Product Reviews by KVR Members

*Disclaimer: I'm a songwriter, producer, and educator. My writing style may read like a billboard ad, but my user review is sincere and authentic. I only appraise a product I consider extraordinary, hence the high rating. I don't work for the developer. In fact, I rarely work at all. :-) I hope you find my review useful. — Tommy Zai

INTRO

Inflator by Sonnox is a unique loudness expander plugin that adds dynamic punch to tracks without crushing them into lifeless road-kill. I'm not exactly sure what goes on under the hood, but everything I run through Inflator simply sounds better. It not only increases the perceived loudness, it also adds a pleasing touch of vintage tube-ish warmth, harmonics, and presence without oversaturation! It can add harmonics or remain clean, depending on how much of the Curve parameter is used. Inflator can be used on virtually anything and in many ways, depending upon the user's workflow. I mostly use it when mixing drums hits, percussive loops, bass, and vocals (just a touch). I also use it when mastering. I have read reports of users placing Inflator in various positions in their FX chain, i.e., after the limiter, or on sub-groups or the master. In general, I think it's best to position this plugin at the end of the chain to avoid clipping, unwanted overtones, etc.

FAVORITE FEATURES:

• Attractive, user-friendly interface.
• Simple, yet powerful.
• Fantastic algorithms.
• Real-time processing.
• No compression pumping.
• Nice price considering the pro quality.
• Innovative, responsive developers.

OTHER THOUGHTS:

• I can see why many professionals call Inflator their "secret weapon.".
• Less is more. In my summary below, I use a salt analogy. A little makes things tasty and too much causes sickness and death. Well, the only thing you could kill here is your audio track by making it sound a bit harsh, but there is no need. Just the right amount of inflator will breathe life into whatever audio you run through it.
• Dongle (PACE iLok), but well worth the USB port IMO.

SUMMARY

Inflator is a rare plugin. Once you use it — you can't live without it. It simply makes everything sound better. It's a touch of salt on potatoes. There are many plugins available that make music louder, compressed, excited, colored, etc., but Inflator does something unique by increasing the overall sound character and quality without beating down or adding unwanted stuff. To quote another reviewer, "The Inflator is more about "density. The best uses for the Inflator are fairly subtle enhancement of audio sources." Inflator is easy to use, powerful, sounds great, and is a great $ value. What more could I ask for? I'm very happy and proud to be a registered user. I highly recommend Inflator to any eMusician, producer, film or game scorer, DJ, etc. for any kind of music. Tommy Zai gives Inflator two LOUD, punchy thumbs up. Thank you, Sonnox, for creating such an indispensable plugin.

*Disclaimer: I'm a songwriter, producer, and educator. My writing style may read like a billboard ad, but my user review is sincere and authentic. I only appraise a product I consider extraordinary, hence the high rating. I don't work for the developer. In fact, I rarely work at all. :-) I hope you find my review useful. — Tommy Zai.

INTRO

MidiYodi by Canato is a handy utility that allows users to view, play, and edit MIDI files. It also serves as a MIDI librarian — allowing users to scan entire folders and display instrument and song information (duration, tempo, key, time signature, etc.). MidiYodi provides five different examiners that enable precise viewing and editing (file, song+track, keyboard, score, and event). My favorite examiner/screen is the File Explorer, which show metadata-ish stuff (number of tracks, available instruments, duration, tempo, signatures) and the Keyboard Examiner, which shows a nice visual representation of notes and their durations. I really should list all the different views as they each provide useful viewing and editing options. This is one of those utilities that are addictive. .. once you get used to using. .. you can't live without it.

FAVORITE FEATURES

• Easy to install and launch.
• User-friendly interface.
• Simple, yet powerful.
• Section loop playback, mute, and solo.
• Fine editing tools to alter metadata, transpose, tempo, etc.
• Convenient save options, which include: save, save as, undo, and redo.
• Ability to change color theme.
• Great price.
• Innovative, enthusiastic, responsive developer.

