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Tag: music technology news

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
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
Eventide adds Android App for H9 Control – Synth News Digest 17
Welcome to another edition of the TabMuse Synth News Digest. This gives us an opportunity to inform you of a few interesting music technology news and product announcements from the previous weeks. If interested in checking out the last Synth News Digest, simply click on the following link.

Eventide releases their H9 Control Android App

Every time a cool new iOS music app gets released, Android owners ask when a version for their mobile platform is coming out. We focused a bit more on Android in the early days of TabMuse, but it never really challenged Apple when it came to music apps. The reasons for this are numerous and beyond the scope of this article.

Eventide H9 Control features a familiar UI style. Image copyright Eventide.

Nonetheless, Android music apps focused on handling control signals instead of audio data hold promise. Eventide thinks so with the recent release of their H9 Control app on the Google Play store. It works with the H9 pedal, letting you save and manage presets from the convenience of your Android smartphone or tablet. In essence, this is the same app available to iOS users since 2013.

The app leverages Bluetooth for wireless communication between your mobile device and the H9 pedal. If you like cables, a USB connection also works. What a no-brainer use-case; it’s surprising it is not an industry standard for high-end effects pedals. We give kudos to Eventide for showing the way.

Strymon goes Eurorack

I’ve lusted after the Strymon Big Sky and Blue Sky reverb pedals for years. The company continues to garner love among guitarists and synth players for their magical and otherworldly tones. As evidence of the large number of synth-nards using effect pedals, Strymon is now targeting the Eurorack scene with a new product.

The Strymon Magneto simulates a stereo multi-head tape delay, while also boasting looping functionality and so much more. A host of useful patch points facilitate the integration of Magneto into any Eurorack setup. The included spring reverb blasts everything into the deep space typical of Strymon’s reverb pedals.

A completely analog dry path ensures the best possible sound without those dreaded digital sampling artifacts. If you are interested in adding the Magneto to your Eurorack setup, the street price is $599. Now, I’ve got a new module to lust for if I ever dip my toes into the modular synth world.

Antelope Audio introduces Edge Strip Bundle Mic Modelers

When your recording setup primarily lurks in the digital domain, a robust collection of audio plugins is a must. Antelope Audio recently released their Edge Strip bundle including a mic, preamp, and modeling plugins suitable for most recording scenarios. You get a variety of vintage mic emulations along with plugins modeling the outboard gear and channel strips used to process them.

In short, a nearly endless array of mic and strip combinations adds some heft to your recording setup. The package includes Antelope’s Edge modeling microphone, their Discrete MP mic preamp, and that robust collection of models. A hearty supply of mic emulations should keep you busy for a while, and Antelope plans on introducing more to support their new system.

If interested in picking up the Edge Strip bundle, it is currently priced at $1,295. Frankly, that’s cheaper than spending thousands on your own vintage mic collection!

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May 7, 2018
Antelope Audio adds to its FPGA Hardware Models — Synth News Digest 10
This edition of the Synth News Digest trains its eye on a few new software products worthy of interest on your own musical projects. Check it out!

Four New Vintage Compressors boost Antelope Audio’s Plugin Library

Antelope Audio understands that a robust collection of audio plugins helps draw customers to your line of audio interfaces. As such, the company recently introduced four new compressors to its library of FPGA (field programmable gate array) hardware-based plugins. The BA-6A, FET-A78, SMT-100A, and Grove Hill LIVERPOOL are sure to intrigue musicians and audio engineers looking for some vintage sound to enhance their projects.

The Grove Hill Audio Liverpool virtual compressor. Image Copyright Antelope Audio.

Antelope’s line of Thunderbolt and HDX audio interfaces – including the Orion Studio HD, Goliath HD, Orion Studio Rev. 2017, Orion32 HD, Zen Studio+, Orion Studio, Goliath, Orion32+, and Zen Tou – give these plugins extremely low latency in addition to their great sound. If an Antelope interface is already on your wish list, these vintage compressors give you more reason to make that purchase!

