NEW YORK, September 10, 2024 – Heavyocity Media announces the release of MicroFX, a groundbreaking line of effects plugins designed to provide musicians, sound designers, and producers with powerful, finely-tuned tools for creative sound manipulation. Each MicroFX plugin offers a singular, focused effect that is fun, engaging, and easy to use while delivering production-ready sound quality. At the heart of each plugin is the innovative X|Y pad, offering a fresh approach to intuitive modulation and user interaction, unlocking new creative possibilities with every movement.
“The concept for MicroFX was born from our passion for creating highly functional and intuitive tools for sound manipulation,” shared Ari Winters, Creative Director, Heavyocity. “MicroFX isn’t just a collection of effects plugins—it’s about delivering powerful, refined tools that inspire creativity and make sound design fun and engaging. It’s our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible plugins that elevate every musician’s and producer’s creative potential.”
The first three installments in the new MicroFX line are Obscene, Filter, and Shimmer. MicroFX Obscene delivers intense, face-melting distortion, perfect for transforming synth basses and drums with extreme high-gain, bit-crushing, and fuzz effects. MicroFX Filter offers versatile, finely-tuned filtering capabilities with multiple modes and routing options, ideal for crafting intricate sonic textures and introducing dynamic movement to your sounds. MicroFX Shimmer combines reverb with pitch-shifting to create bright, ethereal washes, enhancing guitars, pianos, pads, and strings with vintage-style modulation and dynamics control.
Explore numerous creative possibilities; MicroFX invites you to Play Seriously with tools that bring powerful play and serious sound to your fingertips. You’ll experience refined precision that packs a powerful punch as you artistically shape your sound with these innovative plugins. With MicroFX, you’re not just getting effects; you’re entering an ecosystem that enhances your creativity and empowers your sound. MicroFX allows users the freedom to delve into new sonic landscapes and shape a unique, personal sonic palette. The intuitive interface and dynamic features make it easy to experiment and find your own sound.
And for a limited time, Heavyocity is offering the MicroFX Collection (containing all three plugins) for $99 (reg. $119) or each individual MicroFX plugin for $39 (reg. $49). In addition, owners of VAST, FURY, PUNISH, or PUNISH Lite plugins will receive an additional $20 off the three product bundle, with a registered serial. Offers end September 20, 2024. Heavyocity is also offering a FREE, time-limited demo of each effect in the MicroFX line—in demo mode users will be restricted to 15 minutes of audio manipulation time and no offline exports will be available.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
MicroFX Collection will be available at www.heavyocity.com/microfx-collection
MicroFX Obscene will be available at www.heavyocity.com/microfx-obscene
MicroFX Filter will be available at www.heavyocity.com/microfx-filter
MicroFX Shimmer will be available at www.heavyocity.com/microfx-shimmer
MicroFX Collection – $119 USD
Limited-Time MicroFX Collection Offer – $99 USD
Limited-Time MicroFX Collection Offer for VAST, FURY, PUNISH, or PUNISH Lite Owners – $79
MicroFX Obscene, MicroFX Filter, or MicroFX Shimmer – $49 USD/each
Limited-Time MicroFX Obscene, MicroFX Filter, or MicroFX Shimmer Offer – $39 USD/each
Offers End: September 16, 2024
**A fully-functioning, time-limited demo version of each effect in the MicroFX line is also available. **
ABOUT HEAVYOCITY MEDIA
Heavyocity Media is a developer of award-winning virtual instruments and effects for computer-based music production, composition, and sound design. Heavyocity’s critically-acclaimed products push the boundaries of creativity, providing new and unique tools for professional composers and producers.
MADRID, SPAIN: following in the fanciful footsteps of its industry-shaking PEQ-2 Program Equalizer (https://heritageaudio.com/peq-2/) released to widespread critical acclaim last year while effectively bringing back to life one of the most desirable equalizers of all time some six decades after the original (albeit as a brand-new piece providing problem-free access to some of the sweetest-sounding tones and textures the industry has ever heard, putting pay to the prevailing practice of overcoming inflated pricing for used units that are almost always in a questionable state of operation when seeking out original Model PEQ-2s held in high regard by many discerning artists, engineers, and producers who consider the so-called ‘LANG PROGRAM EQUALIZER’ to be better than the ubiquitous Pultec when choosing it as their secret weapon), Heritage Audio® brand LANG Electronics Inc., itself a notable name in pro audio circles dating back to the Sixties, is proud to launch LANG 312L — readily resurrecting a revolutionary sound suited to those that crave the energy, excitement, and power that only New York-style preamps can deliver as an affordable single-slot 500-Series design with built-in lifter — as of September 3…
It is fair to say that those in the know are already aware of a certain classic Seventies in-your-face New York-originating preamp proving perfect for capturing drums and guitars, but such perfection comes at a cost — even more so today, as well-preserved vintage units become increasingly rare. At around a third of the price that a unit of this caliber currently tends to go for, LANG Electronics Inc.’s LANG 312L is a perfect fit for those craving the energy, excitement, and power that only those New York-style preamps can deliver, duly packaged as a cost- and space-saving single-slot 500-Series design that boasts an impressive +15 dB to +90 dB gain range hitherto unheard of in such a module.
