Akai Professional DecaBuddy

The Akai Deca Buddy harmonizer plug-in was easy to install as I had no compatibility issues whatsoever. The interface of the software is easy to follow, and I had no troubles learning what everything does. The plug-in allows you to add four harmony parts to your signal, and you can set each to a harmonize at a certain interval. It then has controls on each for random, format, quantize, level, and pan. On top there are also options to set the key, the tuning Hz, the input level and to control your signal coming in. All of these parameters add up to a versatile harmonizing plug-in. I don’t have a manual for this, so I don’t know how complete or helpful it is.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I have run the Akai Deca Buddy harmonizer on two different set ups. I currently run it on a Mac Book Pro that has a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo processor and 4 GB of RAM. I have also run it on a Hewlett Packard lap top that has a 3.0 Ghz processor and 2 GB of RAM. With both set ups, I never had a problem running this plug-in as it has always done the job smoothly for me. This being said, I have never needed to run more than two of these at once. While this comes in VST form, if you have the VST to RTAS wrapper, you can use it with Pro Tools. Overall, the plug-in has always been stable for me, no matter which configuration I am using.

OVERALL OPINION

I’ve been using the Akai Deca Buddy plug-in for about three or four years. While I don’t use it all the time, as I find that it can sound too digital, it works great in situations that I feel it is helpful. There is a good amount of control available and the sound quality is pretty good most of the time. The price isn’t too expensive, especially if you get it within a bundle. The Deca Buddy is also good to get ideas for harmonies to overdub. All in all, for my purposes the Akai Deca Buddy harmonizer is quite helpful.