FabFilter has released updates to FabFilter Twin and FabFilter Volcano. The new versions contain bug fixes as well as improvements and new features.

•Added MIDI program change handling. Any preset can now be loaded by sending bank select and program change MIDI messages.

•Added optional interactive help. When this feature is activated, help texts will appear when the user moves the mouse over any control in the plug-in interface.

•Fixed a bug that could cause Twin or Volcano to freeze on Apple G5 Quad systems when changing presets.

•Added a ‘polarity’ option to the LFO’s in Twin, which can be used to produce either waveforms between -1 and 1 (original behaviour) or positive-only waveforms between 0 and 1.

•Reduced memory usage of Twin by 50%.

•Slightly reduced memory usage of FabFilter Volcano and improved filters to use less CPU.

•Other minor bug fixes.

The new versions are fully backwards-compatible with earlier versions and should load songs and presets written by the older version without any problems. These updates are free for existing users and grants others a new evaluation period.

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

Posted in Plug-Ins, Software, Technology, VST

Ueberschall is now shipping The Voice Vol. 2. Liquid Instrument for Mac and PC worldwide.

The Voice Vol. 2 consists of vocal phrases of a choir with independently editable voices in a plug-In for VST, Audio Units and RTAS.

For the first time ever it is possible to change a single voice within a choir - independently from the other lines - and to adjust it to the individual producer’s needs. You can create basically every vocal harmony and every chord progression possible. Only Liquid Instrument “The Voice” offers total control over each single voice and melody within a choir. It is possible to take a chord, change a line and create a new feeling in an instant. The unique Liquid Engine helps to create everything from simple adlibs to complex harmonic structures.

Every vocal phrase is dubbed eight times by two (male and female) singers. That makes a total of eight different tracks per vocal phrase for absolutely realistic sounding choirs.

The Voice vol.2 (non-verbal) contains melodic vocal lines from simple to sophisticated not just the usual “Ah”, “Oh” and “Uh”. Beautifully sung lines with appealing melody and rhythm offer a great range of different tunes for that extra spice in songs.

Ueberschall “The Voice” Vol. 2 was recorded in 24 bit, acoustically dry without additional effects and filters. Each Volume contains 300 vocal phrases = 2400 vocal loops, requires 3GB of hard disc space and retails for US $199.

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

Posted in Effects, Plug-Ins, VST

Defective Records Software proudly introduces the Universal Binary version of VSTi Host, version 3.13x. VSTi Host version 1.0 was the first Mac-based standalone VST and VSTi host (originally released in early 2000), and is now positioned to offer lightweight VST plugin support on Intel Mac architectures as well as PowerPC.

VSTi Host allows VST instrument and effect plugins to be used outside of larger host applications (like Logic, GarageBand, Cubase, etc.). It’s perfect if you have an extra Mac that you’d like to put to use as a virtual synth and/or effects unit, or if your sequencer of choice doesn’t support the VST plugins you’d like to use.

VSTi Host is available for $35 USD. For registered users, this update is FREE.

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

Posted in Software, VST

Previously released as a VST Plug-In for 32 & 64-bit (x64) Windows, Surge is now available to Mac OS X users as well. Delivered as a Universal Binary for both the Audio Units and VST Plug-In architectures, the software synthesizer is compatible with the majority of host applications on both Intel and PowerPC-powered Macs (1GHz G4 or faster).

Combining analog-style & wavetable oscillators, configurable dual filters with a feedback-loop and massive modulation capabilities, Surge goes far beyond the capabilities of most fixed-architecture synths but still retain the directness of one. Along with a powerful effect section and the high sound quality Vember Audio is known to deliver make Surge an obvious candidate to fulfill you synthesis and sound-design needs.

Key updates in v1.2.0:

• Improved filter algorithms. Carefully crafted to provide dependable self-oscillation at high resonance settings and a musical sound
• Updated Graphical User Interface with a fresh new look
• A wider selection of preset patches (914)
• Mac OS X compatible (AU & VST, Universal Binary)

Available immediately, Surge v1.2.0 can be bought in the Vember Audio on-line shop for 120€ (+VAT for EU residents). The v1.2.0 update is free for registered users.

