Music Unfolding has released SubRingFM, the 5th of the Twister Series, a new line of Audio Unit effects from Music Unfolding.

SubRingFM is a ring modulator. It also has two filters for shaping the sound. It also has a sub-octave generator. And the oscillator can be manipulated using FM.

The effect runs through a pre-filter to the ring modulator to a post-filter and then into a sub-octave generator. You can use the pre-filter to reduce the number of harmonics in the input signal and use the post-filter to shape the resulting tone. The ring modulator oscillator in SubRingFM is an FM oscillator. So, the resulting output can be made to contain a very complex set of frequencies. This can then be shaped using the post-filter to get a really wide range of sounds. Then the sub-octave generator is applied. The result is pretty amazing.

Please note that the interface has been changed from previous Twister Audio Units to give users more control over the interface. The parameter display and label colors can now be set by the user. We have also added new options for setting the parameter values. Users can still set the parameters with the big knob, but they may also set the parameters by clicking and dragging over the parameter readout or hovering and using their mouse scroll wheels. Vertical scrolling or dragging moves the parameter values faster in bigger increments and horizontal dragging or scrolling moves the parameter values slower in finer increments. All of the other Audio Units previously released in the Twister Series have been updated with these changes.

SubRingFM is $19.99 and is available for OS X as a Universal Binary. A demo is available here.

For more information, visit their web site at www.MusicUnfolding.com.

Posted in Audio, Computer, Effects, Plug-Ins, Recording, Software, Technology

A free demo download of analog tape emulator Extreme Punch is now available.

Extreme Punch not only emulates the sound of analog tape but more importantly it reproduces the dynamics.

Back in the days of analog recording there was one very outstanding recording tool. It was analog tape. Analog tape had one great advantage, it was warm and fat. Part of the esthetics of analog tape is the result of tape saturation. When the magnetic partials on analog tape become saturated, they created the best compression that ever existed. The result was a fat and dense signal which was both warm and punchy.

RSO created a plugin to do just that with Extreme Punch, and made it easy to use and fool proof.

For more information, visit their web site at www.recordingschoolonline.com.

Posted in Computer, Education, Effects, Plug-Ins, Recording, Software, Technology

Music Unfolding announces the release of PhaseDelayArray, the second of the Twister Series, a new line of Audio Unit effects.

PhaseDelayArray has three effect units chained together in an interesting configuration. The first unit consists of a sequential array of vibrating (oscillating) reverberation sections. The oscillations can be tiny or huge. The reverb depth can be tiny or huge. The overall effect can be subtle or HUGE. And, it can create a pretty big range of sounds.

The second section is a modulation effect. It takes the output of the PhaseDelays and whips it around, or up-and-down or back-and-forth.

The final section is a feedback unit with the possibility of a lot of delay (up to 5 seconds). The mix section allows you to tap into all this strangeness in four different places.

The sounds that PhaseDelayArray produces are hard to describe. There are a few samples on the Music Unfolding website that will give you some idea, or simply download the demo here.

PhaseDelayArray is $19.99 and is available for OS X as a Universal Binary.

For more information, visit their web site at www.MusicUnfolding.com.

Posted in Audio, Effects, Software, Technology

Music Unfolding announces the release of GyroVibe, the first of the Twister Series, a new line of Audio Unit effects.

The Twister Audio Units all have a single, large knob to control all parameters. Whether you need to make rough adjustments or fine tune a setting, the big knob takes the hassle out of using knobs on a software interface.

GyroVibe introduces our new driven multi-stage filter. It sounds very smooth and when driven, it yields a distortion with a rich, buttery quality. Gyrovibe is a classic vibrato chorus effect with a wide range of sounds. It’s great for keyboards — especially for a cool 60’s Hammond sound. It also produces a wide range of rich, full vibrato and chorus effects for guitar.

GyroVibe is $19.99 and is available for OS X as a Universal Binary.

For more information, visit their web site at www.MusicUnfolding.com.

Posted in Audio, Computer, Effects, Recording, Software, Technology

Since last year’s release of Absara Audio’s Pigtronix EP-1 Envelope Phaser, co-founders Brian Bethke and David Koltai have been back in the lab, this time with the help of legendary effects designer Howard “Mick” Davis (Electro Harmonix Deluxe Memory Man, Polyphase, Talking Pedal) and the result is the OFO Disnortion (Overdrive, Fuzz and Octava).

The Overdrive, Fuzz and Octava, used in combination yield amazing distortion. Because the Overdrive and Fuzz are wired in parallel, you can run both effects without sacrificing clarity or dynamic response. Well-voiced tone and shape controls make it easy to focus each effect on it’s own frequency range. The three effects can also be used independently. Here are some of the features of each effect:

Overdrive - The Pigtronix Overdrive responds to the dynamics of your playing using a proprietary, 5-stage gain architecture that retains the natural tone of your instrument, while gradually breaking up as you play louder.

