+), improvements to flagship synthesizers, a load of fresh sound content in the form of an impulse response library plus an additional, massive sound package of analog-inspired presets, and support for the new plug-in format CLAP.
New Device: Convolution:
A straightforward device with quick adjustment controls for reverb, coloring, or anything else convolution can do.
Supports loading 1-channel (mono), 2-channel (stereo), and 4-channel ("true stereo") impulses.
An impulse browser visualizes all impulses in your library, along with their length, category, and channel count.
Tune resamples the impulse, changing its pitch and length by the set amount.
The Start and End Time positions within the impulse can be adjusted visually, similar to Sampler
A Volume Envelope sets a start, mid-point (time-adjustable), and end gain levels, that can be quieter or louder than the original impulse for effects or reshaping it altogether.
Brightness offers a tilt EQ, which favors the high end when turned to the right, or the low end on the left.
Pre-delay time, Wet Gain amount, and dry/wet Mix parameters are also available.
The Wet FX chain allows any Bitwig devices and VST plug-ins to be added for processing only the wet output portion.
Convolution supports any audio file:
Dropping a file from one of Bitwig's browsers or the OS's file manager onto the Convolution will load the first 45 seconds of it.
If a file conversion is necessary, the impulse will be saved into the current project's Impulses folder as a BWIMPULSE file.
Dragging any audio or note clip onto Convolution will bounce the clip, and then load it as an impulse.
A folder Import... option is available via the impulse browser for bulk import.
270 impulses are available in the factory library, including real spaces, environmental captures, and generated impulses.
New Device: Delay+:
A souped-up delay, with hardwired modulations and a pre-stocked feedback loop that eats the latency of other devices/plug-ins.
Standard delay options for delay time (either in seconds, or beats plus offset for triplet, dotted, or things in between), Feedback amount, low- and high-pass filters for controlling feedback, and a dry/wet Mix control.
For delay time changes/modulations, a Time Update Rate parameter is available, as well as two Time Update Model settings:
Repitch - Maintains audio output during delay time changes, making pitch effects audible.
Fade - Hides pitch artifacts during delay time changes.
Like oscillator detuning, a Detune parameter is available in milliseconds, along with a Stereo Detune toggle to invert the right channel's detuning.
Four Pattern options for the channel configuration:
Mono - Flattens the incoming signal for processing, and offers a Pan control for direction within the effect.
Stereo - With a Width control and optional Cross Feedback (for left → right channel feedback, and vice versa).
Ping L - Ping-pong, starting on the left side, and with Width control.
Ping R - Ping-pong, starting on the right side, and with Width control.
Around the feedback stage are several controls and effects:
Level Control keeps signal in the feedback loop from exploding, offer both a Threshold for when level control starts, and three Modes (Soft Clip, Hard Clip, and a Comp.[ressor] model)
The feedback (or cross feedback) icon illuminates red to show the amount of level control being applied.
Width affects Feedback factors in the Width parameter (when available) before the feedback chain.
Blur sets the amount of the selected Blur Character, whose choices are:
No Blur - Bypass option.
Soft - Short diffusion network.
Wide - Short diffusion network, with broader modulation and spread.
Still - Long diffusion network.
Space - Long diffusion network, with broader modulation and spread.
Reverse - Time-offset diffusion system.
The Forever toggle maintains the current feedback buffer, keeping it at unity gain and not passing in any new signal.
Any other Bitwig devices or VST plug-ins can be inserted into the FB FX chain, becoming part of the churn
The FB FX chain uniquely provides delay compensation (for inserting devices that require it) by offsetting the delay time.
Ducking automatically pulls down wet signal gain as well as the Feedback level when strong sounds arrive to help them be heard, even with high Feedback values or even the Forever option enabled
The arrow icon (→) leading from Ducking to Mix illuminates orange to show the amount of ducking being applied.
Polymer/Grid module updates:
New Polymer/Grid oscillator: Union
A DC-drifting, analog-inspired oscillator that blends pulse, saw, and triangle waves.
Level controls for each of the three waveforms.
Clickable toggle to quickly switch to only one waveform.
Pulse Width control for the pulse wave's shape and timbre.
Anti-aliased waveshapes slide around as any of these controls are adjusted, making them ideal for modulation or automation.
Union is now the default oscillator in Polymer for its immediate controls and warm sound.
New Polymer/Grid filter: Low-pass MG
A Moog-inspired classic low-pass filter.
Drive stage has similarly inspired mix buss character (try turning it up; we'll wait.).
Standard Cutoff Frequency and Resonance controls.
Low-pass MG is now the default filter in Polymer because it sounds good and familiar.
Updated Polymer/Grid envelopes: ADSR, AR, and AD
Each have three modes now:
Analog - Again, imitating Moog hardware's fixed curves nonlinearities.
Relative - (previously the only mode) With adjustable rate-differential curves.
Digital - Clean math with adjustable curves, for precise time segments.
A simple one letter button in each envelope's top left indicates the mode; click the box to see all available modes.
For its classic response and ease of use, the default Polymer envelopes (for AEG and FEG) are set to Analog
Updated Polymer/Grid filter: Sallen-Key (previously "Low-pass SK", with only three low-pass modes) now has 16 Filter Mode options, using various filter types.
Updated Polymer/Grid filter revision: Comb now has a Dampening Frequency parameter (set relative to the primary Cutoff Frequency) for reining in the feedback segment.
Updated Polymer/Grid filters: Low-pass LD, Low-pass MG, Sallen-Key, SVF, XP, and Comb
All filters now including a Resonance Limit (or Q Limit) control, setting the point where clipping begins within the filter's resonance.
The Drive parameter sets the amount of gain (and clipping), and Resonance Limit sets the threshold when clipping/saturation begins.
Together, these parameters can greatly adjust the color of any filter.
Resonance Limit is available in Polymer by right-clicking on a empty area of any filter module.
Updated Polymer/Grid oscillators: Pulse, Sawtooth, Sine, Triangle, Union, Wavetable, Phase-1, and Swarm
Each oscillator's Phase Modulation Amount knob now goes up to 800 % (with 100 % at the center).
These extended modulation index values provide for a broader range of digital frequency/phase modulation sounds.
Updated Polymer/Grid module: Sub (Oscillator) now includes a sawtooth option as an additional Waveform choice.
Comments Are Welcome:
Comments can now be added to any track, layer (within one of our Layer devices) or chain (within Drum Machine devices), Launcher scene, or Arranger cue marker.
Comments can be added/seen in the Inspector Panel for any item, and:
Track and layer comments can all be seen/edited together in either Mixer Panel
Launcher scene and Arranger cue markers can be seen/edited together in the Sections page of the Project Panel
Comments are good for whatever you what — recording settings, performance notes, lyrics, etc. — and can be written in any language that Bitwig can display.
FX Tracks Sends:
FX tracks now have sends of their own, allowing FX tracks to be sent to any other effect track.
An FX track sent to an FX track on its right (further down on the mixer) is sent immediately.
An FX track sent to an FX track on its left (backward on the mixer) is sent with a delay of one audio buffer
This includes direct feedback routing, shown with the square feedback arrow icon.
This also applies to the FX tracks of group tracks and FX layers within Drum Machine devices.
New Features:
CLAP plug-ins are supported for all platforms (including polyphonic modulation, voice stacking, and on and on).
FLAC files can now be directly played back across Bitwig (in clips, with stretching, by Sampler, etc. etc.)
Converting FLAC files to WAV is no longer necessary, saving space and time AND staying lossless.
Sends can now be toggled on/off individually:
Click the name of any track/channel's send to toggle that send off/on.
SHIFT-click any track/channel's send to toggle all sends.
A new function, Disable All Unused Sends, disables any unused sends in the project, which minimizes CPU-usage/latency.
Sends in new projects are now disabled until used (by an initial knob turn or creating automation, etc.).
Controller scripts added for iCON QCon Pro G2 and Pro X models (both with support for up to three Extenders).
Updated FX device: Bit-8 now has an Anti-alias toggle, switching to different methods — and a different sound.
Updated Grid module: Audio Out (I/O) now has higher-quality clipping algorithms, and the module icon glows to indicate how much clipping is being applied.
Updated Grid module: ADSR (Envelope) now has a Bias Out port, sending a proportionate signal that outputs zero in the sustain segment (good for sliding pitches and much more).
CC In Grid module: Now has MIDI learn functionality for setting the CC message and channel to use.
Pitch (Pitch) Grid module: Now has a MIDI learn option for setting its constant value.
Updated analysis device: Spectrum now has a toggle for the Frequency Range displayed:
Human Hearing - Displays the extended human hearing range.
Sample Rate - Matches Bitwig's current sample rate.
Updated Grid module: Oscilloscope (Display) now has display parameters to adjust the Y Maximum shown on screen and a Y Bipolar toggle.
Updated tool device: Test Tone now has a Bipolar toggle for optional unipolar output, as well as Waveshape options:
Sine (previously the only waveform available).
Triangle
Square
Saw Up
Saw Down
Dirac - A series of one-sample impulses.
White Noise
Pink Noise
When a group track is expanded and focus is within it, all Add Track functions now create tracks within the group.
Operators: Note editor GUI updates (to show which events are playing on this loop pass) are now latency compensated [28277].
Controllers that target the Clip Launcher now use a rectangle to highlight the current targets from each active controller, and can optionally scroll Bitwig's GUI when the controller scrolls its targets.
Modules now have a revision system, for managing updates and maintaining compatibility with previous use work
When an UPDATE button appears on the top right of a module, mouse over it for a tooltip of the changes that clicking UPDATE would bring.
The top of the Inspector Panel for devices has been simplified and given a fuller range of icons.
Nested device chains now show an icon for each device in the chain.
The User Guide PDF has been updated for Bitwig Studio v4.3.
Linux: Builds are now released as FLATPAK files (more information here)
DEB files will continue to be available for now.
The Download button in application update notifications will now point to the FlatPak installer (when running a FlatPak installation).
Linux: now supports the PipeWire audio driver.
Improvements:
Controller Scripts: BWEXTENSION files can now be installed by simply dragging them onto the Bitwig application window.
Invoking the Rename function on audio events will now open a dialog to rename the audio file itself.
Adding an instrument to an audio track no longer forces conversion to a hybrid track.
[CTL]/[CMD]-dragging to move an automation segment now limits movement to only be up and down (and not move in time).
Layered editing of audio tracks no longer allows resizing the lanes when the auto-size mode is on (it was too easy to do this accidentally).
General modulator mapping improvements:
When setting a modulation range of a linear parameter, the unit will be shown while mapping.
When setting a modulation range of a logarithmic parameter (such as the Rate scaler for the LFO modulator or Grid module), positive modulations will be shown with × and negative modulations with ÷, since the modulations are multiplicative of the current setting.
When setting a modulation range of a cubic parameter (such as any envelope time setting, or module attenuator, etc. etc.), the modulation shows the maximum modulation value based on the parameter's current set value, along with an asterisk (*) since changing the set value will change the effective modulation range.
When mousing over a modulator source that is assigned to only one destination, the window footer now tells you the one destination it is assigned to.
Updated Grid module revision: Comb (Filter) now sets negative feedback to the same cutoff frequency/delay time as positive feedback.
Delay-1, Delay-2, and Delay-4 devices:
Latency compensation is now done within the feedback loop [28736].
Now does a precise computation of delay times (for less drift).
Increased the delay buffer when sample rates are high.
Note: These improvements may lead to slightly different (read: more accurate) sounds.
Actions that controlled transport playback state (such as pressing SPACEBAR) can now be invoked while adjusting a parameter via mouse or touch [28638].
Exiting a text-editing action with the [ESC] key is now decided on a case-by-case basis.
Re-organized Bitwig device categories:
New Distortion category (replacing Destruction, with all devices moving there).
New Modulation category (with Chorus+, Chorus, Flanger+, Flanger, Phaser+, Phaser, Rotary, and Tremolo moving there).
Comb is now in the Filter category.
Plug-in categories work similarly for display.
Support for 64-bit floating point WAV files.
Added support for compressed WAV files (such as those not in PCM or float formats) [8604][21352].
Added button to stop an active trial phase [28446].
Fixes:
Substantial memory optimizations for projects with a large number of tracks and/or scenes [28390].
Launcher Clip Loop button would perform inconsistently when switched during playback [28676].
First kick in looping clip launcher clip louder than other clips if there's a note following behind the loop [28066].
Clip Launcher clips could drift out of time with arrangement loop active [28607].
Sliding clip content no longer affects track automation [28425].
Reversing a clip no longer affects track automation [28428].
Audio events could get inserted into the same clip when moving a multiselection in layered audio editor [28339].
Dropping an audio time selection while holding ALT (to copy) could shorten existing events [28791].
Onsets weren't being analyzed for a sample dragged out of a multisample [28824].
Recording of polyphonic pressure was not accurate [28346].
Wrong loop region length could happen after consolidating a clip with an odd time signature [28347].
Edit View was not always showing existing automation when switching lanes [28750].
Inconsistent "meta clip" (on group tracks) selection behavior [28296].
FX Tracks: Option to Group is no longer in the context menu [28672].
When loading a sample file that results in an error, the loading task could appear hung, spinning indefinitely.
8-bit WAV files had an incorrect DC offset.
8-bit WAV files (that did not contain an even number of samples) could click.
32-bit float WAV files could be clipped on import [28338].
192 kHz audio playback had sync issues [28486].
192 kHz sample rate: Stretch modes lead to timing issues [28637].
Some corrupt WAV files weren't loading [26961].
Fixed a crash when reading FLAC metadata from invalid files [28840].
Inappropriately compressed multisample files (e.g. created by Moss conversion tool) weren't being loaded anymore [28818].
Imported tempo automation from MIDI file could be inaccurate [28520].
MIDI files that contained only CC automation could not be imported [28572].
Importing an invalid MIDI file could break the Bitwig project [28513].
ALS Import: Pitch Bend and other MIDI CCs weren't getting imported [26673].
Humanize (Note FX) device: Was sometimes causing performance issues, visual slowdowns [27061].
Tool device, etc: Had a tiny gain boost (+0.0014 dB), now removed.
FX Layer device:
Solo state was not remembered when reloading a project [28553].
Dragging a layer out onto an audio track was converting it to an instrument track and Instrument Layer [28410].
Poly Grid device: Spikes were happening when clicking on a note in the note editor [28551].
Drum machine device: Was crashing when inserting the device, selecting a pad in the mixer view, and then undoing [25578].
Note FX Layer device: Notes were not playing correctly after transposing them in different layers [28479].
Note FX Selector device: Fixed a rare crash [28517].
AD, AR, ADSR Grid/Polymer modules & Note Out Grid module: Wouldn't always trigger on sub-sample gate signals.
Note Out (I/O) Grid module, friend of Note Grid, etc:
Sending a note on with velocity of 0 % now creates a note (the same as with Bitwig's note events); now only negative velocity values will fail to produce a note with Note Grid, etc. [27984].
Routing an envelope signal to the Gain In port expression was creating a pop [28618].
Properly clips note expressions.
Plug-in Suspend mode: post FX chain was going silent too early [28808].
Plug-ins: The plug-in window sometimes wasn't closing after deleting the plug-in device.
Shortcut added for Toggle Metronome was not working when a VST window was in focus [28257].
VST: MPE pitch bend input was broken [28546].
VST plug-ins: Notes with velocities below 0.39% were not being sent to plug-ins anymore [28610].
VST plug-ins: MPE expressions are now properly clipped [28477].
VST3: Was only showing the sidechain routing if the plug-in's only input bus is an auxiliary input.
VST3: Note expressions output from plug-ins are now forwarded to the device chain.
Fixed engine crash when manipulation strings contains less common unicode character such as:
Crash when changing cursor device from some controllers when there was no track selected [28525].
Rare crash when invoking shortcut that was assigned to a controller button [27751].
Controller API: Fixed an invalid error and controller 'freeze' when adding a binding from a button to track mute button [28960].
Controller API: Crash when zooming with no project open [28753].
MacOS: Avoid excessive logging when the os_workgroup fails.
Strange situations could lead to an erroneous error ("At least two warp markers needed for warping") when previewing a file in the Browser Panel [28819].
Infinite recursion in module graph led to an app hang for one (1) project [28927].
Native Instruments has released Session Guitarist - Electric Mint, their latest collaboration with Drumasonic, and the newest installment in their guitar-focused series of Kontakt-based instruments.
Delivering the versatile flavor of one of the most iconic electric guitar models, Electric Mint is sampled from an original 1960 solid-body guitar made in the USA. With a focus on songwriting, the new instrument allows users to create their own melodies or explore 222 patterns across 53 song presets covering a wide range of genres, styles, and performance techniques.
The instrument features three combinable single-coil pickups for five distinct ways to shape tone, suited to rock, pop, hip hop, jazz, and more. Electric Mint also features an improved playback engine for ultra-realistic funk patterns, plus a tremolo bar feature for greater pitch expression.
Users can craft licks, grooves, and solos right out of the box, with 71 ready-to-go sound presets ranging from clean and DI to crunchy and high gain, as well as a range of life-like articulations. The instrument builds on previous features in the Session Guitarist collection, with a variety of amps and speaker cabinet emulations, new effects including the Supercharger-GT compressor, auto-wah 'Cry Wah' effect, and convolution reverbs to simulate the sound of amps in different rooms.
Electric Mint can also be used as a chord library by dragging any of the four-bar chord progressions, patterns, or voicings into a DAW for further editing, or to use the MIDI elsewhere in a session for expansive songwriting capabilities.
Full Bucket Music has released the blooo synthesizer in the new CLAP format. Currently it is Windows only, but a Mac version will follow soon.
Features:
Up to 64 voices polyphony including Unison mode and portamento.
Two band-limited oscillators including Ring modulation and Soft/Hard sync.
Four oscillator waveforms (sawtooth, pulse, sawpulse, sine) with shape control.
Additional white noise generator.
Two multi-mode four-pole zero-delay feedback filters (lowpass, highpass, bandpass, allpass, phaser) with resonance and panorama control.
Three envelopes (ADSR) with exponential slopes.
Three low frequency oscillators (LFOs) with tempo synchronization.
It is written in native C++ code for high performance even on "lighter" systems.
Support for MTS-ESP by ODDSound dynamic micro-tuning.
Resizable user interface.
Price: Free.
Soundiron has released David Oliver's Drum Kit, a deeply sampled red 1980's Pearl DLX drumset, handpicked and performed by British instrumentalist and media composer David Oliver. This library is built for the free Kontakt 6 Player & NKS standard hardware.
The Pearl DLX was originally played and endorsed by the Jazz drummer Art Blakey. It has a vintage and versatile sound that's suitable for multiple genres and styles of music.
Soundiron captured the sounds of a Pearl DLX drum kit recorded at The Whitehouse Studios in the UK. With an extensive array of meticulously recorded drum articulations, you'll be able to craft realistic performances from swingin' Jazz to Funk and Rock styles effortlessly.
Soundiron recorded an extensive array of cymbals which were mostly Zildjians with a few Sabian, a few Paiste and Wuhan. They included a variety of hi hats with combinations of top and bottom, custom jazz and rock rides selected for their rich character and expressive crashes and splashes. Soundiron also sampled some effects cymbals, a few of which they customized with a grinder and rivets. The Sabian custom 20in crash ride was customized from a minibell dry ride by artisan cymbal maker Dave Collingwood in Bristol UK working to Soundiron's specifications to create a uniquely rich and tonally exotic cymbal especially for this project.
Product Specs:
Deeply sampled drumset with five microphone positions.
8 Crash Cymbals, 4 Hi-hats, 2 Ride, 7 Splash, 1 Kick, 2 Snare, and 2 Toms.
10 Powerful Kontakt Player .nki instrument presets.
81,163 stereo samples in locked .ncw format.