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

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

Blue Cat Audio has released a new version of the Digital Peak Meter Pro, a unique plug-in able to transform the audio signal to various types of controls.

New in V2.0:

• The plug-in is now 100% real time thanks to the MIDI output capability: generated envelopes can be used to control any MIDI hardware or software plug-in
• Advanced MIDI control with customizable parameters curve response and MIDI learn
• Skinnable user interface with Blue Cat’s Skinning language V1.2.1 support
• RMS envelope support
• new parameters for total control of the peak envelope detection
• Real time envelopes display
• All parameters can now be fine tuned thanks to a text-edit popup window that appears when double clicking on user interface widgets

A step by step tutorial is available to learn how to use the new advanced MIDI control features.

Pricing:
A special introductory price lets you get the Digital Peak Meter Pro for 27.3 EUR (USD $32.76) instead of 39 EUR (USD 46.80).
Upgrade from version 1.x is 12 EUR only (USD 14.40).

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

Posted in Computer, Plug-Ins, Recording, Technology, VST

Stylin Basslines: Electric & Synth Edition is the first bass collection designed with Stylus RMX users in mind. With over 550 loops, this collection covers a wide range of styles and grooves using vintage, modern, fretless and electric upright basses, and vintage analog, modern analog and computer based synths.

As part of the BPM Flex Series™, any loop in the collection can be used at virtually any tempo without artificial stretching or unwanted audio artifacts!

Stylin Basslines also includes 150 new and original bass infused RMX multis to get you going when inspiration is coming slow.

Whether using Stylus RMX, Reason or any other REX2 player, Stylin Basslines is said to add “bump” to any track.

Specifications:

• Contains the Stylus RMX format with 130 suites and 566 bass grooves
• Contains 150 Stylus RMX multis, utilizing the Stylin Bassline loops and other Nine Volt Audio bonus guitar loops
• Contains a bonus section of 85 guitar loops from previous Nine Volt Audio releases.
• Contains a Reason Refill and a separate folder with the REX2 files. This allows the loops to be used in other programs that support the REX2 format
• As part of the BPM Flex Series™ loops in the REX2, Refill and Stylus RMX formats can be used at virtually any tempo without artificial stretching or unwanted audio artifacts. The tempo listed with each loop is more of a suggestion to the user, than a hard-and-fast rule
• All loop file names identify the musical key
• All loops were recorded at 24/96 resolution. As bass frequencies benefit little from high resolution recordings, we opted to dither them to 16/44.1 for the disc, which benefits the user by requiring less RAM per suite and faster load times while using Stylus RMX

Pricing and Availablity:

Stylin Basslines: Electric & Synth Edition is now available on DVD-ROM or as a download for $69.99 at www.NineVoltAudio.com.

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

Posted in Plug-Ins, Synth, Technology, VST

Blue Cat Audio has released a new version of its freeware Chorus and Stereo Chorus directX and VST plug-ins.

Main changes:

• Advanced MIDI control with customizable parameters, curve response, and MIDI learn
• Blue Cat’s Skinning Language V1.2.1 support
• Now supports one skin per preset and a global default skin: customize each instance of the plug-in in the same session
• All parameters can now be fine tuned thanks to a text-edit popup window that appears when double clicking on user interface widgets

Blue Cat also has a step by step tutorial available to learn how to use the new advanced MIDI control features.

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

Posted in Audio, Effects, Plug-Ins, Technology, VST

Audio Ease releases Mac Intel compatible version of Nautilus Bundle and Rocket Science Bundle (Mac OS X plug-ins).

The Rocket Science Bundle (flight path simulator, talk box and autowah) and the multiple award winning Nautilus Bundle (Phase correct scope-EQ, granular soundscape synthesizer and end-all Phaser) have today been released as Mac Intel compatible Universal Binaries.

The new versions are free upgrades for Rocket Science version 3 and Nautilus version 2 users, and can be picked up from www.audioease.com/support.

The Nautilus Bundle (for Mac OS X: MAS VST RTAS HTDM AU Audio Suite) consists of the following three plug-ins:

RiverRun
River Run is a Granular Soundscape Synthesizer capable of oozing immense sonic oceans of tiny particals taken from your original audio. It can build rhythmic textures, wide harmonic soundscapes, and it can zoom in on your fragment by stretching it by a factor of up to 200.

