Music Software 
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List of user reviews
Music Software
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Getting Started 
- The Audio Ease Altiverb 6 Regular plug-in is an extremely in depth reverb modeling piece of software. It comes in pretty much all formats as you can get a TDM, RTAS, VST, or AU version of it. I didn't have anything to do with the installation of the software, as the studio that I used it in already had it installed and running. The interface of the software certainly has a lot of features and options to offer, but I still found it to be user friendly and easy to understand. The plug-in has so much control over your sound that it would simply take too long to list here, but just know that this is one of the most in depth reverb plug-in I've used. It also offers up a lot of different preset rooms, so you have a starting point. I've never had access to the manual for this plug-in, so I don't know how helpful it would be.
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Suitability/Performance
- I have run the Audio Ease Altiverb 6 Regular on a Pro Tools LE system with a powerful Mac computer and a Digi 003 audio interface. I can't say that I've had any issues running the plug-in, but I've only run up to three instances of the plug-in within a single session, as I always run my reverb plug-ins on auxiliary channels to save processing power. This is definitely a plug-in that will take up more processing power than most, but as long as you use the power wisely and don't go too crazy with it, a good system should be able to support it without a hitch.
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Overall Opinion
- I can't say enough about how much control you have over your sound with the Audio Ease Altiverb 6 Regular plug-in. It has a top notch sound quality as well, as everything is sampled from a real environment as far as I know. The price is about the same as TL Space or any other in depth reverb, so this shouldn't be a deterrent. If you looking for a top of the line reverb emulation plug-in, look no further as I know you'll thoroughly enjoy using Altiverb 6.
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Getting Started
- The Waves Ltd MaxxVolume is a unique dynamic processor with a variety of capabilities. The plug-in was easy to install, as it was just as basic as a process as installing any plug-in out - simply follow the step by step instructions. I can't say that I had any compatibility issues along the way, or any other problems with getting this plug-in up and running. The interface of the software is generally easy to follow, as each feature is split up into different sections, containing sections for low level and high level compression, as well as gate and an overall leveler. Both the high and low level sections have parameters for threshold and gain, while the gate and leveler are simply sliders controlling how much of each you would like. Lastly, the plug-in has a 'soft' button which will make the compression less harsh if you so choose. I can't say anything about the manual for Waves' MaxxVolume as I've never had a need to check it out.
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Suitability/Performance
- I'm currently running the Waves Ltd MaxxVolume on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I run the plug-in in Pro Tools LE 7.4 that runs with a Digi 002R audio interface or a Digidesign Micro Box depending on where I am. I can't say that I've had an issue running this plug-in at all within this configuration, but I should say that thus far I've only had a need to run one instance of this plug-in with a session at a time, so I don't know how well it would run beyond this...
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Overall Opinion
- Overall, the Waves Ltd MaxxVolume is a very powerful piece of software. It is great for getting the loudest volume possible from your mixes, building on the success of the L2 and L3 maximizers. This is certainly more versatile than its predecessors, as you have a lot more to work with here, and I'd also say that it sounds cleaner than them as well. The price for the native version of the plug-in isn't too expensive, but certainly isn't the cheapest plug-in out there. If you want the TDM version, as always it will cost considerably more. All in all, the Waves Ltd MaxxVolume is definitely worth trying out if you're looking for any sort of loudness maximizer!
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Getting Started
- The Trillium Lane Labs TL Aggro plug-in is a compression plug-in based on a FET (field effect transistor) type of compressor. I wasn't involved with the installation process of Aggro, but in my time using the plug-in it hasn't presented me with any issues related to compatibility or installation. The interface of the software is pretty easy to follow if you understand the parameters associated with compression and have some experience with using them. The plug-in has knobs for threshold, attack, release, and post gain. It has a slider for ratio which ranges from one to ten. It also has a bass comp section which contains parameters for frequency and a bypass switch. TL Aggro also has some nice metering options, offering a programmable VU meter with options for input, output, or gain reduction. I don't believe that a manual is necessary, but I haven't seen one so I can't say how well put together it is or not.
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Suitability/Performance
- Thus far while using the Trillium Lane Labs TL Aggro, I haven't had any problems at all getting good performance from the plug-in. I have run the plug-in in a Pro Tools HD system that runs with an Apple G5 computer, a Digidesign 192 I/O interface and Apogee converters. I'm able to run a number of them at once within the configuration, but have only needed to run three or four simultaneously to this point, so I can't speak to beyond this. As long as you currently have a system where you're able to run plug-ins on without an issue, I think you'll be fine running this one.
