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Kiive Audio LunchBox AMP Review (2023)

9/11/2023

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Kiive Audio LunchBox Review (2023)

Kiive Audio LunchBox Review (2023)
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LunchBox comes roaring out of your DAW with a growl and bite much larger than its compact silhouette might indicate that it is capable of. This fairly recent entrant into the world of in-the-box amp sims comes to us from Canadian producer/mixer/engineer/developer, Eddie Lucciola, and his impressive new company, “Kiive Audio”. Unlike large, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink suites, such as Overloud’s TH-U and IK Multimedia’s Amplitube, this amp sim somewhat follows Igor Nembrini’s solo amp examples in that it is a single, specialized amp accompanied by only a trio of essential onboard FX.
​Kiive Audio doesn’t actually disclose what type of amp has been modelled here, other than it’s based on a British valve design from the 1960s. Judging by its handsome GUI though, I would assay it to be fashioned after a 10 watt VOX Domino, or something in that vein. Although the LunchBox is a small pony, it can do more than one trick – and it does them quite well. From clean jangle to raucous snarls, LunchBox delivers a very solid punch way above its weight class.
Kiive Audio is a new player on the digital field, coming to notoriety with the company's homerun smash, "Tape Face" - yet another take on the ever popular virtual Reel-to-Reel tape craze. The company is a small affair, comprised of Eddie Lucciola, Founder and Developer; and Pablo Ochoa, GUI Designer. Hailing from Canada myself, I can't help but hold a degree of pride in what this Canadian startup (Kiive Audio) has achieved since it began in 2020. Be that as it may, LunchBox can confidently step out on the world wide stage entirely on its own merits and impressive sonic properties.
At the time of this publication, LunchBox may be had for only $36.40 -- a huge 47% savings off the normal MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of $69.

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Audient ID24 USB Audio Interface Review (In Depth, 2023)

8/21/2023

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Audient ID24 Review (Definitive, 2023)

Audient ID24 Review
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The Audient iD24 is one of Audient’s most recent additions to its illustrious “ID” line of USB audio interfaces, boasting well above average sound quality, functionality, and reliability. This attractive, stylish studio-grade accessory provides a very well appointed surface layout and a convenient, easy-to-use software mixer control panel. Although this exciting piece of kit doesn’t have the “MkII” moniker appended to its name – such as the flagship iD44 MkII has - it may certainly be considered a second generation unit by cause of it benefitting from all the same technological advancements that its MkII iD brethren do. In essence, the iD24 replaces its highly regarded predecessor, the iD22.
​Right out of the gate, I’d like to make it clear that one may consider the iD24 to be of the higher tiered, prosumer calibre, far out classing any average consumer-grade USB audio interface. Examples of the latter would be devices such as Focusrite’s Scarletts, Presonus’ Audiobox line, Steinberg’s entry and mid range UR series, and similar. Mind you, thousands upon thousands of home producers get along just fine with Scarletts and Audioboxes; and too, let’s not forget that their cost of entry is considerably less than that of the iD24. Notwithstanding, the build quality, functionality, feature set, and over-the-top, pristine audio quality inherent in Audient’s 2nd gen iD series of USB audio interfaces far exceeds that of typical consumer-grade gear.
​So, just how much of an expenditure is required to obtain this piece of metal-encased audio luxury? Well, dear Reader, you needn’t hold your bated breath in trepidation. As of the time of this publication, the iD24 retails at Sweetwater, in the USA, for $399 USD. Here in Canada, Long & McQuade sell the iD24 for $549 CAD. Back home in the UK, our British neighbours can purchase one for £295 GBP at Andertons. As a point of reference, a Forcusrite Scarlett 4i4 may be had from Sweetwater (USA) for $259 USD.

