Monthly Archives: August 2021

u-he Twangstrom v1.0.1.12092 VST VST3 AAX [WIN]

Twangström: Shake, Rattle, and Roll

A flexible spring reverb box-of-tricks. If you’re familiar with Bazille, you might already have come across its built-in spring unit. We took that one, then modelled two more reverb tanks, paired it with drive section, filter stage, envelope, and mod matrix. It emulates a hand-picked selection of the most popular units you will find in classic guitar and instrument amplifiers, recreating the odd character of real springs.

Twangström in the spotlight…

• shakeable springs
• 3 different reverberation tanks, inspired by the most popular ones built in the guitar & instrument amps that made rock ‘n roll
• tasty drive & tone stage for heating-up and colouring the sound
• multi-mode filter, with variable type blend

• four-flavours envelope stage, picking up the signal from either input, output or external sidechain
• LFO module, 8 different types & waveforms, variable time base & syncable
• comprehensive modulation matrix, for realtime control of all the parameters

• independent input and feedback routing options allow all possible stereo or mono combinations
• 76 factory presets, NKS-compatible
• UI instantly resizable from 70% to 200%
• custom remote control via MIDI CC, 14-bit resolution option

As a faithful emulation of a mechanical device, Twangström needs to be handled well. Many of the technical parameters are user-adjustable in real time, and these can be controlled via MIDI or using the internal LFO and envelope generator. With its multimode resonant filter, Twangström is a unique and powerful tool which can deliver highly unusual, evolving textures… especially when the signal is tossed around using the modulation matrix!

Shakeable springs

Hitting your computer won’t make Twangström shatter, so we added a twang control. This is used to shake the springs, either manually or through modulation and automation. You might think this is a gimmick for which you have no further use (apart from waking up the neighbours), but if you modulate it slightly, everything comes to life!

Tank controls

Twangström’s reverb is based on physical modelling. As opposed to plug-ins based on impulse responses (IR), our approach mimics the physics of mechanical reverberation. By simulating the wavefront travelling through a medium, we can include all the aspects of excitation, reflection, dispersion, interference, and other audio properties. Twangström does not mimic the sonic result, but simulates the physical device. This means that all dimensions of the device are controllable in realtime, on a per-sample-basis – which all boils down to quite some power at your fingertips!

Envelope

The envelope in Twangström features 4 different modes and can pick up the signal from either input, output or external sidechain. You can select between Envelope Follower, Attack and Decay, Attack and Release, or Cyclic modes. The last one is similar to a 2-stage LFO. Shown controls will adapt to the selected mode, with Threshold not appearing while in Envelope Follower mode.

Modulation Matrix

The modulation matrix has three general purpose modulation slots, and yes, you can select shake as one of many targets to modulate the Twang control!

Low Frequency Oscillator

The LFO features different time bases, including a non-synchronized one measured in seconds. Synchronized options include both dotted times and triplets. There are 8 different waveforms to choose from, with 2 of them being stepped or glide random shapes.

Requirements

Host software / DAW
1GB RAM, more recommended
50MB free disk space
1000 × 600 or larger display
Modern CPU required:
Windows/Linux: Intel Nehalem or newer, AMD Bulldozer or newer

Formats

Twangström is not a standalone product, it requires host software. Twangström is compatible with nearly all DAWs.

Windows:

VST2, VST3, AAX*

32-/64-bit

Links

Demo Preview:

u-he Presswerk v1.1.5.12092 VST2 VST3 AAX [WIN]

Presswerk v1.1.4.8347 is more than an emulation of a single hardware compressor. Like Satin, Presswerk is a toolkit, drawing ideas and inspiration from a number of sources. It starts with warmth of classic analogue units and adds features only possible in the digital realm. The result is a powerful compressor with a rich feature set and a very musical soul.

Presswerk in the spotlight…

• 6 special views for better workflow: Easy, Vocal, Drum, Bus, M/S and Limiter
• Capable of internal sidechaining, with bipolar delay, low cut and high cut filters (6 or 12dB per octave)
• Internal parallel (New York) compression
• M/S mode
• Skinnable UI
• Over 120 factory presets for common compression tasks

Presswerk is a powerful dynamics processor with a musical soul. An easy-to-use interface and a rich feature set give you hands-on control over all details of your sound. It doesn’t emulate famous compressors, it blends the warmth of classic hardware models with developments that are only possible in the digital domain.

Presswerk has all the features you expect in a compressor…

• Sidechaining: Use ducking to create more space in your mixes, or get creative with keying and pumping effects.
  Note: For help on how to get Presswerk sidechained in your DAW, please read these instructions  compiled by our KVR forum members.
• Adjustable compression curve and envelope: Find the best settings, get the most out of your audio using the soft knee, compression ratio, attack and release and other controls.
• Loud: Oh yes, Presswerk is more than capable of making your tracks louder.
• Soft clip: Roll off those harsh peaks and avoid distortion when output levels get too high.

