14 x 10 bus-powered USB-C audio interface with onboard real-time effects and expandable I/O
SANTA MONICA, USA: Antelope Audio, a leading manufacturer of next-level audio recording equipment, is proud to announce the availability of Zen Q Synergy Core — designed to bring professional studio performance to any desktop-sized setup providing a home music creator-oriented compact audio interface incorporating leading AD/DA chips, discrete ultra-linear mic preamps, and a 64-bit AFC™ (Acoustically Focused Clocking) system based on Antelope Audio’s acclaimed master clocks, combined with expansive I/O capabilities and a colossal collection of Synergy Core effects with wide-ranging possibilities — as of January 18, 2022…
Unrivaled sound
Antelope Audio’s signature sound quality comes from professional AD/DA conversion, discrete ultra-linear preamps, and 64-bit
AFC™. The Zen Q Synergy Core 14 x 10 bus-powered USB-C audio interface incorporates those same core technologies that drive its high-end siblings, such as the rack-mountable Orion Studio Synergy Core and Galaxy 64 Synergy Core flagship. This powerful blend facilitates home music creators with the means to raise their productions to a new level — and all without necessarily needing to leave the comfort of their home-based studio setup:
∙ Class-leading — MONITOR and LINE OUT — AD/DA conversion with a dynamic range of up to 127 dB (A-Weighted)
∙ Recording, mixing, and playback at up to 24-bit/192kHz
∙ Proprietary 64-bit AFC™ technology and Jitter Management algorithm delivering increased sound width, separation, and detail
Synergy Core effects to fuel creativity
The professional studio sound-enabling Zen Q Synergy Core comes complete with 37 bundled analog-modeled effects, emulating a studio stocked with the rarest analog gear. Indeed, its Synergy Core platform offers immersive control of iconic equalizers, dynamic processors, guitar amps, reverb, and more — including Gyraf Gyratec IX (tube mic preamp) and Stay-Levin (compressor) — with over 50 optional expansions available through Antelope Audio’s well-stocked Software Store, where all available Synergy Core effects for Zen Q Synergy Core can be explored.
Diverse I/O with room to grow
Zen Q Synergy Core’s connectivity centers around two Combo XLR jacks with switchable modes to toggle between the discrete console-grade preamps, LINE level, or HiZ, while the front panel provides two switchable line/Hi-Z inputs — G1 and G2 — for added flexibility. For monitoring, there is a stereo MONITOR output and a separate LINE OUT pairing to connect another set of studio monitors or external outboard gear, both backed by a mastering-grade D/A converter. There is also a separate DAC for the HP1 and HP2 (independent headphone) outputs. A simple desktop setup can easily be transformed into a multichannel configuration, thanks to the SPDIF IN/OUT and ADAT IN connections:
∙ 2x discrete ultra-linear preamps with 65 dB of gain for studio-quality recordings, both working as MIC/LINE/HiZ inputs on Combo XLR jacks, with 48V of phantom power and independent preamp gain for each input
∙ 2x Hi-Z/line instrument inputs over TRS ¼” jacks
∙ 2x signal-balanced, DC-coupled LINE OUT (outputs) over TRS ¼” jacks (+20 dBu max)
∙ USB-C port carrying up to 16 input and 16 output channels in any popular DAW with custom macOS and Windows drivers
∙ Digitally expandable over SPDIF IN/OUT, with two channels available
∙ Digitally expandable over ADAT IN, with eight channels available (at 44.1/48kHz)
∙ 1x stereo signal-balanced, DC-coupled MONITOR output on TRS ¼” jacks (+20 dBu max)
∙ 2x stereo headphone outputs with separate volume control
Fast and efficient workflow
Users of Zen Q Synergy Core can reap the benefits of a USB-C interface with an optimized audio driver for low-latency playback, streaming, and recording paired with onboard software. It allows for seamless control over essential parameters such as signal routing, sub-mixes, and monitoring, while applying Synergy Core effects without overburdening their system — all integral to enhancing workflow at every stage of the production process:
∙ Bus-powered, compact (W: 198 mm/7.8”, D: 137 mm/5.4”, H: 57.5 mm/2.3”) interface without the need for a dedicated power source
∙ Direct monitoring with Synergy Core effects, processed in real-time with imperceptible latency
∙ Simplified I/O routing with preconfigured settings, allowing immediate recording and playback
∙ Easily accessible front panel-positioned controls for input and output levels, as well as other settings
∙ Customizable presets with settings for signal routing, level adjustments, mixer, and effects
∙ Customizable monitoring mixes with adjustable volume, pan, and reverb
Zen Q Synergy Core is available to purchase through Antelope Audio’s growing global network of authorized dealers (https://en.antelopeaudio.com/dealers/) or online directly from Antelope Audio for $899.00 USD/€899.00 EUR via its dedicated webpage (https://en.antelopeaudio.com/products/zen-q-synergy-core/), which also includes more in-depth information.
Explore Zen Q Synergy Core’s included real-time effects here: https://en.antelopeaudio.com/software-store/?device=173889
Watch Antelope Audio Product Evangelist James Ivey’s informative Zen Q Synergy Core overview video here:
About Antelope Audio (www.antelopeaudio.com)
Antelope Audio is a leading manufacturer of high-end professional audio equipment. Founded in 2004 and reinventing the industry with its flawless master clock technologies and versatile multi-channel interface solutions, the company has been steadily expanding its portfolio over the years under the guidance of visionary engineer and CEO Igor Levin. Antelope Audio’s products offer the best of both analog and digital technologies. Among its most recent innovations are compact interfaces with Discrete mic preamps, hardware-based effects modeled to the component level running on a Synergy Core of DSP and FPGA processing, and next-generation modeling microphones. These are distributed through Antelope Audio offices in Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and are highly acclaimed by users all over the world. The company’s customers include GRAMMY® award-winning sound engineers, top-tier producers, world-class artists, and some of the most renowned recording, mastering, and post-production facilities around the globe.
© 2022 Antelope Audio
From now until January 31, 2022, IK Multimedia is giving away T-RackS EQ 81 (worth €/$99.99) to all new and existing IK Newsletter subscribers. For this limited time, all users of T-RackS 5 Mixing and Mastering Plug-In, including the complimentary T-RackS 5 CS, can get the versatile British EQ model for absolutely free.
The T-RackS EQ 81 delivers that legendary British warmth and tone with a few twists. It is based on a classic piece of hardware whose character was instrumental in shaping the sound of many hit songs, the EQ 81 can be considered the evolution of its older brother, the EQ 73. Furthermore, there are a few tweaks that make the EQ 81 capable of delivering a voice of its own. The key here is in the versatility of the EQ section, sporting four independent bands (high/low shelving, plus two midrange peaking filters) rounded out by high and low pass filters, this module is particularly useful when a more precise intervention on a track is needed, still maintaining tone and organic, analog warmth in the signal path.
There is virtually no audio source EQ 81 isn’t capable of enhancing — midrange critical sources like vocals, acoustic or electric guitars, will benefit from the extended EQ capabilities, where the key frequencies are precisely tailored to always deliver musical results.
Instructions:
Users who don’t yet have any version of T-RackS 5 can simply download and install T-RackS 5 CS after having signed up for the newsletter and then clicked “Redeem” in their IK user area. The free CS version comes with 2 essential mixing tools: Classic T-RackS Equalizer, a high-quality 6-band parametric EQ as well as Metering, a limited version of the complete T-RackS 5 metering section.
