Feel like helping develop a new piece of sampling software? Maize are currently developing the Beta version of Maize Sampler 2, to go alongside their ‘Modular Studio Environment’ a VST and effect chaining/mixing shell. They’re inviting producers to download the latest version of the sampler beta, and use it for a couple of weeks before reporting back with feedback and information on any bugs you might find. Be quick though, the software’s license will run out in a fortnight’s time.
If you didn’t win the Little Phatty in the competition we mentioned a while back, and you still haven’t saved up to buy one, then Xhun Audio has released a product they’re calling the LittleOne – a complete software emulation of the Moog synthesiser. The VST is a darn sight cheaper than the hardware at a mere €45, and gives you a version that you can run in the studio or take with you to gigs on your laptop…
Here are the specs:
The Moog Little Phatty Physical Modeling emulation
An all-in-one complete synthesis setup!
Two aliasing-free analog modeled oscillators with continuous selection mode ( like the original ) between Triangle, Saw, Square, Pulse
A 4-Pole Low Pass filter modeled on the classic Moog Ladder, featuring the original frequency responses and overload control
Two 4-Stage ( ADSR ) envelope generators
Modulation LFO with the original waveforms and frequency ranges ( 0.2~500 Hz )
Monophonic/polyphonic mode , pitch bend ranges and more – all accessible from LittleOne LED display
128 ready-to-use presets from classic analog to contemporary cutting-edge dance to psychoacoustic sounds and SFX
XSQ16M, a build-in 16-step MIDI sequencer
GATED!, a build-in 16-step trancegate effect
Two master effects slots with the possibility to choose between delay, reverb, and tube distortion
Full MIDI CC#s mapping (according to the original Little Phatty CC#s specs)
When it comes to sequencing drum tracks, there are a whole load of different plugins available, for free or otherwise. The first one we’re going to look at is a little home-grown number called MyDrumSet from Norwegian site Blue Noise. It’s a .vst plugin made from recordings of the producer’s Ludwig kit, with separate mic outputs from each drum, as well as a couple of overheads. No strange or fantastic sounds here, but a solid basic drumkit that you can drop in to your tracks.
If you’re unwilling to get your wallet out but you’re looking for something a little less basic, there are loads and loads of other free plugins listed over at the AudioMastermind database. It might take a little sifting, but you’re not going to spend any money.
Working on something with a more live feel? Fully sequenced drums not giving you the juice you need, or just unhappy with the sound you’re able to record? You can replace the drum tracks you’ve got with sounds from this plugin – Drumagog which uses the existing drum hits as triggers for the sounds in it’s databank (which contains 4 gig worth of samples), retaining the rhythm and feel of anything you’ve recorded but replacing the sound.
Next up is the number 2 application on the market, Toontrack’s Superior Drummer – this is the second version of their DFH Superior software, and they’ve made significant improvements to the graphic user interface, and the detailed control you have over your mix. Sound-On-Sound has this to say about it:
It’s difficult not to be impressed by what SD 2.0 has to offer. Toontrack have managed to strike a sensible balance between very detailed control of your drum mix and an interface that is relatively easy to use. And as the samples themselves sound excellent, the only limits to your creativity are your programming ability and your host computer — unless you have a reasonably well-endowed one.
Unfortunately there’s not a demo version for you to try out, and this product does have a pretty hefty price tag on it unless you’re of a piratical bent, which we certainly can’t condone.
If you’re considering spending $400 on a new plugin synth then you should also take a look at FXpansion’s BFD2. This is the Ferrari of plugins, offering you a vast battery of sounds, principally recorded at Hampstead’s phenomenal looking AIR studios, it’s also got a load of dedicated EQ’s filters and other gubbins built in. It’s getting massively good reviews all over, and there are some sample tracks mixed using the plugin on their product listing page that demonstrate what it can do.
