TabMuse — a Home for Digital and Analog Music Inspiration

Tag: Plugin Alliance

More Holdout iPad Music Apps now support iOS 11 – Synth News Digest 11
Many musicians using iPads and iPhones continue to forego updating to iOS 11 because its 64-bit requirement makes older 32-bit apps incompatible once installed. I’m one of these holdouts. As more developers update their projects to support iOS 11, however, the reasons for staying on version 10 decline.

Only speaking for my favorite apps, but potentially losing the old school drone maker, DR-OM, kept me from going to iOS 11. Not anymore, as the app finally supports the 64-bit operating system. Other recent updates in my collection include Jordan Rudess’s excellent virtual synths, Tachyon and MorphWiz.

The glorious iOS drone synth app, DR-OM. Screenshot by author.

Apple, for its part, is also applying pressure to get you to upgrade, as the latest version of GarageBand only supports iOS 11. There are only four 32-bit apps left on my new iPad, with the full version of Alchemy being the only one I’d miss after updating. Soon.

One recent iOS synth app update unrelated to iOS 11 but worthy of note is version 2 of Moog’s stunning Model 15. It now includes support for the AU plugin format. And there was much rejoicing among iOS musicians all over the world!

Unfiltered Audio SpecOps – 36 Plugins in One!

Musicians, producers and audio engineers searching for a Swiss Army knife of virtual effects need look no further than Unfiltered Audio’s SpecOps, available through the Plugin Alliance. SpecOps includes 36 different spectral effects, covering a wide range of functionality. You are able to separately effect each frequency band in an audio sample.

UA’s unique patchable modulation system offers even more real-time control over SpecOps. Applications abound – from applying razor tight EQ to mind-blowing distortion. If interested – and you should be – SpecOps is available in most popular plugin formats at a street price of $129.

Eventide and Newfangled Audio release EQuivocate

A high quality EQ plugin belongs on the wish list of nearly all electronic musicians, and Eventide’s EQuivocate looks worthy of further EXploration. Leveraging filters modeled on the human ear – courtesy of Newfangled Audio – this plugin is suitable for mixing and mastering applications. One cool feature worth noting is the Match EQ which makes your track sound like the audio sent to the sidechain.

EQuivocate supports most plugin formats, and it is available from Eventide for $99. Git ya some!

Keith McMillen Instruments BopPad gives the Electronic Drummer Flexibility

As an electronic drummer, I continue to hold an affinity for e-percussion products. The new BopPad, from Keith McMillen Instruments, also functions as a practice pad. Its four separate trigger zones are programmable, allowing you to play four sounds using different MIDI notes.

The BopPad sports a traditional feel along with a dynamic range that surpasses many electronic drum pads. At only 10-inches, it is quite portable. If you are interested in the BopPad, simply pay KMI $199 and it’s all yours. At that price, buy four or five!

Related articles across the web
November 7, 2017
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.

Related articles across the web
October 16, 2017
Moog’s Subsequent 37 refines the Original Sub 37 Design – Synth News 7
Moog recently announced another upgrade to its already venerable Sub 37 synthesizer. We previously covered the Subsequent 37 CV, and now the Subsequent 37 (with no “CV”) has hit the market. I actually missed the CV tag the last time around. Sorry, it’s now fixed! By the way, I still think Sub 37 CV – Silver Machine Edition sounds cooler!

The CV-less Subsequent 37 improves upon the original Sub 37 in a myriad of ways. Most notable is arguably the boosted headroom in the mixer section. The ladder filter and its multidrive circuit have also been redesigned, with a richer low-end and grittier sound as a result. Moog also upgraded the keybed. So there.

Essentially, these are the same improvements found in the Subsequent 37 CV, minus the extra CV I/O. The street price for the Subsequent 37 is the same as the Sub 37 – around $1499. Git ya one! I’m sticking with my still-loved Sub 37.

Roland goes Boutique with the D-50

Roland has been going gangbusters introducing new models in its Boutique series. We’ve talked about the TR-08 and SE-02 in previous posts. This time out Roland trains its eyes towards the late 80s and digital synthesizers with the D-05, a Boutique version of its classic late 80s synth, the D-50.

The Roland D-05 emulation of their classic D-50 synth. Photo copyright Roland.