BRNO, CZECH REPUBLIC: following in the critically acclaimed footsteps of Linda RockStack, representing the inaugural release in its namesake Audified Wings plug-in portfolio as a unique virtual amp designed to meet the specific needs of modern-day guitarists, software application, software effect, and hardware processor developer Audified is proud to announce the availability of Linda IronVerb — instigating a second creative collaboration with experienced mastering/mixing engineer, musician, and programmer Martin Linda’s namesake Linda Audio as a classic algorithmic reverb plug-in with modern features and a unique twist in its IRONIZE function’s ability to add a metallic-like touch to the resulting reverb effect — as of January 10…
From subtle, short reverbs to huge, ethereal, atmospheric, and ambient textures with long decay at their spacious-sounding core, Linda IronVerb is a classic algorithmic reverb plug-in with modern features and a unique twist. Since standing out from the sound of the plug-in crowd is always a bonus in today’s somewhat swamped marketplace, Linda IronVerb is blessed with a unique-sounding feature from which it takes its notable name — namely, IRONIZE modulation. By bringing a smooth or glossy iron-like character to the production proceedings, it is perfect for pads, atmospheric sounds, and ambient soundscapes. Simply tweaking the IRONIZE knob from Clean to Full Iron allows anyone to free themselves from more traditional reverb sounds in favor of something that is much more unique sounding. Speaking of modulation — and equally simple and effective in implementation, MOD AMP controls the amount of applied chorus/vibrato effect to the reverb sound, while MOD SPEED controls the speed of the applied modulation. Musically speaking, adding modulation to the reverb sound can quickly add some ‘synthy’ vibe to prevent the resulting reverb from sounding sterile and stale.
It is, of course, fair to say that there is already an abundance of other reverb plug-ins out there that offer an abundance of overwhelming controls and features for crafting detailed reverb sounds, yet achieving those desired sounds can often take time — not least learning all the parameters involved. It is for this reason, therefore, that Linda IronVerb’s namesake creator crafted it to draw out the most pleasing sounding reverbs possible with a perfect blend of really responsive controls; users can consequently tweak to their liking with minimum fuss. Intuitive in the way that it is laid out, Linda IronVerb sounds musical while gently coaxing creativity — just the way Martin Linda likes it. Indeed, it features six different modes with original algorithms for various reverb colors and vibe, including FLUTTER, with periodic warbling effect; PLATE, based on classic vintage plates used in recording studios; SLAPBACK, with a slower attack resulting in a slapback echo-like sound; DENSE, with its narrow space and high density resulting in a sharp sound; STEEL, simulating a steel barrel; and STEEL 2, bringing a different vibe to the STEEL barrel sound with a slower attack.
Additional creative control over those pleasing-sounding reverbs comes courtesy of PRE DELAY, which allows for delaying the time — up to 500ms — before first reflections start to occur; SIZE, which allows for shaping — Small to Big — how the reverb sounds; and FEEDBACK, for controlling the amount and time of reflections from Short, echo-like reflections to Long decay tails — acting as a decay control, in other words; while WIDTH allows for expanding the sound image from Mono to full Stereo, and everything in between. But moving along a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that is as easy on the eye as it is easy to use are a few more carefully chosen controls for creatively crafting reverb sounds still further: DAMP AMT simulates the amount — Min to Max — of absorption of higher frequencies by reflective surfaces and allows for darkening or brightening of the reverb tails; DAMP FREQ provides a frequency choice from 0.1 to 15 kHz to tailor the perfect sound of the reverb; RESO sets the resonance/mid-frequency shaping of the damping filter — when more RESO is applied, more gain is added to the band just below the damping frequency and less gain is applied to the rest of the spectrum; and HI-PASS, a filter control ranging from 20 to 1000 Hz to prevent rumble and energy build-up at the bass end of the frequency spectrum, which could cause issues with other instruments. It is also worth noting MIX, with Wet and Dry controls for blending the clean signal and reverb effect.
And as if that was not enough — and not easy enough — to be getting on with, Linda IronVerb includes 68 outstanding presets, providing something suitable for all uses, which is exactly what software application, software effect, and hardware processor developer Audified and experienced mastering/mixing engineer, musician, and programmer Martin Linda’s namesake Linda Audio collaboratively and collectively envisaged when designing Linda IronVerb as the perfect plug-in for anyone wishing to easily expand their reverb palette. Perfect for producers, musicians, and mix engineers favoring a musical and creative approach to reverb, Linda IronVerb’s included feature set is enough to seriously satisfy, yet its layout is simple enough not to be a turnoff — not knowing what to do or what knob to turn need not get in the way of quickly crafting creatively and musically satisfying reverbs, after all.
According to Martin Linda himself, though, the universality of the resultant reverb is central to Linda IronVerb in that it blends really well with the sound being processed, rather than simply sitting on top of that sound — as is the case with so many reverbs out there. Therefore, it always sits well in the mix. Moreover, its IRONIZE function is simply something to add a metallic-like touch to the resulting reverb effect — or, of course, remove it if that unique twist is not needed. Needless to say, it appears that the Audified Wings plug-in portfolio is all set to fly further with Linda IronVerb!
Linda IronVerb is available to purchase for an introductory price of $49.00 USD for two weeks — rising thereafter to its regular price of $99.00 USD — from Audified’s online shop, which also includes further information and sound samples, here: https://shop.audified.com/products/linda-ironverb
Linda IronVerb can be directly downloaded as an AAX (64-bit), AU 64-bit, VST3 (64-bit), and Apple Silicon Native plug-in for Mac (OS X 10.11 – macOS 12) and an AAX (64-bit) and VST3 (32-bit and 64-bit) plug-in for Windows (7 – 11) — alongside demo versions — from Audified here: https://services.audified.com/download (Note that Linda IronVerb is a serial number-protected plug-in, so no iLok is required.)
Hear Linda IronVerb in all its impressive and unique-sounding algorithmic reverb glory in Audified’s attractive introductory video featuring fanciful fretboard work by Martin Linda himself here:
About Audified (www.audified.com)
With more than 20 years of R&D, education, and collaboration connected with its notable name (https://shop.audified.com/pages/history), Audified actively develops software applications, software effects, and hardware processors for musicians, audio engineers, and installed audio. As such, the company’s collective vision is to improve and streamline music production workflow, adding a new aesthetic value to their customer’s work while helping them to achieve the best possible results.
© 2022 Audified s.r.o.
LONDON, UK: Spitfire Audio is proud to announce the availability of ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS — silencing winter woes with a sampled smorgasbord of low-level musical magic inspired by the icy atmospheric tones of the sound-specializing British music technology company’s critically acclaimed ALBION TUNDRA, itself creatively capturing a characteristically Scandinavian sound (sampling a 100-piece orchestra with a 56-piece string section playing never-before-sampled techniques at the very edge of silence), albeit featuring eight of London’s finest string players performing a selection of experimental techniques in the same hallowed (Lyndhurst) Hall at London’s legendary AIR Studios, similarly sampled at the quietest of levels where the real musical magic happens as a versatile library that can be used on its own for a distinctly raw and intimate sound or to add clarity and texture to a larger ensemble — as of January 6…
Readily representing the fourteenth fundamental installment in Spitfire Audio’s ongoing ORIGINALS series of inspiring sample libraries making rare and classic instruments available to all, ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS serves up next-level detail and definition through a bespoke Super Close signal, recorded using clip-on microphones on the bridge of each instrument involved. Indeed, there are three recorded signals — namely, Close, created using valve spot microphones (including rare, vintage AKG C12s, Gefell UM75s, and Neumann U67s) summed together for an upfront image of the string ensemble; Tree, a Decca Tree microphone arrangement, allowing for a spacious sound while capturing the natural resonance of the revered room that is Lyndhurst Hall at London’s legendary AIR Studios; and the aforesaid aptly-named Super Close, featuring DPA clip-on microphones, making for that extremely detailed and precise sound — all central to making ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS what it is, housed as it is in the sound-specializing British music technology company’s award-winning AU-, AAX-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, NKS (Native Kontrol Standard)-ready plug-in that loads into all major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) without the need for any additional software.