OTHER THOUGHTS

• I would like to see MidiYodi go even deeper and become a full-featured MIDI beast with sequencing and micro editing. But can this be done without becoming bloated and cumbersome?
• Add a play-list.

SUMMARY

MidiYodi by Canato is a neat little utility that has become one of my favorite and most useful audio tools. I highly recommend it to anyone, who works with MIDI files (eMusicians, audio producers, film+game scorers, DJs, sound designers, etc.). Tommy Zai gives MidiYodi two pitch-bent thumbs up. Thank you, Canato, for developing such a useful, affordable, and indispensable MIDI utility.

*Disclaimer: I'm a songwriter, producer, and educator. My writing style may read like a billboard ad, but my user review is sincere and authentic. I only appraise a product I consider extraordinary, hence the high rating. I don't work for the developer. In fact, I rarely work at all. :-) I hope you find my review useful. — Tommy Zai.

INTRO

ReDominator by AudioRealism is a super fat sounding virtual synth, which is modeled after the classic Alpha Juno 1/2 (JU-1/2). I actually had the JU-1/2 in the late 80s, and I can say without hesitation that this fine emulation brings me back and still inspires me. Actually, I remember foolishly selling my hardware model, opting for the newfangled digital offerings of the day. ReDominator has eased the pain of letting that synth go.

ReDominator delivers the unmistakable Hoover Sound* that was made famous by early Roland and Korg synths. However, it was the top 10 hit track "Dominator" by Dutch techno pioneers Human Resource that resurrected the sound. "I'm bigger and bolder and rougher and tougher, in other words sucker there is no other — I'm the one and only dominator. Wanna kiss myself!" It's no wonder this synth is called REDOMINATOR! And, what is the default patch called? LOL I have created tracks for the 90s techno-rave scene featuring this sound, and I have also used that vacuum tone on countless other tracks. This synth will deliver Mr. Hoover to you and much, much more — I quickly discovered a full-featured and powerful polyphonic synth that is capable of sweet basses, leads, pads, and all kinds of sweeping atmospheric soundscapes.

*There are several thick swirling carpet cleaning presets, and it's not difficult to create your own:

1. Choose the sawtooth waveform.

2. Evenly space oscillators by an octave.

3. Apply PWM.

4. Crank up the chorus effect.

FAVORITE FEATURES

• Vintage Interface.

• Fun to program.

• More fun to play.

• Love the sliders and knobs — tight and responsive.

• 200+ patches. .. a few duds, but countless good ones.

• Complex envelope generator.

• Sawtooth variations.

• Low aliasing waveforms.

• Moderate CPU hit.

• Innovative, responsive developers (responded to my inquiry within an hour)

OTHER THOUGHTS

• What will AudioRealism bring back to life next? Psss, I miss the pads on my Juno-106 and the lushness of my Oberheim synths and rackmounts.

• AudioRealism satisfies our audio obsessions, i.e., the wet, filter TB-303 bass, TR drum machines, and now the Hoover Sound a la Alpha Juno.

SUMMARY

ReDominator looks analog, sounds analog, and with the right controller — feels analog – a very specific, wonderful classic analog synth, which can deliver a wide range of sonic timbres from thin bite to fat punch to swirl. I'm not saying this is the last synth you'll ever need or that it's the ultimate "go to" instrument. There are more appropriate Swiss army knife soft synths out there. However, what I am saying is this — for the price, ReDominator is unbeatable for what it is and how it sounds! I highly recommend this synth to any eMusician, producer, film/video scorer, DJ, sound designer, and any other kind of audio tracker, who is looking for "that sound" and a whole lot more. Tommy Zai gives ReDominator two big, fat thumbs up. Thank you, AudioRealism, for resurrecting a classic synth that never should have died! Viva la ReDominator.

DISCLAIMER: I'm a songwriter, producer, and educator. My writing style may seem a bit over-the-top like a billboard ad, but my user review is sincere and authentic. I only write about a product I think is extraordinary, hence the high rating. I don't work for developer. In fact, I rarely work at all. :-) I hope you find my findings useful. — Tommy Zai

INTRO
Aerodrums is an innovative air-drumming instrument that is not only fun to play, but useful in creating and recording expressive, realistic MIDI drum patterns.

