Soundtoys Phase Mistress

I didn't have any problems installing the Soundtoys Phase Mistress plug-in as I didn't have any compatibility problems or any other issues.  I had the plug-in up and running within a few minutes and since haven't had any problems with it at all.  The interface is also quite easy to follow as it has a variety of parameters including knobs for mix, frequency, resonance, modulation, rate, shape, and input and output.  There is definitely a lot you can do with it as there is also another modulation screen that you get pretty specific with.  I don't believe that a manual is needed because of this straight forward interface, but can't say how well put together the manual is as I have never seen one.


SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

I am currently running the Soundtoys Phase Mistress plug-in 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 Digidesign Mbox Micro depending on where I am.  Within this configuration I am able to run this plug-in without any issues at all as this is a plug-in that doesn't generally take up too much processing power.  I have only had a need to run two or three of this within a single session, so can't really speak to how well it would run outside of this limit, but wouldn't think that you would have a problem as long as you have an adequate system.


OVERALL OPINION

I've been using the Soundtoys Phase Mistress plug-in for about six months and it is definitely one of the most in depth phaser plug-ins that I have used.  The possibilities are almost endless as it gives you a ton of parameters to work with and I find that I am able to get a wide array of different tones.  While I don't use this plug-in everyday, I like having it in my collection because often I do find that I would like a phaser effect, and I never know when this will come in handy.  If you are looking for a great sounding phaser plug-in that is easy to use and versatile, definitely check out Soundtoys Phase Mistress.

Installation without problem (but requires an I-Lock key.)
This effect has many more parameters than what we usually find on a pedal phaser.
On the left, you can choose the frequency at which the modulation will be the degree of resonance, the amplitude of the effect (Mod) and dosage (Mix). More original, you can choose between a variety of "Styles", giving all kinds of sounds, as if we had as many pedals of different brands. Best, by clicking on "Tweak" a window is opened (see the photo at the top of this page) in which you will be able to create their own "Styles". One can be in particular on the number of poles (or "stage") but also on a bunch of parameters that are quite specific to Phase Mistress and allow to drastically change the sound, and get interesting stereo effects with "L / R Offset".
Modulation, there is a choice between different options: LFO, Envelope Follower, ADSR, Random, Random Step and "Rhythm" which offers all kinds of waveform and allows you to draw at will which can make you dance the effect of quite original.
Finally, as all effects Sound Toys Phase Mistress has a "Analog Mode", which adds a soft and pleasant saturation sound, which you can choose between seven different quality.
The 46-page manual (in English only unfortunately) clearly defines each parameter, and has a series of presets "factory" quite edifying.

SUITABILITY/PERFORMANCE

No malfunction and stability met on Mac Pro (MacOS 10.6.8) with Digital Performer. CPU usage is very small, even if you can see the gauge move slightly when you are in "Analog Mode".

OVERALL OPINION

I have this effect for three and a half years and I do not beat around the bush: Phase Mistress phaser is the best I've encountered, software and hardware combined (. And I've tried lots) Its extremely wide possibilities allow adapt to all his departure. As I love the phasing, I use this plugin quite often. The effects obtained can be quite original, but especially of great beauty, including guitars, saturated or unsaturated, but also synths, pads, leads and everything you want.
Certainly, Sound Toys plug-ins are not the best market (currently $ 179 for Phase Mistress on the manufacturer's website), but these are the effects of very high quality are well worth their price. If it again, I re-choose Phase Mistress without hesitation.