The name API is synonymous with great sonics and UA's newAPI Vision Channelstripfor theUAD-2 platform is no exception. It's included with the UAD 7.3 software update which I downloaded and then tried the demo on a mix I was doing. (Tip: Its a good idea to have a clone of your system drive to test new software/updates etc. so if there are any crippling issues you're not left with a non-working system.) Within a few minutes I was able to get a sound I liked and I can see adding this to my list of must have channelstrip plugins. (I use the UAD SSL E and 88RS religiously.) It comes with tons of presets to get you started and here's an actual setting I used on a mix. I added sheen, midrange presence and low end without boominess plus some sonic glue with the compressor section. (The compression is a bit drastic but sounded great.)
Features
Faithful channel strip emulation from API's flagship Vision analog console
Comprised of five distinct modules: 212L Mic Preamp, 215L High/Low Cut Filters, 235L Gate/Expander, 225L Compressor/Limiter, and 550L 4-Band Equalizer
Models custom 2520 API op-amp and transformers with circuit nonlinearities
Allows recording in real time via Apollo interface (sub-2ms latency) and/or mixing workflows via UAD-2 hardware
Offers more than 70 artist presets from Joe Chiccarelli, Neil Dorfsman, David Isaac, Nathaniel Kunkel and John Paterno
Take a look at this video review from our good friend Russ Hughes over atProtools Expert. He explains each section of the API Vision and shows it in actual use:
Cost $299 onUA's website. NOTE: At the time of posting the 7.3 update is temporarily unavailable on the website. Hopefully it will be back up soon.
Elysia has announced the plugin version of their revered Museq Equalizer.
"The Museq plugin has all the original sound and functions the hardware is known and loved for, including the outstanding high/low cut filters with resonance and the Warm Mode sound shaper... it also adds some powerful extras, like the integrated M/S matrix for mid and side processing, the possibility to link both channels for more convenient stereo operation, and dedicated output level controllers for adapting your settings to the available headroom."
Features:
Resonance High & Low Pass Filters The outer shelving filters can be switched into low and high pass filters which feature an additional resonance peak as a very useful specialty.
Parallel Filter Design A special circuit trick makes it possible to leave the high and middle frequencies completely untouched when using the high and low pass filters.
Warm Mode The museq offers a second, switchable sound flavor by altering its frequency spectrum, harmonics and transient response.
Pure Transparency Path The puristic design of the filter stages with current feedback amplifier stages and without any coupling capacitors results in an outstanding sound quality.
Boost/Cut Mode The boost/cut switch generates twice the number of values to be set with the 23 step potentiometers than the usual -/0/+ arrangement would offer.
Switchable Filter Quality The filter quality can be switched from a wide to a narrow Q factor which remains independent from the setting of the gain controller.
The Museq's sonics and feature set makes it a great tool for mixing and mastering. Here's a video demo of the Museq:
The Museq can be purchased at Plugin-Alliance.com for $249. Check out their Dynamic Bundle Offer and save up to 50% off on multiple plugins.
Here's another great ITL from Dave (#86) showing how to get wide sounding guitars. Even though it's tailored to guitars these tips can be used for other sounds as well. If you come up with something cool or have some tips of your own let me know.
Looking for a great sounding rack mount Spring Reverb? Then take a look/listen to theDSR-3 Dual Spring Reverb from Vermona. The DSR-3 is based on the highly acclaimedAccutronics Reverband is actually their fourth reverb. The other three are the RetubeVerb which is valve based;
"The DSR-3 - dual spring reverb - is a professional spring reverberation unit for use with stereophonic sound sources. Besides this function, the unit offers additional parallel and serial operational modes for advanced and creative applications....."
The DSR-3 has very flexible routing and a D.I. (instrument) input. The reverb can be turned off if needed with the effect stop switch but still retain the tone/color of the unit.
FEATURES:
STEREO for the use with stereophonic sound sources. For perfect channel matching, the first SPRING REVERB channel's physical controls are used to define both channels settings.
