String 1.14.5 update for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux

String 1.14.5 for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux is now available. This release adds:

• (feature) Added "Tuning" parameter to modulation section. This enables String to be tuned up or down a half-semitone in either direction from standard concert pitch. Previously saved presets and projects will use A=440Hz by default.
• (fix: Windows 64-bit VST) Fix for immediate VST crash which could occur on certain hosts when run in Windows XP 64-bit.
• (feature: Linux) Added "Show Directory" to the preset browser, which will will reveal the selected preset directory in your window manager.
• (fix: Mac OS X Audio Unit) Fixed issue which caused Reaper to host new instances of String FX as a mono plug-in.
• (improvement: Linux) Presets and configuration files are now located to comply with the XDG Base Directory Specification. Older installations will still use any existing preset library location to maintain backwards compatibility.

Manifold and Resound 1.6.3 for Windows released

Manifold and Resound 1.6.3 for Windows are now available.

These minor updates add the following fixes and improvements:

• (fix) Fixed crash which could occur rarely (although repeatedly) on certain systems when starting up the 32-bit standalone application, or when particular hosts first scan the 32-bit VST plug-in.
• (improvement) Removed C++ runtime libraries redistributable requirement for RTAS plug-ins. The installers also no longer install the C++ runtime library redistributable components when installing the RTAS plug-ins.
• (improvement) Clearer font rendering on preset browser.
• (fix) Various minor host compatibility tweaks.

Download the updates here. Note these issues did not affect the Linux or Mac OS X builds of these products: this update is for the Windows versions only.

Aspect 1.7.9 released

I'm pleased to announce another small update for Aspect, our semi-modular synth for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. This release adds the following improvements:

• (Windows) Fixed incredibly rare crash which may occur when first opening the plug-in on certain 32-bit VST Windows hosts. 
• Massively improved speed and responsiveness of all UI controls. 
• Improved CPU usage when tweaking parameters from a hardware controller. 
• (Windows) For the Windows VST plug-in, when using a relative path of "." for the presets folder, the path is now relative to the plug-in's DLL file and not the host's executable file. This makes it possible to easily create a portable or USB stick install of Aspect. 
• Standalone versions now support multiple simultaneous hardware controllers. 
• (Linux) User presets are now displayed in alphabetical order in the preset browser. 
• (Linux) Improved UI font selection means that a more appropriate font is often used in any Linux distributions which provide only a small selection of default fonts. 
• Fixed an issue where the OK button in the save preset browser would temporarily become disabled when switching from the Factory presets selection. 
• Various minor compatibility fixes for certain hosts.

Download Aspect 1.7.9 for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux here.

Shift 2.2.3, Diatonic Harmonizer and Delay Effect, Released

Shift 2.2.3 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux is now available. Download the updated version here.

Shift is a diatonic granular pitch shifting delay. Shift combines an intuitive and beautiful user interface, with a great sounding granular synthesis engine. Shift's flexibility allows a palette of timbres ranging from basic echo effects, through intelligent harmonies, to exotic evolving ambient soundscapes.

This minor update contains the following fixes and features:

• Fixed incredibly rare crash which may occur when first opening the plug-in on certain 32-bit VST Windows hosts. 
• Massively improved speed and responsiveness of all UI controls. 
• Improved CPU usage when tweaking parameters from a hardware controller. 
• Standalone versions now support multiple simultaneous hardware controllers. 
• For the Windows VST plug-in, when using a relative path for the presets folder, the path is now relative to the DLL, not the host. 

Admittedly a minor update, but certainly worth a download for anyone who has fallen foul to the, now fixed, start-up crash bug.

Sequent 1.3.1 update

Sequent 1.3.1 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux is now available. This version add the following fixes and features:

• Fix for evaluation version of Sequent not opening factory presets. This bug did not affect the registered version of Sequent. 
• Improved UI responsiveness.

Download the update here.

Manifold and Resound 1.6.0 updates released

Manifold 1.6.0 and Resound 1.6.0 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux are now available. Download the update versions here.