Instead of the Analog Circuit Behavior design concepts used in other Boutique Series editions, for the D-05 Roland introduced something called Digital Circuit Behavior. Needless to say, they shouldn’t have any problem digitally emulating late 80s digital “linear arithmetic synthesis” technology. The street price for the D-05 is $349.

Though I have taken a shining to the SE-02, the D-05 doesn’t inspire much gear lust. I never had much interest in the original D-50, opting instead for the warm sounds of the Kawai K4, which still gets used now and again on my current musical projects. If your ears are more attuned to Roland’s classic late 80s digital synth sounds, the D-05 is likely right up your alley.

Brainworx bx_console E adds Vintage British E Series Console Plugin

Recently celebrating its 10^th anniversary, Brainworx recently introduced a plugin sure to interest anyone looking to emulate those classic mixing consoles from the days of yore. The bx_console E is available through those kind and ubiquitous folks at the Plugin Alliance. It offers a full 72 channel emulation of the British SSL E Series mixing console, but goes beyond that with features from the G series as well.

Each channel strip contains a compressor/limiter, expander/gate, 4-band parametric EQ, as well as high pass and low pass filters. Flexible routing within each channel is also possible, including sidechain processing. If you have any interest in creating dynamic, classic mixes, the bx_console E belongs in your plugin collection. Expect a street price around $299.

Unfiltered Audio release Dent 2 and Indent 2 Effects Emulations

The Plugin Alliance’s colleagues remain busy, including the folks at Unfiltered Audio. If you need to add some grit and grunge to your audio processing arsenal, check out the Dent 2 and Indent 2 plugins.

Dent 2 allows you to distort waveforms at a “molecular” level; bitcrushers, clippers, and wavefolders abound, along with other useful and interesting features. Indent 2 offers a streamlined level of functionality compared to its big brother. Dent 2 is available for $99 and Indent 2 for $49, but if you buy Dent 2 you get a free license for Indent 2. Whoa!

fielder audio join the Plugin Alliance with “stage”

A newcomer to the Plugin Alliance family, fielder audio’s first release is “stage.” A plugin focused on psychoacoustic reverb algorithms for both tracking and mixing, stage looks to be an essential tool for musicians and audio engineers. Additional functionality includes unique panning algorithms, as well as an LFO for outer rim spatial modulation effects.

The intuitive user interface offers real-time visual feedback on parameter settings. You can pick up stage from the Plugin Alliance for $179.

Related articles across the web
September 15, 2017
Roland reveals the TR-08 and a Boutique SH-101 – Synth News Digest 5
808 Day (August 8) brought an appropriate bit of synth news from Roland: the announcement of the TR-08, a Boutique version of their venerable TR-808 drum machine. The company also revealed a Boutique model version of the SH-101 synthesizer, known as the SH-01A. This new synth ups the ante compared to the original with 4-voice polyphony and more.

Roland’s shiny new TR-08 drum machine. Photo copyright Roland.

Roland also introduced an updated SP-404A sampler, but the two new Boutique models are the focus of the music technology press as well as the social media synth grognards. The small footprint of the Boutique line, in addition to the virtual analog ACB circuitry with the noted exception of the SE-02, seems to bother some Internet denizens. Imagine that.

Still, considering street price of $399 for the TR-08 and TR-09, the smart drum machine shopper is likely better served by spending $499 on the TR-8, which offers simulations of both the TR-808 and TR-909, in addition to its larger controls and deeper functionality. I already have the Arturia DrumBrute in the studio, so I’m not in the market for a new piece of beatbox kit.

Behringer lurking with their own SH-101 Clone?

Like a synth manufacturer version of Sméagol, Behringer lurks in the background, teasing all with its own clone of the SH-101. The Gollum comparison is said with love, lest my venerable MX3282 mixer now malfunction due to bad music gear karma. There isn’t an official announcement yet, just a published photo picked up by Synthtopia, among other media sources.

Apparently, there’s nothing like trolling Roland on 808 Day.

4ms adds Resonator Plugin to Softube’s Modular

Modular by Softube is a virtual modular synthesizer system for the desktop, garnering praise from synth-heads all over the world. Many Eurorack module makers have released Modular compatible plugins with 4ms now joining the party with a software version of their SMR – the Spectrum Multiband Resonator. This Modular exclusive plugin is available for $49.