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Overall Opinion
- Overall, I find the Trillium Lane Labs TL Aggro plug-in to be quite versatile in terms of the sounds that I'm able to get from it. All of the tones are pretty great as far as a FET plug-in emulation can take you. It is certainly easy to use and to navigate through the interface. This is the only compression plug-in that I've used made by TL Labs, and might even be the only one that they have to offer as they are definitely better known for their reverb and accessory plug-ins. However, if you're looking for a great sounding compression plug-in that isn't too expensive, I'd definitely recommend throwing the TL Labs Aggro plug-in in the hat.
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Getting Started
- I primarily run this unit in Logic 9 and Ableton 8. It does have a stand alone feature but I rarely use it. In all modes there were no compatibility issues. Due to the fact that this plugin is physically modeled after a real analog synth, I had no need for a manual. The general configuration and setup is not very simple if you are not familiar with analog synth setups. If you are, than this is nothing new. It has a LFO, Oscillator, effects (filter/delay) and mixer sections. It also has a "Poly/Mod" section that is some what different. So all in all its a basic analog synth setup. Yes, all the functions are easily accessible as they are all laid out in front of you.
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Suitability/Performance
- Yes, in both Logic 9 and Ableton 8 the software works great. It responds well to midi signals and is very customizable. So far, the plugin has never crashed or lost and presets or custom banks. I really dig this unit, I give it a 10 out of 10. It functions well and it has some real powerful synth tone. I have been using this unit for around a year.
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Overall Opinion
- What I like most about this unit is two main things. One, it really sounds great. I have not had the privilege to use a real Prophet, but I imagine that this thing is not to far away in overall sound quality. Of course the true analog sound can't be beat by a computer, but this unit exudes some very convincing warmth. The other thing I really like about the Pro 53 is the 8 push button patch selector on the unit itself. This is really nice in a live situation and can save you tons of time (and cpu) if you need to switch to another sound mid song. Its fully customizable so you can put the 8 patches you use most in the selector for extremely easy access. All synth units should have this, its brilliant. I can't say there is anything I don't like about this unit. I guess some of the presets are not to my liking, but there are plenty of knobs to fool with to change that awful abrasive "techno" sounding synth into a creamy tasteful layering tool, or whatever you are into. Again, I have never used the real deal, but I give this a 10 out of 10. Everyone who has heard me play this is impressed with the sound. I have lots of other synths in my arsenal. I like to use this one when I want a ripping lead, a nice fat bass or some interesting sound effects. Yes, I would definitely buy this guy again.
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Getting Started
- IK Multimedia's ARC (Advanced Room Correction) System is a unique plug-in designed to solve acoustical problem for mixing. This means that it aims to make mixing in any room possible, regardless of the acoustic treatment put up. The software will tune your monitors that you are working on to the room that you are working on it in. This is a huge breakthrough for home studio owners, as it no longer makes the room a disadvantage. It takes in an EQ setting for the room that you are using it in and this is reflected through your monitors. I wasn't involved with the installation of this software as it was already installed on the system that I have used it on. The interface of the software is pretty user friendly, but I'd recommend having the manual handy at first so you can get all of the features and techniques down.
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Suitability/Performance
- The system that I have run the IK Multimedia ARC software on is Pro Tools HD based, with an Apple Mac G5 computer. This isn't the type of software that will take up much processing power at all, so it didn't effect the session that I was using it with in any way. You only need to have one instance of the software open, so its not even like you could overload your system with this if you wanted to.
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Overall Opinion
- For those engineers who work in their home, or in less than ideal acoustical settings, IK Multimedia ARC is a god send. It is easy to use and does the job very well without hiccups. The price of the software isn't the cheapest, but considering what it does and how it will help you in the short and long run, I'd say it would definitely be worth it if you are in a situation where something like this is necessary. As more and more people work out of their home, the chance for error becomes larger when not working in ideal situations, and ARC is a unique tool which can help to do away with these sorts of problems...
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Getting Started
- There were no compatibility issues using this in Logic 9, Ableton 8 and as a standalone unit. I did not need to reference the manual as IK Multimedia's synth plugins all run off the same style interface, so every thing is in the same place as the first one that I learned how to use. Overall, the setup and configuration is fairly simple. There was one thing that was a little difficult to figure out. It was setting the midi channel for each layer of a patch, but after referencing the manual in the first IK multimedia plugin, it was no problem. Yes, all the functions are easily accessible via different "view" selection knobs.
