2CAudio B2: Full Body. Maximum Attitude.

[Echoes in the Attic]

Got it, that helps thanks.

I always figured the Shape was some theoretical shape of a space but didn't know how that translated into actually affecting the sound/delays.

I guess in Breeze/Aether it would be conceptually appropriate to think of higher shape values as having a more mixed/uneven shape of a large room/space? So there are short reflections and long reflections, where as a lower shape setting would bea more uniform room shape as far as reflections?

[Andrew Souter]

Got it, that helps thanks.

You welcome. Happy to help.

I always figured the Shape was some theoretical shape of a space but didn't know how that translated into actually affecting the sound/delays.

I guess in Breeze/Aether it would be conceptually appropriate to think of higher shape values as having a more mixed/uneven shape of a large room/space? So there are short reflections and long reflections, where as a lower shape setting would bea more uniform room shape as far as reflections?

Yes you can think of it this way.

[Andrew Souter]

While working on currently finalizing the manual I realized we still get a few questions via email such as:

So what exactly is B2?
What makes it special?
What makes it different than Aether?
etc.

In the manual I have just put a "B2 Concept" section. This summaries the answer to the above questions fairly well I think. Most of this text is already on the web, but perhaps a slightly more concise and better organized version is helpful, so I will paste it here too:

B2 is a modular dual-engine, non-linear spatial processor featuring built-in harmonic distortion and flexible dynamics. It is our most advanced plug-in to date and is capable of both mind-bending creative effects that defy classification as well as stunningly lush reverbs. Its modular design enables an almost infinite variety of sonic possibilities.

B2 is modular in design. Its anything-goes, science-experiment-esque modus operandi is in some ways more in line with the design of the great modular analog synthesizers of the past than it is with more traditional reverb designs such as Aether. It currently offers 36 damping and 30 EQ filter choices, 33 Attitude types with 4 different routings, 4 Density modes, 12 Contour modes, 2 Modulation modes, 3 Modulation densities, 4 Dynamics modes, 4 Dynamics routings, 2 special spatial modes, and 4 delay feedback/Time modes. We implore those curious at heart to try everything and anything. Of course the modular design also offers opportunities to improve efficiency and save CPU cycles. CPU usage in B2 varies drastically depending on the various modes selected as well as which modules are enabled, and current quality settings. Moreover B2's modular design was conceived specifically to facilitate future enhancements and features.

B2's dual engine design augments its modularity by allowing its two identical engines to have completely independent settings and be configured in a number of possible structures. B2 can be configured in the classic Early Reflections plus Late Reflections model to achieve results similar to Aether. Alternatively, Engine A can be Cascaded into the Engine B to achieve incredibly dense impulse responses with arbitrary envelopes. Dynamics processing can be used to automatically crossfade between two different parallel spaces. Yet another possibility is to use B2 as a discrete four-engine device to achieve unparalleled control over the behavior of inter-channel stereo cross-talk to achieve precise spatialization in classical sound-stage and scoring applications. These are but a few examples. The possibilities are enough to make your head explode, but fret not, as you need only to learn to master one set of controls. After that you can think about how to make them work together as a pair by following the examples provided in our immense collection of well-organized presets.

A non-linear spatial processor can be non-linear in many different ways technically. It may have an abruptly gated or otherwise altered decay envelope as is achievable with B2's Dynamics section. It may exhibit various harmonic distortions as is possible via B2 Attitude control. Extreme modulation settings may induce their own non-linearities as is also possible with B2. Moreover non-linear design elements may be built into the very essence of the time distribution of delays within the reverb and their relative amplitudes. These aspects contribute to the overall character of the reverb both in the time domain and in the spectral domain. B2's Geometry controls define the nature of these relationships and give it a large part of its unique character. Other developers tend to choose static settings for these types of parameters and do not expose them to the user. Sometimes a small set of these parameters are marketed as different "algorithms" where one configuration may be labeled a hall, and other may be a chamber or a plate. B2 is not confined to such limitations. Instead its Range, Random, and Curve controls define its delay distribution, and its Contour control defines the relative amplitude of these delays using any of twelve different methods. The various combinations of these parameters together with B2's density mode options allow an incredibly diverse set of possible geometries. For all intents and purposes, the range of possibilities is effectively infinite. When combined with B2's Cascade function the results are even more diverse and powerful.

