All Pre-Orders get a free copy of String Machine!
Hollywood, CA (March 26, 2024) — In a pivot from recent large sound-scape releases like Hollywood Orchestra and Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra, the leader in virtual sounds has created their most nuanced and intimate string library yet – recording a tight 21-piece group in EastWest Studio 2 – smaller room, same production team, no less cinematic.
Hollywood Strings 2 provides all the essential articulations, including legato, detache, pizzicato, staccato, spiccato, marcato, col legno, and even rare textural styles like flautando, each with up to four dynamics, ensuring an unparalleled level of expressiveness and realism. From the delicate intimacy of pianissimo to the commanding authority of fortissimo, and everything in between, articulations are captured with exacting detail by an extensive array of microphones, giving composers unprecedented control over the performance and sound of the strings.
Every instrument is mic’d closer than ever before, capturing the grit, depth, and air of every note in the finest detail possible. Users can independently control 3 separate close mic positions (including mics attached directly to the instruments), plus main, mid-field, and surround mics. Hollywood Strings 2 is even Atmos-ready to create Atmos mixes in DAWs that support it. Epic arrangements are impressive, but there’s more to strings than scale alone… and while its predecessor is indeed epic, Hollywood Strings 2 goes even further, molding itself to any task.
Hollywood Strings 2 was recorded in EastWest’s own Studio 2, home to classic themes from The Beverly Hillbillies, Hawaii Five-O, and the soundtracks to Encanto and A Star is Born. The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, Weezer, and Metallica have also recorded in Studio 2 for its tight and punchy sound. It’s only fitting that these strings suit cinematic metal or heavy rock as well as they would an epic film cue. Even for those who already own every available strings library, Hollywood Strings 2 will bring the intimacy that no other collection offers.
Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix have produced multiple award-winning sample libraries and virtual instruments together for over three decades – more than any other sounds production team in the industry – including NAMM TEC Award winners Hollywood Choirs, Hollywood Orchestra Opus Edition, and Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra. To capture the same cinematic quality as the original Hollywood Strings, but with more granular control than any other string library, Rogers and Phoenix engaged Award-winning sound engineer Shawn Murphy, one of the most prolific sound engineers and mixers in the history of film. His over 500 credits include Jurassic Park, the Star Wars Franchise, the Indiana Jones franchise, Titanic and many other feature films. Murphy has won numerous BAFTA, EMMY, and GRAMMY Awards, including most recently a GRAMMY for Best Engineered Classical Album in 2023. This cooperation results in Hollywood Strings 2’s clear, clean, dry sound that effortlessly lends itself to any genre.
Availability & Pricing:
Hollywood Strings 2 will be released on April 25, 2024.
Preorders qualify for a FREE copy of String Machine! Preorder here: [link]
Hollywood Strings 2 will be available as a standalone purchase for $399, or included in every ComposerCloud+ subscription at https://www.soundsonline.com/composercloud
About EASTWEST
EastWest Sounds (www.soundsonline.com) has been dedicated to perpetual innovation and uncompromising quality of Virtual Instruments for over 36 years, setting the industry standard as the most critically acclaimed sound developer. Find more about EastWest at soundsonline.com.
Freeform Distortion
Kilohearts Shaper is a waveshaper plugin that takes each sample in your audio and remaps it to a new value based on a custom curve. This can result in anything from subtle saturation to total annihilation of your signal, and everything in between.
https://kilohearts.com/products/shaper
Kilohearts Shaper has been added to the free Kilohearts Essentials collection and is available at no cost to anyone with a Kilohearts account.
Wavetable Powered Distortion
Kilohearts Shaper Table takes the waveshaper concept to exciting new dimensions by allowing you to use a wavetable as the source and scan through various shapes to create unique, evolving sonic variations.
https://kilohearts.com/products/shaper_table
Kilohearts Shaper Table is a premium plugin and is available from the Kilohearts website for the regular price of $39. An introductory 50% discount is available until March 24th.
As always, new releases are instantly available to Kilohearts Subscribers. Simply run the Kilohearts Installer and update to access the new software.
You can download Kilohearts ESSENTIAL FREE HERE:
A Vocal Library for Storytellers
London, March 14th, 2024 – Spitfire Audio, the world’s leading creator of sounds and sample libraries for music makers, and Hunter Rogerson are thrilled to announce the release of Hearth and Hollow – Folk Voices, a testament to the natural textures and tonalities of indie folk music and a direct response to the overwhelming success of their previous collaboration, Hearth and Hollow – Plucked Folk Ensemble, which features seven deeply sampled acoustic folk instruments assembled as a fully arrangeable ensemble.