DUAL MONO for use with two independent sound sources. Each DSR–3 channel works as an independent unit.
SERIAL for experimental reverberation effects. Here, the first SPRING REVERB channel is fed into the second channel. This allows creation of long lasting reverberation tails.
Balanced and Unbalanced I/O
Bass and Treble controls
Hand matched high quality Accubell reverberation springs
D.I. Input
SPECIFICATIONS:
max. input sensitivity: -14 dBu
max. input level: +20 dBu
output impedance
TS front: 1 MΩ
TS rear: 100 kΩ
XLR: 10 kΩ
max. output level: +20 dBu
output impedance: 600 Ω
signal-to-noice XLR
direct: 90 dB
effect: 65 dB
EQ
bass: 40 Hz / ±13 dB
treble: 7 kHz / ±22 dB
There's a review on bonedo.de. It's in German but you can read the the English Translationhere. There is an audio example on the right side of the page that gives you an idea of the DSR-3 sound.
The DSR-3 will be available in October 2013.Price TBA.
Overtone DSPhas added 2 new API 500 series format modules to their list of plugins. The DYN500 compressor and EQ500 equalizer. The plugins are installed by simply dragging them to the Components folder and there were no issues with Logic Pro recognizing and validating them. I tried both plugins on a project and it was very easy to dial in a good sound with them. They can be used separately but really shine when used together.
"The DYN500 is an 'API 500 format module' software plugin. It functions as a compressor with a valve overdrive characteristic when over-driven, similar to analogue 'tape saturation'. It is intended to be used with the EQ500 Channel EQ to form a complete channel strip dynamics and EQ processing solution for Digital Audio Workstations."
Features:
● Audio Unit (AU) for Mac OS X v. 10.5 or later. ● Soft Knee compression characteristic, ensures gentle onset of compression at the threshold. ● Vintage overdrive stage adds extra 'tape saturation' or tube overdrive 'warmth' to the sound when driven at high levels. ● Physical Control Weighting replicates the feel of high quality rotary controls, also improving accuracy for small control changes.
The EQ500 Parametric Channel EQ is a three band 'API 500 Module' format software plugin. The EQ features adjustable low and high frequency shelves and an adjustable mid frequency parametric. It is intended to provide a complete channel processing solution when used with the DYN500 Channel Dynamics plugin.
Features:
● Audio Unit (AU) plugin for Mac OS X v. 10.5 or later. ● Adjustable high and low frequency shelves and mid-range parametric. ● Analogue Filter Modelling replicates a natural sounding analogue filter response without requiring CPU intensive upsampling. ● Physical Control Weighting replicates the feel of high quality rotary controls, also improving accuracy for small control changes.
"Both plugins are capable of mono or stereo operation and are designed to provide professional console grade processing while being economical with CPU and system resources. Purchasing the plugins as a bundle provides an attractive saving compared to purchasing both separately. "
Radial Engineeringmakes great, solidly built and sometimes unique gear. Their lineup consists of DIs, Splitters, Interfaces, Effects and even Re-amping. One of their latest offerings is the 4 channel Mic selector known as the Gold Digger. It allows you to instantly compare up to four different microphones
or D.I.s with the same Preamp. This can come in very handy when trying to find the right mic for a vocalist, instrument or drum kit.
"The Gold Digger is a 4-channel mic selector that enables the engineer to quickly compare the sound of four different microphones while sharing the same preamp. A 'straight wire' passive circuit design is void of any audio buffers or transformers. Instead, the Gold Digger employs military grade gold contact relays to manage the switching process, thus ensuring the pristine mic signal is maintained without introducing color, distortion or artefact of any kind.
Features include four rear-mounted XLR-F mic inputs plus an XLR-m output to feed the preamp. To eliminate bleed between microphones, each channel is equipped with a 'radio style' selector switch that ensures only one mic is on at a time. The external supply provides power for the LED indicators, charges the relays and enables the Gold Digger to generate 48 volt phantom which can be turned on or off for each mic as needed. To ensure an 'honest' comparison between microphones, individual 'set & forget' trim controls let you adjust each mic level so that they produce the same relative output. Once set up, the Gold Digger not only improves workflow, but also gives the artist more confidence with the sound of the vocal, resulting in a better overall performance."
