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WAVES SUBMARINE SUB HARMONIC GENERATOR

Bring out the Subs

This is a subharmonic generation plugin powered by Organic ReSynthesis technology. It features a swanky GUI and is a new addition to the waves collection of plugins. Simply put, it adds bass to your tracks. But we already have a bunch of plugins that do this. Quite a few from Waves themselves including Maxxbass, RBass and LoAir. This plugin though, claims to be a little different. It features

-Two subharmonic generators (Sub -1 and Sub -2) add subs ONE and TWO full octaves below the selected frequency range of your source

-Frequency Range slider (20–240 Hz) to target precise frequencies

-Drive saturation control

-Dynamics control to go from short sub transients to longer sustained sub notes

-Selectable Mono/Stereo control

-Dry/Wet control for parallel mixing

These options help it to sort of separate itself from the other ‘bass generators’. Primarily, being able to add upto TWO octaves below opens a range of possibilities. The plugin’s innovative Organic ReSynthesis engine strips the original signal down to its core elements – carrier, pitch, formant, and envelope – processes them individually, and then reconstructs the audio to create brand new sub frequencies which retain the exact pitch and time of the original signal. The result is deep subharmonic content that is clean and musical and naturally blends with your source.

It can be used to very subtly fill out sounds especially in delicate situations like mastering and it can also be used to really help out a kick with some serious thump if needed. In a way, its much more precise than the others. The Organic ReSynthesis tech claims to let you add 'powerful sub-harmonics while preserving the pitch, timing, and clarity of transients.’ The frequency range selector helps to really hone in where you need the addition. Also a personal favourite is the drive knob. This really helps to glue the subs to the mix without making it seem like a weird addition by adding upper range harmonics.

This plugin is a lifesaver when a low-end EQ boost won’t help (because your track lacks low frequencies to begin with), or where psychoacoustic bass enhancers like Waves’ Renaissance Bass plugin won’t be enough (because they work their magic on small speakers, not on big subwoofers). With the Waves Submarine plugin, you can dive as deep as you want, with better clarity throughout the low end.

BRAINWORX BX_OBERHAUSEN

Synthesizer plugin BACK TO THE FUTURE!

From a synth company that makes a plugin to a plugin company that has made a synth, there’s a lot of expectations for the first synth from brainworx. But in all honesty, this one is modelled on the 70’s classic, the Oberheim SEM. And Brainworx is no stranger to modelling analog gear.

The plugin features signature Brainworx Audio Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT), a unison mode, M/S processing and a set of effect modules from brands such as Mäag, Brainworx Audio and more. The bx_oberhausen comes packed with full polyphony of up to 32 voices, twice the voice count of today’s priciest poly synths remaining resolutely in the analog domain, users can create sounds that are not possible using the original hardware by using what they call Tolerance Modeling Technology (TMT) to accurately replicate individual component variations specified by the manufacturer. This creates, in separate voices slight variations which you would expect to hear in an original analog instrument. These slight variations add the complexity, nuance, depth, and width for which analog instruments are loved. They have also added a lot of their plugin prowess to the synth to help it sound better and sit better in mixes. These involve additions like an M/S menu through which users can select which part of the sound passes through the filter section and which part does not. It also features a Unison mode through which you can combine voices to generate rich, complex sounds. The effects section features an interesting array of small versions of fx carrying the Brainworx brand – including the Mäag Air band. The synth further includes FM modulation and a really great arpeggiator which comes with an adjustable “swing parameter” which really helps humanize parts that would normally sound extremely mechanical.

This plugin is a great example of adapting the essence of a classic to create a truly versatile modern synth plugin. Its got just enough usability to make it easy to pick up and add parts while also retaining insane versatility if you need it. It’s very easy to make big lead sounds with this that will cut through your mix and have a lot of character.

It sounds fat and warm sounding when needed, and at the same crystalline and sparkly. More than capable of all your bread and butter analog-style synth sounds and much more, this synthesizer expander module inspired VST is definitely worth checking out!

ARTURIA - 3 COMPRESSORS YOU’LL ACTUALLY USE

THE NAME SAYS IT ALL

Arturis, a name synonymous with synthesisers have released a compressor bundle. Naturally we remain a little skeptical but I must say the bundle’s name is quite a clickbait idea. The 3 comps are all emulations of three legendary units namely- the Universal Audio 1176, Gates STA and DBX 156A. As someone who has access to actual units for the 1176 and STA level, Its always fun to put emulations up to test with the real thing. Arturia claims to have faithfully recreated the sound of these units while expanding on them with a range of added functionality bonuses. The impression i get from the choices of comps chosen is that these three comps should cover most sources quite well. Lets talk about each of them -

The Comp FET 76 - promises the fast attack, huge punch and versatility of the original with added features scubas side chain control and time warp. Its a pretty nice sounding comp with the right amount of functionality and colour. Sounds pretty good on vocals and guitars especially.

Comp TUBE STA - The real version is known for its creaminess and tube warmth that still remains unparalleled to this day. Arturia’s version does a good job of getting close. It really smooths out sounds in a musical way while making it stand out and sound much larger in the mix. They have also added a bunch of side chain controls that seem unnecessary and confusing but at the same time might be useful for a lot of people.

Comp VCA - 65 - One of the most popular classics especially for aggressive compression duties, this one is a faithful reproduction of the DBX 165A. It works great for situations where you need some heavy duty compression. And the character it adds is also quite nice.

All three compressors are super versatile and come with the color you want to add to your mix when using these types of compressor. It felt like a carefully chosen trio for people looking to add a quick collection of coloured and ‘musical’ compression tools to their arsenal. It seems like a great buy for a producer looking for simple and quick tools to make their tracks sound a little better before they head out for mixes. Quite impressed with this plugin series from arturia. Looking forward to more (delays/verbs maybe?) in the future!