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Tag: music technology

Review: Crow Hill Small String Gestures provides Classical Music Nuance
The Crow Hill Company boasts a growing reputation as a purveyor of high-quality plugins based on well-recorded samples. For our first exploration of their product line, we train our eyes and ears on Small String Gestures, a sample instrument leveraging recordings of a 12-piece string section. Crow Hill’s development team inspired passionate takes from the performers, allowing you to take advantage of their work within your own compositions.

Crow Hill Small String Gestures
- Innovative Strings Plugin Providing Control of 12-piece String Section
- Top-Shelf Recordings offer Exceptional Audio Quality
- 8GB of High-Quality String Section Samples
- Leverages Unique Bowing and Vibrato Techniques
- Simple and Intuitive Interface
- Suitable for Soundtrack Work and Esoteric Music Projects
- Mixer Includes Three Mic Locations and Reverb
- Supports Most Popular Plugin Formats
- Available from The Crow Hill Company for £49
If soundtracks and edgy modern classical music projects intrigue you, Small String Gestures must be explored. Its exceptional sound quality and unique performance options inspire your own compositions. Notably, the plugin almost serves as a more focused version of Crow Hill’s String Murmurations. This sample-based plugin is easy to use and adds a measure of class to any music project. Check it out!

Exploring the Small String Gestures UI

The Small String Gestures user interface features a minimalist approach, making it easy to manage in your own projects. The standard menu bar at the top includes patch management functionality while providing control of the overall volume and tuning. Timbre and Expression knobs let you modify the sound of the current sample patch. Use the Shift dropdown to set the scale mode, which affects the key transitions of gestures.

Small String Gestures features an intuitive user interface. Screenshot by author.

For Small String Gestures, the Crow Hill team recorded the 12-piece string section in an old Glaswegian church. The rest of the app UI lets you tweak this space, including a virtual mixer with separate faders for Close, Wide, and Ambient micing. Finally, the included reverb provides control over the room size, mix signal, and envelope release. Note that not all presets support every control; they become greyed out when disabled.

Crow Hill crafts Exceptional Sound Quality with Inspired Performances

The sonic heart of Small String Gestures resides with the inspired performances of the string section recorded for the samples. This approach leads to exceptional sound quality with unique nuances suitable for chamber and experimental music forms. Holding longer notes, intervals, and chords allows the plugin to summon these subtleties. Like other great synths and sample instruments, it rewards an experimental and exploratory approach.

As noted earlier, the Shift dropdown control sets the scale mode, effectively the note used for transitions when holding long tones. Experiment with this value. Using a key different from the one currently playing might summon those dark and brooding Ivesian chamber soundscapes. Also explore how tweaking the Timbre and Expression knobs modify the sound in real time.

The app’s microphone mixer and reverb settings also provide the string section a tangible sense of space. Chances are strong you won’t need to run Small String Gestures through other effect plugins. Its sound is simply exceptional!

To put Small String Gestures through its paces, I crafted a few quick chamber explorations. A minimal approach worked best, using whole notes and chords allowing the string samples to evolve. The impassioned performances from the original session easily translate to your own compositions.

Check out these videos to get an idea of the sonic possibilities of this Crow Hill plugin. Each track has no additional reverb or any other mastering or compression effects. A Small String Circus 1 and 2 use the same preset, with the second version serving up a slightly edgier expansion of the original idea.

Circus Aviation offers a more pastoral tone using a present with a smaller sonic space. Summoning chamber music inspirations becomes natural with Small String Gestures!

The Crow Hill Company: Boutique Samples for Composers and Musicians

Small String Gestures highlights the overall quality of The Crow Hill Company’s sample libraries. Excellent recordings and impassioned performances from the chamber group inspire your own classical and experimental compositions. The simple, intuitive user interface never gets in the way. At $49, any composer, producer, or musician needs to explore adding it to their plugin library.

Additionally, most of Crow Hill’s products focus on modern classical or chamber music, we also explored the excellent String Murmurations, effectively the mothership of Small String Gestures. Their free Vaults sample player program, similar to the original Spitfire Audio Labs, also highlights the company’s wide range of sampling approaches and sonic possibilities. Vaults’ recently-released upright piano plugin, Vertical Piano, only adds to this variety. Needless to say, The Crow Hill Company deserves your attention!
February 21, 2025
Review: FAC Punchlab helps iOS Musicians Mix and Master with Ease
Fred Anton Corvest’s iOS plugins rank among the most-used effects on our iPad music projects. Check out our review of his effects bundle from a few years ago. I primarily use Apple’s tablet computer to create beats or stems for further overdubs using Reaper on the desktop. For example, FAC Maxima remains our top plugin choice for mastering within AUM. FAC Punchlab expands this functionality and more!

Fred recently released Punchlab for iOS, a AUv3 multi-effects plugin effectively serving as a Swiss Army knife for your next music project. We decided to try it out on two stems in development for an upcoming Church of Hed album. We found FAC Punchlab to be an intuitive tool, letting you quickly dial in one or more effects for a single track, buss, or even an entire mix. Let’s check it out!

FAC Punchlab Features
- Combines up to Nine Effects on a Track or Master Buss
- Effects Provide a Full Range of Sound Design and Control
- Includes Filters, Transient Control, Limiting, Saturation, and More
- Intuitive Dynamic UI makes Touch Control a Breeze
- Responsive UI Evolves based on iPad vs. iPhone and Parent App
- Reorder Effects with Simple Gestures
- Seamless Present Management
- Supports the AUv3 Plugin Format on iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and visionOS
- Available at the App Store for $14.99
FAC Punchlab provides mobile musicians and producers with a top-shelf effects rack with a seamless, intuitive interface. Controlling the app with touch gestures especially works great on the iPad. I now use it instead of or in tandem with FAC Maxima on the master buss in AUM or Cubasis.

