Product Reviews by KVR Members
All reviews by Brando
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Cyclone Rocks!. I love this box. Others have pointed to its similarity to pHATmatic PRO. Well, kind of. I bought PPro also, which I think is better than Cyclone at distorting and effecting loops and slices, reversing direction, etc. However, I find Cyclone to be much more adept at slicing and dicing, and in choosing and re-arranging/re-ordering individual slices of the loop or of multiple loops. Triggering sequenced slices from individual loops is dead easy and logical, and triggering them live in sync with SONAR is a snap.
Earlier versions of SONAR allowed one to paint, tempo match and pitch shift individual acidized loops onto audio tracks, which could previously be done only with ACID (et al). Now, Cyclone allows me to set up a single instance of 16 loop pads, and slice and re-sequence individual slices in any way I like, and trigger them accurately via MIDI (or live) in perfect sync with my SONAR project, without glitches, pops or crackles.
Any time I use loops now I automatically bring them into Cyclone.
I also like Cake's 'FxPAD' (DX, $19) as an excellent complement to Cyclone for adding morphing and modulating effects either in time with the project, or freeform. This combination somewhat matches (and in some ways surpasses) the effects advantage of PHat.
I don't look at the Cyclone versus Phat Pro decision as an either/or question. Both have their place in a certain type of project. Phat is better at mangling and twisting. Cyclone is better at slicing and arranging. I'm glad I own them both, and I can't wait for the DXi version of Phat
BrandoRead Review
Earlier versions of SONAR allowed one to paint, tempo match and pitch shift individual acidized loops onto audio tracks, which could previously be done only with ACID (et al). Now, Cyclone allows me to set up a single instance of 16 loop pads, and slice and re-sequence individual slices in any way I like, and trigger them accurately via MIDI (or live) in perfect sync with my SONAR project, without glitches, pops or crackles.
Any time I use loops now I automatically bring them into Cyclone.
I also like Cake's 'FxPAD' (DX, $19) as an excellent complement to Cyclone for adding morphing and modulating effects either in time with the project, or freeform. This combination somewhat matches (and in some ways surpasses) the effects advantage of PHat.
I don't look at the Cyclone versus Phat Pro decision as an either/or question. Both have their place in a certain type of project. Phat is better at mangling and twisting. Cyclone is better at slicing and arranging. I'm glad I own them both, and I can't wait for the DXi version of Phat
BrandoRead Review
Triangle II
Reviewed By Brando [all]
April 29th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.02 on Windows
Another tremendous DXI offering from Rene at RGC Audio. The fact that it is Freeware is a bonus, but should not detract from the fact that this is a serious soft synth. Excellent library of preset sounds, great user manual. Amazing, at any price. Completements Pentagon nicely without being just a little brother. Very nice.Read Review
Pentagon I
Reviewed By Brando [all]
April 29th, 2002
Version reviewed: 1.22 DXi on Windows
I originally purchased the VSTi version of Pentagon, but now I am blown away by Rene's quick responsiveness in coming out with a flawless DXi version (Also of the Triangle II). Low CPU cycles, very responsive and flexible with a thick sound. Hundreds of great presets are included, which not only stand on their own, but provide a great starting point to build from. Pentagon is easy to set up to get an idea flowing, but also complex and capable for adding nuance and substance to an otherwise simple sound. Great user's manual, which I don't see much of these days.
A+++
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A+++
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