When all of these aspects are combined the results are truly deep and awe-inspiring. B2's relatively simple, informative, and ergonomic interface effortlessly distills tremendous complexity into a manageable and enjoyable user experience. It is designed to be a system-level tool that will become essential to your very workflow. The basics will be almost immediately evident, however at its heart, B2 is a tool made by professionals for professionals. It can be configured in a myriad number of ways to meet the shifting needs of your current project. A minimal investment of time spent learning the subtleties and details of its methods and workflow is likely to pay dividends for years to come and unlock previously unimaginable sonic possibilities that will both inspire you creatively as well as help you achieve unrivaled technical excellence in the competitive marketplace.

[Sampleconstruct]

I just uploaded a first zip to the patchpool server containing 15 presets for B2. You can find these at the top of the "various fx"-page.

[Andrew Souter]

Controversial thought of the day:

Says the former senior UI designer at Apple, "I feel like [Apple] has concentrated too much on mimicking the visual skeuomorphic approach rather than concentrating on the actual functionality." For example, in iOS 6, the latest version of Apple's mobile operating system, Forstall recently demoed an animated paper shredder, which will be used to delete e-tickets and coupons. How many iPhone users have ever actually seen a paper shredder in real life? Is it necessary? Or just visual masturbation? "To me, it's lipstick on a pig," says the source intimately familiar with Apple's design process. "There's no need to add glitter if the product can stand on its own.

from: http://www.macrumors.com/2012/09/11/app ... morphisms/

Personally I prefer to avoid "lipstick on a pig" and dislike faux screws on GUIs etc. However I am not opposed to tasteful 3D modeling of design elements so long as there is an inherent functional and/or aesthetic value added by such design choices... I personally like the mixed 2D/3D aesthetic that hints at physicality but is not limited by it. As if M.C. Escher were to do GUI design...



BTW, only 4 more days of our various intro/summer promos... Deadline will not be extended again. You snooze, you loose...

[Andrew Souter]

Offical full description of the B2 Random Control:

Random

The Random control effects the random behavior of the delay distribution following our top-secret family recipe. Larger values have more random behavior. We could tell you more, but we'd have to…

• Small values
o Make their parents proud
o Win awards for good behavior
o Like to tuck their shirts in a comb their hair neatly
o Can be a bit too perfect and border on being boring
o Maybe become police officers when they grow up

• Large values
o Are rebellious little monsters
o Have lots of experience in detention
o Where lots of black and spiky things
o Can get a bit out of control and obnoxious
o Will never grow up, but know plenty of police officers from first hand interactions with them

In all seriousness, there are no rules. Adjust this control to taste. There is no right or wrong answer here.

Tip: Extreme Random values can exaggerate the sense of width and spaciousness of the virtual sound field.

[Andrew Souter]

Another ambient example using Attitude and Cascade to get complex and subtle distortions in the reverberant field...

http://soundcloud.com/2caudio/b2-ambien ... w-souter-1

[Andrew Souter]

For fun:





Reminder: tomorrow is the last day for our various promos...

[tlacuache]

Any news on Osx 64bit update?

[cryophonik]

For fun:

That would make a cool wallpaper.

[Andrew Souter]

That would make a cool wallpaper.

Thanks.

...here is high res if you like:

http://2caudio.com/sitecontent/products ... e_1920.png

[Andrew Souter]

Any news on Osx 64bit update?

working away at it...

[Andrew Souter]

check these out:

[yl]

I liked the airplane.. .clever !

[V0RT3X]

check these out:

I like this one! Reminds me of actual software boxes.

Btw what rendering application are you using for this?