The free VSTShell host software has been updated to version 3.76.
An introduction to VSTShell v.3.76, showing the new arpeggiator features etc.
VSTShell is a host for VST & Audiounit instruments and FX (up to 4 instruments and FX), with a built in arpeggiator and sequencer, which can be used as a standalone host or to play/record into Pro Tools (or whatever) using Rewire.
VSTShell is currently available to download for Mac at no cost.
This pack is designed for people who want to make more than distorted saw waves, it contains lots of complex performers and steppers.
You can transpose the tunes and melodies to your liking and do all kinds of crazy stuff with it. This is easily done via the macro controls, all eight macros are assigned to al 50 patches.
The goal of this pack is for you to get new inspiring ideas for your own tracks and to learn what NI Massive is capable of, besides being loud.
Xfer Records has introduced Cthulhu, a chord and arpeggio MIDI effect plug-in for Windows and Mac.
Cthulhu is two MIDI FX modules combined into one plug-in.
Chords Module – One Note Becomes Many
Cthulhu is firstly a chord memorizer and player, allowing you to experiment with creating and reworking chord progressions with single-note presses. Included are over 150 factory chord presets allowing for a near-unlimited amount of possible musical-sounding chord progressions. Import MIDI or ‘record’ chords straight in, Cthulhu is able to analyze the chords you play and allow for various sorting options (Circle of 5ths, Chromatic, low note, etc) allowing for easy access over your chords!
Arp Module – Transform your chords in new ways.
The other half of Cthulhu is a unique pattern-based arpeggiator, allowing incoming notes or chords to be manipulated in various rhythmic ways. The 8 tabs of the stepsequencer allow you to completely reshape the incoming MIDI notes, even a single note fed into the arp can become a unique and rhythmic riff! Even if you have other arpeggio software plug-ins, Cthulhu’s arp is unique and powerful with advanced features such as chord-arpeggio mode, ties, duration / velocity sequencing, intelligent transpose, harmony, and more! Every tab of the sequencer can operate on its own length, allowing for evolving polymetric arpeggios. From simple to complex, from chaotic to creating precise arpeggio you imagine in your head!
The Cthulhu plug-in for Windows and Mac (VST/AU) is available to purchase for $39 USD.
u-he has posted a video of an alpha version of the upcoming arpeggiator for its Diva virtual analog synthesizer.
The oscillators, filters and envelopes closely model components found in some of the great monophonic and polyphonic synthesizers of yesteryear. Modules can be mixed and matched so you can build hybrids, but what sets DIVA apart is the sheer authenticity of the analogue sound. This comes at the cost of quite a high CPU-hit, but we think it was worth it: Diva is the first native software synth that applies methods from industrial circuit simulators (e.g. PSpice) in realtime. The behaviour of zero-delay-feedback filters when pushed to the limit clearly demonstrates the advantages of this groundbreaking approach.
Soundiron’s Rust 3 is the latest in its series of found-sound percussion sample libraries for Native Instruments Kontakt.
With this grand 3rd volume, we set out to conquer powerful bass and rich musical tone, recording a massive variety of surfaces, objects, oddities, apparatuses and custom contraptions very up-close in wide stereo to capture even the most subtle of resonances and overtones.
We aimed for a collection that would offer uniquely alternative drum kit concepts, richly complex tuned percussion, dramatic effects and stingers and a huge wealth of sustaining lead, pad and ambient instruments. We reached for crystalline highs and mind-melting lows. We wanted a library that could stand on it’s own, capable of producing limitless musical potential all by itself.
Powerful custom performance and FX control interface.
Bonus unique FX ambiences and atmospheres.
Bonus: 51 custom convolution reverb impulses.
Have a listen to the Rust 3 audio demos below to get an idea of what this is all about.
The patches of Rust 3 are grouped in 4 folders: Ensembles, Sustains, Master, and Effects.
The Ensembles section includes 7 instruments, with original (untuned) and tuned variations, so 14 patches in total. The sounds were recorded from a variety of objects, including large 50 gallon chemical drums, garbage can lids, garden tools, a cattle corral, various pipes and rods, and custom percussion instruments. A number of articulations is available – e.g. hands, sticks, mallets, etc – and the sounds are basically laid out like percussion kits mapped across the keyboard. The tuned patches take a single tuned articulation from the full range of sounds included in each ensemble, and tunes and maps it across the keyboard. Articulations can be switched in realtime with MIDI CC, which can also be automated.
The three included Sustains patches have a focus on drones and ambient soundscape type sounds. The sounds in these patches can be morphed and polyphonic legato is available from the custom Kontakt interface panel.
The Master section includes a number of patches with combined instruments.
The master patch includes all percussive patches, and a lite version with less round robin samples is also included. The MegaMixer and Tuned Layer Builder patches allow you to construct your own ensembles by using 10 to 12 layers respectively.
The Effects section features 12 patches in both Kontakt 4 and Kontakt 5 format. The Kontakt 5 patches use the improved Time Machine Pro engine for a more realistic time stretching. The patches include sounds effects made by scraping metal objects, using violin bows, and other techniques.
Rust 3 includes a number of custom panels for quick access to parameters to modify the sounds, including the ever lovely “Uberpeggiator” custom arpeggiator, convolution reverbs and more.
For a more detailed overview of what’s included with Rust 3, check out the official walkthrough video below.
Rust 3 is a beautiful library, chock full of useful sounds.
By itself, the general vibe of the library tends to be a bit dark/creepy/haunting, which is great for cinematic film and game projects. Individual instruments will also blend in just fine with pretty much any other music genre, though the reason why this library (as well as other Rust libraries) is in Soundiron’s experimental category is obvious. I am not saying you shouldn’t use Rust 3 in your dubstep tunes, but I reckon you’ll get better mileage when you’re into junk percussion and original designed instruments with a metal vibe.
In short, I am well impressed with Rust 3. The sound recordings, instrument design, and Kontakt scripting all contribute to a deliver another top notch library.
UVI has announced the Analogic Piano 09, a free virtual piano instrument.
Analogic Piano 09 takes inspiration from the very first electronic piano ever designed with a built-in arpeggiator: the famous Roland EP-09.
This “cheezy” instrument was sampled and modeled to capture the pure soul of the analog texture. Sounds were carefully recorded with the very best digital gear and analog tools, complying with UVI high-quality standards.
Analogic Piano 09 features
4 layers (Piano I & II, Harpsichord I & II).
488 samples.
Round robin by note.
Sustain control.
Accurate arpeggiator from the original machine.
Keyboard split.
2-watts output-speaker emulated with convolution engine.
3 effects: Chorus, Delay & Reverb.
Analogic Piano 09 for Windows and Mac (UVI Workstation 2.0.4/MachFive 3) is available at no cost for UVI Facebook fans.
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