WHY I ORDERED IT!
I visited the 2014 NAMM show to check out the latest releases from my favorite virtual synth developers. As I wandered around the chaotic halls of the Convention Center, a booth located in the far corner caught my eye — yes, my eye. .. and my ears. AERODRUMS! I watched a drummer using only two sticks and a little piece of foam attached to his feet to bang away on an invisible set of drums. It blew me away. I had to try it. To my surprise, the experience was incredibly realistic. The only thing missing was the actual impact of hitting the skins; however, the butt of the stick recoiling off my inner palm gave me enough feel to keep a nice rhythm going. I should mention — I'm not a drummer! Yet, I've spent the past 30-years finger drumming on keyboard and using MIDI drum pad controllers. Real drums were never an option for my studio recordings — too expensive, too big, too loud, too difficult to record, and as mentioned — I'm not a drummer! Banging away on one keyboard option just doesn't do it for me a longer. I also tried nearly every drum pad controller ever made, and for the price and limitations, they don't do it for me either. For years I had been looking for a new way to create and record beat, and I found it — AERODRUMS! After hanging around the booth and asking many questions for an hour or so, I took a card, emailed the developer, and placed an order.

SETTING UP
Aerodrums arrived in an attractive, high quality box that will serve as a semi-permanent case. Inside I found the following:

• Installation DVD, codes, safety warnings, etc.
• Two drum sticks with a space-age silver, balls at the end.
• Two foamy reflective foot pieces with elastic bands that go on your feet.
• Two reflective shin pieces that are an option instea of the foot pieces.
• Manual.
• USB light with lens to fit to the camera*.
• Paper sunglasses.

*Sony PS3 Eye camera is not included. It's easily ordered through Amazon, and it's cheap.

The DVD did not include the software installers for Mac. I contacted the developer and was given the Mac install links (basic and MIDI updater). I was assured this would be included in future DVDs. I successfully download the software from the website. I followed the prompts, optimized the environment (camera placement+lighting), chose the kit (basic, jazz, rock, percussion, etc.), configured the Audio/MIDI set up, and started drumming!

MY FAVORITE FEATURES

• Enjoyable.
• Portable.
• Able to play drums at any volume level from LOUD to silent.
• Accurate with no noticeable latency issues once set up correctly.
• Adjustable drum hit sensitivity.
• Comes with great sounding kits.
• Ability to customize/edit existing kits and/or replace with user-defined samples (I have a HUGE drum sample library, so this feature is very cool).
• MIDI trigger samples of any kind.
• MIDI data recording into a DAW, which means I can toss out my clumsy controllers and pads.
• Innovative, responsive developers.
• Good price, considering the new tech and advantages.

OTHER THOUGHTS

• Will Aerodrums use this concept to create other air instruments?
• This software is sensitive to the subtle nuances of air drumming. Unwanted user movements can create unwanted hits. There is a built in filter to minimize this prior to recording, but I found it easy enough clean up my MIDI tracks later on.
• Interface is clean, but perhaps a little bland. However, a busy GUI would complicate things.
• This would be a blast to use live on stage. Imagine the crowd's reaction.

SUMMARY
Aerodrums is an extremely expressive, lightweight (almost weightless), affordable and fun way to practice, play, and record drums. This is an excellent alternative to drum pad controllers. That being said, this might not be for everyone. Drummers who enjoy beating on things will not be satisfied; however, if you are in it for portability, flexibility, beat creation, playing live (in some settings), recording to DAW, and pure enjoyment — Aerodrums is a fantastic new way to go! I'm a proud user of v1, and I greatly look forward to future updates. Tommy Zai gives Aerodrums two drumsticks up. Thank you for creating something so useful, entertaining, and affordable!