24-bit, 48 kHz Stereo Lossless NCW Format for Kontakt presets.
26.7 GB Installed (50 GB Uncompressed).
Made for the free Kontakt Player (version 6.2.2+), Komplete Kontrol, all S-Series Keyboards and NKS software and hardware by Native Instruments.
Works with the Kontakt "Libraries" browser and Native Access.
Intro Price: $79 USD (Reg. $99)
2MGT / Metamusic Generative Tools has released Auralis, a free experimental ambient tool for Windows.
Details:
Standalone tool application for Windows.
Four layers Synthesizer.
128 presets for each layer.
Two sets of FX.
MIDI/Pattern Sequencer for each layer.
Creating multitrack layers.
Real-time synthesis and mixing control (MIDI Automation).
Price: Free/Donate. No installation is necessary. It works on Windows XP and Windows 10.
Applied Computer Music Technologies has released the ACM-3SA passive filter plug-in for Linux.
The plug-in emulates 12dB / octave low-cut (high-pass) and high-cut (low-pass) filters based on the classic Pultec HLF-3C. Innovative processing is used to ensure the correct equivalent analogue response is maintained, even at lower sample rates and high cut-off frequencies, without additional latency or high CPU demand.
The plug-in is available for free, in both VST and VST3 format for Linux.
More information can be found on the Applied Computer Music Technologies website.
Hidenori Matsuoka has updated Piano Kit to version 5.0. This update adds Pad Mode to Chord Sheet. Pad Mode avoids any editing of Chord Sheet, so users can focus on playing by tapping.
Piano Kit 5.0 changes:
The following changes have been made to Sheet View in Favorites Tab:
Added Pad Mode. Users can focus on playing by tapping.
Organized Title Menu.
Added "1 Bar Beats" to the "All" section of Beat Menu. All chord forms can now be reset to default beats count with a single operation.
Improved management of Play button.
Made Beat Count label easier to see.
Fixed some minor issues.
Guitar Kit 8.0.1 changes:
Renamed Button Mode to Pad Mode in Sheet View.
Techivation has announced the release of T-Exciter, a "simplified yet advanced plug-in for adding more excitement and energy to sounds", saying:
The Techivation team has focused on creating a quick and easy solution for creating a shiny and rich sound, with their new audio plug-in. Following the similar design ethos and workflow of their popular plug-ins, T-De-Esser, and T-Clarity the T-Exciter does its major improvements to the high frequencies of the sounds it encounters.
T-Exciter is available at techivation.com/t-exciter for an introductory offer price of 29.00 USD until July 30th, 2022. Owners of other Techivation plug-ins can get special loyalty offers.
There is not a free trial available for T-Exciter yet, but the Techivation team is working to have it ready soon.
Sub51 and Soundtrax have announced the release of Drop Pad 2.0, which adds new features to further enhance its creative possibilities.
Drop Pad, which comes with a large sample library, is a four-layer, sample-based Kontakt instrument that also supports the drag and drop import of the user's own samples. Kontakt's new MIR technology automatically detects tonal material during import and adjusts the pitch of the audio file accordingly.
The intuitive interface, which is based on four straightforward pages, then allows for the dynamic blending and modulation of the four sound sources to create multi-layered, complex sounds that morph and evolve in an organic way. Loops can be locked to the DAW tempo or replayed at the original speed.
The Edit page now contains a new sample 'Reverse' playback option for each sample pad while the sample Solo feature has been improved as well as now being available in the MOD and FX Pages. New 'MOD Preset' and 'FX Preset' panels have also been added to allow users to quickly store and switch between nine different mod and FX setups.
Additionally there are two new 'Left-Right' modes available from the 'MOD' and 'FX Warp Shape' dropdown menu. Finally a new global Hi, Mid and Lo EQ plus an additional, smooth sounding 'Drive' mode have been added to the 'FX' page.
Drop Pad 2.0 comes with a 900MB library of high quality on-board Snapshots and Samples featuring Cinematic Soundscapes, Bass and Drum Loops, Pads, Raw Textures, Sound Effects and Arps. Users can easily choose different sample combinations of the Factory content to create their own Snapshots as well as bringing in their own samples.
Komplete Kontrol is supported via selected pre-defined parameters.
Also included with Drop Pad 2.0 is an additional 123MB of waveform samples such as noise, timecode, turntable belt & electrical noise, vinyl crackles and sine waves.
Drop Pad 2.0 can be purchased at a reduced price of £27.99 while existing users of Drop Pad 1.0 can update to Drop Pad 2.0 for free (please contact Sub51 for details). The full version of NI's Kontakt 6.7.1+ is required.
GS DSP has updated MagicDelay to version 2022.2 and MagicPitch to version 2022.1. Although this is a minor update they've included some nice new features to extend the ways you can work with their plugins.
New features:
Camera Modulator.
Custom LFO Modulator.
Added Sync option to Generators in the modulation system so you are able to reset on playback start.
Added Sample & Hold functionality to each modulator and globally.
Added the possibility to switch between modulators without leaving the mapping mode.
The CurveEditor now also displays a note value and we slightly improved the text formatting.
CurveEditor menu doesn't close when clicking on invert or randomise.
Plugins don't resize anymore when changing preset.
Improvements / Bug fixes:
Improved Undo behaviour.
Improved parameter automation.
Improved preset dirty check.
Fixed a bug in the SpectralBrightness Follower.
Exclude InputLevel, OutputLevel & Algorithm parameters from presets.
Invert LFO Skew to match with the CurveModifier Skew.
Fixed a bug that prevented the XY Pad from automation in some hosts.
Fixed a bug in MagicPitch that allowed you to turn all buttons off for Pitch/Frequency Range.
Improved logo resolution for HiDPI displays.
Lese has released Strum, a "Sound Strummer", available as a VST3 / AU audio plugin.
Here is what they are saying:
Designed to make spectral delays easier to use, Strum splits your signal evenly and cleanly into a bunch of different bands, and then allows you to control the delay time & feedback of each band.
Strum can work either in "free" or "sync" mode, where in "sync" mode each individual band's delay time is synchronized to the tempo & time signature of your DAW, allowing for rhythmically-aware strumming.
Additionally, Strum provides a modulation panel for a bit more control of the delay times, allowing you to switch between "flutter" and "random" modes.
Strum is controlled by "factor bands" (control points) that alter all of the delay lines based on frequency. You can control the delay time, as well as the feedback with this system.
Price: 25 USD at lese.io. A demo version is also available.
Heavyocity Media has announced the release of Foundations Nylon Guitar, the third installment in Heavyocity's all-new line of free virtual instruments.
Foundations Nylon Guitar is a modern introduction to the vibrant, classical guitar. Combining the lush, soft dynamics of a nylon-stringed acoustic guitar, a sound design layer, and a customizable interface – Foundations Nylon Guitar delivers a variety of mellow, ambient sounds.
Ari Winters, Creative Director/Senior Partner, Heavyocity, comments:
Our new Foundations line was created to introduce all music makers to the dynamic world of cinematic sound. We want to deliver professional-quality, foundational instruments designed to inspire the next generation of film, TV, and game scores.
Foundations Nylon Guitar is now available for free at Heavyocity.com/Foundations-Nylon-Guitar
As a "powered-by-Kontakt" instrument Foundations Nylon Guitar offers all playback and sound-shaping functionality through the full version of Kontakt 6 or the free Kontakt 6 Player.
UnitedPlugins has introduced a lightweight edition of their bass guitar solution, Bassment. Bassment Core is available now with an introductory discount (€49/€9).
They say:
Bassment Core is basically Bassment stripped from all effects. It only offers the mighty amp and cab simulations powered by intelligent audio input - to fit the situations where you just want the bassic bass tone and you want to save the CPU power. Bassment Core's presets will get you to the goal within a second.
Free for Bassment users
Bassment Core can be unlocked by Bassment license. So every Bassment user can use both versions.
2nd hand version for free
A 15-days fully working trial version is available as usual. But once it expires Bassment Core turns to its free (and slightly limited) version. No demo noises.
Upgrade anytime
Bassment Core is compatible with the majority of VST/AAX/AU DAW applications on both Windows and macOS. The price is set to €49 but you may grab the intro price (81% off - €9) until the end of August, 2022. You can always upgrade to the full version of Bassment with a discount.
ElephantDSP has updated Room Reverb to version 0.6.0.
The latest release adds LV2 support for Linux as well as experimental CLAP support for Windows, macOS and Linux.
Room Reverb is available for free.
Wampler has announced the release of a new powerhouse multi-delay pedal, The Metaverse.
Combing eleven of Brian Wampler’s all-time favourite delays, The Metaverse has been coined a “full-featured, small footprint stomp box that is fully programmable, pre-set capable, true stereo, full MIDI control and has an expression input that you can assign to ANY of the parameters,” according to the manufacturer.
The Metaverse follows on from the Terraform, which also featured eleven custom designed effects. Just like its predecessor, The Metaverse is feature packed, and allows the user to navigate the delay world without endless menus on a tiny display.
The primary rotary controller on the pedal selects between the eleven delays, while the five common parameter controls adjust the setting for each of the different algorithms. If the left footswitch is held down the user can access alternate parameters for certain delays which can be saved as pre-sets. The pedal boasts eight onboard pre-sets, and 128 total via MIDI.
The eleven delays are as follows:
ANLG – Analogue Style Delay
WET – Modulated Analogue Delay
BBD – Bucket Brigade Delay
JET – Analogue Flanger Delay
DOC – Wampler ‘The Doctor’
FTE – Wampler ‘Faux Tape Echo’
ETH – Wampler ‘Ethereal’ Delay
MOD – Digital Flanger Delay
SPC – Space Echo Delay
TAPE – Multi-Head Tape Delay
DIGI – Digital Delay
In a statement, Wampler have said that “Brian Wampler’s attention to detail and commitment to designing the best and most player-friendly products out there is second to none. Those qualities are on full display within the Metaverse.”
“From its convenient form factor to its flexible controls and full MIDI implementation via mini-TRS jacks, the Metaverse is all Wampler.”
The pedal retails for $349.97.
After offering their Tremolo, Filter and C-Delay plugins for free for a few months, ANWIDA Soft has announced that their Phaser plugin will be available for free.
The Phaser plug-in, belonging to the MODULA Suite collection, is a classic '70s swirling phase effect.
The full MODULA Suite plugin collection is also currently available for the discounted price of $19 (74% off, Reg. $72).
Big Fish Audio has announced the release of SMACK 2: Claps, Snaps & Stomps with a 20% off intro offer of $79.95 through July 8th, 2022. They say.
SMACK 2: Claps, Snaps & Stomps is an immersive all-new sample set of body percussion that improves upon the original SMACK in many ways. We recorded all of the sounds with customizable mic positions and in three unique rooms, as well as deepened the sample set with eleven round robins and up to seven velocity layers. SMACK 2 is the body percussion tool every producer needs in their back pocket.
Product Features:
38 articulations.
Recorded in 3 environments.
3 mixable mic positions.
43 effect presets.
83 total patches.
11 round robins.
Up to 7 velocity layers.
Over 12,000 samples.
Full Komplete Kontrol & Maschine integration.
Total size: 3.2GB.
Intro Price: $79.95 through July 8th, 2022 (Reg $99.95).
Emvoice has released Keela, the next-gen vocal synthesis company's flagship new virtual singer. To use the plugin, simply enter notes, type lyrics, & cloud-based vocals are generated instantly.
The main rule of the plugin: Each distinct note corresponds with each distinct syllable of lyrics. The voices run on constantly improving, state-of-the-art voice engine technology, and now come equipped with ten presets each (a total of 40 distinct voice options). Developed by deep-sampling recordings of pro singers, the company hopes to empower musicians with the creativity unlocked from instant access to vocals.
The company's founder, Rodolphe Ollivier, says.
Musicians have been able to recreate just about every instrument other than the human voice with complete accuracy for well over a decade now. Imagine how much creativity could be unlocked if the voice were added to this mix
CEO, Jacob McCloskey says.
It inspires me to think that we might be able to democratize the creative power of the voice to all artists, regardless of their recording abilities.
Keela is available for $79($99) on intro offer for a limited period of time.
The new MTP W950 modular microphone system makes it incredibly easy to get live vocals to cut through the mix. It combines studio technology with extreme rear rejection leading to superior vocal clarity for the artist on stage and more creative freedom for the live sound engineer.
To ensure its superior vocal and speech quality, the MTP W950 uses a 1-inch true condenser capsule—technology we usually find in the studio. With an extreme rear rejection of over 90% throughout its entire frequency range, the capsule can unfold its full sound potential while being safe from feedback and reducing bleed to an absolute minimum, even on loud stages.
The MTP W950 is a modular microphone system. So how is it modular? The microphone capsule can be detached from the XLR-equipped handle and is compatible with industry-standard wireless systems of different brands, making it super flexible on the road and adaptable to different sound systems.
You can find two switchable polar patterns underneath the head basket – cardioid & supercardioid, a 120 Hz low-cut filter and a 12 dB attenuation to deal with loud singers or adapt the capsule to the rest of the signal chain.
Its dual-layer design makes the MTP W950 immune to wind and pop noise and protects the capsule from condensation with a protective drip guard layer. And there’s also the incredibly handy cupping-safe design, known from other LEWITT MTP live vocal microphones, which avoids tonal coloration when gripping the head basket.
LEWITT product manager and project leader Roman Jagl is a touring sound engineer with over 20 years of experience. His expertise and field testing were essential to directly address weak points of available live microphones and solve them with innovative designs that ensure outstanding live vocal mixes without the typical tradeoffs.
“It is interesting to develop a new and innovative product for a field that you’re so familiar with. I have witnessed all the big steps forward in live sound, and I am confident that this microphone is one of them. While testing it over the last months on tour, every colleague I met immediately asked – when can I get one, haha.” Roman recalls, „but we at LEWITT would also be interested in getting your input and feedback before the planned release. That’s why we invite professional live sound engineers to participate in our beta testing program.”
You can apply for beta testing on LEWITT now, and you will find further information about the microphone on the company’s website.
The MTP W950 modular microphone system is perfect for vocals and speech applications and will be available in Q4 2022.
Noise Engineering is back with two modules for a new 6HP Eurorack platform: Virt Iter Legio and Librae Legio.
Virt Iter Legio is a stereo oscillator with a distinct and versatile sound. Its three modes – Bass, SawX, and Harm – will be familiar to users of Noise Engineering’s free Virt Vereor plugin or those who have the Arturia MicroFreak, both of which are based on the same algorithms.
Virt Iter Legio features independent left and right phase-modulation inputs, a sync input, and a lush vintage-inspired chorus. This small oscillator puts unique sounds right at your fingertips and makes them easy to manipulate within the stereo field. Virt Iter Legio works well for beautiful pads, hard-hitting basses, and leads that can be simple or otherworldly.
Librae Legio is a stereo dynamics processor designed for the master bus with compression, limiting, expansion, and optional saturation.
Librae Legio was designed to work with any type of patch. It’s great for limiting, compression, and expansion. Noise Engineering says they created it to be able to be applied as transparently as possible, but also so that you can crank the settings to really squish your sounds for maximal crunch. And of course they added a saturation stage that you can engage if you wish for some slight harmonic distortion: it adds a touch of color and some tape-like effects to louder elements. It’s also CV controllable and works great with mono or stereo signals.
The team had a great time testing this one on drum breaks, bass loops, hard techno, generative ambient soundscapes, and more. They also added an adjustable noise gate so that users could choose a setting to minimize noise accentuated by heavy compression in their patch. Librae Legio also has a sidechain filter that the user can set to change the behavior of the dynamics processing.
A platform a long time in the making
The Legio platform was first announced at NAMM 2020 with Virt Iter. The team mentioned that they’d heard from a lot of customers who were eager to get the module in their systems but parts shortages, supply-chain woes, and other problems meant multiple delays and redesigns of the product to make it work with available parts. The result was something even they were amazed with. In fact, while product testing is a job everyone on the team is excited about, they all agreed that they were unanimously over the moon with how these modules came out.
"The Legio platform brings the power of a reprogrammable and multifunctional module down to a 6 HP size, perfect for any system. It's an exciting development and we're thrilled to be able to share it with the world!" said Chief of Destruction Markus Cancilla.
World of Legio
Similar to the popular Versio platform, Legio is also an oscillator and DSP platform. By making a free account at the Noise Engineering Customer Portal (https://portal.noiseengineering.us/), users can change the functionality of the module, absolutely free. In essence, buy one module, get both of these, with more to come, according to the Noise Engineering team. For those who are interested in writing their own firmwares, open-source support will be released later this year. Learn more at the World of Legio page at Noise Engineering.
In just 6 HP, the Legio platform is a powerful and worthy addition to any system, small or large.
Notable features: Virt Iter Legio
● 6 HP and US$279, available and in stock
● 3 stereo oscillator algorithms: Bass, SawX, and Harm
● Independent left and right phase-modulation inputs
● Vintage-inspired chorus spreads sounds across the stereo field
● Incredibly accurate pitch tracking from -2v to +5v using an automatic self calibration process
● Oscillator/DSP platform: change the firmware on your module to a different module on the Librae platform
Notable features: Librae Legio
● 6 HP and US$279, available and in stock
● Works in both mono and stereo
● Incredibly clean compression, expansion, and limiting
● Adjustable noise gate avoids unwanted noise when heavily processing sounds
● Configurable sidechain filtering changes how the processing reacts to your sounds
● Optional saturation adds flavor to your mix
● Oscillator/DSP platform: change the firmware on your module to a different module on the Librae platform
Availability/Pricing:
In stock and shipping direct and globally to retailers June 23, 2022; MSRP US$279
High-quality handcrafted professional audio products producer TK Audio is proud to announce upcoming availability of M\/S Blender 500 — a multi-functional parallel processing tool for the long-established, API-developed 500-Series modular analogue audio equipment format as implied by its name, formed from a dual Mono Blender, a stereo blender, and an M/S encoder/decoder, designed to marry getting more energy into a single track or adding more punch to a mix by blending in compression with space-saving enclosure-mounted ease of use — as of June 24…
Experienced engineers are well aware that parallel processing — the technique of processing a copy of a track in a mix and then combining it with the original — can clearly help with getting more energy into a single track by blending in compression on, for example, bass, vocal, and guitar tracks. That being said, parallel processing, of course, can also add more punch to a mix, retaining transients from the direct signal while blending in the compressed signal for more energy. It is also very useful for blending in distortion from overdriven units.
Ultimately, having access to all this and more in a well-designed, high-quality handcrafted 500-Series module for the long- established, API-developed 500-Series modular analogue audio equipment format with space-saving enclosure-mounted ease of use in an age where studio-level sound quality has effectively been brought increasingly into the comfortable confines of home has come to make more sense as more people moved towards recording at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Put it this way: while TK Audio’s new M\/S Blender 500 comes into its own when working at home and away, the company concerned clearly knows a thing or two about designing 500-Series modules, having already released a mono compressor (T-Komp 500), a stereo bus compressor (BC501), and a dual mono EQ (TK-lizer 500) — the latter being a Technical Achievement Nominee in the Signal Processing Hardware (500 Series Modules) category at the 32nd NAMM TEC Awards, as well as several discontinued devices.
As a multi-functional parallel processing tool formed from a dual Mono Blender, a stereo blender, and an M/S encoder/decoder, M\/S Blender 500 flexibly acts as two individual mono blenders while working in standard mode. Alternatively, activating the Link function results in the L/M Blend knob controlling both channels to make blending stereo signals easier. Meanwhile, M/S mode encodes the (Out) left-right sends into mid/side sends and decodes the (In) returns back to the left/right — before the blend control(s). Both blend controls use potentiometers with 41 clickable positions, ranging from fully Dry to fully Wet. With Cue switchable functionality also provided, users can freely monitor the left, right, mid, or side signal — albeit M/S mode needs to be activated to cue the mid or side signal — which will be sent to both outputs. On top of that, M\/S Blender 500 can also be used as an M/S encoder/decoder for any inserted processor(s). It is not necessary to use a stereo processor for M/S processing, however, since separate units can be used for mid and side processing and the processed signal can be blended back with the dry signal regardless.