Requirements

1GB RAM, more recommended
50MB free disk space
1000 × 600 or larger display
Modern CPU (Sandy Bridge or newer recommended)
Host software

Formats

Presswerk is not a standalone product, it requires host software. & it is compatible with nearly all DAWs.

Available as Audio Units (AU), VST2, VST3, AAX (Pro Tools 10.3.7 or later) NKS, plug-ins with 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Links

u-he Bazille v1.1.2.12092 VST2 VST3 AAX [WIN]

Bazille: Monster from the deep

The second spawn of the Berlin Modular project, Bazille is a large polyphonic modular system with digital (PD, FM based) oscillators, multimode filters and plenty of modulation options. With so much connectivity to explore, patching in Bazille should keep you fascinated for many years – it’s definitely a “geek machine”!

Bazille in the spotlight…

• modular, stereo, up to 16-voice polyphonic
• 4 digital oscillators based on phase distortion (PD) with FM and fractal resonance (FR)
• 4 self-oscillating multimode filters with up to 6 parallel outputs each
• 4 ADSR envelopes with Fall/Rise for the sustain stage, overall rate can be modulated

• 2 LFOs with 3 parallel outputs each, unipolar option
• 16-step morphing sequence per voice, with 8 snapshots and 4 output taps
• 2 mapping generators with up to 128 steps, comprehensive drawing tools, presets…
• maps can be used as oscillator waveforms

• 4 Multiplex modules for mixing signals, cross-fading, ring modulation, amplitude modulation etc.
• 4 effects: stereo delay, distortion (6 types), phaser (2 types), spring reverb
• 2x inverter, 2x rectifier, sample & hold, 2x twin lag generators, quantizer
• over 1700 factory presets

Bazille is a large modular system combining digital oscillators with analogue-style filters and modelled effects, with a flexibility that only modular patching can provide. After ACE, the second spawn of our ongoing Berlin Modular project, this one is a very different, much larger beast…

Features

Ultraflexible modules
Bazille is highly unusual for a modular synth.

Although the filters are traditional analogue models, the oscillators are unashamedly digital: They combine the two technologies that made digital synthesis affordable (and analogue synths suddenly unfashionable) in the
1980s – FM (frequency modulation, more correctly ‘phase modulation’) and PD (phase distortion).

In Bazille, each oscillator panel has five distinct sections:
Pitch, Phase / FM, Phase Distortion, Fractal Resonance, and the Outputs, each with a modulation input.

Since the 4 main oscillators have a frequency range which starts at zero Hertz, they can be used as synchronized or unsynchronized LFOs or also adopt custom shapes thanks to Bazille’s mapping generators. The oscillators are also capable of all kinds of FM sounds by plugging an audio-frequency source into the phase modulation input.

One of the most interesting features included in Bazille’s powerful oscillators is an unusual process we call Fractalize (fractal resonance). This can be used to create very bold sounds from tame waveforms, with a similar result to the classic cutting sound of the sync effect.

Mapping generators

The pair of Mapping Generators can be used for a variety of purposes: To reshape modulation sources, to define per-MIDI-note offsets or to step through values e.g. for round-robin effects… There are 4 modes available, and both generators can have maps with up to 128 steps. They are very flexible, allowing custom shapes thanks to the drawing tools and presets accessible with a right-click of the mouse.

Multiplex

The little multiple” modules you can find in most analogue modular systems are simple mix/split devices. As Bazille’s output sockets can accommodate several cables, the humble multiple underwent a serious redesign, emerging as something so flexible that we had to rename it Multiplex. The 4 units are very “general-purpose”: They can be used as signal mixers, cross faders, ring modulators, amplitude modulators, and more…

Modulation sequencer

The onboard modulation sequencer lets you set up much more complex movements than are available with a regular LFO. It can be divided into 2, 3 or 4 sections, two of which can also be used as a per-voice note sequencers (steps can trigger envelopes). Also present is a modulatable Rotate control, which lets you morph between up to 8 different sequences.

Alternative skin

Would you prefer all controls on a single page?

Bazille ships with a larger but more compact skin called GearPorn which dramatically alters the user experience. Ideal for Bazille experts, the skin of choice for ambitious novices.

To enable the skin, just right-click on Bazille’s interface and select it from the menu.

Requirements

Host software / DAW
1GB RAM, more recommended
50MB free disk space
1000 × 600 or larger display
Modern CPU required:
Windows/Linux: Intel Nehalem or newer, AMD Bulldozer or newer

Links

u-he Hive v2.1.1.12092 VST3 VST3 AAX [WIN]

Hive 2: Sleek, streamlined, supercharged

With its effortless workflow and low CPU usage, you can create stunning patches in next to no time at all. Hive 2 is quick and uncomplicated, without sacrificing flexibility or audio quality. Now packed with more controls than ever, version 2 opens up new dimensions of expression… and sheer fun!