The enthusiastic reception from thousands of customers worldwide has inspired Spitfire Audio and Rogerson to introduce four new dynamic folk voices, enabling music makers to access that quintessential indie folk sound, akin to Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes.
Recorded in the serene acoustics of St. John’s Anglican Church, and featuring four configurable vocals (three soloists and one ensemble – “Willow”, “Juniper”, “Hawthorn”, and “Forest”) with 11 articulations and eight mixes, Hearth and Hollow – Folk Voices captures a real and intimate vocal session, highlighting the warmth and unique character each singer’s voice has to offer. Raw and unadorned, close-knit and deeply personal, each vocalist brings a distinct flavor to the table.
With CC controllable vowel blending and intuitive doubling capabilities, music makers will effortlessly craft intricate vocal arrangements with just a few clicks. Articulations have been crafted to mirror the practices of indie background vocals, and ensure that every phrase is imbued with emotion and character. Plus, solo NKIs for each singer provide unparalleled arrangement flexibility, while bonus NKIs offer true legato whistling and a percussion kit for added depth and texture.
Designed with user experience in mind, the library boasts a cozy, interactive UI that encourages intuitive sculpting and arranging. Presets are location-based, allowing users to physically place the player in the room for precise control over volume and panning. Additionally, an interactive light feature reflects panning, adding a visual dimension to the mixing process.
Whilst this is Rogerson and Spitfire Audio’s second collaboration, Rogerson is well acquainted with sound experimentation. During his formative years, he drew inspiration from melodically-rich classic video games and the romantic allure of early Disney films. Writing music for visual media felt like a natural inclination and he soon found himself as a composer for screen productions, where he honed his skills as a musical storyteller, eventually branching out into the creation of sample libraries as another creative avenue.
“Crafting narratives is a distinctly human endeavor and one of our most significant contributions.”
– Hunter Rogerson
Whether scoring for film, video games, or other media, music makers can now access a rich tapestry of indie folk music. The new sample library will be released on March 14th, 2024 and available from Spitfire Audio’s website.
KEY FEATURES
AVAILABILITY & PRICING
Product link: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/hearth-and-hollow-folk-voices
Available: March 14th, 2024 at 5pm GMT
Price: £99 / $99 / €99
TALLMAN, NY, USA: boutique recording equipment maker Lindell Audio is proud to introduce its LiNTEC Vintage Program Equalizer — enabling its take on a much-lauded studio classic with vintage workflow for making modern sounds, breaking with tradition by choosing a solid-state design over a tube-driven one — as of March 7…
By bringing a much-lauded studio classic — conceivably the most renowned studio EQ ever known — home to smaller studio setups and larger recording studios alike, anyone can now get hands-on with classic Pultec-style workflow when sculpting their tracks, thanks to Lindell Audio’s timely LiNTEC introduction. Indeed, it is billed as being a Vintage Program Equalizer, as emphasized by the on point wording boldly blazoned below the VU (Volume Unit) meter dominating its beautiful blue front panel that, in turn, emphasizes Lindell Audio’s Scandinavian heritage, courtesy of subtle front panel positioning of an adapted Swedish flag motif. Attractive as it is to look at, alluding — albeit applying a ‘modern’ minimalist Scandi touch — to the time-honored aesthetics of the Sixties-vintage, prohibitively-expensive Program Equalizer from which it draws its inspiration, it is what it sounds like — making its musical mark by bringing air and space to vocals and stringed instruments, beefing up the low-end of kick drums, or adding a touch of warmth and weight to an entire bus — that clearly counts. It is fair to say, though, that anyone running their tracks through a LiNTEC will wonder how they got by with using software EQs for so long!
LiNTEC’s lean, old-school design offers a shared (five-step switched 20, 30, 60, 100, and 150 Hz) LOW FREQ (frequency) selection control for the associated BOOST and ATTEN (attenuation), alongside independent (11-step switched 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12, 14, and 16 kHz) HIGH FREQ and (five-step switched 4, 8, 12, 16, and 20 kHz) ATTEN selections with a shared BANDWIDTH control. As a result, users can dial in the precise amount of tone-sculpting necessary to serve their track with no risk of muddying up the midrange. Moreover, LiNTEC’s stepped pots ensure easy recall and stereo matching when used in a stereo pair, while its filters are based on classic EQP-1A filters, complimented by Lindell Audio’s own new gain structure.