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Suitability/Performance
- I use a Macbook with the earlier mentioned DAW's and it works perfectly. It also runs great as a Stand alone unit but I don't really use it that way much. So far, Samplemoog hasn't crashed or lost any presets. I give this thing a 10 out of 10 for performance. It works great with all of my midi controllers and the ability to layer a bunch of sounds on top of each other can let you create some absolutely amazing sounds. I have been using this plugin for about a month.
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Overall Opinion
- There are a bunch of things I really like about this unit. The layering which I mentioned earlier is one of the best. Mainly though, the huge collection of so many awesome Moog machines in one plugin in is the best part. I was really pleased to see some very fun Theramin patches but mainly I was really excited to see they put the Little Phatty in there too. I wish I could buy the real thing, but this will do nicely until I can afford it. I can't say there is anything I don't like about this plugin. Its not as good as the real instruments, buts it pretty dang good (at least compared to the Moog's I have heard in person) for sounds coming out of my Computer. My studio partner and I paid around $200 together for this unit. Its a decent size chunk of money, but its worth it to have all those quality sounds in our arsenal. I give it a 9 out of 10 for precision and quality of the sound. It's impossible to get the true analog heaven that comes out of a moog unit to come out of anything digital. I use Arturia's Minimoog and Voyager plugins which are also really awesome, but this one beats those just because of the more instruments. Yes, I would definitely make the same choice again.
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Getting Started
- I used Steinberg Cubase SX 3 for a brief while before I switched systems and changed over to Pro Tools a number of years ago. I ran SX 2.0 for the most part, but also ran this version for a little while. This version is now pretty outdated, but it does still float around there. I didn't have any issues as far as installation goes, as it was a pretty simple process overall, however, after using it for a little while I did have some performance issues which I will speak more about in the next section. As far as the interface of Cubase SX 3 goes, it is definitely better than its predecessor in 2.0. It is easy to use and offers up a lot more features as well. The manual for SX 3 is pretty complete, but I didn't need to consult it too often since it is a pretty easy piece of software to use.
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Suitability/Performance
- When I ran Steinberg Cubase SX 3, I ran it on a Hewlett Packard Pavilion dv8000 lap top. The computer had a 3.0 GHz single core processor and 2 GB of RAM. I was also running SX 2.0 on the same system before I upgraded up. However, I found that 3.0 wasn't as friendly in terms of performance as 2.0 was for whatever reason, which is part of the reason that I switched over to a Mac and now run Pro Tools. Every so often I would get some error messages and the whole session would crash, which is definitely not something that I was interested. I was able to recover the session afterward without a problem. While it didn't happen often, it was often enough where it became annoying. However, as far as the performance of the software in terms of speed, I was able to run the software just fine with a good amount of tracks and plug-ins...
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Overall Opinion
- While Steinberg Cubase SX 3 is definitely a powerful piece of software, if you're interested in a sequencer of this type, I'd recommend looking into the newer versions of Cubase. Although I haven't used the new ones as extensively, they have a better interface and offer up more plug-ins and better performance. Having said this, SX 3 is a fine piece of software on its own that will get the job done for the most part. If you're looking for your first piece of recording software and are on a tight budget, but like the Cubase family, it might be worth it to get this version and save a bit of money if you don't necessarily need all of the new features that come with Cubase 4 and 5.
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Getting Started
- The Universal Audio Dreamverb is a reverb plug-in to be used with any version of the UAD packs offered by Universal Audio. I didn't have issues with any part of the installation process or otherwise - the plug-in has done exactly what I wanted it to do from day one. I find that the interface of Dreamverb is pretty user friendly while at the same time there are a ton of parameters to work with to get all sorts of different sounds. The plug-in has sections for resonance, reflections, positioning, reverberation, shape, materials, and a section for your master levels. Each of these sections has its own parameters to work with, but it would be a bit redundant to list them all here. All you should know is that there are a lot of parameters to work with here to get all sorts of different reverb tones. I've never seen the manual for Dreamverb so I can't say anything about its make up.
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Suitability/Performance
- If you don't have a UAD card of anytime, you won't be able to run Universal Audio's Dreamverb plug-in. If you do have one, of course you know that it will take care of all the power in terms of running the plug-in. They say that the card will support up to six instances of the plug-in within a single session, but I would imagine that you could do more if you so wanted. However, I've only run a few of them at a time since I use reverb plug-ins on an aux channel to save processing power anyway.
