Chapter Five of Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra
Hollywood, CA (September 1, 2023) – EastWest has completed yet another chapter of their new Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra: Hollywood Fantasy Voices.
There’s a world of difference between a trained singer and a vocalist who has perfected true cinematic fantasy singing, and Hollywood Fantasy Voices bridges that gap with voices recorded specifically for cinematic scores. EastWest has meticulously built this collection from the ground up, with multiple microphone positions, portamento control, mood (Soft, Classic, and Epic) and more. Hollywood Fantasy Voices allows the composer – with only a few words – to transport the audience into a world far away from home.
EastWest recorded singer Merethe Soltvedt’s majestic voice, along with full male and female choirs to provide ethereal, floating vocals that capture the essence of battles, lost kingdoms, or emotional trials. Merethe lent this library the same power and grace she brings as the lead vocalist for Two Steps From Hell. What’s even more impressive, she recorded all the words for the Hollywood Fantasy Voices library in Tolkien’s Elvish language!
Key Features:
Walkthrough Video:
Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra is now almost complete with Strings, Brass, Winds, Percussion and Voices. Only Hollywood Fantasy Orchestrator is yet to be released on October 5th.
Pricing & Availability
Hollywood Fantasy Voices is available for individual purchase for a special introductory price of $99 (reg. $149), or you can get it as part of a Hollywood Fantasy Orchestra bundle, or with EastWest’s popular ComposerCloud+ subscription service, which gives you access to this and all collections in their massive catalog.
EastWest is currently offering one month ComposerCloud+ Free Trials, as well as two months free for students as part of a Back To School promotion. More information at https://www.soundsonline.com/composercloud
About EASTWEST
EastWest Sounds (www.soundsonline.com) has been dedicated to perpetual innovation and uncompromising quality of Sample Libraries and Virtual Instruments for 35 years, setting the industry standard as the most critically acclaimed sound developer. Find more about EastWest at soundsonline.com.
Nigrán, Pontevedra, SPAIN: having hitherto made musical waves with its inaugural OXI One product release as a battery-powered performative sequencer, controller, and composition tool with four fully-independent sequencers (originally raising 1,178% of its fixed funding goal with American crowdfunding website Indiegogo in 2021 and regularly updated with new features since shipping), inspirational and innovative music-making tools-crafter OXI Instruments is proud to announce (limited stock) availability of Coral as the only multitimbral synthesizer module marketed for Eurorack — embracing eight-voice polyphony (freely splittable into different parts and allowing every parameter to be independently set for each voice or part) and several sound engines (each assignable to different voices) all accessible via a colourful, organic interface arranged around an anodised and beautifully silk-printed aluminium panel, premium finished with custom aluminium knobs, empowering users to create basslines, drones, drums, pads, and riffs while effortlessly manipulating voices independently to craft complex patches out of the box — as of August 30…
Ultimately utilising lots of computing power to deliver rich-sounding engines in an eight-voice package that could conceivably be termed the ultimate multitimbral synthesizer — depending on the sound engine involved, one voice can have up to eight oscillators, meaning up to 64 oscillators playing at once making for a
massive sound, for example, Coral can be played in a number of ways. While it is fair to say that it breaks free from conventional polyphonic synthesizer behaviour, Coral can conveniently be played polyphonically using only one CV (control Voltage) and gate connection, allocating a new voice every time it registers a new note — be that part of an arpeggio, strummed chord, or pad with long decayed notes — on the oct (V/Oct) input. Independent filter, amplifier, and modulation envelopes are available to each of those voices — in fact, every parameter can be independently set for each voice, including individual effect sends! It is also possible to play all eight voices in unison — all voices playing the same note for drones and thick textures, as well as triggering the internal envelopes with the trig input or directly controlling the amplifier level with the amp CV.
Coral also benefits from full MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) integration, meaning multitimbral operation is a given while also allowing for control over any part’s parameter via MIDI CC (Continuous Controller) commands. Indeed, its eight voices can be freely split into different parts; this time, every parameter can be independently set for each part to craft complex patches out of the box. But there’s more: once those voices have been grouped across different parts, users can distribute the modulation signals across them using the part CV; so, for instance, if there are two parts, the first part will be addressed if the part CV voltage is between 0 and 2.5V while the second will be addressed if the voltage is between 2.5 and 5V.