Speaking of choices, Lindell Audio broke with tradition by choosing a solid-state design over a tube-driven one. On record as professing its love for tubes as much as the next manufacturer, solid-state offered myriad benefits for LiNTEC that could not be had with tubes, such as a faster transient response with a smooth, creamy, and punchy character; lower noise than tube-based EQs; better unit-to-unit matching for stereo pairing — matched by hand to within ¼ dB of each other; and, obviously, no tubes to wear out and replace.
Turning to the op-amp applied to the LiNTEC design, it is the same proven OPA-171 — Lindell Audio’s take on the classic vintage Melcor 1731 op-amp — used in its 7X-500VIN ‘Vintage Edition’ 500-Series compressor and 77X-500 500-Series stereo compressor. Custom-designed transformers that are also central to making the LiNTEC Vintage Program Equalizer what it is have been created specifically for Lindell Audio.
And, yes, Lindell Audio’s LiNTEC is perfectly capable of pulling off the so-called Pultec low-end trick that has been used to fatten bass lines and kick drums on innumerable recordings; simply choose the desired LOW FREQ setting — try starting at 100 Hz, then simultaneously turn up both the associated BOOST and ATTEN controls to taste. As a historical side note, it is interesting to note here that original Pultec documentation asserted — admittedly rather bullishly, “Do not attempt to boost and attenuate simultaneously on the low frequencies.” Is it any wonder, then, that eager-to-know-why engineers did just that! The result of this simultaneous boost/cut operation is a low-end boost below the selected frequency, with a cut slightly above the selected frequency; in turn, this results in a satisfying-sounding thump and body that does not risk muddying the midrange — a not-so-secret trick of engineers and producers ever since those eager-to-know-why engineers first tried ignoring what they were told! Try doing that ‘for real’ with software EQs.
Electronics evidently has a lot to answer for, and by bringing the much-lauded studio classic home to smaller studio setups and bigger studios alike, anyone can now get hands-on with classic Pultec-style workflow when sculpting their tracks for a lot less than the price of other classic hardware EQs, thanks to Lindell Audio’s LiNTEC.
Last, but by no means least, the LiNTEC Vintage Program Equalizer is also useful for adding a touch of warmth and harmonic content to program material — even with its EQ set flat!
As a RAD Distribution company, Lindell Audio’s LiNTEC Vintage Program Equalizer is expected to ship in late-March/early-April 2024 with an MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $399.00 USD — RAD Distribution is also the exclusive North American distributor for Lindell Audio products (https://raddist.com/en/brands/lindell-audio) — and an SSP (Standalone Selling Price) of €532.00 EUR — including 19% VAT (Value Added Tax) — in the EU (European Union).
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated LiNTEC webpage here: https://lindellaudio.com/en/products/lintec
Watch Lindell Audio’s informative introductory LiNTEC video here:
About Lindell Audio (http://lindellaudio.com)
Founded in 2010 by Swedish producer, remixer, and songwriter Tobias Lindell, leaning initially towards designing recording equipment to satisfy his own way of working, Lindell Audio makes boutique recording equipment. As a resident producer at Bohus Sound Recording in Kungälv, Sweden, he has produced and mixed many hit records throughout the years, including working with Swedish rock royalty Europe (Last Look at Eden) and Swedish heavy metallers Mustach (Latest Version of the Truth).
© 2024 Lindell Audio
The latest in a series of remarkable pianos adds the distinctive voice of the Steinway & Sons Hamburg D-274 for even more breathtaking piano realism and limitless creativity
March 7, 2024 – IK Multimedia releases Hamburg Grand S274, the latest addition to IK’s groundbreaking Pianoverse virtual instrument, which combines the world’s finest concert-grade pianos with inspiring, cinematic effects. For subscribers, The latest in a series of remarkable pianos adds the distinctive voice of the Steinway & Sons Hamburg D-274 for even more breathtaking piano realism and limitless creativity is included with the Pianoverse update released today through the IK Product Manager. It’s also available for purchase separately and comes included in the new Pianoverse MAX.
Pianoverse lets users explore a breathtaking sonic range, from the most true-to-life acoustic piano experience to the wildest atmospheric and interactive creative textures, all in a single plug-in. And all with incredible ease of use and an inspiring workflow.
Hamburg Grand S274 is based on a robot-assisted deep multisampling of a 9′ Steinway & Sons Hamburg D-274 from 1958, a concert grand piano manufactured by Steinway & Sons of Germany. Each Hamburg D-274 is handcrafted and the entire process, from selecting the wood to voicing the strings, takes over a year. This dedication to quality has attracted the world’s greatest players throughout the years including Lang Lang, Emanuel Ax, Hélène Grimaud, Leif Ove Andsnes, and Sergei Rachmaninoff, the legendary Russian composer and pianist.
