849 revisions after the first beta we're back with a release candidate for our big round of maintenance updates.
Getting closer to the release, most plugins can now be tested on Mac, Win, and Linux.
TL;DR:
Download and enjoy the new betas, but please read on if you:
* want to know what changed
* want to know why a few plugins are not included
* are using Pro Tools on Mac
* have an older Linux system
* are using 32bit on Mac
* have an older CPU
What has changed since the last beta:
Issues discovered with the first beta have all been dealt with.
Rosetta2 is not needed anymore to run the installer on Apple Silicon Macs.
The spooky issue connected to automatic brightnes adjustment on some Macs has been exorcised.
On Big Sur, a few parameters did not visually react to being MIDI controlled when using the AU version, this now works.
We also somehow convinced the VST3 version to show up again on Windows.
And custom fonts are back at work in third party skins.
Diva and Repro got a modernized set of tags to be in line with the rest of the plugins.
The factory libraries of a few plugins have been polished and sorted.
TripleCheese and ZebraCM got some gorgeous new looks, we hope you like them as much as we do.
They actually feel a bit like new plugins to us with those amazing new GUIs.
One special highlight is, once again, Hive.
While seemingly nothing changed on the outside, Urs put lots of thought, sweat and sleepless nights into optimizing its performance. Modules that are not actively shaping the sound are now going to sleep until they are needed. As a result, many presets will use considerably less resources than before.
We are still putting the finishing touches on those updates, so no exact release date has been set yet.
Just don't find any bugs, and everything will be ready soon.
Downloads:
[MOD EDIT: all downloads are final and will be available from u-he.com shortly]
Here's a condensed overview of what changed since the last official release:
Improvements:
* Native support for Apple Silicon chips (M1)
* macOS Big Sur compatibility
* Improved GUI performance on Mac
* Improved multi-core performance on Intel Macs
* Support for Oddsound MTS-ESP
* Improved preset browser
* Improved handling of junction links on Windows
* Improved soundset installation
* Preset list scroll direction preference
* Preset browser bank name support
Bug Fixes:
* Fixed: CPU surge during automatic display brightness adjustments (macOS Big Sur)
* Fixed: Installer now runs natively on M1 Silicon (Rosetta2 not needed to install)
* Fixed: Rare crash on project reload
* Fixed: Crash when loading script presets (e.g. Randomizer)
* Fixed: Crash in Bandlab Cakewalk when reloading a project using VST3 FX plugin
* Fixed: Cakewalk setting instance parameters to default on project reload
* Fixed: Notes starting on same time stamp but different MIDI channel might not play
* Fixed: Notes could get stuck when resetting playhead in Logic 10.6
* Fixed: Preventing audio clicks when switching presets
* Fixed: Multiple hold pedal quirks
* Loads of framework fixes and general improvements
Many smaller and bigger issues have also been addressed in each plugin.
For a complete list please check each product's changelog page after the official release.
Here are just a few of the plugin specific improvements/fixes/new features:
BazilleCM + BeatZille:
* Fixed: Multiple sequencer issues
* Fixed: Multiple issues with envelope triggering via LFO and sequencer
Envelope triggering via LFO and sequencer was reworked in order to fix multiple bugs in this area. This means some presets might not sound as intended anymore. We therefore recommend to finish ongoing projects before updating to the new version. Please refer to the "Patch Conversion Tips" file to get more info on how to adjust your presets.
Bazille:
* Fixed: Possible crash when quitting Ableton Live
* Fixed: Possible crash when using VST3 in Cubase
Colour Copy:
* Fixed: Mix knob could change value while being locked
* Known Issue: Scope effects (eco, fast, glow, ...) are not working
Diva:
* Modernized set of tags
* Strict host sync button added to arpeggiator section
* Fixed: Arpeggiator could cause stuck notes
Hive:
* Improved resource management for better performance
* Fixed: Sequencer mod mode was not reacting to hold pedal
* Izmo skin updated
Podolski:
* Fixed: LFO in single trigger mode was free running
* Notes are now restricted to MIDI note range to prevent random audio glitches
Protoverb:
* Factory preset library sorted and polished
* Fixed: Low level input signals could cause scratches on left channel
Repro:
* Modernized set of tags
* Mod matrix modifiers now on the GUI (previously only available via context menu)
* Fixed: Playback issue when switching from an arp to a sequencer preset
TripleCheese:
* Fresh new GUI (definitely not cheesy anymore)
* Factory preset library sorted and polished
* Fixed: LFO in single trigger mode was free running
* Fixed: Oscillator was still audible if switched off
Zebra2 & ZebraHZ:
* Fixed: Loop pointer in DotEight fullsize editor wasn't displayed
* Fixed: Zebrify Ctrl A/B wasn't using global settings when loading a new instance
* Fixed: Diva HPF filter initialization issue (might stay silent when reloading preset)
ZebraCM:
* Fresh, modern GUI
* Factory preset library sorted and polished
Known Issues and special notes:
* Linux minimum required glibc version is 2.25 (if plugins don't show up, that's why)
* AAX support on Mac removed temporarily (see note below)
* CPU needs to support SSE4.2 instruction set (otherwise the plugin will crash)
* macOS 32bit support discontinued
* Multi-core support is not optimized for Apple's ARM chips (see note below)
* Context menus need plugin focus to work (Apple issue)
About AAX support on Mac:
We moved our entire codebase and deployment workflow to be fully compatible with Apple's Silicon processors last autumn. This was no small task and involved a lot of work and time. It was a necessary step to stay future proof. We now have a build process that creates a single installer containing all the plugin formats and files for Intel and Silicon Macs.
Avid, however, to this day, strongly recommends against publishing versions of AAX plugins that are compiled on a build system which is compatible with the Silicon M1 development scheme.
As a result, we are not able to provide any version of AAX plugins for Macs at this moment, neither for Intel Macs nor for M1 Silicon Macs.
All we can do is wait for Avid to supply an updated, compatible SDK.
Once this happens, we will reintegrate support for the AAX format on Mac, and issue another round of updates as soon as possible.
Please note that Windows users are not affected by this. Our current updates include an up to date AAX version, just as usual.
About multi-core support on Apple Silicon M1 Macs:
While we were able to improve multi-core performance on Macs by implementing QoS (quality of service), using the multi-core option of our plugins is not yet working as effectively on the new Silicon chips as it is on Intel chips. However, all our tests so far have shown that you certainly won't miss it, as those chips are extremely powerful and the system is already doing a very good job at distributing the load across all available CPU cores.
About the plugins not included here:
Filterscape, MFM2, TyrellN6 and Uhbik are not forgotten, yet there are circumstances that prevent us from including them in the current update round. Rest assured they will all receive updates at a later point.
As usual, we cannot post a beta version of ZebraHZ here. If you create new presets using this Zebra2 RC version, please be aware that this will trigger a "plugin too old for this preset" warning if you then try to load those presets from inside the current release version of ZebraHZ.
Some final notes:
As usual, those are beta versions. Expect the unexpected, and backup your presets before installing the update. Better safe than sorry.
The factory libraries of Protoverb, TripleCheese, ZebraCM and Presswerk have been polished meticulously for this update. Files are replaced automatically on Mac. Windows and Linux users, please consider removing the factory library folder before running the update installer.
(but, of course, move any of your own presets to the user presets area before deleting the factory presets)
If you are using the NKS version, you might need to update the presets in your NKS host's preferences, especially if you are using your NKS host as a plugin inside another host.
On Windows, please check the suggested installation paths during installation, making sure the update is installed into the same location as the previous version, and all installed plugin formats are being updated.
That's about it. Sorry for the waaaaay too long post, and congrats if you made it all the way through.
Enjoy these release candidates and let us know if anything seems suspicious or doesn't work as expected.
Cheers,
Tas