* I am sure future updates will raise my rating from 9 to 10+

*Disclaimer: I'm a songwriter, producer, and educator. My writing style may read like a billboard ad, but my user review is sincere and authentic. I only appraise a product I consider extraordinary, hence the high rating. I don't work for the developer. In fact, I rarely work at all. :-) I hope you find my review useful. — Tommy Zai

INTRO

PreAMPed by LVC Audio is an analog preamp simulator plugin with more than a dozen unique modules that effectively and convincingly recreate and emulate the nuances* of top hardware gear. The interface is tidy, eye pleasing, and user-friendly. It has just enough buttons and knobs to enable users to work wonders without being over-stimulated and lost in a menagerie of visual chaos. The sound quality is fantastic, especially when using maximum oversampling (8x) — great algorithms. The sonic pallet ranges from crisp and clean to hot and dirty. I have had a lot of success using PreAMPed to process individual audio tracks, especially guitars, bass, and vocals (as an FX). I have read, and can easily imagine, using this plugin globally to enhance the entire mix.

MY FAVORITE FEATURES

• Neatly designed interface with everything in the right place.
• Excellent sounding modules presets with a wide range of timbres.
• Effective and deep saturation controls.
• Smooth and silky 4-band EQ.
• Adjustable output signal clipper to prevent or control noisy stuff.
• Responsive, accurate, easy-to-read input/output metering (VU, PPM, peak, and RMS).
• Low aliasing.
• Responsive, enthusiastic, innovating developer.
• Great price.

OTHER THOUGHTS

• I found this quote by another user and I dig it, "While most of the biggest plugin companies seem to be falling down the "emulation hole" I'm really glad to see some small developers stepping up and making innovative and (more importantly) great sounding plugins for very reasonable prices.".
• Preamp module blending would be really sweet. I stole this suggestion from another user and refuse to give credit. LOL.

SUMMARY

PreAMPed is an outstanding and useful analog hardware preamp simulator plugin. Some compare it to its Klanghelm counterpart. Perhaps some of the features overlap, but IMO both units are unique and worth having in the virtual toolbox. I highly recommend this plugin to any eMusician, producer, film/game scorer, DJ, sound designer, etc., who is looking to expand their sonic timbre with a fantastic set of analog preamp modules. Tommy Zai gives PreAMPed two fat thumbs up. Thank you, LVC, for creating such a useful and affordable plugin.

*EQ response curves, frequency saturation, L+R channel differentiation, crosstalk, noise, transformer/coil impulse response, saturation, etc.

*Disclaimer: I'm a songwriter, producer, and educator. My writing style may read like a billboard ad, but my user review is sincere and authentic. I only appraise a product I consider extraordinary, hence the high rating. I don't work for the developer. In fact, I rarely work at all. :-) I hope you find my review useful. — Tommy Zai

INTRO

Bitwig Studio is a slick new DAW that effectively combines the best features of linear and live-based music production software. It's still a baby at v1, but I'm sure it won't be long before we can call it "full-featured." It boasts a fresh, new coding and has a clean interface that is user friendly and doesn't get in the way of creativity. The inspector is very intelligent and neatly designed. It has three main views (arrangement, mixer, and edit). Experienced eMusic trackers will feel right at home with the relationship between arrange and mix (clip) page, which can appear on the same page or may be toggled between. The relationship between these two views is really tight. The edit view is where you can alter MIDI clips and edit audio. The mixer is easy to configure and is responsive. During my demoing, I discovered all the usual DAW stuff and some pleasant surprises along the way. Bitwig Studio offers many basic workstation features; however, its real strength is in music creation.

FAVORITE FEATURES

• Streamlined application footprint at 300MB.
• Clean interface and fast, but detailed workflow — looks and feels nice.
• Fast loading time and library scan with crash prevention when plugins fail (kept safely and conveniently in individual containers).
• Effective browser and sample clip management.
• Single clips can host multiple audio files, which is great for loop manipulation.
• Clip animation during selection.
• View options play nice together.
• Histogram to illustrate parameter changes in real time.
• "Hybrid" tracks allows users to bounce sections of a MIDI instrument track to audio — very cool.
• Global modulation.
• Assignable LFOs to set up modulation intensity.
• Global overdubs.
• Layered MIDI editing for simultaneous multiple tweaking.
• Jack support.
• Automation.
• Responsive channel strips and VU meters.
• Extremely stable considering it's a v1 release.
• Open API enable scripting options.
• Innovative, energetic developer.