Saying that, though, what really makes ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS stand out from the sound of the sampled crowd is its unique extended techniques and careful curation. By being borne out of the concept behind an acclaimed bestseller in Spitfire Audio’s ALBION TUNDRA, it offers sophisticated, dynamic performances and subtle textures with an exceptional sense of depth combined with a uniquely fragile and visceral tone fit for both small and widescreen settings. Indeed, it is designed to be incredibly useful and inspiring straight out of the box with presets loading up with controls set in the way that they are meant to be used. Ultimately, of course, control is relinquished to the end-user, thanks to the five adjustable settings that are available as part of the classy custom-designed nature of the sound-specializing British music technology company’s award-winning, accessible, and affordable plug-in’s gorgeous GUI (Graphical User Interface): ‘Expression’ — controls the level of the technique; ‘Dynamics’ — increases or decreases the dynamic being played when using long presets, while limiting the lowest playable velocity when using short presets, acting as a dynamic range compressor in effect; REVERB — surely self-explanatory; RELEASE (in the long patches only) — changes the amount of release trigger that is heard; and TIGHTNESS (in the short presets only) — cuts further into the note being played to make it sound tighter, though this reduces realism.
It is worth noting here, however, that those excellent eight players performing a selection of experimental techniques at ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS’ carefully curated core were positioned antiphon — at opposite ends of the room — when creatively captured in a 2.2.0.2.2 arrangement. As there were no violas involved in the production proceedings, the mid-section of the frequency map was (intentionally) removed from the all newly-recorded results — hence those inspired icy atmospheric tones that the library duly delivers with the greatest of ease.
Digging deeper, there are 12 presets with which users of ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS can creatively play with wonderful and wondrous — not necessarily woeful-sounding — results, reminiscent of the wintry environs that inspired them: Long Flautando CS (con sord); Long Super Sul Tasto; Long Col Legno Tratt; Long Sul Tasto > Sul Pont (transitioning from one technique to the other in a circular movement between the two articulations at different speeds with players out of sync); Long Sul Tasto > Flautando; Long No Rosin; Tremolo CS Sul Pont; Harmonic Tremolo; Short Brushed Spiccato CS; Short Mandolin Pluck; Short Col Legno; and Short Brushed Sul Tasto.
Duly designed for both aspiring and established media composers writing intimate scores or wanting to add more detail and experimental techniques to larger ensembles, ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS is suited to those who use Spitfire Audio’s aforesaid ALBION TUNDRA, ALBION NEO — neatly turning the proverbial page to open a new decade-dawning next chapter in its bestselling ALBION… series sample libraries and virtual instruments as a modern cinematic collection centred around a chamber-sized orchestra with a super-intimate string section split by divisi across all articulations to offer anyone access to the incredible definition and expression of classic and progressive techniques creatively captured in the beautiful resonance of the hallowed (Lyndhurst) Hall at London’s legendary AIR Studios — or ORIGINALS INTIMATE STRINGS’ 8.6.4.4.3 chamber section featuring 25 of London’s finest string players expertly recorded in AIR Studios’ reverberant acoustics, and are looking for a smaller string section with which to add some subtle notes.
Needless to say, some noted composers who have had an opportunity to play with ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS are already impressed by what they have heard. “CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS is an extremely useful toolkit for creative string articulations. It’s like a “greatest hits” of bowing techniques and subtle textures, which have become a staple of our craft; I especially like the Long Col Legno Tratto. Spitfire Audio libraries were some of the first out of the gate to cover new ground with extended techniques, and I love how they continue to evolve with sonic quality and ease of use.” So says Los Angeles-based composer, music producer, songwriter, lyricist, arranger, orchestrator, conductor, sound designer, and engineer Ronit Kirchman (The Sinner, Limetown), whose welcomed sentiments are echoed by the New York-based composer of music for concert works and film scores Alex Weston (The Farewell, The Novice): “I’m really loving it. Throwing a whole bunch of distortion/verb on the Harmonic Tremolo to double a synth lead? Don’t mind if I do! And that Long No Rosin patch is worth the price of admission alone.”
And it almost goes without saying, the price of admission to the fourteenth fundamental installment in Spitfire Audio’s ongoing ORIGINALS series of inspiring sample libraries making rare and classic instruments available to all is truly open to all. As Dan Keen, in-house composer at Spitfire Audio, adds: “CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS is available now as part of our ORIGINALS series, and you can buy it for 29 Pounds, Dollars, or Euros. I have to say, this is one of my favorite libraries, and it’s definitely going to go into my template. This is a very small ensemble — eight players — recorded antiphonally in the same arrangement as ALBION TUNDRA, so if you’ve got that library, these are going to work really well together.”
ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS is available as an AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible plug-in supporting Native Instruments’ NKS (NATIVE KONTROL STANDARD®) for Mac (OS X 10.10 or later) and Windows (7, 8, and 10 — latest Service Pack) that loads directly into any compatible DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for an RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of only £29.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$29.00 USD/€29.00 EUR (inc. VAT) — from here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/originals/#cinematic-frozen-strings
Spitfire Audio’s namesake Spitfire Audio application allows anyone to buy now and download anytime and is available for free from here: http://www.spitfireaudio.com/info/library-manager/
For more in-depth information, please visit Spitfire Audio’s ORIGINALS Frequently Asked Questions webpage here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/info/faq/spitfire-originals/
Watch Spitfire Audio’s premiere of ORIGINALS CINEMATIC FROZEN STRINGS — including its inspiring introductory video and an accommodating walkthrough with Spitfire Audio in-house composer Dan Keen — here:
About Spitfire Audio (www.spitfireaudio.com)
Spitfire Audio is a British music technology company that specializes in sounds—sample libraries, virtual instruments, and other useful software devices. It collaborates with the best composers, artists, and engineers in the world to build musical tools that sound great and are exciting to use.
© 2022 Spitfire Audio Holdings Limited
LONDON, UK: following in the globally successful sampled footsteps of its ABBEY ROAD ONE: FILM SCORING SELECTIONS series showcasing the foundational film scoring sound of Studio One, ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS sees Spitfire Audio continuing its creative partnership with Abbey Road Studios by being welcomed into the world’s most famous recording room, Studio Two, to capture a very special string sound for the first time ever — encompassing five of the world’s best string players recorded by GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Sam Okell (The Beatles – Remastered) using an array of mouth-watering microphones and recording equipment from the namesake studio’s unparalleled collection, creating stunningly realistic legatos and fully-configurable ensembles, available as core ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS and ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS PROFESSIONAL editions to put the most sought-after string sound in music history in the hands of computer-based composers worldwide, whether composing for pop or film — as of December 9…
Who better to begin by putting that sought-after string sound so creatively captured for Spitfire Audio’s ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS sample library into its rightful place in music history than someone who is no stranger to the wonderful world of film scoring as an English composer for film, television, and video games, as well as a music technologist to boot — namely, company co-founder Paul Thomson: “This is the most famous string sound in the world. It will be cemented in your subconscious with the sound of The Beatles’ hit ‘Eleanor Rigby’ but also other Sixties classics that were recorded in Abbey Road Studio Two.”
