tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20908363006904363102024-02-20T18:46:17.680-07:00Reviewer's RevivalReviewers Revival publishes professional, in-depth reviews of audio software, DAWs, plugins, VSTs, Kontakt samples and home recording tools.Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-82180386643381705652022-06-14T13:25:00.005-06:002022-06-22T21:41:49.386-06:00Mission Engineering EP-1 Expression Pedal [In-Depth] Review (2022)<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h2>Mission Engineering EP-1 Expression Pedal [In-Depth] Review (2022)</h2><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/edited/image3.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mission Engineering EP-1 Expression Pedal (2022) Review" border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="453" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/edited/image3.jpeg" title="Mission Engineering EP-1 Expression Pedal (2022) Review" width="605" /></a></div><br /> <br /></div><span style="font-family: arial;">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-<i>y, </i>fly-weight expression pedals that lay in wait on Amazon's web pages or on your local retailer's shelves?</span><br /><div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;">
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
It just so happens that our friends at <a href="https://www.missionengineering.com/" target="_blank">Mission Engineering</a>
offer quite a few guaranteed, hand-crafted remedies for the
aforementioned expression pedal quandary - one in particular is the <b>EP-1 Expression Pedal</b>.
</span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">
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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
guestimate 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 (<i>Gear Acquisition Syndrome</i>) territory - it retails for <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #db7474; color: #8d2424;">$149 US Dollars</span></b>.<br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial;"><br />
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 <i>sticker shock</i>;
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 <u>Made in USA</u> build quality is top-notch, to boot</span></div><div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span></div><div class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/mission-engineering-ep-1-expression-pedal-deep-review" target="_blank"><b><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here ->> </b></a> <br /></span></div><p><br /></p>Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-60203533263806244212019-06-28T12:31:00.002-06:002022-06-14T13:36:00.681-06:00WIN a FREE Copy of [EXCITING Plugin] ELKA PANTHER Organ VST<h2 style="text-align: center;">
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-57056228107140537242019-06-23T00:14:00.003-06:002022-06-14T13:28:25.871-06:00 Arturia KeyLab 61 MK II [Exciting] Review - Redux Deluxe? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Arturia KeyLab 61 MK II Review - Redux Deluxe?</h2>
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<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/keylab61mkii-topview-medium_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arturia KeyLab 61 MK2 Review" border="0" data-original-height="284" data-original-width="800" height="222" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/keylab61mkii-topview-medium_orig.jpg" title="Arturia KeyLab 61 MK2 Review" width="626" /></a></div><br />
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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 <span data-darkreader-inline-bgcolor="" data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-bgcolor: #999900; --darkreader-inline-color: #337dff; background-color: yellow; color: blue;" title="TAE® True Analog Emulation is Arturia's exclusive technology that accurately reproduces the defining sonic qualities of analog synthesizers. It recreates the characteristics of analog oscillators in amazing detail, transparency and clarity, as well as the exact properties of the analog filters that give each classic instrument its unique sound.">TAE®</span> (<i>True Analog Emulation)</i> technology.</div>
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<span style="font-weight: normal;">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.</span><br />
<br />
Our present investigation spotlights one of these: The <b>KeyLab 61 MK II</b>. This little darling rings the till at a moderate street price of <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$499 - $549</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(USD)</span></b> <b>/</b> <b>$649 <span style="font-size: x-small;">(CAD)</span></b>
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.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/arturia-keylab-61-mk-ii-review" target="_blank"><b><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here ->> </b></a></div>
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<br />Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-14311847584930891672019-06-06T00:19:00.000-06:002019-06-28T12:36:46.146-06:00Deep [Exciting] Review of Eventide H9 Max | Reviewer's Revival<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>Deep Review of Eventide H9 Max | Reviewer's Revival</u></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Re7lH4ppl9y12zkBXMEHxUd9xgRRWEwmFWcHPRgoXA8URvVZ2Ez1WWQES72v2ZCj3L5W_RRpmRigxiqtQGDdG_KOpnA5_3mKq1SlmQkb0k16XsA7xMVCIQs8n30507_Vh4c1EpUlTkFz/s1600/H9_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="520" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Re7lH4ppl9y12zkBXMEHxUd9xgRRWEwmFWcHPRgoXA8URvVZ2Ez1WWQES72v2ZCj3L5W_RRpmRigxiqtQGDdG_KOpnA5_3mKq1SlmQkb0k16XsA7xMVCIQs8n30507_Vh4c1EpUlTkFz/s400/H9_small.jpg" width="357" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">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”. </span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">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.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">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, “</span></b><b>H9</b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">”.
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</span></b> <b>H9 Max</b><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
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.</span></b></span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">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 <i>Ultra Tap Delays</i>, <i>Advanced Modulatons</i>, <i>Shimmer & Hall reverbs</i>, <i>Vintage Delays</i> and <i>Tremelo/Pan</i>. Finally, the</span></b> <b>H9 Max</b> <b><span style="font-weight: normal;">ships with all available algorithms pre-loaded and ready to rock! H9 Core and H9 Harmonizer can each be ‘<i>Max’ed’</i>
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.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">So just how much wallet-paper does it take to get an H9 Max onto your pedal board?<br /><br />
Eventide’s MSRP and most nearly every retailer’s listing comes in at <b><span style="color: red;">$699</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(USD)</span></b> <b>/</b> <b>$899</b> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>(CAD</b><b>)</b></span><b>.</b> If you’re thinking, “<i>Sheesh! That’s a big chunk of change”,</i>
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: <i>UltraTap</i>, <i>Resonator</i>, <i>SpaceTime</i>, <i>PitchFuzz</i>, <i>EQ Compressor</i>, <i>Sculpt, CrushStation</i> and <i>HotSawz</i>.