For the Hamburg Grand S274, IK traveled to Officine Meccaniche studios in Milan where a gorgeous 1958 Steinway & Sons Hamburg D-274 lives in perfect harmony with its ambient surroundings. IK captured the magic using the same preamps as other Pianoverse instruments with no EQ or compression. A pair of DPA 4011 as close mics and a pair of Coles 4038 mics in a Blumlein configuration took full advantage of the room’s acoustics. The results are spectacular, from the singing voice of the piano to the more prominent impact of its pedals.
New Pianoverse MAX
With the release of Hamburg Grand S274, IK is pleased to introduce Pianoverse MAX, a bundle offering users the option to own all 6 available pianos for one low price, including Hamburg Grand S274 plus two additional pianos scheduled for future release. Special upgrade pricing is also available for Pianoverse instrument owners and current yearly subscribers.
Capturing Treasured Pianos
IK’s team spent years sourcing treasured pianos from the most prestigious manufacturers. Each instrument is hand-tuned and prepared by a master tuner and then sampled using multiple microphone setups and IK’s custom-built robotic system. The result is unprecedented realism across the entire dynamics of each Pianoverse piano without flattening it or simplifying it too much, which regularly happens with traditional sampling.
A Powerful New Engine
The IK sound design team then used subtle techniques perfected over 2 decades of virtual instrument programming to bring these thousands of samples to life. Pianoverse’s groundbreaking new engine uses completely redesigned round robin, voice management, and other techniques to deliver a seamlessly authentic experience.
Beyond Accuracy and Sound
Pianoverse also shines with a unique combination of performance controls for both stage and studio work. To customize each piano’s sound, Pianoverse offers adjustable lid position, harp resonance, pedal noise, or even the noise of the piano mallets, all things that are usually only available in modeled instruments. For live use, all three pedals offer continuous control, including half- and catch-pedaling and una corda, to deliver an unmatched performance experience.
Must-have Studio Processing
Pianoverse provides two sets of microphones per piano so users can choose if they prefer a more modern and in-the-face sound or a more classical sound. On top of that, for traditional sound-shaping and mixing, the Pianoverse engine also offers a comprehensive suite of must-have effects tools and a dedicated master channel with EQ and a VCA-style limiter for final mastering polish.
Generative Spaces to Explore
Where most piano instruments end, Pianoverse is only getting started. Using a new generative reverberation engine, Pianoverse transports any of its concert-grade pianos to 30 sonic destinations. These go from traditional concert halls and studio spaces to less traditional ones like a warehouse or vault, and otherworldly cinematic environments like an iceberg, desert or even Mars. Plus each space includes flexible controls to further shape and create never-heard-before cinematic sounds and textures.
Unique Creative Effects
In addition to custom-created Spaces, Pianoverse also offers 12 new creative effects to design sounds. These effects range from new cinematic spatial effects to must-have studio effects and can be inserted on 3 simultaneous slots: the first slot being a parallel send effect, while slots 2 and 3 are insert effects.
Then, unique to Pianoverse, users will find 4 modulation sources – 2 envelopes and 2 LFOs – that may be assigned to various parameters in these 3 effects slots to further animate and move the sound and create extreme effects when desired. Together these effects offer an arsenal of sound-sculpting tools that cannot be found in any other piano instrument.
A Series of 8 Pianos
With the Hamburg Grand S274, there are now 6 pianos in Pianoverse based on a Steinway & Sons Hamburg D-274, a Fazioli F278 Concert Grand, a Yamaha CFIII Concert Grand, a Yamaha U5 Professional Upright, a Bösendorfer 280 Vienna Concert and a Steinway & Sons New York D-274. With more coming soon featuring models based on a Bösendorfer 200 and a Koch & Korselt Upright, users can discover new inspiration as they need it.
Options, Pricing and Availability
Pianoverse Hamburg Grand S274 is available now either sold separately and as part of the new Pianoverse MAX from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide. It’s available free to all-access subscribers, as will all future Pianoverse pianos.
*Pricing excludes taxes
For more information about Pianoverse and the new Hamburg Grand S274, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/
NEW YORK, March 7, 2024 – Heavyocity Media proudly introduces Solo Textures, a moving strings virtual instrument, and the latest addition to the critically-acclaimed NOVO Packs line. The intimacy of solo violin, viola, and cello has been captured and melded with Heavyocity’s signature sound design, delivering an expressive and emotive interpretation that embodies the nuances of solo string performances, elevating them into the realm of modern scoring.