Indeed, if the walls of Abbey Road Studios’ Studio Two could talk, they would speak of all the musical advances made in this magical space. Studio Two has a history like no other and continues to influence the music industry after almost a century of work. With that in mind, it should really come as no surprise, then, to learn that Studio Two remains one of the most in-demand recording venues in the world, where some of the most legendary artists, engineers, and musicians have produced the most inspiring albums and scores of our times in what is, after all, a hallowed space.
Big bands of the Thirties and Forties through to stereo’s beginnings in the Swinging Sixties and beyond with standout pop recordings from The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and Shirley Bassey, then onwards into an equally exciting era encompassing the likes of Kate Bush and Oasis, more modern acts like Adele, Dave, Frank Ocean, Radiohead, Kanye West, and Wolf Alice, and also the scores for blockbuster films, TV, and games from world-famous composers like Carter Burwell, Alexandre Desplat, Kazuma Jinnouchi, Anne Nikitin, and Steven Price… all have etched themselves into the illustrious history of Abbey Road Studios’ Studio Two.
The unique sonic fingerprint of Studio Two simply cannot be replicated elsewhere due to its combination of controlled acoustics and one-of-a-kind equipment, refined over 90 years of innovation — from the vintage four-track STUDER J-37 studio tape recorder (used to record The Beatles’ renowned Sgt. Pepper album in 1967) to the dizzying array of microphones, this is the first time that this sought-after signal path has been made available in a virtual string instrument.
In the words of Paul Thomson, “This is a really unique one-of-a-kind library; we’ve used the same equipment that was used in the Sixties to record this incredible string sound, but we also have modern paths as well, so you get the best of both worlds.”
With ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS, Spitfire Audio worked with Abbey Road Studios to deliver a selection of modern and vintage microphones and mixes engineered by GRAMMY Award-winning engineer Sam Okell. Of course, the vintage mixes creatively capture what many music lovers think of as Studio Two, recorded using the vintage REDD (Record Engineering Development Department) desk (developed to respond to the needs of the artists and producers using Abbey Road Studios) and parallel compression from the custom-built RS124 (billed as being the secret weapon of Abbey Road Studios engineers during the Sixties), all passed through that STUDER J-37 tape machine, musically inspired and influenced by the iconic Studio Two recordings made using this one-of-a-kind signal chain.
Coming in two editions, the core ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS covers the essential microphone mixes — one vintage and one modern, whereas ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS PROFESSIONAL offers a broadcast level of 12 signals — perfect for any composer making modern scores. Saying that those 12 signals feature four world-class mixes — two vintage and two modern, and eight mic positions affording composers the opportunity to customize their sound still further by effectively taking a deep dive into Abbey Road Studios’ superlative microphone cupboard. Classic microphones — including the actual Neumann U 47 (legendary tube mic), KM 54 (pencil condenser mic with tube amplifier circuit), and M 50 (omnidirectional tube mic) used on those iconic Sixties sessions — can creatively be explored, as can many more besides. Both editions of ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS also allow composers access to the coveted Studio Two Echo Chamber (originally developed by the first generation of Abbey Road Studios pop engineers to create exciting reverbs, delays, and other spatial effects), well known for the part it has played in crafting classic productions throughout the studio’s rich history.
Having said that, though, ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS is all about capturing a very special string sound for the first time ever, and achieves that courtesy of the sounds of five of London’s top string players down to the tiniest — VIOLIN 1, VIOLIN 2, VIOLA, CELLO, and DOUBLE BASS (or MULTI-VOICE) — detail. Duly offering composers the choice between highly detailed composition and easy-to-use technology that assists in the writing process, a brand-new feature called The Arranger allows for a tailored approach to writing with ensemble techniques to provide composers with a newfound freedom to control the instrument ranges within the string band, thereby helping them to quickly arrive at a more nuanced performance. Put it this way: with all-new legatos programming pulsing at its musical heart, ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS also benefits from the significant step forward in quality and resulting realism, building upon Spitfire Audio’s 15 years of experience in sampling.
Spitfire Audio’s core ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS and ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS PROFESSIONAL editions both feature a PERFORMANCE (LEGATO), including SLURRED, ALT ATTACKS, and FAST RUNS — the latter offering an intuitive and expressive playing experience to allow for more emotive lines while being tightly detailed and versatile, while ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS PROFESSIONAL features an additional PORTAMENTO (LEGATO) offering an extremely expressive transition.
Putting Paul Thomson back in the musical driving seat produces some suitably spirited closing commentary: “You can choose to go for the really vibey sound or a very clean — maybe more austere — sound, according to the type of thing that you’re writing; it’s just so exciting to use, and I really hope that you’re going to enjoy using this one a lot.”
ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS is available as an AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, NKS (Native Kontrol Standard)-ready plug-in that loads directly into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for a time-limited promo price of £199.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$229.00 USD/€229.00 EUR (inc. VAT) until January 6, 2022 — returning thereafter to its RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of £249.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$299.00 USD/€299.00 EUR (inc. VAT) — from here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/abbey-road-two-iconic-strings/
ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS PROFESSIONAL is available as an AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, NKS-ready plug-in that loads directly into a DAW for a time-limited promo price of £349.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$399.00 USD/€399.00 EUR (inc. VAT) until January 6, 2022 — returning thereafter to its RRP of £449.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$499.00 USD/€499.00 EUR (inc. VAT) — from here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/abbey-road-two-iconic-strings-professional/
Spitfire Audio’s namesake Spitfire Audio application allows anyone to buy now and download anytime, and is available for free from here: http://www.spitfireaudio.com/info/library-manager/
For more in-depth information, including some superb-sounding audio demos, please visit the dedicated ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS webpage here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/abbey-road-two/
Take a memorable musical trip into the world’s most famous recording room with Spitfire Audio co-founders Christian Henson and Paul Thomson while watching Spitfire Audio’s launch premiere of ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS here: https://youtu.be/7tKiG0YWdVI
Watch Paul Thomson’s ‘traditional’ walkthrough of ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS here:
Watch the screen flow for Paul Saunderson’s stunning-sounding ‘Star Formation’ demo composed with ABBEY ROAD TWO: ICONIC STRINGS PROFESSIONAL here:
Print-ready, hi-res images:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xuIchYpghkKTN1ebSrThbeYXr6GyrZej?usp=sharing
About Spitfire Audio (www.spitfireaudio.com)
Spitfire Audio is a British music technology company that specializes in sounds — sample libraries, virtual instruments, and other useful software devices. It collaborates with the best composers, artists, and engineers in the world to build musical tools that sound great and are exciting to use.
About Abbey Road Studios (www.abbeyroad.com)
Abbey Road Studios is the most famous recording studio in the world and a global music icon. It was declared an English Heritage Grade II listed site in 2010, but the focus continues to be on the future and helping to spread the expertise and knowledge present within the building to a new generation of musicians, engineers, and producers around the world.
© 2021 Spitfire Audio Holdings Limited
December 9, 2021 – IK Multimedia releases AmpliTube MESA/Boogie® 2, the much-anticipated follow-up to IK’s first MESA/Boogie offering, bringing 4 new officially certified amps and 5 cabs to AmpliTube 5. Now users can complete their collection of full-throttle gear from the inventors of high-gain tone.