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).</span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/deep-review-of-eventide-h9" target="_blank"><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here - >></a> </b></div>
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b> </span></b>Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-27872914058330492872019-05-21T00:27:00.002-06:002022-06-14T13:35:46.438-06:00 Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 [Exciting] Review | Reviewer's Revival <h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol A61 Review | Reviewer's Revival </h2>
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/komplete-kontrol-a61-topview-small_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 review" border="0" data-original-height="219" data-original-width="800" height="174" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/komplete-kontrol-a61-topview-small_orig.jpg" title="Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 review" width="632" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div>
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<br />
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 <i style="font-weight: normal;">one</i> NI product, is probably so low that it’s negligible to measure. Be that as it may, NI has pretty much always been <i style="font-weight: normal;">the</i>
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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 <i>and</i> premium price tags.<br />
<br />
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 <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$259</span></b> <b>(usd)</b> at most retail shops. Is it a good buy?<br />
<br />
Let’s find out . . .<br />
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<b><a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/native-instruments-komplete-kontrol-a61-review" target="_blank"><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here ->></a></b></div>
<br /></div>Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-67714860646842449592019-05-11T00:33:00.001-06:002022-06-14T13:35:35.576-06:00Q Up Arts California Keys [Exciting, in Depth] Review | Reviewer's Revival<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #3d84ff; color: #0000ee;"><u>Q Up Arts California Keys Review | Reviewer's Revival</u></span></h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-K_g9lB6cVEGGxwfRetNGwUdgUKhSbL89xvOOB3aLFIYh7X7PhG7N9Tm2L4t9YCgUHTply_NbyN55UvnPt0cP6Ti3T_BglSZHGkLtFF_bx-wk05cc-h8XnzYd9iP0TvYz5Orw2NWw6N_b/s1600/California-Keys-Q-Up-Arts-PosterV4+copy_120.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="642" height="390" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-K_g9lB6cVEGGxwfRetNGwUdgUKhSbL89xvOOB3aLFIYh7X7PhG7N9Tm2L4t9YCgUHTply_NbyN55UvnPt0cP6Ti3T_BglSZHGkLtFF_bx-wk05cc-h8XnzYd9iP0TvYz5Orw2NWw6N_b/s400/California-Keys-Q-Up-Arts-PosterV4+copy_120.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Q Up Arts is not one of the
most renowned companies within the sphere of digital sampling – well,
not in comparison to prolific names like OrangeTreeSamples, Cinesamples,
SonicCouture and their ilk. However, Douglas Morton and his small <i>Q Up</i>
team have been active in the field for the better part of two decades
now. Mr. Morton’s work might be familiar to you without your even
realizing it. For example, Rhythmic Robot’s celebrated “Emulator II
OMI” sample library(s) is the result of a close collaboration between
Rhythmic Robot and Q Up Arts.<br /><br />
</span></b><b data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #b5aea5; color: #515151;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It could be said that Q Up Arts has been known more for producing top notch loop libraries, than for compiling VI (<i>Virtual Instrument</i>)
sample libraries. As such, the release of “California Keys” came as
somewhat of a surprise to me. And it’s a large surprise – close to 40
Gigabytes’ worth, as a matter of fact. The lion’s share of said 40
gigabytes is owned by the pride’s leader – a punctiliously-sampled 10
ft’ Fazioli grand piano. Q Up Arts claims that it is one of the most
expressive piano libraries available – specifically for soft emotive
playing and ambient textures. I tend to agree.</span></b></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;">
<b data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #b5aea5; color: #515151;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><span style="font-weight: normal;">California Keys is not a single
instrument. In addition to the acoustic grand piano – which was
sampled in configurations ranging from stereo all the way through to 7.1
surround – Q Up Arts has stuffed in a collection of beloved, vintage
organs and e-pianos. Albeit, Q Up’s take on some of the instruments is a
little off-the-beaten-track, the “Cali Keys” bundle has quite a lot to
offer.</span></b><br /><br />
The MSRP is a rather ambitious figure of <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$499</span></b> <b>(<span style="font-size: x-small;">USD</span>)</b>,
but the bundle is offered on sale occasionally, and Douglas Morton is
conscious of making Q Up products available to students for amiable
rates. Quite frankly, this helps Doug and his company stand out from
the crowd; well-deserving to be duly commended.</span></b></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: center;">
<b data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #b5aea5; color: #515151;"><a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/q-up-arts-california-keys-review"><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here - >></a> </b></div>
<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: left;">
<b data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #b5aea5; color: #515151;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></b>
</div>
Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-11180988637822098702019-02-26T00:36:00.001-07:002022-06-14T13:35:04.538-06:00e-Instruments Session Keys Electric Pianos [Exciting Deep] Review | Reviewer's Revival<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #3d84ff; color: #0000ee;"><u>e-Instruments Session Keys Electric Pianos Review | Reviewer's Revival</u></span></h2><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/sessionkeysr-live-small_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="e-Instruments Session Keys Electric R Review" border="0" data-original-height="539" data-original-width="632" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/sessionkeysr-live-small_orig.jpg" title="e-Instruments Session Keys Electric R Review" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">The suspects under Reviewer Revival’s microscopic scrutiny this time ‘round is a trio of <i>vintage-y</i>,
cool e-piano emulations smartly formulated in familiar Kontakt sample
form. Throughout this article we’ll be investigating two Rhodes variants
(suitcase and stage) as well as a faithful representation of a
proverbial ‘king-of-the-reeds’ -- the Wurlitzer 200A. What’s more, each
one of these sample libraries comes with two distinctly processed
variants – a “<i>Studio”</i> bank and a “<i>Live”</i> bank.<br /><br />
Let’s face it; there is no shortage of e-piano emulations on the market
– many of them actually being quite remarkable. So why is it worth
pondering over yet another developer’s entries into the fray? Other than
acknowledging that they sound superb, it’s due to their extended
features and interesting sample-morphing differentia.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">For those who might be acquainted with “Session Horns (Pro)” and
“Session Strings (Pro)” - badged as Native Instruments products –
e-Instruments’ self-branded “Session Keys” series of highly playable
electric pianos will not come across as <i>unheard-of-</i><i>strangers</i>.
In fairness to software giant, “Native Instruments”, the aforementioned
strings & horns libraries’ product pages do cite e-Instruments as
the actual creators. As a matter of fact, it’s because of the company’s
partnership with Native Instruments that e-Instruments gained ground as a
relatively new developer at that time.<br /><br />
It’s fair to say that e-Instruments have certainly proven themselves to
be top-tier sampling experts since 2010, weaving a pedigree of interest
and notability. Enticingly so, their commendable “Session Keys” series
of electric pianos are very fairly priced. Each one costs but <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$79</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(USD)</span> / <span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #cdc9c3; color: #2a2a2a;">€79</span></b>
apiece. If at all possible, I do recommend that Canadian customers
purchase using US funds. Even though the current exchange rate of USD to
CAD (at the time of this publication) would result in an amount of <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #cdc9c3; color: #2a2a2a;">$105</span></b> <b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(CAD)</span></b>, for some reason e-Instruments’ online store charges a hefty <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #e8e6e3; color: black;">$129</span></b> <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #e8e6e3; color: black;">(CAD)</span>.</b></span></b><br />
<br />
</p><div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/e-instruments-session-keys-electric-pianos-review"><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here - >></a> </b></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b> </b> </span></b>Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-41880517688807252932019-02-09T00:41:00.001-07:002022-06-14T13:35:26.261-06:00ESI U22 XT [Exciting, Deep] Review | Reviewer's Revival<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
ESI U22 XT Review | Reviewer's Revival</h2>
<a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/506512004_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ESI U22XT" border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="547" src="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/506512004_orig.jpg" title="ESI U22XT" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Get outta here!<br />
<br />
Do you really expect me to believe that an audio interface costing only <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$110</span></b> (<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">USD</span></b>) / <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$147</span></b> (<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">CAD</span></b>) is worth looking at, let alone actually being enticing enough to try out? That’s ridiculous, <i>right</i>?