Manifold
Manifold is a software audio effect processor that enhances an audio signal, producing a fuller, livelier, bigger sound. Input signals are split into as many as 20 individual voices, each of which are detuned, placed around the stereo panorama, and recombined with stunning results. Flexible controls mean Manifold is capable of producing a wide range of effects; from subtle modulations that add interest to lifeless sounds, to extreme detuning that fattens the weakest of input sources.

Resound
Resound is a software audio delay effect processor that emulates the sound and operation of vintage magnetic-tape echo units. Whilst not a direct copy of any one particular model, it takes features from several of the classic delay devices, and unites them into a convincing and pleasingly retro sounding effect.

Fixes and features in these release are as follows:

• Native 64-bit VST plug-in for Mac OS X (64-bit VST support requires Mac OS X 10.6 or greater; 64-bit Audio Unit requires Mac OS X 10.5 or greater; all other formats require Mac OS X 10.4 or greater. ) 
• Integrated undo and redo, with unlimited history size. 
• [Resound] Split mechanical tape emulation controls into separate Noise and Flutter parameters. 
• Category support in preset browser. 
• MIDI Program Changes are now multi-threaded, and so will no longer potentially stall the audio synthesis. 
• Fix for GUI freeze that could occur in certain Mac OS X VST hosts. 
• Slightly reduced CPU usage and removed potential audio thread stall that could rarely occur when editing parameters. 
• Windows RTAS plug-in is now installed to the correct location on 64-bit Windows operating systems. 
• Fix for rare issue that stopped presets from loading in Linux Renoise when LADSPA plug-in support is enabled. 
• Fix for issue that could cause some presets to be instantly marked as changed after opening them in Pro Tools or Maschine on Mac OS X. 
• Factory presets now load significantly faster. 
• Fix for crash (on both Windows and Linux) that could occur when 'space' is pressed when confirming the overwrite preset dialog. 
• For Windows VST (32-bit and 64-bit), the preferences file can be placed alongside the DLL file to facilitate USB or portable installs. 
• Preset meta data (ie, author name, notes, tags) is now correctly displayed after loading an .FXP based preset or restoring a saved project. 
• VU meters now automatically reset their overload status after a few seconds. 
• Various host compatibility fixes. 
• PDF manual is now printer-friendly.

Shift 2.2.0 update for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux

Shift 2.2.0 is now available: download the evaluation demo or update here. 

Shift is a diatonic granular pitch shifting delay. Shift combines an intuitive and beautiful user interface, with a great sounding granular synthesis engine. Shift's flexibility allows a palette of timbres ranging from basic echo effects, through intelligent harmonies, to exotic evolving ambient soundscapes. 

Additions and improvements in Shift 2.2.0 include:

• Native 64-bit VST plug-in for Mac OS X (64-bit VST support requires Mac OS X 10.6 or greater; 64-bit Audio Unit requires Mac OS X 10.5 or greater; all other formats require Mac OS X 10.4 or greater.) 
• Integrated undo and redo, with unlimited history size. 
• Preset Browser is now maximized to fill the entire plug-in window. 
• Windows RTAS plug-in is now installed to the correct location on 64-bit Windows operating systems. 
• MIDI Program Changes are now multi-threaded, and so will no longer potentially stall the audio synthesis. 
• Fix for crash (on both Windows and Linux) that could occur when 'space' is pressed when confirming the overwrite preset dialog. 
• Fixed interface lock that could occur on Cubase for Mac OS X. 
• Preset meta data (ie, author name, notes, tags) is now correctly displayed after loading an .FXP based preset or restoring a saved project. 
• VU meters now automatically reset their overload status after a few seconds. 
• For Windows VST (32-bit and 64-bit), the preferences file can be placed alongside the DLL file to facilitate USB or portable installs. 
• Windows RTAS plug-in is now installed to the correct location on 64-bit Windows operating systems. 
• Clearer font in PDF documentation. 
• Fix for rare issue that stopped presets from loading in Linux Renoise when LADSPA plug-in support is enabled. 
• Factory presets now load significantly faster.

Download Shift 2.2.0 here for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux.