FAC Punchlab has a Top-Shelf iPad User Interface

The FAC Punchlab interface features an “Advanced Responsive Design,” which means it seamlessly adjusts itself based on the host app. It provides both portrait and landscape views, easily switching between the two as necessary. I used it in both AUM and Cubasis and had no problems leveraging the intuitive interface to quickly adjust effects settings.

FAC Punchlab features an intuitive and adaptive user interface. Screenshot by author.

Punchlab includes nine separate effects; simple button taps switch each effect on or off. Taps and swipes also serve to control each effect’s unique settings, including levels, switches, and other settings. An animated graphic in the middle of each effect evolves based on the changes to the settings. Simply put, the UI makes controlling Punchlab both fun and powerful.

Meters displaying the plugin’s I/O levels as well as the output waveform lie above the nine effects. Below resides the preset manager and a button displaying the app’s information screen. Note the button on the lower right that toggles a mode for reordering Punchlab’s effects. Use intuitive drag and drop gestures to move the effects around based on your desired audio flow.

Exploring the Effects of FAC Punchlab

Punchlab’s “rack of nine” provides a full range of effects suitable for instrument, buss, or master tracks. As noted earlier, simply toggle each effect on and off to get the right processing setup for your specific needs. This flexibility pays dividends on any mobile music project.

FAC Punchlab seamlessly fits in the Cubasis UI. Screenshot by author.

Now, let’s examine the features of each of the nine effects:
- Attack: The Attack effect lets you design transients. The Punch slider controls the attack slope, while the Depth knob manages its level, no matter the slope.
- Phat: Phat serves as the saturation effect for Punchlab. Two knobs control its drive and saturation depth. The Model button provides access to five different saturation models, providing sonic flexibility.
- Boum: A cool resonant filter, Boum offers unique sonic exploration within Punchlab. Two knobs control the depth and decay. The ability to tune the note of the resonance is also cool. Finally, the Audition switch lets you only hear the effected Boum output.
- Heat: If you need the sonic clarity provided by an exciter, Heat serves in this role for Punchlab. This effect includes control over the exciter’s amount as well as its pre-gain. Use the Oxygen slider for additional coloration and character.
- Tone: The Tone effect includes a filter array: a shelf filter plus a low-pass or high-pass option. Use the dual knob and the two sliders to control the respective cutoff frequencies.
- EQ: Another filter array with two bell filters provides EQ within Punchlab. Use the dual knob to control the gain for both, while dual sliders manage the cutoff frequencies.
- Fizz: Fizz is one of the more unique effects in Punchlab. It provides audio rate modulation using six different models, plus you also control the modulation frequency with the Note slider. Experimentation and exploration become easier when playing around with Fizz (and Boum in tandem).
- Clip: The Clip effect also provides a cool source for sonic exploration within Punchlab. You gain control over the clipper’s knee curve and gain using the knob. The Shaper slider controls the effect’s harmonic profile. The Auto-gain switch compensates for any reduction in the signal.
- Mix: Finally, the Mix control serves in its traditional role, blending the dry and wet audio signals. It also includes a High Quality switch for oversampling and a final limiter switch with brickwall, hard, and off settings.
Putting Punchlab through its Paces

As noted earlier, the iPad serves as my musical tool for beatmaking and stems. Using Punchlab in Cubasis on two stems for an upcoming Church of Hed album provided a perfect test scenario. One track includes a Berlin School synth sequence on the Minimoog Model D app with the Model 15 providing aural scenery. The other piece conjures a surreal aural landscape using the Model D in tandem with Animoog Z.

In both cases, Punchlab’s array of effects provided an easily controllable chain leveraging the app’s intuitive touch-powered user interface. Toggling effects with simple taps while controlling their parameters with finger swipes makes mobile music production alluring. Fred simply knows how to craft top-shelf user experience for iPad musicians. Note that Punchlab is also available for the iOS on the iPhone and iPod Touch, as well as the macOS and visionOS platforms. However, I only tested it on my iPad Pro.

Notably, Punchlab parameters respond to automation in Cubasis, enhancing the effects app’s capabilities for sound design or more esoteric music works. A robust preset library provides additional insights on the app’s potential uses on your next project. Access present management functionality at the bottom of the plugin.

An Essential iOS and iPadOS Effects Plugin

Punchlab quickly became one of my most essential options for different utility and creative use-cases for iPad music projects. The ease of use and intuitive interface makes learning it a breeze functionality. You need to explore adding FAC Punchlab to your effects arsenal. Fred Corvest made another great mobile music effect, or actually nine great effects in one!
October 10, 2024
Review: Fuse Audio Labs VREV-63 Reverb Inspires Surf Music Landscapes
Guitarists and recording musicians need to check out the Fuse Audio Labs VREV-63 reverb plugin. It offers an accurate emulation of a spring reverb, suitable for surf music projects or even tracks where that musician surfer traverses outer space! The skeuomorphic guitar amp interface highlights the plugin’s intuitive UI design approach. If you recall, we recently posted the press release for this effects plugin.