After all, I’m not a young padawan recordist who’s easily impressed
with the cheapest box that my monthly allowance can afford. I've been a
professional musician and audio producer for <i>bla bla years . . . started with a 16 track Tascam . . bla bla</i>.<br />
<br />
Ok, ok. I’m just teasing – God bless the younger folks who want to get
into recording and music producing – we all had to start somewhere. As a
matter of fact, yours truly was only 13 years of age when I “bounced”
my first three mono tracks down to a single track; making room for three
more ‘live’ tracks on my father’s Phillips 4-track reel-to-reel
recorder (circa 1973). For those of you whom are of the millennial
generation or even younger - the iGen youngsters - you are seriously
more blessed than you might realize. Old guys like me didn’t have nifty
contraptions such as: snappy i5 or i7 laptops, multi-track DAW software,
and portable audio interfaces when we started out. If I would've had
access to a decent laptop, a good-sounding, low latency audio-interface
and a FREE bundled starter DAW, I’d have been totally stoked!<br />
<br />
Well guess what? This article is devoted to just such a scenario.<br />
<br />
ESI’s entry point USB 2.0 audio-interface is prime example of when NOT to judge a book by its orange-<i>y</i>/copper
cover. This tidy-looking little box is equally at home in both MAC and
Windows setups and like most devices in its class; it features
2-In/2-Out I/O. Expected appointments, such as 48v phantom power and
Mic/Line/Instrument connectivity, are at the ready. This sound card
delivers an acceptable bit depth and sampling rate, coming in at a
maximum of 24bit/96 KHz.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/esi-u22-xt-review"><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here - >></a> </b></div>
Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-12313397939125374532019-02-05T00:43:00.000-07:002019-06-28T12:41:27.623-06:00GG-Audio Blue3 v2 [Exciting, Deep] Review | Reviewer's Revival<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
GG-Audio Blue3 v2 Review | Reviewer's Revival</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/cherry-small_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/cherry-small_orig.jpg" data-original-height="381" data-original-width="573" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you’ve been following along
with Reviewer’s Revival since a while, you know that I’m a huge Hammond
organ aficionado. That said, I’m always excited at the prospect of
reviewing any newcomer to the specialized niche of tonewheel organ
emulation. Early in 2017, such a newcomer was introduced to us by
independent developer, Ray (<i>just Ray)</i>; founder and owner of GG-Audio.<br /><br />Early
adoption of GG-Audio’s “Blue3” wasn’t as accelerated as hoped for. For
one thing, the naming convention is not dissimilar to Rob Papen’s
favored soft synth, “Blue 2”. Another plausible conjecture was the
unexpected default color scheme used by “Blue3” – you guessed it: <span style="color: #2a28d6;">blue</span>.</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Overall, I assess Blue3 <i>v2</i> to be solid prospect for anyone in need of a good quality tonewheel organ VI (<i>Virtual Instrument</i>).
I know many of us have long held GSI’s “VB3” in high regard,
considering it to be the de facto standard where modelled tonewheel
emulations are concerned. However, Blue3 <i>v2</i> is a worthy contender and is poised to offer itself as a fit challenger.<br /><br />Priced moderately at <b><span style="color: red;">$99</span> (USD),</b> Blue3 won’t break anyone’s bank account, but neither can it be considered a cheap, ‘No brainer’ deal. However, Blue3 <i>v2</i>
does not emulate a single organ – rather, it distinctly models five
different tonewheel organs; as well as boasting exquisite, high
resolution/retina-ready graphics (<i>resizable, to boot</i>). This VI
produces good quality Hammond tones and a convincing rotating speaker
(Leslie®) experience. Taking these laudable factors into view, Blue3 <i>v2</i> rapidly appreciates in value.<br /><br />Let’s flip those <i>Run</i> and <i>Start</i> switches shall we . . .</span></b><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"><b><a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/gg-audio-blue3-v2-review"><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here - >></a> </b></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></b><br />Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-45235322513698686822018-06-26T00:49:00.000-06:002019-06-28T12:42:13.368-06:00Overloud Mark Studio 2 [Exciting, Deep] Review | Reviewer's Revival<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Overloud Mark Studio 2 Review | Reviewer's Revival</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/pimgpsh-fullsize-distr-white_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/pimgpsh-fullsize-distr-white_orig.jpg" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="720" height="440" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Italian amplification specialist, <b>Markbass®</b>, has been
producing some of the finest, most powerful-sounding bass rigs for the
better part of two decades now (EST. 2001). Markbass® amps are world
class in build quality, features, reliability, and obviously, sound
quality. Fortunately for those of us longing for that definable bass
sound in our ITB (<i>In-the-box</i>) mixes, Overloud has collaborated with their countrymen – bringing us their prolific <b>Mark Studio 2</b> amp simulation plug-in.<br />
<br />
<b>Mark Studio 2</b> bests its forbearer, Mark Studio 1, by
upping the anti from three amp heads and six cabinets to six amps and
nine cabinets, respectively. A selection of six modelled close mics is
on hand, as is a satisfying (virtual) midi-controllable pedal board
layout. Also included in the booty are a couple of front (room)
microphones. Polishing off the kit is a built-in precision tuner with
optional output mute. All of this <i>bass-a-licious-ness</i> is presented in an easy to use, intuitive UI (<i>User Interface</i>) complete with a robust, simplified preset manager.<br />
<br />
A notable change, welcomed by all customers, is whenever a company *<i>lowers*</i> its prices, instead of raising them. This is just such a case in point – <b>Mark Studio 2</b> offers more, and costs less, than its predecessor, coming in at only <b>€ 109/<span style="color: red;">$129</span> (usd)</b>.
