Cableguys has announced Curve 2, a new version of the virtual synthesizer instrument for Windows and Mac.
Curve introduced unique waveform editing and preset sharing to the world of synthesizers. Version 2 is in the making, taking its preset sharing steps further and adding more creative sound features. All this while keeping its ease of use, at an excellent sound quality.
Cableguys Curve 2 preview
Changes in Curve 2
Enhanced Audio – Curve’s unparalleled flexibility of drawing waveforms for its aliasing-free OSCs and LFOs brought inspiring, unique sounds. Version 2 adds drawable envelopes, allows for two waveforms per OSC and adds a comprehensive unisono mode.
Expanded Preset Library – Curve’s preset library is a shared online database. Version 2 makes sharing sounds even more exciting by adding a version history, author and preset descriptions and providing a consistent library.
Improved Usability – Curve got praises for its great usability and slick interface. On request from our users, we’ve improved the color scheme. Version 2 brings a new layout, and adds MIDI assignment.
The Curve Community – Since the first beta of Curve 1.0, the Curve community steers the synthesizer’s future by submitting bug reports and feature requests, and by sharing presets.
The public beta for Curve 2 will start in Q1/2012, while more features will be added on the way. Those who purchase Curve 1 or the Cableguys Bundle now will get get the upgrade to Curve 2 for free.
One of my favorite things about Curve is the combination of its flexible modulation engine and the waveform drawing tools.
Now wouldn’t it be nice to have the same powerful tools to draw custom waveforms for LFOs and envelopes to drive other audio sources? Welcome to MidiShaper!
Four LFOs and four envelope generators work together in a sophisticated modulations matrix that can be set up to output modulated pitch, modwheel, channel aftertouch or any MIDI control messages.
MidiShaper’s LFOs can run infinitely or be retriggered, synced to your host sequencer from a buzzy 1/128 to an expansive 32 bars, set to the played note, or run from 0.02 Hz up to the audible range and brain frequency. Like Curve, MidiShaper features completely editable waveforms for its LFOs.
MidiShaper is set up by routing the MIDI output to your host software, or anything else that handles MIDI automation, both software and hardware.
Although many hosts and plugins already have LFOs and envelopes, the ones in MidiShaper are more advanced than most. Each of the 4 LFOs takes its source from a selection of 10 custom drawable waveforms + noise. They can run free or beat synced – including retrigger and one-shot modes for both. The LFO rate goes from a blazing fast 1/128 to a slow as molasses 32 bar speed. Dedicated envelope generators are available for each individual LFO. These envelopes can be used on the LFO to fade it in/out, or simply to modulate a parameter in the matrix when no LFO is running on that particular source.
The modulation matrix features pitch, modwheel and aftertouch, as well as 6 assignable MIDI CC slots. The handy “Teach MIDI CC” effortlessly links the desired control/parameter to the MIDI CC number of your choice. Center parameters set the value from where the modulation takes place.
MidiShaper’s waveform screen comes with buttons for speeding up the creation of your waveforms. You get some basic waveform shapes, a randomizer, zoom, grid and note display, and various tools to move the waveform and its points.
Cableguys did some nice videos showcasing MidiShaper’s features and explaining how to use it in Ableton, Cubase, and Logic. I did not find any details on how to set it up in my host of choice – FL Studio, so I made a little video where I use MidiShaper to modulate the filter cutoff on u-he’s most excellent Diva software synthesizer.
So what do I think?
Product: MidiShaper by Cableguys Format: effect plug-in for PC and Mac (VST/AU) Price: 20 EUR / $30 USD incl. VAT Like: Flexible, feature-full, fun Don’t like: – Verdict: 9/10
To be honest, MidiShaper is probably not an essential plug-in for many of you. Generally, synth and effect parameters can be automated within your host software, and LFOs and envelopes are included in many plugins already.
In fact, automation clips in FL Studio are so flexible and easy to set up I really don’t need MidiShaper for basic things. But, I know not all hosts have this down. And for creating more advanced effects, the waveform drawing features in MidiShaper are hard to beat. Much like all other Cableguys plugins I have used MidiShaper is easy to use, intuitive, and extremely flexible.
If you ever find yourself in need of modulating synths or effects that lack an LFO and you don’t want to spend a lot of time automating things in your host, then MidiShaper is for you. Likewise, adventurous musicians and sound designers who require more than a simple sine/triangle/square/saw LFO waveform should also consider this plugin. A free fully functional demo version is available from Cableguys, so check it out.
Cableguys has announced a limited time promotion for its Cableguys Bundle, offering a 33% discount.
Ends November 1st: You can now get the Cableguys Bundle for EUR 99/USD 129 (33% off its regular price)! The Bundle includes Curve, FilterShaper, VolumeShaper and MidiShaper.
Cableguys Bundle features
Curve: A unique, community-driven software synthesizer with editable waveforms and preset sharing.
FilterShaper: 2 acclaimed filters. 4 LFOs. Create complex volume, pan and filter modulations with ease.
Audio Damage has introduced Filterstation, a stereo filter and envelope follower effect plug-in for Windows and Mac.
Filterstation is the Audio Damage take on the classic serial/parallel/stereo dual filter topology, made famous (and some would say “indispensable”) by the Sherman Filterbank and its many clones.
With twelve filter algorithms (including our all-new MS20 lowpass and highpass emulations), an envelope follower, saturation, and an easy-to-use interface, Filterstation has everything you need to get your noink on!
Filterstation Features
Twelve different filter algorithms, including two all-new MS20 emulations and our classic 914 bandpass and Filterpod lowpass models.
VCA mode for tremolo and gate effects.
LFO with twelve different patterns, and both internal and tempo sync modes.
Envelope follower for dynamic control of filter frequency.
Serial, parallel, and true stereo operating modes.
Sidechain input for external signal to envelope follower. (VST3 only.)
mucoder has updated hypercyclic, a free MIDI arpeggiator plug-in for Windows, Mac and Linux.
hypercyclic is an LFO-driven MIDI arpeggiator, gate effect and step sequencer for mangling sustained MIDI input chords, the output of which can then drive other MIDI instruments.
Changes in hypercyclic v1.1.367
Fixed: slow UI loading time on OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard.
Fixed: groove timing has improved.
Fixed: MIDI song pointer follow has been improved in standalone version.
New: standalone version now accepts MIDI sync messages.
MoDSP has updated Nocturne Bass, a virtual bass synthesizer instrument for Windows.
The new LFO swing modulation and double precision LFO synchronizing makes it easy to create precise and flexible LFO sequences. Now polyrhythmic LFO swing synchronized to host is even possible.
Changes in Nocturne Bass v1.3
New double precision LFO synchronizing system.
New LFO swing with step control.
Fixed bug when opening multiple instances in Cubase.
Various minor LFO improvements.
Nocturne Bass for Windows (VST) is available to purchase for 29 EUR.
Send an Email or use social networks Twitter, or Facebook. Listen to some tunes at SoundCloud, or subscribe to the RSS feed to get all the lastest news in your news reader.