In addition to working like a classic resonant filter, SMR also serves as a vocoder, harmonizer and more. If you are familiar with the hardware module or simply looking to add a measure of sonic mayhem to your own Modular virtual rack, this plugin belongs on your shortlist.

Ventus Ethnic Winds lets you find your Inner Zamfir

If you are searching for a quality pan flute sound for your world music projects, look no further than Ventus Ethnic Winds from Impact Soundworks. A great interface combined with over 6,200 samples with a variety of modeled playing techniques highlight Ethnic Winds. This plugin – available for $99 – requires the full version of Kontakt, so keep that in mind before purchasing.

Give your Mixes some “karacter”

The Plugin Alliance recently introduced a new product sure to be of interest to musicians and studio engineers. The hardware version of elysia’s karacter Class A saturator holds a legendary status in the hearts of many, and now the company, working with the Plugin Alliance and Brainworx, offers that same classic functionality in a plugin format. Applications for everything from mastering an entire mix to coloring an individual instrument track abound.

Available in most popular plugin formats, karacter is priced at $199. Git ya one!

Related articles across the web
August 11, 2017
War of the Minimoog Clones – Synth News Digest 4
Roland’s announcement of their SE-02 analog synthesizer caused a buzz throughout the music tech industry. Developed in partnership with the respected synth house, Studio Electronics, the SE-02 is the first release of the Roland Boutique Designer Series, expected to be a more upscale line compared to the original Boutique Series, home to miniaturized, virtual analog versions of the venerable Jupiter-8, TR-909, TB-303 and more.

Zoom in for larger Roland SE-02 knobs! Photo copyright Roland.

While some aficionados are looking forward to its release, other synth grognards complained about the unit’s small size highlighted by the tiny knobs, making it difficult to control in a live or studio situation. The synth architecture is also quite reminiscent of the legendary Minimoog, which made many wonder if the $499 SE-02 would kill the market for Behringer’s soon-come Minimoog clone, which we previously mentioned in passing.

Behringer soon fired off its own counterstrike, by announcing its clone, known as the Behringer D, would be priced at $299 when it hits the market in September, $100 less than previously announced. It looks like we have a Minimoog Clone Price War on our hands!

For its own part, Moog also announced it was discontinuing the reissue of the Minimoog Model D after a year on the market. 45 years after its release, the Minimoog dominates the synth news again!

Unfiltered Audio knows Delay is the Antidote for Anger

Plugin developer, Unfiltered Audio, recently introduced two delay products to the music technology marketplace. Instant Delay is available exclusively through the Plugin Alliance in most standard plugin formats at a price of $49. The delay offers a host of unique features, including a tempo-synced stereo delay where you can offset one channel to the other, or a Jitter knob to introduce a measure of randomness to your sound. Cool stuff!

The other product from Unfiltered Audio is an update to their popular Sandman delay, known as Sandman Pro. This one is also available in the standard plugin formats from the Plugin Alliance for $99, while existing Sandman users can update for $49. Known as the Swiss Army Knife of Delays, Sandman Pro features delay times up to 16 minutes (!!), and a wide range of modes, including multi-tap, reverse, tape, pitch shifting, glitch shifting, and more. A Swiss Army Knife, indeed!

Plugin Alliance enters Partnership with Roli

Roli continues to garner praise for its innovative line of keyboard (and other types of) controllers – I’d love one someday. Recently the company entered into a partnership with the ubiquitous Plugin Alliance, providing purchasers of the unique Roli Blocks, a free copy of the previously mentioned Instant Delay along with a voucher to purchase Sandman Pro for $29. This deal is available until November 25 of this year. Boom!

Softube brings back the Vintage Reel-to-Reel Era

Softube, whose Console 1 Mk II was discussed in our last news digest, recently announced, Tape, a new plugin focused on putting the warm sound of reel-to-reel tape recording into your modern DAW. Tape is available in your favorite plugin format for the price of $99. I was too late in getting this news out in time for their $79 introductory deal. Sorry!

Tape simulates three different tape recorder styles, so experimentation is in order to find something suitable for your production. You are also able to control the plugin’s tape speed and crosstalk amount, adding a bit of vintage color to your mix. Its low CPU footprint means you can add Tape to each channel in your mix with nary a hiccup. Softube looks like they have another winner on their hands!