Fuse Audio Labs VREV-63 Reverb Features
- Emulates the Classic Tube Spring Reverb Sound of 60s Guitar Amps
- Provides Great Sonics and an Intuitive User Interface
- Includes C10 Capacitor Mod and Three Different Spring Tanks
- Suitable for Guitars, Synths, Vocals, and More
- Supports Windows, MacOS, and Most Popular Plugin Formats
- Available from Fuse Audio Labs for $59
Note that the VREV-63 also adds that classic surf guitar amp reverb sound to synths, other instruments, and even vocals. Still, guitarists probably benefit the most from exploring this Fuse Audio Labs reverb plugin to see how it enhances their sound. Let’s examine the VREV-63 in more detail.

A Classic Guitar Amp Interface

VREV-63 features a skeuomorphic interface that looks and functions like those classic guitar amps of yore. A wise UI decision considering the plugin’s surf music roots. The simplicity of the intuitive interface makes guitar amp owners feel right at home. The Mixer, Tone, and Volume knobs are self-explanatory. The Dwell knob effectively manages how hard the input signal hits the amp’s virtual springs. In short, it controls the reverb level.

The VREV-63’s interface provides that vintage guitar amp feel. Image courtesy Fuse Audio Labs.

The “back of the amp” features a few settings, again with a skeuomorphic interface. Switch between different types of the C10 capacitor for a richer reverb sound. You also get to select tube models between the NOS 6K6 and the heavier 6V6. Fuse Audio Labs also modeled the spring tank size, and there’s even a switch to emulate kicking the amp! Boom!

The rear of the VREV-63 interface also provides that vintage guitar amp feel. Image courtesy Fuse Audio Labs.

Patch management features are also simple and intuitive. However, the plugin’s ease of use makes creating a new patch a fast and simple process.

Accurate Spring Reverb Sound in a Plugin

Simply stated, the VREV-63 sounds great. Expect a top-shelf spring reverb sound to highlight your guitar tracks. Of course, the plugin also works well in other use-cases, like synths or even an entire mix. Anytime you want a classic reverb – no matter the situation – try out this plugin.

When mixing the new Church of Hed album, The Fifth Hour, I put VREV-63 through its paces. Jonathan Segel, from indie-rock legends, Camper Van Beethoven plays on the release. The track Hyades Noir features Segel’s violin and guitar. Remember, both Camper and Segel made their bones in California. Naturally, a surf music spring reverb seemed appropriate for the outer space sonics of the track.

The VREV-63 worked perfectly, giving Segel’s axe and violin work the deep space surfing vibe the song needed. The spring reverb on his tracks stood out among the reverbs used for the other instrumentation and overall mix. It provided that unique California feel to a piece squarely set in a star cluster far, far away.

If you want to add a spring reverb to your plugin collection, check out Fuse Audio Labs VREV-63. This plugin provides an appropriate look and feel as well as the right sound. At $59, it’s definitely worthy of further consideration.
August 1, 2024
XILS-lab Hearkens to The Roaring Twenties with Les Diffuseurs

We love XILS-lab and their inspired collection of synth plugins, like XILS 4, KaoX, and PolyM. They inspire chaos with their detailed emulations of those classic synthesizers of yore. This time out, Les Diffuseurs sees Xavier and his team train their eyes on the legendary Ondes Martenot with this unique effect plugin. Check out their press release below.

XILS-lab’s Les Diffuseurs and its La Palme effect plugin. Image courtesy XILS-lab.

XILS-lab looks to the past to produce present-day Les Diffuseurs bundle of outlandish effect plug-ins inspired by ondes Martenot speakers

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: audio software company XILS-lab is proud to announce availability of its Les Diffuseurs effect plug-in bundle — turning to the Twenties (read: early 20th Century), and an early electronic musical instrument called the ondes Martenot, more specifically French inventor Maurice Martenot’s Métallique and Palme so-called diffuseurs speakers, as inspiration for its La Palme and Le Metallique effect plug-ins to effectively enable anyone to experience the outlandish sounds of those ‘unobtainium’ originals from the comfort of their present-day DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) — as of April 9…

As an early electronic musical instrument inspired by the accidental overlaps of tones between military radio oscillators, the ondes Martenot — literally translating from French as Martenot waves — dates all the way back to 1928 when it first appeared as the result of its French inventor namesake Maurice Martenot’s intention of creating a new instrument with the expressiveness of a cello. Clearly there was some correlation there between Martenot himself being a cellist and also working as a radio operator during the First World War. While there were several ondes Martenot versions available during an admittedly impressive 60-year-manufactured-to-order run — it can, for example, be played with a metal ring worn on the right index finger, sliding the ring along a wire to produce Theremin-like tones generated by oscillator circuits using vacuum tubes, or, in the case of the seventh model, transistors — that all the same saw Martenot remain resolutely uninterested in mass-producing his namesake instrument, it was the challenge of effectively reproducing the outlandish sounds of two of four speakers known as diffuseurs that Martenot specifically created for the instrument in question that truly excited the ears of fellow Frenchman Xavier Oudin, obviously prompting his audio software company XILS-lab to turn its attention to collectively set about duly developing and now launching Les Diffuseurs.

