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Cher’s Believe landed in 1998. Initially, its producers tried to protect their studio secrets by claiming that the distinctive and now ubiquitous vocal effect contained within it was created using a vocoder, and not by abusing Antares’ Auto-Tune plugin.

After more than 20 years now, Antares has released a vocoder plugin that has Auto-Tune functionality built into it.

20 vocoder models and Auto-Tune functionality under one roof:

Auto-Tune Vocodist contains 20 classic vocoder models, vocal effects, supposedly easy-to-use controls and custom artist presets.

These come from the likes of P-Thugg (Chromeo) and producer Buddy Ross (Frank Ocean), with more set to be released in the coming months.

“When most people think of the words ‘vocal effect’, usually two sounds come to mind. The iconic ‘Auto-Tune effect’, and the legendary sound of the vocoder,” says Steve Berkley, CEO, Antares Audio Technologies.

“While there are similarities between them, they’re both unique and essential effects for producing vocals,” Berkley explains. “As the creators of Auto-Tune, it’s only natural that we offer our own take on the vocoder.

“Auto-Tune Vocodist was developed by the same team behind Auto-Tune and is built to the same level of quality – and innovation – as our flagship products. Beyond just offering the classic vocoder sounds people expect, we’ve added the full power of Auto-Tune built in, as well as custom presets and an array of effects.

Auto-Tune Vocodist is available exclusively as part of the Auto-Tune Unlimited subscription service. This includes every current edition of Auto-Tune, all 11 of the vocal effects in the AVOX suite, unlimited upgrades for included plugins, and free access to select future plug-ins from Antares.

Auto-Tune Unlimited costs $24.99 if you pay monthly, or $18.74 a month with an annual subscription. A free, 14-day trial is also available. Find out more about Auto-Tune Vocodist on the Antares website.

Focusrite has been creating audio interfaces for as long as there have been audio interfaces, with each new generation promising more features and/or better sound quality. This is certainly the story that the company is telling as it launches its ‘premium’ Clarett+ range, which builds on the success of previous Clarett devices.

3 new models promise to make this a vintage year for your audio recordings.

There are three models to choose from: Clarett+ 2Pre, 4Pre and 8Pre. Each one is said to include “professional-quality mic preamps” that deliver high headroom, low distortion and ultra-low noise. The upshot of this, we’re assured, is better recording quality.

You also switch in the all-analogue Air feature; this emulates the sound of the ISA 110 mic preamp from the Focusrite Studio Console, and is designed to add clarity and presence.

In addition, there’s improved ‘high-dynamic-range’ AD and DA conversion, as well, so your mixes should sound clearer and more detailed. The quality of the headphone outputs is also said to have been improved.

The key difference between each audio interface is the amount of I/O on offer – the 2Pre, 4Pre and 8Pre offer 10-in/4-out, 18-in/8-out and 18-in/20-out operation respectively. Each model ships with a software bundle that includes plugin effects and virtual instruments.

The Focusrite Clarett+ audio interfaces are now available. The prices are:

• 2Pre – $431.90/€489
• 4Pre – $579.99/€689
• 8Pre – $999.99/€989

Find out more on the Focusrite website.

Denise audio has expanded its plugin roster with two new bit crushers, one of which – My Crush – is free. Bite Harder, adds more features, including extra drive, effects, parameter controls and a push-pull graph that enables you to target specific frequency ranges.

Both plugins use the same bit-crushing algorithm, with My Crush offering a simplified control set that is designed to put you on the fast track to audio destruction.

You still get some parameters to play with, though – such as resample dials and a stutter fader – along with presets from both Denise and producer Florian Meindl.

Bite Harder is designed for those who want to take things to the next level. The Drive control can add even more dirt to proceedings, and there’s an extra ring modulator for creating glitchy effects. An extra stage of clipping and sidechain capabilities are part of the deal, too.

My Crush and Bite Harder are available now from the Denise website, with both running on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats.

My Crush is free for anyone who signs up to the Denise newsletter.

Bite Harder is currently available for the introductory price of €14.90 (regular price €24).

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