Brainworx introduces Two Classic British Console Plugins

We previously talked about the Brainworx channel plugin modeling the classic British SSL E Series mixing console. Well the company – with their friends at the Plugin Alliance – is raising the ante with two new plugins modeling the G Series in addition to the legendary Neve console.

The bx_console G is available in most popular plugin formats for a price of $299. If you are always on the lookout for a sale, the bx_console N is currently available for $179. Now go forth and make your mixes shine in the old school way.

Nugen Audio updates MasterCheck Pro

Nugen Audio’s MasterCheck Pro continues to be considered as an invaluable mixing assistant tool, especially for creating compressed mixes for consumption on online streaming services. The latest version 1.4 of MasterCheck Pro includes support for the lossless FLAC and Opus audio formats. MasterCheck Pro is available in most popular plugin formats at a price of $199.

Embertone releases Joshua Bell Violin Virtual Instrument

Joshua Bell is known as a leading violinist in the world of classical music. Music software firm, Embertone, worked with the Grammy Award winner to create a virtual instrument focused on Bell’s classic violin tones. The resultant virtual instrument, Joshua Bell Violin, features samples made by Bell playing a priceless Stradivarius.

The sampling technique replicates the legato playing techniques essential for violin performance. Modeled vibrato and a variety of unique articulations are also included as part of the package. Joshua Bell Violin is available for the NI Kontakt Player at a price of $199.

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October 16, 2017
Goose EQ comes to iOS – Synth News Digest 6

After using both BeatMaker 3 and Modstep for building tracks to improvise or compose over, I’m really getting into AU plugins on iOS. Since most of my recording work is on the desktop, obviously I gravitate towards the relative ease of loading a plugin instead of passing audio and MIDI through a “third-wheel” iOS app. Needless to say, AU compatibility is rapidly becoming a must-have feature in my iOS apps.

Goose EQ in action. Screenshot by author.

So I was happy to see Goose EQ arrive on my virtual doorstep. An iOS plugin focused on equalization, it leverages a unique touchscreen-optimized graphical interface for controlling EQ settings. Expect a full range of cool equalization features and other sonic enhancements as well as AU compatibility. There are also a robust number of presets serving as examples of its functionality to help you get started.

Using Goose EQ within BeatMaker 3. Screenshot by author.

Also of note, Goose EQ uses a subscription-based model with a yearly cost of $3.49. You receive a two-week free period to test drive its feature set before agreeing to a subscription. The developer realizes this is a unique take on iOS app monetization, and promises to lower the subscription price to zero if enough revenue isn’t made to support the app in the future.

It is definitely worth checking out to see if Goose EQ’s feature set meets your iOS music creation needs.

Touch Innovations hopes to “Kontrol” your DAW

Touch Innovations’ Kontrol Master continues to garner praise as an innovative desktop interface for controlling your DAW or even a video editor or graphic design application. The device looks almost like a video game controller for your grandmother, with super-sized buttons and knobs. Serious uses need only apply, however, as each control is customizable to suit your needs.

The company recently acquired European distribution for the Kontrol Master through the German company, Sonic Sales. Those residing in the EU as well as the United States now are able to purchase this unique control device. Sonic Sales Managing Director Matthias Herbst is exited at the opportunity. “The whole team at Sonic Sales is very much looking forward to raising the Touch Innovations profile in mid-Europe. I know it’s going to be a great journey, and am sure we can repeat the success stories that we’ve already enjoyed with other brands that we’ve helped build from the ground up,” said Herbst.

Antelope Audio introduces New USB Audio Interface

Antelope Audio’s new USB audio interface, Orion Studio HD, offers many intriguing features for those with a pro-level studio setup. Support for HDX, Class-A mic preamps, and a host of virtual effects are also part of the package. American street price for Orion Studio HD comes in just shy of $3,000.