All MESA/Boogie 2 models have been precisely crafted using IK’s latest modeling technologies including DIM™ and VIR™ to sound, look and respond just like their hardware counterparts, and have been tested and approved by the R&D team at MESA engineering.
More than mere amplification
Plugging into any amp from this new collection users will be amazed by the levels of responsiveness, feel, nuance and sound. IK worked hand in hand again with MESA to meticulously recreate every circuit and control feature of each model, achieving ultra-realistic performance.
Gear available in AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2
The amps and cabs in MESA/Boogie 2 were chosen for their significant tone-shaping innovations. Users will find 3 ground-breaking amps from MESA’s current line-up and one of their most desirable models from the past.
MESA/Boogie® California Tweed™
MESA’s California Tweed Series was 50 years in the making and designed to reinvent “vintage” tone. This new single channel, “old school” amp aims at all sounds Americana. IK’s model is equipped with all the same features as the physical product including MESA’s Incremental multi-watt power amp with Duo-Class and Dyna-Watt technologies, which provide 5 power, 2 operating classes, and 3 wiring configurations.
MESA/Boogie® Triple Crown TC-100™ head
An amazing do-it-all amp, the TC-100’s all-tube amplifier features a multi-soak attenuator with 5 power options to tame its punch and aggressive performance perfectly. Three channels offer a choice of pristine Clean, aggressive Crunch, all the way up to massive Gain, and each channel is fitted with a voicing switch; DRIVE in Channel 1, TIGHT in Channels 2 and 3.
MESA/Boogie® Mark Five™
The MARK V is really a collection of amplifiers. From the original MARK I that introduced the world to high-gain with its cascading preamp, to the Mark II – the world’s first high-gain, dual-mode channel switching amplifier and its later siblings that introduced Simul-Class power. From the MARK III that ushered in the era of 3-channel footswitching performance, to the MARK IV that gave all this power individual control, the MARK V is the embodiment of the last 40 years of MESA guitar amp history.
MESA/Boogie® Mark 2C+™
The legendary amp of so many recording artists and one of MESA’s most coveted models, the Mark IIC+ was the last of the Mark II series. The ground-breaking amp features a more sensitive lead channel, which incorporates a dual cascading drive stage. The IIC+ also features a pull Deep Bass booster and other enigmatic features that earned the legendary head its “+” rating for sounding so fantastic.
Along with these 4 remarkable amps, users will get 5 officially certified cabs featuring California Tweed and RoadKing models with a range of configurations and a choice of Jensen or Celestion speakers. Also included are two extra speakers from IK’s work on the California Tweed, which they can swap into any cab.
Options, pricing and availability
AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2 is available now at the IK Multimedia online store and from IK authorized dealers worldwide, with special bundle pricing as follows:
AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2 – $/€99.99* SRP
AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 1 and 2 Bundle – $/€179.99 intro price, $/€199.99 SRP
* All prices excluding taxes.
For a limited time, existing owners of AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 1, AmpliTube 5, AmpliTube 5 SE, AmpliTube 5 MAX, and Total Studio 3.5 MAX will receive an exclusive discount automatically when adding MESA/Boogie 2 to their cart.
For more information about AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2, please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/mesa2
To see AmpliTube MESA/Boogie 2 in action: www.ikmultimedia.com/mesa2/
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, USA: boutique audio company Black Lion Audio is proud to announce the availability of its PG-1 mkII — marked as a ‘numerical’ replacement for its preceding PG-1 (POWER GRID 1) 1U rack-mount power conditioner with the same dimensions (W: 19”/48.3 cm, D: 9.8”/24.9 cm, H: 1.7”/4.3 cm), weight (10.6 lbs/4.8 kg), and price (US MAP: $299.00/EU SSP: €299.00), but benefit from an improved overall look and an added (5V 1A) USB CHARGER port positioned on its front panel — as of December 1…
Anyone actively involved in professional music-making — onstage or otherwise — knows that it takes more than a few rack-mounted power outlets to inspire true confidence in a power conditioner. Clearly, acquiring a must-have piece of gear only to find it noisier than expected or missing high-frequency detail — or, worse still, having it fried by an unwanted power surge — are all far from ideal scenarios! Such sorry setbacks need not happen, however; Black Lion Audio is here to help, having long since been trusted to modify the best gear and make it even better, which is exactly what it took to create the PG-1 mkII — taking industry-standard designs, and improving them to the point of peak performance.
Power conditioning comes naturally to Black Lion Audio. After creating its original PG-1 (POWER GRID 1) as a confidence-inspiring, rack-mountable power conditioner premiering PG-99 Filtering Technology to improve upon the typical average of 85%
found in other power conditioners at the same price point, the PG-1 mkII makes for a perfectly executed follow-up featuring that same technology and being built using premium Panasonic and Wima capacitors chosen for their superior execution in eliminating high-frequency noise that robs equipment of its peak performance. Indeed, in testing, the PG-1 mkII provides an average of 99.7% of noise filtering. Furthermore, combining that superior filtration with an impressive power absorption rating of 2,775 joules means that any connected gear — must-have or otherwise — is not only on the receiving end of quality power but protected from any unsafe scenarios, should they unfortunately happen!
Having said that, then, the PG-1 mkII provides a bank of eight switched, filtered, and surge-protected outlets on its back panel arranged as four groups — namely, ANALOG AUDIO OUTLETS (x2), 2x DIGITAL AUDIO OUTLETS (x2), and HIGH CURRENT OUTLETS (x2). Fortunately for that connected gear, the time-delayed ANALOG AUDIO OUTLETS and HIGH CURRENT OUTLETS always ensure that speakers and power amplifiers are the last to turn on and the first to turn off, thereby preventing the dreaded ‘pop’ that can occur if speakers receive power at the same time as sound sources.
By benefitting from an improved look befitting its highlighted mkII status, an attractive front panel provides two filtered UNSWITCHED OUTLETS for convenience alongside an added (5V 1A USB) CHARGER port for charging USB devices, as well as an XLR lamp connector and associated DIMMER control (clearly assisting in helping shed light on the situation in a variety of lighting conditions), while the centrally located VOLTAGE MONITOR makes real-time analysis available for all to see (with dedicated Ground OK, Wiring Fault, Clean Power On, Abnormal Voltage, and Protection On LED status) and hear (as an audio alarm announces unsafe voltage). Ultimately, users can rest easy knowing that the safety of their gear is at the considered core of the improved PG-1 mkII.
The PG-1 mkII is available to purchase through Black Lion Audio’s growing global network of dealers/distributors (https://www.blacklionaudio.com/dealers) with a MAP (Minimum Advertised Price) of $299.00 USD and an SSP (Suggested Selling Price) of €299.00 EUR (excluding VAT).
For more in-depth information, please visit the dedicated PG-1 mkII webpage here: https://www.blacklionaudio.com/store/power-conditioners/pg-1-mkii-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 utilized by prestigious organizations and major label acts alike.
© 2021 Black Lion Audio
PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC: having released Electrum to widespread critical acclaim earlier this year, independent development teams federation United Plugins is proud to push development partner Muramasa Audio’s all-in-one guitar solution straight to the desired guitar tone as Electrum Core — cutting to the chase by effectively stripping away the amazing Amp and Cabinet components from the former’s effects-laden single-screen pedalboard to form an on-point plug-in with equally eye-catching attributes at its channeled creative core — as of December 1…
In today’s teeming marketplace, most — even great-sounding — guitar software suffers from flawed design, doing little to enhance efficiency and comfort when put to work in a musical environment. Ergonomics is, conversely, central to Muramasa Audio executing Electrum earlier this year as an all-in-one single-screen guitar amp and pedalboard plug-in, providing its intended users with the fastest way to turn ideas into the perfect guitar sound. No need to take a deep dive through muscle memory-taxing menus in search of hidden options since everything is already accessible on one screen. Saying that, though, this all-in-one guitar solution — while wonderfully implemented — is still too complex for some, seeking an altogether more straightforward approach.