But better still, several sound engines can be assigned to each of Coral’s voices; included instances available from the outset are Virtual Analog, Waveshaping, FM (Frequency Modulation), custom Wavetable, MDO (Multiple Detuned Oscillator), String, HiHat Synth, Snare Synth, Digital Kick, and Wav Player, now boosted by new Additive with Wavefolder and Diode Distortion additions. As one such sound engine implies by name, Coral supports almost any kind of WAV file — 16-, 24-, and 32-bit mono or stereo — with no limit to playback time! Thinking outside the box comes easily when working with Coral — add overdrive to samples, sculpt them using the filters and envelopes, pitch them up and down in tune, and even modulate the sample file or folder in real time using the CV inputs or MIDI CC commands! It is possible to load any wavetable WAV file to the SD card for Coral’s Wavetable engine; wavetables can even be morphed into three dimensions using OXI Instruments’ OXI Wave app — based on the amazing Wave Edit app created by Andrew Belt — that makes creating and editing them both fun and interesting in equal measures.
Clearly, Coral can go far beyond the realms of a conventional polyphonic synthesizer, then, thanks to the comprehensive voice management and manipulation on offer. On the face of it, those powerful sound engines speak volumes in and of themselves — as does Coral’s full-featured polyphonic sample playback plus built-in space (deep atmosphere) and chorus (rich ensemble) effects potential. It is, indeed, the only eight-voice polyphonic, multi-engine, multi-part synthesizer module marketed for Eurorack, one whose freedom of voice management is even hard to match in desktop gear. Going from rich polyphonic patches to a fully-fledged groove box with basslines, drums, and leads comes quickly to Coral, which, of course, can be fully controlled using MIDI and CV — or both! All available to all in a compact (14HP) form factor for a reasonable price — particularly when pitched against a conventional polyphonic synthesizer.
“The introduction of Mutable Instruments’ Plaits module was a revolution in terms of compact, multi-engine synth voice modules,” maintains OXI Instruments CEO & CTO Manuel Vázquez Rodríguez, good-heartedly giving credit where credit is due before digging deeper to end on a high note: “Thanks to their open source contributions, we have taken some of their algorithms and put them into a tasty, compact package that contains eight ‘instances’ of that module with custom-developed engines alongside new ingredients like independent envelopes and filters per voice, effects, full MIDI implementation, and a colourful, organic interface. On top of that, custom wavetables and a sample playback engine are also available per voice. But we didn’t want to just create another polyphonic synth, so, to allow users to make the most of every voice, we’ve introduced the multi-part concept. Consequently, users can arrange and use the eight voices as they wish — with eight monophonic parts, one polyphonic part of eight voices, or any combination thereof, such as two polyphonic parts of three voices each, plus two monophonic voices in the same module, meaning Coral can be corralled into acting as a versatile and powerful polysynth, drum machine, groovebox, and sound exploration module… all at the same time! We won’t stop there, though, adding more features in the future through regular firmware updates — just like we’ve been doing with OXI One!”
Limited stock of Coral is available to order online directly from OXI Instruments’ Store (https://oxiinstruments.com/product/oxi-coral/), priced at €399.00 EUR (excluding VAT) for EU (European Union) countries (with VAT being added at checkout for individual EU customers) and €459.00 EUR for ROW (Rest Of the World) countries (where duties and taxes may be charged on delivery) with worldwide shipping available.
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated Coral webpage here: https://oxiinstruments.com/oxi-coral/
Watch OXI Instruments’ compelling Coral introductory video here:
About OXI Instruments (www.oxiinstruments.com)
OXI Instruments is focused on crafting innovative tools that offer a refreshingly new and inspirational approach to music-making. The trigger that brought the company into existence emanated from the ideas of one Manuel Vázquez Rodríguez, a young Spanish engineer with a passion for music and a background in music production spanning several years. While working in a non-related sector, he started working on prototypes of what would ultimately become OXI One, its inaugural product release realized as a battery-powered performative sequencer, controller, and composition tool with four fully-independent sequencers (originally raising 1,178% of its fixed funding goal with American crowdfunding website Indiegogo in 2021 and regularly updated with new features since shipping). Subsequently, he quit his day job to focus full-time on providing products with which users can create and perform music in new, easy, intuitive, and fulfilling ways, working with several like-minded colleagues in order to do so.
© 2023 OXI Electronic Instruments S.L.U.
UVI release Synth Anthology 4, featuring a completely rebuilt engine full of new features, new sounds, and more, available now with special intro pricing.
Paris, August 30th, 2023 – UVI release Synth Anthology 4, a ground-up redesign offering numerous feature and workflow improvements, giving users the same authentic hardware sound but now with more synths, more presets, more effects, more modulation, an integrated browser, a second fullycustomizable layer for creating hybrid timbres, an all-new smart suggestion engine that helps you quickly find similar sounds, a more powerful arpeggiator/phraser, bus effects, native MPE support, and more! Synth Anthology 4 is available now with a special introductory price of $89 / 89€, and upgrade pricing of $49 / 49€ for owners of any previous version (regularly $149 / 149€). Special offers are available through September 18th, 2023.