Audified enters 500 Series Modular Audio Processing Market

The 500 Series combines the world high-end pro audio with the flexibility of a modular synthesizer. Each issue of Tape Op gives me the chance to ogle a wide range of cool 500-series gear from a variety of manufacturers. Audified is entering this music technology sector with the introduction of the Synergy R1, a combination of a reverb and a saturator.

The R1 looks to be a great piece of kit, with both digital circuitry for the reverb and an analog saturator. Expect the unit to take up two spaces in your 500-series lunchbox. The MSRP for the Synergy R1 comes in at $1399, and it’s expected to hit the market some time this month.

September 7, 2017
Moog, Suzanne Ciani, Expert Sleepers — Synth News Digest 2
Welcome to another edition of the TabMuse Synth News Digest. If you are interested in checking out the last music technology news report, simply click on this link. As always, thanks for reading!

Moog announces new Subsequent 37 CV Synthesizer

Just in time for Moogfest 2017, Moog announced the impending release of the new Subsequent 37 CV, an evolutionary upgrade to the now venerable Sub 37. Before we get into the feature set of the new Moog, what’s with yet another crappy synth name out of Asheville? The Moog Sub 37 – Silver Machine Edition simply sounds cooler, while also giving a well-deserved shout-out to spacerock legends, Hawkwind. Nobody asked me!

The new Moog Subsequent 37 CV looks to be a great synth despite its name. Photo copyright Moog Music Inc.

Other than its silver faceplate, the most notable new feature of the Subsequent 37 CV is probably its four CV output jacks, facilitating the integration of the synth into a Eurorack or other modular setup. An improved keybed – I’ve had nary a problem with mine – is another upgrade. In addition to enhancing the filter multidrive circuit, Moog also beefed up the synth’s headroom so it sounds better in Duo mode.

At a street price of $1,799, the Subsequent 37 is priced $300 more than the original Sub 37. Moog is planning a limited edition run of 2000 units, with the first 125 to be available at Moogfest 2017. Other music retailers are expected to have them in late June.

Suzanne Ciani earns Moog Innovation Award

In other Moogfest news, synth legend, Suzanne Ciani is receiving this year’s Moog Innovation Award. Ciani, known for her exploratory 70s synth output as well as her piano-based contributions to the nascent 80s new-age scene, is recently on a career renaissance. Her work with fellow Buchla artist, Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith is transcendent and worth checking out.

Expert Sleepers disting mk4 Eurorack Module

Eurorack users need to check out the new disting mk4 module from Expert Sleepers. This fourth edition of the disting fits quite a large mixture of CV and processing algorithms into a 4 HP rack space. Expect everything from oscillators to filters to bit crushers to envelopes and more. Whew!

Previous editions of the disting earned a few awards in the music tech industry, and the same can be expected of the mk4, considering the massive amount of useful synth functionality contained in the unit.

StudioLinked Studio Rack Producer Plugin

In a similar manner as the disting mk4, StudioLinked manages to wedge tons of functionality into its new Studio Rack Producer plugin. The included speaker emulation helps producers put together a great final mix – no matter the genre. A variety of effects, including delay, reverb, stereo chorus, hi & low pass filters, and a compressor round out the package.

Studio Rack Producer is available in most of the popular plugin formats for only $59.

ESI introduces Two New USB Audio Interfaces – U86 XT and U168 XT

If you are in the market for a new USB audio interface, check out these two new models from the German equipment manufacturer, ESI. The U86 XT offers eight inputs and six outputs with 24-bit audio over USB 2.0. Its larger brother, the U168 XT, sports sixteen inputs and eight outputs.

Both 24/96 interfaces are compatible with the Mac and PC and feature other useful functionality, like support for ASIO 2.0 and CoreAudio. The inputs feature a mixture of XLR, quarter-inch, and S/PDIF ports with the U168 enjoying four XLR inputs compared to the U86’s two. Check out both product pages linked above for additional details.

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May 19, 2017