Solo Textures invites you into the heart of delicate solo violin, viola, and cello performances, meticulously captured at Heavyocity Studios in NYC. Featuring over 14 GB of unique, rhythmic elements, recorded with multiple dynamic layers, and multi-sampled for stunning realism and emotional depth, this virtual instrument captures the intricate nuances and dynamic range of solo string performances. With over 220 meticulously crafted snapshot presets, Solo Textures provides a diverse range of inspiring starting points that magnify the authentic voice of these exquisite instruments.
Composers can effortlessly build custom ensembles, unlocking the soulful resonance of these lush instruments. The solo performances capture the essence of clean, lyrical sound while showcasing the unique articulations crafted by the Heavyocity team. Inspired by the sound of modern chamber strings, these unique arrangements and textures expand the possibilities of what a solo performer can achieve. Each note resonates with rich movement and texture, making Solo Textures an ideal addition to your scoring toolkit.
“Solo Textures unlocks a world of moving and nuanced performances,” said Ari Winters, Creative Director, Heavyocity. “From delicate rhythmic patterns to flowing combinations, this virtual instrument offers a rich palette for composers seeking solo strings’ emotive depth in contemporary scoring.”
For a limited time, Heavyocity is offering Solo Textures for $119 (reg. $149). In addition, owners of NOVO, FORZO, VENTO, or Symphonic Destruction will get an additional $20 off with registered serial. Offers end March 18, 2024.
As a “powered-by-Kontakt” instrument Solo Textures offers all playback and sound-shaping functionality through the full version of Kontakt 7 or the free Kontakt 7 Player.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Solo Textures will be available at www.heavyocity.com/solo-textures
Release date: March 7, 2024
Solo Textures – $149 USD
Limited-Time Solo Textures Offer – $119 USD
Limited-Time Solo Textures Offer for NOVO, FORZO, VENTO, or Symphonic Destruction owners – $99 USD
Offers End: March 18, 2024
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: MeldaProduction is proud to announce availability of MCenter — making finding true mid-side balance a breeze by unlocking the full potential of anyone’s stereo signal as a simple to use yet powerful plug-in designed to provide unparalleled control over stereo qualities, going beyond traditional mid-side processing by offering advanced features that accurately manipulate the ‘phantom center’ and remaining stereo signal — as of February 12…
Phantom of the Center (Control)
MeldaProduction’s MCenter lets its users take charge of their stereo signal’s elusive ‘phantom center’ by employing a complex spectral algorithm that separates what really sounds stereo and really sounds mono, which is not actually the case with mid-side processing. Put it this way: just hard panning a track is 50% mid and 50% side from a mid-side perspective, despite it naturally sounding stereophonic. Saying that, though, MCenter is not only for mastering, but for every occasion where true mid-side balance is needed — works well when mixing or just being creative, in other words.
Getting to the heart of the plug-in
Ultimately, users who do not wish to get bogged down in too much technical detail are best served by MCenter’s single-knob operation offered by its simple CENTER / SIDES control that allows them to truly balance the center and side parts of the stereo signal to their satisfaction within a second!
Dual processing-powered results comparison
Comparing and contrasting results comes quickly to MCenter, thanks to its dual-processing capabilities combining the accuracy of spectral processing with traditional mid-side operation. On the face of it, then, users can quickly choose an approach that best suits their creative needs.
Freeform frequency drawing
Duly diving into detailed frequency manipulation comes courtesy of MCenter’s freeform drawing capability. Controlling each frequency can be achieved separately, allowing users to sculpt their sound with precision by shaping the response of individual frequency bands.
Key features:
∙ Unlocks the full potential of anyone’s stereo signal as a simple to use yet powerful plug-in
∙ Lets users take charge of their stereo signal’s elusive ‘phantom center’ by employing a complex spectral algorithm
∙ Single-knob operation allows anyone to truly balance the center and side parts of the stereo signal within a second!
∙ Dual-processing capabilities combines the accuracy of spectral processing with traditional mid-side operation
∙ Freeform drawing capability controls each frequency separately
Heading over to MeldaProduction’s online shop via its dedicated webpage (https://meldaproduction.com/MCenter) that also includes more in-depth information, a time-limited introductory price of only €9.00 EUR comes into force until March 10, 2024, rising thereafter to its regular price of €49.00 EUR. (It is also worth noting that MCenter will always be free for MCompleteBundle, MMasteringFXBundle, and MMixingFXBundle owners, both current and future.)
