news and current affairs.
Opalize sweetens harmonics without the harshness
apulSoft has introduced Opalize, a new plugin developed by Swiss mixer Joachim Budweiser. The tool generates second to fifth harmonics anywhere in the frequency spectrum, a process designed to enhance sounds like bass and drums without producing harshness. It functions most effectively on monophonic or band-passed signals. The plugin incorporates low-pass and band-pass filters to isolate fundamental tones for precise harmonic enhancement. One feature allows a band to track the pitch of a monophonic input, automatically adjusting a lowpass filter in real time. Opalize is available for download directly from the developer, featuring a ten-day trial period. Its introductory price is 29 dollars.
Eldenvale brings fantasy taverns to your DAW
Fracture Sounds has launched Compendium: Eldenvale, a comprehensive library of fantasy-themed instruments for the Kontakt platform. The toolkit contains over 25 instruments, including folk woodwinds, a chamber string ensemble, a forest choir, and various plucked and struck instruments like a Celtic harp. It also features medieval percussion and a selection of fantasy pads and dark drones for ambient textures. The library is designed for composers seeking an authentic folk and cinematic sound, offering playable instruments with features like Smart Legato and a Chordal Performance Engine. It is compatible with the free Kontakt Player and includes full NKS support for use with Komplete Kontrol hardware. Compendium: Eldenvale is currently...
Bark24 - Dyn shapes sound like your ears hear it
FSK Audio, in collaboration with former Pro Tools engineer Mark Jeffery, has released Bark24 | Dyn, a 24-band dynamics processor. The plugin utilizes the psychoacoustic Bark scale, dividing frequencies into bands that correspond to human hearing. This method reportedly reduces frequency masking for cleaner results compared to standard multiband processors. The interface promotes a tactile workflow, allowing users to draw threshold curves instead of entering numerical values. It offers four dynamic modes for tasks ranging from subtle transient control to creative sound design. Features include an auto-threshold function, per-band controls, and visual metering. Bark24 | Dyn is available for Mac and Windows in multiple plugin formats...
Stambecco gets a cleaner, friendlier tremolo
Eftilo has launched version 1.1.0 of its Stambecco Rhythmic Spectral Tremolo plugin for macOS and Windows systems. The update incorporates several technical enhancements originally developed for the company's newer Cratere plugin. These refinements include a new anti-aliasing technique for improved audio quality, the removal of DC offset, and minor adjustments to the user interface. The release also adds tooltips for certain parameters and includes various bug fixes. The improvements are intended to provide a cleaner sound and a more streamlined experience for users of the Stambecco plugin.
Sonarworks lets you take your studio ears anywhere
Sonarworks has introduced SoundID Reference Virtual Monitoring PRO, a new system designed to deliver highly accurate audio monitoring for music producers. The product focuses on generating personalized room simulations, moving beyond generic studio presets. It utilizes a specialized USB binaural in-ear microphone and a guided measurement process to capture the unique acoustic characteristics of a user's specific room and speaker setup. This creates a custom profile that can be replicated on any over-ear headphones. The technology enables creators to transport their personal studio sound for mixing on headphones, capture another collaborator's acoustic space for remote work, or replicate trusted listening environments like a car...
Roland launches Earth Electric Piano software instrument
Roland has released the Earth Electric Piano, a software instrument that consolidates a diverse collection of classic electric piano sounds. The company states that the instrument uses multi-sampling and modeling to produce expressive and dynamic tones. It features 19 distinct electric piano types, including tine and reed-based models, a Clavinet, and vintage digital pianos like the RD-1000. The virtual instrument includes extensive tone-shaping tools, such as two preamp types, six tremolo variations, and twelve cabinet models. It also allows users to add authentic mechanical noises from the original hardware. A Venue effect simulates nine different acoustic spaces, and the plugin includes a three-band EQ, a compressor, and over 90...
IK Multimedia unveils iLoud Sub studio subwoofer
IK Multimedia has introduced the iLoud Sub, a new studio subwoofer promoted as the most compact on the market. Despite its small size, the unit is engineered to deliver deep bass response as low as 25Hz. It incorporates a 6.5-inch aluminum driver, dual passive radiators, and a 200-watt amplifier. A key feature is its built-in ARC X room-correction technology, which automatically calibrates the subwoofer and any connected monitors for the specific listening environment. The subwoofer is designed to integrate with IK Multimedia's own iLoud monitors but is also compatible with other nearfield monitor brands. Its analog and digital connectivity options include XLR, RCA, and USB inputs, alongside Bluetooth streaming capability. The company...
First Capital Bank sells Kingdom Hotel stake for $30m
First Capital Bank, along with its staff pension fund, has agreed to sell its complete ownership in Makasa Sun to ASB Hospitality LLC for a total of 30 million dollars. The transaction involves all ordinary and preference shares in the hotel company, whose primary asset is the Kingdom Hotel in Victoria Falls. Upon meeting necessary conditions, ASB Hospitality will assume full beneficial ownership of the property. The bank stated that this divestment is a strategic move to unlock shareholder value, allowing it to concentrate on its core banking operations. It noted that the Kingdom Hotel has been classified as a dormant entity for years, meaning the sale will not significantly impact its earnings. A three-million-dollar deposit has...
Australia to ban under-16s from social media
Meta announced it will remove all Australian users under the age of 16 from its Facebook and Instagram platforms ahead of a new national ban. The company stated it would begin notifying affected 13 to 15-year-old account holders that their access will be revoked, with the removal process starting in early December. This action anticipates official Australian legislation, set to take effect, that will prohibit social media platforms from serving users under 16. The Australian government's law will impose substantial financial penalties on companies that fail to comply. Meta expressed disagreement with the policy, stating that completely isolating teenagers from their online communities is not an effective solution for online safety. The...
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