Moreover, M\/S Blender 500 users can process the mid and side signals separately when working with it in M/S mode, helping them to achieve a more focused midrange and add some ‘air’ to the side signal, and altering the side signal level means that they can control the width of a mix. After all, this is what parallel processing is all about. And now it is perfectly possible to achieve all this with studio-level sound quality at home (and away), thanks to TK Audio’s latest high-quality handcrafted 500-Series module, mounted for ease of use in a space-saving enclosure, ideally alongside any of the company’s other 500-Series modules — award nominated or otherwise.
D’Aneglico Guitars has unveiled their latest additions to the Excel Series: The DC XT and the SS XT – two brand new semi-hollow electrics that blend vintage aesthetics with sumptuous quilted tops.
These two new offerings both feature throwback scroll-style headstocks and the aforementioned luxurious laminated Quilt Maple tops, as well as Seymour Duncan 59’ humbuckers. Each model also has push/pull coil-splitting tone knobs to offer further versatility.
The DC XT hosts a double cutaway body, with the SS XT as a single cutaway. Both models offer similar workings with dual action truss rods and three way selector switches, yet the SS XT offers a slightly longer scale at 25”, with the DC XT coming in just short at 24.75”.
They both come with a classic Rosewood fretboard with split-block pearl inlays, and a set neck. A rich, gold finish sets off the guitars’ vintage glam appeal on the tuning pegs and pickups, like many of D’Angelico’s Excel models.
These new Excel offerings are ideal for those on the look out for a guitar that can offer that vintage aesthetic and warm voice, with cool cleans that can be amped up to unlock that Americana and Blues kick with a drive pedal.
The DC XT is available for $1999.99 and the SS XT for $2099.99.
Godin has launched the RG-4 Ultra Carbon White RN, the latest addition to its high-quality Bass lineup.
The RG-4 Ultra, which is made entirely in Canada, has a Chambered Canadian Laurentian Basswood body, Hard Rock Maple neck, Rosewood fingerboard, and an ebony bridge.
Featuring passive Seymour Duncan magnetics with volume and tone controls, the RG-4 comes fitted with a set of LR Baggs HEX saddles with a custom ergonomic pre-amp to control the acoustic volume, treble, mid, bass and saturation along with a ‘fat-switch’ for mid-low boost and presence.
The bass also features two separate ‘acoustic/ electric’ output jacks as well as a combined ‘mix’ output, allowing players to create multiple bass textures.
Gibson describes the bass as “ultimately versatile”, and says that the RG-4 can go from classic electric to authentic acoustic bass sounds in an instant — making it two-basses-in-one. Definitely a solid choice for anyone finding it hard to pick just one bass.
As of now, the RG-4 is only available in a modest semi-gloss Carbon White finish, so fans of whackier colours and designs will have to look elsewhere.
Based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Godin Guitars was established in 1974 and consists of the following brands: Godin Electric, Acoustic & Nylon; Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Norman, and Art & Lutherie.
The Vienna Symphonic Library released Synchron Molzer Organ, a virtual representation of a historic salon organ recorded on Stage A of Synchron Stage Vienna. It comes with Vienna's proprietary sample engine and a user interface tailor-made for organ playing, the Vienna Organ Player. Here's what they are saying:
It is the first time that a historic salon organ was sampled on a scoring stage, enabling it to blend seamlessly with small or large orchestras playing in the same room. Though much smaller than a typical pipe organ, the venerable salon organ is no less blessed with a range of dynamics and colors, capable of both majestic fanfares and quiet reflections. The exceptional acoustics of Synchron Stage's large hall lend a special transparency to the organ, making it suitable for a variety of styles, from intimate chamber music to large orchestral works and to church music. Using the Synchron Organ Player's plentiful mixer presets, it can also be used as a solo instrument in all kinds of acoustic environments.
The multiplex organ with 25 stops was built by Ferdinand Molzer in 1938 who at the time was professor of organ building at the University of Music in Vienna. It features two manuals and a pedal board, and three rows of flue pipes: principal, flutes, and strings. Its 267 pipes made of wood, zinc and organ metal alloy range from 10 mm (0.39in) to 2.5 meters (8.2ft) in length.
The Molzer Organ also offers a regular feature of a romantic organ: a crescendo-roller (or roll-sweller) that enables the player to create seamless crescendos from pianissimo to tutti and back by adding or removing registers. Additionally, the organ features four fixed combinations (piano, mezzoforte, forte, tutti) that were masterfully restored and fine-tuned by Austrian organ builder Franz Eisenhut.
For many years the Molzer Organ belonged to pianist and organist Prof. Leopold Marksteiner and was housed in his apartment at Palais Cavriani in Vienna's first district. Notably, he was the organ teacher of Austrian novelist and playwright, Nobel Prize winner Elfriede Jelinek. The Molzer Organ is now part of the Collection of Historic Musical Instruments at Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna.
Vienna's proprietary organ player virtual instrument is designed for flexibility and options. It lets users easily manage the manuals and pedal of the organ so that the different stops are conveniently accessible to create registrations. What's more, the Vienna Organ Player is multi-timbral so one can address the manuals and pedal via dedicated MIDI channels.
Mixer Presets such as Close, Classic, Wide, Church, Leslie, Rock Organ and more make it easy to dial in a variety of sounds, which can also serve as a convenient starting point for the user's own sonic creations.
A note on performance: The number of used stops and microphone positions can add up to a very high voice count that is likely to overload the CPU. VSL recommends using the preconfigured "Room Mix" presets for live playing and recording into the DAW, and using more microphone signals for rendering an audio track.
Price: $82 for the Standard Library (reg. $104), and $158 for the Full Library (reg. $191). The difference between the Standard Library and the Full Library is the number of available microphone positions.
Blue Cat Audio has released a free update for Blue Cat's Plug'n Script, its audio and MIDI scripting software that can be programmed to create your own effects or virtual instruments inside most Digital Audio Workstations (DAW).
This new version of the plug-in officially adds support for Apple M1 processors (was available as a preview), and brings many new MIDI and audio I/O features as well as many other improvements and fixes (full change list below).
New in Blue Cat's Plug'n Script 3.32:
Single Installer on Mac (all plug-ins formats).
Full Apple Silicon (M1 processor) support.
New "network slave" mode to run as an audio/MIDI processing server for the Connector plug-in.
Windows: ASIO Control panel can now be launched from the audio settings window in the application.
Audio engine can now be restarted from the audio settings window in the application.
Dropped 32-bit support on Mac.
Now requires MacOS 10.9 and newer.
Improved MIDI events timing precision in the application.
Added MIDI tap tempo support for standalone application.
Standalone application can now send MIDI events to external devices.
Select individual MIDI I/O in standalone application.
In most plug-in formats, internal audio I/O configuration can now be selected regardless of the configuration defined by the host.
Improved MIDI & automation control settings with lock, reset and "save as global setting" capabilities.
The plug-in and app can now send MIDI events back to a control surface when MIDI-enabled parameters are modified in the user interface.
It is now possible to export plug-ins with an unlimited number of parameters.
The user interface does not throw errors anymore when using more than 48 input parameters in a script (they are simply not displayed).
Fixed latency compensation changes not always picked up by host applications.
VST3: fixed random crash in Ableton Live 11 upon load.
VST3: fixed parameters update issues in Studio One when bouncing tracks.
Windows: fixed an issue with Unicode window titles.
MacOS: fixed export window colors in dark mode.
MacOS: fixed plug-in editor positioning issues in some hosts with some particular zoom values.
System requirements:
-
Intel or M1 Mac running Mac OS 10.9 or newer.
-
PC running Windows Vista or newer.
Pricing:
Blue Cat's Plug'n Script: 79 EUR or $79 (instead of 99 EUR or $99), until July 23rd. The update is free for registered V3 customers and can be downloaded from the same location as the original full version (link received by email upon purchase). A special re-introduction price (20% off) is available to new customers until July 23rd, while other existing customers will receive an offer by email.
Cherry Audio and MRB announce the release of Rackmode Modules for Voltage Modular, a set of effects, oscillators, and filters inspired by a classic line of analog rack-mounted signal processors from the 1970s and '80s. Rackmode Modules are nine new modules exclusively for the Voltage Modular platform based on Cherry Audio's Rackmode Signal Processors plugins released earlier this year.
The Rackmode components have been adapted to the modular workflow and maintain the look and heritage of the rack-mounted enclosures. Pioneering synth designer Mark Barton's (MRB) proprietary DSP coding reproduces the sonic nuance based on the original rack-mounted hardware.
Redesigned for Voltage Modular, these new modules extend the capabilities of Cherry Audio's Rackmode Signal Processors. Most modules are available individually or as the Rackmode Modules Collection for a special introductory price of $69 for the complete bundle (regularly $99). A 50% discount is available for customers who previously purchased the Rackmode Signal Processors VST bundle.
AudioThing has updated Wires, a soviet wire recorder emulation, to v1.2.
Changelog:
Added: CLAP plugin format (beta).
Added: Oversampler up to 16x.
Added: macOS 12 Monterey support.
Improved: CPU and memory usage.
Improved: Graphics and labels.
Fixed: Echo Level pre/post behaviour.
Fixed: Popups not opening correctly with multiple instances in Logic Pro.
Fixed: Compatibility with OS X 10.10 Yosemite.
Price: Wires is available for $35 ($59) until July 1st.
Ultimate MIDI Plugin has updated UChord (Ultimate Chord Engine), a VST plug-in for chord progression based on chord table and rhythm editor, to version 1.4.5.
Updates:
Combination of UI & MIDI keyboard input (MIDI processing improvements).
Added selection option for all ranges of rhythm lengths.
Combination of UI & MIDI keyboard input:
Regardless of the trigger order of UI and MIDI keyboard, chord notes are not mixed, and the last triggered chord is played.
The last triggered chord is not interrupted by the release of previously triggered UI & Keyboard inputs.
If you play a chord pad with your keyboard and play chords in the chord table with the mouse, it is useful to find chords suitable for chord progression.
UChord is currently available for $15 ($49)
HoRNet releases AnalogStage MK2. HoRNet AnalogStage MK2 is a console emulation plugin that re-creates those sound characteristics usually associated with analog gear (saturation, hiss, non linear frequency response, etc.). Here's what they say:
AnalogStage simulates the response of three different types of analog technology: operational amplifiers (the cleanest and more modern technology), transistor (the discrete transistor designs were popular in the 70s and have some fat saturation) and tube (the dynamic and smooth saturation of the past) both Transistor and Tube modes includes an advanced transformer emulation since that component is an integral part of the sound of that era.
It provides parameter linking across all instances or groups, automatic gain adjustment and intelligent oversampling. It also adds an high pass and a low pass filter, adjustable hiss level and a fully vectorial resizable user interface.
Features:
Three different types of emulation: op.amp., transistor and tube.
Parameter changes can be send to incenses on the same group or globally.
Age control simulates the aging of the analog device changing saturation and frequency response.
Adjustable input gain from -20dB to +20dB.
"Mic" mode for an additional +20dB boost to create heavy distortions.
Stereo VU meter calibrated to -18 dBFS.
Adjustable automatic gain technology.
Separate saturation and hiss controls.
Saturation amount and hiss freely adjustable.
6 dB/octave high pass and low pass filters.
Phase reversal button.
Analog component tolerance emulation.
Intelligent oversampling that allows the plugin to always work internally at 192kHz.
Vectorial user interface which is sharp on every resolution.
Freely resizable user interface.
Apple Silicon M1 support.
macOS (10.11 and later) and Windows (Vista and later) support.
64-bit on Mac and Windows.
Audio Units, VST, VST3 and AAX format.
Price: 19.99 EUR.
Sonnet Technologies today announced the Sonnet M.2 2x4 Low-Profile PCIe Card, the latest offering in the company's popular family of high-performance storage adapter cards that enable the installation of multiple SSDs into a computer's or Thunderbolt expansion system's PCIe card slot. The low-profile, half-length PCIe 3.0 card features two M-keyed NVMe M.2 SSD slots that support the installation of M.2 form factor NVMe PCIe SSDs.
Here's what they are saying:
What It Does:
The Sonnet M.2 2x4 Low-Profile PCIe Card enables users to mount two M.2 NVMe 2280 PCIe SSDs (sold separately) into almost any expansion card space with an available x8 or x16 PCIe card slot; using today's highest-capacity SSDs, up to 16TB of storage capacity may be installed. RAID 0, RAID 1, and JBOD configurations are supported, providing users with flexibility in configuring the SSDs for best performance or data safety, or both.
Why It's Important:
For users who need to add internal storage to their computer and require ultra-high-speed data transfer speeds for a smooth workflow — such as video editors working with 6K and greater resolution footage — an NVMe M.2 SSD-based upgrade is ideal. Many computers do not include slots to support installing M.2 SSDs directly but do include PCIe expansion card slots. With Sonnet's M.2 2x4 Low-Profile PCIe Card installed, a user can mount two SSDs in a single PCIe slot — with no cables, adapters, or mounting trays required — for instant-access media storage or as a high-performance scratch disk. For users whose computers lack PCIe card slots — such as notebooks, mini, and all-in-one desktops — but include Thunderbolt ports, installing the Sonnet card into one of Sonnet's multi-slot Echo Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion systems connects the M.2 2x4 card's dual SSD slots through a single cable.
How It's Distinctive:
Compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems, The Sonnet M.2 2x4 Low-Profile PCIe Card requires only a low-profile card space and includes both full-height and low-profile PCIe brackets — so it is ideal for use in most any desktop tower, mini workstation or server computer, or Thunderbolt to PCIe card expansion system with an available x8 or x16 PCIe slot. Because the Sonnet card employs a high-performance 16-lane PCIe 3.0 bridge chip, it doesn't require specific SSDs or a particular motherboard to operate, nor PCIe bifurcation to support RAID features. Installed in a computer's PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 card slot, the Sonnet card supports outstanding storage performance — a single SSD installed on the card can deliver data transfers up to 3,400 MB/s — with two SSDs installed and configured as a RAID 0 set, sustained transfers up to 6,600 MB/s are supported. To support their sustained high performance, the card's integrated heatsink silently cools SSDs to eliminate the need for them to "thermal throttle" — an SSD protection feature that prevents overheating by choking performance until they cool down.
When You Can Get It:
The Sonnet M.2 2x4 Low-Profile PCIe Card (part number FUS-SSD-2x4-E3S) will be available the last week of June from Sonnet and soon after from channel partners worldwide at the suggested retail price of $199.99.
UnitedPlugins have updated their Electrum and Bassment amp simulation solutions for both electric guitar and bass.
The new versions of Electrum (1.7) and Bassment (1.2) have received numerous internal compatibility and performance improvements.
The Electrum license now also automatically unlocks Electrum Core (its lite and affordable version) so the users can use both full and simplified version (to combine with other guitar effects) in their projects. The same will apply for Bassment once the Bassment Core version is released soon.
Gibson has unveiled the latest addition to the brand’s Dave Mustaine Collection, the Flying V EXP Rust in Peace signature model, which pays tribute to Medadeth’s seminal album Rust in Peace.
The product of a collaboration between Gibson luthiers and Dave Mustaine, the Flying V EXP RIP is said to deliver the “powerful, heavy sound and exceptional playing performance” that the Megadeth frontman demands both on the stage and in the studio.
Arriving in a stunning Alien Tech Green finish, the guitar features a mahogany V style body, 25.5” scale mahogany neck, an ebony fretboard with a compound radius and 24 medium jumbo frets.
Unlike the classic Flying V, the Flying V EXP RIP doesn’t sport an arrowhead headstock, instead opting for the ‘hockey stick’ design more commonly associated with the Explorer. The peghead itself is equipped with Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners with kidney buttons, while at the other end we have a Tune-o-matic bridge, as well as a stop tailpiece in black chrome finish.
In terms of electronics, a set of Mustaine’s signature Seymour Duncan Thrash Factor pickups have been installed, and are controlled by two volume knobs and a master tone knob.
Developed along with Seymour Duncan during the recording of 1990’s Rust In Peace, the Dave Mustaine Thrash Factor high output passive humbucker is known to produce a tight low-end response, slightly scooped mids and aggressive highs, perfect for those looking to nail the classic Megadeth sound.
Additional features include a two-tone green/pearloid Rust In Peace diamond inlays, an Explorer-style headstock, and a Mustaine signature on the truss rod cover to complete the look. Each purchase also comes with a custom hardshell case along with a Dave Mustaine signature Richter strap and Dunlop strap lock buttons.
Priced at $2,999, the Flying V EXP Rust in Peace model is now up for sale on Gibson.com.
Ueberschall just released Flugelhorn 2, the newest addition to the Instrument Series for Elastik.
Here is what they say about it:
When it comes to solo brass, only the real thing can deliver the full expression and authentic character of the instrument. With its fatter, darker tone, in the hands of a skilled player, the Flugelhorn can bring a mellow and airy timbre full of character to almost any musical project. Flugelhorn 2 is part of the Elastik Instrument Series and features the outstanding playing of Axel Beineke. The sound and playing in Flugelhorn 2 capture the instruments character to perfection, creating a sophisticated, late-night, intimate mood.
With over 1.4 GB of sample data, the nearly 700 loops and phrases are arranged into 43 performance folders. Each folder contains between 12 and 21 individual phrases that can easily be combined to create a full solo performance. The playing is soft, breezy and light and the sound is deep, breathy and expressive. The original recording tempos span 60 to 90 BPM. Elastik's tempo manipulation tools allow you to easily fit the sample content into your project tempo, while the ReTune feature allow you to add further melodic variations if required or to combine phrases from different folders.
The sound and style is reminiscent of Jazz Flugelhorn maestro Till Brönner and these soulful lead lines would work well for RnB, Soul, LoFi, Lounge and, of course, Jazz. Flugelhorn 2 complements other releases from the Instrument Series like Acoustic Bass 2, Downtempo Guitar or Tenor Saxophone.
Flugelhorn was played by Axel Beineke whose credits include Al Porcino Big Band, Albert Mangelsdorff, Connexion Latina, Charly Antolini, NDR-Big Band, Herb Geller, Roger Cicero and many more.
The Elastik player allows you to adapt any loop to your current project in BPM, scale and pitch. The intuitive browser manages all Elastik libraries for immediate access to all samples. This way, loops from Flugelhorn 2 can be combined easily with all installed Elastik libraries. Functions such as resample, formant and reverse as well as an effective multi mode filter enable creative sounddesign.
Flugelhorn is available for €49.00 from Ueberschall.
Steinberg has announced the update of Backbone 1.5, the latest version of its unique drum re-synthesizer plugin. This key feature in this new version being DrumGAN. This is a recent development by Sony Computer Science Laboratories (Sony CSL) that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make unique drum samples.
Backbone is a percussion and drum design instrument that lets you make complex drum sounds for any style of music in new ways. Users start by putting up to eight samples on top of each other. These samples can be broken up into separate tonal or noise elements. The individual layers can also be put back together using tools that are easy to find and use through the user interface.
By adding DrumGAN, Backbone 1.5 now lets you to generate sounds through the use of artifical intelligence and neural networks. Generative Adversarial Networks are used by DrumGAN to create new drum sounds with just a few smart parameters. Similar versions can also be made by looking at samples that already exist in your library. With this new AI-driven technology, Backbone users can now take their sounds into uncharted territory and make a wide range of signature sounds that have never been heard before.
