Neo Reference – new tool for processing digital music

June 5, 2012 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on Neo Reference – new tool for processing digital music 

Neo Reference is a new tool for the final processing of digital music.

Neo Reference uses different algorithms to emulate the Signal to Noise Ratio, Stereo Crosstalk and Frequency Response Curve of the several most commonly used playback devices, including HIFI devices, Computer Audio, Car Audio, Mobile Phones and MP3 players.

Features:

  • Internal 64-bit floating point precision
  • 4 Types of Dithering with depth control
  • 15 Sound Magic’s cutting edge noise shaping algorithms
  • Accurate modeling on Signal to Noise Ratio, Stereo Crosstalk and Frequency Respond Curve of common used playback devices
  • Can be combined use with Headphone Mix Version 3.0 for complete playback system emulation

Neo Reference is available as a Windows VST or Add-on for Supreme Piano 2 for €49.00. See the Supreme Piano site for details and demos.

Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 – Extended Video Review

June 4, 2012 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on Universal Audio UAD Ampex ATR-102 – Extended Video Review 

Russ gets his hands on the UAD Ampex ATR-102 tape emulation and puts it through its paces in this extended video. He takes a novel approach and looks at the effect it can have on different instruments rather than just as a mix-buss process. Find out more and get top Pro Tools and recording tips and tricks at http://www.pro-tools-expert.com

Background data:

It’s Not a Record Until it’s Mastered on an Ampex® Tape Machine.

For more than three decades, the two-channel Ampex ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder has turned music recordings into records. With its cohesive sound, punch, and ability to provide subtle-to-deep tape saturation and color, the ATR-102 is a fixture in major recording and mastering studios — and is considered by many engineers to be the best-sounding tape machine for final mixdown. The perfect complement to the workhorse Studer A800 Multichannel Tape Recorder, the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plug-in for UAD-2 can provide the final “analog polish” on your music, turning songs into albums.

Features

  • Ampex®-authenticated plug-in emulation of the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder — the most popular professional 2-track machine ever made
  • Provides rich, cohesive tape sound, without the hassles of calibration, maintenance, tape degradation, etc.
  • Models entire ATR-102 electronic path, including transformers, amplifiers, Repro, Sync, and Input paths
  • Features multiple tape formulas, head configurations, and calibration levels
  • Adjustable Wow, Flutter, Hiss, Hum, Crosstalk, and (L/R) Tape Delay
  • Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card available from authorized dealers worldwide
  • View All Features

Impeccably modeled in the renowned UAD engineering tradition — and incorporating presets from noted ATR-102 users Chuck Ainlay, Richard Dodd, Buddy Miller, Mike Poole, and more — the ATR-102 Mastering Tape Recorder plug-in emulation for UAD-2 faithfully replicates the unique dynamics, frequency response, and saturation characteristics of the original hardware. Scrutinized and fully authenticated by the Ampex Corporation, the sound of the ATR-102 plug-in for UAD-2 is virtually indistinguishable from its analog cousin.

History
Introduced in 1976, the Ampex ATR-102 2-Track Tape Recorder was a near-instant hit, thanks to its revolutionary servo-controlled reel motors and capstan, which provided smooth, continuous tape tension and handling. The large capstan, and absence of pinch rollers, provided nearly non-existent speed drift and ultra-low flutter. The clever ATR-102 design allowed users to change out heads and guides in mere minutes, with a 1″ head being a very popular “hot-rod” modification in more recent years — especially when running at 15 IPS (inches per second). The ATR’s role in modern recording history is so prevalent, that it would be easier to list classic albums that weren’t mixed down on this machine, rather than to try to list all those that were.

More info here >>

All new – SLVR Spreader

May 17, 2012 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on All new – SLVR Spreader 

SLVR Spreader is a state-of-the-art stereo widener suitable for mixing and mastering. It combines different stereo imaging technologies, letting you apply ample amounts of widening without weakening the overall sound. Use it on individual tracks like vocals, on group tracks like drums, and all the way to the final master.

Widening without Weakening

Most stereo wideners work by increasing the level of the side signal against the mid or center signal (often referred to as mid-side imaging). This results in a wider sound but it also weakens everything in the center section (e.g. Bass, Kick, Vocals, Snare). The problem is that you can’t just bring up the center level, as that will simply cancel out the widening, which brings you back to square one.