More meaningfully, perhaps, LANG 312L is equipped with more power than almost any other preamp out there — to the extent that users will confidently be able to use each and every microphone in their collection without the need for any external boosting, and not even break a sweat! Saying that, LANG 312L’s unique RIBBON & SM7 lifter boosts that gain by +25 dB to accommodate the signal for gain-hungry mics — especially useful for those ribbon and vintage dynamic mic owners who never seem to be able to get the most out of them. The distinctive-looking LANG 312L also features a front panel-positioned XLR/TS combo jack with TS hi-Z instrument DI, plus XLR mic inputs for convenience, together with switchable +48V phantom power, -20 dB PAD, and PHASE switching.
The transformer-balanced inputs and outputs — courtesy of an exclusive 2622 LANG Electronics Inc. input transformer designed by Heritage Audio working in perfect harmony with a US custom-made CineMag output transformer — combined with Heritage Audio’s custom-made HA-880 footprint-compatible op-amp ensure that a professional, solid, and thick signal will be produced by LANG 312L to ensure that any user’s broadcasting and recording needs are always addressed. And thanks to its ultra-low — EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) -130 dBu — noise floor and super-fast transients, LANG 312L users will actually hear dynamics they never knew existed, equating to hearing mics as they have never sounded before, bringing all the energy and excitement that has made New York City truly the capital of the world into their recordings.
It is all the more remarkable, then, that LANG Electronics Inc. has effectively managed to bring LANG 312L to market in an affordable format for less than four bucks per dB of available gain, so much so that anyone seriously craving the energy, excitement, and power that only New York-style preamps can deliver could conceivably consider housing up to eight of them, for instance, in LANG Electronics Inc. brand owner Heritage Audio’s acclaimed OST-8 adat (https://heritageaudio.com/ost-8-adat/) — a 3U rack-mountable, eight-slot 500-Series enclosure, elevating workability with a premium 24-bit/192kHz ADC (analogue-to-digital convertor) creating the cleanest, most direct pathway for sending signals to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) using an ADAT Lightpipe cable — in what would surely be a truly remarkable pairing!
LANG Electronics Inc.’s LANG 312L is shipping and available via parent company Heritage Audio’s growing global network of dealers (https://heritageaudio.com/where-to-buy-international/) with an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of €399.00 EUR (including VAT) in the EU and a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $349.00 USD, US distribution being handled via RAD Distribution (https://raddist.com/en/brands/heritage-audio).
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated LANG 312L webpage here: https://heritageaudio.com/lang-312l/
Take a guided tour of LANG 312L’s connections and features with Heritage Audio Product Specialist Sam Orlich here:
About LANG Electronics Inc. (www.lang-electronics.com)
LANG Electronics Inc. — a professional audio company with history hitherto grounded in the Sixties (originally operating out of downtown New York where it was dedicated to producing high-quality equipment and replacement parts at accessible prices) — is dedicated to bringing the sound of yesterday for tomorrow. The rights to the company were acquired in 2022 by European pro audio manufacturer Heritage Audio — itself having expanded its production plant located in the heart of Madrid, Spain, where the 30-person team led by founder Peter Rodriguez continues to successfully introduce innovative products to rank amongst the most popular brands with top retailers throughout the world — which brought about its rebirth by porting one of the most desired equalizers of all time — namely, the Model PEQ-2 (a.k.a. ‘LANG PROGRAM EQUALIZER’) — to the 21st Century, making it available again to all as the PEQ-2 Program Equalizer, a brand-new piece providing problem-free access to some of the sweetest-sounding tones and textures the industry has ever heard.
© 2024 LANG Electronics Inc.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA: Black Lion Audio is proud to introduce its PG-P Plus Portable Power Conditioner as an upcoming upgraded version of its PG-P Portable Power Conditioner ‘older sibling’ with which it will co-exist — continuing to readily represent a studio-class power conditioner capable of going wherever users might choose to take it (be that onstage, on a mobile recording session, field recording, or film/video shoots), but doing an even better job of that, thanks to an expanded eight wall-wart-spaced outlets tally together with a voltage meter for real-time analysis and USB charging ports, while retaining its predecessor’s proprietary PG-P PORTABLE FILTERING TECHNOLOGY to provide the same noise filtering found in the majority of rack-mount power conditioners, despite still looking like a durable surge protector — as of August 27…
Poor-quality power is the bane of many musician’s lives. Let’s face it, poor-quality power knows no bounds — in homes, on stages, and especially rehearsal rooms. Whether working with modern modeling amplifiers or vintage synthesizers, poor-quality power has a nasty habit of adversely affecting signal paths, which is never a good thing. Thankfully, Black Lion Audio has been trusted for years to modify the best gear and make it even better, which is exactly what it took to create its PG-P Plus Portable Power Conditioner — think taking industry-standard designs, and improving them to the point of peak performance.
PG-P Plus might well look like a durable surge protector, but in reality it is a studio-class power conditioner. Indeed, it not only provides more noise filtering than other portable power conditioners but also provides
the same noise filtering found in the majority of rack-mount power conditioners! Cue Black Lion Audio applying its proprietary PG-P PORTABLE FILTERING TECHNOLOGY — hitherto integrated into PG-P — to PG-P Plus. Put it this way: by being built using premium Panasonic capacitors carefully selected for their superior execution in eliminating high-frequency noise that robs equipment of its peak performance, this — in testing — provided an average of three times the noise filtering capability of other portable power conditioners at the same price point.