Senior Marketing Manager Florian Haack says:
The cooperation between Sony CSL and Steinberg is a great example of how AI can be used in music production to drive creativity while making everything easier. The ability to generate new samples with DrumGAN for kicks, snare or cymbals, or analyze existing samples and further re-synthesize and reassemble the components gives producers unprecedented flexibility to design new sounds. And, thanks to the user-friendly interface, Backbone users can now harness this new AI-powered technology in a straightforward way.
Backbone is available through the Steinberg Online Shop for 149 euros or 149.99 US dollars. With the release of version 1.5, Backbone is currently available at a 40% special offer discount until the end of July 2022. The update to version 1.5 is free for users who already purchased Backbone.
Klevgränd has announced the release of Fosfat – Transient Fertilizer, which enriches percussive sounds by following the dynamics of the incoming signals and adding tonal and noise textures to it.
In addition to the obvious option of using multiple instances of Fosfat across your drum tracks, the possibility to precisely dial in its trigger lets you pinpoint any frequency area or transient of choice in recordings of whole drum kits or any drum loop sample, thus giving a very efficient and musical way of enhancing specific parts.
Features
• Multiple audio-visualizations makes dialing in accurate settings very easy
• Controls for trigger frequency and width respectively
• Floor lets you ignore potential weak signal debris
• Sine wave oscillator with optional pitch drop
• Noise with adjustable stereo width
• Attack and release
• Low cut and high cut filters
• 4 instances of volume control.
Fosfat is available from Klevgränd for both Mac and Windows as a AU, VST or AAX plugin for an introductory price of $23.99 ($39.99) and the iPad version (AUv3/Standalone) is available for $8.99 ($14.99) until July 11, 2022.
Waves Audio has announced Waves V14, the latest version of Waves plugins. Waves V14 enables faster load time, new Trim & Mix knobs in Waves' most popular compressors, and quick new preset workflows, boosting creativity and keeping plugins future-proofed and up-to-date.
With V14, Waves users can now control and fine-tune dynamics faster than ever, with brand new trim and mix knobs added to Waves' most popular compressors: the API 2500, the CLA-2A, CLA-3A and CLA-76 Compressor/Limiters, the Renaissance Compressor and the SSL-G Master Buss Compressor. These new features allow users to stay creative, quickly balancing volume and creating parallel compressions in seconds, directly from the plugins.
V14 offers faster loading times for plugins, presets and sessions in your DAW and enhanced quick drag-and-drop preset workflow.
V14 also features new ultra-sharp HiDPI graphics for select Waves plugins: Abbey Road TG Mastering Chain, API Collection, the CLA-76, CLA-2A, CLA-3A Compressor/Limiters, the F6 Floating-Band Dynamic EQ, OVox Vocal ReSynthesis and PuigTec EQs.
Also, V14 includes a new standalone application to the CR8 Creative Sampler, allowing users to shape, manipulate and play samples without a DAW.
Updating plugins to V14 helps future-proof sessions and ensure that Waves plugins will remain fully compatible with the latest operating system and DAW versions. This way, users can stop worrying about technical details and focus their attention on what matters most – their creative workflow.
To update to V14, Waves plugins need to be covered by the Waves Update Plan, the complete care and support plan for Waves products. The Waves Update Plan comes free for one year with every new Waves plugin or bundle purchase and is renewable at any time afterwards.
Owners of products covered by the Waves Update Plan also get:
Second licenses for any covered products, for the duration of their coverage; second licenses can be used on a different computer, without having to move licenses back and forth between devices.
Premium tech support, including phone, email & personal remote assistance via TeamViewer.
Exclusive free access to the studios of GRAMMY -winning producers and engineers, as they show their methods and techniques with Waves Premium Masterclasses.
They say:
Waves Audio dedicates significant effort and software development resources, in order to ensure that the plugins that users have invested in, whether recently or years ago, will remain compatible with all the latest major DAWs and operating systems. V14 is the latest in Waves' ongoing updates, allowing producers, musicians and engineers to continuously focus on creating the best music and audio they possibly can, now and in the future.
The JUCE Team has announced the release of JUCE 7. In addition to improved graphics and accessibility, JUCE now supports the Audio Random Access SDK (ARA) and the LV2 plug-in format, enabling more sophisticated audio processing workflows and access to additional platforms and communities.
Tom Poole, Director of JUCE states.
JUCE 7 brings substantial improvements to where and how you can process audio, with the Audio Random Access SDK, LV2 support, and a MIDI 2.0 API adding to JUCE's core capabilities as an audio processing framework. Of course great audio software is rarely about the audio in isolation, and we have also improved our graphics backend so that drawing commands are synchronised with hardware refresh rates. This gives us full compatibility with modern devices and makes rendering GUIs more efficient in all cases. JUCE 7 will make your software better.
Below are the major improvements in more detail:
Audio Random Access (ARA) Support
Plug-ins and plug-in hosts built on top of JUCE can now use the Audio Random Access (ARA) SDK to access a much more powerful plug-in API. The ARA SDK augments the VST3 and Audio Unit interfaces to allow plug-ins to read audio samples from a DAW outside of the normal live audio time constraints, enabling the development of plug-ins like Celemony's Melodyne. Without being tied to individual realtime buffers plug-ins can operate more like sample editors, and the dynamic exchange of information like tempo and key provides a rich platform for building much more advanced audio effects.
LV2 Support
The addition of LV2 to JUCE's suite of plug-in formats widens the reach of JUCE-based plug-ins and hosts. It is now much easier to integrate JUCE into many open source projects and developers can access new audio platforms and communities.
macOS and iOS Graphical Rendering Improvements
On macOS and iOS there is a new asynchronous default rendering mode that moves much of the computational burden off the main application thread, resulting in faster and more responsive GUIs. There is also the option of enabling much more precise control over redrawn regions via a new Metal layer renderer, which can improve performance of particularly busy GUIs dramatically.
Hardware Synchronised Drawing
On Windows, macOS and iOS drawing events are now synchronised with hardware screen refreshes. The batching of graphical invalidation regions eases pressure on the main application thread and provides compatibility with the dynamic refresh rates provided by Apple's ProMotion displays. Display synchronised drawing prevents redundant computation and provides smoother animations.
Features that are scheduled for JUCE 7.1 are:
MIDI 2.0 Support: JUCE will provide developers with the tools needed to author and process MIDI 2.0 messages and communicate with the latest generation of MIDI devices.
More Accessibility Improvements: Building upon the feedback received following the release of accessibility support in JUCE 6 the team will be augmenting the offering with a new notification mechanism, support for additional screen readers, and more general usability improvements.
JUCE 7 retains the same pricing structure as JUCE 6, and JUCE 6 subscribers will be automatically upgraded to JUCE 7 at no additional cost. JUCE 4, 5 and 6 perpetual licence holders will be eligible for a 30% upgrade discount on any JUCE 7 perpetual licence purchases.
JUCE 5 subscribers must upgrade to a JUCE 7 subscription using their account dashboard.
The prices of the different tiers are available on the JUCE website and JUCE 7 itself is available now from the public repository or downloads page.
Fender has taken its first leap into metaverse experiences with the Stratoverse, a virtual experience crafted in partnership with Meta for Horizon Worlds.
The Stratoverse is one of two new ‘worlds’ Meta launched today at Cannes Lions, a global event for the advertising and creative communications industry. The other, MINIVerse, came in partnership with BMW Automative Group.
If you own a Meta Quest 2 headset, and are based in the US, Canada or the UK, you’ll be able to access both worlds on the Horizon Worlds VR platform.
Stratoverse is said to be a musical adventure that highlights a “co-play audio experience” in which players get to “create original riffs” together, and of course, explore a Stratocaster-shaped island.
The experience is also host to a virtual scavenger hunt, set in a playful world that nods to all-things guitar. Here’s Meta’s explainer on what to expect:
“People are invited to search the world together to find guitar chords, represented by sparkling coloured Fender picks. Once a pick is unlocked, it becomes available to anyone in the world back at the Riff Maker where it can be placed in one of the 18 spots in the Riff Maker to add their chord to the looping community riff.
Players can move the pick around within the riff, and also have the option to duplicate it or modify it by changing it from a major to a minor chord – or making it sharp or flat.”
On top of that, there will be easter eggs to discover, which guitarists should appreciate, including “air guitar zones” and “four special golden picks that unlock the ability to record your riff and additional planets to venture to on a flying Fender foot pedal to play back your music creations.”
This also isn’t Fender’s first foray into Web3 territory, as last month, new trademark filings suggested the guitar giant could looking to dip its toes into the world of NFTs.
MeldaProduction is introducing a collection of guitar amps and distortion pedals, describing MTurboAmp as "an amp simulation like no other".
Sure, there are many amp-simulating plugins in the market but none of them will give you as much freedom as our new MTurboAmp.
MeldaProduction
MTurboAmp contains 30 devices (guitar amplifier simulations and distortion pedals). This variety is multiplied by a massive number of presets available for each model. MTurboAmp can cover any style from clean jazz tunes to the hardest metal tones.
But MTurboAmp goes further than that. Access any model's insides and change the settings of any parameter. Your mouse is a virtual soldering iron. Change the EQs' base frequencies, ranges, and gains. And you can also create your own amps and distortion pedals from a scratch.
MTurboAmp is compatible with all current 64-bit systems (Windows and macOS) in VST2/3, AAX and AU formats. You can get the 15-days fully working trial version to see how it would match your guitar.
Please note you have to download the recent V16 beta version of Melda plugins to get the correct MTurboAmp version.
81% Intro Discount
The MTurboAmp price is set to €99 but you can get it for the intro price of €19 (81% discount) until the end of July, 2022.
MTurboAmp can be purchased separately or in one of the following bundles: MCompleteBundle, MTotalFXBundle and MCreativeFXBundle. If you already own any of these you can activate MTurboAmp as a free bundle upgrade.
50% Off MCabinet
An amp head or distortion pedal may not be enough for your guitar tone. No stack is complete without a proper cabinet. MTurboAmp is designed to be used with MeldaProduction's advanced cab simulation - MCabinet. They are dropping the price of MCabinet to €49 (50% off) for the duration of MTurboAmp intro period.
IrcamLab and Plugivery Distribution have announced that "The Snail" has been updated to version 1.4.0.
The Snail is a very high-precision frequency-domain analyzer that delivers an easy to understand representation of sounds based on the scales and notes aligned in spectrally active zones. Available as a Standalone application for Mac and Windows OS, and AAX, AU and VST3 plug-in.
New Features:
Apple Silicon: native compatibility for app and plugins (Mac).
Enhancements:
Framework and authorization lib.
Meter improvement.
Bug Fixes:
Logic Audio: AU validation could fail (Mac).
Luminosity slider value was not taken into account immediately in Sonagram mode.
Version number was incorrect in About box (Windows).
Desktop shortcut creation was unreliable (Windows).
The Snail is currently on offer at $39 until July 6th, 2022
MusicDevelopments has updated RapidComposer to version 4.4. This major update features the new MIDI Mutator, a new rhythm generator for modern genres, phrase auto-regeneration and other improvements. The update is free for all owners.
Improvements:
MIDI Mutator tab added for manipulating MIDI files (change rhythm, timing, accents, chords, voicings, pitches of loaded MIDI files).
Auto-regeneration options added for phrase generators: change the rhythm and/or notes at the end of loop or on stopping playback.
New rhythm generator: 'Modern Irregular Rhythm' suitable for modern genres.
New chord suggestion that looks up chords with the same bass note: Bass pedal tone chords.
New chord suggestion that looks up chords with the specified melody note: Melody pedal tone chords.
'Scale Degrees' received a note filter where you can filter the displayed chords by notes (e.g. when using a melody pedal tone).
Optimized phrase rendering and MIDI import (chord detection is many times faster).
Smoother horizontal zooming.
Splash screen shown during initialization.
UI option to use color buttons (can be customized or turned off entirely).
Small UI cleanup in Quick Suggestions.
RapidComposer can be ordered with 40% discount until June 26, 2022, during the Summer Sale.
Woodman's Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio has released v2.4 of its WoodSynth multi-layer MPE synthesizer both on iOS and MacOS.
The MacOS VST plugin now fully supports NI (Native Instruments) NKS integration.
New features are:
NI NKS integration in Komplete Kontrol and Machine (MacOS VST only):
WoodSynth appears in the NKS browser.
All factory presets can be set from the NKS browser.
All factory presets have a "preview" sound fragment, heard when scrolling with the NKS browser.
NKS keyboard rotaries are mapped to common WoodSynth controls.
NKS keyboard LEDs are used to indicate the current layer and split keyboard usage. .
Added Notch Filter type.
Added Slice Start modulation to LFO1 and LFO2 (see preset "Dancing on Slice").
Added Slice Start to Sequencer PAR2 (see preset "Slicequencer").
OSC3 phase modulation now done by the samples (was by OSC1).
Added velocity to Slice Start.
Added velocity to Filter Attack time (velocity 100% -> Attack Time = 0).
BPM DAW button now default on.
Now supports the 7.1.4 3D track format (12 channels) in Logic Pro (MacOS, AU).
Added channel presets for the 5.1.4 and 7.1.4 3D track formats in Logic Pro (MacOS, AU).
Fix: touch bar now also working when MIDI channel set > 0 in layer.
Fixed velocity and pressure in Filter Up/Down when Filter/Voice is switched off.
Added presets:
After The Tornado (bass, used live by The Radar Station).
Dancing on Slice (bass, demo of LFO1 slice start modulation).
I Moan (bass, used live by The Radar Station).
POY (Pictures Of You, bass, used live by The Radar Station).
Slicequencer (bass, demo of Sequencer PAR2 modulating slice start).
Warm Brass (lead, uses keyboard velocity).
4 Seasons, 1 Note (pad, the 4 layer sounds are played by the same note).
Cinematic Pad (pad, very slow attack, PM modulation).
Woodulator (delay, pitch) and WoodScaper (Wah, Chorus, Phaser, Tremolo) effects plugins now also support Native Instruments NKS:
The effects will appear in the NKS browser in Komplete Kontrol, Machine and the NI keyboards.
All effect presets can be selected from the NKS browsers.
All NI keyboard rotaries are pre-mapped to familiar and most important effect controls.
Tone2 has updated the free minimalist host application NanoHost to v1.2.2. It is suitable for live-performance, testing, jam-sessions and sound-design. Furthermore, it can act as a wrapper which converts VST-synthesizers into standalone applications.
New in v1.2.2:
You can display a keyboard with Config->'Show keyboard'.
With Config->'Zoom interface' you can zoom the interface of all(.) VST plugins to the largest possible size - even those who do not come with a re-sizeable GUI.
The executables are code-signed with a Microsoft-approved certificate.
MSVC100.dll is not longer necessary to run the software.
Many small enhancements.
Features:
It is free, requires no registration and you are allowed to share it with your friends.
It requires no installation. You can run it directly from a USB-stick or CD.
There is no plugin-scanning required since a plugin can be loaded directly - no matter where it is located on the hard-disc.
Because of low-level code-optimization it offers highest performance and can operate with lower latency than conventional hosts.
The GUI refreshes with a very high frame-rate (120 Hz). That's why you will experience smoother animations and graphics than with other hosts.
NanoHost itself requires nearly no space on the screen. As a result there is more space available for the interface of the VST-plugins.
The software is tiny. It requires no hard-disc space and is loading extremely fast.
Unlike conventional hosts the soundcard settings can be configured individually for every single plugin. This allows you to achieve the best possible performance for your VSTs.
NanoHost is very easy to use and offers context-sensitive help.
Orchestral Tools have released Khosso, the latest in their line of creative soundpacks for SINE Player.
Khosso features organic character percussion, both pitched and unpitched, with a raspy, reedy edge and was inspired by the natural distortion of the balafon.
The result is an array of gentle and unusual percussion. Balafon, dholak, and gamelan line up alongside prepared drums and cymbals, plus a supporting cast of processed patches.
Features:
6 single instruments.
Up to 15 articulations, 3 mic positions.
Processed: 4 pads, 5 plucks, 1 bass, 3 percussion.
Khosso is available on intro offer for €29.00
Thenatan has released Bells, an easy-to-use multi-layer instrument for creating bells.
Here's what they say:
Creating trap bells requires an understanding and incorporation of multiple instruments. We can tell you now that your worries have come to an end because we have developed the first and the last bells VST for you and now, it's time to say goodbye to sample chopping and boring old sample libraries and be ready to create your best music to date.
We at Thenatan are proud to introduce you to the Bells, an easy-to-use but extremely powerful instrument that can be programmed and tweaked quickly, almost effortlessly leveraging its maximum potential. Now it's up to you how deep you go.
Ideal for Trap / ChillHop / HopHop / Lofi and any modern genre...
Intro Price: $20 (Reg $79.50) until July 15th, 2022, at thenatan.store
Foxgear Group recently launched the Baroni compact AFK150: a pedal-sized hybrid, Class D guitar amplifier, delivering a true 150W rms via 4 Ohm cabinet. Featuring a dual channel tube Preamp section with a hi-voltage ECC82/12AX7 tube that enriches dynamics and harmonic content whilst producing a huge bottom-end response with the unmistakable warmth of all-tube amplifiers.
Italian pedal design specialists Foxgear, has earned respect from musicians around the world and is highly respected in the music industry for producing high-end, boutique pedals, many of which have been inspired by some of the most iconic devices in the history of music, whilst being upgraded with modern technology for improved reliability and performance.
Foxgear have produced some classic amps in their own right whilst also working with Class D amplifier designs since the mid 2000’s, hence, the latest challenge was to produce the finest sounding valve-driven Class D pedal amp that, with confidence, the user will be hard pressed to hear any difference between the BARONI AFK150 in an A/B test with a classic tube head.
The CLEAN channel itself, is designed to recreate the warmth and brilliance of vintage amps of the ‘blackface’ era, and it’s the perfect companion to your pedalboard.
The DRIVE Channel alone, is designed after our award-winning GURUS Doubledecker mkII preamp pedal, which recreates the classic sound of vintage British stack amps, from edge to hi-gain distortion, it just growls when boosted by pedals.
With its robust, compact construction the BARONI AFK150 guitar pedal amplifier is highly portable, ready and waiting for you when you’re ready to record that killer guitar track in the studio with or without a speaker connected, or use our analogue CabSim, or go direct and apply your favourite cab sim software, or indeed, for an easy and quick set-up in a live stage environment.
Featuring individual tone stacks for each channel, the BARONI AFK150 offers immense versatility, and with separate Gain, Volume, Master Volume, Master Presence, Bass Middle and Treble controls, Line Out with Cab Simulation and series/parallel buffered FX Loop, there’s a complete palette of colours available to create your perfect sound.
Like all high quality products throughout the Foxgear catalogue, the BARONI AFK 150 has also been designed with aesthetics in mind, looking stunning as a Desktop, CabTop, or Pedalboard amplifier.
The BARONI AFK150 is meticulously hand-built with the finest components available, by a team of skilled craftsman in the company’s own self-contained, Chinese production facility and, with its solid steel chassis and classy wooden sides, this innovative pedal amp looks the part on any speaker cab, while the wooden sides are easily detachable for pedalboard mounting if required.
Whilst channel switching is via classic footswitch design, for changing channels when used as a desktop/cab-top unit, there’s a handy Remote Switching socket on the rear panel that will operate via any standard latching type footswitch.
The BARONI AFK 150 has been designed to simply focus on sound quality of the highest level, whilst incorporating the obvious advantages of a highly reliable, lightweight, compact, portable Hybrid Tube/Class D ‘solid state of the art’ guitar amplifier that combines the best of both worlds.
Price: FXAFK150 £549 rrp.