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Straight Ahead Samples' Atomic Big Band Horns Review

7/12/2023

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Straight Ahead Samples, Atomic Big Band Horns Review (Deep Reveal, 2023)

Atomic Big Band! The Horns Review
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​“Atomic Big Band! The Horns” is an exciting big band horn section available exclusively in the perennial Kontakt sample library format. This inspiring ensemble is comprised of 13 instruments: 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, and 5 saxophones. Of special interest is the sizzling lead trumpet and lead trombone. Exhilarating and complex horn arrangements can now be part of any DAW project much easier than one might suspect. Screamin' ensemble tuttis and ripping solos that come across with indefectible realism are finally possible too!
The most exciting and innovative feature of this powerful, bombastic sample library is Straight Ahead Samples’ new “Smart Delay” – an advanced AI scripting mechanism that ‘looks ahead’ and automatically makes intelligent articulation changes to recorded midi data; facilitating incredibly realistic-sounding performances. Multiple microphone setups and tonnes of stylistically-correct articulations are all caboodled into the fray as well.
Atomic Big Band is not a whimsical novelty; rather, it is a hard hitting, potent horns ensemble that champions an entirely new approach to horn sampling, and showcases itself as a specialized solution aimed straight at Big Band, Jazz, Funk and Pop productions. If you’re looking for mellow, emotive brass tones, or cinematic flavours, you’d be better off looking in the direction of something like e-Instruments, “Valves”. On the flip side, if you’re in need of exciting, assertive horns dripping with character and ferocious tone, this one will fit the bill consummately – especially if you’re looking to achieve the MOST realistic horn performances possible with a Kontakt library!
SA Samples’ Atomic Big Band Horns ring-a-ding-dings the til at a moderately dear MSRP (Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price) of $495 US buckaroos -- in other words, it’s not cheap. If you’re just a curious samples hoarder, then this sample library might seem to be a little too steep for casual purchase. If, however, you’re in the market for a serious powerhouse that can handle Big Band, Jazz, Pop, Rock and upbeat Blues with ease, and can also effectuate blistering solos, then you should definitely check this one out! Mind you, when you take into consideration that there are 13 individual instruments crammed in, all highly playable on their own, this calculates to only $38.50 per horn.

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Wave Arts Panorama 7 Review (2023)

7/1/2023

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Wave Arts Panorama 7 Review (In-Depth, 2023)

Wave Arts Panorama 7 Review
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​Wave Arts Panorama 7 is a virtual 3D spacial panning plugin; one that promises to deliver realistic 3D audio positioning that goes way beyond typical binaural panning. Wave Arts purports that their new virtual acoustics processor can produce highly realistic auditory scenes via 3D audio and acoustic environment modeling technologies; thereby simulating the acoustics of sound propagation in real spaces.
The biggest news being heralded by Wave Arts regarding Pan 7, is the exciting, new “position sequencer”. This can be used for trajectory automation and beat-synced musical effects (automated uber 3D panning, as it were). The sequencer works by panning the sound along a set of trajectory way points. Another interesting feature that has been reinforced in Panorama 7 is its implementation of boundary reflections. Theoretically, the listener will more strongly perceive changes in the simulated environment’s early room reflections as the sound moves throughout its virtual space. Although this was introduced as far back as version 4, the feature is now high-lighted and more easily accessed.
This seventh iteration of Wave Arts’ (WA, hereafter) long-standing acoustic-ambiance processor is the first Wave Arts plugin (of hopefully many) to be released with a sumptuous, high resolution, dark-themed interface – complete with resizing options to boot! As of the time of this publication, I see that WA’s MultiDynamics 7 has also been recently unveiled sporting a similar high res frontage – fingers crossed that all of Wave Arts individual plugins and bundled suites will be given equal treatment.
Even after a brief play with Panorama 7, I quickly realized that this is not just a fanciful toy, but rather, a complex and niche plugin that will prove to be useful in various mix scenarios. As such, it is reasonably priced at $129 (USD) MSRP, but may be had for as little as $25 if you are a license holder of Panorama 6 ($75 to upgrade from version 5). Considering that this plugin provides sound positioning and panning features that are impossible to achieve through typical DAW panning, or even with 3rd party panning plugins, the price tag is well justified.

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Applied Acoustics Chromaphone 3 Review (2023)

6/11/2023

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AAS Chromaphone 3 Review (BEST, 2023) | Reviewers Revival

AAS Chromaphone 3 Review
AAS Chromaphone 3
Chromaphone 3 by Applied Acoustic Systems (AAS hereafter) is a powerful, dual-apparatus software synthesizer that specializes in acoustic object modelling. Boasting eight physically modeled acoustic resonators and a dual-voice, multi-timbral engine, it allows a user to illicit highly convincing instrumental tones out of it, all the way through to creative, otherworldly sounds. Showcasing a fresh new interface design that is freely resizeable and 4k ready, Chromaphone 3 delivers an exciting, unique musical experience without sacrificing an iota of ease-of-use.