FEATURES:
Four selectable inputs with trim adjusts
Straight wire distortion-free signal path
Will not introduce color or artifact
Increases artist's confidence when recording (due to obtaining a better sound much faster)
The Radial Cherry Picker allows you to audition one Mic with up to four different preamps. Using it in conjuction with the Gold Digger you can try multiple Mic chains at the press of a switch. It can also be used for instant comparison of outboard gear when recording or mixing.
"The Radial Cherry Picker is a unique tool designed to improve efficiency and workflow in the studio by simplifying the process of matching the best preamp with a microphone for a given track. This is most often done when recording vocals. This improves the sonic character of the track and provides the vocalist with a more comfortable sound, which in turn allows for a better performance.
Four front panel 'radio style' selector switches select the active preamp while automatically disconnecting the mic from the others. Completely passive and 100% discrete, the Cherry Picker features a 'straight wire' signal path. There is no active circuitry whatsoever in between the mic signal and the preamp. The audio signal switching is performed by a series of military-grade gold contact sealed relays for zero coloration and distortion to ensure a fair and honest comparison between preamps.
The rear panel is equipped with a balanced XLR input for the microphone and four balanced XLR outputs to feed the various preamps. When using a studio condenser, the Cherry Picker internally generates 48V phantom power so that switching between preamps will not disrupt the phantom power going to the microphone. This could otherwise cause severe popping in the audio system and headphones. Separate ground lift switches for each output help reduce noise by eliminating ground loops plus a handy mute switch turns all outputs off, enabling the engineer to leave the preamp settings untouched when testing out other mics."
FEATURES:
Select the best mic & preamp combination
Passive 'straight wire' color-free signal path
Built-in 48V phantom power for condenser mics
Improve the workflow efficiency in your studio
James from Protools Expert did a quick video showing Radial's Gold Digger being used with a Cherry Picker to record a vocalist:
Western Dynamois a company with a design approach based on years of experience in the audio industry as Engineers, Studio Techs and consultants. Their first product is the 500 Series 19-09 Optical Compressor.
"The 500 Series 19-09 Optical Compressor is like nothing you've ever heard.... it's been designed from the ground up to deliver a unique sonic signature and incredible mid-range detail and control...... The 19-09's Compress control allows the engineer to easily dial in gain reduction from 2 to 30 decibels, with automatic ratio detection ranging from 0.5:1 to 30:1 (ALL IN)."
FEATURES:
Class-A, Fully Discrete Audio Path
True Hardware Bypass
Floating Transformer Balanced I/O
Twin Push-Pull Optos for Automatic Ratio Control & up to 30db of Gain Reduction
Butterworth High Pass Sidechain Filter
Strobing GR Meter for Precise Visual Feedback
Single-Knob Comp/Ratio Operation
20db Makeup Gain
Here's a video of a pair of 19-09s being used on drums. It gives you an idea of the sonic capabilities and shows the versatility of the unit which I'm sure would be just as adept with bass, guitar, vocals etc.
I've been hearing/reading good things about the Audient iD22. It's described as a USB DAW recording interface but seems to offer much more:
"iD22 provides two classic audient microphone preamplifiers, ALL NEW pristine AD/DA convertors that have been designed to deliver impeccable detail and impressive depth during both tracking & mixing. iD22 is expandable via ADAT i/o - perfect for partnering with an ASP008 for 10-ch recording [total 10-in, 12-out + headphones]. Our console-style monitor controller functionality and USB2.0 connectivity complete the ergonomic desktop package."
Not only does the iD22 provide 2 top notch mic pres and 6 AD/DA converters but it can also be used as a monitor controller with the ability to control 2 sets of speakers.
Features:
2-in, 6-out high performance 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters
CalDigit's Thunderbolt™Stationwill make the perfect accessory for my portable studio. At first glance it's small size is hardly indicative of its capabilities.