PG-P Plus’ eight wall-wart-spaced outlets provide studio-grade power on the go — not forgetting its inclusion of USB-A and USB-C charging ports by way of an added bonus, but it takes more than a few outlets to inspire true confidence in a power conditioner, which is exactly what Black Lion Audio is intent on delivering here. Having said that, then, PG-P Plus provides a small suite of status and alert capabilities, comprising a voltage meter for real-time analysis backed by confidence-inspiring Ground OK, Protection On, and Clean Power On LED indicators. It clearly has gear safety in mind — even in worst-case power scenarios, so studio-class power conditioning capable of going wherever users might choose to take it quite clearly just got even better.
PG-P Plus should start shipping through Black Lion Audio’s growing global network of dealers/distributors (https://www.blacklionaudio.com/dealers) with a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $119.00 USD and an SSP (Suggested Selling Price) of €159.00 EUR (including 19% VAT) in late-September 2024.
For more in-depth info, please visit the dedicated PG-P Plus webpage here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/store/power-conditioners/pg-p-plus-power-conditioner/
About Black Lion Audio (www.blacklionaudio.com)
Founded in 2006, Black Lion Audio is a boutique audio company based in Chicago. Collectively it takes pride in providing customers with outstanding quality gear for their recording studios at prices that are ridiculously affordable. As such, the company has built a reputation for supplying superior quality sound in a cost-effective manner within the space of a few short years. Yet, given the current economic climate, it is no wonder that major labels, project studios, software companies, and high-profile tracking and mix engineers make up a significant portion of the company’s client base. Indeed, its work can be heard in award-winning major motion picture scores and soundtracks, major television shows and commercials, as well as being utilised by prestigious organisations and major label acts alike.
© 2024 Black Lion Audio
ASHLAND, VA, USA: Boredbrain Music is proud to announce completion of Optx v2 as its next-generation ADAT Lightpipe converter module for Eurorack modular synthesizers — readily representing nearly two years of engineering and prototyping to greatly improve upon the features and performance of the original Optx, completely redesigned from the ground up for the best overall performance possible in a 10 HP offering that duly delivers bi-directional encoding/decoding of eight analogue inputs/outputs with extremely low noise and CV signals with near-zero offset, as well as an internal sample clock that permits one-way operation without ADAT input and standalone interconnection of two Optx modules — with preorders going live as of September 6…
“Optx v2 represents nearly two years of engineering and prototyping, and greatly improves upon the features and performance of Optx v1.” So says Boredbrain Music Founder/Designer/Engineer Adam Harding by way of a revealing introduction, adding: “With this new version we focused heavily on the
quality of the digital conversion, so the module has been designed with high-performance input op-amps and professional-grade converters from Cirrus Logic; this combo provides incredibly low noise and excellent detail overall.”
On the face of it, Optx v2 is a pro-quality ADAT Lightpipe converter for Eurorack modular synthesizers. Since many computer audio interfaces are equipped with one or more pairs of ADAT expansion ports allowing for additional input and output channels, Optx v2 takes full advantage of those — often unused — ports, providing multi-channel connections directly to and from Eurorack systems. Therefore, the module itself accepts any eight-channel ADAT-encoded (24-bit, 44.1/48kHz) digital signal at its Rx TOSLINK connection (via Lightpipe optical cable) and converts it into eight discrete analogue signals; conversely, it accepts eight discrete analogue signals and converts them into an eight-channel ADAT-encoded (24-bit, 44.1/48kHz) digital signal at its Tx connection. Thanks to those high-performance op-amp input buffers and professional-grade Cirrus Logic analogue-to-digital converters providing extremely low noise and distortion, maximum dynamic range, and excellent overall detail, Optx v2’s eight inputs — IN 1 through to IN 8 — and outputs — OUT 1 through to OUT 8 — have very precise level scaling with a range of 20 Vpp (±10 V), thereby allowing a typical Eurorack signal of 10 Vpp to translate to exactly -6 dBFS while maintaining an equal amount of headroom.
Obviously Optx v2 acts as an excellent interface for audio, but — when used in conjunction with software, such as Bitwig Studio or Ableton CV Tools — it also works with control voltages like 1V/Oct pitch and gate signals, LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators), ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release) envelopes, and other modulators. Indeed, its high-quality analogue outputs are DC-coupled, supporting both audio and CV (control voltage) signals at all times. The module’s analogue inputs also accept both audio and CV signals, but each pair of inputs — IN 1 and IN 2, IN 3 and IN 4, IN 5 and IN 6, and IN 7 and IN 8 — have a front panel-positioned switch that selects the conversion mode appropriate for each of those two signal types to ensure the best possible quality and precision. Simply select AUDIO and the associated pair of inputs are AC-coupled, enabling high-pass filters within the ADC (Analogue-to-Digital Converter) to ensure that the audio signals are converted with no DC offset and the best possible signal-to-noise ratio. Choose CV and the associated pair of inputs are DC-coupled, undergoing a self-calibration period of five seconds to detect and actually correct any inherent DC offset so CV signals are converted with accuracy and precision.
