Brian Walton

Well SuperMassive is extreme character. R2 - R4 is more like using an analog compressor. The signal sounds pleasing when passing through it, but it does not sound exactly like the original source with dynamics removed. It doensn't obliterate the sound, it adds some warmth, impacts the transiesnts some, etc. Some subtle color if you will. That is what I think of in relation to something like R2/R4 in terms of character. They don't resemble a perfect natural space, but does add color instead of being pure. If they would just switch to the typical izotope authorization scheme (where you can use ilok in conjunction with other computer authorizations) , it would make life a lot eaiser (and less expensive). It is my only hesitation in recommending Exponential.

I have R4 (i.e R2 with some extra features basically). Also have Phoenix. It isn't that something like R2 is better, it is a totally different flavor/thing than Phoenix. If you want something that behaves like reverb but you don't even realize it is applied then Phoenix is the cream of the crop (well other than Nimbus which is Phoenix with more controls). The R2 and R4 plugins are basically as good as it gets for simulating the hardware reverb algorhytms that made it to basically every recording in the 80s and 90s. They are not transparent or "natural" and they add color. However that color can be very pleasing on a number of things. Having both kinds Phoenix and R2/R4 covers all the ground I need outside of more "effect" driven reverbs. I do like EMT plates on some stuff also, but could live without if you all I had was Phoenix and R2. Mind blowing deal here for those that do not already have a number of them. I wish I'd held off on my duplicate seats to get this package to cover those bases. I don't have R2, but honestly don't really use the extra features of R4 - so R2 would be plenty especially at this price point. .

I'm very much in this same boat, but honestly haven't found anything that replaces Omni-Channel at the same price point (i.e. $25 on sale). Everything else I've found some reasonable alternative for I feel like. What do you suggest on that one?

Months ago this would have been more apealing (I own Luminar 4 already). But note that they will basicaly stop supporting it soon. Luminar AI is their future and they have already talked about there won't be a Luminar 5 and AI they are treating as a whole different product line. I would like to get an upgrade to Aurora HDR (I run 2018), but not sure I'm willing to spend $25 for it (especially after spending WAY more than $25 for Luminar 4 seats just a few months ago). ...and frankly it seems a bit unclear of which version they are offering here. The app award at the bottom notes 2017, and the video is 2019. Luminar 4 is pretty slow , but does present a good value at $25 if you are ok with the fact future camera won't work with it. I use it as a plugin within Affinity Photo (for Sky replacement and occassionaly some of the other changes - if you don't have something like Portrait Pro , it would also be useful for portrait editing)

Forgot the most important part. Not Cakewalk compatible. Worthless. ?

I 've also noted that. Hoenstly I think the users need to band together and "let them have it" over this.

First update in the bandlab era that installed properly without fuss (usually BA would need a manual download). Took BA out of the picture now and update actually went as expected. Love the progress there.

25% off is 25% off. If you don't maximize every deal there is a point where you limit your ability to afford the next one.

Had this deal before (both as cross grade from Phoenix Verb and Excalibur). First time it has ever been without one of those products. I bought it before, and just bought a 2nd since it is a one single pathetic authorization to ilok (key or machine). And the only reason I'd do that is because of just how good it is. I haven't used Relab (but beleive it is noticably better than CSR from IKM), but it is the best "hardware color style" reverb I've personally used. Phoneix or Nimubs offer something different for the "transparent" style. I honestly can't imagine needing anything else that covers the same ground/flavors.

Anyone else not get the "freebie" offer using this deal and making a purchase?

Almost always record with some sort of stompbox effect applied. Playing with the effects applied impacts the way you play and interact with your rig. Compression/EQ and things like that are fine in the box but with guitar most of the effects I'm going to be playing with and reacting to as I play.

Might be to prevent users from getting mroe than one copy since we all need more than one due to the crippiling authorization limitations of one machine (outside of the WUP period)

Any idea on how they mapped the sounds? "GM" standard or something proprietary which will require mapping if using somehting like JamStix to control it?

The english version on Zinio is not out yet, despite what others seems to imply.

Google drive link would work just fine, I'd imagine.

Can't speak for John, but if you have a slow computer I might have 2nd thoughts about it. As long as you have the space and power to run it, I can't imagine any complaints at all givne the price point. It might not be the best, but it is one of the "industry standards' for a sound design/production style synth in my mind.

Seems odd, you would think Izotope would see it in your account and with failed attempts to get it to work, just give you a new code/product in the portal which is effectivly what this offer is providing.

I checked zinio previously, and the most recent version listed is 11-2020 and need 12-2020 to figure out the 2nd word in the headline on page 77 of that particular issue.

Still not seeing an english version available. And I've tried every combo of "or die" nomenclature related to english sayings to solve the riddle with no result as well as plays on the word "die" in german. I have a feeling I'll have to hang my head in shame once I figure it out. ?

If i had hopped on that $30 pricing mistake from MF....maybe...but I can't see spending anywhere close to normal upgrade prices on that one. Maybe if I rounded out the other upgrades first.

Not interested in room acoustics beyond my current knowledge. ? Is an english version out yet?

A bit of a bummer since it seems like these have been freebies over and over again at various places. Great tools for those that don't have them. Nectar - I personally think was the only one that didn't meet/exceede my expectations. (I know I paid for it shortly after it came out...not sure it has been free before)

Not sure what you are doing with it then.....but seriously. Cakewalk is my preference by a long shot, espectically for someone new to DAWs. Because I think the interface and tools and setup are more intuitive. Both are powerful, but I think Cakewalk offers a better user experience , is free, and comes with a great set of tools. And as stated by others, Reaper is not free despite the fact it has a trial that doesn't expire. If you continue to use it past the trial period, you are obligated under the terms and conditions to pay for it.

Based on the verbiage I'm sure this is just a rehash of all the Computer Music "base" plugins Lots of good ones if you do not have them yet. But I wouldn't expect anything new for those of use that already have a recent CM magazine in digital form. This is likley what is included: https://www.musicradar.com/computermusic/cm-plugins-full-list-of-our-exclusive-free-vst-au-plugin-instruments-and-effects-571808

Just be aware there was a long history of releasing pluigns with huge bugs. I gather he is being more careful about it now, but something to be aware of if you start to use them in critical mixes. I was testing out the SSL Bus Comp updated version yesterday (doing some A/B with WAVE's version). For free it is pleasing and I like the look of the UI. The controls are not as refined and the UV Meter doesn't behave exactly as I personally think it should....but well in line with what expecations should be for free. I think he would be well served to just devote time to perfecting a handful instead of keep building and revisiting. Lots of potential there, and yeah I'm sure it would be harder to get "paid support" if you only release 4 solid pluigns. But otherwise they end up being a curiosity more than something you can rely on for serious work.