Chromaphone 3 computationally materializes eight physical modeled resonators. These being: strings, plates, drum heads, membranes, beams, bars, and two types of tubes. Any of these can be used in solo, pairs, or in duo-paired combinations to reproduce very realistic sounding real-life instruments. Not surprisingly, there is huge potential inconspicuously concealed under the hood that lends itself to also creating original sonic textures that defy physical instrument limitations.


Version 3’s predecessors, Chromaphone and Chromaphone 2, masterfully carved out their own physical modelling niche, and subsequently raised their own bar-of-excellence to Olympian levels. It’s not unreasonable to conclude that only AAS (Applied Acoustics Systems) itself could develop a third iteration of the instrument that behests a cautious shopper to seriously consider upgrading or making a first time acquisition. Priced normally at $199 (USD) for the synth by itself, or $399 for the Sound Packs Bundle (includes 16 deluxe expansion packs), Chromaphone 3 may well be considered a moderate purchase that the average plugin collector might not want to make whimsically. Fortunately, licensees of earlier versions can upgrade to version 3 for as little as $79 (USD).


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Mission Engineering EP-1 Expression Pedal Review

5/10/2022

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Mission Engineering EP-1 Expression Pedal [Exciting, Deep] Review

Mission Engineering EP-1 Green
Mission Engineering EP-1 (Click to Zoom)
I must never be so impudent as to think that I can speak for the masses, but it is certainly my own frustrated findings that getting ahold of a good quality, sturdy expression pedal is no easy undertaking. How about it, dear Reader, are you more than a little disenchanted with the seemingly endless parade of over-priced, cheaply-made, plastik-y, fly-weight expression pedals that lay in wait on Amazon's web pages or on your local retailer's shelves?

You know the kind I'm talking about, right?; with their short, wired-in (read: non-field-replaceable) cables and flimsy plastic construction. Oh sure, most of them will indeed provide you with the means to execute volume swooshes, wah sweeps, and sundry other expression assignments - that is until the plastic bits snap off, or they slip from underfoot, or the no-name potentiometer crackles and dies, or the thin cable breaks.

It just so happens that our friends at Mission Engineering offer quite a few guaranteed, hand-crafted remedies for the aforementioned expression pedal quandary - one in particular is the EP-1 Expression Pedal.
As with all of Mission Engineering's arsenal of gadgetry and stompable FX weaponry, the EP-1 is built to last; and it does so with style! I guesstimate that over 98 percent of the pedal is fabricated from solid metal. The couple of non-metallic parts are made of strong, commercial-grade plastic that bears absolutely no similarity to the kind found in a $50 device. Oh, since we've discreetly stepped into the topic of lucre, let's note that Mission's products are not cheap. They aren't cheaply made. They aren't cheaply shipped. They don't house cheap electronic componentry. As such, the EP-1 certainly does not fall into impulse purchase or thoughtless GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) territory - it retails for $149 US Dollars.

When compared to the price tag affixed to an M-Audio EXP, or a Roland EV-5, you might gasp in a brief moment of sticker shock; however, even a few minutes of usage will assure you that a Mission Engineering pedal is definitely worth the extra coinage. It’s also worth highlighting that Mission’s Made in USA build quality is top-notch, to boot!

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Mission Engineering SP-H9 Expression Pedal Review [Eventide H9]

5/9/2020

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Mission Engineering SP-H9 Expression Pedal Review

Mission Engineering SP-H9
Mission Engineering SP-H9
Without a doubt, one of the finest multi-purposed digital effects processors to have ever adorned a musician’s pedal board is Eventide’s “H9 Harmonizer”. If you haven’t already checked out my previous installment on the H9, I invite you to do so (Eventide H9 Max Review Link). It is my considered opinion that there are only a couple of ways to improve a pedal board that has been armed with an H9:

A) Add a second H9.
B) Pair it with a compatible expression pedal.