Features:
2 channels (Clean – Drive)
Remote switching
Line Out with or without Cab Sim (V30+sm57)
Serial/Parallel FX Loop switch
Ground/Lift switch
Separate full tone stack for each channel
Master and Presence
Two parallel Speakers Out
Bypass button
Power: 100-240VAC 50/60hz
Dimensions: 8,6”x 4,9”x 1,2” (22cm x 12cm x 3cm, (without wooden side assembled)
Type: 150W rms (@4 Ohm) Hybrid Tube/Class D, 2 channels Guitar Amplifier
The C.A.S.T. Introduction Bundle features all of the essential items you need to get your studio connected via Cranborne Audio’s proprietary cable management system, C.A.S.T. Featuring a central connectivity hub in the form of N8 as well as the N22 and N22H breakout boxes, the C.A.S.T. Intro Bundle is an entry-level into the world of C.A.S.T. and ships with two 10m Cat 6 cables and other accessories to get you started.
Audio Routing Made Easy
N8 is an advanced audio distribution hub that uses Cranborne Audio’s C.A.S.T. system to transform network cable (Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7) into 4-channel analogue snakes.
A single Cat 5 cable using C.A.S.T. can replace 4 XLR cables - providing better cable management, consistent sound quality, and easier deployment during mobile recording.
Using N8 and C.A.S.T., you can use standard network cables to distribute IO, headphone amps. mic preamps, and more around your studio with plug-and-play simplicity.
C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub
Featuring Input and Output connectors on DB25, N8 converts 8 analogue inputs and 8 analogue outputs to Cranborne Audio’s proprietary C.A.S.T. system.
With 4 dedicated C.A.S.T. ports, N8 allows up to 4 Cranborne Audio breakout boxes to be connected at once for 16 channels of audio routing with any audio interface, mixer, or audio installation.
The Heart Of C.A.S.T. | Our Audio-Over-Cat 5 System
N8 is an advanced audio distribution hub that uses Cranborne Audio’s C.A.S.T. system to transform network cable (Cat 5e, Cat 6, or Cat 7) into 4-channel analogue snakes and breakout boxes that can be routed around the studio or stage.
Set N8 in your control room and patch directly to the IO of your audio interface via DB25. N8 then converts analogue IO from the audio interface into 4 discrete C.A.S.T. connections that can be distributed to C.A.S.T. breakout boxes such as N22 and N22H in your studio or on the stage.
In a real-world example, a vocal booth created with XLRs, would require 2 XLR cables for microphones, 2 more XLR cables for a stereo monitor mix for the singer, and a headphone amp with power. And after that, unless you're handy with a soldering iron, you'll be left with trailing XLRs and no discrete box to patch to.
N8 and C.A.S.T. replaces all of that complexity with one networking cable and neat, compact breakout boxes over distances up to 100m (330ft).
Flexible Output Routing
With dedicated C.A.S.T. output routing switches on the front panel, each C.A.S.T. connection on N8 can send the same stereo signal to all connected C.A.S.T. devices or separate stereo signals to each if performers need to hear their own mix.
This is perfect for broadcast installations where all outputs need to hear the program mix or for studio recording where each output needs a separate mix.
Turn Any Space Into A Studio
C.A.S.T. is a high-quality and plug-and-play method of transporting audio from A to B with the least amount of cabling mess. Best of all, as networking cable is common-place in people’s homes, a whole studio re-wire with Cat 5e, Cat 6, Cat 7, and C.A.S.T. is cheaper than equivalent XLR looms and copper snakes. Even if you have existing shielded Cat 5 infrastructure in your home, N8 and C.A.S.T. can connect to that system and connect distant rooms with ease.
With a completely passive design, no power is required for full operation and C.A.S.T connectivity. N8 is rugged enough for the stage, small enough to hide in the rack, or rack-mountable with the optional Half-Rack Kit and it’s a cabling solution designed to transform your open space into a studio.
Key Features:
C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System
Completely passive operation
Fully-balanced, high-quality audio paths
8 Inputs and 8 outputs over DB25 (Tascam wiring) (sold separately)
C.A.S.T. IN A, B, C, and D ports on RH45 with 2 dedicated Input and output paths each
Compatible with any shielded Cat 5e/Cat 6/Cat 7 cable with distances up to 100m/330ft
Improved crosstalk performance with high-performance Cat 6 and Cat 7 (recommended)
Ruggedised metal enclosure
Compatible with all Cranborne Audio C.A.S.T.-enabled devices including N22, N22H, Camden EC1, and Camden EC2
Fully-support of 48v phantom power
Rack-mountable with optional Half Rack Kit (OBDRK001)
Included in C.A.S.T. Introduction Bundle:
N8 - C.A.S.T. Distribution Hub and Audio Over Cat 5 System
19” Rackmount Kit for N8
N22H - Reference-Grade Headphone Amplifier, Cat 5 Snake, and C.A.S.T. Breakout Box
N22H 9v power supply
N22 - Cat 5 Snake and C.A.S.T. Breakout Box
2x 10m Cat 6e Cable with custom Cranborne Audio Velcro cable ties
Cranborne Audio Stickers
Audeze, the leading audio technology brand and premium headphone manufacturer, today announces the first headphone in a new series of powerful audio tools aimed at creators and audio professionals, the Manny Marroquin Signature Series. The MM-500 is the first headphone to debut and was developed at Audeze with recently announced head of professional products Manny Marroquin. Based around core Audeze audio technologies and Marroquin’s years of industry experience, the Manny Marroquin Signature Series is designed to deliver uncompromising results for working professionals.
The MM-500 embodies Marroquin’s years of work with top recording artists and sets new standards for accuracy, reliability and comfort. The MM-500 is designed with performance along with reliability in mind and the versatility to work with a wide range of studio equipment. The MM-500 headphone provides studio-quality sound featuring Audeze’s 90MM planar magnetic drivers, and professional durability with carefully chosen premium materials and construction. MM-500 also features a new chassis design for comfort over long sessions. The MM-500 is built to perform both inside and outside the studio, with low impedance and high sensitivity that makes it easy to drive from any console, interface or laptop.
Audeze MM-500 Key Features:
Studio tested and refined by top recording artists at famous Larrabee Studios
Carefully tuned for accuracy across the entire frequency spectrum to deliver mixes that translate well
Audeze’s Uniforce™ diaphragms, Fazor™ waveguides and Fluxor™ Magnets provide incredible clarity with industry-leading low distortion, and high efficiency to perform well with a wide range of equipment
Durable, lightweight chassis with suspension headband and upgraded earpads for better bass response and comfortable use during long sessions
"Our work with Manny strives to create the most advanced, reliable, and comfortable tools for professionals" stated Audeze CEO Sankar Thiagasamudram. "The MM-500 delivers consistent performance that studio professionals can count on," he added.
"The MM-500’s are as vital in my studio as any other piece of equipment," stated Manny Marroquin. "Finally I can work on the balance between my 808’s/bass/kicks," he added.
Today Focal has announced an all-new, powerful “Sub12” subwoofer to add to its line with the Sub6 and Sub One subwoofer lineup. Focal Sub12 features a newly designed 13-inch woofer with a 600-watt power amp utilizing technology and features from their award-winning, flagship Trio11 powered monitors. The new Sub12 has a suggested retail price of $2599. USD and is set to be available at retailers in the US and Canada in Q3, 2022. In North America, Focal is distributed exclusively by Focal Naim America.
“Although our Sub6 and Sub One subwoofers are extremely popular and work in many studio systems, we now cover an even wider set of studio requirements including immersive recording and mastering setups with the new Sub12,” stated Vincent Moreuille, Head of Global Export Sales for Focal’s Professional Division. “With its exceptional efficiency and deep low-end impact, the Sub12 achieves a new level of low-frequency reproduction. And its variable control settings for low-pass, high-pass, and phase set a new precision-level for realizing the perfect studio sound.”
More Power and More Flexibility for More Studio Systems The Sub12 features a completely new 13-inch woofer with even more articulation and definition due to its efficient design offering a very deep low-end impact and incredibly low distortion. The BASH amplifier provides 600-watts of RMS power with a 1000-watt peak. The cabinet design features optimized bracing and reinforcement and a front-facing port based on the company’s Trio11 monitors but adds internal and external flares to reduce mechanical noise and distortion. As a convenience, large handles are built in on the sides of the cabinet to more easily move the 154-pound unit with two people. A complete host of bass management controls on the rear of the Sub12 allow an acoustician, room tuner, or studio owner to dial in the perfect low-end settings for any system setup: variable low-pass, high-pass, and phase. Rear controls also feature switches for polarity, +4dB or -10dB sensitivity, auto stand-by bypass, LFE input, and throughput. The Sub12 also features Focal’s single footswitch control input to truly bypass one or multiple daisy-chained Sub12 units.
The new Sub12 has a suggested retail price of $2599. USD and is set to be available at retailers in the US and Canada in Q3, 2022.
Moog Music announces Mavis: a powerful, low-cost ($349 USD), build-it-yourself semi-modular analog synthesizer that invites creatives to begin their journey into the Moog ecosystem or expand their existing synth setup. With the legendary Moog sound and quality, Mavis delivers serious value in the form of an affordable, compact musical machine. Now shipping worldwide.
A Complete Moog Analog Synthesizer for $349 USD
On its own, Mavis is an expressive and inspiring analog synthesizer with patchable modular utilities and unmistakable Moog sound and quality. When removed from its enclosure, the instrument becomes a 24-point CV-controllable module (44HP) ready to be installed into any Eurorack setup or Moog semi-modular system. Perfect for first-time users and established synthesists alike, Mavis’s semi-modular design and one-octave keyboard allow for immediate musical exploration without the need for additional equipment (except for a speaker or headphones).
Mavis mixes the familiar with the exotic, featuring Moog’s legendary oscillator and filter circuits alongside a diode wavefolder—the first analog wavefolder to appear on a Moog instrument. Combining traditional subtractive synthesis with additive wavefolding and oozing with personality, Mavis’s clever presentation of synthesis modules and utilities makes for intuitive, creative experimentation and musical connection.
Assembling this synthesizer kit by hand invites the user to get closer to the circuits at the heart of this unique musical machine. The connection made with an instrument while building it is something inherent to the nature of all Moog synthesizers, and it has been since the days of the large format modular systems. With Mavis, users of any skill level can quickly build their analog synthesizer with minimal tools and experience (no soldering required) by using all the components included in the instrument's carefully curated packaging. Once the instrument is built, the owner is guided on their journey with Mavis through a selection of patch books and educational materials that encourage creative patching and sound design.
Key Features
24-Point Patch Bay: Mavis is eager to play along with other voltage-controlled devices (especially with Moog’s other semi-modular instruments: Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Grandmother, Matriarch). Its useful collection of utilities and flexible control voltage routing allows for intricate dialogue between them.
Full Range Analog Oscillator: Mavis’s Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) with pulse-width modulation (PWM), waveform mixing, and mod source mixing delivers rich harmonic character and motion.
Voltage Controlled Filter: Sculpt your sound with the -24dB Moog Low Pass Ladder Filter, delivering the sonic power behind the distinct sounds of Moog basslines and leads.
Audio Rate LFO and 4-Stage Envelope Generator: Mavis uses crossfaders in its modulation routing instead of switches, allowing you to blend between a variable shape LFO and 4-stage envelope generator for interesting and unusual modulation contours.
Wavefolding and Modular Utilities: Mavis features Moog’s first-ever wavefolding circuit, allowing for additive synthesis to sit alongside traditional subtractive synthesis, unlocking sounds not heard from a Moog before. Mavis also features a broad modular utility section complete with attenuators, offsets, mults, and a flexible DC-coupled mixer providing the tools needed for creative patching and sound design.
Patchable Sample and Hold (S+H) Circuit: This circuit generates a random CV pattern that can be patched to modulate other parameters, including setting Mavis into a “random sequencing” mode of performance.
Protective Cover: Mavis includes a fitted protective cover for use during studio downtime or taking your instrument on the go.
Eastwood Guitars is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its collaboration with Warren Ellis with a feisty new tenor electric guitar that’s seriously stripped-back.
The Warren Ellis Ten Tenor is a four-string guitar, but takes minimalism to a new level with its controls: there are no knobs whatsoever. What you’re left with is an on-off switch to engage the single blade neck pickup, as well as a speedy kill-switch button.
“By taking volume and tone circuits out of the equation you get the sound from your fingers to your pedals/amp with zero interference,” says Eastwood, which says the result makes playing dynamics come alive, as you’ve only your own numbers to rely on.
In terms of construction, this compact Mustang-style has a solid alder body and a bolt-on maple neck with a modern-C shape. Its fretboard is rosewood with dot markers across its 21 medium jumbo frets.
The bridge is an adjustable Tele-style one, which should mean string-changes are easy and getting the right action is just an allen key away.
Coming in its own custom hardshell case, the Warren Ellis Ten Tenor electric guitar from Eastwood is priced at £840; it comes in Aubergine, Vintage White and Black.
Monocasual Laboratories has released version 0.22.0 of Giada, codename "Baccoo".
Giada 0.22.0 introduces multi-language support via langmaps, special JSON files that contain translation strings used for localization. And also: improved support for Vckpg, the C/C++ package manager by Microsoft and fixed many annoying bugs here and there.
Xhun Audio has announced the forthcoming release of KickBeat, a compact and easy to use bass drum synthesizer.
Here's what they say:
In order to produce a solid and deep sound, KickBeat makes use of genuine 16-bit integer precision digital synthesis techniques (widely used on late-90s hardware devices) together with an analogue modeled, transistor-based saturation circuit.
KickBeat will be the first entry of the new SnapLab collection by Xhun Audio: each one of the virtual devices in this lineup is specifically intended to have a very peculiar focus and scope, a simple, easy to use interface, and will be available at a fair and affordable price.
More information about both the SnapLab collection / lineup and KickBeat (including product images and a parameters walkthrough) will follow within the next few days.
KickBeat is expected to be released during the month of July, 2022.
Babylonwaves has released Art Conductor 8.2, a collection of over 9000 professionally built articulation switching templates available for Logic, Cubase, Digital Performer, Studio One and Cakewalk. The new update adds support for 20 new sample libraries bringing the total to over 600.
Additional content in Art Conductor 8.1 and 8.2:
VSL Big Bang Altair.
Spitfire Appassionata Strings.
Spitfire Thematic Trumpet.
Spitfire Heirloom.
Orchestral Tools Igudesman Solo Violin.
VSL Synchron Woodwinds additional Flute/Oboe/Bassoon/Clarinet.
Best Service Chris Hein Orchestral Libraries Updates with Snapshots.
Audio Imperia Chorus.
Synchron Percussion Module II + III.
Project SAM: Symphobia 2 2.0.
Audio Imperia Nucleus 1.2 Update.
VSL Fajara Flute.
Orchestral Tools Time Micro for Sine.
Orchestral Tools Time Macro for Sine.
Orchestral Tools Berlin Con Sordino Strings.
Orchestral Tools Opaline.
Orchestral Tools Whisper.
Orchestral Tools Umbra.
Orange Tree Evolution Django Jazz.
Orange Tree Evolution Rubber Bridge.
A full list of compatible libraries is available on the babylonwaves website.
Availability
Art Conductor is available for Cubase/Nuendo (as Expression Maps), Logic (as Articulation sets), Digital Performer (as Articulation Map), Studio One (as Sound Variation) and Cakewalk (as Articulation Maps). The templates are made for every platform with their specific features set in mind. They're not just converted.
Intro Price: 85.50 Euro (Reg. 118.90 Euro).
The Very Loud Indeed Co. has announced the release of Mobilis II: Hybrid Scoring Percussion, their new instrument for Native Instruments' Kontakt 6.7 sampler.
They say:
Mobilis II is the second installment in the Mobilis series. Like Mobilis, it is a Kontakt instrument envisioned with speed and power in mind. This instrument is about having a large number of simple but carefully crafted percussion loops and single hits that have been specifically designed to be stackable for maximum versatility, can be accessed instantly without interrupting your creative workflow and have been made extremely dynamic to adapt to almost any type of cinematic composition.
Mobilis II takes a more organic approach than Mobilis. We recorded a large amount of ethnic percussion instruments, and also incorporated many found sounds, specifically recorded for this instrument.
Introductory Price: $59 until July 8th, 2022 (Reg price: $79).
Soniccouture has announced the release of Sun Drums, a sister instrument to Moonkits focusing purely on sticks, not brushes, with the same studio, the same vintage desk and mics, the same softer, dynamic drumming style.
Featuring a huge collection of vintage and modern drums, Sun Drums is built with a modern, dry sound in mind - from classic breakbeats to booming hip-hop or just fat pop drums.
Features:
100+ Velocity Layers.
User Mapping.
Beat Tools.
100 Kits.
8GB Library.
Kontakt Player NKS.
Intro Offer: €/$120 until July 10th 2022 (30% off / Reg. €/$179).
Price as marked on website, no code required. This product will not be discounted further during 2022. Offer excludes other discount codes.
Crossgrade for Moonkits owners: €99 $99.
Roland has announced the Jupiter-4 Software Synthesizer, the latest addition to the Legendary instrument series available through Roland Cloud. Released in 1978, the Jupiter-4 was Roland's first polyphonic synthesizer and the first to carry the Jupiter name. With the Jupiter-4 Software Synthesizer, the authentic sound is now available as a computer-based plug-in and a PLUG-OUT for the SYSTEM-8 synthesizer keyboard.
Here's what they say:
Roland products with the Jupiter name represent the current pinnacle of the company's synthesizer development, a benchmark started over four decades ago with the Jupiter-4. In addition to incredible analog synthesis power, it brought then-revolutionary digital voltage control and the ability to store eight presets with technological wizardry dubbed "Compuphonic." But the Jupiter-4's real appeal was its warm, fat voice and inviting hands-on panel, which inspired synth pioneers to create the defining sounds of synth-pop, new wave, and other emerging styles of the late '70s and early '80s.
Roland's evolving Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology brings the Jupiter-4 to life through careful analysis of original hardware units, circuit diagrams, and other historical data. This information is then used to recreate the authentic circuit behaviors of the vintage instrument—including all the beloved quirks and instabilities—giving the Jupiter-4 Software Synthesizer a breathtakingly accurate sound that buzzes with unique character.
While the Jupiter-4 only has a single VCO, it sounds positively massive, thanks to the combined characteristics of its oscillator, filter, LFO section, and more. ACB brings all these elements together like the original hardware, capturing the behavior and component interactions to create sonic magic. Going further, powerful new Circuit Mod and Condition controls allow users to adjust the overall character to suit their taste.
The Jupiter-4 also includes enhanced features for modern workflows, including extended oscillator range, adjustable noise, velocity sensitivity, sub-oscillator volume control, and a flexible arpeggiator. In addition, phaser, flanger, overdrive, reverb, and delay effects are available to complement the lush Ensemble chorus effect from the original keyboard.
The plug-in flows easily into modern DAW environments with a resizable UI, support for VST3, AAX, and AU formats, and native compatibility with Apple silicon. It also offers full integration with the Roland SYSTEM-8 Synthesizer. Users can control the software plug-in from the keyboard's panel, and PLUG-OUT functionality turns the SYSTEM-8 into a standalone, eight-voice Jupiter-4 for stage and studio playing.
Availability & Pricing
The Jupiter-4 Software Synthesizer is the newest member of Roland's Legendary series on Roland Cloud, which includes plug-in versions of the JD-800, JUNO-60, Jupiter-8, TR-808, TR-909, and other Roland classics.
Users can select two Legendary titles with the Pro membership level for $99/year, or get full access to all titles with Ultimate membership for $199/year. All paid levels—including Core and Pro—start with a free 30-day trial of Ultimate, allowing users to try out the Jupiter-4 and other Ultimate instruments, effects, apps, and more. In addition, any Roland Account holder can purchase Lifetime Keys for individual Legendary series titles. This provides unlimited access for as long as their account is active, even if they don't have a Roland Cloud membership.