Fuzz - Massive gain, full bodied sustain and flexible tone shapes define this FUZZ effect. Pigtronix unique version of diode-clipping provides plenty of compression and controllable feedback while preserving the nuance of your playing style. The rotary tone control switch provides 6 musical EQ curves: Bass, Scoop, Treble, Smooth, F.A.T., and Full Range.

Octava - This frequency doubler effect makes the notes you play sound one octave up. A Filter control allows you to achieve singing octave up tones without adjusting your guitar’s tone control. Stable intervals such as 4ths and power chords result in knarly, tweezed out grind, while other intervals create ring-modulator textures in all registers. The Octava is wired in series with the other two effects for harmonic-filled lead tones and outlandish, bizarre crunch.

Combine the Octava with both Fuzz and Overdrive and experience the Pigtronix commitment to three original flavors of outrageously F.A.T Analog Disnortion.

For more information, visit their web site at www.pigtronix.com.

Posted in Effects, Guitar, Technology

IndyGuitarist.com has released “How to Design, Customize, and Build Effect Pedals” by Brian Wampler, a book aimed at helping musicians create their own effects pedals.

This new book will walk you through designing custom circuits for effect pedals that you plan, design, and build from the ground up.

This book will teach you everything you need to know to get to the level that most “boutique” pedal builders are at very quickly and easily. Most builders and DIY’ers have struggled for years to learn this information, now it’s at your fingertips and in a easy to understand language.

Many pro guitarists use boutique pedals because they prefer the way they sound. This has created a huge market for those that build effect pedals, and prices keep going up on custom built “boutique” pedals.

With this book you will learn how to design and build your own effects that are customized completely for your needs. If you have ever desired to build your own fuzz, overdrive, or distortion pedal that sounded completely different than anything else, this book will be a great resource.

* Written for those who have purchased a previous Indyguitarist ‘DIY’ book or have electronics experience.

Book Details:

• Paperback: 73 pages
• Binding: Wire-O
• Publisher: IndyGuitarist.com (July 2006)
• Price: $39.95

For more information, visit their web site at www.indyguitarist.com.

Posted in Education, Effects, Guitar, Technology

ToneWorks has added two new dedicated multi-effects units to its AX line of modeling signal processors: the AX5G (electric guitar) and AX5B (bass). Both feature Korg’s exclusive REMS (Resonant structure and Electronic circuit Modeling System) technology to deliver accurate and realistic models of the world’s most sought-after amps, cabinets, acoustic guitars and effects.

Like the popular AX3G and AX3B modeling processors, each AX5 unit is equipped with 80 programs (40 preset, 40 user), 58 realistic modeling effects with editable parameters, an auto chromatic tuner with mute for silent onstage tuning, and an intuitive, knob-based interface for quick, easy program and effect selection. The AX5G and AX5B also add an expression pedal, which provides limitless expressive power.

The AX5G — Amp and Effects Models for the Guitarist
The AX5G has 16 amp and distortion models ranging from warm, fat tube amps to extreme overdrive/fuzz, along with ten cabinet models from 4×12 stacks to combo cabinets. Also provided are a complete selection of effects such as compressor, wah-wah, ambience effects such as delay and reverb, and additional effects including a drone effect that simulates the sympathetic strings on a sitar, acoustic guitar simulation, and a unique effect that reproduces the sounds of different pickups.

The AX5B — Amp and Effects Models for the Bassist
The AX5B provides 16 famous bass amp models ranging from vintage to modern, from fat and warm tube sounds to clean bass sounds, along with 10 cabinet models. Effect types include compressor, an octaver to add powerful bottom end, plus numerous modulation and ambience effects. A full complement of effects including compressor, octaver, reverb, fretless, bowed and synth bass are also provided.

The expression pedal on both models provides foot control over an effect in real time. It can be used to control volume, wah or nearly any effect parameter, including the gain of an amp model or the speed of a tremolo or flanger, providing great expressive potential for live performances. A three-color LED indicates the effect (volume, wah, etc.) that is assigned to the expression pedal. A Quick Assign function allows users to assign an effect parameter with one touch and adjust the variable pedal range for maximum flexibility.

Additional features for each compact unit include an AMP/LINE select switch and a dual-purpose line/headphone output jack (stereo 1/4″). An easy-to-read LED indicator provides an instant visual reference of program information. Both modelers can be powered by four AA batteries or via an optional DC9V adapter.

The ToneWorks AX5G and AX5B are available August 2006 with respective U.S. MSRPs of $119 and $129.

For more information, visit their web site at www.korg.com.