As an effect plug-in bundle par excellence, Les Diffuseurs comprises La Palme — inspired by Maurice Martenot’s Palme speaker first presented alongside the sixth version of the ondes Martenot in 1950, itself anchored around a resonance chamber laced with strings tuned to all 12 semitones of an octave so that when a note is played in tune it resonates a particular string, producing chiming tones — and Le Metallique — inspired by Maurice Martenot’s 1932-vintage Métallique that features a gong instead of a speaker cone, thereby adding a specific metallic character to the overall ondes Martenot sound. Saying that, though, present-day digital technology-based breakthroughs have not only allowed Xavier Oudin — ably assisted by Nori Ubukata, a renowned sound designer (think Japanese giant Yamaha’s GS-1, DX7, SY99, and other notable FM synths), synthesist, and Thereminist, together with synth designer Yves Usson (primarily known for his work on French music hardware and software specialist Arturia’s MiniBrute and MicroBrute monosynths) — to effectively reproduce the outlandish sounds of those ‘unobtainium’ originals from the comfort of present-day DAWs but also add more possibilities to the plug-ins themselves, such as muting any STRING (La Palme) or changing the GONG size in real-time (Le Metallique).

Moreover, in addition to those individually tuneable and mutable strings, La Palme also features global INPUT, DAMP — more string oscillations equal less higher frequencies, DECAY, TRANSPOSE, and TUNE controls; Le Metallique‘s dual-sized GONG can be modulated by an LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator) or MIDI WHEEL and also features INPUT level and frequency DAMP — more gong oscillations equal less high frequencies — controls, together with DECAY and LOW END level controls, plus an LFO that can be synced to the project tempo. The ‘wooden’ BOX central to each plug-in’s operation features further DECAY and DAMP controls.

And as if that was not enough to be getting on with, XILS-lab has pushed the concept further still by powering its Les Diffuseurs effect plug-in bundle with its True Stereo Dynamic Engine (TSDE), so users can not only position those La Palme and Le Metallique speakers left and right in a true stereo image but also in front to the stereo field or, indeed, farther back — all of which was surely unimaginable way back in 1928!

Thanks, then, to XILS-lab‘s Les Diffuseurs effect plug-in bundle, anyone can now experience the outlandish sounds of Maurice Martenot’s Métallique and Palme so-called diffuseurs speakers like never before — made match fit for truly 21st Century usage in modern-day music production by being effectively enhanced, in other words.

The Les Diffuseurs effect plug-in bundle is available to purchase at a time-limited introductory promo price of only €45.00 EUR until May 15, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €89.00 EUR, downloadable in 64-bit AAX (native)-, AU-, VST2.4-, and VST3-compatible formats for macOS (10.9+) and 64-bit AAX (native)-, VST2.4-, and VST3-compatible formats for Windows (7/8/10/11) directly from XILS-lab here: https://www.xils-lab.com/products/les-diffuseurs-p-173.html# (Les Diffuseurs is copy-protected by a license serial number, requested when first launched.)

A time-limited full version of Les Diffuseurs can be requested for pre-purchase evaluation purposes here: https://www.xils-lab.com/products/les-diffuseurs-p-173.html#AskDemo

Watch two videos demonstrating differing aspects of La Palme — one of two effect plug-ins included in XILS-labs’ Les Diffuseurs bundle — here:

May 15, 2024
Review: MeldaProduction MCenter Enhances Your Stereo Soundscapes
If you need a straightforward, simple, and yet powerful tool for mid/side audio processing, check out MeldaProduction MCenter. The plugin provides audio engineers and self-producing musicians the ability to enhance the stereo soundscape of their mixes. An intuitive user interface with an animated spectrum analyzer enhances its ease of use.

MeldaProduction MCenter Features
- Precise Processing of Mono and Stereo Audio Content
- Simple, Intuitive Interface Belies the Tool’s Power
- Offers Both Single-Knob and More Advanced Control Options
- Provides Option for Drawing Frequency Response
- Combines Spectral and Mid/Side Processing
- Also Supports Surround Audio Formats
- Perfect for Mastering and More Creative Use-Cases
- Supports Most Popular Desktop Plugin Formats
- Available from MeldaProduction for $52
The simplicity of this utility plugin belies the true power lurking within its more advanced controls. Still, MCenter ultimately makes it easy to enhance the stereo field of your next mix, while also supporting various surround audio formats. The tool also boasts a whole host of more creative uses. Check out our review for more details and insights.

MCenter Benefits from an Intuitive User Interface

MCenter sports an easy to grasp user interface with a design similar to other MeldaProduction plugins. Operating the tool is entirely possible using the CENTER/SIDES and MIDSIDE/SPECTRAL controls located below the preset management toolbar. However, more advanced UI functionality supports a more detailed or creative approach to mid/side processing.

MeldaProduction MCenter in action. Image courtesy of MeldaProduction.

In addition to the two controls mentioned above, the DRY/WET and OUTPUT knobs manage MCenter’s overall effect on the mix. Advanced parameters allow tweaking of the spectrum and time smoothing settings, along with something called “EXTREMIZE.” That latter knob enhances the center of a stereo mix. The detailed MeldaProduction manual for MCenter offers helpful insights on the various applications for the plugin on a music project.

A toolbar at the right side of MCenter provides additional controls. If desired, MCenter processes either the left, right, middle, or side channels separately. Interesting use-cases for this approach abound, like widening the overall stereo image of the track or even phase correction. The Surround and Ambisonics modes also support 5.1, Atmos, and 3D audio projects. This toolbar also provides control for MCenter’s AGC (automatic gain control) functionality, fast switching between 8 presets, morphing between those presets, Undo/Redo, and more.

A frequency spectrum graph lies at the bottom of the plugin’s interface. As noted earlier, drawing frequency response curves provides the opportunity to fine tune MCenter’s frequency spectrum if necessary. Needless to say, sonically creative options beyond traditional mid/size processing abound when diving into this functionality.