Synth Anthology 4 delivers the authentic hardware sound of 200 synthesizers, covering every make and every type of synthesis, from vintage to modern, classics to rare gems; a truly radical selection, painstakingly developed to ensure a high level of quality throughout. Users can now explore over 4,000 presets and layers with the integrated browser, and when inspiration strikes, utilize a smart suggestion engine to quickly find varying but related sounds.
The new dual-layer engine delivers twice the power right out of the gate, but the improvements don’t stop there. New and returning users will find vastly expanded effects and modulation sections. The new effect section now includes per-layer waveshaper, flanger, chorus, phaser, and EQ, per-layer sends including Sparkverb, convolution reverb, delay, and feedback, and finishes with a trio of bus effects including compressor, EQ, and a maximizer. A powerful new modulation section delivers a pair of featured and fully adjustable LFOs and step modulators, with a wide range of assignable targets – each with its own parameter-based modulation editor.
There is, of course, more, including native MPE support, deep mod wheel integration, a powerfully expanded arpeggiator/phraser, 5 main-page macro effects, an all-new UI design, and beautifully illustrated versions of the 200 included synths to round out the additions, making Synth Anthology 4 an incredible value and must-have instrument for synth fanatics, sound designers, and producers alike.
Synth Anthology 4 offers native 64-bit standalone operation by way of Falcon or the free UVI Workstation, providing comprehensive support for all modern DAWs and simultaneous authorization on up to 3 computers or iLok keys.
Synth Anthology 4 is available now with a special introductory price of $89 / 89€, and upgrade pricing of $49 / 49€ for owners of any previous version (regularly $149 / 149€). Special offers are available through September 18th, 2023.
Additional information on Synth Anthology 4 is available at:
http://www.uvi.net/synth-anthology-4
Get Synth Anthology 4 and our entire catalog of products instantly with UVI SonicPass. For $24/24€ a month or $240/240€ annually you can enjoy unlimited access to 1,000+ instruments and effects, including day-one access to new releases. Learn more at: uvi.net/sonicpass
The latest generation of the immensely popular guitar interface
adds a host of new features for the ultimate guitar experience anywhere
August 31, 2023 – IK Multimedia releases iRig HD X, the new flagship of the bestselling iRig guitar interface line, offering even better sound quality and even more advanced features to guitarists everywhere. Compact enough to store in any pocket, iRig HD X lets users connect anytime with inspiring new ways to play and sound amazing.
Millions of guitarists around the world rely on IK’s iRig to play their instrument with their favorite apps for iPhone and iPad or on Mac/PC. iRig HD X now takes this concept to the next level with better sound, upgraded connectivity and new ways to discover tones, learn or practice, record ideas and stream performances.
Key Features
What’s New
One Knob to Do It All
iRig HD X sports a redesigned enclosure and a new interface with its ergonomic, multi-function knob that lets users quickly adjust headphone level, loopback functions, direct monitoring and the tuner. The new LED ring input level indicator also doubles as an ultra-fast and precise tuner for the connected instrument.
Recording and Streaming
iRig HD X is recognized by all desktop and iOS recording apps. For desktop recording of guitar or bass with virtual amps and effects, the included TONEX and AmpliTube for Mac/PC run either in standalone mode or as plug-ins inside all popular DAWs, making it easy and seamless to track a processed guitar part or record a DI and add effects later.
For mobile use, iRig HD X premieres IK’s Loopback+ feature which acts like a virtual FX loop to route the guitar signal first to apps like TONEX or AmpliTube and then into a recording or streaming app. This feature lets users record audio or stream video with their premium guitar tones sounding crystal clear. There’s no easier or better-sounding way to share and post performances on a mobile device than iRig HD X with Loopback+.
Jamming and Practicing
iRig HD X and an iPhone or iPad make the perfect mobile rig for jamming with friends via the dedicated Amp out. Users can plug in and instantly start playing with all their favorite tones using the included TONEX and AmpliTube apps. The Headphone out offers a silent way to play along with backing tracks on YouTube or songs from any music streaming service.
Amazing sound is also a powerful way to stay motivated and have fun with learning apps for studying music, tabs or original songs. iRig HD X with Loopback+ lets users play AI Machine-modeled tones from TONEX or use more elaborate rigs from AmpliTube with any app.