Related articles across the web
June 30, 2017
Superbooth, Novation, Behringer, Propellerhead — Synth News Digest 1
This is the first installment of what I hope to be a regular series on TabMuse. Essentially, it collects recent interesting news stories and product announcements from the synthesizer and music technology worlds. Expect the occasional interjection of my own analysis and insights – for better or worse.

Superbooth 17 features New Synth Announcements from Novation, Behringer

The German synthesizer convention, Superbooth, continues to raise its profile. This year’s edition rivaled the more-established Musikmesse in overall buzz factor, at least within the music press I typically peruse. For my eyes, more interesting synth announcements seemed to come out of Superbooth 17 compared to its older cousin.

Novation’s new Peak polysynth looks to be a winner. Image copyright Novation.

In some respects, Novation stole the show with the announcement of its Peak desktop polysynth. Each of the Peak’s eight voices features three oscillators and a resonant analog filter. The “numerically controlled” oscillators combine the best of the analog and digital domains, with warm sound as well as the sonic flexibility provided by 17 wavetables.

The Circuit Mono Station was Novation’s other big reveal. A mashup of an analog monosynth with the sequencing functionality from the original Circuit, this looks to be a product of interest to the DJ and beatmaking communities. A paraphonic mode and CV I/O are two of its other attractive features.

Behringer introduced a desktop version of its DeepMind 12 analog synth as well as a six-voice keyboard model, imaginatively known as the DeepMind 6. They also caused a measure of buzz with a demo of their Eurorack Minimoog clone. The audio demos I heard were definitely enticing, but I’m not in the Eurorack market… yet.

Uli Behringer’s company receives a lot of flack in the music technology community for subpar quality. As an owner of a MX3282 32-channel 8-bus mixing board for nearly 20 years, I can say I’ve never had an issue with the unit. Your mileage may differ. We’ll see how Behringer’s entry into synthesizer manufacturing changes the perception of the organization over time.

Many other alluring synth announcements happened at Superbooth 17. Check out Synthtopia’s thorough coverage for more details.

Propellerhead Reason finally adds Support for the VST Standard

Propellerhead’s recent announcement that version 9.5 of its venerable Reason music production studio app finally supports the VST plugin standard almost seems like a case of “too little, too late.” Way back at the turn of the century, I considered Reason as a natural upgrade to my beloved Rebirth. Instead, the lack of VST support made me head down the FL Studio path for my beatmaking needs.

Long-time Reason fans used to its workflow and skeuomorphic interface will now enjoy a veritable cornucopia of new synths and effects. Reason 9.5 hits the market on May 29 and current owners are able to upgrade to the new version for free when available. I may need to reconsider Reason, as one can’t have too many audio workstation applications.

Plugin Alliance 354e Multiband Compressor Plugin

The Plugin Alliance is a consortium of different audio companies under a “virtual roof.” One partner, Lindell Audio, recently announced the 354e – a mastering plugin modeling the venerable Neve 2254ETM diode bridge compressor. 354e supports most of the popular plugin formats and looks to be something of interest to anyone looking for great sounding masters without spending thousands on vintage hardware.

For more information, check out the following Plugin Alliance web page.

Wide Blue Sound Orbit and Eclipse

KONTAKT and MASCHINE users searching for a great new virtual synth need to check out Orbit and Eclipse from Wide Blue Sound. The company states “ORBIT and ECLIPSE are the perfect powerhouses for creating stunning synth sounds, driving pulses, and atmospheric worlds, thanks to their critically-acclaimed interface and world-class sound design.” Both synths include seamless integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL S-series keyboards as well as MASCHINE models. In short, anything supporting Native Instruments’ NKS standard.

The otherworldly sounds revealed in the video demos of the synths make me want to get my own KONTROL S-series unit. Of course, all major plugin formats are supported, so those without a NKS-ready controller can still travel the outer reaches.

Audified Studio Bundle

Plugin maker, Audified, recently released Studio Bundle, a convenient package including a variety of the company’s latest products in most popular plugin formats. The bundle includes Mix Checker, the U73b Compressor, the U78 Saturator, and the TNT Voice Executor. All in all a great deal for those interested in checking out some of Audified more popular virtual effects.

Related articles across the web
May 5, 2017