It is, of course, essential that high-quality digital conversion is accurate and free from jitter, so Optx v2 can — just like its predecessor — either sync to an external sample clock via ADAT input or produce its own stable clock that allows other devices to sync to the module itself, including standalone interconnection of two Optx modules. As a result, two settings for sample clock sync are selectable using DIP switches on the back of the module: SYNC selects whether Optx v2 syncs to an external clock (EXT) or to its internal one (INT); RATE determines the sample rate — 44.1 or 48 kHz — of the latter. It is recommended, though, to sync Optx v2 to the external clock of an audio interface for typical two-way ADAT connection by setting the SYNC switch to EXT — requires a valid ADAT signal at the Tx connection, indicated by the blue LED (labelled EXT SYNC), but if the audio interface in question does not have an ADAT port then Optx v2 can effectively provide it with sample clock by setting the SYNC switch to INT and choosing the desired sample rate with the RATE switch.
Additional assistance comes courtesy of Optx v2 also providing visual signal indication of the eight decoded ADAT channels feeding the OUT 1 through to OUT 8 jacks, whereby each pair of white LEDs indicates the polarity (-Ve left, +Ve right) and relative strength of the signal (±10 V). Although audio-rate signals will generally light both LEDs continuously, LFOs will alternate more apparently between the two, while gates, triggers, and positive-going envelopes will generally light only the right LED (+Ve).
It is surely fair to say, then, that the nearly two years of engineering and prototyping involved in completing Optx v2 as Boredbrain Music’s next-generation ADAT Lightpipe converter module for Eurorack modular synthesizers has truly been time well spent. “The module has been completely redesigned from the ground up for the best overall performance possible in 10 HP,” concludes Adam Harding, happy with the clearly impressive end result.
Scheduled to ship as of October 17, 2024 with an MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $369.00 USD, Boredbrain Music is already accepting preorders for Optx v2 both directly and through its global network of dealers here: https://boredbrainmusic.com/dealers/ (Note that Boredbrain Music now directly accepts any dealer orders outside of Europe, while distribution within Europe is now handled by Signal Sounds here: https://www.signalsounds.com/)
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated Optx v2 webpage here: https://boredbrainmusic.com/product/optx-v2/
Watch Boredbrain Music Founder/Designer/Engineer Adam Harding’s highly-informative introduction to Optx v2 here:
About Boredbrain Music (www.boredbrainmusic.com)
Boredbrain began its journey into specializing in interesting I/O and utility devices — from guitar pedals to Eurorack synthesizer modules — back in 2017 with its iconic Patchulator 8000 mini patchbay, co-founder Adam Harding having had a long history of designing unique audio products and making electronic music. Today, the company continues to introduce a range of novel, yet incredibly useful devices for electronic musicians — including its fully-featured Xcelon voltage-controlled Eurorack mixer introduced in 2023 — that are sold through 40-plus dealers worldwide.
© 2024 Boredbrain Music
September 5, 2024 – IK Multimedia, the leading innovator in music software and hardware, proudly announces the release of T-RackS 6, the latest generation of its acclaimed mixing and mastering software. With innovative new modules, improved capabilities, faster workflow and more effortless organization, T-RackS 6 expands on its legendary sound quality, speed and ease-of-use to offer everything musicians, producers and engineers need to craft the perfect track.
https://bit.ly/Mix_Better_T_RACKS_6
T-RackS 6 offers 60 world-class mixing and mastering processors, available individually in any DAW, as an all-in-one plug-in or as a standalone Mastering Console. Also included are T-RackS’s celebrated presets covering every instrument and genre, providing instant starting points and minimizing time spent tweaking so users can get their hits done.
From studio must-have compressors, EQs and channel strips, all leveraging IK’s industry leading analog modeling technology, to hall, room, plate and spring reverbs based on some of the most iconic studios of all time, to cutting-edge digital processors and organic all-inone units, T-RackS 6 offers every tool users could need to shape their mixes and masters.
Users can more precisely shape their mix by selecting a reference from a track they love. The new Master Match X takes a mix from that starting point to a final, polished, distribution-ready master that shines with the same sonic aspects as the beloved reference track. It’s done automatically and then can be fine-tuned to adjust the results to match each user’s vision of perfection.
The new Modules Manager allows users to manage which modules appear in their DAW, T-RackS 6 plug-in and Mastering Console. Users can now show or hide the plug-ins in their lists. They can conceal unowned processors or leave them visible to demo as needed — it’s all in users’ hands.
T-RackS 6 expands its plug-in collection with eight new modules. These new modules provide a wealth of options for mastering, mixing and creative sound design:
The redesigned graphical user interface (GUI) is engineered for speed and functionality, providing a faster, more responsive experience and offering re-sizing to adapt to users’ workflow preferences. Each plug-in can now be resized on the DAW screen, even to tiny sizes, to keep them open while mixing, dramatically improving the mixing workflow and allowing more concentration on the sound.
All T-RackS compressors have been updated to add side-chain input, which allows control of the dynamics using a different signal for added flexibility.
T-RackS 6’s Mastering Console has been designed for a fast and smooth user experience. Users can import mixes and set a specific mastering chain per song, with instant total recall of the whole song’s chain and parameters on playback.
In addition to the dedicated song-based processing, a new master bus lets users add up to four additional processors that will be applied to the whole project to, for example, alter the color of the entire record with just a single post-EQ and apply a global final limiter. I/O metering on each module in the chain allows for an instant check of the gain staging and keeps all levels under control on a single page.
Easily browse, find and check presets on a floating window with tags and a smart search function. Then, apply what’s needed to the project.
Accurate, extensive and complete audio metering is a must today. The T-RackS 6 multistandard-compliant Loudness meter (EBU R128, ATSC A/85, OP-59, TR-B32) allows for immediate checks for the compliance of content audio tracks — true peak PPM, Dynamic Range and RMS — all with both graphical and numeric readout.