Ultra-compact, High-quality Audio
iRig HD X features a whisper-quiet and transparent instrument preamp with a wide frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and 115 dB dynamic range, necessary to ensure that each performance is accurately translated while preserving the true tone of one’s instrument. The stereo Headphone/monitor out and Amp out are equally high-end with a frequency response of 15 Hz to 40 kHz for incredible sound quality in a device this portable.
Software and Apps In-the-box
iRig HD X opens the gateway to a universe of inspiring guitar and bass tones. Included are AmpliTube 5 SE for Mac/PC (a $149.99 value) with 80 models covering all the “must-have” gear, AmpliTube CS for iPhone and iPad with the AmpliTube Essentials Bundle (a $29.99 value), and TONEX SE for Mac/PC and iOS (a $149.99 value) with 200 Premium Tone Models plus unlimited user Tone Model downloads from ToneNET.
IK authorized dealersWith more ways to connect and have great tone for recording, streaming and learning apps, iRig HD X is a guitar and bass player’s all-access pass to limitless musical experiences.
Pricing and Availability
iRig HD X is shipping now and available from the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide.
iRig HD X $/€129.99* – Includes iRig HD X, USB-C to USB-C cable and USB-C to Lightning cable.
*Pricing excludes taxes.
For more information about iRig HD X or to see it in action, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/irighdx
www.ikmultimedia.com/irighdx/
German-American virtual instrument maker UJAM have just launched SCORE, the third title within their best-selling Virtual Pianist series, and UJAMs take on cinematic Grand Piano.
SCORE is based on a pristine Steinway Grand specifically tuned and set up for emotional, haunting piano textures. The integrated Pianist player features both basic and virtuoso performances reminiscent of movie and game soundtracks, with a nod to classical and ambient genres.
A Finisher and Ambience section adds powerful sound design capabilities from pristine Grand Piano setups to ambient soundscapes and experimental textures.
Adam D’Agostino of UJAM: “Virtual Pianist SCORE is made for anyone who looks to create the piano soundscapes we all love from movies and games – and aspire to as music makers. And the best: Like with any instrument within the series, even total non-keyboardists can produce impressive and professional piano performances using SCORE.”
Virtual Pianist SCORE comes with 175+ Presets, 40 Pianist Styles with a total of 360 Phrases as well as 45 Finisher and 45 Ambience FX modes. It is available now in VST2, AU 2, and AAX formats and also as a free, fully functional 30-day trial at ujam.com. It also runs natively on Apple Silicon systems.
Virtual Pianist SCORE is now available at ujam.com for an introductory offer of 99 EUR until September 3th. After that, the plug-in sells for 149 EUR / USD. Owners of VOGUE or VIBE are entitled to a time-limited loyalty offer of 79 EUR / USD until September 3th 2023. The new Virtual Pianist Bundle sells for 199 EUR / USD instead of 447 EUR / USD if purchased individually. Free, fully functional 30-day trials are available.
SCORE can be downloaded in VST 2, AU 2, and AAX formats for any compatible DAW, including Logic, Garageband, Cubase, Ableton Live, Pro Tools, FL Studio, and Studio One.
Virtual Pianist is natively Apple Silicon compatible.
UJAM is a German-American maker of music technology co-founded by Hans Zimmer and Pharrell Williams. With over 50 plug-ins in the series Usynth, Virtual Pianist, Groovemate, Symphonic Elements, Virtual Guitarist, Virtual Bassist, Virtual Drummer, Beatmaker, Finisher, and UFX, UJAM is a leading maker of virtual instruments and effects.
The first fully integrated AI Machine Modeling tone-sharing community expandswith more Tone Partners and inspiring new Tone Model collections
New Partners
Tone Partners are active creators who regularly add new collections to the store on a monthly basis. With today’s release, 4 new Tone Partners are joining the TONEX marketplace: Claudio Pietronik (2 collections), HawkesTone (6 collections), Juca Nery (1 collection) and Tone Factor (6 collections).
Newly Added Collections
Other Tone Partners presenting new collections for guitar and bass include the following: The Studio Rats (5 new collections), IP Sound (1 new collection), Jason Sadites (2 new collections), Live Ready Sound (3 new collections), Mad Steex (2 new collections) and Matt Fig (4 new collections).
A Sonic Well of Inspiration
Each collection is meticulously captured to each Tone Partner’s specifications with their preferred settings, mics, outboard gear and cabinets using TONEX’s award-winning AI Machine Modeling technology. Users will find incredibly realistic captures of amps from vintage to boutique to modern high-gain, plus classic and modified preamps, pedals and everything in between. Many collections also offer amp-only DI captures so users can add their favorite cabinet IRs or IK’s VIR Cab technology.