As such, stripping away the amazing Amp and Cabinet components from Electrum’s effects-laden single-screen pedalboard to form an on-point plug-in with equally eye-catching attributes at its channeled creative core readily represents Muramasa Audio’s answer to the question of getting straight to the desired guitar tone. Achieving a perfect sound for any electric guitar is, indeed, quick and easy when working with Electrum Core, so diving into what is on offer does not involve taking a deep dive — no menu diving required!
Featuring five versatile amps — BLUE, YELLOW, ORANGE, RED, and BLACK — arranged from lighter touch to most extreme, Electrum’s Amp section is at Electrum Core’s creative core. Conveniently, all share the same controls, placing familiarity at the heart of a delightful user experience enhanced further with fast workflow. While analyzing the most popular amps on the market to first flavor Electrum — and now Electrum Core — with the sound of those amps, musically, Muramasa Audio added several perks to the production proceedings, allowing any user to quickly create an amp that truly meets their own needs. Needless to say, several straightforward controls are the order of the day here — namely, GAIN (controls the input gain of the simulated amp); BASS (controls the amount of the amp EQ’s low frequencies); MIDDLE (controls the amount of the amp EQ’s middle frequencies); TREBLE (controls the amount of the amp EQ’s high frequencies); POWER AMP (defines the amount of the distortion produced by the power amp, the second stage of the amp); HIGH CUT (filters — useful for removing high-frequency content, which often gets too bright and difficult to mix); BALANCE (defines the amp’s tonal character); and OUTPUT (controls the output gain). Thereafter, TIGHT MODE (filters out additional low-frequency content from the input); EMPHASIS FREQUENCY (allows additional customization of the amp since pre-filtering the guitar sound itself profoundly affects the distortion character); EMPHASIS (accents the frequency determined by the EMPHASIS FREQUENCY control, which can customize the amp to truly create the user’s ‘own’ sound); COMPRESSION (controls the amount of compression applied to the guitar tone); SAG (simulates the drop-off of the power supply voltage in response to large transient signals, so adds a certain dynamic ‘feel’ to the tube amplifier that is not generally found in solid-state amplifiers); LUSTER (adds extra brightness and sparkle to the sound of the amp); and CORROSION (applies ‘rust’, ‘dirt’, and analog feel to the amp section).
Similarly straddling simplicity and creativity, Electrum Core’s — Electrum-extracted — Cabinet comes complete with 16 SPEAKER sounds based on classic guitar cabinet loudspeaker measurements, customizable to produce over 300 virtual cabinets! Acting as a true virtual simulator with several parameters, including a bank of AMBIENCE responses to simulate the reflections from real cabinet surroundings, it produces a much smoother and natural sound by avoiding any unnatural resonances present in almost all classic IRs (Impulse Responses) — no need to audition any IR files in what can sometimes seem like a never-ending search for the right tone, in other words. Controls could not be simpler — SPEAKER (lets users select from those 16 predefined speaker sounds based on some classic speaker measurements to provide the basis of the cabinet sound); CHARACTER (lets users further customize the cabinet sound with those 300-plus virtual cabinets); OUTPUT (controls the output gain); TILT (makes the cabinet sound darker or brighter using a very natural tilt filter); DETAIL (adds resonances to the cabinet, the character of which depend on the CHARACTER parameter); STEREO (switches on a stereo width-producing effect — a little like using a good combination of cabinet IRs, only every combination always sounds ‘good’); AMBIENCE (selects from a bank of ambiance responses to add to the cabinet, simulating the reflections from the surroundings of the real cabinet); and DEPTH (controls the amount of mixed-in ambiance).
A useful selection of global controls includes ANALYSE INPUT LEVEL — an automatic input level setup, which makes sure everything sounds as good as possible, no matter what equipment and guitar is in use; INPUT — for cranking up the instrument’s input gain (albeit should not need to be used if activating ANALYSE INPUT LEVEL); BASSMAN — for controlling the level of the ‘sub’ generated by the plug-in to allow for bass-like guitar-playing (albeit only works well when playing single notes, not chords); OUTPUT — for controlling the plug-in’s overall output level; and LIMITER — to protect the output signal from going over 0 dB.
Well worth mentioning is the photorealistic nature of the Electrum Core plug-in’s gorgeous GUI (Graphical User Interface), imbuing its users with a feeling that they are touching real-world hardware. However, it easily adapts to their needs since they can always drag the arrow at the bottom-right corner to change its size — smaller to save precious ‘screen estate’ or larger to make it easier on the eye and, as a result, easier to use.
Ultimately, Electrum Core provides maximum audio quality by using internal 64-bit audio processing as well as being able to handle any sampling rate — as, indeed, is the case with all plug-ins released under the United Plugins umbrella, so why not try it at 192 kHz… or even higher! Helpfully, the Electrum Core plug-in intelligently detects whether it makes sense to perform any processing at all — if not, it temporarily turns on sleep mode, meaning it requires virtually no CPU (Central Processing Unit) power at all, thereby saving computing resources for other processes.
Pushing development partner Muramasa Audio’s acclaimed Electrum all-in-one guitar solution straight to the desired guitar tone as Electrum Core, independent development teams federation United Plugins has surely succeeded in bringing an altogether more straightforward approach to creating guitar tones to market as an on-point plug-in with equally eye-catching attributes at its channeled creative core.
Muramasa Audio’s Electrum Core is available to purchase at an almost giveaway introductory promo price of only €9.00 EUR until the end of 2021 — rising thereafter to an attractive regular price of €49.00 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 United Plugins here: https://unitedplugins.com/ElectrumCore/
A 15-day, fully-functional trial version of Electrum Core for macOS 10.10 and newer and Windows 8/10 can be downloaded for free from here: https://unitedplugins.com/download/
Note that no iLok, dongle, or internet access is required for Electrum Core activation. (All United Plugins software uses license files for activation and owners can freely use purchased software on all their computers as long as they are the user.)
See and hear Electrum Core in action in United Plugins’ illuminating introductory video here:
About United Plugins (www.unitedplugins.com)
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, a thriving future for the federation is assured.