A 15-day, fully-functional trial version of MCenter is always available by downloading the latest (MAudioPlugins 16.11) universal installer of MeldaProduction tools — to include all virtual effect and instrument plug-ins in 64-bit AAX-, AU-, VST- and VST3-compatible formats for macOS (10.14 or newer) and 64-bit AAX-, VST-, and VST3-compatible formats for Windows (8/10/11) as one shared core, with several new virtual instruments (including Cosmosis, Cyber Bear, Deep Vibes, Frozen Sparks, Magic Dust, Mecha Vox, Neon Dolls, Solar Flare, Sonic Pulse, Sugar Rush, and Twisted Wave) being brought to MSoundFactory, while both MGuitarArchitect and MTurboAmp are in receipt of a new virtual effect (Claritor) — from here: https://meldaproduction.com/downloads (Choose which ones to install and purchase licenses later with free-for-life updates.)
Watch MeldaProduction’s informative introductory video for MCenter here:
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
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: independent development teams federation United Plugins is proud to announce availability of FireEQ from founding partner FireSonic — formulated to set in motion mixing in a different way as an advanced EQ plug-in that can not only boost and cut frequencies but also change the overall dynamics of the track to give it additional space — as of March 1…
Far from everyday EQ
Far from being an everyday EQ plug-in, FireSonic’s FireEQ effectively combines several established EQ techniques that will surely make anyone’s musical life much easier, whether mastering or mixing. Musically, that mastering or mixing magic is appropriately anchored around a power trio of main controls, kicking off with the MAGIC knob, itself implementing a complex dynamic processing process that flattens the sound to make things more even; essentially, it amplifies what is silent and attenuates what is loud— like a multi-band compressor, in other words.
DARK / BRIGHT balance
Working in perfect harmony with that MAGIC knob is an all-important DARK / BRIGHT balance control. Through this single knob, FireEQ controls the overall colour of the mix; moreover, users can change the mood of their track, making it brighter or darker as desired within a split second!
DEPTH charge
Rounding off that ‘knobular’ power trio, the DEPTH control adjusts the overall amount of processing — a little like the way that typical dry/wet works, but, because of the phase shift that EQs induce, this is implemented in a much more complex way.
Treat the low-end right
Duly distinguishing it from other EQs — virtual effect plug-in-based or otherwise, FireSonic’s FireEQ’s LOW CUT filter features a SIDEKILL function that specifies the low-cut frequency of a filter and only affects the ‘side’ signal of the stereo image. In turn, this helps remove all stereo content for low frequencies, otherwise this could cause problems on bigger playback systems.
Stereo image control
Each of FireSonic’s FireEQ’s eight core frequency BANDS (with virtual faders stepped in +/-12 dB steps) has an associated — read: extra — SIDE / MID knob; needless to say, this defines the gain of the filters affecting neighbouring frequencies, with opposite gain for mid and side signals, so users literally gain control over the ratio between mid and side in that area and the stereo image itself.
LOW SHELF and HIGH SHELF sandwich
Sandwiching those eight core frequency BANDS are LOW SHELF and HIGH SHELF filters modelled after the most favoured vintage-style analogue EQs to give the resulting signal a warm analogue feel.
Over and OUT
Of course, the OUT [dB] fader defines FireSonic’s FireEQ’s output gain, providing users with convenient control over output volume given that applying EQ is likely to increase it. ADC (Automatic Gain Compensation) quickly adapts to current settings and ensures that the OUT [dB] (output) sounds as loud as the IN [dB] (input), while also effectively preventing users from being tricked into thinking that something sounds better because it is louder.
Set in motion mixing in a different way
All in all, then, FireSonic’s FireEQ has been beautifully formulated to set in motion mixing in a different way as an advanced EQ plug-in that can not only boost and cut frequencies but also change the overall dynamics of the track to give it additional space. Saying that, in keeping with its fellow United Plugins partners’ software siblings, FireSonic’s FireEQ plug-in provides its users with the maximum audio quality possible thanks to its internal 64-bit audio processing and an ability to handle any sampling rate — reaching 192 kHz or even higher without breaking into a sweat. Similarly, the photorealistic yet flexible (resizable) nature of its GUI (Graphical User Interface) imbues it with impressions of working with real hardware as opposed to being a virtual effect plug-in. Ultimately, United Plugins software smartly manages bypass functionality to ensure that users do not experience any clicks or harmful noises when automating that parameter, and FireSonic’s FireEQ is no exception to that (written) rule.