Sonogram and filter-based smooth RTA make T-RackS 6 Metering a true professional toolkit. The tailorable and customizable Metering View gives complete control over what to show or hide on the meters set on each project.
T-RackS 6 will impress existing T-RackS users who want more control while having greater flexibility to customize and streamline workflows. New users will be blown away by this comprehensive suite of tools, which sounds fantastic and is easy to use.
T-RackS 6 Intro is a free version that offers immediate access to three essential modules for users to keep — the Classic Comp, the Classic EQ and the Master Match X lite — with the convenience and high-definition sound quality of paid T-RackS 6 versions. Users can also quickly explore and test any of the 60 available modules for 14 days without any commitment to buy, restrictions or white noise.
T-RackS 6 is designed to be fully compatible with Mac and Windows platforms. It supports all major plug-in formats, Audio Units, VST 3 and AAX.
T-RackS 6 can be downloaded now from the IK Multimedia online store and through IK authorized dealers worldwide at the following prices:**
Existing T-RackS users can enjoy exclusive upgrade savings as well:
Existing T-RackS users who already own more than 25 T-RackS singles can receive a coupon*** for and additional $50 off.
*No module porting from T-RackS 5 **All pricing excluding taxes.
***See details on IK website.
For more information about T-RackS 6, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/tr6 www.ikmultimedia.com/tr6/video
About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a leading innovator in guitar, instrument and recording technologies that helps millions of users sound better in the studio, on the go or onstage. T-RackS® is a trademark property of IK Multimedia. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: following hot on the critically acclaimed heels of its recently released PowerStrings premium instrument for MSoundFactory, itself held in high regard as arguably the most powerful modular virtual instrument platform out there today by effectively allowing users to create their own instruments (alternatively available as MSoundFactory LE — providing access to all the sounds and instruments included with its bigger brother, but without access to the editing screen — and also for free as the self-explanatory MSoundFactory Player with only a few sounds included, although users can choose to purchase premium instruments), music production and audio processing advanced tools-maker MeldaProduction is proud to announce availability of PowerBrass — this time bringing the majestic sounds of a full brass orchestra to anyone’s fingertips as its latest MSoundFactory premium instrument — as of September 3…
Polished brass, but lightweight and efficient
Duly designed to bring the majestic sounds of a full brass orchestra to anyone’s fingertips as its latest MSoundFactory premium instrument, MeldaProduction’s PowerBrass quite simply elevates whatever it touches. Try applying its polished brass — think Tubas, French horns, Trombones, Trumpets, mixed or otherwise — to cinematic score composition, epic music production, or simply exploring new sonic landscapes, and try to not be impressed. Its instruments are all meticulously sampled to ensure an authentic, high-quality sound. Saying that, though, it is designed to be lightweight, ensuring anyone’s system can handle the orchestral power provided without compromising performance. Put it this way: it is optimized for smooth operation on even the most modest of hardware, making it accessible to all musicians.
An assortment of ARTICULATIONS
PowerBrass proffers an assortment of ARTICULATIONS, ranging from smooth Legato to sharp Staccato settings, and allows for easy switching between them during live performances while supporting layering with independent PITCH and VOLUME controls to provide its users with full creative freedom. Furthermore, every articulation has access to dedicated detailed envelope settings.
Get CREATIVE
An authentic, high-quality sound is obviously a desirable attribute for any virtual instrument of merit; PowerBrass clearly delivers on that score, but brass does not necessarily need to always sound like brass, high-quality or otherwise. On the face of it, PowerBrass’ CREATIVE ‘tab’ takes its users into a brave new world of sound, one where they can, for example, transform their brass section into a synth using the CONVOLUTION settings. Similarly, FM (Frequency Modulation) controls are also available, as is control over HARMONICS. Applying a pleasant-sounding DIFFUSION to the proceedings is, likewise, all part of getting creative.
Cause and effect
When working with PowerBrass there is no need, necessarily, to turn to third-party effect plug-ins for finalizing the sound since the premium instrument includes its own REVERB (offering five types of room and hall) alongside an advanced DELAY and five-band EQUALIZER, plus MOTION, DISTORTION, MODULATION, and LOFI effects — more than enough, surely, to boost creativity in the highly unlikely event of PowerBrass failing to inspire in its musical mission of elevating whatever it touches.
Samples to suit everyone
Whether working as a professional composer, taking time out as a hobbyist musician, or maybe making waves as a music producer, PowerBrass proffers an unparalleled experience in brass simulation with its lightweight yet powerful set of samples to suit everyone. It is fair to say, then, that it is the ultimate virtual instrument designed to bring the majestic sounds of a full brass orchestra to anyone’s fingertips, whatever their musical calling might be.
Key features:
∙ Designed to bring the majestic sounds of a full brass orchestra to anyone’s fingertips
∙ Elevates whatever it touches
∙ Meticulously sampled instruments ensure an authentic, high-quality sound
∙ An assortment of ARTICULATIONS
∙ CREATIVE ‘tab’ takes users into a brave new world of sound
∙ Creativity-boosting effects
PowerBrass is available to purchase as an AAX-, AU-, VST-, and VST3-compatible plug-in supporting all major hosts on macOS (64-bit only) and Windows (64-bit only) via its dedicated webpage (https://www.meldaproduction.com/PowerBrass) for a time-limited introductory promo price of only €9.00 EUR until September 30, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €69.00 EUR — and can be used in MeldaProduction’s free MSoundFactory Player (downloadable from here: https://www.meldaproduction.com/MSoundFactoryPlayer); owners of MSoundFactory or MSoundFactory LE can get PowerBrass as an add-on for free. (Coinciding with the PowerBrass release, MeldaProduction is making MSoundFactory and MSoundFactory LE available to purchase at an attractive 55% discount for two weeks only.)