© 2021 United Plugins
BRISTOL, UK: having made several show-stopping splashes upon introducing the Super 6 as its inaugural instrument to the musical masses assembled at various trade shows near and far during less turbulent times in 2019 and into 2020 as a 12 VOICE POLYPHONIC BINAURAL ANALOG-HYBRID SYNTHESIZER WITH SUPER-WAVE TECHNOLOGY that truly represents a new take on the traditional analog synthesizer, British musical instrument company UDO is proud to announce the availability of the Super 6 Desktop — designed to take a beautifully re-engineered full-featured Super 6 to an even wider audience by bringing its flexible and immediate control, gorgeous analog sound, and unrivaled build quality into a more compact package, perfectly housed in an all-metal chassis that also encompasses ergonomic features such as VESA mount compliance, optional 7U rack ears, and robust flip-up feet — as of November 26…
As a quick glance at the tantalizing 12 VOICE POLYPHONIC BINAURAL ANALOG-HYBRID SYNTHESIZER WITH SUPER-WAVE TECHNOLOGY wording boldly blazoned across an angled ‘step’ up to its terraced front panel plainly puts out there, the Super 6 Desktop is also a new take on the traditional analog synthesizer. But by taking its design cues from its keyboard-based Super 6 sibling, similarly, it offers an irresistible combination of a powerful and accessible musical instrument with large-format, high-quality potentiometers and switches for unparalleled tactile feel and exemplary lifespan — facilitating flexible and immediate control, gorgeous analog sound, and unrivaled build quality, in other words. Being billed as a beautifully re-engineered full-featured Super 6, that striking Super 6 Desktop design duly delivers versatile integration into any studio or stage setup courtesy of an ergonomic feature set, such as VESA mount compliance, optional 7U rack ears, and robust flip-up feet. Fantastic features such as a DRIFT control, independent control of the analog HPF, PAN spread control, advanced ENVELOPES, and polyphonic aftertouch — all above and beyond the Super 6’s initial, albeit already superlative, specification — are also included. Indeed, a future update will also add a tremendous 24-voice polychain option (with the Super 6) and MPE operability.
Of course, those already superlative Super 6 features — themselves truly representing a new take on the traditional analog synthesizer — are also included in the Super 6 Desktop: superior build quality and intuitive hands-on control for expressive performances with no menus or menu-diving distractions; state-of-the-art FPGA-based oscillators featuring DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) and downloadable waveforms, with DDS 1 (oscillator 1) being an FPGA-based super-wave oscillator core sampled at 50MHz with a centroid oscillator and six sister oscillators that can be dynamically de-phased in the stereo field — hence highlighted in that BINAURAL and SUPER-WAVE wording; real analog VCF, reprising the SSM2044 of legacy chipmaker Solid State Micro Technology (believed by many to be the best-sounding analog synthesis IC ever produced), VCA, and modulators; loop-able ENVELOPES, LFOs, and modulators with audio rate modulation; MIDI-syncable, multi-mode ARPEGGIATOR / SEQUENCER — straightforward in use; dual-mode stereo CHORUS and syncable and modulate-able stereo DELAY — both with 24-bit/192kHz processing… all are but the ‘edited highlights’ of both instruments’ impressive specification.
Clear-cut form factor differences notwithstanding, the rear panel-positioned running order of the Super 6 Desktop’s I/O connectivity is identical to that of its Super 6 sibling, starting with USB I/O for MIDI, plus patch, sequence, and waveform management (via simple USB ‘memory stick’ type interface with no extra drivers or applications required), as well as easy OS upgrade; MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU on DIN connectors; self-explanatory CONTROL and SUSTAIN PEDALS inputs; AUDIO IN for stereo ¼” jack — allowing users to process an external audio signal through the synthesizer’s signal path and threshold-based envelope and LFO triggering; main R and L outputs for unbalanced ¼” jacks; and a high-quality stereo headphone power amplifier output.
It is little wonder, then, that the British musical instrument company has once again excelled itself by bringing about a different take on its new take on the traditional analog synthesizer — with a little help from Axel Hartmann, the go-to industrial designer in the music industry for over 30 years. Yet, just like the Super 6 before it, the Super 6 Desktop is a labor of love — an instrument designed to look and feel as good as it sounds. Says Super 6 designer — and UDO founder — George Hearn: “I’m honored and humbled to bring the Super 6 Desktop to musicians around the world. I love its solid and efficient construction, compact yet curiously spacious design, and great flexibility it offers as a practical hardware instrument. The Super 6 has brought me a lot of joy to create and play, and I’m hoping that the Super 6 Desktop will help us share our love and enthusiasm for these products with an even wider audience of brilliant and creative people we are lucky to have in the global community that is music.”
Musically and physically, the Super 6 Desktop — designed to take a beautifully re-engineered full-featured Super 6 to an even wider audience by bringing its flexible and immediate control, gorgeous analog sound, and unrivaled build quality into a more compact package, perfectly housed in an all-metal chassis that also encompasses ergonomic features — has surely succeeded in its mission: making the exploration of new territory for sound design with binaural synthesis’ integration into any studio or stage setup where space is limited or portability paramount the best possible fit for anyone’s needs. Needless to say, whether positioning on a desktop (using those robust flip-up feet or otherwise), using a VESA mount or rack mounting, making the most convenient choice just got a whole lot easier. And all thanks to that striking Super 6 Desktop design.
The Super 6 Desktop is available through UDO’s growing global network of dealers (https://www.udo-audio.com/dealers) at an RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of £1,949.00 GBP (including VAT)/$2,399.00 USD/€2,249.00 EUR (inc. VAT).
For further information about the Super 6 Desktop, please visit the UDO website here: http://www.udo-audio.com
Hear the gorgeous analog sound of the Super 6 Desktop while watching UDO’s tantalizing trailer video here:
About UDO (www.udo-audio.com)
Founded in 2018 by synth designer George Hearn, UDO is an electronic musical instrument company based in Bristol, UK. Ultimately, its ethos is to create products that use cutting-edge technology balanced with intuitive design, making instruments that are both powerful and enjoyable. Encapsulating this idea of ‘the power of play’ — pairing comprehensive synthesis possibilities with an immediate, robust, and tactile layout, the Super 6 is its first synthesizer. Indeed, it is just the start for UDO, with plans for a range of products over the coming years.
© 2021 UDO Audio Ltd
LONDON, UK: Spitfire Audio is proud to announce The Black Weekend — with savings of up to 40% on its individual sample libraries and up to 80% with curated COLLECTIONS (carefully designed to deliver a specific experience), including two weekend-only exclusives, as well as launching APERTURE THE STACK as an all-new library delivering record-breaking levels of amplitude housed in the sound-specializing British music technology company’s award-winning AU-, AAX-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, NKS (Native Kontrol Standard)-ready plug-in that loads into all major DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) without the need for any additional software — running from November 25-30…
As a record-breaking wall of sound comprising 56 guitar amps and four subs on four levels of rigging, riotously showcasing a has-to-be-heard-to-be-believed-style selection of vintage and modern classic synths, drum machines, and a veritable wall of Eurorack — today’s dominant hardware modular synth system format (with thousands of modules available from hundreds of manufacturers, both bigger and smaller), plus, of course, guitars galore, APERTURE THE STACK features four amp levels, each effortlessly activated via the all-new library’s unique controls. Creatively, pushing for new seismic levels of expression — controlling dynamics and the number of amps simultaneously by moving from the smallest namesake ‘aperture’ setting — is a breeze, with the tight and precise sound from fewer amps building with ferocity and intensity as the ‘aperture ring’ opens up, unveiling a range of sounds that are unlikely to be heard anywhere! As an imagined ‘aperture’ in sound, Spitfire Audio co-founder and composer Christian Henson himself sees it this way: “As we move it up, we basically open up more amps and go further back from the stack; for me, that’s not reverberation, that’s a vibrating room — using AIR Studios as a big speaker cabinet!”
But best of all, APERTURE THE STACK is available for free during The Black Weekend when spending £299.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$349.00 USD/€349.00 EUR (inc. VAT) or more! Moreover, there is no need to worry about missing out during The Black Weekend as APERTURE THE STACK subsequently becomes available to purchase individually from December 1 onwards for £199.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$249.00 USD/€249.00 EUR (inc. VAT).