The Jupiter-4 is part of the Analog Polysynth Collection, a new Legendary series bundle that also includes the Jupiter-8, JUNO-60, JX-3P, and JUNO-106 software plug-ins. The bundle provides Lifetime Keys for all included products and offers a savings of nearly 40 percent over purchasing individual titles.
smaolab releases TarabiaMK2 Pro - Singular Morphing Overdrive/Distortion Plugin
17th June 2022
smaolab
smaolab has announced the release of Tarabia MKII Pro.
Tarabia MKII Pro version includes:
The Indian distortion algorithm Tarabia (singular overdrive/distortion).
Taratube (8x vacuum tubes in series).
TaraLead, extreme distortion plugin.
You can sculpt your sound thanks to features like:
A Morphing mode*.
An envelope follower.
An High Pass Filter.
A Sound Exciter.
A Pre-Compressor/Maximiser.
A 3-Band Equalizer.
High Definition Sound (oversampling x 8).
3 special clipping modes**:
Soft.
Medium.
Polynomial.
Intro Price: $19 (Reg. $27).
KeyPleezer has released LivingRoom Upright Piano, a vintage character upright piano library for Kontakt aimed at being an alternative to more pristine and perfect sounding pianos and intended to offer a very natural and realistic sound through slight dissonances and imperfections.
LivingRoom Upright Piano Complete Edition features 3 close microphone positions to give you a range of options in the stereo image and tone/response of the sound and is further enhanced by a fully featured mixer with adjustments for each acoustic effect for each mic position. String dampening / muting, mechanical key release sounds, piano body & string resonances, sustain pedal sound effects, advanced polyphony handling limiting excessive voice build-up and selective sample purging are among the features.
KeyPleezer say:
The original piano is a large body vintage upright piano from a South Swedish local piano maker that was tuned to around 98% perfection for a realistic and natural piano sound. It embodies the essence of a naturally sounding upright piano as it is when it was played for around a year since the last tuning.
It was sampled in 3 close stereo microphone positions. The first one in "player position", the second one below the keyboard and the third on the rear of the piano. The sound is the most dry sound we could make and embodies the closest and most intimate sound uptakes of the piano.
Suited for rock and pop as well as for composing for film or TV or replacing a perfect grand piano if your composition or production needs a different timbre and tone. The piano is just slightly out of tune giving an extra distinct realism over perfectly tuned pianos, without ever disturbing a mix. A versatile upright piano with a realistic sound.
The LivingRoom Upright Piano Complete Edition for Kontakt features:
Intimate & detailed sound rich in piano body.
A fraction out of tune here and there, for maximum realism (not broken nor honky-tonk).
3 close microphone positions for a multitude of nuance possibilities while retaining intimacy of sound character.
14 Velocity/sensitivity recordings, 2 layers of sustained notes per key (7 layers for pedal off, 7 Layers for pedal on).
Acoustic fidelity and realism enhanced by string dampening / release, mechanical key release sounds, piano body & string resonances and pedal action sound effects.
Made for Kontakt sampler 5.4.2+ (for backwards compatibility) full version. SFZ and EXS24 / Sampler support coming soon.
Dynamic Range adjustment for velocity triggered volume range (all formats).
Includes a original-all NKI and also a "clean" NKI instrument file that removes "character" keys (keys less than perfect in mechanical quality).
Includes a total of 39 Kontakt Snapshots for a quick start.
Custom piano playback engine for Kontakt features:
Advanced polyphony voice handling for each key.
String dampening & Key release acoustics - multiple recordings for each key to match original note velocity and time elapsed.
String dampening 5-8 layer matrix - both Staccato (shorter shocks) and normal (longer held notes) sounds for nuanced releasing of notes.
Piano Body and String Resonances recorded through Impulse Response / Convolution Reverb for added realism.
Open-close panels/lids adjustment for sounds ranging from a "living room sound" to a clean intimate uptake.
Analog-style user interface with performance view and mixer with adjustments for each mic position.
Library consists of 23GB of full length samples in 24-bit / 44.1kHz WAV files. 10GB when using ncw (lossless compressed).
Upcoming Formats
According to KeyPleezer, this release is for the feature rich Kontakt instrument but more formats are being released at a later stage, like SFZ, EXS24 and possibly the Decent Sampler format, which has excellent platform support. These formats can bring support for systems not eligible for Kontakt sampler, such as Linux. The features will be elaborated on according to each format's own capabilities.
Intro Offer
The standard price is set at $119 but an introductory offer of 26% discount is available the first month of release and sets the price at $87. The offer runs until Sunday 17th of July, 2022.
Woodman's Immaculate Maple Syrup Studio has released v2.4 of its WoodSynth multi-layer MPE synthesizer both on iOS and MacOS.
The MacOS VST plugin now fully supports NI (Native Instruments) NKS integration.
New features are:
NI NKS integration in Komplete Kontrol and Machine (MacOS VST only):
WoodSynth appears in the NKS browser.
All factory presets can be set from the NKS browser.
All factory presets have a "preview" sound fragment, heard when scrolling with the NKS browser.
NKS keyboard rotaries are mapped to common WoodSynth controls.
NKS keyboard LEDs are used to indicate the current layer and split keyboard usage. .
Added Notch Filter type.
Added Slice Start modulation to LFO1 and LFO2 (see preset "Dancing on Slice").
Added Slice Start to Sequencer PAR2 (see preset "Slicequencer").
OSC3 phase modulation now done by the samples (was by OSC1).
Added velocity to Slice Start.
Added velocity to Filter Attack time (velocity 100% -> Attack Time = 0).
BPM DAW button now default on.
Now supports the 7.1.4 3D track format (12 channels) in Logic Pro (MacOS, AU).
Added channel presets for the 5.1.4 and 7.1.4 3D track formats in Logic Pro (MacOS, AU).
Fix: touch bar now also working when MIDI channel set > 0 in layer.
Fixed velocity and pressure in Filter Up/Down when Filter/Voice is switched off.
Added presets:
After The Tornado (bass, used live by The Radar Station).
Dancing on Slice (bass, demo of LFO1 slice start modulation).
I Moan (bass, used live by The Radar Station).
POY (Pictures Of You, bass, used live by The Radar Station).
Slicequencer (bass, demo of Sequencer PAR2 modulating slice start).
Warm Brass (lead, uses keyboard velocity).
4 Seasons, 1 Note (pad, the 4 layer sounds are played by the same note).
Cinematic Pad (pad, very slow attack, PM modulation).
Sound Magic has released Neo Piano Chapters: 1927, featuring a 1927 Steinway D Grand Piano made in Hamburg.
Sound Magic explains:
Neo Piano Chapters aims at providing the highest quality piano sound with an affordable price. Each piano is carefully picked to ensure the sound quality meets our high standard.
Neo Piano Chapters: 1927 features one of the key piano sets in Blue Grand, a 1927 Steinway D Grand Piano made in Hamburg, offers a rich, luxurious sound, this Steinway piano produces a dynamic range that can accompany all types of different music, such as pop, jazz, classical, and more. It is one of the key piano set in Blue Grand collection.
Intro Price: $49 until September 16th, 2022 (Reg. $99).
Cakewalk has released Cakewalk by BandLab (CbB) version 2022.06.
The 2022.06 release introduces Mackie control surface improvements, loop and punch record enhancements, key binding to render Region FX, support for local help, in-app update improvements, plus various enhancements and bug fixes for user reported issues.
2022.06 Highlights:
Automatically extend final take when loop recording in Comping mode:
When loop recording in Comping mode, the last take now automatically extends to the loop end time if more than one loop iteration was recorded. This prevents previous takes from being split at the transport stop time, and makes comping much easier because each take is a complete clip.
Option to automatically extend final take when punch recording.
Mackie control surface improvements, including performance enhancements and optional Universal and Cubase emulation modes that can be used if your control surface does not provide a dedicated Cakewalk/SONAR mode.
Option to open parent track folder when changing track focus.
Key binding to render Region FX.
Support for local help.
Cakewalk will now install to ARM64 PCs running Windows 11 for ARM.
In-app update improvements, including in-app download of optional content that was previously only available from either BandLab Assistant or the Cakewalk Web installer (Studio Instruments Suite, Drum Replacer, Melodyne trial, Theme Editor, and demo projects).
Steinberg has released WaveLab 11.1 and WaveLab Cast 1.2 maintenance updates. These updates will support Steinberg licensing, the new identity-based licensing system which replaces the eLicenser technology i.e., the USB-eLicenser to run the software. Native support for Apple silicon computers is also included. Here's what they say:
With significant new features for stem mastering, multitrack editing, plug in parameter automation and podcast production, WaveLab 11 has the concept of "multi" running throughout it. With improved multi channel file handling, multiple track sub lanes and analysis meters, multi core processing and more, WaveLab further enhances its status as the true art of mastering.
Changes:
Multi-channel interleaved support for opening, editing and saving up to 22.2 surround and Ambisonics files, with easier editing and detailed selection options.
Track groups for multitrack/stems workflows for routing audio tracks to a group bus with effects plug-ins, gain and pan controls, before the montage output and master sections. Track lanes allow for dividing an audio track into eight sub lanes for working with mix stems inside an audio montage and assembling, editing and processing sound effects from layered clips.
Parameter automation with clip envelopes for automating the parameters of VST 3 plug-ins.
Multi-metering with SuperVision analyzer provides fully-customizable, multi-metering audio analysis, with 17 different modules applied in up to nine module slots.
Performance Improvements - Audio Montage performance boost supporting multi-core processing and CPU resource conservation.
New VST3 effect plug-ins including Frequency 2, Squasher, Imager, Quadrafuzz v2, DeReverb, MixConvert V6 and VST AmbiDecoder.
Better audio. In a blink of an eye. - Integrated Inspector Channel Strip speeds up your work dramatically. It allows you to enhance the presence of speech, give music more punch and remove unwanted noise – just by turning a few knobs.
Audio Montage Inline Editing allows complete clips to be opened from within the Audio Montage and non-destructively edited in the Waveform Editor or Spectrum Editor.
Video improvements - Replacing audio in video for straightforward replacement of parts or all the audio of a video file with the audio from another track, without changing the video quality.
New Dithering - With the new MAAT LIN dithering, WaveLab replaces outdated dithering plug-ins. Developed by the mastering specialists at MAAT Audio, the new dithering plug-in delivers top-notch results and offers a plethora of settings to choose from.
Comprehensive improvements including new montage rendering options; a revised external FX plug-in window; improved VST plug-in handling; additional master section playback processing insert slots; custom names for audio ports; batch processor enhancements and more.
Special discount pricing:
WaveLab Pro - $299.99 (40% off).
WaveLab Elements - $77.99 (40% off).
WaveLab Cast - $41.99 (40% off).
The Vienna Symphonic Library has announced the release of German Upright 1904, a virtual representation of a C. Bechstein upright piano, built in 1904. The instrument was captured at Stage B of Synchron Stage Vienna from eight microphone positions and comes with Vienna's powerful and free Synchron Piano Player.
The new product is currently available at an introductory price of $136 for the Standard Library (reg. $180), and $234 for the Full Library (reg. $316). The difference between the Standard Library and the Full Library is the number of available microphone positions.
To accompany the release of the German Upright 1904, the Austrian company offers all of their keyed instruments at promotional prices through July 18, 2022.
Vintage Character and Style
The C. Bechstein upright piano that was sampled for this brand-new collection was built in Berlin Kreuzberg in the early 20th century. Its distinctive vintage character, owing to its generous proportion of resonating wood, was captured with a multi-microphone setup at Synchron Stage Vienna's Stage B.
The upright's very smooth action allows the finest gradations from pianissimo to fortissimo. In the main playing range its sound is more reminiscent of a small concert grand than of an upright piano. With its clear and accurate tonal development it conveys the intimate atmosphere of a small concert hall. The instrument's mid range is very pronounced and focused, while its ageless character clearly asserts itself in all registers.
Brought to Stuttgart by pianoforte maker and dealer B. Klinkerfuss, Württemberg's sole representative for C. Bechstein and J. Blüthner, the instrument has always been in residence with families in the Stuttgart area. It was played by pianist and film composer Mick Baumeister, co-creator of the Hornberg breath controller, at different stages of his life. The upright was owned by Martin Friz who taught a young Mick improvisation on this instrument. Decades later, Mick purchased the piano from German actor Holger Daemgen's family, and – as Mick puts it – it never ceases to inspire him, and to find "the truth".
To capture the character of the instrument with all its subtleties, Vienna's engineers deployed a highly precise motion-control system based on a solenoid that controls a noise-free "robot finger". The micro-controller moves the finger with super-human precision, providing flexible curvatures for down-strokes and release movements, the latter corresponding with the preceding note length and various release speeds.
The German Upright 1904 comes with the free Vienna Synchron Pianos software that offers multiple options for shaping the sound of the piano and the user's playing experience. In addition to the multitude of options from mixing various microphone signals, the player provides a full-blown mixer with a broad range of effects, such as EQ, compressor, saturator, algorithmic reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, rotary, and many more. Users may also adjust the volume of body resonances, sympathetic strings and pedal noises right in the main Play window. In the Edit window users can even tweak EQ, volume, tuning, dynamic range, and more for each individual key.
A host of mixer presets offer a wide variety of characteristics, directly accessible in the main player window, from concert and intimate settings to pop, ambient and vintage sounds. Various signature and experimental FX presets round out the preconfigured sonic gems the German Upright 1904 has in store.
Arturia has announced the release of FX Collection 3, which now includes 26 effects, from classic studio distortion units to cutting-edge granular processing, along with over 800 expertly-designed presets, A/B comparison, and a wealth of workflow enhancements for fluid DAW production.
Combining engineering expertise, a passion for supreme sound quality, and over two decades of virtual modeling innovation, FX Collection 3 is Arturia's answer to musicians, producers, and artists seeking a refreshed approach to music production. Simultaneously focused and expansive, this feature-packed suite of 26 hand-picked effects empowers sound explorers with the most creative and flexible tools they need to change their production game.
New in FX Collection 3:
Dist TUBE-CULTURE - Ignite your mix with lifelike tube warmth with this modern distortion classic, perfect for breathing life and crisp color into any sound - from soft saturation to fizzing crunch.
Dist OPAMP-21 - The original 'go direct' guitar pedal turned studio cult classic, enhanced for your virtual studio; instant amp-like harmonic detail or high-gain crunch. Choose your op-amp flavor.
Efx FRAGMENTS - Explore glitchy stutters, grainy stereo ambience, experimental textures, and beyond with next-level granular processing. Divide, transform, and rebuild any sound.
Tape MELLO-FI - Sprinkle lush lo-fi vibes over any sound with this vintage tape warmth plugin inspired by the legendary Mellotron keyboard. Simple, streamlined, sublime.
Oversampling - Both Dist OPAMP-21 and Dist TUBE-CULTURE feature variable oversampling, letting you choose between two modes prioritizing either supreme audio quality or lower CPU usage.
A/B comparison - Quickly compare, copy, or bounce between two distinct configurations of an effect, whether it's an existing preset or your own custom settings.
Improved interfaces - Enjoy streamlined performance, easier preset browsing, smoother loading times, and more thanks to interface overhauls for every title in FX Collection 3.
Intro Price: €299 (Reg. €399).
To celebrate the launch, registered users can purchase FX Collection 3 at a one-off introductory price. Users can login at arturia.com to unlock their exclusive discounts, available until Wednesday, July 7th, 2022.
Slipknot and Stone Sour guitarist Jim Root has received a new signature guitar, however, this time it’s underneath Charvel rather than the wider Fender umbrella.
The Jim Root Signature Pro-Mod San Dimas Style 1 HH FR is a Stratocaster-style guitar features a mix of the old and the new for one of Root’s signatures. There’s his classic minimalist styling, with a satin finish (either black or white) with black hardware and an ebony or maple fretboard (depending on finish) – and, as has become custom, a single volume knob and blade switch.
This stripped-back set of electronics control a pair of EMG Jim Root Daemonum humbuckers, active pickups that aim to capture the more open feel of passive pickups, while retaining the thick, powerful sound actives achieve.
Other features include a set of luminlay side dots, a heel-mounted truss rod and a deep lower-bout scallop in the mahogany body’s neck joint.
The fretboard on the satin white model is ebony, while the board on the satin black model is maple. In both cases, it’s carved to a 12-16-inch compound radius, getting flatter higher up for easier pitch bends.
And speaking of pitch bends, the most dramatic departure here – (other than the name on the headstock) is the presence of a Floyd Rose 1500 Series double-locking vibrato, which will allow you to go truly wild on the dive-bombs without knocking the guitar out of tune.
The satin black edition of the guitar lists for $1,399 / £1,119 / €1,299, while the satin white edition (presumably because of the ebony fretboard) is a little pricier at $1,499 / £1,539 / €1,799.
As part of Fender’s large lineup reveal today, Gretsch has introduced a number of new models under its artist signature, Electromatic, Streamliner and Roots ranges of guitars.
G6134TFM-NH Nigel Hendroff Signature Penguin
This signature guitar for guitarist Nigel Hendroff features a chambered mahogany body, a flame maple top, a Bigsby tailpiece and a pair of BT-65 Broad’Tron humbuckers. There’s also a large vintage-style headstock and a chrome armrest.
Lists for $2,999 / £3,269 / €3,799.
G6131G-MY-RB Limited Edition Malcolm Young
This signature model for the late AC/DC guitarist Malcom Young, pictured at the top of this article, pays tribute to his early days with the instrument, before he stripped the finish and performed a number of his own mods. There’s a trio of pickups, a TV Jones Ray Butts Ful-Fidelity pickups in the bridge and neck positions, joined by a TV Jones Starwood humbucker in the middle position. The body is chambered mahogany, while other hardware includes a Harmonica-style adjusto-matic bridge pinned to an ebony base.
Lists for $2,799 / £3,179 / €3,699
New Electromatic Double Jets
Three new Electromatic double-jet models have been announced. The G5232 Double Jet is available in two versions: the G5232T, fitted with a Bigsby, and the G5232LH, a left-handed version fitted with a V-stoptail.
Both feature a double-cut chambered mahogany body, an arched maple top, a low-set mahogany neck and Filter’Tron pickups. The G5222 BT takes many of the same specifications, including the G5232LH’s V-stoptail, but replaces the pickups with a pair of Black Top Broad’Tron pickups.
Lists for ($649 / £589 / €679 (G5232T and G5232LH), $549.99-$649 / £529-£589 / €609-€679 (G5222)
Streamliner
Two new Streamliner models have been announced, the G2622T Streamliner Center Block Double-Cut with Bigsby and the G2655 Streamliner Center Block Jr. Double-Cut with V-Stoptail. Both feature a double-cutaway arched maple body, with chambered
A spruce centre block, as well as a nato neck and a 12”-radius laurel fingerboard with pearloid Big Block inlays and 22 medium jumbo frets.
Electronics are also the seam in both cases, with a pair of all-new Broad’Tron BT-2S humbuckers. The difference between the two models comes down to the bridge, which in the G2655’s case is a V-stoptail, and in the G2622T’s case is a Bigsby.
Lists for $549 / £659 / €659, (G2622T), $649 / £509 / €589 (G2655)
Roots collection
And finally there’s the new G9500 Jim Dandy. This flat-top acoustic comes in a standard and a limited edition. The standard edition bears a sapele body with X-bracing, as well as a dark ‘frontier satin’ finish.
The limited-edition version features an X-braced basswood body, finished in Nocturne Blue. Both versions are based on Gretsch’s Rex line of parlour guitars, with a short 24-inch scale length, and a neck set in at the 12th fret. Both are also the same price, listing for a very affordable $169 / £205 / €240.
