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.

Sequent 1.3.11 for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux

Sequent 1.3.11 for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux is now available. This release add the following fixes and features:

• (fix: Mac OS X) Cables between effect modules can now be removed using a single button mouse.
• (fix: Mac OS X) Fixed issue which could cause Sequent to be skipped by Kore or Maschine's plug-in scan.
• (fix: Mac OS X Audio Unit) Space key-presses will now always be passed through to Logic, ensuring that Logic's transport can be started and stopped.
• (fix: Mac OS X) Gatekeeper signed installers now install correctly on Mac OS X 10.5.
• (improvement: Windows) The 32-bit and 64-bit VST plug-ins are now installed as separate components. You can choose which one(s) to install, as well as selecting different install folders for each architecture.
• (fix: Mac OS X Audio Unit) Fixed issue which caused Reaper to host new instances of Sequent as a mono plug-in.
• (fix: Mac OS X Audio Unit) Fixed minor memory leak in parameter names.
• (improvement) Clearer UI fonts in various places.
• (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.

Download Sequent 1.3.11 plug-in here.

Sequent 1.3.5 for Mac OS X released

Sequent 1.3.5 for Mac OS X is now available. This minor release fixes two issues:

• (fix: Mac OS X RTAS) Fixed installer bug which could cause the Sequent RTAS component to be installed in the incorrect folder.
  
• (fix: Mac OS X Audio Unit) Space key-presses will now always be passed through to Ableton Live, ensuring that Live's transport can be started and stopped, even when Sequent's GUI is selected.

Download Sequent 1.3.5 for Mac OS X here.

Sequent 1.3.3 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux. Now with Gatekeeper and JACK Transport support.

Sequent 1.3.3 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux is now available. This version add the following fixes and features:

• (feature) Keyboard entry of rotary parameter values. Rotary controls can now be typed directly into by clicking on the text value below the control.
• (improvement:Mac OS X) Installer and all installed components are now signed in compliance with Mac OS X 10.8's Gatekeeper system.
• (improvement:Linux) When using the JACK audio system in standalone mode, the JACK Transport now syncs Sequent's tempo, start/stop status, and playhead location.
• (improvement) Step response on the filter, distortion, pan, and delay module parameters has been significantly reduced to allow for tighter control of sequenced automation.
• (improvement) Changing sequencer patterns via MIDI keyboard can no longer cause audio glitches when using a realtime audio driver.
• (fix) The Master sequencer will now correctly follow a host's PPQ position, and restart in response to a host's transport restarting.
• (fix:RTAS) Fix for the right-channel muting when bypassing in Pro Tools when used on a mono to stereo track.
• (improvement) Significantly improved UI response speed; reduced CPU usage when parameters are automated whilst the UI is open.
• (improvement:Windows) Removed C++ runtime libraries redistributable requirement for RTAS plug-ins. The installer no longer installs the C++ runtime library redistributable components when installing the RTAS plug-ins.
• (improvement) Routing and sequencing windows are now lighter and clearer.
• (improvement) Factory presets now use a compressed pattern format, which are significantly smaller, and so improves preset loading and search times.

Download Sequent 1.3.3 here.

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 1.7.10 now available

Aspect 1.7.10 is now available. Fixed in this release are the following issues:

• Fixed issue which made audio rate modulation of either oscillator's pitch by the noise modulation source slightly quantized. This caused previously created presets using this configuration to sound slightly different in Aspect 1.7.9. 
• Fixed bug which occasionally caused newly saved user presets to still be marked with the changed (*) flag in the preset name display.

Download Aspect 1.7.10 for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux here.

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.

Sequent 1.3.0: Mac 64-bit VST; Bitcrusher

It's time for another update: Sequent 1.3.0 is now available.

About Sequent 
Sequent is a step-sequenced multi-effect processor with a flexible modular effects routing system, an incredibly powerful beat looper, twenty-three parameter sequencers, and a wealth of randomization options. Sequent is the ideal tool for mangling audio on stage or in the studio. Sequent is available for Mac OS X v 10.4 and above, Windows XP and above, and Linux, in Audio Unit, VST plugin, RTAS for Pro Tools 7 and above, and Standalone application formats.

