PC and Music News

Magneto Audio Labs releases the VariOhm which provides the best match between the microphone and mic preamp and enhance audio quality and offer tone choices.

The VariOhm is connected between the microphone and the microphone preamp, either the built—in preamp of a mixer or an external mic pre may be used. The concept behind VariOhm is that impedances of microphones and preamps vary considerably. The resulting impedance relationship is a key factor in determining the sound and tonal characteristics of the audio. The central element VariOhm uses are custom built transformers. These impart much sought after audio characteristics associated with great analog sound. The optimum match is created by inserting the VariOhm between your mic and preamp. The desired settings are easily found by using the impedance control knob and by auditioning with the bypass switch. Different settings for different tone colors and bite are available to fit different applications. VariOhm may be used with all types of microphones; dynamic, FET, Tube condenser or ribbon. Users will find that every microphone and preamp combination reacts differently and the optimum settings will vary.

Togu Audio Line has updated its free virtual synth TAL-NoiseMaker to version 2.00.

What's New :

• Graphical envelope editor with several destinations (Filter, Osc2, Osc2, Osc • 1&2, FM, Ringmod, Volume).
• New resizable tab UI.
• Vintage noise control.
• Osc waveforms as ComboBoxes.
• Full compatibility with existing presets of version 1.x.
• Other bugfixes.

Free 32- and 64-bit versions are available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU instrument plug-in formats.

Overloud SpringAge is a spring reverb simulation based on a mixed convolution and algorithmic technology.

With SpringAge unique simulation engine, you can start from the original tone of the spring and creatively modify it by changing any characteristic of its response. You have the flexibility of an algorithmic reverb with the fidelity of a convolution-based reverb.

SpringAge offers three top-quality spring models :

• AQTX is the most classic spring, which takes the best out of your guitar and vocal tracks
• S201 is perfect for any keyboard, synth and lead instrument
• ANGEL really rocks out your tracks

Key Features :

• Drive control let's you push into saturation the tube stage which drives the spring
• Full control over any characteristic of the spring tone
• Boingy knob controls the amount of the typical "boingg..." spring response to transients
• Two band multifunction fully parametric EQ for perfectly shape the spring tone
• Stereo mixing matrix of dry and wet is able to create any stereo panorama
• Ultra low CPU usage

SpringAge is available as a plug-in in VST, RTAS and AU formats for Mac OS X 10.5 or higher and Windows XP or higher. Both 32-bit and 64-bit versions are natively available. It has a list price of €79 (+VAT) but is available for the introductory price of €63 (+VAT) until October 11th, 2010.

Vengeance will be adding a Multiband Compressor to their line of plug-ins. The Mastering Suite will be the third plug-in next to Metrum: Kick Synthesizer VSTi and Vengeance Producer Suite: Multiband Sidechain plug-in.

Features :

• VST / PC & Intel Mac VST / AU - runs in all compatible hosts
• you can choose between 1 band, 2, 3 or 4 band mode
• high quality filter models, from 6db to 96db - without any phasing issues!
• up to 4 independent compressors (one per selected band)
• hard-/softknee mode, optional autogain, optional autorelease for every compressor
• graphical Ratio/Treshold curve display
• up to 4 limiters (one for each band) + 1 mastering limiter (sum), also with autorelease
• New York Compression: MIX knob, to bring back some original dynamic!
• live waveform scopes for every channel
• realtime FFT analyzer (in-/output overlay to compare dry and wet signals)
• unique new feature: the "DPC" (dynamic pattern compressor)
• anti distortion filters for ultra-short releasetimes
• many cool presets included: ranging from complete masterings to special fx
• all parameters are automatable (host)
• Copy Protection: elicenser USB Dongle required

Priced at €149, the new Mastering Suite will be available soon for Windows and Mac in AU and VST plug-in formats.

Twisted Tools have released Buffeater, a real-time, dynamically ordered, granular multi-effect for all versions of Reaktor 5.

The effect works by capturing live audio and storing it in a temporary buffer, which allows for real-time processing of the incoming audio using granular synthesis and other methods. In plain terms, Buffeater allows you take live audio and tweak elements of the sound such as time and pitch, while controlling the signal flow of the effects by the order in which you play. With Buffeater, you can easily achieve stutters, glitch, beat repeat/juggling and/or chopped and screwed effects.

Included FX :

• Stretch: A granular time and pitch stretching effect. You can use this effect to slow down (stretch) your audio and even freeze it, while still maintaining control over the audio's pitch.
• Tape: A varispeed type effect that allows you to slow down/speed up effect while also altering its pitch. This is similar to the effect you get when speeding up or slowing down a tape.
• Slice Repeat: Allows you to repeat fragments of incoming audio and even re-order them on the fly. You can also adjust the speed and direction of the playback of the slices.
• Deconstruct: Takes slices of incoming audio and randomly rearranges them in time and can also reverse them. This effect is similar to Slice Repeat, except that it is more random and also features a 'slide' setting that causes audio to glide between slices.
• Scratch: Classic turntable style scratch effects, similar to what a DJ does with vinyl or cdj's. This allows you to play with time rhythmically with results that sound like 'scratching'.
• Feed Grains: Feed Grains is a granular feedback effect, that is great for creating spatial effects similar to reverb and also to create similar effects to ring modulation. This is a unique effect. Try it and experiment.

Price: $49

Blue Microphones announces the availability the en•CORE 100i, a versatile dynamic live microphone specifically designed to capture instrumental sounds.

"With the en•CORE 100i, we have taken our stage vocal mic technology and tailored it to instrument applications," said John Maier, CEO of Blue Microphones.

The en•CORE 100i is built around Blue's proprietary studio-grade dynamic capsule, the same technology used in the en•CORE 100 dynamic vocal microphone, but is created with a wider and flatter frequency response to capture a variety of instrumental sounds and a tighter polar pattern to reduce off-axis noise. The en•CORE 100i houses a custom-designed diaphragm and coil windings that are matched to a tuned acoustic circuit and custom-built transformer for low noise and smooth transients. These purposefully coordinated components provide an accurate and consistent sound even at high volume levels on stage.

Small side vents add to the look of the en•CORE 100i while reducing resonances inside the capsule chamber and aiding in low frequency response With a smaller grille for easy placement in tight spaces, the 100i shares the same road-worthy build as the en•CORE 100 and 200, with a reinforced guard ring to protect the capsule, heavy cast zinc barrel for incredible strength, and electroplated and hardened paint finishes for scratch resistance.

Pricing : $89