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Overall Opinion
- While I don't know a UAD card for my home studio system, I have run sessions on a system that does and that runs Universal Audio Dreamverb as well as a number of other UAD based plug-ins. I have to say that in general, I think the UAD cards are great as they really help to save processing power and is perfect for those running anything less than a Pro Tools HD system. In terms of sound, Dreamverb seems to have endless amounts of varying tones. All of the effects are high quality and just about as realistic sounding as you can get from a plug-in. If you have any interest in this plug-in or the UAD card and pack, I'd definitely encourage you to explore this curiosity as I believe you'll be quite pleased with what you see.
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Getting Started
- I run ableton 8 and Logic 9 and there have been no compatibility issues so far. Smooth running a smooth sounding. The manual is pretty short and sweet, but it gives you all the basic knowledge you will need to get up and running. All of the parameters are right in front of you so that's nice, and the general setup/configuration is not too bad. I like how they break it down into categories (i.e. perform, edit, global) and give you sub-categories in each. This makes the whole interface less convoluted and therefore easier to use.
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Suitability/Performance
- Yes, the software works great on my macbook with the earlier mentioned programs. So far, I have never had a single crash or any of my user presets disappear. The performance on this thing is also great. It will give you huge rich sounds and it never taxes my cpu (macbook 2.2ghz, 4gb ram, 320hdd). For that, I give it a 10 out of 10. I have been using this plugin for about 3 months.
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Overall Opinion
- What I like best about this plugin is you get three awesome sounding synths. It includes the Mono/Poly, PolySix and M-20 modular synth, but the best part is they give you another interface to operate all three at the same time, Genius!!! I guess that options is not super important for recording, but using this plugin live, the "multi interface" is super sweet. It has great organization ability and makes running different combinations of synths/effects very smooth. Another thing I thought was pretty cool was the option to see the whole keyboard on your screen, or just the editable parameters. At first glance I thought all the knobs were to tiny to operate and was very disappointed. Then I looked a little closer and saw the "edit" button and it was heaven ever since. There is nothing I don't like about this plugin so far. I paid around $200 for this package and I am very happy with it. I used to own a Korg TR and a Korg X5DR module. I really enjoyed all the synth patches in those guys but the realistic samples (i.e. piano, rhodes) were very weak. After selling those off, I bought both the analog and the digital legacy collections and now I have those sounds back. What's even better is that the plugins are so much easier to edit, especially compared to the X5DR. Yes, I would definitely make the same choice. If I had the money, I would hunt down the real hardware versions of these synths, but until then, these will do just fine.
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Getting Started
- I run Logic 9 and Ableton 8 and this plugin works flawlessly in both programs. Yes the manual is clear enough, it also gives you some good tips on how to mix and generally use the plugin as well as some good definitions of what the elements of "reverb" are. It also does a good job getting you familiar with the interface, this is a pretty strong plugin with a lot of tweaking capabilities so I recommend reading through the manual. Overall, I would say the configuration and setup is not simple. Its not too hard either, getting a good sound out of this plugin does not take a lot of work, but there are a lot of options you can mess with, so its not simple compared to your average reverb plugin. Yes, the typical functions are all laid out right in front of you.
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Suitability/Performance
- I run the earlier mentioned programs on a Macbook (2.2ghz, 320hdd, 4gb Ram) and it does work correctly and wonderfully. So far, I have never lost a custom preset, had a crash or come back to the plugin after closing down the DAW and anything change. As for performance, this beast gets a solid 10 out of 10. I have only been using this plugin for about a month.
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Overall Opinion
- What I like most about this plugin is I finally found a reverb that stands up to Logic's built in "Space Designer." The sounds in Masterverb are truly realistic and, with the help of the presets, obtaining a great sounding 'verb for whatever you need is no more than a 15 minute task. Another thing I thought was nice is they included an 'Undo" feature in the plugin, similar to the "compare" button found on Logic 9 plugins. You can only go back on one action, but its better than nothing. Well, we bought this plugin for around $200, which is pretty dang expensive, but it is really a great sounding reverb app. So far, I haven't heard another reverb plugin come even close besides the "space designer." This is definitely a must have if you need a solid reverb option but don't want to lug around rack gear. 10 out of 10 for sound quality, but it better be for $200. I have used many reverb plugins (IK mulitmedia, Logic 9, Ableton 8, audio damage, PSP...) This one sits on the top of the list. Yes, I would definitely make this choice. My studio partner and I want to invest more into Hardware gear in the future, but don't want to buy anything until we can afford the really nice stuff. Until we can do that, we are very happy with the performance of Wave Arts plugins.