Mark Studio 1 bore an exorbitant price tag of € 190 a few short years
ago. Generous upgrade prices reduce that amount by no less than 40%, and
during annual sales events, even more so.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/overloud-mark-studio-2-review"><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here - >></a> </b></div>
Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-67728647061034134742018-01-26T00:52:00.001-07:002022-06-14T13:37:56.064-06:00ESI Unik 08+ Monitor Speakers [Exciting, Deep] Review | Reviewer's Revival<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #3d84ff; color: #0000ee;"><u>ESI Unik 08+ Monitor Speakers Review | Reviewer's Revival</u></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/unik08p-large-small-white_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="ESI UniK 08+ Plus Review" border="0" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="496" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/unik08p-large-small-white_orig.jpg" title="ESI UniK 08+ Plus Review" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
A positive upside to our modern-day technology surge is an ever
increasing availability of relatively affordable music production
software, virtual instruments, and, of course, audio interfaces. For
less than $1500, any enterprising musician with a moderately powerful PC
(read: Bedroom Producer), can put together a decent home studio
complete with DAW, audio interface, 49-key midi controller, microphone,
headphones and maybe even a few 3rd party plug-ins.<br />
<br />
Then the fun begins (and perhaps some frustration too) as
creative musical ideas actually take form and multi-tracked inventions
can be shared with the masses. <i>Right?<br />
<br />
</i>Well, not if you can’t produce a good mix, young grasshopper.<br />
<br />
An experienced engineer will have immediately noticed a glaring omission
from the $1500 list noted above --reference monitors. That’s right –
I’m talking about studio monitors. Headphones are great for privacy and
noise isolation in a bedroom studio or college apartment, but when it
comes time to render a good mix, those “<i>Dr. Beats”</i> just ain’t
gonna cut it, mate. What you need is a (hopefully) treated room and a
pair of good quality, accurate, flat-response reference monitors.<br />
<br />
As it happens, yours truly is reviewing a pair of reference monitors
that behooves our attention and consideration. ESI has upped their game
greater than ever before and now produce a select, but very impressive,
range of studio-reference-speakers. Crowning their speaker line is the
princely UniK 08 Plus. These 140 watt, bi-amped beauties house a potent
kevlar-curved 8” low frequency driver and an exceptionally
clear-sounding magnetostactic tweeter.<br />
<br />
<u>Spolier Alert</u>:
Before we even get into the meat of the review, it is my sincere
assessment that these powerful, attractive reference monitors contend
very well against competitors selling for twice as much. Each “UniK 08
Plus” retails for <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$399</span> (USD)</b>, essentially costing about <b>$800</b> a pair. Notwithstanding, the degree of accurate, detailed sonic quality
that these speakers provide, for such a modest price, makes them
practically a steal!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/esi-unik-08-monitor-speakers-review"><< - Continue Reading the Full Article Here - >></a> </b></div>
Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-31452807352579824822015-06-20T15:14:00.001-06:002022-06-14T13:40:01.412-06:00Arturia KeyLab 61 [Exciting, Deep] Review | Reviewer's Revival<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #3d84ff; color: #0000ee;"><u>Arturia KeyLab 61 (Producer Pack) Review – Modern Hybrid Synthesis</u></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/published/keylab61-image-cropped-120.jpg?1530298081" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Arturia KeyLab 61 Producer Pack Review" border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/published/keylab61-image-cropped-120.jpg?1530298081" title="Arturia KeyLab 61 Producer Pack Review" width="619" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="paragraph" style="text-align: justify;">
Arturia have <i>dressed it up and you can take it anywhere</i>.<br />
<br />
Bundled with the <i>FULL</i> version of “Bitwig Studio”, Arturia’s own “Mini V” (<i>Minimoog emulation</i>) soft synth, and luxuriously complemented with “Analog Lab”, the <i>Producer Pack</i> is a heaping portion of quality and value. Toting their “KeyLab” series of controllers as being <i>Hybrid</i>
synthesizers, Arturia have successfully produced a line of well-built,
well appointed midi keyboards that contend favourably with offerings
from their competitors.<br />
<br />
Available in key configurations of
25 keys, 49 keys, and 61 keys, these sturdy, tactile-friendly keyboards
boast full-sized, *semi-weighted keys with velocity and aftertouch
response. During inspection, here on the reviewer’s bench, I couldn’t
help but develop an appreciation for the notable strides that Arturia
have taken to ensure a seamless, functional integration of hardware and
software. A KeyLab controller operating in tandem with Arturia’s “Analog
Lab” software truly does result in a rewarding <i>Hybrid</i> synth experience. The savoir-faire is enhanced all the more whilst being hosted within the <b>BitWig DAW</b>.<br />
<br />
It’s clear from the onset that these collaborative Arturia/BitWig <i>Producer Packs</i>
dish up a palatable plateful of production-ready abundance at very
attractive price points. In all fairness, the MSRP is a substantial
value considering that “BitWig” lists for <b><i>$299</i></b>, “Mini V” retails at <b><i>$99</i></b>, and a “KeyLab 61” controller costs <b><i>$499</i></b> when purchased individually. This review concentrates on the <b><i>KeyLab 61 Producer Pack</i></b>, which at the time of this publication, sees its list price marked at <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$549</span> (USD)</b>.
</div>
<br />
<div class="blog-read-more" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><a class="blog-link" href="http://www.reviewrevival.ca/reviews/arturia-keylab-61-producer-pack-review">Read More</a></b></span><br />
</div>
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<div class="blog-read-more">
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-13828789408484411932015-05-27T17:15:00.002-06:002022-06-14T13:42:53.738-06:00 AcousticSampleS Mark79 Review – Let There Be Rhodes!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/6074368_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="AcousticSampleS Mark79 Review" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="425" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/6074368_orig.jpg" title="AcousticSampleS Mark79 Review" width="638" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
Over the better part of a decade, AcousticSampleS have consistently proven themselves as purveyors of fine quality sampled instruments. It is evident in each one of their products that a careful balance is maintained between library size and sonic realism. The question could be asked: “What good is ‘realism’ if the instrument that’s been sampled isn’t pristine in its original state?”<br />
<br />
Fortunately for us, company founder & owner, Arnaud Sicard, and his team at AcousticSampleS, sonically capture some of the best-sounding instruments available in the world. Mark79 is such an example of Parisian craftsmanship, par excellence.<br />
<br />
This engaging instrument is experienced within the proprietary “UVI Workstation” sample player format, freely downloadable from UVI.net. Definitely a qualifying contender for audio quality supremacy, the UVI format provides convenience, ease-of-use, and exemplary built-in effects (including a streamlined version of UVI’s fabulous algorithmic reverb, Sparkverb). As with other sample players, such as Kontakt, a user can configure disk streaming, RAM consumption, ADSR, and most nearly any other pertinent option thinkable. Personally, I really like the UVI platform and I find it very comfortable to use.<br />
<br />
Mark79 may certainly be categorized as a classic, vintage instrument. Here, we are presented a superb sample library of a classic 73 key ‘suitcase’ Fender Rhodes® Mark II, circa 1979. The samples were recorded dry via studio-grade DI into a high end tube-powered preamp. From the moment you play your first chord or riff, your ears are greeted with authentic Rhodes character a-plenty. The tone is rich, full and very well-balanced. All of this sumptuous tines n’ tone can be had for the reasonable price of <b>79€</b> / <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$87</span> (USD)</b><br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/reviewers-blog/acousticsamples-mark79-review-let-there-be-rhodes" target="_blank">Read more --> </a></b><br />
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<br />Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-14831779459705568502014-04-18T20:58:00.001-06:002022-06-14T13:45:00.395-06:00 SonicCouture EP73 Deconstructed Review – Uncontested King of Rhodes Samples?<div style="text-align: left;">
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<i><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #e8e6e3; color: black;">Uncontested</span></i>
. . . strong word; don’t you think? One would have to make sure that
the claim could be substantiated or one would be considered brazen, or
ill-informed, or rash, or gullible, or just plain stupid. I honestly
hope that you don’t think that dear ol’ Brother Charles fits into any of
those categories. *<i>Smile</i>.<br /> <br /> SonicCouture have not
simply raised the bar; they may even have ‘become’ the bar, as regards
Rhodes MKI sample libraries. Man, this library rockZ. I mean it . . .