Posted in Effects, Guitar, Technology

The new Blood Drive pedal from Coffin Case was introduces in Austin at Summer NAMM 2006. The Blood Drive features a classic rich analog distortion and warm boost circuit, but with more gain and tonal control for modern sounds as well as your favorite tones from times past.

Features:

• True bypass switching - no tone-suck when off
• 100% analog circuitry
• Rugged die-cast metal construction for years of roadworthiness
• Glow-in-the-dark indicators on all knobs - easy to see onstage
• Spider web no-skid rubber pad on the bottom
• Made in the USA
• Shaped like a coffin

The BDFX-1 Blood Drive is the first in a complete line of effect pedals from Coffin Case. Look for the Creepy Chorus, slated for release on Halloween night 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.coffincase.com.

Posted in Effects, Guitar, Technology

Godlyke, Inc. is proud to announce the release of two new Nine Series models from Maxon. Maxon Nine Series effects are now available with improved circuitry and features such as true bypass switching.

All Nine Series models feature the following:

• Easy-access, no tools battery compartment
• Die cast zinc chassis - ergonomic design protects controls while providing easy switching access. Rubber bottom pad prevents accidental movement
• AC/DC power operation (9-volt battery or AC adapter)
• LED power/battery life indicator
• Mechanical True Bypass switching using 4PDT switch
• 3-year warranty

The two new models are as follows:

CP-9 Pro+ Compressor - Much more than a reissue, the CP-9 Pro+ features a completely new circuit design that offers several improvements over the original 1980’s version. Featuring patented low-noise DBX compression technology with Threshold, Ratio, and Gain controls, the CP-9 Pro+ offers up to 30 dB of clean gain boost with compression ratios ranging from 1:1 (no compression) to ∞:1 (full limiting). Reduction status LED accurately displays compression effect while internal voltage doubling circuitry provides 18-volt operation for maximum head room with low noise operation and full-frequency response for use with any instrument.

PT-9 Pro+ Phaser - The completely re-designed PT-9 Pro+ takes compact phasing to a new level. 10-stage phasing circuit with custom-made photocouplers offers the smooth, liquid, 3-dimensional sounds of legendary 70s phasers without the vintage hassles. Rate, Depth, and Feedback controls offer complete control of the phasing effect from slow sweep to Leslie-like warble, while Rate status LED allows for accurate matching of phasing sweep to song tempo. Internal voltage doubling circuitry provides 18-volt operation for maximum head room with low noise operation and full-frequency response for use with any instrument.

For more information, visit their web site at www.godlyke.com.

Posted in Effects, Guitar, Technology

VOX announces two new additions to its COOLTRON series of tube driven effects pedals — the “Duel” Overdrive and VIBRAVOX. As with all pedals in the VOX COOLTRON series, these new stompboxes use a dual triode 12AU7 (ECC82) preamp tube to deliver tube-driven tone previously unattainable from battery-powered units. COOLTRON technology allows the pedals to run on batteries by powering the tube with low voltage and current while still providing the sound quality and performance characteristics of tubes normally running at high voltages.

Duel Overdrive
With two foot-switchable overdrive circuits based on VOX’s Big Ben Overdrive pedal, the Duel Overdrive provides two independent channels of tube-driven overdrive voiced to take on any guitar duties, from warm blues to full-on shred. The separate Gain, Volume and Tone controls can be used to set the pedal up with two independent overdrive sounds (OD1/OD2) to complement a clean-bypassed tone. For even greater flexibility, an assignable (OD1/OD2/both) low-end Bass Boost function adds fatness and low end to overdrive tones.

VIBRAVOX Named after VOX’s first amplifier tremolo circuit, the VIBRAVOX brings the signature Vibrato/Tremolo sound of the original 1958 VOX AC amps to any amplifier, in a dual mode stompbox design.

The VIBRAVOX can be configured as a tremolo only or vibrato only pedal with two foot-switchable speeds, or it can be configured to switch between tremolo and vibrato. The pedal automatically ramps between speeds, for classic rotating-speaker sounds.

To increase tonal flexibility, expanded controls and features have been added, including Depth, Ratio, Skew, Volume, Speed 1, Speed 2 and Mode Select. The two Speed controls and an Effects Assign switch provide immediate access to a number of vibrato and tremolo combinations.

Each COOLTRON pedal uses four AA batteries (providing 16 hours of operation) and measures 6.63″ (W) x 6.12″ (H) x 2.52″ (D). An optional 9V AC adapter is available.

The VOX COOLTRON Duel Overdrive and VIBRAVOX tube effects pedals are available August 2006, each with a U.S. MSRP of $300.

For more information, visit their web site at www.voxamps.co.uk.

Posted in Effects, Guitar, Technology