Free Trials and Tone Models
Users can demo any Tone Partner Collection before purchase plus there are over 139 free Tone Models derived from these collections that every TONEX hardware or software user can download and use just like any TONEX Tone Model to record, play or practice.
Instant Access
Tone Partner Collections can be browsed and purchased via ToneNET, IK’s online tone-sharing and social platform, or within any version of TONEX Mac/PC including the free TONEX CS. After purchase, Tone Partner Collections become activated inside TONEX software by selecting “Restore Purchases” in the Account panel, which instantly downloads all collection Tone Models to the user’s local library ready to play.
For AmpliTube Too
Tone Partner Tone Models work seamlessly inside AmpliTube 5. The TONEX amplifier and pedal gear models function just like other AmpliTube amps and pedals. They can be used together to build custom signal chains and save as presets for easy recall. The combination of TONEX and AmpliTube 5 represents the most advanced tone powerhouse on the planet today.
Best of all, AmpliTube 5 presets created using Tone Models can now be uploaded to ToneNET’s preset sharing section. Tone Partners and users alike can combine their favorite Tone Models with all of AmpliTube 5’s hundreds of stompboxes, cabs, mics, rack FX and more to craft complete rigs and share them with their fellow users around the world.
Pricing and Availability
TONEX Tone Partner Collections are available now to browse and purchase via ToneNET and within any version of TONEX for Mac/PC starting at just $/€6.99.*
*Pricing excludes taxes.
For more information about TONEX Tone Partner Collections and to hear the tones, please visit:
Hollywood, CA (August 21, 2023) – Countless music tracks and soundtracks have been created with the EastWest ComposerCloud+ subscription service. Now, there is the perfect opportunity for composers to show off what they’ve created!
Anyone who’s created a musical piece with EastWest instruments can enter the #MadeWithComposerCloud Giveaway for a chance to win one of 10 free one-year ComposerCloud+ gift cards over five social media channels: YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok!
That’s 50 ComposerCloud+ subscriptions EastWest is giving away! And what’s more: they’ll share many of the submissions on their channels, so the submissions will get a lot of eyeballs!
The 10 winners will be chosen at random on each platform – no matter if the winner has one follower or a million. EastWest is looking for innovative music. Existing ComposerCloud subscribers can enter as well for a chance to win a ComposerCloud+ gift card, which they can redeem when they are ready to start their free year. It just takes two simple steps to enter:
Post a video of the music you made with ComposerCloud on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, X or TikTok and use the hashtag #MadeWithComposerCloud
Tag us using these handles for each social media platform:
The interface for an EastWest product on the Opus platform must be visible at some point during the video.
Submit your entry by pasting the URL of your video in the form at this link: https://www.soundsonline.com/composercloud-giveaway.
The EastWest team draws the random winners after the contest ends on September 24, 2023. The winners will be notified via email.
Don’t have ComposerCloud+? Sign up for a free trial today!
Seattle, WA (August 24, 2023) – Ivor Novello award-winning, GRAMMY® and BAFTA nominated composer Richard Jacques will give the keynote speech at this year’s annual GameSoundCon, the largest professional conference for video game music and sound design. Jacques has been in the industry for almost 3 decades and is famous for his critically acclaimed orchestral scores for blockbuster game franchises such as Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, James Bond 007: Blood Stone, Mass Effect, Overwatch 2, Starship Troopers and Headhunter. He was a 2023 GRAMMY® nominee for Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games with his original thematic score and epic intergalactic symphony for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.
Jacques is excited about the opportunity to deliver the keynote speech at GameSoundCon this year. “It’s a true honor to be invited to give the keynote speech at the 2023 GameSoundCon. It’s such a great conference, bringing together game audio professionals from across the globe, to share insights and ideas, to educate and inform, and to come away buzzing from the quality of the sessions and the game audio community spirit, not to mention discussions around emerging technologies, toolsets and methodologies. It’s also a great place to network with your peers, and meet colleagues from across the game audio discipline. I’m very much looking forward to GameSoundCon.”
Another highlight of GameSoundCon in 2023 is the God of War Ragnarök DEEP DIVE which will show attendees the depth and subtlety of this title. There will be four DEEP DIVE talks:
1) Creating the Epic Mix for God of War
2) From Edit to Engine: Designing the Interactive Music Systems for God of War
3) Storytelling through Grunts: In-between the Dialogue of God of War
4) Divine Amplification: God of War Ragnarök’s evolution of Kratos & Atreus
But wait, there’s more! Brian Schmidt, GameSoundCon Founder and Executive Director, has lined up a killer program for his biggest conference to date. The event covers the categories Business/Career, Dialogue & Performance, Game Audio Studies, Music, Research & VR, and Sound Design & Technology. Attendees will be able to choose from numerous sessions about composing interactive music, game audio business fundamentals, Scoring Terror (presented by composer and Masterclass instructor Tom Salta), Phantom Liberty’s audio design development, Creating an interactive musical (Stray Gods), and much more.
