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SoundGhost Scatter granular effects plugin transforms any sound into an ambient soundscape. You can create expansive atmospherics, shimmering reverbs and generative melodies with this granular processor

SoundGhost has released a new effects plugin called Scatter. It is designed for creating granular soundscapes, shimmer reverbs and scattered sonic textures.

Scatter processes audio into tiny recorded loops, or grains, that are combined and repeated to create cloud-like textures of sound. Up to 64 grains can be generated, while their stereo position and duration can be randomized to create evolving, generative sonics. The grains are displayed in a visualizer at the top of the plugin window.

Grains can be sculpted using controls for duration and amplitude, or even pitched up or down to create unique atmospheric effects. The pitch transposition can be locked to a variety of modes, including chromatic, octaves, fifths and minor and major, and pitch can be modulated to create generative melodies, as seen in the video below.

Incoming audio can be frozen to create an endless, sustained loop, and the grains’ playback can be reversed or fed back into the input for reversed textures and longer decays. Additionally, there is an onboard reverb that adds a “dark and expansive” character to the sound.

Scatter is available for Mac and PC in AU/VST3 formats.

Scatter currently available for an introductory price of £39(regular will be £49).

Find out more on SoundGhost website.

Applied Acoustics Systems (AAS) has introduced Asymmetric String Studio, a sound pack created by Romanian sound designer Cipryan Bot that works with AAS’s String Studio VS-3 software synthesizer and with the free AAS Player plugin.

The Asymmetric sound pack is a collection with more than 120 presets that make full use of AAS String Studio’s string oscillator system, which, the company says, “mimics the natural behaviors of real acoustic instruments while injecting a strategic dose of synthetic abnormality for creative purposes.”

Modulator controls allow the user to transform and morph sounds and explore different tonal territories. Sound pack creator Cipryan Bot harnesses the power of physical modeling with Asymmetric, making it a sound set well-suited for cinematic, atmospheric, and ambient techno projects and, AAS says, “anything else where you need a touch of eccentricity and to push boundaries.”

Compatibility: Asymmetric String Studio is only compatible with AAS String Studio VS-3 and the free AAS Player.

Asymmetric was created with the String Studio VS-3 string oscillator synthesizer. Users can play and edit the sounds in String Studio VS-3, but can also access and play them via the free AAS Player plugin (included with purchase of Asymmetric).

The AAS Asymmetric String Studio is available now via the AAS website. The sound pack regularly retails for $39 but is currently available at an introductory price of $19 until February 27. Other AAS String Studio VS-3 products are also currently discounted during the promotion, which expires February 27th, 2023.

Yamaha’s AG08 continues the flow of new live streaming and podcasting mixers. It can capture your conversations or broadcast to the world.

Yamaha has unveiled the AG08, a new flagship live streaming mixer for podcasters, YouTubers and Twitchers. Building on the blueprint laid-out by the existing second-generation AG mixers, AG08 offers eight channels of live streaming action and several new features.

These include the addition of six pads that can be used to trigger your favourite sound effects, and there is also a voice changer with the usual gender-switching, robot and other effects. Actually, there are five DSP effects in total, and you can switch between effect presets on channel 1 with the dedicated buttons.

A priority ducker is included, as well – this ensures that channels 1 and 2 are always audible by attenuating other signals relative to their input levels. The Maximizer is designed to boost the gain on the entire mix.

Other new features include on the AG08, the signals from multiple computer apps or analogue line inputs can be assigned to three faders (for Channel 3/4, 5/6, or 7/8) so you can control their levels in real time during recording or broadcast sessions.

Connections include two phantom-powerable inputs for condenser mics and 4-pole mini I/O for Android devices. Two independent headphone monitor channels are also included, and power can be drawn via the supplied adapter or USB.

Live streamers and podcasters are currently spoilt for choice when it comes to new hardware. Recent additions to the market include the gaming-focused Roland Bridge Cast, the Røde RødeCaster Pro II, and the IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic Pro.

Yamaha AG08 comes in black and white colour.  Yamaha AG08 looks set to cost $630 and is expected to be available next month. Find out more on the Yamaha website.