About MeldaProduction
MeldaProduction was founded in 2009 by Vojtech Meluzin and is based in Prague, Czech Republic. Inspired by ancient analogue gear right through to the latest digital developments, it makes advanced tools for music production and audio processing with 100-plus products — including more than 30 available for free — to its notable name. Needless to say, applying innovative thinking to create sounds that matter with inspiring user interfaces that are as easy to use as they are versatile with never-ending improvements neatly sums up the company’s gifted game plan. It is also a premier partner brand of fellow Prague-registered Limited Company United Plugins, a federation of independent development teams comprised of individuals involved in the music industry.
© 2024 MeldaProduction
ROME, ITALY: organizers of Roma Modulare 2024 — the most important Italian event dedicated to modular and desktop synthesizers plus professional audio production — are proud to announce that it will be being held as a two-day international expo at Forte Trionfale in the centre of Rome on September 27-28…
As an international expo hosted in the capital city to which it, in part, owes its appropriate appellation, Roma Modulare 2024 readily represents the most important Italian music industry diary date for all musicians and audio professionals — particularly those who are passionate about modular synthesizers, as also alluded to by name. Notable headliners amongst its 80-plus exhibitors (https://www.romamodulare.it/exhibitors-and-brands/) include German electronic musical instrument manufacturer Doepfer — duly credited with creating the Eurorack small-format modular system around which its ever-expanding A-100 ANALOG MODULAR SYSTEM is based, subsequently swelling to industry-standard status with hundreds of third-party manufacturers making compatible modules; Latvian Eurorack modules and desktop instruments creator Erica Synths — showcasing the intuitive nature of its PĒRKONS HD-01 desktop drum synth and aggressive timbres of its Black series Eurorack modules; hand-built Scottish Eurorack module-maker Instruō — instigating eye-catching aesthetics with the likes of its arbhar Granular Audio Processor and Lúbadh Dual Looper modules; American musical instruments and Eurorack solutions provider TipTop Audio — advancing production of Don Buchla’s trailblazing 200 series and converting it to Eurorack standards as the 200t series project; Mark Verbos-designed, Berlin-assembled Eurorack format synthesizer module specialist Verbos Electronics — whose Harmonic Oscillator module is now available in Eurorack for the first time; and American Eurorack modular synthesizers and guitar pedals producer WMD — back in business and announcing a new drum module; and many more.
The two-day international expo will be held in Rome’s Trionfale district within Forte Trionfale, one of 15 forts surrounding the
eternal city. Built between 1882 and 1886 in an area covering 21 hectares, the military complex was famed for Italian aviator, aeronautical engineer, and Arctic explorer Umberto Nobile’s airship departing for the North Pole from one of the fort’s hangers in 1926. Today the location is part of an urban regeneration program, aiming to enhance creativity and create connections between people, an admirable objective that is not lost on Roma Modulare 2024’s organisers. “Our greatest desire is that Roma Modulare provides the best opportunity possible for musicians, producers, technicians, manufacturers, and even amateurs to come into contact with each other to strengthen the Italian music market and make it international,” announces Alberto Rossetto, Founder & CEO of Rome’s Milk Audio Store — specialising in Eurorack modules and studio equipment — which has partnered with K-ARRAY Audio Solutions — founded in Italy as one of the most innovative high-technology professional speaker manufacturers in the world — and Doc Servizi — an important cooperative created by a group of musicians to help navigate the challenging entertainment sector in Italy — to organise Roma Modulare 2024.
Although a 900 m2 area within Forte Trionfale will be dedicated to hosting Roma Modulare 2024’s 80-plus exhibitor booths, part of the venue will be dedicated to creating a Workshop Area, where, over two days, 20 speakers will take turns in presenting new products or exploring topics relating to the entertainment industry (with the full program listed here: https://www.romamodulare.it/program/). But, by its very nature, Roma Modulare 2024 is also about the assemblage of and meeting with electronic music artists. As such, a Live Area will be opened up in the garden outside the venue between 1:00 pm to 11.30 pm each day, where electronic music artists will effectively play a non-stop live performance with their modular synthesizers. It is fair to say, then, that Roma Modulare 2024 promises to be an exciting event for all attendees, Italian or otherwise, and all appetites will, quite literally, be catered for with on-site food and beverages being served from opening (10:00 am) to closing (midnight).
Tickets to Roma Modulare 2024 are available to purchase as a two-day pass — priced at €22.00 EUR — or as one-day tickets for either September 27 or September 28 entry — each priced at €13.50 EUR — directly from here: https://www.romamodulare.it/tickets/ (All tickets include entry to the expo itself and an evening party, while entry is free for under 16s.)
About Roma Modulare (www.romamodulare.it)
Held biennially in Rome, where creativity, passion, and experimentation meet, Roma Modulare readily represents the most important Italian music industry diary date for all musicians and audio professionals — particularly those who are passionate about modular synthesizers.