this library abso-freakin-lutely RockZ! The depth and detail of
SonicCouture’s sampling process is immense.<br /> </div>
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The level of realism is tremendous. The release noises, the pedal
noises, the triple-layered Round Robin sampling, the attention to sonic
detail, the inclusion of close and contact mic’d acoustic/mechanical
sounds all contribute to making this perhaps THE MOST unique and
authentic-sounding virtual Rhodes to date.<br /> <span></span><br /> <span></span> SonicCouture occasionally offer sales, but the Listed Retail Price of <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$129</span></b>
is very fair in ratio to the sound quality. I have to be careful that I
don’t brag this sample library up too much; we don’t want them raising
the price . . . *<i>Grin</i>. </div>
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Continue reading the full review here:</div>
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<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a class="postlink" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2014/04/soniccouture-ep73-deconstructed-review-uncontested-king-of-rhodes-samples.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">SonicCouture EP73 Deconstructed Review – Uncontested King of Rhodes Samples?</a></span></div>
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-54901457656896823202013-07-11T00:34:00.005-06:002022-06-14T13:46:18.592-06:00ToonTrack EZkeys Essential Pianos Review – The Song Writer’s Piano Friends<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was more than a little ‘<i>jazzed</i>’ when I first heard that Sampling giants, <b>ToonTrack</b>, were adding pianos/keyboards to their industry-leading product line-up. I had already been a more-than-satisfied ToonTrack customer for a couple of years. I rely on various “EZdrummer” modules as my drum sample/construction software of choice. As soon as I’d heard the <i>early release</i> news about the original, ground-breaking “EZkeys Grand” Piano sample library/sequencer, I anticipated that song writers and home producers would be elated with the news. I don’t mean to come across as pretentious, but my assumption was absolutely correct.</div>
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The initial release of “EZkeys Grand” created no small ripple in the sampling pool. Not only did “EZkeys Grand” hold up extremely well against its large, multi-gig competitors sound-wise, but it gave something to non-keyboardists that no other competing piano sample library could – built-in midi phrases and song construction tools. ToonTrack serves up first-rate piano sounds, assorted musical styles, transposition, <i>drag n’ drop</i> song construction and an attractive, photo-realistic GUI. The EZkeys line-up will empower novice song-writers and non-keyboardists with professional-grade piano compositional parts, while providing professionals a means of creatively <i>fast-tracking</i> song ideas; quickly and easily.<br />
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This review will be an exhaustive inspection of the cross-platform “EZkeys Essential Pianos” collection. This wonderful suite of pianos is comprised of: <i>EZkeys Grand</i>, an impeccably sampled Steinway “Model D”; <i>EZkeys Classic Keyboards</i>, a totally vibe’n set of Wurlitzer “A200” and Rhodes “Mark I” electric pianos; and <i>EZkeys Upright,</i> a harmonically-pleasant, old-time, upright piano<i>.</i> Any one of these packages retails for <b><u>€139/$179</u></b> by itself, with any additional EZkeys library available for only <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">€69/$89</span></b>. As a bundle, the <b>EZkeys Essential Pianos</b> suite rings in at <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">€249/$325</span></b>. Just for grins n’ giggles we’ll also get introduced to a truckload of EZkeys midi libraries in the styles of: <i>R&B</i>, <i>Gospel</i>, <i>Jazz</i>, <i>Country</i>, <i>Blues</i>, and <i>Pop</i>.</div>
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READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:</div>
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<b><a class="blog-title-link" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/07/toontrack-ezkeys-essential-pianos-review-the-song-writers-piano-friends.html">ToonTrack EZkeys Essential Pianos Review – The Song Writer’s Piano Friends</a> </b></div>
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-80832377465371320132013-07-11T00:32:00.003-06:002022-06-14T13:47:46.469-06:00Plugin Alliance SPL DeEsser Review – DeEssser SsuperSstar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Arghhh! The blessed vocal track is just about perfect. The tracking went well, the latest take is free of “pitchiness”, mic placement and EQ are bang on. You apply tasty compression by dialling up your favourite ’76 and 2A just right. That sweet vocal EQ couldn’t be better.<br />
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Then your ears are no longer being romanced – they’re raped by one of the recording vocalist’s most lethal foes – sibilance.</div>
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. Nasty, in-your-face, brash, piercing SSSsibilance. You try the well regarded VST’s from yesteryear, you try EQing, you try a couple of current payware DeEssing offerings, but then the vocal ‘<i>air’</i> is lost and the vocal track is very ‘<i>flat</i>’. . . . and at last, you find yourself carefully editing by hand in Wavelab, Sound Forge or Acoustica Premium.<br />
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It isn't any fun – editing out plosives and/or sibilance “by hand”. It’s time consuming and can result in audible editing <i>clicks</i> when the resultant editing is processed within your DAW. Sibilance has been the bane of many an engineer’s existence. Actually, nasty, <i>piercing</i> SSSs just plain suck!<br />
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Wouldn't it be just wonderful if there were a way to easily remedy sibilance with just one or two knobs, and keep the quality of a vocal track intact?<br />
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Guess what!? There is . . .<br />
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The <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$199</span></b> SPL DeEsser Collection plug-in can be properly reviewed with one, simple word. “Amazing.” If I were to end this review right now, without typing another letter on the page, the review could be considered complete. This set of powerful, specialized plug-ins is nothing short of amazing. Nevertheless, it’s no fun to be a professional writer and not actually . . . <i>write</i>. <i>*Smile</i>. Stay with me, I promise, I won’t keep you long, but I really am very excited to share my experience and findings about the SPL DeEssers Collection with you. <b><i>*Quick Note: Until July 15th, 2013, this plug-in is on sale for only $149</i></b>.</div>
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READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:</div>
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<b><a class="blog-title-link" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/07/spl-deesser-review-deessser-ssupersstar.html">SPL DeEsser Review – DeEssser SsuperSstar</a></b></div>
