New effect-plug-ins
Boom Library
Uberloud
Sometimes you want to make sounds not just loud, but overly loud. This is where the Uberloud plug-in comes into play; it wants to help sounds achieve maximum punch quickly and easily. This tool has three frequency bands whose gain can be controlled individually. You can choose between three modes that act between subtle and brutal. What happens exactly under the hood is not apparent to the user, but the results are convincing and often reminiscent of the popular multiband compressor Xfer OTT.
Since the gain of the dry and processed signal are individually adjustable, you can fine-tune the intensity of the effect. You can also use the clipper to add additional harmonics to your signal. Since the plug-in sometimes amplifies the audio material extremely, it was clever to directly include a Denoiser. Of course, the background noise can also be used wonderfully as a stylistic device, for example, with drums. Of course, you can also achieve comparable results with a combination of the included plug-ins from your DAW, but it‘s very convenient to have all these processes in one easy-to-use tool.
Verdict
Uberloud is a great tool for bringing signals such as vocals, lead guitars and synth hooklines to the forefront of the mix in a few easy steps. But the Multiband Processor is also great as a sound design tool for aggressive drums and synth sounds, and can help turn field recordings and everyday noises into massive trailer effects. Used discreetly, this plug-in can also add punch and punch to mixes.
Developer: Boom Library Web: www.boomlibrary.com Price: 69 Euro
Format: VST3, AU, AAX
Baby Audio
Crystalline
Baby Audio‘s algorithmic reverb effect, Crystalline, allows interventions in the sound that go far beyond the possibilities of a lifelike reverb simulation. The freely scalable interface is appealing and very clear; all parameters are directly accessible and are also graphically illustrated. You not only have access to the standards such as size and width of the reverberation chamber, as well as the initial reflections, but you can also let off steam creatively. The high frequencies can be emphasized and modulated to create shimmer and chorus effects.
A ducking effect lets you make the reverb louder during signal pauses - either to subtly clean up the mix or for intentional pumping effects. Transient processing, which is unusual for a reverb plug-in, is also an exciting tool for effects; by emphasizing the attack phase, for example, you can create extraordinary impacts. You can also use the equalizer to surgically emphasize individual frequencies or fade out problem areas. For rhythmic effects, you can set the start and end points to be synchronized with the tempo. Expressive reverse reverb effects are also possible with this plug-in.
Verdict
Does the world really need another reverb effect? We say yes, because Crystalline is not limited to recreating real reverberation rooms, but is a creative and musical effect that invites experimentation with its clear operation and exciting features, such as frequency- and transient-dependent, as well as tempo-synchronous processing.
Developer: Baby Audio
Web: www.babyaud.io
Price: 49 US Dollars
Format: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX
Cherry Audio
Stardust 201 Tape Echo
With Stardust 201 Tape Echo, Cherry Audio dares to emulate one of the most legendary effect devices of all time, the Roland Space Echo. The Stardust 201 Tape Echo emulates both versions of the cult device (RE-201 and RE-301). Those who know Roland‘s Space Echo and its emulations will immediately find their way around. The plug-in offers seven echo modes, whereby the setting range of the delay time has been quadrupled. The delay time can be modulated, of course, and synchronised to the host tempo. The BBD Chorus circuit and the Spring Hall effect have also been reproduced.
Wafting and lingering Delays, rattling Spring Reverb and wide Chorus effects are a breeze. Like its predecessor, the Stardust 201 Tape Echo is a real secret weapon for dubby beats or for creating wafting and lively sound textures from instrument and synth sounds. If you turn up the input knob properly, you can overdrive or distort the input signal in a musical way. Vocals also benefit immensely from the great chorus and the flexible combination of delay and reverb. With the motor kill switch you can also create succinct tape stop effects.
Verdict
With Stardust 201 Tape Echo, Cherry Audio has succeeded in creating a convincing virtual implementation of the legendary reverb/delay effect. The charismatic and extremely lively vintage sound of the Space Echo has been recreated well, even if the plug-in sounds cleaner and more hi-fi compared to other emulations. The advanced setting options are a real asset, making it a wonderful sound design tool.
Developer: Cherry Audio
Web: www.cherryaudio.com
Price: 29 US Dollars, Intro Price: 19 US Dollars Format: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX