Zplane Introduces Peel Stems 2 Next Generation Real-time Stem Separation Plugin For Your DAW


Peel Stems 2 is the latest version of Zplane AI-powered real-time stem separation plugin.

Zplane has released Peel Stems 2, an update to its real-time stem separation plugin that promises significant improvements in speed, sound quality and usability over the first version.

Like its predecessor, Peel Stems 2 splits mixed audio into four stems (Drums, Bass, Vocals and Other) directly inside your DAW. Load the plugin on any track and you’re given independent level controls for each stem, letting you mute, isolate or rebalance individual elements of a mix in real time, without waiting for offline processing to complete.

The headline improvement in Peel Stems 2 is speed: powered by the latest version of Zplane’s proprietary separation technology, the plugin’s processing latency has been reduced from 483ms to 245ms at 44.1kHz, a drop of almost 50%. (Intel Macs are still supported, with latency coming in at 385ms.)

Zplane says separation quality and clarity have been improved too, delivering cleaner stems with fewer artifacts, and the isolation slider, which fine-tunes the strength of the separation, now has a broader range and a more noticeable effect on the signal.

And, the interface has been redesigned with new stem colours and clearer visual feedback, and the Focus EQ’s Focus Frame – a spectral tool that isolates specific frequency ranges and stereo information – now displays cutoff frequencies at both ends of the spectrum.

“With Peel Stems 2, we wanted to push real-time stem separation within DAW-native workflows further,” Zplane CTO Tim Flohrer said in a statement. “With significantly reduced latency and improved audio quality, Peel Stems 2 represents a major step forward in stem separation technology.”

Here’s What’s New in Peel Stems 2:

Key Features:

  • Real-time Audio Stem Separation: Split mixed audio instantly in your DAW
  • Split Mixed Audio into Four Stems: Drums, Bass, Vocals and Other
  • Stem Isolation Control: Fine-tune separation precision with the Isolation slider
  • Soundfield Display: Visualize the frequency content and stereo placement of each stem
  • PEEL Focus EQ: Isolate or extract selected frequency ranges and stereo information
  • Dual Output: Route the PEEL Focus EQ to a secondary output in your DAW for further processing*
  • VST3, AU and AAX Plugin Formats: Works in all major DAWs
  • Windows and macOS: Supports Windows 11, Intel and Silicon Macs

*Supported in Ableton Live, FL Studio, Pro Tools, Reason, and Reaper.

Peel Stems 2 is a one-time purchase, with no subscription or login required. Available now for macOS and Windows in VST3/AU/AAX formats, it’s priced at €59 and owners of the first version can upgrade for only €19.

Find out more on Zplane website.

 

New Filtopia Synthesizer Features Unique Filtering Capabilities


Analogue Solutions shared this preview of their new Filtopia synthesizer, a stereo monosynth that features a unique 5 filter filterbank.

Filtopia’s key USP is a bank of 5 analog filters wired in parallel, which means you can create multi-band filter sweeps and even vowel types sounds. By having offset filter-cutoff frequencies, with some high resonance levels, you can mimic the way the human voice works.

Aside from the uniqueness of a multi-channel filter bank for filtering, Filtopia is fully loaded with VCOs, LFOs, EGs, etc.

Features:

  • 3 VCOs – can be routed to some or many of the filters as dictated by the front panel.
  • 5 VCFs – Multi-Mode – wired in parallel.
  • 2 VCAs – one has Echo.
  • 3 EGs – full ADSR.
  • 2 LFOs.
  • Noise.
  • 2 Sub-Osc.
  • MIDI to CV.
  • 8 step CV sequencer.
  • Stereo Outs.

Filtopia is available to pre-order for £1,799.00.

M-VAVE Intros FM-1 FM ‘Pocket Synthesizer’


M-VAVE has introduced the FM-1, a portable digital FM synthesizer built around a six-operator FM synthesis engine with 32 algorithms.

The instrument combines a compact desktop format with a 27-key silicone keyboard, onboard controls, rechargeable battery power, MIDI connectivity, and integrated sequencing functions.

The M-VAVE FM-1  synthesizer supports wired and wireless MIDI workflows and can operate as a standalone sound module, portable instrument, or compact desktop synthesizer for studio and mobile use.

Features:

  • Six-operator FM synthesis engine
  • Thirty-two FM synthesis algorithms
  • Twelve-voice polyphony
  • Twenty-seven-key silicone keyboard
  • Seven rotary control knobs plus dedicated volume control
  • Color TFT display
  • Built-in arpeggiator
  • Integrated step sequencer
  • Preset storage for user and factory sounds
  • Built-in multi-effects processing
  • MIDI input via 3.5 mm TRS connection
  • MIDI over USB-C
  • Wireless Bluetooth MIDI support
  • Simultaneous USB, TRS MIDI, and Bluetooth MIDI operation
  • USB-C connection for power and data
  • Built-in speaker
  • 5 mm stereo audio output
  • Rechargeable 2000 mAh battery
  • Up to 12 hours of battery operation
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android via wireless MIDI

The FM-1 is available now, priced around $75-100 USD.