Presenting sponsors Audiokinetic (Wwise), Epic Games (Unreal Engine 5) and FMOD will provide special sessions in their respective rooms with the composers and sound designers who create the music, sound and dialogue for many AAA-games.
GameSoundCon works once again with the HALP Network to offer compelling sessions for voice actors. And this year, voice actors can register for the Actor Pass, a stand-alone pass that provides access to just the Dialogue & Networking sessions starting Wednesday Oct. 18 after 12:00 noon, plus networking opportunities in the Expo area at the end of the day to connect with hiring game developers.
GameSoundCon’s registration is open now: www.gamesoundcon.com/registration
Early Bird in-person tickets are $449.00 until Sept. 4, 2023. An online only ticket is $125, the ActorPass is $149, good for the afternoon of Oct 18.
About GameSoundCon
Over the past 14 years, GameSoundCon has grown into the largest professional conference dedicated to game music and sound design and audio for virtual reality. It is the leading resource for sound designers and composers from Film, TV, music or other traditional media who are looking to widen their skills when it comes to composing music for games, and for experienced game audio professionals who want to stay on the cutting edge.
SYDNEY, NSW, AUSTRALIA: Colortone is proud to announce the availability of a tempting trio of new guitar pedal products — namely, LO-FI DELAY, a grainy, analog tape-sounding, dub-style delay rebuilt from the ground up as a complete redesign of the original; ROUNDHOUSE, a luscious multi-mode tremolo pedal featuring three tweak-able modulation modes; and SPRING REVERB II, an expressive, analog-voiced vintage reverb engine effectively hosting three versatile recreations of classic reverbs, together with two independent modulation filters — individually handcrafted and designed in the Australian artisan guitar pedal builders bijou but comfortable studio space set within The Nest Creative Space, itself a purpose-built 2,000 square-metre warehouse to nurture expression, growth, and connection in the creative heart of Sydney, as of August 21…
As a grainy, analog tape-sounding, dub-style delay with momentary oscillation feedback and speed switching options designed to expand rhythmic expression, LO-FI DELAY features three switchable delay voicings: HI-FI has a crisp hi-fidelity non-destructive repeated delay, while the center and down positions are LO-FI modes, whereby the resulting delay repeats are a little darker — like a tape delay with a slight hint of mechanical tape warble; the center position uses a low-pass filter in the delay feedback line, whereas the down position uses a high-pass filter. It is a tempo-synchronised dual-channel delay at its core with each channel having independent Regen and delay Time controls — controlling the decay duration and number of regenerative repeats in the former’s case, while a SPLASH foot-switch momentarily sends the delay into a predetermined amount of feedback and/or tempo change.
Creative control additionally abounds courtesy of two switchable modes of working: WET acts like a normal delay, whereby the delayed repeats can be mixed against the dry signal with the decay time set by the REGEN knob — momentarily pressing the SPLASH foot-switch results in the decay time switching to the REGEN+ knob setting, allowing for more or less regenerative delays while the foot-switch is pressed; DRY is designed for running ‘quietly’ and activates the delay only when the SPLASH foot-switch is held down — great for adding dub-style accents to certain stabs/phrases, splashes of ambient delay, or moments of crazy feedback to an otherwise dry signal.
ROUNDHOUSE represents Colortone’s luscious multi-mode tremolo pedal featuring three tweak-able
modulation modes: OPT (optical) creates a classic, vintage tremolo sound with warm and smooth waveforms; HARM (harmonic) adds a more complex and modern Magnatone-style tremolo sound that brings depth and dimension to the user’s playing; and VIBE emulates the classic psychedelic sound of a rotating speaker that is perfect for adding a unique flavour to guitar sounds. TAP tempo — manually sets the tempo by tapping the foot-switch — and momentary speed multiplier — activated with a sustained press of the foot-switch — controls allow users to easily dial in the perfect tempo and add creative rhythmic variations to their playing, while REVERB — controls the intensity/mix of reverb added to the input feeding the modulation circuit (as a classic ‘Silverface’ amp-style reverb with a static decay time) — and GRAIN — adds an analogue tube-like pre-saturation to the effect (boosting/compressing the level slightly to add a soft overdrive at maximum setting) — at the input of the modulation engine enable excitation of the pulse and sustain of the effect to be quickly and easily dialed in to taste, too.