OTHER THOUGHTS

• Track grouping would be a nice feature.
• Rewire would be a nice feature.
• Wish it had a scalable, customizable GUI color scheme option.
• I heard there might be some sort of internet collaboration coming soon.
• Using this DAW did not scare away my muse.

SUMMARY

Bitwig Studio is a dream DAW for any eMusician, producer, DJ, etc., who yearns for a hybrid platform that falls somewhere between the likes of Logic/Cubase and Live — leaning a bit more towards the latter. Bitwig Studio effectively bridges that gap and adds much, more. It does a great job of enabling and inspiring creativity without sucking the life out of it. This DAW is clearly, "Designed by musicians, for musicians." Although this might not be the workstation choice for dedicated old-time, linear chaps, it will certainly appeal to those who are comfy working in a hybrid, loop/clip-based environment. Tommy Zai gives Bitwig Studio two thumbs up. Thank you Bitwig, for creating such a groovy, new DAW. One can only imagine the power packed by later versions.

*I'm sure later updates will bump my rating up and over 10.

BASED ON VERSION 5.3

Note: I am working on an article and maybe even a video about the confusion, difficulty, and torment in choosing the right digital audio workstation for your needs. One focus will be on the DAWs that I consider under-appreciated underdogs. .. dark horses. Harrison Mixbus is one of them! In my opinion, more musicians, producers, etc. should be using this fine piece of software, and hopefully what I wrote below inspires more investigation.

INTRO
Harrison Mixbus v5 is a consumer level digital audio workstation for recording, editing, mixing, and mastering that takes a unique approach in comparison to the other choices on the market. Not too long ago, many users recorded in another DAW and used Mixbus for mixing. That's changed, or at least should change! Mixbus is now a full-featured DAW that is capable of helping users of all genres complete a project; however, it's clearly geared toward recording and mixing audio. The intention is transparent. It's called, "Mixbus," and it's created by Harrison, a world leader in professional large format consoles. If the name isn't enough, take a look at the interface. It's modded after Harrison's very own hardware. Yet, all DAWs have their own look and vibe. They all have a story and a reason for existing. But what really sets Mixbus apart is the sound. There have been countless comparisons between the major workstations, and the consensus is THEY ALL SOUND THE SAME. .. except one. .. Mixbus! Harrison utilizes an "analog paradigm that embodies form, function, and sound." This DAW looks, feels, operates, and sounds like the analog mixer. The results are wonderful. I have a home studio with budget monitors, and I can hear the difference. I can only imagine a comparison on a high-end system.

Disclaimer: Anyone in any genre can use anything and make great music. You wouldn't believe how I recorded my favorite tracks. However, there's no denying that certain workstations favor certain genres.

Who Should Use This?
Those using mostly live instruments and vocals, who want a "real" studio look, feel, workflow and sound — this is as close as you're gonna get in the virtual world. Those who lean on "found" loops, e.g., Hip Hop, Trip Hop, etc. It has powerful tools for deep audio editing. Note: Mixbus' MIDI handling has come a long way. It's certainly capable and has all the essential tools.

Who Should Look Elsewhere?
Those who work exclusively in MIDI and require deep editing. Those who like to work in clips instead of linearly. DJs.

Tommy Zai's Top Ten Reasons To Use This DAW (not in any particular order)
1. The sound is big, fat, punchy, and warm.
2. No iLok or other annoying protection — uses license files.
3. Attractive, customizable interface with a smooth, user-friendly workflow.
4. Channel strips have built-in high-pass filter and three different EQ bands (low, mid, and high) and "Drive" controls for analog emulation to beef things up.
5. Simulated analog mixing features a sweet in-line compressor with three modes.
6. Master has tone controls, compressor/limiter, and tape saturation for global FX during mix-down.
7. VCA faders are easy to slide and very responsive. The levels don't jump all over the place. — they're silky and smooth.
8. VU meters are accurate, responsive, and easy to read.
9. Harrison knows what's needed to record, mix, and master a great track.
10. Bargain price!!.