Loomer String 1.3.0 released

Another update has been released into the wild: Loomer String, our ensemble synthesizer, rich in analogue authenticity, turns 1.3.0. Grab the download here, and go make some beautiful solina ensemble tones.

String 1.3.0 improves on the previous versions with the following fixes and features:

• Native 64-bit VST plug-in for Mac OS X (64-bit VST support requires Mac OS X 10.6 or greater; 64-bit Audio Unit requires Mac OS X 10.5 or greater; all other formats require Mac OS X 10.4 or greater.)
• Integrated undo and redo, with unlimited history size.
• Preset Browser is now maximized to fill the entire plug-in window.
• Windows RTAS plug-in is now installed to the correct location on 64-bit Windows operating systems.
• MIDI Program Changes are now multi-threaded, and so will no longer potentially stall the audio synthesis.
• Fix for crash (on both Windows and Linux) that could occur when 'space' is pressed when confirming the overwrite preset dialog.
• VU meters now automatically reset their overload status after a few seconds.
• For Windows VST (32-bit and 64-bit), the preferences file can be placed alongside the DLL file to facilitate USB or portable installs.
• Clearer font in PDF documentation.
• Fix for rare issue that stopped presets from loading in Linux Renoise when LADSPA plug-in support is enabled.
• Factory presets now load significantly faster.
• Various host compatibility fixes.

Sequent 1.2.3: Linux 64-bit; Undo; Master Sequencer; Random Pattern Generator

Sequent 1.2.3 is now available - download it here for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. The installers contain both the full version for registered users and the demo for evaluators.

 

Sequent 1.2.3 represents a massive update to the product; an exhaustive list of new fixes and features follows:

• Native 64-bit support for Linux VST plug-in and standalone application formats.
  
• Integrated undo and redo, with unlimited history size.
  
• Master Sequencer, to arrange effects along a time-line.
  
• Random pattern generation functions.
  
• Partial preset support for Routing configurations.
  
• Thru switch for Delay Module, which if enabled allows the dry signal to be passed through when the delay effect is turned off.
  
• Effects are now colour-coded for easy identification.
  
• Category support in preset browser.
  
• Windows VST 32-bit plug-ins and standalone applications no longer depend on additional runtime libraries. However, these libraries are still required - and installed - for the RTAS format plug-ins.
  
• libjack is now weak-linked for standalone Linux. This means JACK is not required (but still recommended) for Linux users.
  
• Windows RTAS plug-in is now installed to the correct location on 64-bit Windows operating systems.
  
• MIDI Program Changes are now multi-threaded, and so will no longer potentially stall the audio synthesis.
  
• Fix for rare issue that stopped presets from loading in Linux Renoise when LADSPA plug-in support is enabled.
  
• Fixed crash that could occur when connecting Effects in the Routing Window whilst simultaneously changing Presets via MIDI.
  
• Fix for crash (on both Windows and Linux) that could occur when 'space' is pressed when confirming the overwrite preset dialog.
  
• Presets without Patterns are now considerably smaller when saved to disc.
  
• Improved rendering speed of Router graphics.
  
• Reduced CPU usage when switching or editing patterns.
  
• Preset Browser is now maximized to fill the entire plug-in window.
  
• For Windows VST (32-bit and 64-bit), the preferences file can be placed alongside the DLL file to facilitate USB or portable installs.
  
• Additional presets.
  
• Various host compatibility fixes.
  
• PDF manual is now printer-friendly.

Aspect 1.7.1 update now available

Aspect 1.7.1 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux is now available. This release adds the following improvements:

• Fix for hung note that could occasionally occur when using legato triggering for Envelope 1.
  
• Fix for certain non-ASCII characters being either missing, or displayed incorrectly in the interface.
  
• Integrated preset browser is now re-sizeable.

Grab the update here.

Aspect 1.7: Linux 64-bit; Mono legato; Envelope triggers

Aspect 1.7 is now out. Download the update here: go shake some speakers.

Click for full-size screenshot

Improvements in this release (apparently the 19th update for Aspect!) include:

• Native 64-bit VST and Standalone application versions for Linux.
  
• Integrated undo and redo, with unlimited history size.
  