Key features:
∙ Advanced EQ plug-in that can not only boost and cut frequencies but also change overall track dynamics to give it additional space
∙ Effectively combines several established EQ techniques to make anyone’s musical life much easier, whether mastering or mixing
∙ Filters modelled after most favored vintage-style analogue EQs to give resulting signals a warm analogue feel
FireSonic’s FireEQ is available to purchase for a time-limited introductory promo price of only €15.00 EUR until March 31, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €99.00 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/FireEQ/), 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 FireEQ 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 FireEQ 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
HALMSTAD, SWEDEN: having made its mark in the previously pedestrian world of pop filters with its ISOPOP™ Premium model making users sound and look better, award-winning innovative company ISOVOX® is proud to introduce ISOPOP™ BroadCast — billed as being a premium pop filter to take audio and visuals to the next level, duly designed in Scandinavia specifically for front-address microphones to transform podcast and broadcast productions into a professional spectacle with enhanced visibility and exceptional sound quality — as of February 28…
Innovating ISOVOX®’s Scandinavian minimalist design ethic ensures that ISOPOP™ BroadCast allows a clear line of sight, so users can connect effortlessly with their audience — say adjö (goodbye) to conventional, face-obscuring pop filters, in other words! With this in mind, ISOPOP™ BroadCast tackles the troublesome issue head-on, providing a solution that ensures recordings remain as clear as they are captivating. It is fair to say that though podcast and broadcast microphones can claim to have built-in pop filters, they often fall short of the mark when put to the test, with pops disrupting even the most renowned shows.
Saying that, then, ISOPOP™ BroadCast comes complete with both a Neutral Pro Filter — perfect for those that prioritize an ultra-transparent sound while wishing to effortlessly remove pops, and also a De-Ess Pro Filter — a game-changer for microphones with harsh treble or sibilance, softening the sound for a smoother listening experience. It is worth noting here that those filters are interchangeable and also cleanable, ensuring hygiene and longevity.
ISOVOX®’s ISOPOP™ BroadCast is meticulously crafted to work seamlessly with front-address microphones, and already verified to be compatible with a sizeable number of popular models, including Shure’s SM7B (dynamic vocal microphone); Shure’s SM7dB (dynamic vocal microphone with built-in preamp); Shure’s MV7 (podcast microphone); Sennheiser’s MKH 416 (shotgun microphone); Electro-Voice’s RE20 (dynamic cardioid microphone); RØDE’s PodMic (broadcast-grade dynamic microphone); RØDE’s ProCaster (broadcast-grade dynamic microphone); Universal Audio’s SD-1 (standard dynamic microphone); AEA’s KU5A (ribbon microphone); and PreSonus’ PD-70 (broadcast dynamic microphone). Minimum and maximum microphone-accommodating diameter is ⌀1.9 – 6 cm/⌀0.75 – 2.36”, so any similarly-styled handheld microphone meeting those technical specifications — such as Shure’s SM58 (dynamic vocal microphone); Shure’s BETA® 58A (dynamic vocal microphone); Shure’s SM57 (dynamic instrument microphone); and more — can be comfortably accommodated. And remaining, briefly, on the subject of technical specifications, the ISOPOP™ BroadCast itself is ⌀7 x 10 cm/⌀2.76 x 3.94”, while weighing in at 34g/0.075 lb/1.2 oz.
Clearly combining functionality with aesthetics, anyone buying into the innovative ISOPOP™ BroadCast concept can be assured of upgrading their experience as a result of ISOVOX®’s Scandinavian minimalist design ethic effectively redefining the standard for exceptional podcast and broadcast audio and visual quality.