MCenter’s ability to vary the amount of mid/size processing by frequency is also helpful. You have the option for modulating this effect based on the audio signal or other modulation sources, providing a useful example of the advanced functionality lurking underneath the covers of this plugin.

Putting MCenter to Work

As noted earlier, MCenter provides users with a simple and straightforward approach for mid/side processing using the CENTER/SIDES and MIDSIDE/SPECTRAL controls (along with the DRY/WET and OUTPUT). This pairs with the more detailed control using the frequency spectrum graph and related parameters. However, my first use-case for the plugin only required basic M/S processing functionality.

For the upcoming Church of Hed album, The Fifth Hour, I produced and mastered two of the tracks completely on an iPad Pro. Planning on adding overdubs in Reaper on the desktop, I cared little about their stereo processing (or lack thereof). After realizing these pieces ultimately needed no overdubs, enhancing the stereo field for both became necessary. Enter MCenter.

In this scenario, using those four simple knobs allowed the widening and enhancement of the stereo image for both tracks. When combined with the other plugins used in my master buss effects chain (EQ, compression, saturation), these two tracks now squarely fit with the other pieces fully produced on the desktop. MCenter provided the audio processing functionality I needed in an intuitive and easy to use manner.

To paraphrase rock legends, Midnight Oil, MeldaProduction MCenter provides audio engineers the best of both worlds. You have a simplified, yet powerful approach, not too dissimilar to other mastering plugins providing a knob or two for mid/size processing. Additionally, users have a more advanced option with detailed control of the frequency spectrum influencing the subsequent stereo image.

The support for Atmos and other surround formats makes MCenter the right choice for engineers working on more immersive projects. Once again, MeldaProduction gives sound engineers and self-producing musicians a mid-side processing plugin worthy of their interest. Check it out today!
May 10, 2024
Boost Your Dynamic Range with Fuse Audio Labs VCE-118

If you need a versatile music plugin to improve dynamic range in unique ways, check out Fuse Audio Labs VCE-118. This tool effectively serves as a secret weapon, providing your next music production better punch and dynamics. Check out the press release and embedded video below!

Fuse Audio Labs VCE-118 features a warm and accessible user interface.

Fuse Audio Labs turns to early-Seventies-vintage VCA technology-based breakthroughs to proudly present punchy VCE-118 Dynamic Range Enhancer plugin

DUESSELDORF, GERMANY: truly analog-sounding plugins developer Fuse Audio Labs proudly presents its VCE-118 Dynamic Range Enhancer plugin as a unique dynamics tool — turning to breakthroughs that took place in the early Seventies with the advent of VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) technology that cemented the reputation of the vintage device from which it draws its inspiration; indeed, a secret weapon reliant on a distinctive ratio implementation that enabled both compression and expansion, combined with a distinctive linear mode acting as powerful fuel for bending dynamics as a creative effect — as of March 29…

Duly dominating its familiar-looking ‘vintage’ GUI (Graphical User Interface), VCE-118‘s central knob offers compression ratios ranging between 1:1 and ∞:1 or expansion between 1:1 and 1:2, while the intensity of the effect can be tweaked with the THRESHOLD control. An all- important ‘mode’ button switches between regular gain reduction or expansion, whereby only ABOVE THRESHOLD levels are processed, to LINEAR operation, affecting the full level above and below the threshold.

Helpfully, VCE-118 provides the ultimate punchy compression known from early VCA compressor flagships like the famous ‘160, but does not simply stop there since its expanded dynamic range surprises with intriguing effects reminiscent of gates and transient shapers. Indeed, its LINEAR operation can take this even further, venturing, for instance, into the sonic realms of heavily pumping beats or dead silent ambience.

“VCE-118 is nothing short of a giant in disguise; it can slam your drums into oblivion while within a second it can become a great punch enhancer — if used sparingly in parallel.” So suggests Fuse Audio Labs CEO Reimund Dratwa, drawing to a close with, “LINEAR mode is such an advantage when you’re hunting for unusual, extreme dynamic effects, applicable in various amounts with the all-important MIX knob.”

VCE-118 is available at an attractive 50%-discounted introductory promo price of only $29.00 USD until April 29, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of $59.00 USD — directly from its dedicated webpage, which includes more in-depth information, here: https://fuseaudiolabs.com/vce118.html

Note that 14-day trial versions of all Fuse Audio Labs plugins without any restrictions are also available to download for free from here:https://fuseaudiolabs.com/plugins.html

Get a feel for VCE-118 while watching Fuse Audio Labs’ informative introductory video here:

April 28, 2024
FOLDS by VOID & VISTA adds the Surreal to Your Kontakt Library

FOLDS by VOID & VISTA is a new sample library for Kontakt. It leverages a collection of voice recordings and electronic sources to create surreal and cinematic soundscapes for your next music production. It features a dual-layer sound design platform with a host of synth-like and more esoteric parameters. Check out the press release below!

FOLDS in action with Kontakt. Image courtesy VOID & VISTA.

VOID & VISTA announces availability of FOLDS as intimate yet expansive boutique VI for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT platform and NKS-compatible devices

LONDON, UK: cutting-edge contemporary music-orientated virtual instrument creator VOID & VISTA is proud to announce availability of FOLDS — formulated as an intimate yet expansive boutique virtual instrument for Native Instruments’ KONTAKT platform and NKS-compatible devices, based upon the human voice and its creator’s award-winning sound design engine — as of March 28…

Creatively combining expressive, characterful, and unique sampling with powerful sound design features and an inspiring UI (User Interface) to offer 32 sound sources anchored around expressive vocal articulations and textures, both real and imagined, FOLDS is ideally suited to contemporary media composers, production music writers, and sound designers alike. And thanks to the variety of emotive textures that it offers, electronic music producers and artists across multiple genres can clearly expand their toolbox, too.