© 2024 Milk Audio Store Srl
Steinberg celebrates its 40th anniversary with some of its biggest ever discounts, including 50% off Cubase, Dorico, WaveLab, and Absolute, plus more exciting offers!
HAMBURG, Germany — This year Steinberg is celebrating its 40th anniversary and, to mark the occasion, has today announced some of its biggest ever discounts.
From August 28 until September 25, 2024, full versions of as well as updates and upgrades to Cubase, Dorico, WaveLab and Absolute can be purchased at a huge 50% off the regular price. This discount also extends to the Cubase Pro 13 crossgrade.
Not only that, but existing owners of full licenses for Cubase Pro 13, Dorico Pro 5, WaveLab Pro 12 or Nuendo 13 qualify for a special loyalty rebate, which offers exclusive discounts on selected products.
Steinberg is proud of its 40-year history of innovation and landmark releases, such as the introduction of Cubase in 1989, WaveLab in 1995, and Dorico which joined the Steinberg portfolio more recently in 2016. And nowhere is the breadth and quality of Steinberg products better illustrated than in the Absolute collection of VST instruments.
“Since the company was founded in 1984, Steinberg technology has been at the forefront of the global sound industry — from every genre of music to movie, game, broadcast and online audio — with products for the most experienced professionals to those just starting out,” says Steinberg Managing Director Clyde Sendke.
“None of it would have been possible without our loyal customers, and we are delighted to say thank you by marking this prestigious anniversary with major discounts on four of our flagship products, including the stunning Absolute collection of VST instruments.”
At Yamaha, Senior General Manager of the Creator and Consumer Audio Division
Yoshiyuki Tsugawa adds: “Steinberg has been a proud part of the Yamaha family since 2005, and we highly value our close collaboration which allows both companies to develop ground-breaking tools for audio innovators. We are proud to celebrate Steinberg’s 40 years of progress and look forward to many more.”
Promotional page: www.steinberg.net/promotion
Steinberg is known the world over for its music and audio software and hardware solutions. The company has been developing, manufacturing and selling innovative products for musicians and producers in the music, film, post-production and multimedia industries since 1984. Steinberg products are used by Grammy and Oscar award-winning composers, engineers and producers.
Visit www.steinberg.net for further details.
Capture the punchy, dynamic gated reverb of the 80s or transform your productions with expansive soundscapes – new GateVerb plug-in from SSL is the ultimate tool for energising your productions.
Oxford, England, August 27th, 2024 — Solid State Logic introduces GateVerb, the latest addition to its growing lineup of premium FX pedal style plug-ins. GateVerb is a non-linear, gated reverb that allows users to intuitively shape reverb characteristics with increased speed and precision – whether you are accessing the sound of the 80s’ and crafting tight, impactful drum tracks, or creating expansive soundscapes, or anything in between. The new plug-in is available in VST, VST, AU, AXX formats and as part of the SSL and Slate Digital Complete Access Bundle.
Traditional ‘linear’ reverbs maintain consistent decay patterns and tonal characteristics, often emulating natural spaces such as halls or cathedrals. Non-linear reverbs take a more creative approach, enabling users to alter decay patterns in unconventional ways – resulting in complex, evolving reverbs that can vary in intensity and character. Legend in the recording industry has it that this unique sound was initially discovered by accident during a recording session for Phil Collins’ track ‘Intruder’ when a ‘listen mic’ – which featured very aggressive compression – was left on during recording in the stone room at the Townhouse Studios. The result? Huge, expansive reverb that disappeared in an instant. This sound became so popular that it eventually became available in hardware FX units and went on to define the sound of the 80s. This iconic sound can be heard on tracks like Phil Collin’s ‘In the Air Tonight’, Kate Bush’s ‘Hounds of Love’, Bronski Beat’s ‘Smalltown Boy’ and other hits from the 70s’ and ’80s. Indeed, non-linear reverb techniques are still in use today among many popular producers and engineers.
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A new frontier of sonic textures
SSL’s new GateVerb plug-in helps impart new sonic textures and dynamic changes to a track, while offering precise control over the reverb tail and other elements. This can result in clear, punchier mixes, with more texture and character. Its wide range of easily accessed reverb controls includes Density, Time, Colour, Size, and Retro – so you can dial in exactly the right amount of ’70s or ’80s vibe. Additionally, GateVerb provides ducking and sidechaining features, and introduces the ability to time-sync pre-delay and time parameters according to the pre-defined tempo of your DAW.
“GateVerb is an incredibly powerful creative tool that can add clarity, punch or an extra degree of vibe to almost any mix,” comments Jon Sandman, SSL Plug-in Product Manager. “With its highly flexible set of controls and creative parameters, GateVerb can help users take control over how their reverbs morph and change over time. This can have a significant effect on the overall outcome of a mix.”
GateVerb key features:
SSL Complete, complete access, Rent-To-Own or Paid In Full
GateVerb is available as a standalone plug-in or as part of SSL Complete, which is included in the Complete Access Bundle – alongside every Slate Digital plug-in – for ONLY $19.99 p/month (Ts&Cs apply). Find out more here: https://solidstatelogic.com/
For more information, to access a free trial of GateVerb, or a trial of SSL Complete, please visit the SSL eStore .
About Solid State Logic
Solid State Logic is the world’s leading manufacturer of analogue and digital audio consoles and provider of creative tools for music, broadcast, live and post production professionals. For more information about our award-winning products, please visit: www.solidstatelogic.com.
