Aspect 1.6.1 released

We are pleased to announce the release of Aspect 1.6.1 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. This release adds the following fixes and features:

• Native 64-bit versions for Mac OS X Audio Unit, and Windows VST.
• New built-in Preset Browser with support for xml, fxp, and fxb preset files.
• Presets can now have meta-data, such as author name, notes, and tags. Use meta-data to search your preset library.
• Hot-swap preset browsing: quickly step through and preview presets in context.
• Various host compatibility fixes.
• Audio-rate pitch modulation of Oscillator 1 from Oscillator 2 now works.
• Sample & Hold module's latched value is now correctly reset when the the input source is removed.
• Much faster GUI response.
• Slight reduction in CPU usage on particularily complex presets.
• Vastly reduced start-up time.
• Clearer font rendering: a larger font is now used for menu items.
• Additional and improved factory presets.

And here is the new Preset Browser (click for full-size):

Aspect 1.6.1 is available for immediate download from http://www.loomer.co.uk

Pure Data MIDI Step Sequencer (2)

I've spent a little time improving the Pure Data MIDI Step Sequencer patch that was originally posted here. This new version adds selectable step divisions, and a fairly decent swing algorithm. The code has been tidied up somewhat too; in many places, lists provide a much more cohesive data structure than the separate pitch and velocity streams that the first version used.

 Download the updated patch here.

String 1.1 released: 64-bit / Effects Plugin

We are pleased to announce the release of String 1.1 - download the updated version here.

String 1.1, a free update for registered users, contains the following fixes and features:

• Native 64-bit versions for Mac OS X Audio Unit, and Windows VST
• Separate "Effects Only" plugin: use String's Effects as a general multi-fx unit
• Phaser and Chorus now automatically disable themselves (saving CPU) when the plugin is idle
• Each Layer now has an overall Volume control
• Increased polyphony
• Much faster GUI response  
• Vastly reduced memory usage
• Various compatibility fixes for certain hosts
• Fixed bug where Delay Link status sometimes isn't persisted
• Fixed minor audible click that could be heard when changing Chorus mode

The effects only version, "StringFX",  is a separate plugin which can be used to process any external instruments with String's effects section:

And as a bonus, KVR's HunterKiller has kindly provided over 150 fantastic new presets for registered users of String - download them here. Many thanks to HunterKiller for the hard work he put into these awesome sounds.

String reviewed by Computer Music magazine

Another positive review of String, this time courtesy of Computer Music magazine. When you're reading the review, which can be found online here, be sure to listen to the audio samples: they do a fantastic job showing how well Loomer String does classic Solina String Ensemble and Elka Rhapsody style sounds.
 
"Loomer Synth's sound quality is superb, with just the right balance of vintage tone and digital clarity. The sound could best be described as cinematic, albeit in a late-'70s sci-fi/horror fashion. String can easily stretch from Vangelis-like soundtrack to Prodigy-esque sound module strings."

Manifold and Resound 1.4

We've recently released upgrades for a couple of the earlier product line, Manifold and Resound (download the updated versions here). As well as some fixes for compatibility with a few misbehaving hosts and general stability, (and, in the case of Resound, a much needed improvement to the feedback algorithm), the most interesting thing about these releases is that they mark our first foray into native 64-bit territory: both the Windows VST and Mac OS X Audio Unit versions now run as native 64-bit plugins.

64-bit native builds of the remaining product line will be available soon...

Rekkerd reviews Sequent

Rekkerd.org have posted a short review on our latest release, Sequent. Aside from the overwhelmingly positive text, it's also worth checking out for the short demonstration video. Thanks Rekkerd.org!

MIDI Step Sequencer in Pure Data

Presented here is a very basic MIDI Step Sequencer for Pure Data. It's locked to playing 16th notes, but the tempo and number of steps can be changed. The pattern can also be transposed. Finally, it comes with a decent random pattern creation system, ideal for that 'dead batteries in a 303' style sequence.

The top right window displays the pitches for the steps, selectable between -12 and +12 semitones. The center right window the velocity (where 0 means no note is played). The bottom window shows the currently playing step. Obviously, as a MIDI Sequencer, it doesn't actually produce audio on it's own: you'll need to route the MIDI to the instrument of your choice.

The patch itself is fairly simple; there's nothing in there a novice Pure Data-er familiar with basic messaging and lists couldn't grasp. Adding multiple pattern support would be a simple, yet interesting addition for the eager coder.

Here's a short audio demo of it at work: here, MIDI is output from Pure Data using the Mac IAC MIDI Driver (use MIDI Yoke on Windows) into Aspect, which is playing a nice analogue mono synth bass sound.




Download the patch for Pure Data here.

UPDATE: New version posted here.