That being said, then, FOLDS‘ bespoke collection of carefully curated male and female vocalist articulations incorporate soft and hard arrhythmic expressions; weaving and wavering vowels; broken reversed hums; evocative vocalisations designed for bass; sound effects; and more.

For FOLDS also features an inspiring collection of effect sounds, such as reverse granulations, as well as re-synthesised, deconstructed, and synthetically processed sounds using Eurorack modular, effect pedals, and tape machine manipulations. Sampled synth waveforms taken from a collection of analogue hardware are also featured.

FOLDS‘ 32 sound sources can be layered, sculpted, and effected using a deep, two-layer sound design engine that includes multimode filters; dual motion LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators); six envelopes; customisable LOFI effect; three-stage parallel CHARACTER effects (with presets and user impulse response import); and dedicated REVERB and DELAY in the SPACE section. Such sound design power is available to all via an inspiring and intuitive UI with over 150 controls — including access to a custom MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) mapping page and dedicated send effects — designed to keep users focused on making music.

Moreover, FOLDS comes complete with a vast collection of over 300 preset snapshots organised locally for ease of use; all have pre-assigned mod wheel and/or aftertouch modulation mappings for jaw-dropping sound manipulation and adding musical expression… evidenced by award-winning film composer David Arnold’s understandably uncurbed enthusiasm!

FOLDS is initially available to purchase for 20% off with the FOLDSLAUNCH20 discount code that is valid until May 8, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of £129.00 GBP — as a KONTAKT PLAYER– and NKS-compatible AAX-, AU-, and VST-formatted virtual instrument plug-in featuring 4.5 GB of samples that is compatible with all major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) running on macOS 11 or above — natively compatible with Apple Silicon — and Windows 10/11 directly from the dedicated product webpage here: https://www.voidandvista.com/products/folds

To function, FOLDS needs Native Instruments KONTAKT 7.7 or higher via the Native Access 2 administration tool for music creation software available from here: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/native-access-2/

Watch VOID & VISTA’s tantalising trailer video for FOLDS here:

April 26, 2024
SounDevice Digital Randomachine adds Life to your Samples
If you want a plugin to add life to your boring sample libraries, check out SounDevice Digital Randomachine. It randomly changes a variety of sample parameters, like panning, distortion, and more whenever triggered. Check out the press release and embedded video below to see this unique tool in action.

SounDesign Digital Randomachine features a powerful UI. Image courtesy SounDesign Digital.

United Plugins works with SounDevice Digital to quickly make many variants of one sample with monotony-relieving Randomachine

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: independent development teams federation United Pluginsis proud to announce availability of Randomachine as the latest must-have effect plug-in from founding partner SounDevice Digital — duly designed to relieve monotony wherever the need to quickly make many variants of one sample in next to no time arises; no matter if its user is actively involved in film or game sound design, or even making electronic music, laying waste to uniformity and mechanical sterility is all but guaranteed — as of April 15…

Triggering trio

All audio material is not the same, so SounDevice Digitalduly decided that Randomachinecan be triggered by three different TRIGGERsources — namely, TRANSIENT, which, as implied by name, triggers by transients, thereby igniting Randomachine‘s engines with each incoming signal, so sonic hits instantly change the settings of the selected effects; SYNC, synchronises to the project tempo within the host DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), changing the settings of the effects regularly upon whatever interval is set (such as every beat as well as every hi-hat hit, for instance); and MIDI, meaning any MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) note coming from the dedicated source, be that track or controller, can reset Randomachine at any time.

Change is as good as a rest

Randomachine randomly changes multiple parameters in each of its six effects that are always running behind the scenes each time it is triggered, the upshot of this being that every hit differs from the next or last. Thankfully, those six effects are wonderfully varied, comprising DISTORT — randomly changes the distortion or saturation of the audio being processed; PAN (panorama) — randomly changes the panorama (left/right position) of the audio being processed; AMBIENCE — randomly changes the ambience (reverb time and space) of the audio being processed; TIME — randomly changes the timing of the audio being processed; PITCH — randomly changes the pitch of the audio being processed; and FORMANT — randomly changes the formants of the audio being processed (albeit with a caveat of the spectral analysis involved adding latency to the plug-in).

Make many variants of one sample in next to no time

All in all, then, Randomachine has been duly designed to relieve monotony wherever the need to quickly make many variants of one sample in next to no time arises; no matter if its user is involved in film or game sound design, or even making electronic music, laying waste to uniformity and mechanical sterility is all but guaranteed. Get this, though: in keeping with its fellow United Plugins partners’ software siblings, SounDevice Digital‘s Randomachine plug-in provides its users with the maximum audio quality possible thanks to its internal 64- bit audio processing and an ability to handle any sampling rate — reaching 192 kHz or even higher without breaking into a sweat. Similarly, the photorealistic yet flexible (resizable) nature of its GUI (Graphical User Interface) imbues it with impressions of working with real hardware as opposed to being a virtual effect plug-in. Ultimately, United Plugins software smartly manages bypass functionality to ensure that users do not experience any clicks or harmful noises when automating that parameter, and SounDevice Digital‘s Randomachine is no exception to that (written) rule.

