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Sinevibes finds a reverse gear as it releases the “unique” Skew plugin

Sinevibes has introduced Skew, a non-linear audio reverser plugin. Perhaps, the developer is a forward-thinking plugin developer who is looking backwards for a change and releasing the Skew.

Use Skew to create tape rewind, pitch slide, glitch and scratch effects – This is said to be unique in its ability to warp the playback speed of multiple different curves, meaning that you can create the likes of tape rewind, pitch slide, glitch and scratch effects.

Skew works by constantly recording the incoming audio into a buffer and then playing it back in reversed chunks. There’s plenty of potential for parameter adjustment, along with a DJ-style crossfader. The idea is that you manipulate it in real-time to add spice to your build-ups, breaks and transitions.

Here’s what they say about it:

“Perfectly synchronized to the host transport, it is constantly recording the incoming audio into a buffer – and playing it back in reversed chunks. The big trick in this algorithm is that it’s able to warp its playback speed via a selection of non-linear curves, thus bending the pitch in various ways.

With each parameter having an extremely wide range of adjustment, Skew can be used to create multiple rhythmically-precise effects such as reversing, tape rewind, pitch slides, detune, glitching, and scratching. Thanks to its fine calibration, responsiveness, and DJ-style crossfade control, Skew can easily be automated or manipulated in real-time to add exciting musical complexity and create cool build-ups, breaks, and transitions.”

Features:

• Audio reverser with precise transport synchronization
• Six non-linear curves for warping the audio playback speed
• Fractional chunk size adjustment with 256 possible values (from 1/16 note to 16 bars)
• Meticulously tuned smoothing envelopes with optional overlapping
• DJ-style crossfade control
• Lag filters on all continuous parameters for smooth, click-free adjustment
• Supports mono › mono, mono › stereo, and stereo › stereo channel configurations

Skew is available now for PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats. The full price is $29, but it is available at a discount for previous customers and owners of the Sinevibes collection bundle.

Find out more on the Sinevibes website.

Modal Electronics announces the Cobalt5S, a portable virtual analogue synth. The compact 37-note keyboard can be used “wherever and whenever inspiration strikes”

Modal Electronics is flexing its virtual analogue muscles again with the launch of the Cobalt5S, a “go-anywhere” synth that’s designed with portability in mind.

Powered over USB (so you can use a power bank if you wish), the Cobalt5S has a 37-note mini keyboard with aftertouch and offers five voices, two independent algorithm groups and up to eight oscillators per voice. In addition, there are 40 algorithms including sync, ring modulation and waveform morphing.

The self-oscillating 4-pole morphable ladder filter is the same as the one featured in the Cobalt8, while three envelopes can be used on the filter, amp or modulation destinations. There is one polyphonic LFO and one global LFO, along with an 8-slot modulation matrix.

Other features – On the performance front, you have a 512-note realtime/step sequencer with four animation lanes, along with a programmable 32-step arpeggiator. There is MPE controller support, as well, while onboard control options include 16 rotary encoders and an X/Y/Z touchpad.

If you want to edit in software, you can do so via the MODALapp, which runs on PC, Mac, iOS and Android.

The Cobalt5S is available now, priced at $489/£379/€449. Find out more on the Modal Electronics website.

Baby Audio has released two of its popular free desktop plugins – Magic Switch and Magic Dice – on iOS and iPadOS, making them available as AUv3 effects.

Lifted from Baby Audio’s Super VHS multi-effect plugin, Magic Switch is a one-button ‘80s-style chorus, but promises a character all of its own.

Meanwhile, Magic Dice can generates random atmospheres with a single click – you will never get exactly the same result twice – and is derived from the Spaced Out reverb/echo processor.

You can download Magic Switch and Magic Dice now from the Apple App Store.