Expert Sleepers has released a public beta of Augustus Loop v2.0 for Mac OS X, a major update to the tape echo/looping plug-in. Only the Mac OS X (AU and VST) versions are available right now - the Windows VST version will follow soon.

To promote the new skinning & scripting features in Augustus Loop v2, Expert Sleepers are running a skinning competition, with free licenses to the new version as prizes.

What's New in Augustus Loop version 2

For a complete list of changes, please refer to the version history section of the user manual.

• Quality Improvements: Great attention has been paid to removing the niggling little clicks and pops that used to occur if you used some features and were unlucky with your timing. Specifically, using the following should now never result in an unpleasant audio artifact:
  • Clear Loop
  • Changing the Input Level (which includes using the Punch In/Out Set Input Level features)
  • Tap Record
• Freeze Loop: While Freeze Loop is essentially the same feature as has always been found in Augustus Loop, the new implementation in version 2 transforms this function into something altogether more powerful. Whereas in previous versions frozen loops were prone to clicking and popping unless the audio and plug-in settings were just right, version 2's Freeze Loop is totally bomb proof and will loop anything.
• Sync Groups: It is now possible to synchronise multiple copies of Augustus Loop that are running within one host application. You can therefore use Augustus Loop to build complex, multi-channel, multi-loop systems.
• Tape Sim: A new audio processing section has been added to further expand the range of sounds you can get out of Augustus Loop, consisting of a new tape-style saturation effect and a new filter section.
• Skinnable and Scriptable GUI: In version 2 it's possible to completely replace the Augustus Loop user interface. This goes far beyond other 'skinning' systems where you can only change the superficial appearance of the interface. With Augustus Loop you can move user interface elements around, remove things you don't use, add new buttons to drive your own new functionality. A general purpose scripting language lies behind all this, so your new buttons aren't just limited to setting plug-in parameters - you can build complex systems limited only by your imagination (and programming skill!).
• OSC: Augustus Loop can now be remotely controlled via the Open Sound Control protocol.
• MIDI & OSC Scripting: Augustus Loop's response to MIDI and OSC control can now be completely redefined by scripts written by users. This goes far beyond simply redefining which MIDI CC controls which parameter - you can build elaborate, state-based control systems, driving many copies of Augustus Loop from a single control source.
• Waveform Display: A new element has been added to the GUI that enables you to visualise the audio that's recorded onto Augustus Loop's virtual tape. Apart from looking swish, this is a useful tool that helps you understand exactly what the plug-in is doing at any particular time, especially when some of the more complex functions are enabled.
• Record Offset: This new feature makes it easy to sync your looping to other performers, even when your computer-based setup is introducing a lot of latency into your audio stream.
• Tape Read Mode: Although Augustus Loop remains a fundamentally stereo device, the new Tape Read Mode setting lets you simulate a mono tape echo from days of old.

Please note that Augustus Loop v2 uses a new serial number from previous versions, so if you have a licence for v1.8 or earlier it won't work with v2, and the plug-in will operate in demo mode. It is not yet possible to purchase licenses for v2.