ISOPOP™ BroadCast is available to purchase — in Midnight (black) and Silver color choices — with a MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of €89.00 EUR/$99.00 USD via ISOVOX®’s growing global network of dealers and distributors (https://isovoxbooth.com/where-to-buy/) or directly from ISOVOX® itself via the following webpage: https://isovoxbooth.com/products/isopop-broadcast
For more in-depth ISOPOP™ BroadCast info, please visit the dedicated webpage here: https://isovoxbooth.com/en-gb/pages/isopop-broadcast-sm7b-pop-filter
Watch ISOVOX®’s illuminating introductory ISOPOP™ BroadCast video here:
See and hear the difference when watching ISOVOX®’s comparison video showcasing using an ISOPOP™ BroadCast premium pop filter while recording with a Shure SM7B dynamic vocal microphone typically used for broadcast and podcast productions in comparison to not using it while recording with that same microphone here:
About ISOVOX® (www.isovoxbooth.com)
ISOVOX® is an award-winning innovative company from Sweden. Duly designing products so anyone can practice and record vocals like the pros, but at home or away without disturbing their neighbors, its inaugural ISOVOX® 2 vocal booth namesake — featuring four layers of super acoustic materials with patented 360 XYZ Pro Acoustic Construction to control sound waves from all angles (roof, top, bottom, behind, and front), enhancing vocal details and reducing overall volume with a warm and punchy sound without any detrimental breathing particles, unlike any other portable product — found favor with multi-million-selling British singer-songwriter Seal and Los Angeles-based songwriter, recording/mix/mastering engineer, and music producer par excellence Luke Pimentel, to list but a few notable names. ISOMIC™ is its follow-up, a masterly microphone technically tailored for voice recording within the ISOVOX® 2 vocal booth and guaranteed to capture voices like never before, thanks to its revolutionary patented triangular capsule capable of delivering a radio-ready sound with an ear-opening 7 Hz to 87 kHz frequency range! Representing the world’s most exclusive pro-performance pop filter, the limited-edition ISOPOP™ 24K Gold 24K was introduced as a gold-plated brushed aluminum affair aimed at collectors worldwide who wanted to make a Gold record with the finest gear in the world, while its ISOPOP™ Premium sibling — shipping in three color choices — represents an alternative premium product at a more down-to-earth-price, more recently followed by ISOPOP™ BroadCast — itself shipping in two color choices — that redefines the standard for exceptional podcast and broadcast audio and visual quality.
© 2024 ISOVOX AB
DUESSELDORF, GERMANY: truly analog-sounding plugins developer Fuse Audio Labs is proud to introduce its VREV-63 Surf Spring Reverb plug-in — presented as a ripping reincarnation of a celebrated Sixties-vintage tube-driven spring reverb recognized as the godfather of surf guitar sound — as of February 9…
By being hooked up in front of an amp, the splashy sound of the mysterious box from which VREV-63 draws its inspiration has, itself, inspired countless dub, garage, jazz, reggae, rockabilly, and spaghetti western artists.
Arguably even easier to use than the real thing — certainly more convenient in a modern music production environment, VREV-63’s reverb intensity and time are set with the DWELL knob, while the TONE control allows the treble to be dialed back to just the right degree of brightness. A fundamental — yet switchable — part of the lush sound is the famous tone suck effect that impacts high frequencies, emerging from the authentic emulation of the tone and mixer circuits.
Faithfully following in the original’s flexible footsteps, VREV-63 is greatly enhanced by some popular modifications, including the CAP (capacitor) C10 mod for a deeper and richer reverb sound, easy tube rolling between a NOS 6K6 and the hotter 6V6, and a selection of three different spring tanks — namely, 3-SPRING, SHORT, and STOCK. Thanks to its integrated KICK UNIT, users can also enjoy ‘kicking’ the reverb all night long — no need to kick their precious hardware to achieve the same sound anymore and risk damaging it in the process!
Put it this way: “Its juicy reputation is well earned, and yet this outstanding reverb is by no means limited to surf expeditions, twangy splatter sounds, or crazy freak endeavors.” So says Fuse Audio Labs CEO Reimund Dratwa, concluding, “Time has proved it to sound equally beautiful and different on strings, synths, vocals, and many other instruments as well — just give it a ride… the springs are calling!”
VREV-63 is available at an attractive 50%-discounted introductory promo price of only $29.00 USD until March 9, 2024 — rising thereafter to its regular price of $59.00 USD — directly from its dedicated webpage, which includes more in-depth information, here: https://fuseaudiolabs.com/vrev63.html
Note that 14-day trial versions of all Fuse Audio Labs plugins without any restrictions are also available to download for free from here: https://fuseaudiolabs.com/plugins.html
Get a feel for VREV-63 while watching Fuse Audio Labs’ lust-inducing introductory video here:
About Fuse Audio Labs (www.fuseaudiolabs.com)
Fuse Audio Labs is a number one source for truly analog-sounding plugins designed for the daily demands of real-world musicians and engineers. As an acclaimed company, it was founded in 2017 by Reimund Dratwa, deeply knowledgeable as an expert in translating complex analog topologies into top-tier DSP code. Creating a huge portfolio of leading modeling titles over the years for brands like ACME, Black Box, Black Rooster, elysia, Millennia, Neold, Vertigo, and many others available via Plugin Alliance and the UAD-2 platform, his own designs remain 100% pure Fuse Audio Labs.
© 2024 Fuse Audio Labs