PeriScope
Look at the audio spectrum via the real-time animating spectroscope, or graphic analyzer, and grab faders where you see the audio happening. Phase Correct EQ, with surgical precision, and unprecedented low frequency resolution. Edit modes range from fluent to massively steep.

Deep Phase Nine
Deep Phase Nine is a true phaser that offers unparalleled control and visual feedback. Up to 24 notches per channel, beat locked sample and hold, one-shots, a true phaser (not a flanger!) done the Audio Ease way.

The Rocket Science (for Mac OS X: MAS VST RTAS HTDM AU Audio Suite) consists of the following three plug-ins:

Roger - You can apply human vowel filters to your audio with Roger. Use the vowel bar at the bottom to click through the vowels and click the portrait to select one of the Roger family members. Features include portamento, automation, Midi-controll and rythmic talk-nonsense mode.

Follo - Dynamically adjusts the peak of a resonating bandpass filter according to the level of the incoming audio. Applications of Follo include an autowah on a guitar, and a thumping resonating bass generator.

Orbit - Orbit lets you control the virtual position of your sound source. It accurately calculates the sound source’s reflections of the walls of a virtual ‘outer room’, using the exact amount of delay and attenuation for the direct sound and all reflections alike. Useit a s a physicallly correct panner, select from preset source trajectories, or create them yourself via live MIDI controller or parameter automation.

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

Posted in Apple Mac, Plug-Ins, Technology, VST

OttoPhilter is the 7th of the Twister Series, a new line of Audio Unit effects from Music Unfolding.

OttoPhilter is an auto/touch wah filter with LFO control and sub-octave generation and a second auto/touch wah filter on the sub-octave.

There’s a level meter tied to the touch wah sensitivity to help you adjust OttoPhilter to suit your playing dynamics. OttoPhilter has two driven resonant filter sections - one on your input signal and one for the generated sub-octave. The filters sweep by using triggered envelopes or tracking the input signal or using LFOs.

OttoPhilter is $19.99 and is available for OS X as a Universal Binary. Download a demo of OttoPhilter here.

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

Posted in Audio, Effects, Recording, Software, Synth, Technology, VST

Pianoteq is the very first truly modelled piano, available for the VST and AudioUnit platforms.

Being a truly modelled piano, the sound is created in real time from scratch through a very sophisticated mathematical model, simulating an acoustic piano. It is responding to how the pianist is striking each key and how strings are interacting, just like a real piano does. The result is a remarkably expressive and vivid instrument.

The first generation of pianos began with Cristofori’s pianoforte in 1698 which came to maturity at the end of the 19th century with the acoustic grand pianos. It was followed in the 20th century by the second generation electro-acoustic pianos and the third generation sampled pianos where each note is a recording of how it sounded during a specific moment in time, not taking into account the complexity of the instrument.

Pianoteq is the first and only piano belonging to the fourth generation, developed to go beyond the limitations of the third generation and to become a versatile and innovating tool.

Simulating acoustic pianos: Everything that characterizes an acoustic piano is there: the mechanic noises (optional), the complexity of pedals and strings in interaction, the percussion impact on staccato play, and of course the most important, the beauty of the piano sound.

New possibilities: The unique adjustable parameters result in great realism and even allow going beyond the material constraints of an acoustic piano, thus being able to create new instruments and sounds.

System friendly: Pianoteq adapts its CPU consumption dynamically to the resources available on your computer. It holds more than easily in the computer memory, and its installation is fast and easy. It can be successfully used on a modern laptop.

The current piano presets are the first instruments of a collection which will grow in the near future. Pianoteq customers are invited to exchange their best settings through the FXP corner of the Pianoteq website.

Being modelled, Pianoteq allows parameters to be stretched as long as the model permits, resulting not only in new performance styles but also in new piano sounds. The sound comes from 32-bit floating audio computation without any quantization noise, not even with the softest pianissimos. Expressivity is superior as it can handle all the 127 MIDI velocities for each note.

The high quality sound can be easily processed in a virtual studio for professional use.

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

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