• Mono legato modes, with selectable low, high, and last note priority.
  
• Mono unison: stack up to five unison voices in mono legato mode.
  
• Independent trigger mode for each envelope: retrigger, reset, or legato.
  
• Category support in preset browser.
  
• Increased filter cutoff modulation range.
  
• CPU usage is now consistent when using the Mac OS X RTAS plug-ins.
  
• Windows VST 32-bit plug-ins and standalone applications no longer depend on additional runtime libraries. However, these libraries are still required - and installed - for the RTAS format plug-ins.
  
• libjack is now weak-linked for standalone Linux. This means JACK is not required (but still recommended) for Linux users.
  
• Windows RTAS plug-in is now installed to the correct location on 64-bit Windows operating systems.
  
• MIDI Program Changes are now multi-threaded, and so will no longer potentially stall the audio synthesis.
  
• Fix for rare issue that stopped presets from loading in Linux Renoise when LADSPA plug-in support is enabled.
  
• Factory presets now load significantly faster.
  
• Additional presets.
  
• Various host compatibility fixes.

Shift 2.1.0 update: Linux 64-bit; bug fixes and improvements

We are pleased to announce the update for Shift v2.1.0, our diatonic granular pitch shifting effect, is now available: download it here. Shift v2 is available for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, in Audio Unit, VST, RTAS plug-in formats, as well as in standalone application format.

What's new in this release:

• Native Linux 64-bit standalone application and VST plug-in.
  
• Fixed audible click and DC offset which could occur (albeit very rarely) when changing between certain presets.
  
• Fixed issue that could cause some presets to be instantly marked as changed after opening them in Pro Tools on Mac OS X.
  
• Presets can now be quickly grouped using categories.
  
• Windows installer now uses the correct admin privileges. This fixes an issue where Vista or Windows 7 could complain that Shift may not have installed correctly.
  
• Windows VST 32-bit plug-in and standalone applications no longer depend on additional runtime libraries. However, these libraries are still required - and installed - for the RTAS format plugins.
  
• Filter types are now labelled Off, LP, BP, and HP.
  
• Minor visual improvement to interface button controls.
  
• All presets from Shift v1 are now included (and in many cases improved) in factory preset library.
  
• Preset loading speed is improved when using MIDI Change Program messages.
  
• PDF manual is now printer-friendly.
  
• PDF manual now contains description of Echo Shift function.

Loomer String 1.2.3 released; New Preset Browser; Linux 64-bit

Another update has been released: this time, its String 1.2.3. This release adds the following improvements :

• Native 64-bit VST plugin and standalone application for Linux.
  
• Integrated Preset Browser, with meta-data, tags, searching, and hot-swap support.
  
• Additional presets. All presets now tagged and annotated.
  
• Presets can now be sorted using auto categorization.
  
• String Instrument and FX now have their own individual default preset.
  
• Reduced CPU usage.
  
• CPU usage is now consistent when using the Mac OS X RTAS Plugins.
  
• Windows VST 32-bit plugins and standalone applications no longer depend on additional runtime libraries. However, these libraries are still required - and installed - for the RTAS format plugins.
  
• libjack is now weak-linked for standalone Linux. This means JACK is not required (but still recommended).
  
• Fixed slight pitch shifting timbre that would rarely occur when quickly swapping between presets using different delay time settings.
  
• PDF manual is now printer-friendly.
  

This finally sees our entire current product line now using the vastly improved integrated preset browser. String is also the first to have a new preset browser feature: Categories.

Categories are a nod to those people who have expressed a liking for the old preset system, saying it was a lot easier to find all the (for example) bass presets. Of course, you could always enter 'bass' into the search area, but who wants to be typing when you're on the verge of creating a timeless bassline?

Categories are user creatable search terms that, for quick access, appear in the browser tree. Anything you can search for can be used as a category: so you can even categorize by preset authors, or indeed any tag or descriptive word. And provided you've tagged all your presets correctly, they'll automatically appear in the correct category (or categories).

String 1.2.3 is available for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. Download the update here.

Enjoy!

