Aphex Twin performs live in 360 video. Filmed at Field Day 2023 at Luno Presents All Points East in Victoria Park.
Watch in full screen to explore the 360 video (ensure YouTube Quality settings are set to HD with fast internet connection). On mobile devices, open in the app. Also playable on virtual reality headsets.
*Note: The video comes with a warning that it may potentially trigger seizures for people with photosensitive epilepsy.
BLEASS Fusion is the Swiss Army knife of distortion plugins. This versatile waveshaping tool promises to deliver “sumptuously smooth saturations and disgracefully dirty distortions”
BLEASS has announced the release of Fusion, a new distortion plugin. Fusion utilizes waveshaping to distort and saturate your sounds; the developers claim that this makes Fusion the “most versatile and adaptable” plugin of its kind.
Fusion waveshaper is equipped with 58 wavetables, each of which fine-tunes the character of the distortion or saturation being applied. The user can also import their own custom wavetables, meaning that Fusion is capable of producing a hugely diverse variety of sounds; everything from warm analogue-inspired saturation to abrasive digital clipping.
The plugin interface is divided into four tabs; Waveshaper houses the waveshaping controls, while Filter is home to a pair of resonant multi-mode filters; filter types include high-pass, low-pass, bell and notch, and each filter can be positioned before or after the waveshaper in the plugin’s signal chain.
The Modulation tab offers a ton of possibilities for creating evolving, dynamic distortion effects; there’s two highly tweakable LFOs onboard, along with an envelope follower, a useful addition that converts the dynamics of the audio being processed into a control signal to modulate any of Fusion’s parameters.
Fusion modulation capabilities are bolstered further by the inclusion of a sequencer, which can be used to program complex patterns of values that modulate two more of Fusion’s controls. There’s also a neat randomization function that lets you instantly randomize all of the plugin’s parameters, making for quick and easy experimentation.
Fusion is available for Mac, iOS and Windows in VST3/AU/AUv3 formats and is very reasonably priced at $19.99.
Native Instruments today introduced the new Traktor X1 MK3 USB DJ controller, a compact, modular controller that they say is designed for DJs who want portability, powerful effects control, and intuitive operation.
Building on the X1 MK1 and MK2 models, X1 MK3 adds innovative new features, based on feedback from the Traktor community:
A highly visual design allows DJs to focus on their performance instead of looking at a laptop. Five OLED displays reveal essential track and effect information, including track progress, track name, loop size, selected effects, and effect parameters.
An advanced lighting system notifies performers with key information, like when a track is about to run out or if it’s running in a loop. DJs can also choose from a spectrum of colors to customize the ambient lighting and button color, perfect for matching their unique style or brand. Accessibility enhancements include tactile dots across the controller and increased button sizes, making it easier for performers to orient themselves, even in low light environments.
The new “Mixer Mode” allows DJs to press a single button to switch from effects mode to mixer mode, instantly take control of EQs and channel levels, and transition tracks while monitoring all four channel levels on the displays.
X1 can be customized to meet your specific needs. Make adjustments to mapping with a customization page in Traktor Pro and color-code each button group to easily identify different functions.
A three-port powered USB hub extends connectivity, allowing you to connect to CDJs, your custom setups, or additional X1 units.
X1 MK3 comes bundled with the latest version of NI’s flagship DJ software, Traktor Pro 3. Traktor Pro 3 includes sonic sculpting tools, professional audio quality, and a clear and intuitive interface. Additional features include time-stretching, an improved limiter, a huge array of effects, and a wide range of options for customizing your mixing workflow.