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-90911575338589880322013-06-25T22:20:00.001-06:002022-06-14T13:49:46.530-06:00EmberTone Shire Whistle Review – Aye, Lad, Tis A Sweet Song!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h2>
EmberTone Shire Whistle Review</h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/6270615_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="EmberTone Shire Whistle Review" border="0" data-original-height="571" data-original-width="663" height="503" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/6270615_orig.jpg" title="EmberTone Shire Whistle Review" width="584" /></a></div><br />
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Of Scottish ancestry, I grew up naught but 100 yards from the Atlantic shoreline in Englishtown, Cape Breton. The plaintive sounds of Celtic instruments always bring a wistful sigh upon me heart and beckons myself home; Embertone’s “Shire Whistle” is just such an instrument. With only a pair of Sennheiser headphones, it fairly addles me into fancying that the scent of salt brine is wafting on the evening air while distant, haunted, echoing cries of Atlantic Gulls are heard off the point, beyond the lighthouse.<br /> <span></span><br /> <span></span> </div>
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The greenery of mountain spruce and tender, meadow moss lie to the south. Amidst the hum of busy bumble-bees, flittering sparrows melodiously call to one another with one happy tune after another. What’s that to be heard just over the crest? Yes, indeed, tis “Shire McGuire” expressing thanks and merriment for yet another day of blessing and growth upon his beloved garden and vale. His wizened fingers dance over the holes of his fondest keepsake; his father’s Irish whistle.<br /> <span></span><br /> <span></span> EmberTone captured the essence and charm of this poetic instrument and have lovingly wrapped it for us as a Kontakt sample-set. This blessed little gift may be had for only a wee bit of coin from a trader’s sporran. Tis no more than <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$20</span></b> middle earth dollars.</div>
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CONTINUE READING THE FULL REVIEW HERE:</div>
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<a class="blog-title-link" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/06/embertone-shire-whistle-review-aye-lad-tis-a-sweet-song.html">EmberTone Shire Whistle Review – Aye, Lad, Tis A Sweet Song!</a></div>
Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-67077432996306474902013-06-19T22:16:00.001-06:002022-06-14T13:51:05.286-06:00XILS-Lab PolyKB II Review – Get Your Analogue On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>PolyKB</i>, <i>Diva</i>, <i>SynthMaster</i>, <i>Dune</i>, <i>Predator, Tone2 Saurus, ZT3A+</i>; what do these all have in common? They are each industry-leading soft synths, that’s what. Most of these are not “dedicated” emulations of famous synths from yesteryear – albeit, each of these may certainly be considered a “new” classic. That’s not to say that products such as <i>Dune</i>, <i>Synthmaster</i>, <i>Predator, and etcetera,</i> aren’t extremely well suited to modern dance and electronica.<br />
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I would never be so bold as to try determining that any one of them is “The Best” because they are all very good. Of course, it’s generally understood that many synth players typically have a personal favourite or two; one of my absolute personal favourites just so happens to be the <b>PolyKB II</b>. And, this synth just so happens to be an emulation, but it’s not the standard fare – not by a long shot.<br />
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Are you one of those who like to visit a developer’s web site and keep “checking out” a favourite plug-in or VSTi? It’s ok to admit it; you’re among friends. <i>*Wry, knowing grin</i>. Long before I actually had PolyKB II in my possession, I would visit the XILS-Lab web site and listen to the remarkable audio samples of this fantabulous synth in action. It has a “vibe”, a sound, a character that is uniquely its own. It’s <i>deep</i>, <i>lush</i>, ‘<i>alive</i>’ and decidedly analogue-sounding. I am excited and more than a little bit happy to bring my review of the astounding PolyKB II to my friends and visitors here on Reviewer’s Revival.<br />
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I’m glad you dropped in. Grab a snack and a fresh cup of joe. Please settle in for one more peering investigation of yet another “must have” VA synth. We’ll do ‘er up in good ol’ Reviewer’s Revival style.</div>
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READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:</div>
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<a class="blog-title-link" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/06/xils-lab-polykb-ii-review-get-your-analogue-on.html">XILS-Lab PolyKB II Review – Get Your Analogue On</a> </div>
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-14112722133625329222013-06-07T22:19:00.001-06:002022-06-14T13:52:20.531-06:00PrecisionSound Gospel Drawbars Review – The Patriarch Hammond!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h2>
PrecisionSound Gospel Drawbars Review</h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/1957203_orig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="PrecisionSound Gospel Drawbars Review" border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="659" height="295" src="https://www.reviewrevival.ca/uploads/1/7/8/5/17857951/1957203_orig.jpg" title="PrecisionSound Gospel Drawbars Review" width="618" /></a></div><br />
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There have been a few notable Hammond organ sample libraries and VIs (<i>Virtual Instruments</i>) released over the past 10 years. Some of these made us sit up and keenly take notice, whilst others were greeted with yawns of disinterest. I’m excited to present this latest offering from Sweden’s masters of sampling, <b>PrecisionSound</b> – the amazing “Gospel Drawbars”. This ear-tickling sample-set is available in both NI Kontakt and Logic EXS24 formats.</div>
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PrecisionSound have been outputting respectable sample sets, in various formats, since 2003 and with each new release, it is obvious that they are honing and refining their sampling processes. When I first loaded this 1 GB sample set into Kontakt 5, I knew immediately that it wasn’t yet another ‘<i>so so</i>’ virtual Hammond wannabe. The depth and richness of ‘<i>believable</i>’ tonewheel sound must be <i>experienced</i> to be understood.<br />
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Gospel Drawbars is NOT another B3 sample library; this one is a meticulously-recorded 24 bit/44.1khz digital sample-set of a rare, well-functioning Hammond AB organ (circa 1937). The AB was Hammond’s 2nd offering, and is the direct ancestor of the B3/C3 line. This sample-set is absolutely soaking wet with vibe, character, and vintage-sounding charm. It’s almost too good to be true; the most unique Hammond organ sounds to have ever been heard “in the box” for only <b><span data-darkreader-inline-color="" style="--darkreader-inline-color: #ff1a1a; color: red;">$69</span></b>.</div>
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CONTINUE READING FULL REVIEW:</div>
