Vandal v1.104 available now (+ Mac Demo)

[sascha]

Hey guys,

just a quick bump, in case this info was buried too deeply in the older threads here...:

We've put the latest Version of the Vandal VST/AU online yesterday. It addresses a couple of issues (Reaper mouse bug, midi issues etc.) and introduces some new features (amp presence, plate reverb, mic delay etc.). There were some slight changes nearly everywhere, and we've adapted most presets accordingly. Some might agree that this version sounds slightly better than before (at least I hope so )

For the entire changelog, see the blog (from my sig). The update & demo can be found at the main website http://www.vandalamps.com (demo at the 'home' page's bottom left, updates on the 'support' page).

Thanks for everybody having given feedback during the last months. I really appreciate that, it always helps in making things better (and there's still a lot to do...)

Sascha

[dhalfen]

Sascha, when I try use the Mac demo as AU in Live 8.1.4, I see the interface for a split-second, and then it goes all-white on me. I'm on 10.6.4.

(REAPER 3.561 shows it just fine!)

[sascha]

We've ran into that, too, but found no immediate solution. Seems to be common on the mac with plugins that change their size dynamically. Perhaps you can try setting the 'gui resize' to 'always maximised' in the global options tab (using Reaper for that task, of course). Theoretically, it should pop up with fixed dimensions. If that still doesn't work properly, let me know and I'll investigate further.

[dhalfen]

The VST is working fine, too, in Live 8.1.4 -- only the AU is affected. Truly odd...

[dhalfen]

Okay, now -- I've only been messing with the "clean" channel so far, but I'm liking what I hear very much!

This is NIIIIIIIIICE!!!

[futurefields]

How does the sound quality and cpu usage compare to Guitar Rig 4?

[dhalfen]

How does the sound quality and cpu usage compare to Guitar Rig 4?

I'll do a side-by-side for ya when I go home. I haven't used Guitar Rig 4 yet -- it came with the Komplete 6 bundle upgrade, and I installed it, but Amplitube 3 has been my "go-to" amp-sim so far.

(I.e., I installed it, said, "That's nice, I'll have to putz around with it," and have since failed to do any dedicated putzing. )

Compared to Amplitube 3 (at high quality), the CPU usage is clearly less (but that's probably true for most stuff, period, except ACE or Tube Saturator! ), and the sound on the "clean" channel is comparable. But I'll need a few weeks to really put this baby through its paces.

[Hink]

How does the sound quality and cpu usage compare to Guitar Rig 4?

cpu usage is very low with vandal, as far as sound goes it's hard to say anything that isn't subjective. GR4 has a lot features like the control room and then some cool manipulation tools like the lfo and step sequencer. GR4 gives you many more amp models where vandal gives you more possibilities out of one model.

I feel secure owning both that I can probably get equivalent sounds from either but the method of doing so will vary. With vandal you do not have to make as many choices and do more tweaking which likely when you come right down to it is 6 of one or half dozen of the other.

But with vandal you wont have those manipulation tools

[CapnLockheed]

With vandal you do not have to make as many choices and do more tweaking

Which is one of things I like best about it...reminds me a bit of DB's Flying Haggis in that respect. Don't get me wrong...I LOVE to tweak...sometimes tho, when the inspiration hits, you just want to plug in and burn!

Cheers......CapLock

[Hink]

With vandal you do not have to make as many choices and do more tweaking

Which is one of things I like best about it..

me too

[dhalfen]

With vandal you do not have to make as many choices and do more tweaking

Which is one of things I like best about it..

me too

This is exactly what appeals to me most, at face value, with Vandal: the workflow is much more focused, and while it has some "under the hood" options, WYSIWYG!!!

And I'm quickly learning that WYHIWYG, too! The tweaking isn't so much about finding a "sweet spot" as moving around a very LARGE sweet-spot, if ya knowwutimean.

[lionscub68]

I've been to the website and I'm interested. But the website shows and says nothing to what's in Vandal. Very few screenshots.

I guess what I'm saying is, I'd like to see and read more before I download another plugin. I like Guitar Rig 4 but I swear it's missing something I'm looking for... and Vandal could fill the need... if I could just find out what it's got BEFORE I download and introduce potential issues in my so-far stable rig. e.g. I have not updated to 10.6.4 (from 10.6.3) due to potential external audio interface issues.

So my suggestion is to hype up the website a bit. Tell me what effects it has in a list (or screenshots). Show me routing examples. Then I'll download the demo.

[Hink]

I've been to the website and I'm interested. But the website shows and says nothing to what's in Vandal. Very few screenshots.

I guess what I'm saying is, I'd like to see and read more before I download another plugin. I like Guitar Rig 4 but I swear it's missing something I'm looking for... and Vandal could fill the need... if I could just find out what it's got BEFORE I download and introduce potential issues in my so-far stable rig. e.g. I have not updated to 10.6.4 (from 10.6.3) due to potential external audio interface issues.

So my suggestion is to hype up the website a bit. Tell me what effects it has in a list (or screenshots). Show me routing examples. Then I'll download the demo.

I'm scratching my head trying to figure out how to answer your question, the page shows what it has very well. Unlike other sims it does not have tons of models, basically it has two models...bass and guitar. From there you have the ability to select different styles (much like a sansamp). You have a few speaker choices, a couple mic choices and a good amount of flexibility with mic position, volume, pan etc.

What sets it apart is how all this comes together to produce a wide variety of tones and the features react different with each style change. It has extended features hidden behind a wrench like symbol which includes things like SAG that gives it a much more dynamic feel.

Of course it has a gate, comp, the stomps you see on the page and two choices of post amp fx which include the usual players like delay, reverb, modulation, DP, and several choices of each type.

You wont go searching through amp models, cabs, speakers etc but the few it has cover all the bases extremely well.

You should really try the demo

[sascha]

Tell me what effects it has in a list (or screenshots). Show me routing examples. Then I'll download the demo.

The website will get updates every now & then. I will pass your proposal on to the colleagues in the editorial department.
In the meantime, you may have a look at the manual, where I've explained all stomps, rack fx and all other internals in detail:
http://www.vandalamps.com/uploads/MAGIX ... eb_eng.pdf (Can be found on the support page)

Oh, the routing... it's dead simple: left to right and top to bottom

[dhalfen]

So my suggestion is to hype up the website a bit. Tell me what effects it has in a list (or screenshots). Show me routing examples. Then I'll download the demo.

If this is the only issue holding you back, then... WHAT?!?!?

I think yours is an odd case of "not seeing the tree for the forest."

Seriously, I know the website's a bit limited, but that certainly didn't diminish my interest in Vandal.

Hands-on experience is the only thing that means a darned thing, anyway, IMHumO.

(And I've known plenty of pretty, complex websites that advertised far lesser products, too!)