What's new in Sequent 1.3.0 :

• 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. ) 
• Bitcrusher effect added to distortion module. 
• Massively improved speed and responsiveness of all UI controls. 
• Improved CPU usage when wiring effects in the modular view. 
• Improved CPU usage when tweaking parameters from a hardware controller. 
• Improved CPU usage when rapidly switching patterns. 
• Sequence syncing is now more reliable for hosts which provide only periodic PPQ positional information. 
• Rotary controls for Looper mode and Filter types are now replaced by combo controls. 
• 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. 
• Standalone versions now support multiple simultaneous hardware controllers. 
• 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. 
• Preset searches are now multi-threaded. Preset browser can now immediately respond to user interaction, even whilst searching a massive preset library, or when browsing a folder containing a large number of presets. 
• Added soft notching for volume and crossfade controls, making unity volume and 50% crossfade mix easier to dial in. 
• Fixed extremely rare crash that could occur on a minority of Windows 32-bit systems when opening the UI. 
• Preset meta data (ie, author name, notes, tags) is now correctly displayed after loading an .FXP based preset or restoring a saved project. 
• Standalone application tempo can now be set to within two decimal places of accuracy.

Download the updates here.

Aspect 1.7.7 critical bug-fix update

It seems like a rogue bug managed to slip under the radar in Aspect 1.7.6. I'd recommend anyone who downloaded it to update to Aspect 1.7.7.

This release fixes a critical bug in Aspect 1.7.6's audio synthesis engine which caused certain presets to sometimes have a transient gliding pitch at the beginning of a note. Which did admittedly add a certain flair to presets, but is, none-the-less, a bug which needed to be fixed!

Download Aspect 1.7.7 here.

Aspect 1.7.6 update for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux

Aspect 1.7.6 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux is now available. This minor release adds the following improvements:

• 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.) 
• Preset searches are now multi-threaded. Preset browser can now immediately respond to user interaction, even whilst searching a massive preset library, or when browsing a folder containing a large number of presets. 
• Preset meta data (ie, author name, notes, tags) is now correctly displayed after loading an .FXP based preset or restoring a saved project. 
• Vastly improved CPU usage when recalculating DSP graph as a result of realtime re-wiring of a modular preset. 
• Standalone application tempo can now be set to within two decimal places of accuracy. 
• Fix for GUI freeze that could occur in certain Mac OS X VST hosts. 
• Fix for LFOs being incorrectly reset every four bars when using the standalone application. 
• Fix for minor issue which caused a changed preset to temporarily be reverted to its original state when previewing presets via the browser.

Download Aspect 1.7.6 here.

Manifold and Resound 1.6.1 for Mac OS X

Manifold and Resound for Mac OS X have been updated to 1.6.1. These releases add a fix for an issue that causes the preset browser to become invisible when either Audio Unit plug-in is hosted by Digital Performer.

This is due to an incompatibility with Digital Performer's Carbon Audio Unit UI implementation. In these release, to force Digital Performer to use the plug-in's Cocoa Audio Unit UI :

• Open the corresponding configuration file, ~/Library/Preferences/Loomer/Resound.xml or ~/Library/Preferences/Loomer/Manifold.xml . 
• Add the following line to the file: <value name="CarbonAUInterface" val="0"> 
• Save and close the configuration file.

All new instances of the Audio Unit plug-in will hide the legacy Carbon UI, forcing Digital Performer to use the more compatibile Cocoa UI.

Download Manifold and Resound 1.6.1 for Mac OS X 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.

String 1.3.5 for Mac OS X and Windows now available

String 1.3.5, the polyphonic ensemble string synth, for Mac OS X and Windows is now available. This release fixes several issues specific to the Mac OS X and Windows versions: String for Linux remains at version 1.3.0.

Included in this release are the following fixes:

• Fix for the String FX for Mac OS X VST plug-in not resizing correctly in some 64-bit hosts when opening the preset browser.
• Fix for mouse-wheel not working correctly for the Windows 32-bit VST plug-in.

Download String 1.3.5 here.

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.

String 1.3.2 update for Mac OS X

As is par for the course when if comes to big architectural changes, 64-bit VST support for Mac OS X  added a few issues to the last String release, which we are pleased to announce are now fixed in String 1.3.2 - download the update here. Windows and Linux builds were not affected by these issues, and so both remain happily on version 1.3.0.

String 1.3.2 for Mac OS X adds:

• Fix for GUI freeze that could occur in certain hosts.
  
• Fix for crash that could occur when validating the 64-bit Audio Unit.
  
• Fix for newly loaded presets being incorrectly marked as changed in Maschine when using the String Audio Unit.

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 1.7.4 update for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux

Aspect 1.7.4 for Mac OS X, Windows, and Linux is now available. This release add the following fixes and features:

• 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.
  
• 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.
  
• Clearer font in PDF documentation.

Download Aspect 1.7.4 here.