With SLVR Spreader, you can apply as much widening as you want, as it lets you bring back important center signals lost in the widening. It does this by carefully screening out which parts of the center are being widened and protecting those signals. It also splits the center into 3 bands so that you can restore only the affected frequencies.

Three Powerful Modes

Wide mode uses a mid-side algorithm for widening the signal. This is suitable for stereo recordings, group tracks, and mastering.

Delay mode spreads the signal’s frequencies across the stereo image and applies minute amounts of delay to emphasize the stereo effect. This can be used to fatten ambient sounds like vocals and pads.

Shuffle mode interleaves the signal’s frequencies and spreads them across the stereo image. While the stereo effect is less pronounced in this mode, it can help the signal cut-through a busy mix without introducing artifacts or phase issues.

3 Channel Meters

SLVR Spreader has separate meters for Left, Center, and Right channels, allowing you to apply just the right amount of widening to the signal. For best results, increase the Spread fader until the Center peak is at the same level as or just above the Left and Right peaks.

Get it here >>

Plugin Alliance introduces Brainworx bx_saturator

May 1, 2012 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on Plugin Alliance introduces Brainworx bx_saturator 


Brainworx’ new bx_saturator is an M/S and multi-band saturation tool that can be used for mastering, mixing, and sound design applications.

“Recording and mixing instruments and vocals using the Mid-Side (M/S) technique is one of the secret weapons that professional audio engineers and producers use when they want to capture a performance in a way described by most listeners as, ‘Natural-sounding,’ ‘Wide,’ and ‘Big.’ Moreover, M/S recordings produce a very mono-compatible sound, and, although bx_saturator brings a mono/multi-mono version of the plug-in to the musical mix, the stereo M/S version of bx_saturator is considered by Brainworx to be the definitive plug-in for thickening or boosting any stereo signal or mix in a more discrete way than ever before.”

As with all other Brainworx bx_ prefixed plug-ins, bx_saturator users can record Mid and Side tracks individually to retain total control over the stereo information until the final stage of production; as implied by name, Brainworx says that it offers a subtle, warm distortion — or saturation — that works wonders on individual audio signals, yet can also be applied to the stereo master channel in the M/S stereo model, while Brainworx’s new ‘True-Split’ crossover technology ensures that Mid and Side channels are always perfectly in phase.

Brainworx tells us that this new plug-in’s creative use knows no bounds: increasing the perceived volume of mixes without them clipping, or bringing delicate signals like acoustic guitars and percussion to the fore in full mixes without increasing their actual level or EQ’ing them in harsh, offensive ways; distorting vocals in full mixes without sacrificing drum-track punchiness or stereo guitar and keyboard clarity, for instance. They say that independently fattening — or even slightly distorting — Mid and Side signals separately for high and low frequencies should serve up a tasty selection of imaginative and inspirational sounds in next to no time… technical excellence for the creative musician and engineer, indeed (And for those needing a helping hand to get them started straight away, bx_saturator handily comes complete with 30 cool presets.)

Pricing and Availability:
Available in 64- and 32-bit versions, Brainworx’s bx_ saturator plug-in can be purchased and downloaded (in all Mac OS X and Windows formats — VST 2.4, VST 2.3, RTAS, AU, AAX) for an introductory price of $179.00 USD (rising to $229.00 USD).
(Note: Plugin Alliance is offering a 30% off list price deal for all bx_ALL 2012 Bundle owners, saving them $69.00 USD — equalling an additional $19.00 USD saving over and above the introductory offer)

More information:

Fraunhofer IIS Previews Pro Tools Plug-in From Sonnox For “Mastered For iTunes”

April 18, 2012 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on Fraunhofer IIS Previews Pro Tools Plug-in From Sonnox For “Mastered For iTunes” 

Sonnox and Fraunhofer IIS have announced a new version 2 of the Sonnox Fraunhofer Pro-Codec Plug-in that will come with iTunes Plus codec and multi-channel support. At NAB 2012 in Las Vegas, Fraunhofer IIS is showing a preview of the new version of the  Sonnox Fraunhofer Pro-Codec Plug-in.

For the first time, the plug-in enables mastering engineers to use the iTunes Plus codec for real-time auditioning of their mix. This makes the plug-in a tool to mix directly for the “Mastered for iTunes” program, including clipping detection and the possibility for real-time corrections while mixing. For this new functionality, Sonnox has added the Apple versions of the AAC and HE-AAC codecs to the plug-in so that the exact clipping behaviour of the iTunes encoding chain may be monitored.