Manifold 1.5.0 / Resound 1.5.0 - Now Linux 64-bit compatible

I'm pleased to announce another update; this time, Manifold 1.5.0 and Resound 1.5.0 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux get the upgrade treatment. These releases add the following fixes and features:

• Native 64-bit support for Linux VST plugins and standalone applications. All releases hence will come in Linux 64-bit VST plugin and Linux 64-bit standalone format.
• Integrated Preset Browser, with meta-data, tags, searching, and hot-swap support.
  
• (Resound) Noise parameter is now scaled such that wow, flutter, and mechanical noise of the tape machine are completely absent at 0%. Older presets will still sound identical.
  
• (Resound) Reversed delay tempo syncing has been improved with hosts that don't provide accurate PPQ.
  
• Reduced CPU usage.
  
• Windows VST 32-bit plugins and standalone applications no longer depend on additional runtime libraries. However, these libraries are still required - and installed - for the RTAS format plugins.
  
• Various host compatibility fixes.
  
• Additional presets.

Go here; download the updates.

Shift updated to v2

And Shift v2 is out: go transpose some pitches. Shift v2 is a huge update (although rewrite is perhaps a more accurate description) of the original Shift. Why a rewrite? Why not a minor upgrade? Real-time harmonizing with zero latency, the most requested feature by a long way, just wasn't going to happen with Shift v1.  Rather than shoe-horn the feature in, we took a step back, looked at what did and didn't work with the first Shift, and redesigned it.

Some of the many improvements in Shift v2:

• Better diatonic tracking. Not only is the tracking faster and more accurate, we've added filters to reduce the signal bandwidth (and hence, make it easier for the tracker to guess the pitch), as well as a real-time tuning indicator to help you finely hone the tracker settings. Plus you can save tracking presets independent from the main preset; if you've found a setting that works great with your particular style of playing, you can easily bring it into any preset.
  
• Better interface: most noticeable the XY Grid control for real-time simultaneous 'playing' of two parameters.
  
• Grain engine parameters: tweak the fundamental grain settings to improve latency and quality.
  
• Improved preset browser, with all the usual features such as tagging, annotations, quick searching, and hot-swap previewing.
  
• 64-bit: Shift v2 is native 64-bit for Windows VST, and Mac OS X Audio Unit. Other 64-bit formats coming soon...

So Shift v2 is a vast step forward from Shift v1. But don't take my word for it, listen to the audio samples here. Or even better: judge for yourself, grab the demo here. Shift is available for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux, in all the usual formats (Audio Unit, VST, RTAS, and Standalone application.)

Registered users of Shift v1 can claim their free licence upgrade here.

Shift update preview

Over on the Loomer forum, we've just posted a short preview of the impending update to Shift. Point your browser here for a features breakdown, screenshots, and sound demos. This upgrade will be free to all registered users of Shift.

Sequent updated to 1.1.2

Sequent 1.1.2 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux is now available.

This release add the following fixes and features:

• Native 64-bit versions for Windows (VST) and Mac OS X (Audio Unit).
• Integrated Preset Browser, with meta-data, tags, searching, and hot-swap support.
• Component Level Preset Support: create partial presets for each Effect.
• Effects in the Modular routing window now can be toggled on and off by double-clicking them.
• Unused Effects can be removed from the Routing window.
• Cables in the Routing window can be removed by right-clicking on them.
• A cable can now be created by dragging from an Effect's Input to another Effect's Output.
• Fixed: Gate Depth or Slew Time would jump to 0% when linking the Gate Depth or Gate Slew Time sequencer.
• Fixed: Editing the Delay Time Sequencer would sometimes cause the current Delay Time to change.
• Fixed: The same connection could be made multiple times from an Effect to an Output.
• Fixed: Rare crash could occur when loading several presets in quick succession.
• Fixed: Synced Delay time in the Sequencer window is now displayed correctly.
• Various host compatibility fixes.

Sequent 1.1.2 is available for Mac OS X (Audio Unit, VST, RTAS, and Standalone formats), Windows (VST, RTAS, and Standalone formats), and Linux (VST and Standalone formats). Download Sequent 1.1.2 here.

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

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.

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...