It provides a multitude of connections for a Thunderbolt equipped computer.
At a reasonable price of $199. I added my name to the waiting list and will let everyone
know as soon as its available.
Zivix announced thePUCwhich is a WIFI interface for IOS devices. It is also compatible with standard Macs and some PCs.
"The PUC is a wireless MIDI interface designed specifically for iOS devices. The PUC allows you to wirelessly connect any MIDI device (keyboard, DJ controller, drum pad, floor pedal controllers, etc.) directly to your iPad. PUC can also work with any platform that supports a MIDI connection over WiFi.
The PUC communicates directly to the iPad via WiFi directly as a device, no "host" WiFi network is necessary. PUC uses an open standard for CoreMIDI over WiFi. Once your legacy MIDI signals are translated into CoreMIDI by the PUC, any CoreMIDI compatible app can recognize it."
Here's a video overview:
Features:
Wirelessly connects to iOS devices, connecting your controller using a 5-pin DIN cable
Pocket-sized rugged design allows for easy portability
Micro USB port can power the PUC while in use, or two AA batteries can power PUC
Blue Cat Audio has released v 2.0 of their Multiband MB-7 Mixer plugin. It has "the ability to host up to 4 VST plug-ins per band and sports a brand new modular user interface, with lots of new features and enhancements: a spectrogram display, a new presets manager, multiple display sizes, new MIDI and automation mapping capabilities, andmuch more..." Take a look at this show and tell video by Russ Hughes at Protools Expert.Plus there's an exclusive 30% off deal.
Features:
Multiband mixing console: adjust the levels, panning and "stereoness" of each band separately.
Multiband VST Host: insert third party VST plug-ins and process each band independently.
Pre and post fader VST plug-in inserts, with full latency compensation.
Up to 7 bands, with crossover filters from 6 to 96 dB/Oct for optimal separation.
Multiple instances linking: group bands within a single instance or between multiple instances of the plug-in. Modify the spectrum on multiple tracks with a single slider.
Bypass, mute, solo on every band.
Mono switch on master for mono compatibility check.
Dual Mode: independent left and right or mid and side channels control.
Complete visual feedback with real time response curves, spectrogram, and levels display for each band.
Side chaining made easy: a unique way to perform multi-band side chain compression, ducking, gating and much more.
Fully customizable modular user interface, with multiple sizes.
Full MIDI control and automation support with silent, zipper-free parameters update, advanced response control and MIDI Learn.
No CPU load on idle: when the plug-in is fed with silence, the processing smoothly shuts down, to optimize the CPU usage of your Digital Audio Workstation.
Skinnable and customizable user interface with transparency management.
Automation and MIDI output: record output parameters as automation curves or send MIDI CC messages to other plug-ins for powerful side chain effects.
Smooth Bypass: activate/deactivate the plug-in with absolutely no noise.
For all those hesitating to purchase Logic X for fear of losing access to some of their favorite plugins, there is hope.
Sound Radixhas announced an open beta of their new 32 to 64 bit adapter for Logic Pro X called32 Lives.
"32 Lives is a new application, capable of generating a 64-bit Audio Units versions of your loved and hard-earned 32-bit legacy plug-ins, helping you to cross-over to the new Logic Pro X smoothly and transparently. Older Logic Pro sessions will completely load into Logic Pro X, including all parameters and automation. No special re-wring or routing is required. All your 32-bit only plug-ins will again re-appear in the plug-ins menu as they always were."
Features
Creates 64-bit adapter plugins for your 32-bit only Audio Units plug-ins
Transparently loads your legacy TC PowerCore, Abbey Road, URS and other plugins into Logic Pro X and other 64-bit Audio Units compatible DAW’s.
Fully compatible with older sessions, loads all presets, parameters and automation
Ultra-low latency
Includes a 32-bit plug-ins manager for easy plugins conversion
Focalwho is known for high end studio monitors has announced the imminent launch of their Spirit Professional Headphones ($349 at select dealers).
