Bitpunk is an aggressive new bit-mangling tool that promises “the raw energy of digital degradation”
JMG Sound – via United Plugins – has introduced Bitpunk, a new digital degradation tool that is billed as “the ultimate audio plugin for bit manipulation.”
Bitpunk enables you to swap and morph bits between two channels (A and B), each of which can contain a different audio source. In addition, there are also plenty of further bit-mangling effects, plus master compression, saturation and a hard clipper.
We are told that the plugin can be used both to subtly enhance and thoroughly destroy your audio.
The GUI calls to mind a piece of circuit-broken hardware, which seems apt given Bitpunk’s destructive ambitions. It runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats, and is currently available for €19 (regular price will be €79).
If you buy BITPUNK you get Synthpunk Sounds for Bitpunk worth €29 for free. Find out more and download a 15-day demo on the United Plugins website.
HoRNet Cassette644 plugin harks back to the hissy days of 4-track home recording. The plugin is a new way to make your musical life a little more lo-fi.
Whether you look back happily on the days when you recorded on a 4-track cassette machine or simply want to find out why they’re so fondly remembered, HoRNet Cassette644 plugin might help you to scratch that nostalgic/curious itch.
This promises to emulate the sonic characteristics of three classic cassette tapes – Type I (Normal), Type II (Chrome), and Type IV (Metal) – each of which sounds slightly different. All are designed to give your music a splash of lo-fi goodness.
We’re promised realistic hiss emulation, a three-band EQ for precise tone shaping, variable tape speed control and versatile routing options. You can link multiple instances for that authentic multitrack experience, and there are built-in VU monitors for visual monitoring.
And the good news is that, because it’s all virtual, this tape will never get chewed up.
Cassette644 runs on PC and Mac in VST/AU/AAX formats and costs €17. Find out more on the HoRNet website.
Acoustica has released Mixcraft 10, a major update to their digital audio workstation (DAW) for Windows, designed to provide music producers with an inspiring and easy-to-use platform.
“Every improvement in Mixcraft 10 is centered on inspiration, ease of use, and stability,” said Acoustica CEO Joseph Clarke. “We’ve made sure that every feature in this version is designed to make creating music easier and more enjoyable.”
What Acoustica say about Mixcraft 10:
“Mixcraft features almost universal third-party plug-in support and supports audio interfaces and hardware controllers. Mixcraft’s loop library has over 7,500 professionally-produced loops, music beds, sound effects, and samples in diverse genres. A vast library of effects and instruments includes a suite of reverbs, compressors, filters, equalizers, classic synthesizers, electric pianos, rock organs, and sampled instruments.
Mixcraft is also loaded with routing and control features, advanced MIDI routing, and clip-based automation tools. Its Performance Panel is ideal for live performance and loop-based composition, and it is also a feature-packed video editing environment that offers seamless transitions, titles, and scrolling text. Mixcraft provides an all-in-one solution to all your audio and video editing needs in a single virtual studio package.
Mixcraft 10 includes several improvements that provide users with a highly customizable experience that puts them in complete control of their creative process. Menus have been simplified and can now be pinned open. The project start window, plug-in manager, piano roll, automation tools, libraries, and mixer panels have all been enhanced. Additionally, users can customize project settings, plug-in collections, and hotkey assignments, and broader support for controller surfaces has been added.
The newly integrated Mixcraft Store makes finding and accessing new audio loop libraries, instruments, effects, and even entire projects effortless. With many free products available, musicians can easily add premium products to their recording experience with just a few clicks.
Mixcraft 10 is available in two value-packed versions: the entry-level Recording Studio and the advanced Pro Studio. Mixcraft 10 Pro Studio includes dozens more instruments, effects, and utilities and adds impressive innovations, such as the new Track Regions feature that makes light work of retooling song arrangements. The result is a top-of-the-line DAW that is intuitive and stable, allowing musicians to realize their musical goals faster and with professional-level quality.”