Fender has announced that it will be extending its range of American Acoustasonic guitars – now debuting two brand new all-mahogany models. Using the signature hollow body as seen on the previous designs, both new launches promise naturally loud resonance and full-bodied harmonics.
The Acoustasonic Telecaster, the original design for this range, is the first to be reimagined in the most recent launch. Initially released in 2019, this model now comes available as part of the All-Mahogany line of guitars released by Fender.
Featuring a modified Telecaster body shape with a mahogany top, back and sides, the hollow design boasts a naturally prominent sound and promises to overcome many of the challenges often seen when playing an acoustic guitar.
Blending the patented Stringed Instrument Resonance System (SIRS) with a Fender and Fishman-designed Acoustic Engine, the All-mahogany Tele both cuts out feedback when playing live and alters the guitar’s resonance to deliver an exclusive collection of voices.
Also donning a mahogany, modern “Deep C” neck finished in satin urethane, ebony 12” radius fretboard and three-pickup configuration, acoustic and electric voices can be individually accessed, played simultaneously or even blended to create new sounds via the Mod Knob.
Up next comes the second axe to receive an all-mahogany redesign: the American Acoustasonic Jazzmaster. Also utilising the unique Fender and Fishman-designed Acoustic Engine, the all-mahogany model seeks to provide both elegant acoustic shapeshifting and gritting electric rhythm tones – delivering infinite sonic possibilities waiting to be found by players.
Inspired by the original Jazzmaster model, which was originally celebrated for taking the brand’s innovation to new heights, the latest Acoustasonic version modifies the original body shape and promises an extremely versatile sound for users.
Similar to the Telecaster design, the Jazzmaster also combines the modern “Deep C” neck, 12-inch fretboard and three-pickup configuration. In addition, the offset model incorporates a modern asymmetrical bridge, chrome hardware and a Deluxe 1225 gig bag.
Both new Acoustasonic guitars are currently priced at $1,999.99 each and will come in either a natural or ‘Bourbon Burst’ finish.
The new models will be available for purchase in August.
Fender has expanded its amplifier range with two new models for 2022, these are the Mustang LT40s and Limited-Edition Pro Junior IV SE.
The new amplifiers are said to represent Fender tones both modern and classic, with the Mustang LT40S showcasing the brand’s digital amp technology, and the Pro Junior IV SE offering an alternate take on the compact tube guitar amp.
Mustang LT40S
The Mustang LT series gains a new desktop member, bearing a versatile collection of digital amp models and effects to suit a wide span of genres – it’s a real “greatest hits” of electric guitar tones, as Fender puts it.
The full colour display serves as an interface to set your sound and rearrange your virtual signal flow, and the free companion Tone LT Desktop app lets you edit, store and manage your presets easily. Though designed to sit on a desktop, this amp does appear pack some serious volume with 40-watts of stereo output and a pair of full-range 4” speakers.
Priced at $229.99 / £209 / €239
Limited-Edition Pro Junior IV SE
The alternate edition of Fender’s Pro Junior IV offers a modified overdrive circuit and a special 10” speaker design that’s said to deliver a tight, balanced sound with plenty of top-end sparkle.
At 15-watts, this amplifier seems to be ideal for both the studio and smaller gigs. And, setting itself apart from the tweed original, this limited-edition version Pro Junior IV comes in a black vinyl covering with an aged silver grille cloth and a chrome control panel.
Priced at $549.99 / £399 / €469
The ever-exploratory Chase Bliss Audio has opened pre-orders for the Generation Loss MKII, using to good advantage its merging with Cooper FX to introduce the next iteration of the immensely successful VHS tone degradation pedal.
Dubbed a VHS Duplicator effect, Generation Loss MKII offers a highly authentic and musical take on magnetic tape timbre and behaviours – and for those wondering, it isn’t a simple reskin of the now-discontinued Generation Loss V2.
“We decided to start from scratch this time and really explore what tape is all about,” wrote a product description. “We took apart VCRs, we analysed anything we could find with a tape in it, from camcorders to cassette decks.”
The result, according to Chase Bliss, is a pedal that offers “the most accurate real-time tape simulator we could manage” with extremely low amounts of latency and stereo outputs.
Included are over 10 tape models, including VCR, Camcorder and Cassette, along with the controls to fine-tune these to your musical needs.
Some parameters include Wow for classic tape-style wobble; Saturation for introducing analogue saturation; Flutter for quick, twitchy and random modulation of pitch and amplitude, and Failure, which recreates the mechanical malfunctions found in tape machines – crimps, drops and more – for a “living” feel.
Dry and Noise switches let you make broad adjustments to the dry-wet balance and mechanical noise levels, respectively.
Meanwhile Aux lets you choose from three dramatic performance effects engaged by foot switch, including a tape-stop effect; a momentary wet-bypass, and one that brings the virtual tape machine tumbling to destruction.
The new Generation Loss MKII also comes with panels of dip switches for in-depth customisation of the effect’s behaviour.
These secondary functions are plenty interesting, for example, the Spread switch reads the Failure knob to create a “malfunctioning stereo image” and Dry Tape lets you apply the pedal’s effects – except Wow and Flutter – to your dry signal, giving you “saturated, malfunctioning chorus effects.”
And there are hidden controls as well, which let you adjust mechanical noise levels; volumes of crinkles and pops from the Failure knob; the amount of hiss in Flutter, and more.
And if you prefer the original, a flick of a switch reverts it to the Cooper FX classic, in stereo this time, with all the old parameters available.
The Chase Bliss Audio Generation Loss MKII, priced at $399, is expected to ship between late September to early November.
The pedal will be sold under Chase Bliss’ new direct-to-customer model, which shifts the sale of all pedals from physical stores to a sole web store (except in Japan).
Joel Korte, owner of Chase Bliss, explained in May that the company was making the change in order to prevent the prices of its products from being further raised.
The shift to a direct-to-consumer model is also said to provide greater benefits to customers: pedals and repairs will be more readily available to both US and international customers; in-house customer support will be expanded, and a 30-day “no hassle” return policy will be implemented.
HoRNet Plugins has updated MultiFreqs, the multitrack spectrum analyzer with conflict view.
The new 1.1.2 version is a bug fix release and includes:
Fixed crash with Digital Performer 11.
Improved digital spectrum analyzer resolution and performance.
Fixed wrong visualization of simple test tones like sine waves in digital mode.
The update is free for owners of the plugin and can be downloaded from the user area on www.hornetplugins.com or using the HoRNet DoIn downloader/installer.
Bitwig and u-he have announced the official release of CLAP (CLever Audio Plug-in API), a new open standard for audio plug-ins and hosts. CLAP offers modern features, innate stability, and rapid support for developers of plug-ins and host apps and is open source and liberally licensed.
Here's what they say:
Developed in collaboration with experts from diverse fields in the music software industry, CLAP is a plug-in standard designed for modern computers and modern paradigms. It caters to novel DAW concepts, opening up new horizons for what a plug-in can do or be.
Designed for Modern CPUs
Developed with modern CPUs in mind, CLAP takes multi-thread management to a new level, with a clear and efficient allocation of roles between plug-in and host. Specifically, CLAP allows collaborative multicore support between plug-in and host through a so-called "thread-pool", also allowing hosts to manage CPU-threading for plug-ins that provide their own multicore support. Preliminary tests show significant performance gains compared with current solutions.
Better and Faster Organization
CLAP hosts can read plug-in metadata and help organize your plug-ins. As CLAP hosts can retrieve information from plug-ins without having to wait for them to initialize, plug-in scans can be much faster.
Furthermore, an extension is being finalized which lets plug-ins tell the host which files they need (e.g. samples or wavetables) and the host can consolidate those in the project file. That means you'll never lose a sample while transferring a project between systems.
Modulation Enhancements
The CLAP standard promotes new ways to create music with automation, modulation, and expressions. CLAP supports per-note automation and modulation (in accordance with the recent MIDI 2.0 specifications), and takes it one it one step further by allowing for temporary parameter offsets. Parameter modulation is non-destructive, so as soon as the modulation has finished, the target parameter will return to its original state. CLAP makes it possible for polyphonic plug-ins to have their per-voice parameters modulated for individual notes (Read "MPE on steroids").
The standard has reached V1.0, CLAP is now "ABI stable", so developers are invited to help make it a success. Musicians are invited to check out CLAP in Bitwig Studio betas and several u-he plug-ins, as well as open source projects already ported to CLAP such as Surge XT. More and more plug-ins and hosts are expected to support CLAP in the months and years ahead
Bremmers Audio Design has released version 10.4.1 of MultitrackStudio. This new release adds CLAP plugin support.
The CLAP plugin format is a new format. Noteworthy characteristics include extendibility, fast plugin scanning and MIDI 2.0 protocol support. It strives to avoid misinterpretation of the specs, which should lead to less compatibility issues. CLAP is open source. It's released under the MIT license, so developers don't need a proprietary license agreement to use it.
MultitrackStudio supports CLAP audio effects, instruments and MIDI effects. The MIDI 2.0 protocol, note expressions and MPE are supported.
Changed:
Supports CLAP plugins.
Audio track scrubber uses less CPU (this could be a noticeable problem when running in Rosetta on an M1 Mac).
Some plugin compatibility tweaks.
Mac: Copy-and-paste from a .m4a audio track to another audio track could result in garbled audio on Intel (or Rosetta) Macs.
Users who purchased MultitrackStudio after October 28, 2013 are entitled to lifetime free updates. Older versions can be upgraded: $39 (Pro) / $23 (Standard).
NUGEN has updated SigMod, the modular custom signal architecture plug-in, with a fresh look and new features. It's now on offer for $29 until 11 July, 2022.
New features include:
Split module - switch easily between stereo and split-mono.
Mono plug-in version.
New presets for all your needs.
Toontrack has released The Sixties EBX, an all-new expansion for EZbass seeking to capture the classic sixties pop sound. This release marks the tenth title in the company's quickly growing family of EBX expansions for EZbass. Here's what they say:
This expansion for EZbass sets out to capture one of the most iconic and defining epochs in popular music history: the sixties. It includes the vibe, the sound and the very bass model whose characteristically tubby, dark and earthy thud played a leading role in its soundtrack. Arguably, no other instrument paints a more vividly compelling image of an era come and gone than this – sonically and visually.
The bass was strung with classic flatwound strings and captured using two distinctly different playing styles, one using the finger and one palm muted using a pick. This gives you two contrasting takes on the same instrument and a tonal range covering the entire width from the traditionally thud-like to the sharp and zingy. In addition to the bass, this EBX also includes a wealth of presets for a wide range of tones as well as a custom library of MIDI basslines tailored for the instrument and the era in question.
Feature Spotlight:
A meticulously captured classic violin-style electric bass from the early 1960s.
Inspired by the characteristic sixties sound and scene.
Ideal for anything from subtle and acoustic music to full-on pop and rock setups.
Includes a classic finger playing style as well as a palm muted option sampled with a pick.
Offering a range from D1 to E4.
Includes a collection of presets covering a broad range of tones inspired by the era.
Comes with a custom MIDI library tailored for the instrument.
Price: $89.
Venomode has updated Complexer to version 2.5.0. This update features a new GUI style, adds native support for Apple M1 processors, and drops the 32-bit Windows version.
Changes since 2.0.5:
Added: Changed GUI theme.
Added: Apple M1 support.
Added: Linux VST3 support.
Added: Slider values can be manually typed.
Added: Improved GUI drawing performance.
Changed: Dropped 32-bit Windows support.
Fixed: VST3 categories displaying wrong.
Price: £39 (On sale for £19 until the 27th June, 2022). The update is free for existing users.
Moog Music has announced Mavis, a low-cost semi-modular analog synthesizer DIY kit.
On its own, Mavis is an expressive and inspiring analog synthesizer with patchable modular utilities and instantly recognisable Moog sound and quality. When removed from its enclosure, the instrument becomes a 24-point CV-controllable module (44HP) ready to be installed into any Eurorack setup or Moog semi-modular system. Perfect for first-time users and established synthesists alike, Mavis's semi-modular design and one-octave keyboard allow for immediate musical exploration without the need for additional equipment (except for a speaker or headphones).
Mavis mixes the familiar with the exotic, featuring Moog's oscillator and filter circuits alongside a diode wavefolder—the first analog wavefolder to appear on a Moog instrument.
Assembling this synthesizer kit by hand invites the user to get closer to the circuits at the heart of this unique musical machine. Users of any skill level can quickly build their analog synthesizer with minimal tools and experience (no soldering required) by using all the components included in the instrument's carefully curated packaging. Once the instrument is built, the owner is guided on their journey with Mavis through a selection of patch books and educational materials that encourage creative patching and sound design.
Key Features:
24-Point Patch Bay: Mavis is eager to play along with other voltage-controlled devices (especially with Moog's other semi-modular instruments: Mother-32, DFAM, Subharmonicon, Grandmother, Matriarch). Its useful collection of utilities and flexible control voltage routing allows for intricate dialogue between them.
Full Range Analog Oscillator: Mavis's Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) with pulse-width modulation (PWM), waveform mixing, and mod source mixing delivers rich harmonic character and motion.
Voltage Controlled Filter: Sculpt your sound with the -24dB Moog Low Pass Ladder Filter, delivering the sonic power behind the distinct sounds of Moog basslines and leads.
Audio Rate LFO and 4-Stage Envelope Generator: Mavis uses crossfaders in its modulation routing instead of switches, allowing you to blend between a variable shape LFO and 4-stage envelope generator for interesting and unusual modulation contours.
Wavefolding and Modular Utilities: Mavis features Moog's first-ever wavefolding circuit, allowing for additive synthesis to sit alongside traditional subtractive synthesis, and features a broad modular utilities section complete with attenuators, offsets, mults, and a flexible DC-coupled mixer.
Patchable Sample and Hold (S+H) Circuit: This circuit generates a random CV pattern that can be patched to modulate other parameters, including setting Mavis into a "random sequencing" mode of performance.
Protective cover: Mavis includes a fitted protective cover for use during studio downtime or taking your instrument on the go.
The Moog Mavis is now shipping and will be available for $349 USD.
Witech (Ola Wistedt and Alexander Andersson) has announced that a first release of BassMatrix is now available as a 64-bit VST3 and 64-bit standalone plugin/application for Windows.
BassMatrix is a synth that tries to sound like the classic TB-303 bassline synth and provides a simple interface to program the patterns. You can use MIDI PLAY to play any note and you can use KEY SYNC to get an arpeggio like synthesizer. Normally you want to use HOST SYNC to sync with your DAW and change the patterns with MIDI notes. There is also INT. SYNC that is useful when you play the synth standalone (there is a loop size knob for this purpose so you can automatically change patterns in live mode).
Toybox have released The Tangle Pack, their latest pack for Reaktor Blocks: Here's what they say:
The Tangle Pack is a new suite of blocks based on popular Eurorack modules, with some unique blocks for advanced synthesis and sound creation. This one is super special, bringing together the best bits of all our packs from the last 2 years.
Features include:
Tangle Oscillator, a powerful oscillator block that fuses extreme phase distortion (twisting, warping, repeating and mixing basic waveforms for knotted and twisted sounds) with FM synthesis, great for thick, harmonically rich timbres. The block also features 7 lo-fi modes which authentically model vintage convertors with gritty digital noise and jitter, great for dirty old-school digital synth sounds.
A flexible analog modelled filter with 8 different models (Moog, Korg, Roland etc). A variety of filter slopes plus notch and comb filters are available. All filter types can be flexibly re-ordered and morphed.
A high quality wavefolder block closely modelled on the timbre effect found in the Buchla Easel.
A collection of powerful modulation blocks, including the Ramp Generator block, based on one half of the Make Noise 'Maths' function generator Eurorack module, plus a flexible multi-breakpoint envelope generator and a collection of randomising blocks: chaos, brownian motion etc.
A curated selection of 'Nano' utility blocks, updated and revised specially for the pack.
A collection of high-quality and innovative effect and processing blocks based on popular Eurorack modules.
A flexible global snapshots system. Snapshots can be stored for each individual block or for the whole rack, then selected and morphed using the Snapshots block.
Updated Nano Sequencer blocks included for building generative sequences, arpeggiators or generating complex phrases. Multiple Sequencer Segment blocks can be daisy-chained for a ratcheting style step sequencer of any length. The Conditional block works using a similar idea to the 'conditional trigs' found in the Elektron series of groove boxes, great for organic evolving sequences.
Bleeding-edge DSP and analog modelling techniques.
All blocks are also available as polyphonic versions as well as an extensive collection of polyphonic 'Nano' Blocks, available for the first time.
The pack can be used without any limitations with the free Reaktor Player (no need for the full version of Reaktor).
Intro Price: $45.00 until the end of June 2022 (Reg. $64).
MESA/Boogie is proud to announce the release of the smallest, and lightest Bass Amp in MESA history, the super-versatile Subway D-350 Bass Amp, available worldwide at authorised MESA/Boogie dealers and on www.MESABoogie.com.
Hand-crafted in Petaluma, CA, the MESA/Boogie Subway D-350 with its world class tone, innovation, and quality is MESA’s most affordable bass amp to date. The ultra-compact champion in MESA’s Subway Bass Series the MESA/Boogie Subway D-350 weighs only 3 lb. 2 oz., and packs a powerful punch with 350 watts of Class D power.
Building on the legendary foundation laid by the acclaimed Subway® D-800™, the new Subway D-350 uses a solid-state preamp coupled with a lightweight Class D power amp and switch-mode power supply to deliver heaping portions of world-class TONE in an incredibly small and lightweight package that’s perfect for home use and studio recording sessions while still delivering plenty of power and punch to provide MESA-quality tone authoritatively and dependably, gig after gig for small to mid-sized venues, or as a micro-sized backup amp on tour.
“Our design goal for the entire SUBWAY Series is to deliver warm, musical bass tone in the most compact and portable package possible and the addition of our new 3 lb. 2 oz compact Subway D-350 achieves this goal” says Doug West, Director of the Gibson Tone Lab at MESA/Boogie. “The SUBWAY Series range truly gives bassists every option they need for any venue, from home and silent practice, to club and concert stages. Considering our Subway Ultra-Lite Cabinet range offers players the option for 1×12, 1×15, 2×10, 2×12, 2×15 and 4×10 formats. The inspirational sound these cabs deliver is really the ‘other half’ of the SUBWAY magic and musicality.”
The MESA Subway D-350 easily adapts for use with active or passive basses with the flip of the Active/Passive switch, while the Input Mute switch lets you use inline tuners silently. The Bright switch adds bite and sparkle to the tone and opens up the top end a bit more, and all the switches have LED status indicators. Separate Gain and Master Volume controls allow you to dial up a wide range of tones from shimmering clean to mild overdrive and everything in between, while the built-in fixed high-pass filter (HPF) blocks unwanted, non-musical, headroom-robbing sub-sonic frequencies. The Variable Voicing control adjusts the amp’s response from a flatter curve to a more vintage curve by modifying and varying levels and frequency response in multiple regions with the turn of a single knob.
The Subway D-350’s intuitive feature set furnishes all the tone-shaping tools needed to deliver the tone, feel, and response that has made the Subway Series MESA’s most popular bass line to date. The fully active 4-band Baxandall EQ features fixed frequency high and low-frequency shelving controls, as well as fixed frequency Low Mid and High Mid peak/dip bands for even more tonal control. When practicing at home, the Aux Input and Headphones output jacks let you listen to a media player and your bass simultaneously and silently without disturbing others. The Subway D-350 also has a USB power port for powering accessories, while the fully-featured balanced XLR direct output (DI) with pre/post EQ source, ground lift, and Mic/Line level switches are perfect for delivering MESA’s legendary tone to the front-of-house PA or your recording system’s audio interface. A pair of speakON™ jacks allow you to connect one or two speaker cabinets; the Subway D-350 is an excellent partner for MESA’s highly musical Subway® Ultra-Lite cabinets. With its ideal combination of small size, light weight, ample power, and stellar tonal flexibility, the Subway D-350 is compact (3″ x 9″ x 8.25″) and fits easily into your gig bag’s accessory compartment, or in its own gig bag which is included.