Key features:
- Relieves monotony wherever the need to quickly make variants of one sample arises
- All but guaranteed to lay waste to uniformity and mechanical sterility
- Three different — TRANSIENT, SYNC, and MIDI — TRIGGER sources availability
- Randomly changes multiple parameters in six — DISTORT, PAN (panorama), AMBIENCE, TIME, PITCH, and FORMANT — effects
- Every hit differs from the next or the last
- Provides maximum audio quality possible
SounDevice Digital’s Randomachine is available for free from April 15 until April 21, 2024, followed by a time-limited introductory promo price of only €9.00 EUR until May 21, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €49.00 EUR — as an AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in (using internal 64-bit audio processing capable of handling any sample rate) directly from its dedicated webpage (https://unitedplugins.com/Randomachine/), where a 15-day, fully-functional trial version for macOS 10.10 and newer and Windows 8/10/11 can also be downloaded for free.

Note that no iLok, dongle, or internet access is required for Randomachine activation. (All United Plugins software uses license files for activation and owners can freely use purchased software — with free-for-life updates — on all their computers, as long as they are the user.)

See and hear Randomachine in action while watching United Plugins’ illuminating introductory video here:
April 23, 2024
Review: Create Planetscapes of Reverb With FabFilter Pro-R 2
Musicians and producers needing a flexible reverb with exceptional sound – pretty much all of us – must explore FabFilter Pro-R 2. Quickly earning a top-shelf reputation in the music tech world, FabFilter’s product line supports both the desktop and iPad. Pro-R 2 highlights the effect maker’s rep in spades, providing a host of reverb models: natural, vintage, and plate.

FabFilter Pro-R 2 Features
- Versatile Reverb System Modeling Spaces Small to Large
- Intuitive and Attractive Real-Time User Interface
- Separate Decay Rate and Post EQs
- Unique Parameters Provide Deep yet Simple Control of Reverb Settings
- Support for Dolby Atmos and Other Surround Formats
- Support for Popular Plugin Formats on Windows, macOS, and iPadOS
- Suggested Retail Price of $169 ($39 for the iPad Version)
Pro-R 2’s robust feature set, intuitive user interface, and exceptional sound quality place it at the top when considering full-featured reverb plugins. Its versatility makes it suitable for a variety of use-cases, including everything from aesthetic outer space sonics to subtle room ambiences. The user enjoys seamless control of the reverb using a collection of interesting, musical, yet non-technical controls. Let’s take a closer look!

A Sparkling Reverb Plugin UI

All of FabFilter’s plugins feature attractive and responsive real-time interfaces. Pro-R 2 sports this similar look and feel. However, many complex UIs are difficult to operate. This is not the case with Pro-R 2, with the controls arrayed in a logical manner. In short, the plugin offers no difficulty to those familiar with operating a reverb and even newcomers.

Pro-R 2 performs its magic on the master buss. Screenshot by author.

Underneath a menu bar with patch navigation and other utility functionality lies the heart of Pro-R 2. A real-time frequency spectrum analyzer pulses and sparkles in time with the audio signal. A host of controls – mostly virtual knobs – lets you tweak the reverb’s settings, including familiar ones like Predelay, Space, and Distance. Two lines traced across the spectrum analyzer provide control and a visual overview of the current Decay Rate and Post EQ settings.

Hovering over a parameter for around a second causes a small pop-up explaining the specific reverb setting. This becomes convenient for certain parameters – Character, Ducking, etc. – that aren’t typically found on reverbs. Space and Brightness also combine typical reverb settings into something both useful and intuitive.

If new to music production, these pop-ups also offer basic definitions for concepts like predelay and the Mix setting. It’s a user-friendly approach that makes using Pro-R 2 a breeze, while offering powerful and effective results. The user interface for the reverb plugin ultimately provides the eye candy while Pro-R 2’s sonics offer similar gifts to your ears.

Pro-R 2 Effectively Functions as a Reverb Construction Set

Don’t let the intuitive nature of FabFilter’s unique reverb parameters mask the underlying power of this plugin. Pro-R 2 essentially lets you design your own reverbs based on the bespoke needs of your project or performance. For example, the Decay Rate EQ provides the ability to design a specific room or space. The plugin’s ability to import and analyze impulse response files to create spaces only adds to the reverb construction set feel of Pro-R 2.

The plugin also includes a six-band Post EQ to dial-in the right frequency spectrum for your reverb design. Simply control both EQs on the main user interface screen using an intuitive UX with a click/drag & drop approach. The Bell, Notch, and Shelf curves adds to ease of use. The Decay Rate EQ curve is blue, while the Post EQ is yellow. Once again, FabFilter builds UIs that are both beautiful and highly-functional.

FabFilter Pro-R 2 also provides support for Dolby Atmos and other surround sound formats. I’ve yet to enter the world of surround mixing and didn’t explore this functionality for this review. Other reviews I perused commented on its efficacy. Expect it to be a nice fit with the reverb’s support for impulse response files.

FabFilter Pro-R 2 is Great for Instruments and Busses

I’ve been putting Pro-R 2 through its paces during the mixing and mastering process of the soon-come Church of Hed album, The Fifth Hour. Ambient, spacerock, and electronica benefit from the liberal application of reverb, providing mix busses and instruments with a sense of “outer” space. FabFilter’s reverb plugin obviously supports both of those music production use-cases.

The Eventide Blackhole and Valhalla DSP reverbs – two of our favorites – let musicians put synths, pianos, or even guitars squarely into deep space. I use Blackhole on both my desktop DAW and on the iPad. Pro-R 2 offers a similar level of top-shelf sonics for your deep space journeys. The plugin is also available in desktop and iPadOS versions, but this review only covers the desktop model.