"The Spirit Professional headphones benefit from
Focal’s years of expertise. Focal has been designing
and manufacturing speaker drivers and loudspeakers
since 1979. These headphones have been designed for
sound engineers and musicians. The neutrality of the
sound combined with the dynamics of the transducers
will enable you to work with great precision. The
memory foam ear cups provide excellent insulation and
outstanding comfort.""The highly accurate reproduction of bass frequencies will reveal the smallest defects in the mix, while avoiding acoustic constraints of the workspace. Spirit Professional offers excellent acoustic insulation to address the constraints of the often noisy environments specific to Broadcasting and Home Studios."
Features:
2 x matched 40mm transducers featuring mylar/ titanium composite membranes and neodymium magnet
Closed-back design
Memory foam ear cups and headband
Two cables are supplied with the Spirit Professional
headphones:
A coiled cable providing extremely faithful reproduction of the audio signal and optimal performance. We recommend using this cable.
A straight cable with built-in remote control. This enables you to use your headphones in hands-free
mode with your telephone or other devices equipped
with remote-control functions compatible with this
remote control.
Acclaimed plugin manufacturer McDSP has added 3 new plugins to their list of plugins. I'm sure the plugins exhibit the high sonic quality and versatility that McDSP is known for.
The 6020 Equalizer is like having 10 world class Eqs in one.
6020 Features:
Unique variations of every-day classics and hard-to-find boutique gear
The AE400 is a 4 band Active Equalizer with "A key filter for each band that allows the active gain response to be as selective or broad as needed, based on the Q (bandwidth) control. Each band can use the input signal or selected side chain signal to trigger the active EQ response."
AE400 Features:
Four fully overlapping fixed and active EQ bands
Independent control over all active EQ parameters per band
Unique active EQ ratio response control
Side chain support
Double Precision Processing
Ultra Low Latency
Mono and Stereo versions
Here's another video by Russ of the AE400:
The SPC2000 Compressor (which is based on their classic CompressorBank) is a serial/parallel compressor that can be configured as 2,3 or 4 way compressor.
"Common controls such as Output (make-up gain), Threshold, Compression (Ratio), Attack, and Release are provided as well as non-standard Knee and Bite controls which allow the articulation of compression characteristics in unique and exciting ways. Multiple peak detection circuit types provide flexibility previously achieved only by owning different compression units."
SPC2000 Features:
Multiple parallel and serial compression combinations
Compression curve modeling
Multiple peak detection circuits
Multi-compressor control linking
Analog Saturation Modeling
Double precision processing
Ultra Low Latency
These plugins are currently only available in Avid's AAX format. Hopefully they will add other formats soon as they would be great assets to users of other DAWs besides Protools.
One of the great new features in Logic Pro X is the Drummer. Here's a quick tutorial by Anthony Finfrock on converting the standard rock kits into custom kits of your own sounds.
The OZ Passive Equalizer from HandCrafted Labs should be available any day now and I think will become popular with mixing and mastering engineers alike.
It is based on the Pultec design but has added features such as extended frequency bands and stepped controls which makes for quick and easy recalls. It can also be ordered with dual output transformers and is equipped with an outboard power supply to reduce noise and hum. Note also the the ground lift switch on each output and separate split output connectors on the rear panel.
FEATURES:
- all stepped controls
- pure tube singal path with tiodes, A class
- big octal outstanding soviet military tubes
- powerful customwound input/output transformers
- excellent Cinemag inductors
- point-to-point internal wiring on metal chassis, with no PCB in signal path
- outboard PSU, to supress all noises and hums
- dual transformer balanced outputs on demand
SPECIFICATIONS:
Input/Output level,balanced
+23dBu
Gain
up to 15dB
Noise Floor
>87dB
Input Impendance Output Impendance
10K can drive load=0,5к
Frequency response,(+/-1,0dB)
30Hz-20Khz
THD %
< 0,23%@+23dBu
Mains
230/120V,50-60Hz, 60WA
Price TBA. For all inquiries/purchase requests etc. go here