Gibson is proud to announce it has teamed with the family of world-renowned music icons Phil and Don Everly, aka The Everly Brothers, to celebrate their lasting musical legacy all month long. Beginning June 14, Gibson will release the limited-edition Everly Brothers SJ-200 acoustic guitar and the Everly Brothers x Gibson capsule apparel collection, on www.everlybrothers.com and www.gibson.com. On Friday, June 17, the new, hotly anticipated 17-track compilation album HEY DOLL BABY, will be released worldwide via Warner Records, pre-order: Here. On Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19, 2022, the star-studded virtual concert, “Hey Doll Baby Festival: Celebrating The Lives & Music Of The Everly Brothers” will feature the legendary songs of The Everly Brothers will air in full on Sunday, June 19 at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on the official Everly Brothers’ YouTube, Facebook, and Website. Additionally, on June 19, SiriusXM will simulcast the livestream at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT on Tom Petty Radio (channel 31).
The “Hey Doll Baby Festival: Celebrating The Lives & Music Of The Everly Brothers” is presented by Gibson and features a superstar line-up, with new and archival performances of classic Everly Brothers songs by Albert Lee, Bob Weir & Chris Robinson, Butch Walker & Bethany Cosentino (Best Coast), Carly Simon & Ben Taylor, Chris Isaak & Nicole Atkins, Dave Stewart & Amy Lee (Evanescence), Graham Nash & Chris Stills, Jakob Dylan, Jimmy Vivino, Lady Blackbird, Lukas Nelson, Mapache, Matt Sweeney, Mike Campbell & Stan Lynch, Paul Simon & Edie Brickell, Sabina Sciubba (Brazilian Girls), Susanna Hoffs & Dan Wilson, Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), The Cactus Blossoms, The Milk Carton Kids, Waddy Wachtel & Steve Postell and more. Plus appearances from Jason Everly (son of Phil Everly) and Adria Petty (daughter of Tom Petty), who curated the HEY DOLL BABY compilation album.
On Saturday, June 18, the night before the Father’s Day virtual concert, Gibson will hold a kick-off celebration with live music, Everly family, friends, and fans at the Gibson Garage—the ultimate guitar experience and music destination–in the heart of downtown Music City, Nashville.
“We are overjoyed with the support from all of our friends across the music industry and incredibly grateful. Adria Petty and the Petty estate in particular, have been the most amazing partners and friends through all this. We would not be here today without Adria Petty and her amazing team. I honestly don’t think my father and my uncle really understood their influence or how many lives their music touched. My father said, back in the very early days, every second or third question from a music reporter was ‘What are you going to do when this Rock and Roll thing is over?’ I think our amazing new record Hey Doll Baby, and our absolutely beautiful recreation of the Everly Brothers Gibson SJ-200 will give fans, both new and old, a chance to cherish and fall in love again with these two amazing souls. Better known to the rest of the world as The Everly Brothers“. –Jason Everly
“Working with The Everly Families and Don Everly on this record has been the thrill of a lifetime. It is an honor to tribute the Brothers who influenced so much important rock and roll music including my father, Tom Petty’s music. He revered them and passed on the joy of listening to their music to me. I am so proud of the compilation and it is incredible to hear the tracks remastered. To see the music community and Gibson tribute them so warmly is a truly uplifting moment. The SJ-200 is a very covetable and gorgeous instrument. Everyone knows pretty much anyone who writes great songs has an SJ-200… or really wants one. And the performances and archival clips included in the virtual concert invite new and old fans to enjoy the artistry of the Everly Brothers.” –Adria Petty
Preferred by famous musicians for decades, Gibson acoustic guitars are known on stages the world over, and in the hands of the most celebrated artists across the globe. Gibson acoustics are cemented in the zeitgeist as the quintessential American acoustic guitar. The Everly Brothers recorded the majority of their hits such as “Bye Bye Love,” “Wake Up Little Susie,” “All I Have to Do is Dream,” and others on Gibson J-200’s. This is back when artists recorded in mono and for all intents and purposes, live. If you needed to turn your acoustic guitar down during a certain section of the song, you had to back up from the microphone exactly the right amount when that time came during the song. The same for vocals and all the other instruments. As Phil Everly once said, “Before there was Pro Tools, there were Pros.” And pros used J200’s. Guitar was their choice instrument and the brothers worked closely with Gibson to develop these new Gibson 200s known as “The King of the Flat-Tops” with double pickguards. The SJ, or Super Jumbo body shape, was first designed by Gibson in 1937 and engineered for volume even with a natural touch, and with Phil and Don Everly’s matching Gibson SJ-200 acoustic guitars and their soaring harmonies, music royalty had finally created the perfect fit.
Rare and collectible, these Everly Brothers SJ-200 acoustic guitars are handmade by the expert luthiers and artisans of Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop in Bozeman, Montana and feature the detailed SJ-200 ornamentation and beauty expected from Gibson acoustics. Equipped with a AA flame maple back and sides paired with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, the guitar is capped with the dual pickguards that The Everly Brothers made famous. The Everly Brothers SJ-200 features a stunning Ebony finish and also has essential SJ-200 cosmetic appointments including classic mother-of-pearl graduated crown inlays on the rosewood fretboard, as well as a “Moustache” bridge with four bar mother-of-pearl inlays. The bridge saddle, nut and bridge pins are bone, while Gold Grover@ Rotomatic@ tuners ensure solid tuning stability; an SJ-200 hardshell acoustic guitar case is included. An acoustic masterpiece, only 30 of these limited edition Everly Brothers SJ-200 guitars will be available alongside the new Everly Brothers x Gibson capsule apparel collection
Keeley Electronics has unveiled the brand new Andy Timmons Signature Dual Echo effects pedal – the Halo.
Danger Danger’s Andy Timmons’ favoured “halo” sound has long been kept a secret, until now. This brand new pedal has been crafted over decades of combining and crafting sounds for that perfect echoing, classic rock tone.
The pedal comes with his signature delay tone preset and you can program your own sounds and save them as you like too. Halo enables you to bounce between two sides, A and B, giving you two delay pedals in one. There are also numerous other rhythmic delays including quarter note, dotted 8th, stereo rack mount analog delay, and a vintage multi-head tape echo. Sound quality can be further enhanced and adjusted with controls for saturation, tone, and shelving filters.
Halo works by holding notes together with tape-style effects like modulation, saturation and compression. There’s a status light to indicate when you’ve adjusted a knob from home settings and soft stomp switches for tap tempo, infinite hold, preset save/recall, and more. DREAM multi-core DSP aims to provide crisp sound quality, along with either true-bypass or trail switching.
A Smart Stomp System from Keeley allows you to press and hold either stomp switch to engage tap tempo mode. Each Preset bank gives you two delays settings for a total of eight user-storable effects and you can use the Rhythm control to select between different echoes.
Having toured the globe opening for bands such as KISS and Alice Cooper, Timmons’ Halo looks like it could be a reliable edition to any classic rocker’s pedal board.
MusicDevelopments has announced the release of MIDI Mutator, a plug-in that was designed to modify any aspect of a MIDI sequence: rhythm, timing, accents, chords, voicings and shape. Here's what they say:
Drop a MIDI pattern on MIDI Mutator to start transforming it into a new original pattern. Fully replace or slightly modify the rhythm with a single click. Experiment with other chord voicings, or replace the chords. Bass lines, chord patterns work equally well. The new MIDI sequence can be dragged directly to your DAW, or stored with a single click.
Features:
Regenerate the rhythm using 6 rhythm generator algorithms from RapidComposer, plus a new one that preserves exact note and rest lengths, suitable for modern genres.
Use rhythm from another MIDI file.
Slice a pattern, then rearrange slices randomly.
Displace notes randomly, randomize note positions and/or lengths.
Extend, widen, randomize chord voicings, replace the chord progression.
Change the beat positions to change the feel.
Replace or randomize accents.
Increase/decrease polyphony.
Randomize pitches.
For monophonic phrases: change the contour, add connecting notes.
Simple activation. No internet connection is required for activation or operation.
Price: $49 - $29 during the Summer Sale until June 26.
Nembrini Audio has released Overdrive Special Guitar Amplifier. Here's what they are saying:
The new plug-in is based on a Overdrive Special By Dumble*."The true pioneer of boutique amplifier"
Nembrini Audio Overdrive Special Guitar Amplifier plugin is based on a Overdrive Special By Dumble* schematic #124.
Nembrini Audio Overdrive Special is a two channel amplifier, which includes a clean channel and an "overdrive"channel.
The overdrive channel is described as "cascading" from the first channel into, at least, one additional gain stage in the overdrive channel. This means that the clean channel's tone stack and gain stages will "cascade" into the gain stage of the overdrive channel, causing the clean channel to become "overdriven".
Nembrini Audio Overdrive Special features a 3-band equalizer and one volume control for both channels, but each channel has its own gain control.
The gain controls LEVEL and RATIO interact when the overdrive channel is engaged to allow a harmonic change in gain.
Intro Price: $39.99 until June 30st, 2022 (Reg. $137).
NoiseAsh Audio has announced the release of the NEED Preamp and EQ Collection v1.0.9 for Windows & macOS (Intel & Native Apple Silicon).
The new version 1.0.9 includes:
Add: New Menu & Preset Browser Design.
Add: Direct access to the Product Manual.
Add: Tooltip.
Add: Enable OpenGL.
Add: Undo & Redo.
Add: Stereo Width control.
Add: Even harmonics amount control (NEED 533 EQ).
Add: Clean mode (NEED 533 EQ).
Improved: DSP & UI Performance.
Fix: Preamp signal distortion on some DAWs.
Fix: Logic Pro Automation Read issue.
Fix: So many decimal values on Apple Silicon Macs.
Fix: Vertical Peak Meter behaviour (NEED 81).
Fix: LM Channel link issue (NEED 533 EQ).
The update is free for the license owners of the plugins and can be downloaded from the user area
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today continued its expansion of the Acoustasonic series with the launch of the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster guitar. As the latest addition to the line, the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster embodies the spirit of ambitious innovation that Fender was built on over 75 years ago. Combining pristine acoustic and electric tones with legendary Fender feel, it is a powerful tool for guitar players from the studio to the stage. Handcrafted in Ensenada, Mexico, the Acoustasonic Player Telecaster represents a new era in Fender craftsmanship and innovation – designed for the next generation of musicians who want an inspiring instrument with a diverse set of sounds at an accessible price.
After five years of planning, building and refining the model, the Acoustasonic® Player Telecaster® is designed to inspire and invoke creativity like its American-made predecessor. With a simplified set of features consisting of a 3-way Voice Selector and one powerful Blend Knob, the Acoustasonic® Player Telecaster® is Fender’s most streamlined hybrid model yet. A powerful pickup system designed in collaboration with Fishman® allows players to flip seamlessly between big electric tones and iconic acoustic voicings, while the fully hollow, naturally-resonant Telecaster® body offers rich acoustic warmth when unplugged. Priced at $1,199, the Acoustasonic® Player Telecaster® is the most accessible Acoustasonic® guitar yet, specifically designed to reach younger demographics and make musical creativity more obtainable from live performances to studio sessions and songwriting.
“Through the success of our American Acoustasonic® series, we saw that the modern musician demands flexibility and efficiency in their creative pursuits,” said Billy Martinez, Fender VP Category Manager, Acoustic and Squier Division. “Our dedication to expanding our Acoustasonic® platform allowed us to meet this demand and, at the same time, create more accessibility. With iconic acoustic voicings, big electric tones and one powerful blend knob, the Acoustasonic® Player Telecaster® rises above artists demands allowing the player to go from acoustic to electric with ease in our new all-in-one guitar.”
The Acoustasonic® Player Telecaster® is a true sonic shape-shifter, emulating the artists who play it. To prove it, Fender assembled a diverse and dynamic line-up of artists to showcase everything the guitar has to offer. From its true hybrid nature to its many shape-shifting forms (studio tool, stage-ready performer, songwriting partner and beyond), this guitar feels equally at home in the hands of enigmatic songwriters like Lucy Dacus and Conan Gray as it does on the experimental pop anthems of Self Esteem and the dance-floor disco of SG Lewis. It can inhabit the glam-rock rebellion of Jesse Rutherford one minute and the timeless soul of Jordan Mackampa the next. Powerful enough to forge brand new genres with Danny Felix and nuanced enough to accompany the contemplative folk of Faye Webster.
These artists will take part in Fender’s campaign launching the Acoustasonic® Player Telecaster®. In a new serialized content series, Re-Creation Remixed, Conan Gray, Jordan Mackampa, Jesse Rutherford, Faye Webster, and more will perform songs that inspired their careers while utilizing the technology of the Acoustasonic® Player Telecaster®. Fender will also support the launch with another installment of its Versatile by Design series, exploring the design, construction and operations of the brand new Acoustasonic® guitar facility built in Ensenada, Mexico. The series will showcase the beauty and history of the world class craftsmanship Ensenada holds, including an interview with Melissa Dougherty and an in-depth tour from Fender’s product managers on the ground in the new factory. Episode 1 features Fender EVP of Product Justin Norvell as he talks through the streamlined, powerful features of the guitar, and the creative potential provided by each of the six voices in three pairings.
Born out of a constant drive to innovate, the well-received Acoustasonic® platform required building an entire new factory from the ground up to make this new extension of the series platform. The new building sits on its own parcel in Ensenada, Mexico, adjacent to Fender’s long-standing Mexico factory which has been building Fender® guitars for 35 years. The new Ensenada factory, which is now 43 percent larger than Fender’s Corona factory, will handle all things for “Made in Mexico” that are on the Acoustasonic® Player platform. In addition to helping meet the global demand for the Acoustasonic technology, the additional factory location will bolster the Ensenada community by adding over 100 jobs with room to grow in the future.
“The expansion of the Ensenada factory has been a 26-month long journey, but one that’s been completely necessary to make Acoustasonic technology available to a widespread audience of players around the world,” said Ed Magee, EVP Operations at Fender. “We have an incredible depth of engineering, operations and guitar building experience in Ensenada and this investment gave the team an opportunity to tackle a brand new guitar manufacturing process to meet the growing creative needs of our players.”
“We are proud to have the latest Acoustasonic® guitar, an incredibly high-caliber instrument, coming from our world class factory in Ensenada, Mexico. This will pave the way for future growth of Fender Acoustics as we continue to push the boundaries of true sonic innovation and open the doors to new creatives in search of an affordable hybrid guitar,” remarked Billy Martinez.
Top highlights include:
A simplified feature set consisting of a 3-way Voice Selector and a powerful Blend Knob, the Acoustasonic® Player Telecaster® (APT) is our most streamlined Acoustasonic® model yet.
A powerful Fender and Fishman®-designed pickup system allows you to flip seamlessly between electric and acoustic voicings, while the fully-hollow, naturally-resonant Telecaster® body offers rich acoustic warmth when unplugged. The guitar’s body feeds the Acoustic Engine with its naturally loud and resonant design. It also makes plenty of sound unplugged – perfect for a couch jam or songwriting session.
Modern N4 noiseless pickup provides authentic Fender electric tones without the hum.
Features 3 unique voice pairs for a total of 6 “best-of” acoustic and electric voicings that can be played solo or blended to create all-new sounds.
Premium construction elements like the waterfall sound hole, forearm contour, scalloped heel and recessed backplates are designed for sound, comfort and visual appeal.
New colors like Butterscotch Blonde, Shadow Burst and Arctic White – plus more neutral tones like Brushed Black.
Malcolm Toft, known for his works at Trident Audio, releases an analog harmonic distortion module for the 500 Series format with four processing paths and three types of distortion.
The Punishr is a harmonic saturation processor in 500 Series format, with four tonal shaping paths designed for mixing or tracking.
Punishr offers three switchable distortion paths that can be used individually or in tandem: SYM (symmetrical distortion), ASYM (asymmetrical distortion) and IRON (transformer saturation).
The Malcolm Toft designed circuit includes 1970’s inspired EQ and musical filters, alongside an Iron transformer with individual bypass and level control for all distortion elements. The EQ section can be placed pre or post the distortion path and there is a unique SUM mode where all three distortion circuits are fed simultaneously.
Punishr is designed to "punish your audio" with a wide range of harmonic distortion applications, from adding energy to lifeless tracks, an element of bite and grit to mixes or sonic mayhem when required!
The unit is offered with a free Punishr recall sheet from session-recall.com.
Punishr is 100% designed and manufactured in the UK.
Features:
Analogue harmonic distortion processor
4 tonal shaping processing paths
3 Different types of distortion : SYM, ASYM and IRON
SYM : Symmetrical distortion (both sides of the waveform are clipped)
ASYM : Asymmetrical distortion (only one side of the waveform is clipped)
IRON : Iron transformer saturation
Input Drive LED designed to illuminate when a steady signal reaches 0dBm
Individual Bypass LED switches and Level control for each distortion circuit
Automatic gain levelling circuitry
1970’s inspired shelving EQ at 100Hz and 8kHz
Sweepable High Pass Filter (30Hz - 350Hz)
Sweepable Low Pass Filter (1.5kHz - 20 kHz)
Smooth 12dB per octave musical filter slopes
EQ/Filter circuit can be placed Pre or Post the distortion circuits
SUM mode feeds the input to all 3 distortion circuits simultaneously
Continuously variable dry/wet Mix Control
500 Series format
Made in the UK
RRP: £649 inc. VAT (£540.83 ex-VAT)
Sound Magic has released Cadenza Viola Version 2.0, featuring a Hybrid Modelling Solo Viola.
Sound Magic explains:
As technology advances, version 2.0 improves very much in the easy to use aspect, and also makes it very affordable. Compared to version 1.0, version 2.0 can keep the same performance with a price tag only 1/4 of version 1.0's original price. Also after changing to the watermark system, although it is vulnerable in protection against pirated, users can gain more freedom such as using it anywhere, and immediately after downloading it.
Major Changes:
Optimized single technique sample sets.
Use watermark system to replace Machine I.D system.
Reduce the plugin size by 50%.
Improved workflow.
Many minor changes.
Intro Price: $29 (Reg. $39).
Sound Magic also announced its latest June Drum Month Sale Event, with offers up to 70% off on over 60 instruments and effects plugins. The sale event will last until June 30th, 2022.
Emergence Audio has announced the release of Cello Textures, the second installment in their 'non-static string' series. Utilising their Infinite Motion Engine and Non-Static Sampling, Cello Textures integrates emotion and synth programming all in one easy to use interface.
Emergence Audio say:
We brought in world-renowned cellist Mariko Muranaka to bring this concept to life, and the results are beautiful. Our intuitive Infinite Motion Engine and Non-Static Sampling process allows you to blend and sculpt expressive sonic landscapes in new and unique ways that never feel static. Create pads, textures, soundscapes, drones and pulses for a wide range of genres including film, television and game scoring, contemporary era music, neo-classical music, ambient music, drone music, sound design, trailer music, new age/meditation music, and much more.
Features:
- 3.33 GB of source material.
- Infinite Motion Engine.
- Non-Static Sampling.
- 17 traditional but uniquely performed articulations.
- 120 presets designed by founder Michael Vignola.
- 100+ parameters to customize your own sound.
- 5 curated preset categories.
- Convolution reverb with 50+ top-shelf impulse responses.
- 10 effects and randomizer.
- Evolving organic soundscapes and pads.
- 24-bit 48kHz samples.
- MIDI learn/automation for all controls.
Cello Textures is currently available on intro offer for $59 (~~$99 Reg~~) from Emergence Audio.