Other Reasons This DAW Is Cool
• The whole thing looks bigger than I remember, but maybe it's my eyes.
• Easy to add and tag plugins.
• Resizable transport controls, editing tools, playback modes, counters, etc. are neatly lined-up on top.
• Time-line view.
• Tempo mapping.
• Named buses (convenient and time-saving).
• Bus sends with on/off buttons.
• Real mixer with one knob per function design.
• Channels can be independently resized via toggling between narrow and wide.
• Spill buttons on the mix bus channel.
• Spectral analysis tool is a nice surprise feature.
• CPU will not overload and get sluggish when you decide to adjust channel strip processing as this is "pre-allocated" into host resources.
• I read somewhere that the 'optimize polarity' feature is great, but I never used it. .. need to check it out.
• Sharing and Exporting.
• Well-written manual found online that is downloadable as a PDF.
• Mac, PC, and Linux. Switching computers won't matter.;-).

Cons
• Even though this beast has unlimited this and that, users should conserve resources as it's more CPU hungry than some other DAWs. From what I understand, this is due to the analog stuff going on under the hood. This is no big deal for me as I grew up using a Tascam Porta Studio One with only four tracks. I'm no stranger to being a miser. However, if you like to work big and/or messy, you better have a powerful processor that can handle your clutter.;-)
• Great built-in FX and the add-ons are top-notch (Essentials bundle provides delay and reverb; Character bundle offers plug-ins for drums, bass and vocal processing); yet, you won't be wowed by dozens of on-board virtual instruments. You'll have to use your 3rd party synths, but if you're like me you probably would anyway!
• Favors larger screens.

Hey, what about Mixbus 32C?
Mixbus 32C has enhanced features, is an exact emulation of specific board, and cost more. As far as basic features and functions, these two versions are quite similar. There are slight differences that may or may not help users decide between the two. For example:

• Mixbus has three-band EQ; Mixbus 32C is designed after a different Harrison console that has four-band with the switchable top band between shelving and peaking. It also consists of both high-pass and low-pass filters.
• Mixbus has eight stereo mix buses; Mixbus 32C has 12.
• 32C offers more audio routing options.
• The sound! Mixbus is modeled after the general sound of Harrison consoles; 32C is modeled after that specific unit.

SUMMARY
In 1966, The Beatles stopped touring and began using the studio as a musical instrument. This was ground-breaking at the time. With the Fab Four in mind, Mixbus is extremely musical. It's also user-friendly and easy to navigate. I dig the look, feel, and sound. It's both nostalgic and cutting-edge modern. In short, it's a fun platform to use. Completing a sweet sounding song seems more reachable than with many other workstations. Will it, "forever change the way [I] think about mixing in the box?" Not sure yet, but it just might!! For now, I'm having fun with Mixbus, and I highly recommend that you check it out. They offer a free demo version. Way to go, Harrison!.

Note: Several years ago I used Mixbus v3 and reviewed it (see below). I'm now revisiting this fine updated DAW and intentionally didn't read my old review. I wanted to keep my perspective to be fresh without influencing myself.;-)

INTRO

Amadeus Pro by HairerSoft is a professional multi-track audio wave editing and recording software that is easy to use, yet powerful, featuring a strong suite of audio tools. It's fantastic for broadcasting, podcasting, beat splicing, sample management, track cleaning, etc. A couple years back I was a dedicated user of another pro audio editor, but they went belly up, leaving me and other users in the audio editing dark. Thankfully, Amadeus Pro has saved the day without costing me an arm and a leg. Amadeus Pro is called, "The Swiss army knife of sound editing" — no arguments here! It's great for manipulating anything audio-related.

MY FAVORITE FEATURES

• Neat, clean, user-friendly interface.
• Short learning curve (familiar transport; features are intuitively displayed).
• Spectral frequency display is easy to read and accurate.
• Smooth zoom in and out function.
• Easy to use markers.
• Effective noise and hiss removal.
• Cool vinyl simulations feature.
• Track merging.
• Supports all major formats.
• CPU friendly.
• Stable.
• Responsive developer (updates and communication).