In addition, Sonnox and Fraunhofer have integrated the latest surround audio codecs MPEG Surround, AAC multi-channel, and HE-AAC multi-channel. These codecs provide improved audio quality for surround music and are used in surround broadcasting and streaming. Of course, the Sonnox Fraunhofer Pro-Codec still includes Fraunhofer implementations of all major MPEG audio codecs, including mp3, AAC, and HE-AAC as well as lossless codecs such as mp3HD and HD-AAC. This makes the Pro-Codec the most powerful codec plug-in available for digital audio workstations.

The upgrade will be available in July for free for all current users of the Sonnox Fraunhofer Pro-Codec.

Ableton Live Tutorial – Better Sound with Hi-Quality EQ8

February 22, 2012 · Posted in Uncategorized · 1 Comment 

More info – http://bit.ly/w4n2mS
In our new Ableton Live video tutorial series, “Did You Know?”, Ableton Certified Trainer, Dubspot Instructor, and electronic musician Thavius Beck checks out less explored and slightly hidden features in Live. In this newest installment of Did You Know?, Thavius explains and demonstrates an often overlooked an even more often misunderstood feature; Hi-Quality mode on the EQ8.

The EQ8 has a Hi-Quality setting that is not enabled by default. We are able to find the Hi-Quality setting by right-clicking on the EQ8’s title bar and selecting “Hi-Quality” from the contextual menu that appears. Once that has been done, the EQ8 will be in Hi-Quality mode, but what exactly does that mean?

This is a question that took me quite a bit of investigation to find the answer to, and one that requires more explanation than I intended for these particular videos, but this series is all about sharing esoteric knowledge (as it relates to Live of course) so that is what I will do right now.

When Hi-Quality mode is enabled on the EQ8, the audio being fed into the EQ is oversampled by a factor of 2 (meaning the sample rate of the audio is doubled. If your session’s sample rate is 44.1kHz, enabling Hi-Quality will make the audio being fed into the EQ8 88.2kHz). Then the EQ changes are calculated at the doubled sample rate, and finally the audio as it leaves the EQ is undersampled by a factor of 2, or basically brought back to it’s original sample rate.

Why does this happen? It all has something to do with what is referred to as the Nyquist Point. The Nyquist Point is one half of your sample rate, so if your session’s sample rate is 44.1kHz, the Nyquist Point will be 22.05kHz, which is right at the upper limit of human hearing, and just beyond the furthest right edge of our EQ8’s GUI. Any audio that produces a frequency higher than the Nyquist Point cannot be accurately reproduced digitally and will have aliasing or digital distortion as a result.

Because of this, the EQ8’s frequency range was initially limited to 22kHz on the high end (when working on a session with a 44.1kHz sample rate). If your EQ is in normal mode (not Hi-Quality), and you create a notch on the 4th EQ point (reduce the gain all the way on the 4th point), start to increase the Frequency on that 4th point. You’ll notice that as you get closer to the Nyquist Point (22kHz when working with a 44.1kHz sample rate), the curve of the EQ gets squashed so that the curve doesn’t extend beyond 22kHz. Now, enable Hi-Quality mode and try the same thing. Notice how the EQ curve remains intact no matter how close you get to the Nyquist point.

So what does this mean in terms of practical application? Well, it means that you will probably only notice the effect of the Hi-Quality EQ8 if you’re working on a session with a 44.1kHz sample rate, and the improvement will really only be noticeable on the higher frequency sounds effected by the Hi-Quality EQ8. As for specific instances for when you’d want to use the Hi-Quality setting and not, I think that is really for the individual to research a bit further, do a few A/B comparisons, and decide for themselves.

As I was doing my research for this post, I searched a few forums to help me gather the info I needed, and I also reached out directly to the Ableton HQ. Here is a very helpful and informative series of posts from the Ableton forums.

And below is the explanation for the Hi-Quality setting directly from Matt Jackson at Ableton HQ:

“The main difference is that the entire signal is oversampled in high quality mode. Actually the slope isn’t changed.

To get technical, in normal mode with a project sampling rate of 44.1kHZ, you have a nyquist frequency of around 22kHZ, the limit of the EQ. Because – in the design process – the filter is derived from an analog prototype, which has no such a limit, all frequencies (and up to infinity) must be matched to the available frequency range of the digital filter, resulting in the squashed slope near nyquist frequency.