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: independent development teams federation United Plugins is proud to announce availability of Cyberdrive from founding partner JMG Sound — suitably billed as the ultimate plug-in engineered to transform anyone’s music with unparalleled power and flexibility, offering a rich palette of sound possibilities ranging from subtle warmth to crushing chaos to make it the go-to-tool for producers seeking to push the creative envelope — as of August 27…
Unleash the power of distortion
Cyberdrive’s creative envelope-pushing heart is effectively powered by its three identical DIST modules, each of which allow multiple combinations of distortion to be mixed together so users can craft a unique distortion profile. Put it this way: with each module featuring a powerful filter system, it is possible to fine-tune the resultant distortion’s tone and character with HP (high-pass), LP (low-pass), and multi-band crossovers to ensure a precise and controlled sound… always. Additionally, each distortion features dedicated gain-compensated MIX — controls the dry/wet mix — and DRIVE — controls the amount of level going into the distortion — knobs with which users can quickly dial in the perfect balance.
A multiverse of distortion models
Cyberdrive comes with 64 distortion types arranged across eight distinct categories: CLASSIC — emulates the warmth and character of analogue hardware, from tubes to tape; MODERN — made for exploring dynamic distortions and wave-folding using cutting-edge techniques like multi-band companders; PIXEL — injects digital chaos with bit-crushing, rate reduction, and glitch effects; SHAPE — sculpts sounds with wave-shaping techniques like rectify and asymmetric clipping; AMP — ably channels the power of acclaimed guitar and bass amplifiers; PEDAL — perfectly captures the essence of iconic guitar pedals; DOOM — pushes limits with extreme custom distortions that go hard; and FREAK — allows for experimenting with avant-garde techniques like ring modulation, FM (frequency modulation), and spectral synthesis. All are meticulously designed to offer a spectrum of sonic possibilities, while the CONTROL knob allows for further fine-tuning of the resultant distortion by adjusting parameters unique to each model, providing precise control over the user’s desired sonic signature.
Feedback like never before
Cyberdrive capably creates everything from subtle enhancements to wild, screaming feedback effects when harnessing the versatility of the FEED module. Indeed, it features various delay modes such as FREE SHORT, FREE LONG, SYNC STRAIGHT, SYNC DOTTED, SYNC SIXTEENTHS, PITCH FREE, and PITCH DETECTED, allowing users to perfectly time the feedback as they see fit. Furthermore, the envelope follower — FOLLOW — adds dynamic modulation, enabling ducking or matching the shape of the feedback signal based on the input level. Thanks to an ability to send feedback into its own input or include other modules inside its feedback path, the FEED module allows for exploration of uncharted sonic territories.
Comprehensive FX arsenal
Cyberdrive creatively elevates productions with an extensive range of FX modules, each designed to provide precise control and perfectly complement distortions, including DYNAMICS — tames or unleashes any sound with compression, gating, and transient shaping; TONE — shapes the frequency content with EQs and filters, shaping the mix with precision; MOTION — adds movement with modulation effects like chorus, flanger, and tremolo; PROFILE — transforms audio with resonant effects, including cabinet simulators and metalizers; and SPACE — crafts lush soundscapes with time-based effects such as reverb, delay, and diffusion. Designed intuitively, each module puts depth, speed, and creative freedom at anyone’s fingertips.
Embrace the unexpected
An advanced randomization feature allows Cyberdrive users to break away from routine. Randomise the entire plug-in or specific sections thereof to effortlessly spark creativity with the freedom to explore without limits courtesy of an ability to undo any changes.
Total control over the signal flow
Finally, the ROUTING ORDER section puts Cyberdrive users in complete control of their signal chain, allowing them to tailor the plug-in to their exact needs by dragging and dropping modules to reorder processing stages or double-clicking to disable them. The ROUTING ORDER section ensures anyone’s workflow is as smooth as possible, in other words — whether experimenting with complex routings or auditioning individual modules.
Key features:
∙ Three advanced distortion units — DIST 1, DIST 2, and DIST 3
∙ 64 distortion types in eight categories
∙ Powerful FEED (feedback) module
∙ Additional effects section (routable in any order)
JMG Sound’s Cyberdrive is available to purchase for a time-limited introductory promo price of only €15.00 EUR until September 30, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €79.00 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/cyberdrive), 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 Cyberdrive 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 Cyberdrive in action while watching United Plugins’ illuminating introductory video here:
About United Plugins
As implied in the carefully chosen wording for an apt appellation that really represents how the Prague-registered Limited Company came about and what it collectively creates, United Plugins is a federation of small, independent development teams comprised of individuals involved in the music industry. Indeed, the founding triad of FireSonic, JMG Sound, and SounDevice Digital can count engineers, producers, and artists amongst their ‘united’ names. Needless to say, all were seeking the freedom to create the tools that they would like to use in their studios and on their projects. And all agreed that this could be better achieved when working together. Though United Plugins’ proliferating product portfolio may not always be for the musical masses, surely someone, somewhere will always find those tools to be a perfect fit for their own music productions… just like those inventive individuals behind United Plugins’ partner brands, the ranks of which have since swelled to include Muramasa Audio and MeldaProduction. Thanks to the latter letting United Plugins utilize its super-easy licensing system, which is why selected MeldaProduction products are also available from the United Plugins website (https://unitedplugins.com), a thriving future for the federation is assured.
© 2024 United Plugins