Creative control does not end there, though, with ‘wave shape’ — switches between triangle, sine, and square wave (with the latter not being available in VIBE mode); SPEED — adjusts modulation speed; MIX — adjusts the mix/depth of the effect with the dry signal; PHASE — changes the duration of the ‘on time’ towards the beginning or end of the wave cycle (resulting in the modulation ‘pulse’ feeling more asymmetrical or staccato); CUT/BOOST — cuts or boosts output level by up to ±4dB; and BYPASS — activates relay-based soft touch true bypass — also on offer.
Somewhat smaller in footprint, though no less impressive as a result, SPRING REVERB II is an expressive, analog-voiced vintage reverb engine effectively hosting three versatile recreations of classic reverbs: E (ECHOVERB) — based on Princeton’s PT2399 single-chip CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) echo/delay processor with pronounced delayed reflections/echoes; S (STUDIO) — warm- and natural-sounding studio reverb based on a Nineties-vintage rack unit; and T (TANK) — Seventies-vintage electromechanical reverb with bright, wet acoustic room reflections. Additionally, a MOD knob acts as a depth control for subtle vibrato and so-called ‘RotoTrem’ (rotary-speaker-tremolo) effects, bringing a spatial dimensionality to the acoustic characteristics of the selected reverberation.
Rounding out those controls are DECAY — adjusts the decay time of the reverberation tail; BLEND — adjusts the mix /depth of the reverb effect with the dry signal; and TONE — tilt EQ-style reverb tone control — knobs, albeit an extended (500ms) tap on the soft-touch foot-switch provides access to some secondary layer controls, including MICRO TUNE DELAY TIME — controls the master speed/time for the delay in the background of the ECHOVERB engine only; BOOST — allows for up to ±4dB of output boost; ROTOTREM — adjusts the amount of RotoTrem applied post-reverb, and ROTOTREM SPEED OVERRIDE — controls the master speed/time for the RotoTrem. Clearly capturing the essence of revered reverbs while adding its own sonic characteristics, SPRING REVERB II is the perfect tool to take anyone’s playing to the next level — whether looking to add a subtle touch of reverb or create expansive soundscapes.
Differing dimensions — 95 mm (W) x 120mm (D) x 40mm (H): LO-FI DELAY; 120mm (W) x 95 mm (D) x 40mm (H): ROUNDHOUSE; 66mm (W) x 122mm (D) x 40mm (H): SPRING REVERB II — and current draw — 145 mA: LO-FI DELAY and SPRING REVERB II; 140 mA: ROUNDHOUSE — notwithstanding, this tempting trio of Australian artisan guitar pedals have identical 2 MΩ input impedance, 100 Ω output impedance, and 9V DC (center negative) input voltage (9V DC isolated power recommended). The three new products in question also come complete with Headliners — namely, new-look black silicon knob caps; stunning as their shiny, milled aluminum knobs actually are, they could conceivably prevent some users from clearly seeing their positions when contending with far from ideal stage lighting conditions, for instance — in which case said silicon knob caps can be easily placed over the aluminum knobs to aid position identification. It is also worth noting here that the clearly-aware Colortone attempts — wherever possible — to use sustainable techniques and parts suppliers; the etching process used is regenerative and, therefore much less damaging to the environment, while packaging suppliers use sustainable products and parts suppliers are asked not to use plastic packaging. Put it this way: with LO-FI DELAY, ROUNDHOUSE, and SPRING REVERB II, Colortone has clearly succeeded in its mission of striving to create devices with an aesthetic appeal that hold a sense of the old and new, something unique, and something refound.
With worldwide US and UK/EU distribution being handled by Southern California-based boutique synthesizers- and effects-specialising Electro-Distro (https://www.electro-distro.com/), LO-FI DELAY, ROUNDHOUSE, and SPRING REVERB II are available to order via Colortone’s growing global network of retailers (https://www.colortonepedals.com/retailers) or online directly from the Australian artisan guitar pedal builders Shop (https://www.colortonepedals.com/shop-colortone-pedal-effects/2023-new-arrivals), priced at $299.00 USD, $299.00 USD, and $199.00 USD, respectively.