Since seeing is believing according to some, Spitfire Audio is open-handedly offering valuable insight into the APERTURE THE STACK production process with the aptly-titled The Stack (https://www.spitfireaudio.com/the-stack), an unmissable behind-the-scenes-style documentary film premiering on YouTube at 6 PM GMT/10 AM PST on Thursday, November 25 during The Black Weekend, with the rarefied sights and sounds of those amps, subs, synths, drum machines, extensive Eurorack, and guitars being wildly captured in the hallowed (Lyndhurst) Hall at London’s legendary AIR Studios. There the once-in-a-century event gathered an unprecedented collection of instruments, including an electronic ensemble of eight SOMA Laboratory LYRA-8 orgasmic synths, Christian Henson’s coveted Analogue Solutions Colossus supersized synth (a.k.a. ‘Dave’) and extensive Eurorack modular synth system (a.k.a. ‘The Wall’), a dynamic duo of modern-day Deckard’s Dream MK2 eight-voice analog polysynths by Black Corporation, classic analogs from Roland — dual JUNO-6 and Jupiter (programmable polysynths), plus the TR-808 (used on more hit records than any other drum machine) — and Korg — MS-20 (semi-modular monosynth) — together with modern-day Moogs and Sequential Prophets, alongside an expert ensemble of two basses and four electric guitars led by ambient guitar-generated textural innovator Leo Abrahams, with whom the sound-specializing British music technology company has creatively collaborated on a number of unique-sounding and successful sample libraries before.
Breathtakingly recorded by award-winning engineer Jake Jackson and presented in Spitfire Audio’s award-winning AU-, AAX-, NKS-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible plug-in that loads into all major DAWs, designed to effortlessly inspire all music makers, APERTURE THE STACK features 87 essential techniques as a 6.9 GB library whose included instruments range from whispering pulses to whaling behemoths of sound, showcasing the incredible raw energy of the amps and the vast scale of AIR’s Lyndhurst Hall.
However, there is more to The Black Weekend than APERTURE THE STACK alone — although it is worth indulging in the substantial savings on offer throughout to get it for free and achieve those new seismic levels of expression it offers. Obviously, the two weekend-only exclusive Collections are also well worth paying particular attention to. THE TON 2021 — taking in a stellar lineup of ÓLAFUR ARNALDS EVOLUTIONS (embracing unique string quartet textures and long evolving phrases); BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DISCOVER (a universal starting point to explore and create with 35 instruments impeccably performed by the world-famous BBC Symphony Orchestra); and NORTH 7 VINTAGE KEYS (creating a definitive, deep sampled, and magically musical rendering of four meticulously-maintained Sixties- and Seventies-vintage keyboard classics) — weighs in at £100.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$100.00 USD/€100.00 EUR (inc. VAT) to deliver a supersized saving of 80% off the combined RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of each title concerned. THE BLACK WEEKEND COLLECTION — comprising a star-studded lineup of BERNARD HERRMANN COMPOSER TOOLKIT (taking inspiration from the electric genius of its iconic composer namesake noted for his long legacy of fresh film scores such as Citizen Kane, Psycho, Vertigo, and Taxi Driver that continue to inspire today’s composers); ALBION NEO (neatly turning the proverbial page to open a new decade-dawning next chapter in Spitfire Audio’s bestselling ALBION… series sample libraries as a modern cinematic collection centered around a chamber-sized orchestra with a super-intimate string section); and ALTERNATIVE SOLO STRINGS (innovative solo strings from four of London’s finest players offering anyone an instant, out-of-the-box virtual collaborative experience steeped in personality, quality, and distinction) — comes in at £599.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$699.00 USD/€699.00 EUR (inc. VAT) to readily represent a sizeable saving of over 40% off the combined RRP of each title concerned.
Substantial savings can also be found on several HANS ZIMMER… series sample libraries (created in close collaboration with one of the greatest — certainly one of the most prolific — film composers of our time); the ABBEY ROAD ONE… series sample libraries (arising from a creative partnership with world-famous Abbey Road Studios); and ALBION ONE (a renowned, industry-standard orchestral sample library providing everything needed to make film music); and more.
So surely there has never been a better time than The Black Weekend to stock up on some seriously discounted titles from the sound-specializing British music technology company with which to make music — for film or otherwise. And as if that was not enough to be getting on with, what would The Black Weekend be without the annual tombola — a chance for the composing community to win every single sample library available from Spitfire Audio, along with many more must-have prizes! Play to (possibly) win while weighing up what savings to make and also (possibly) acquire APERTURE THE STACK for free. “For me, this is like a Christmas stocking of goodies that I want you to discover for yourself.” So signs off the ever-enthusiastic Christian Henson, also admitting: “Your support over the last — nearly — 15 years has enabled us to build a crew and a team of people that can make these things — these ridiculous notions — possible!”
APERTURE THE STACK is available as an AAX-, AU-, VST2-, and VST3-compatible, NKS (Native Kontrol Standard)-ready plug-in that loads directly into a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) for free during The Black Weekend (November 25-30) when spending £299.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$349.00 USD/€349.00 EUR (inc. VAT) or more — before becoming available to purchase individually from December 1 onwards for £199.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$249.00 USD/€249.00 EUR (inc. VAT) — from here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/aperture-the-stack/
For more in-depth information, including some superb-sounding audio demos, please visit the dedicated APERTURE THE STACK webpage here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/aperture-the-stack/
Don decent headphones or sit in the ‘sweet spot’ sandwiched between a decent pair of studio monitors, then turn up the volume to identify with watching Christian Henson take a walk through the record-breaking levels of amplitude-delivering APERTURE THE STACK here:
Watch Spitfire Audio’s ear-opening trailer video for APERTURE THE STACK here:
THE TON 2021 — taking in ÓLAFUR ARNALDS EVOLUTIONS (https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/olafur-arnalds-evolutions/), BBC SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA DISCOVER (https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/bbc-symphony-orchestra-discover/), and NORTH 7 VINTAGE KEYS (https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/north-7-vintage-keys/) — is available as a limited-edition collection, purchasable only during The Black Weekend (November 25-30) for £100.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$100.00 USD/€100.00 EUR (inc. VAT) to deliver a supersized saving of 80% off the combined RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of each title concerned from here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/the-ton-2021/
Watch Spitfire Audio in-house composer Lucie Treacher treat all to a wondrous composition using THE TON 2021 here:
THE BLACK WEEKEND COLLECTION — comprising ALBION NEO (https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/albion-neo/), BERNARD HERRMANN COMPOSER TOOLKIT (https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/bernard-herrmann-composer-toolkit/), and ALTERNATIVE SOLO STRINGS (https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/alternative-solo-strings/) — is available as another limited-edition collection, purchasable only during The Black Weekend (November 25-30) for £599.00 GBP (inc. VAT)/$699.00 USD/€699.00 EUR (inc. VAT), readily representing a sizeable saving of over 40% off the combined RRP of each title concerned, from here: https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/a-z/the-black-weekend-collection/
Watch Spitfire Audio in-house composer Dan Keen unpack THE BLACK WEEKEND COLLECTION here: https://youtu.be/EDJ1VNSd7qU
Spitfire Audio’s namesake Spitfire Audio application allows anyone to buy now and download anytime and is available for free from here: http://www.spitfireaudio.com/info/library-manager/
About Spitfire Audio (www.spitfireaudio.com)
Spitfire Audio is a British music technology company that specializes in sounds—sample libraries, virtual instruments, and other useful software devices. It collaborates with the best composers, artists, and engineers in the world to build musical tools that sound great and are exciting to use.
© 2021 Spitfire Audio Holdings Limited