Friday, May 18, 2012

First revision r2.05 VSP-330

WHAT'S NEW IN r2.05
  • Added Response to Incoming Midi Continuous Controllers: 
    • CC#7 Main Volume 
    • CC#64 Pedal Hold Function 
  • Fixed a bug in the background oscillator phase-synchronization routines that interfered w/ DAW audio. 
  • Added CPU reduction feature when toggles for either HUMAN VOICE or STRINGS are completely deactivated. 
  • Fixed a bug in the envelopes that caused same-note re-triggers to double in loudness.
Full Version is freeware. Go here for info and download link.

EDIT: If anyone is having trouble updating the VST using a host, try re-downloading the zip file again.  A problem on my part was the VSTid for 2.05 was incorrectly the same one used for version 2.0 which can lead to problems.  Sorry for any inconvenience.  Standalone version shouldn't be affected.

Monday, May 7, 2012

VSP-330r2 Voice Synth Plus Is Here!

G-Storm Plugins announces the release of VSP-330 version 2.0 Voice Synth Plus VST plugin and standalone version. The VSP-330 is a recreation of the rare and nearly extinct VP-330 string ensemble and human voice formant choirs. The emulation is made possible by synthesis and effects DSP techniques, not samples.   If you're ready for a plugin that brings you closer to the experience of a classic vintage dream synth, then wish no longer. And hear what you've been missing.

USER GUIDE 
The User Guide is included with Trial and Full-Version downloads and may contain answers to questions.  Be sure to read it first.

DOWNLOAD VSP-330r2 FREEWARE
VSP-330 VST and standalone downloads are here

AUDIO DEMO OF SOME PRESETS

WHY THERE IS NO AU/RTAS VERSION FOR MAC
I use a Mac as well as PC.  The plugin was authored in Outsim SynthMaker on a PC.  According to their FAQ, Outsim are Windows PC guys and do not plan to support AU/RTAS development in the near future.  EDIT: of all the feedback I have gotten, VST wrappers do not appear to work with this plugin.

VSP-330r2 Audio Demo


Audio Demo of the VSP-330r2 plugin.  No effects added.  Demonstrating some of the presets that will come with the VST.  Sounds range from classic VP-330 choirs and strings, to sounds that transcend the original instrument in unbelievable ways with a powerful new feature called 8' SHIFT.

Saturday, May 5, 2012

VSP-330r2 Specification Summary

VSP-330 r2 SPECIFICATIONS SUMMARY
Keyboard 49 key response range, MIDI notes C2-C6
Polyphony Fully Polyphonic
Oscillators Simulated Phase-Locked Loop, background monitored
Envelope Fully Polyphonic, start from zero same-note re-trigger only
Filters
HUMAN VOICE (7) bandpass fixed frequency formant, various slopes.
STRINGS (1) lowpass, limited range between bright to dull.
STRINGS Section
STRINGS Toggles
    •    UPPER Strings 4'
    •    Lower Strings 4'
ENSEMBLE Toggle
ATTACK Time control
RELEASE Time control
TONE control
HUMAN VOICE Section
HUMAN VOICE Toggles
    •    UPPER FEMALE 4'
    •    UPPER MALE 8'
    •    LOWER MALE 4'
    •    LOWER MALE 8'
ENSEMBLE Toggle
ATTACK Time control
RELEASE Time control
MASTER VOLUME Control
TUNING Control (+/- 50 Cents)
PITCH SHIFT Section
    •    PITCH SHIFT Slider
    •    PITCH SET Control (1 Octave)
    •    8' SHIFT
EFFECTS
Vibrato (Human Voice) Sinewave controlled Variable-Delay
    •    DEPTH Control
    •    RATE Control
Ensemble Simulated Quadruple Bucket Brigade Delay
PROGRAMS PER BANK 16 Programs
POWER Switch deactivates audio
INPUT MIDI Note Data In, Mod Wheel CC#1 = Global Pitch Shift
OUTPUTS Stereo L/R Audio Out ASIO

Thursday, May 3, 2012

VSP-330: Update

I'm working hard to redevelop the voicing architecture of the VSP-330.  In beta there were some phase-cancellations that I noticed frequently when playing octaves.  I didn't know what was going on, but a guardian angel suggested where to look so that I could define the problem.  Turns out, it's nothing that phase-locked loop oscillators can't handle like on the original instrument.  The desired result will sound much more in keeping to the original VP-330.

A little technical digression.  The Phase locked loop oscillator scheme will also result in being Fully Polyphonic.  But you may know the original was ParaphonicParaphonic has a master oscillator divide-down circuitry where all keys are triggering a single shared envelope.  If no notes are being held while the retriggering happens the envelope resets.  To me this was an undesirable limitation of the VP-330 that resulted in sustaining notes getting robbed when the envelope gets retriggered.  A much more desirable result would be like the Logan String Melody II in this regard, which uses a separate Attack-Release envelope for each individual key resulting in Full Polyphony.  Why didn't Roland use the Full Polyphony design in the VP-330?  I am guessing because Logan and Hohner already had the patent by then....if anyone knows for sure I would love to know!

Flash forward back to today.  I've successfully modeled the phase-locked loop oscillators, and now face the daunting task of implementing them into the voicing architecture of my plugin: Upper/Lower and 8'/4' scheme.   If all goes well launch is set again for Tuesday.  Much to do until then! -g