As highlighted earlier, it comes as no surprise Pro-R 2 works great on both instruments and mix busses. It quickly found a home as part of my first-choice drum buss effects chain. The reverb provides the right sense of space for my array of effected and dry electronic kits and percussion. It especially plays nicely with MDrummer.

I also used it quite effectively on pianos and synths, easily tweaking one of the robust number of presets to suit the specific need. Once again, the intuitive UI of Pro-R 2 makes this process simple and fun! The exceptional sound quality almost seems like icing on the cake, but we know that remains the most important factor to nearly all musicians and engineers.

Using a bit of reverb on the master buss adds a measure of shared space suitable for many mixing applications. I use a Lexicon hardware reverb unit for this purpose when mastering outside the box. FabFilter Pro-R 2 now serves in a similar role for my inside the box masters. Its usability and flexibility make integrating it into your projects a simple process.

FabFilter Pro-R 2 Might Become Your Favorite Reverb

FabFilter deserves its status as one of the top emerging makers of audio plugins for recording, mixing, and mastering. Again, Pro-R 2 perfectly illustrates that this reputation is well-deserved. A versatile reverb construction set that’s easy to use, looks great, and sounds killer, it belongs in your plugin library. Use it on your next project and expect to be convinced.
April 3, 2024
MeldaProduction MCenter Provides Mid-Side Mixing
We are big fans of MeldaProduction plugins, especially MDrummer, a major piece of our electric drum stack. The Czech plugin maker recently introduced MeldaProduction MCenter, a mixing tool focused on mid-side or M-S processing. MCenter is currently available for free through 2/18/2024, 9 Euros until 3/10/2024, and 49 Euros thereafter. So get downloading, you hear! Check out their press release below.

MCenter in action. Image copyright MeldaProduction.

PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: MeldaProduction is proud to announce availability of MCenter — making finding true mid-side balance a breeze by unlocking the full potential of anyone’s stereo signal as a simple to use yet powerful plug-in designed to provide unparalleled control over stereo qualities, going beyond traditional mid-side processing by offering advanced features that accurately manipulate the‘phantom center’ and remaining stereo signal — as of February 12.

MeldaProduction‘s MCenter lets its users take charge of their stereo signal’s elusive ‘phantom center’ by employing a complex spectral algorithm that separates what really sounds stereo and really sounds mono, which is not actually the case with mid-side processing. Put it this way: just hard panning a track is 50% mid and 50% side from a mid-side perspective, despite it naturally sounding stereophonic. Saying that, though, MCenter is not only for mastering, but for every occasion where true mid-side balance is needed — works well when mixing or just being creative, in other words.

Getting to the heart of the plug-in

Ultimately, users who do not wish to get bogged down in too much technical detail are best served by MCenter‘s single-knob operation offered by its simple CENTER / SIDES control that allows them to truly balance the center and side parts of the stereo signal to their satisfaction within a second!

Dual processing-powered results comparison

Comparing and contrasting results comes quickly to MCenter, thanks to its dual-processing capabilities combining the accuracy of spectral processing with traditional mid-side operation. On the face of it, then, users can quickly choose an approach that best suits their creative needs.

Freeform frequency drawing

Duly diving into detailed frequency manipulation comes courtesy of MCenter‘s freeform drawing capability. Controlling each frequency can be achieved separately, allowing users to sculpt their sound with precision by shaping the response of individual frequency bands.

Key features:
- Unlocks the full potential of anyone’s stereo signal as a simple to use yet powerful plug-in
- Lets users take charge of their stereo signal’s elusive ‘phantom center’ by employing a complex spectral algorithm
- Single-knob operation allows anyone to truly balance the center and side parts of the stereo signal within a second!
- Dual-processing capabilities combines the accuracy of spectral processing with traditional mid-side operation
- Freeform drawing capability controls each frequency separately
MCenter is available for free from February 12 through to February 18, 2024 by simply heading on over to MeldaProduction’s online shop via its dedicated webpage (https://meldaproduction.com/MCenter) that also includes more in-depth information, then adding it to the cart and checkout by ‘buying’ it for €0.00 EUR; thereafter, a time-limited introductory price of only €9.00 EUR comes into force until March 10, 2024, rising thereafter to its regular price of €49.00 EUR. (It is also worth noting that MCenter will always be free for MCompleteBundle, MMasteringFXBundle, and MMixingFXBundle owners, both current and future.)

A 15-day, fully-functional trial version of MCenter is always available by downloading the latest (MAudioPlugins 16.11) universal installer of MeldaProduction tools — to include all virtual effect and instrument plug-ins in 64-bit AAX-, AU-, VST- and VST3-compatible formats for macOS (10.14 or newer) and 64-bit AAX-, VST-, and VST3-compatible formats for Windows (8/10/11) as one shared core, with several new virtual instruments (including Cosmosis, Cyber Bear, Deep Vibes, Frozen Sparks, Magic Dust, Mecha Vox, Neon Dolls, Solar Flare, Sonic Pulse, Sugar Rush, and Twisted Wave) being brought to MSoundFactory, while both MGuitarArchitect and MTurboAmp are in receipt of a new virtual effect (Claritor) — from here: https://meldaproduction.com/downloads (Choose which ones to install and purchase licenses later with free-for-life updates.)

Watch MeldaProduction’s informative introductory video for MCenter here:
February 14, 2024