OTHER THOUGHTS

• Imagine what Wolfgang could have done with this! :-).

SUMMARY

Although Amadeus Pro is most popular among small home studio musicians, it is extremely useful and powerful for users of any level from entry to pro. I've been at this since 1985, and when I launch Amadeus, I feel inspired and my audio reflects my enthusiasm. This software is solid, stable, flexible, and is being sold at an insanely cheap price considering what it can do. Tommy Zai gives Amadeus Pro two big thumbs up. Thank you, HairerSoft, for developing a fine piece of audio editing software.

INTRO

B-Step by Monoplugs is a melodic chord-based step sequencer (16 step/16 bar) that enables users to effortlessly create melodies, counter melodies, and bass lines. I use it for song writing in a home studio as well as live improv in a classroom setting. It reminds me of the add-on step sequencer I bought for my Roland S-550 sampler a while back. Long after I sold the sampler, I thought about how useful that sequencer was. .. many song foundations were created with that step sequencer. But alas, I finally found something better! My B-Step workflow features a MacBook Pro with either the built-in trackpad or my MIDI controller. I've heard great things about B-Step's Launchpad integration, but sadly I prematurely sold mine. This must also be amazing to use with a touchscreen. The B-Step interface is neat, clean, cool looking, easy to use, and inspires creativity — it's a lot of fun! It's great for simple mono melodies and riffs, but really shines as a chord progression designer via the chord editor. Individual note, bar, and global parameters can be tweaked in vivo (duration, velocity, octave, etc.).

MY FAVORITE FEATURES

• Clean, user-friendly GUI with a few color profiles.
• CPU friendly.
• Drag n' Drop MIDI.
• Plugin + Standalone.
• Price.
• Innovative, responsive developers.

OTHER THOUGHTS

• B-Step is addictive. Are there any 12-step programs for 16-step sequencer junkies?

SUMMARY

I highly recommend B-Step to any and all eMusicians, producers, film/game scorers, DJs, and anyone else looking to add an amazing creative tool to their MIDI toolkit. This plugin/app not only plays well with others, it was clearly designed to augment and enhance your digital audio workflow! And, the price is insanely cheap. It's a MUST GET for any tracker, who appreciates the freedom and inspiration of a powerful step sequencer. Tommy Zai gives B-Step two sweetly programmed thumbs up. Thank you, Monoplugs, for developing a fantastic bit of audio software.

Faturator by Kilohearts is a simple, yet powerful saturation plugin. With the turn of a big knob (stereo turbo) and a few sliders (drive, fuzz, color, mix) you can add anything from subtle, warm, clean color to severe, dirty, digital mayhem. It is surprisingly flexible. It works well on drums, guitar, synth, and vocal tracks (when used sparingly to add an edge). It also sounds great on basses — really fattens up the low-mids and subs.

PROS

• Cool-looking, user-friendly interface.
• Simple, yet powerful (not too many controls).
• Nice sound, free of harsh, unwanted aliasing.
• CPU friendly (didn't notice much usage at all).
• Responsive developer (frequent updates and great communication).
• Great price.

CONS

• None come to mind — just a word of caution: a little Faturator goes a long way. I advise tweaking until you hear the desired effect and then backing off ever so slightly to avoid overkill — unless of course that's the sound you are seeking.

SUMMARY

With Faturator, you can effortlessly add width and loads of color without sacrificing dynamics. It is very capable of adding a full range of sound — from warm to cool to freezing cold. Note: This is not an analog tape simulator plugin, but it's no slacker when it comes to adding modern distortion and oomph! I highly recommend Faturator to any eMusician, producer, film/video/game scorer, DJ, sound designer, etc., who is looking for a sonic secret weapon. Tommy Zai gives Faturator two strong, meaty thumbs up. Thank you, Kilohearts, for creating this fantastically fuzzy plugin.