Hive 2 in the spotlight…

• Low CPU usage, 3 different synth engines
• 2 oscillators with wavetable option, 16x unison and tunable sub-oscillators
• Drag & drop modulation assignment
• 12x2 modulation matrix slots with modifiers for curvature, rectification, quantization, sample & hold, slew rate
• 4 user-definable XY control pads

Links

U-he ACE v1.4.2.12092 WIN MAC LINUX

ACE – Any Cable Everywhere

Compact, clear, a careful selection of modules and semi-modular architecture makes ACE easy to learn. Simple but not simplistic. Compact but not limited. Clear but definitely not underpowered. With the ability to connect any output into any input, ACE is a powerful synth with tools and features ready for beginners or seasoned users.

ACE belongs to a new generation of synthesizers developed with the latest, fastest computers in mind. ACE offers classic modular synthesis and more at a fraction of the cost of dedicated hardware. But like its hardware forebears, you can patch any output into any input: the number of different ways to connect modules together is practically infinite. Needless to say, you will never run out of cables!

ACE Features:

• Semi-modular architecture (with default routing)
• Oscillators include pulse width modulation (PWM), sync, internal ring and cross modulation (FM)
• Polyphonic (up to 16 voices), duophonic or monophonic (retriggered or legato)
• Powerful glide options: constant rate or constant time, percentage range control, per-oscillator offset
• Up to 8 voice unison (stack) with +/−2 octave

• 2 multimode analogue-style filters
• 2 ADSR envelopes with fall/rise, snap, singing option for authentic analogue-style voice triggering
• 2 LFOs with 0Hz to 20kHz frequency range (can be used as VCOs)
• 2 multiplex modules for signal mixing / crossfading, ring modulation, amplitude modulation etc.
• 1 syncable and loopable ramp generator
• Mixer with modulation inputs

• MIDI modulation and performance: wheels, velocity, pressure, key follow, gate, 2 user-definable MIDI CC
• Circuit bending options: slop, crosstalk, oscillator cap failure
• 3 effects: chorus/phaser (4 types), delay (7 fixed options), bass and treble controls
• Multichannel MIDI support
• Resizable UI from 70% to 200%
• Over 920 factory presets

The “boxes and cables” philosophy of modular synthesizers gives you the freedom to create your own custom instruments. Once you start connecting the sixteen modules in ACE—exploring new combinations, cross-pollinating ideas—the vast potential of modular soon becomes clear.

Sounds

The two VCOs act as the main sound generators, but as ACE does not differentiate between audio and control (modulation) signals, the full-range LFOs can also be used to generate audio frequencies.

ACE’s oscillators are modelled on analogue circuits, including instabilities and various non-linear characteristics. You can push these characteristics further using the Circuit Bending options.

If the bottom end needs beefing up, try adding the sub-oscillator. For more intense, complex sounds, try VCO2’s ring modulation, sync and cross modulation.

The LFOs can be co-opted for sound generation. They are similar to the VCOs but have a different feature set, including the possibility of phase modulation (commonly referred to as FM synthesis) and custom waveforms (LFO2 only). Wild experimentation is welcome here—draw any waveform or use the Spectralize function to create additive waves.

Mapping Generator

Not typically found in analogue synthesizers, ACE’s Mapping Generator is a useful addition with a variety of uses. The Mapping Generator is a list of up to 128 values. You can use the drawing tools to edit the values and create your own patterns, or choose pre-built shapes. This map can be stepped through for each played note, it can create per-note offsets, it can transform any modulation source or be used as the LFO2 waveform.

Filter

Like the oscillators, the two filters are modelled on analogue hardware and deliver satisfyingly analogue results. You can overdrive the filters without introducing any harsh distortion, and the resonance remains intact. Or you can take advantage of the self-oscillation feature for chaotic timbres and more experimental sound design.

For an extra aggressive sound, route your signal through both filters and crank the resonance on the second filter. Both filters are cascade type multimode circuits with two parallel outputs each.

Requirements

Host software / DAW
1GB RAM, more recommended
50MB free disk space
1000 × 600 or larger display
Modern CPU required:
Windows/Linux: Intel Nehalem or newer, AMD Bulldozer or newer
Mac: Intel Nehalem or newer, Apple M1
Linux: glibc version 2.28 or newer

ACE v1.4.0.3898 is not a standalone product, it requires host software. ACE is compatible with nearly all DAWs.

Available as Audio Units (AU), VST2, AAX (Pro Tools 10.3.7 or later) plug-ins with 32-bit and 64-bit versions.

Links