GPU Developer Kit Now Available As A Free Download


GPU Audio let us know that they’ve released their long-awaited software development kit (SDK), and it’s available now as a free download.

The SDK is designed to let developers unlock Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) acceleration for audio projects. Benefits include ultra-low latencies, multiple layers of processing, cross-platform support, and direct access to high performance DSP.

“As the demand for higher-fidelity, multi-channel processing, and experiences grows, the use of GPUs for audio is a logical progression,” they note. “This SDK represents the first steps towards democratizing access to that previously untapped power.”

The GPU Audio SDK has cross-platform support for Windows and MacOS; with integration for NVIDIA and AMD GPUs as well as Apple Silicon M1 chips and above. There’s no need to write device-specific code for each platform, with each one running as low as 96 samples buffer or 96khz sample rate on all target platforms (which results in 1ms buffer).

A primary goal of this platform is to provide guarantees on backward compatibility. This enables developers, partners, and vendors to detach the update cycles of their products from the update cycles of the GPU Audio platform.

GPU Audio has supplied examples to get started with, including:

  • Gain Processor – simple example to get familiar with GPU Audio specific APIs and create first GPU-powered processor
  • IIR and FIR processor – examples of IIR filtering and FIR/convolution. These are integrated into terminal/console tests that can be used to process files and measure performance
  • NAM Plugin – Neural Amp Modeler with GPU acceleration of the real-time inferencing. We have provided everything to build a VST3 on Windows, with VST3 and AUv2 on MacOS.

The SDK is available now at the GPU Audio site.

Free Lloyd’s Online TR-808 Drum Machine Lets You Create & Export Beats From Your Web Browser


Developer and electro producer Erik Griffioen, aka Lloyd Stellar, let us know about his latest project, a free, production-ready, browser-based TR-808 Drum Machine.

Lloyd’s Online TR-808 Drum Machine is completely browser based, and lets anyone create, edit and play 808 beats. Once you’ve created a beat that you like, you can export it as a wav file to use in your DAW or hardware sampler.

Features:

  • A 16-step sequencer for classic drum patterns (expandable to 32 and 64 steps)
  • Multiple drum variations with authentic 808 sounds
  • Adjustable tempo with swing
  • Saturation and volume controls
  • Easy saving, loading, and sharing of patterns
  • High-quality 24-bit WAV recording and MIDI export
  • Works best on desktop computers and laptops, but also on mobile devices with larger screens

It’s available now at the Lloyd Stellar site.

If you give it a try, let us know what you think of it!

Supercritical Synthesizers Releases Redshift 6 Firmware Update


Supercritical Synthesizers has released the second firmware update for the Redshift 6.

Firmware Update 1.2 brings Clock, LFO clock sync, NRPN support for parameter control, Mod Lock, and also 65 new presets.


Here’s what’s new in Redshift 6 Firmware Update 1.2:

  • Added
    • Clock that can be synced via MIDI
    • LFO clock sync
    • Tap tempo
    • All parameters can now be controlled with NRPN and some with CC
    • Velocity to Amp quick modulation on AMP page
    • Mod lock
      • Double-tap a mod source to latch mod assignment mode
      • Hold a source and double-tap another one to latch mod + via assignment
      • Tap the blinking source or via button or Esc to unlatch
    • DCO keyfollow setting -400% to 400% on the KEY page
    • Keyboard octave switching: Up/Down on Key page, or Shift + Up/Down anywhere
    • Filter keyfollow snap to nominal 1:1, 2:1, 3:1 (these are not super accurate in self oscillation)
    • 65 new presets by Gattobus, Starsky Carr and others
  • Changed
    • New parameter adjustment logic
      • Default is as previously, except adjustment is more responsive (much smaller “deadzone” when starting to move a knob)
      • Holding shift now enables parameter fine tuning, allowing for much smaller adjustments (you can for example adjust tune by less than a cent)
      • Double-tap Shift to latch fine tune mode, tap Shift or Esc to unlatch
      • Parameter steps are now accessed by holding down a knob while turning
    • Perform page now shows clock status and incoming MIDI
    • Clarify a bunch of names around the UI
    • LFO Reset Phase now has steps at 25%, 50% and 75%
    • DCO Stack & Detune visualization now more accurately reflects what’s happening in the voice
    • Short grace period after adjusting modulation to prevent accidentally changing the parameter
    • Keyfollow now also follows pitch bend and portamento (might change behaviour of some presets)
    • Minor visual tweaks and fixes
  • Fixed
    • Fixed all known bugs

Visit the Supercritical Synthesizers site for more info.