Results for SM Pro Audio

SonicProjects has released released the VM Bundle, a package of adapted versions of OP-X and Stringer plus two effect plugins and pre-configred ready to play banks, exclusively made for the V-Machine and V-Rack.

The standard versions already could be gotten to work in the V-Machine with the help of complicated wizard files but with less than satisfying results. Some patches did max out the CPU completely with all known consequences like crackling and drop outs. Some patches have barely worked, but not to think of adding any effects. A further problem was preset change, which everytime completely unloads and reloads the plugin. OP-X didn’t like this at all because its oscillators are free running and zeroing them on every preset change did also reset the phases to zero which could result in a short “phasing” after preset change until the oscillators have found their own individual phase.

That’s why we took the effort to analyze the plugins and their behaviour within the V-Machine in order to adapt them for this new host, with astonishing results. With a long list of small changes we were able to reduce the CPU consumption by almost 50%(!) and change the startup behaviour to be immune to the repeated reloads. Furthermore all not needed GUI functions like keyboard animation were deactivated and the internal patches number in OP-X increased to 128, containing a selection of the best patches of the whole library.

VM Bundle includes

• OP-X – The adapted V-Machine version of OP-X, which is an extremely versatile polyphonic VA synth featuring the renowned Separate Voice Design (SVD). It’s capable of emulating a variety of famous classic analog synths in unparalleled authenticity.
• Stringer – The adapted V-Machine version of Stringer which is a sample based emulation of the classic vintage string ensembles ARP Omni/Solina, Logan String Melody II and Welson Symphony. The samples were recorded with high end equipment.
• SimpleDelay – A simple delay plugin optimized for synth sounds exclusively developped for the VM Bundle with very low cpu consumption.
• SimpleDelay – A simple reverb plugin offering three basic parameters and some useful presets exclusively developped for the VM Bundle with very low cpu consumption.

The VM Bundle is available for purchase for the introductory price of $99 USD / 75 EUR (regular price is $149 USD). The bundle also contains the standard PC VST version of OP-X (so you will have reduced price on upgrades and coming new products).

Visit SonicProjects for more information.

SM Pro Audio has released a public beta of VFX Mac, offering built-in support for VST plug‐ins originally intended for use on the Windows operating system.

The VFX Application for Mac leverages some of the benefits of Wine to enable support for Windows VST plug‐in files. Wine is a translation layer (a program loader) capable of running Windows applications on POSIX compatible operating systems. Windows programs running in Wine act as native programs would, running without the performance or memory usage penalties of an emulator, with a similar look and feel to other applications on your desktop.

Our application development team has built a Mac OSX compliant application that accesses a Virtual Machine (using elements of Wine) to facilitate the installation and running of Windows VST Plug‐ins.

Make sure to check the manual addendum for details on differences between the Mac beta and the PC release, in addition to known limitations.

Visit SM Pro Audio for more information.

SM Pro Audio has announced it is now shipping the V-Machine, a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module designed to take plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them directly without a computer.

Multiple plug-ins can be loaded into bank/preset memories of the V-Machine for immediate access and combined into chains, splits, and layers to create extremely rich and unique sounds. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders.

V-Machine features

• External hardware host for Windows plugins (VST instruments and effects).
• Create synth layers and chain them with effects.
• Multiple VSTi’s can be combined.
• Banks, presets (incl. chaining, layering, splitting) can be edited with the V-Machine or the host software.
• All effect and synth chains can be switched latency free.
• Use software samplers and stream its content from any USB drive.
• Connect nearly every MIDI-Controller to the V-Machine.
• MIDI learn functions included.
• USB-Ports for external peripherals.
• Sensor to adjust the display’s contrast automatically.

The V-Machine is now available for $599 USD.

Visit SM Pro Audio for more information.

SM Pro Audio has announced three VST/VSTi compatible hardware units at MusikMesse 2008: V-Box, V-Rack, and V-Pedal.

From the announcement page:

Based around the recently developed ‘Powered by VFX (TM) embedded technology platform, VST and VSTi plug-ins can be loaded directly into SM Pro Audio’s new V-Box, V-Pedal, or V-Rack; Three powerful and unique products designed to provide musicians, engineers, producers, and guitarists performance products they can rely on. The new V-Machines offer VST/VSTi plug-in compatibility in stand-alone hardware units without the need for a standard PC/Mac computer!

V-Box

The V-Box is a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module built for performance keyboard players and DJ’s. It is one little beast that can’t be underestimated once loaded up with your favorite VST instrument and effect plug-ins. Take your plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them live without a computer. Multiple plug-ins can be pre-loaded into bank/preset memories for immediate access. Combine VST and VSTi plug-ins into chains, splits, and layers to create extremely rich and unique sounds. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders. Infinitely adaptable and powerful, the V-Box is set to become a truly indispensable tool.

V-Pedal

The V-Pedal has been specifically designed for guitarists wanting to take the best guitar plug-ins (and more) out on the road in a rock-solid ‘all in one’ hardware unit. With mic/line inputs, programmable stomp switches and rotary encoders, TFT display, expression pedal, and a host of other features, the V-Pedal gives guitarists something they have never had before. The freedom to develop unique sounds from the thousands of available VST plug-ins. It’s no secret that some of the very best guitar tones and effects are now being created from within computer software plug-ins. The V-Pedal gives guitarists access to these and many more sound options in a dedicated floor stomp box. Built like a tank, simple to use, and with unheard of sonic flexibility, the V-Pedal rocks like no other.

V-Rack

The V-Rack features the same functionality as the V-Box, with the addition to a pair of balanced stereo audio inputs and multiple balanced output pairs. Perfect for studio or live use, the V-Rack is well suited for use as an outboard effects unit, multiple output synthesizer module, or even a mastering unit. The V-Rack features high-end AD/DA converters and offers a level of performance suitable for all professional environments. A true chameleon, the V-Rack can be configured to operate as just about any outboard audio device on demand.

All SM Pro Audio V-Machines will ship with control configuration software compatible with Linux, Windows and Mac OS X.

SonicState has a nice demonstration video here.

Visit SM Pro Audio for more information.