If you look at the EQ in normal mode, you’ll see the filter slopes warp as they get very close to the 22kHZ mark. If you change your project sampling rate to 88.2 or higher, you’ll see that this warping no longer happens.

This is because the nyquist frequency is now much higher than 22kHZ.
The same thing happens when you turn on high quality mode when working at 44.1kHZ. Then Live over samples just the EQ so that the filter gives the correct response all the way to the end. (There is no change in the bottom.)”

Ableton Live – Master FX

February 21, 2012 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on Ableton Live – Master FX 

This weeks free Ableton Live rack from AfroDJMac:

This is an effects rack I use on my master channels in Ableton Live. Very useful and practical!
Free Download @http://bit.ly/freesynth46

Every week I release a Free Ableton Live Pack! @ http://www.afrodjmac.com

LinComp – Nice new linear phase multiband mastering compressor

November 14, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on LinComp – Nice new linear phase multiband mastering compressor 

DDMF has released LinComp, a new linear phase multiband mastering compressor plug-in for 32- and 64-bit Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU effect plug-in formats. It costs $29.

LinComp is a linear phase multiband compressor, a tool that belongs in every mastering chain. Multiband compression allows you to take care of the levels and response times of four frequency bands independently, and the linear phase crossover guarantee that all this happens with no damage done to the audio whatsoever.

Independent threshold, attack, release, ratio and gain controls as well as master faders for simultaneous control let you sculpt the dynamics of your tracks in any way imaginable. Select the compression type by switching between hard and soft knee, use LinComp as a brickwall limiter with the built-in clipping function, and do A/B tests to find out the optimal setting.

More info here >>

Dangerous Liaison

September 8, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on Dangerous Liaison 

Dangerous Music is now shipping the Dangerous Liaison which they say increases studio flexibility by providing unprecedented access to your outboard equipment by allowing you to connect up to six of your favourite units to the Liaison (more if you daisy chain, leverage a patchbay or add a Dangerous Master).

You can change the order, dial in some parallel processing and then store these customized signal paths as presets to use again, on demand, anytime. True hard-wire bypass relays remove the gear entirely from the signal path, including outboard that lacks an integrated bypass or true hard-wire bypass. Dangerous Music tell us that mastering grade components switch instantly and silently, providing true A/B comparisons without coloration or latency and that pre- and post-processing monitor outputs make it simple to audition between the original source and the treated product.

The A and B busses can be utilized as completely discrete paths or they may be linked together in a series. For example, if your favourite BAX EQ is connected to loop#1 and a limiter is connected to loop#5, selecting 5 from Buss A and 1 from Buss B places the limiter before the EQ.

Parallel Processing allows the original and effected signals to be blended independently. For example, says Dangerous Music, you can crush the drums with heavy compression for tight, explosive impact, while mixing in the original to retain transients and dynamics.

Features

  • 6 Stereo Insert Loops, Assignable to 2 Stereo Busses
  • Flexible and Potent Parallel Processing Loop
  • Route, Switch, Matrix, Flip & Audition Instantly
  • Recall any Tracking, Mixing or Mastering Configuration
  • Seamlessly Integrates with Dangerous Master

Application Examples

  • Tracking: craft recallable patches for your vocal, guitar, kick drum and other instrument recording chains. Your favourite mic pre – compressor – EQ paths available at the touch of a button.
  • Mixing: store and recall your custom mix buss processing chain on Buss A, and your killer parallel compression drum path on Buss B.
  • Mastering: Instantly audition the possibilities -EQ before compression? Or compression before EQ? Which limiter sounds best at the end of the chain? What EQ do I want to use in my M/S loop? Store different routings for different musical styles and save time setting up a session.

Pricing and Availability:

Dangerous Music began shipping the new Dangerous Liaison in August 2011. Retail prices are £1725/1950€.

More information:

Get to know the Vengeance Mastering Suite

June 27, 2011 · Posted in Uncategorized · Comments Off on Get to know the Vengeance Mastering Suite 

Product Video for the new VST plugin by Vengeance-Sound.com: “Vengeance Mastering Suite – Stereo Bundle”. This video shows a quick overview of some of the features.

This collection of high quality stereo processors will change the way you work: Explore new, unexpected deepnes in your productions! The perfect mastering solution for every contemporary producer. But hey, these plugins can do much more for you: beside mastering tasks you can create stereo material out of mono material: Just apply it to vocals, basslines, guitars and synths etc… and make it slamming right into your face!

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