Fortunately, the latter suggestion is what we’re taking a look at in this review; thanks to Mission Engineering’s decidedly apropos SP-H9 Expression Pedal.
At first glance it’s obvious that Mission SP-H9’s stylish fascia perfectly matches that of Eventide’s digital wonder box; however, its likeness isn’t the only adjunct that has been meticulously designed to seamlessly integrate with an H9. You’ll be pleased to know that this expression controller also provides a TS (On/Off) toe button to facilitate on-the-fly bypass functionality and other handy momentary control. What’s more, a solitary ¼ “ TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve) cable is all that’s required to make the necessary connection.
​
Mission Engineering’s MSRP lists the SP-H9 at $149 (USD) / $202 (CAD). While it’s true that there are some lower priced expression pedals on the market, none of them - and I do mean NONE – are so perfectly compatible with an Eventide H9. It’s also worth noting that Mission’s Made in USA build quality is top-notch, to boot!

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Arturia KeyLab 61 MKII Review [Redux Deluxe?] | Reviewer's Revival

6/22/2019

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Arturia KeyLab 61 MKII In-Depth Review

Arturia KeyLab 61 MK2 Review
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Arturia has been around since 1999; albeit the fledgling company didn’t achieve any great success right away. It took a few years, but in 2003, things began to change dramatically for the French company when they released their first emulations of some best-loved classic synthesizers in VST plug-in format. Said emulations were coined “The V Collection” (V obviating the term, vintage). As time passed, and subsequent product revisions ensued, Arturia’s reputation grew, as did their V Collection; what, with its current iteration numbering 25 vintage synths, e-pianos, pianos and even a Mellotron (as of June, 2019). Moreover, Arturia has continued to refine and improve its TAE® (True Analog Emulation) technology.

Although Arturia’s software developments have generally been well-received, the company wasn’t content to focus solely on that side of the equation so in 2009, they made available their first hardware synthesizer, “The Origin”. Since that time, Arturia has continued to produce a respectable catalogue of hardware pieces including “Mini Brute”, “MicroBrute”, “BeatStep”, “MatrixBrute”, “AudioFuse”, and many others. Consistently, each of Arturia’s hardware offerings has proven itself to be solidly built and well-outfitted with ample functionality and plentiful accoutrements.

Our present investigation spotlights one of these: The KeyLab 61 MK II. This little darling rings the till at a moderate street price of $499 - $549 (USD) / $649 (CAD) in most retail shops. The unit I received is a black model (which I personally prefer), but of course, the KeyLab MK II series is also available in Arturia’s recognizable white carriage. Ensuring that even a first-time customer will be able to enjoy this delightful keyboard controller at its finest, Arturia has included full version licenses of Analog Lab 4 and Piano V 2. Analog Lab is a heaping compendium of Arturia’s entire V Collection, providing approximately 8000 presets culled from the entire caboodle. Piano V 2 is a collection of 12 modelled pianos comprising uprights, grands, and even a couple of unique theorems that marry traditional designs with imaginary metallic and glass cabinetry.
​

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[Deep Review] Eventide H9 Max | Reviewer's Revival

6/6/2019

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[Exciting Deep] Review of Eventide H9 Max | Reviewer's Revival

DISCLAIMER! This is a deep, investigative editorial.
​As such, it is presented in two parts.
EVENTIDE H9 MAX Review
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Eventide – an illustrious, respected name in most nearly every serious studio since the early 1970s. The wizardry-in-a-studio-box that got it all started for the fledgling New Jersey-based company was their revered H910 Harmonizer ® – this one is still an oft sought after effects processor. As the company continued its tireless pursuit of digital reverberation par excellence, Eventide blasted into the 1980s with one of the quintessential digital reverb units of all time: The Eventide “SP2016”. Next came an amazing multi FX contraption that could manipulate an audio signal’s pitch, delay, modulation and filter curves like theretofore unheard of – it was christened, “H3000”.