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<a class="blog-title-link" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/06/precisionsound-gospel-drawbars-review-the-patriarch-hammond.html">PrecisionSound Gospel Drawbars Review – The Patriarch Hammond!</a> </div>
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-65701519577833917562013-05-28T00:54:00.002-06:002013-05-28T00:54:22.798-06:00MemoryMoon ME80 Review – Real “Virtual” CS80<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yep! The title of this article is a deliberate phrase of irony and antonymic word play.<br /> <span></span><br /> <span></span> “<em>But ah’ll tell Yoo wut!</em>” This old-skool Synthedit creation is one of THE MOST authentic-sounding <strong>Yamaha CS80</strong> emulation that has ever been made. Yes, I know, there is another famous 64 bit, cross-platform CS80 emu out there, but not for only <strong><span style="color: red;">$40</span></strong>! And may I be so bold as to say that the “other” VSTi doesn’t ‘<em>feel</em>’ as authentic as MemoryMoon’s ME80?<br /> <br /> There are those who feel that the fancy-schmancy, eLicensed “other guy” doesn’t exhibit the true-to-form quirkiness and subtle analogue drift of the original hardware.<br /> </div>
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The CS80 was an expensive unit when it was released in late 1976, costing upwards of $8000, but it could never actually be accused of being “versatile”. It had some very distinct sounds; notably the huge brass and delicate, ambient strings. MemoryMoon’s ME80 is verily dripping with those distinctive tones. ME80 not only emulates the sounds of the original hardware that it is modeled after, but it realistically reproduces the famous polyphonic “aftertouch” which the Yamaha CS80 was so greatly prized for.</div>
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READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:</div>
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<b>LINK: <a class="blog-title-link" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/05/memorymoon-me80-review-real-virtual-cs80.html">MemoryMoon ME80 Review – Real “Virtual” CS80</a></b></div>
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-61203648518358277872013-05-16T16:53:00.003-06:002013-05-28T00:55:19.875-06:00OverTone FC-70 Review – Fairchild 670, Really?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBfolsin_Var2gfddxRrksZmo_0Czbgv7WcXX9wHIKjv_PDnkbFqC6Dcw2_iGs80DnkvDY68n1VyrdBQx-8gn86N59uOgV07ZkALq9qBmif2xZsZH0_RoXj2AK6wXLrs6LBbai4qYPIp5/s1600/OverTone_FC70.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxBfolsin_Var2gfddxRrksZmo_0Czbgv7WcXX9wHIKjv_PDnkbFqC6Dcw2_iGs80DnkvDY68n1VyrdBQx-8gn86N59uOgV07ZkALq9qBmif2xZsZH0_RoXj2AK6wXLrs6LBbai4qYPIp5/s400/OverTone_FC70.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many of us are familiar with well-established, somewhat expensive modelled plug-ins that promise authentic Fairchild 670 sound and performance. UAD’s ”<i>Fairchild® 670 Compressor Plug-In</i>” and IK Multimedia’s “<i>Vintage Tube Compressor/Limiter Model 670</i>” are two of the most highly profiled Fairchild emulations that come to mind. OverTone’s recently released FC-70 also promises to be a faithful digital emulation of the famous studio hardware compressor.<br />
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A couple of months prior to this article, I reviewed FC-70’s vintage EQ cousin, “PTC-2A”, from Overtone. I was highly impressed with that offering and as soon as I heard that these lads from England were releasing a Fairchild emu, I was more than a little bit eager to give it a keen “<i>going over</i>”.<br />
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I was not disappointed. The wait was definitely worth it, and boy, am I ever ‘<i>jacked up</i>’ to bring you in on it and share my findings with you. For the very conservative cost of only <b>£<span style="color: red;">25</span></b> of her majesty’s British Sterling Pounds, this amazing performer, from ‘<i>the other side of the Atlantic</i>’, is a definite must-have. At the very least it is a ‘<i>must-try</i>’. I strongly recommend that you download the demo and find out for yourself just how ‘<i>sterling</i>’ this upstart is.</div>
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READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:</div>
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<b><a class="blog-title-link" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/05/overtone-fc-70-review-fairchild-670-really.html">OverTone FC-70 Review – Fairchild 670, Really?</a></b></div>
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-12808373844224843062013-05-12T02:01:00.003-06:002013-05-12T02:02:10.129-06:00TAL U-NO-LX Review – Real Juno 60 Sound In The Box!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYGENACeag3e41brEkgnRvzsD2sp1dFn0jxRls6ODaKAuXtFKJKYuIqRQN7RPeyhejeJRbiaT_-kDRp5YiFOXH-cijtvKuDeH9D51TbOVaOaHHM-RvOLLg2xLZpzxexhIGh3HkF7fHnC5/s1600/UNO_LX_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyYGENACeag3e41brEkgnRvzsD2sp1dFn0jxRls6ODaKAuXtFKJKYuIqRQN7RPeyhejeJRbiaT_-kDRp5YiFOXH-cijtvKuDeH9D51TbOVaOaHHM-RvOLLg2xLZpzxexhIGh3HkF7fHnC5/s400/UNO_LX_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Many of us are thankful for Switzerland’s Patrick Kunz and his full line of TAL (Togo Audio Line) virtual synths and plug-ins.<br />
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Very thankful.<br />
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Many DAWs have been blessed with TAL audio products over the past 6 years. There has been the illustrious TAL-<i>chorus</i>, the reliable, ear-pleasing Tal-Reverb (<i>II and III</i>), the fluid, silky TAL <i>DUB-Delays</i>, and the easy-to-dial in TAL Effects.</div>
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While we’re listing the wealth of products that TAL have blessed us with, let’s not omit the worthy VA synths, <i>TAL-Elec7ro</i>, <i>TAL-NoiseMaker</i> and the perennial<i> U-NO-60</i>.<br />
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After years of giving his hard work and exemplary programming efforts away for free, Mr. Kunz now offers the FINEST “<i>Roland Juno 60</i>” emulation that has ever been heard ‘<i>In The Box</i>’ for both MAC and PC. Originally slated for a MSRP of $70, TAL made U-NO-LX available for a paltry $17 as a pre-release offer. At present, the RRP is only <b><span style="color: red;">$40</span></b> (USD).<br />
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I strongly recommend that interested parties hurry over to the developer’s web site to grab this VSTi now! Once the news gets out about just how “<i>good</i>” this TRUE-modelled VA synth is, I suspect that there will be a whole new generation of synth players who will consider the $70 price tag a small amount to pay.</div>
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<a href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/05/tal-u-no-lx-review-real-juno-60-sound-in-the-box.html">READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:</a></div>
