FabFilter releases Timeless and Simplon

FabFilter has released Timeless, a stereo tape delay plug-in with flexible feedback routing, optional time stretching, two filters and unique drag-and-drop modulation slots. Also released is Simplon, a simple filter plug-in especially suitable for live performance, with the same filters.

Timeless is not only a modeled classic tape delay, it is capable of much more. With its unique filters and many creative options, Timeless can create delay, echo, chorus, flanger, phaser, scratching, and numerous other effects.

It contains two separate L and R delay lines which can be panned individually. Each delay line can be synchronized to the host tempo with fully adjustable offset. A tap feature is provided, and the L/R delay times can be synchronized.

In Tape mode, the delay lines function as a classic tape delay. Changing the delay time will change the pitch of the signal accordingly, enabling you to create scratch-like effects because the delay line responds very smoothly to knob movements. In Stretch mode, the music slows down or speeds up while keeping the pitch the same.

The signal from the delay lines is fed to two high-quality multi-mode filters that are based on FabFilter's unique digital filter technology. Each filter has six different filter characteristics, ranging from smooth with moderate overdrive to extremely raw and self-oscillating. Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass responses and 12/24/48 dB/octave slopes are available, and each filter can be panned to create stereo effects without phase problems. From the filters, the signal is taken back to the delays and can be adjusted per audio channel with the feedback and cross-feedback knobs. Per-channel phase inversion makes it easy to create flanger and phasing effects.

The 24 modulation slots in Timeless provide very flexible modulation possibilities. Setting up modulation connections is easy: just drag a modulation source to any knob that can be modulated to fill a modulation slot. Modulation slots can be inverted and bypassed, and it's also possible to modulate the level knobs of other slots. Almost all parameters can be modulated.

Modulation sources include two LFOs, an Audio/MIDI-triggered envelope generator, and velocity, aftertouch, keyboard track, pitch bend, and mod wheel sources. Each LFO has triangle, square, sine, random triangle, and sample-and-hold wave forms, tempo sync in either straight, triplets or dotted mode, note-on sync, and a wave balance setting. All EG parameters and the LFO frequencies can be modulated.

Other Timeless features: perfectly fine-tuned knobs that work both in vertical and circular drag modes, interactive MIDI Learn, Smart Parameter Interpolation for smooth parameter transitions, over 200 presets, unique per-component presets, extensive help file with interactive help hints, sample accurate automation for all parameters, and more.

Simplon contains two independent high-quality multi-mode filters, based on FabFilter's unique digital filter technology. Each filter has three different filter characteristics, from smooth and gentle to raw and self-oscillating. Low-pass, high-pass, band-pass responses and 12/24/48 dB/octave slopes are available. The filters can operate in serial or parallel modes.

A simpler version of FabFilter's Volcano, Simplon is designed to be CPU-friendly, easy to use, and especially useful for live performances with its large interactive filter display and big buttons.

Like Timeless, Simplon also has perfectly fine-tuned knobs that work both in vertical and circular drag modes, interactive MIDI Learn, Smart Parameter Interpolation for smooth parameter transitions, extensive help file with interactive help hints, and sample accurate automation for all parameters.

Timeless and Simplon are available as VST effect plug-ins for Windows, and as Audio Unit and VST plug-ins for Mac OS X (PPC and Intel). Timeless costs $129, or $79 as an upgrade if you already own a FabFilter product. Simplon costs $79, or $49 for existing customers. Bundles with Timeless and Simplon are also available. Demo versions are available.