​Suffice it to say, Eventide is a deservingly well-established, highly regarded force in the audio production industry. Since the company’s inception, they have proven themselves to be not only innovators, but also purveyors of exceptional, professional-grade processors. Thus it caused no small ripple in the mid 2000s when Eventide started emulating their highly hailed studio rack effects in plug-in form. Keeping no stone unturned, they also developed an outstanding line of high-powered effects pedals – known as the Factor series.
And . . . in 2009 Eventide gave many guitarists and keyboardists cause for celebration when they unleashed a rack full of their fan favoured effects in a single, rugged stomp box. In keeping with their own famous naming conventions, that little box of digital supremacy was knighted, “H9”. In essence, all of the exquisite algorithms found in Eventide’s “Factor” series of effects-pedals have been culminated into one exhaustive collection – otherwise known as the H9 Max. Although the outward appearance has remained unaltered, the H9 has undergone a few subtle, under-the-hood changes on the inside. So too has it price tiers.
The H9 is presently available in three tiers: H9 Core, H9 Harmonizer, and H9 Max. There aren’t any physical or electronic differences between the three — the distinctions are entirely software dependent. Core offers 25 presets from the original H910 / H949; Harmonizer increases the kitty to include Ultra Tap Delays, Advanced Modulatons, Shimmer & Hall reverbs, Vintage Delays and Tremelo/Pan. Finally, the H9 Max ships with all available algorithms pre-loaded and ready to rock! H9 Core and H9 Harmonizer can each be ‘Max’ed’ out with the full roster of algorithms; of course, the upgraded content comes at a cost. Obviously, it costs more to ‘Max’ out the basic Core unit since it requires 48 additional algorithms to be brought up to full-meal-deal status.
So just how much wallet-paper does it take to get an H9 Max onto your pedal board?

Eventide’s MSRP and most nearly every retailer’s listing comes in at $699 (USD) / $899 (CAD). If you’re thinking, “Sheesh! That’s a big chunk of change”, I would agree with you – on the surface. However, when you take into consideration that most nearly every one of Eventide’s enviable algorithms has been gleaned from their entire stomp box line, the price makes a lot more sense. This includes, but is not limited to, all modulation, harmonizing, pitch-shifting, delay, reverberation and tremolo algorithms. In addition, exciting H9-exclusive algorithms are here as well: UltraTap, Resonator, SpaceTime, PitchFuzz, EQ Compressor, Sculpt, CrushStation and HotSawz. Moreover, any algorithms released in the future will automatically be available for H9 Max users to download – at no additional expense. Purchasing algorithms a’ la carte costs $20 apiece (applicable to H9 Core and H9 Harmonizer units only).
​

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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 [Deep Review] | Reviewer's Revival

5/21/2019

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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 [Exciting In-Depth] Review

KOMPLETE KONTROL A61
KOMPLETE KONTROL A61 Review
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Unless you've been imprisoned in Iqaluit, Nunavut, since the early 1990s, you’re no doubt very familiar with music technology mega brand, “Native Instruments” (NI). Chances are, the percentage of contemporary music producers, home-recordists, and DAW users who don’t own at least one NI product, is probably so low that it’s negligible to measure. Be that as it may, NI has pretty much always been the industry leader – perhaps even the industry creator – of all samples-based virtual instrumentation. Well, in regard to the personal computer and software DAW domains that is.

As magnanimous as NI’s sample and software archive is, they've not been strangers to the hardware side of the equation either. In particular, their Traktor rigs became tremendously popular with our musical wannabe cousins (DJs), and many a fine home recording was captured using Komplete Audio devices. Machine hybrid systems, which married percussive pad controllers to software samples, allowed electronic music artists to get as creative and hip-hoppy as their one drop hearts desired. The small studio and home producer crowd really sat up and took notice when NI released their industry-shaking line of dedicated keyboard controllers: Komplete Kontrol “S” series – in 49, 61 and 88 key configurations.
The original Komplete keyboards were decidedly high end, pro-grade midi controllers. Fatar keybeds, illuminated guide lights under each key, large LED display panels, deluxe encoder knobs and so forth, made them the perfect physical companions to most nearly every VI (virtual instrument) in NI’s vast arsenal. Furthermore, both Machine and Komplete hardware devices helped NI introduce a new software control standard to the masses: “Native Kontrol Standard”; otherwise known as NKS. These top-grade devices came with premium features and premium price tags.
Not to be easily outdone by less costly competition, nor miss an opportunity to maintain a strong presence in the budget to mid-tiered market segments, Native Instruments has brilliantly developed an affordable line of good quality, value-conscious alternatives to their premium range of hardware. Our present investigation spotlights one of these: The Komplete Kontrol A61. This little darling rings the till for a modest $259 (usd) at most retail shops. Is it a good buy?
​
Let’s find out . . .
​

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