For further information, please visit the dedicated LO-FI DELAY webpage here: https://www.colortonepedals.com/shop-colortone-pedal-effects/p/lo-fi-delay-v2
For further information, please visit the dedicated ROUNDHOUSE webpage here: https://www.colortonepedals.com/shop-colortone-pedal-effects/p/roundhouse
For further information, please visit the dedicated SPRING REVERB II webpage here: https://www.colortonepedals.com/shop-colortone-pedal-effects/p/spring-reverb-ii
About Colortone (www.colortonepedals.com)
Australian artisan guitar pedal-builder Colortone’s products are individually handcrafted and designed in its bijou but comfortable studio space accommodating a design and R&D section, drill station, soldering, and assembly station, spray paint booth, baking racks, plus buffing and polishing station set within The Nest Creative Space, itself a purpose-built 2,000 square-metre warehouse to nurture expression, growth, and connection in the creative heart of Sydney. Striving to create devices with an aesthetic appeal that hold a sense of the old and new, something unique, and something refound, owner/builder AD thinks analog. After all, a good guitar pedal should enhance its user’s natural playing characteristics and the acoustic resonance of the instrument. It is not for nothing that AD thinks this way, with a fascination for sound and electronics dating back to the time in school band rehearsal rooms while working weekends were spent soldering circuit boards at an AV company. Thereafter, 30 years as a feature film colorist working on the likes of The Great Gatsby (2013), Predestination (2014), and Jungle (2017) alongside music videos for Brian Ferry, Simply Red, Sting, The Eurythmics, and more led to building his own guitar pedals in 2018 after joining a new band before the first Colortone product became available in 2019. To this day, AD attempts — wherever possible — to use sustainable techniques and parts suppliers; the etching process used is regenerative, therefore much less damaging to the environment, while packaging suppliers use sustainable products and parts suppliers are asked not to use plastic packaging.
© 2023 Colortone
MIDDLETOWN, NY, USA: studio hardware and microphones maker Golden Age Audio is proud to announce the availability of Pre-73 MKIV — angled as the latest and greatest update to its best-selling ’73-style preamp series, spiritually bringing back to life the musically warm, punchy, and sweet sound of classic British consoles, adding tone and color to microphone favorites or keeping things clean while also doubling as a line-level preamp and DI (Direct Inject) box for electric guitar and bass — as of August 15…
As a versatile, colorful, and affordable British-style mic preamp and DI box, Golden Age Audio’s Pre-73 MKIV allows its users to achieve vintage color and punch by cranking up the GAIN knob without fear; after all, a dedicated OUTPUT control allows attenuation of the signal, so it is perfectly possible
to drive the preamp without overloading any associated audio interface inputs. It is also possible to engage the -14dB OUTPUT PAD for even more control of hot signals or keep things clean and transparent by backing off on the GAIN and turning up the OUTPUT. On top of that, further tone-sculpting capabilities come courtesy of the selectable LOW-Z low-pass filter to eliminate unwanted low-end rumble at the source, and/or using the selectable — 3dB/6dB — AIR EQ to add some shimmer and presence to the top-end. Toggle between 1200Ω or 300Ω resistance using the LOW-Z to hear how connected mics react!
Connecting condenser and dynamic microphones is not a problem, thanks to Pre-73 MKIV’s switchable +48V mic input, while its 80 db of GAIN makes it ideal for use with sensitive ribbon microphones on delicate sound sources. Sensibly, LINE- and instrument-level inputs allow for further connection to almost any audio source, and a rear panel-positioned INSERT jack is provided for using external processors like EQs and compressors. Choosing from TRS or XLR OUT (output) options is, of course, a given.
True to the classic preamps of yesteryear, the Pre-73 MKIV was designed with focused attention to component choices and build quality not found in other preamps near the same price. Put it this way: no surface-mount components or integrated circuits are used, and all inputs and outputs are transformer-balanced affairs using two different purpose-optimized transformers. Indeed, its external power supply eliminates the risk of self-noise, and its metal half-rack chassis is both portable and sturdy.
Saying all that, then, getting classic console tone and getting the most out of anyone’s mic locker is what Pre-73 MKIV is all about — and all keenly priced to go!
Pre-73 MKIV is shipping and available at a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $349.00 USD — RAD Distribution acts as exclusive North American distributor for Golden Age Audio products (https://raddist.com/en/brands/golden-age-audio) — and an SRP (Suggested Retail Price) of €374.00 EUR — including VAT (Value Added Tax) — in the EU (European Union).
For more in-depth info, please visit the dedicated Pre-73 MKIV webpage here: https://www.goldenageproject.com/outboard-hardware/preamps/pre-73-mk-iv
About Golden Age Audio (www.goldenageproject.com)
Golden Age Audio effectively established itself as a groundbreaking company — called Golden Age Project, previously — by bringing its first Neve preamp ‘clone’ to market back in 2009; today it is recognized within the music industry at large for its complete line of outboard offerings alongside condenser and dynamic microphones based on classic designs delivered at a consumer-friendly price point.
© 2023 Golden Age Audio