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Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-30308344730247132442013-05-09T14:46:00.001-06:002013-05-09T14:47:54.195-06:00IZotope RX 2 Review – Audio Forensics Specialist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EA_q8QXSt_dCL8IKpm9fdRv8KWyN_OQQBycc985XpMdaBmggQ34lmgA-6VIDFJr9ZaV3OXhgJkBu5PUGycIJZm049q12O5YfAIy9ndFTmXYVKKAb0EaB1ws-GMRzZkVoyzsIguc9MMFT/s1600/IZotope_RX2_default_screen_size.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-EA_q8QXSt_dCL8IKpm9fdRv8KWyN_OQQBycc985XpMdaBmggQ34lmgA-6VIDFJr9ZaV3OXhgJkBu5PUGycIJZm049q12O5YfAIy9ndFTmXYVKKAb0EaB1ws-GMRzZkVoyzsIguc9MMFT/s320/IZotope_RX2_default_screen_size.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To say that IZotope’s RX 2 is a respectable audio restoration suite is a grave understatement. Rather, RX 2 has become one of the most highly regarded speciality software packages available for professional-grade, forensic audio repair and restoration. RX 2 is priced very competitively, ringing in at approximately half the cost of most of its more expensive challengers. -- <b><span style="color: red;">$349</span></b> (RRP). You may be able to find this powerful suite priced even lower at online stores such as <i>AudioDeluxe.com</i> or <i>PluginDiscounts.com</i>. </div>
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And yes, it’s available for both 32 and 64 bit MAC *<i>and</i> PC systems.<br />
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RX 2 is delivered with a total of five distinct and powerfully effective modules: <i>DeClip</i>, <i>DeClick/DeCrackle</i>, <i>Hum Removal</i>, <i>DeNoising</i>, and <i>Spectral Repair</i>. These are available to the user as both a multi-function, stand-alone application or as individual plug-ins that can be used in any DAW or audio editing host that supports DirectX, RTAS or VST. To lend itself to even greater convenience and effectiveness, the stand-alone RX 2 also includes iZotope’s powerful <b>4 band</b> linear-phase EQ, gain control with smooth fade in/out, precise stereo imaging and phase correction. Completing the suite, iZotope have outfitted RX2 with a full-featured spectrum analysis tool.<br />
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Powerful enough for professional mastering/restoration engineers.<br />
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Easy to learn for beginners.<br />
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IZotope RX 2 truly is a “Complete Audio Repair” solution.<br />
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READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE:<br />
<b><a class="blog-title-link" href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/05/izotope-rx-2-review-audio-forensics-specialist.html">IZotope RX 2 Review – Audio Forensics Specialist</a></b>Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-89725341570875299652013-05-03T15:53:00.001-06:002013-05-03T15:53:59.501-06:00Rob Papen Predator Review – Roars Like a Lion, Purrs Like a Kitten<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZixaviI9T1PwzBHUEsCr1mjHE9hHTPq-hLpYe6WH4NSSMoR2UUhY1Oo8TxwyYHbsHM0G7zWIFdhH3SlOL76jEWK4LNoRGaODzQieUcsZS7Xketjk2UuwDQ0Vjl0N69F61BXOKpSxOA1MR/s1600/Predator_1000wx600h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZixaviI9T1PwzBHUEsCr1mjHE9hHTPq-hLpYe6WH4NSSMoR2UUhY1Oo8TxwyYHbsHM0G7zWIFdhH3SlOL76jEWK4LNoRGaODzQieUcsZS7Xketjk2UuwDQ0Vjl0N69F61BXOKpSxOA1MR/s400/Predator_1000wx600h.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Rob Papen’s Predator has become one of the electronic genre’s perennial favourites for its wide breadth of sound types and synth flavours. This dynamic synth is not as easy to pigeon-hole as some of Mr. Papen’s other famous designs. Predator will pounce on its dance-floor prey with the agility of a hungry, West African Lion, or massage your cochlea with its soothing, analog-like purrs.</span><br />
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The two Limited Edition bundles only cost <b><span style="color: red;">€199</span></b> | <b><span style="color: red;">$239</span> </b>(USD) apiece.<span style="line-height: 1.5;"><br /></span> </div>
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While Predator may be considered by some to be ‘<i>Bigger Game</i>’, where it is listed at <b><span style="color: red;">€149</span></b>/<b><span style="color: red;">$179 </span></b>(USD)<b>,</b> the astute electronic musician will be duly wary to keep an ear out for it as a very worthy cross-platform all-rounder. This synth is elusive – difficult to trap into any one genre cage. Pred is as capable of emitting piercing, phat leads, as it is to peacefully lay down bedded layers of warm, comforting pads. What’s more, Predator is as likely to be seen prowling on a MAC desktop as on a Windows PC.</div>
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<a href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/05/rob-papen-predator-review-roars-like-a-lion-purrs-like-a-kitten.html"><b><br /></b></a> </div>
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<a href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/05/rob-papen-predator-review-roars-like-a-lion-purrs-like-a-kitten.html"><b>READ THE FULL REVIEW HERE</b></a></div>
Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090836300690436310.post-61233655208326840172013-04-27T14:46:00.001-06:002013-04-27T14:46:07.557-06:00SKnote MatterTone Review – Because Tone Matters!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh052bNjJmYXM6ySnx6CI9977yUaJgjb_sY-h-f-E2ZOwOjj6t4VyPw5yi4aiHytMY4ZHO0GpMWOEwIw0vCOJKx44FFN9IP_Zxr5lnQc8-9IOB46nMHeAqDicstOuPE0yPxTtOQNSmI1wvC/s1600/Mattertone_GUI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh052bNjJmYXM6ySnx6CI9977yUaJgjb_sY-h-f-E2ZOwOjj6t4VyPw5yi4aiHytMY4ZHO0GpMWOEwIw0vCOJKx44FFN9IP_Zxr5lnQc8-9IOB46nMHeAqDicstOuPE0yPxTtOQNSmI1wvC/s400/Mattertone_GUI.jpg" width="160" /></a></div>
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SKnote’s gentlemanly, unassuming admission into the league of transient shaping is not one that should go unnoticed or be easily overlooked. Rather, this robust, able-bodied dynamics-device merits serious consideration. MatterTone packs quite a whollop for its low, conservative CPU demands. It doesn't hit your pocketbook hard though; it’s priced at only <strong><span style="color: red;">$30</span></strong> (USD). This plug-in holds up very well under scrutiny. <strong>MatterTone</strong> can stalwartly occupy the same DAW space as any of its more costly competition without shame or timidity.<br /> <span></span><br /> <span></span> Perhaps, dear reader, you're thinking that we already have enough transient shapers on the market to choose from. What makes this variant of transient shaping unique? For starters, it is a “Level-independent” apparatus. Unlike typical compressors, limiters and most envelope shapers, this plug-in does not react according to the amount of channel gain – it responds directly to the audio source. Secondly, MatterTone is truly a multi-band design, providing separate <em>‘attack’</em> and <em>‘release’</em> controls for each band.<br /> <span></span><br /> <span></span> MatterTone takes typical transient shaping, splits it into three separate bands, and hands it back to you, empowered with some serious BAM!<br /> <span></span><br /> <span></span> C’mon, gang, let’s get to know this new recruit better, shall we?<br /> <span></span> </div>
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<br /><a href="http://reviewrevival.weebly.com/1/post/2013/04/sknote-mattertone-review-because-tone-matters.html"><b>READ FULL REVIEW : CLICK HERE</b></a>Brother Charleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12566705008036480701noreply@blogger.com0