Non classé

Fanan team updates Closseum mini modular DAW to v1.2

Laisser un commentaire

Fanan team has updated Closseum mini modular DAW to version 1.2 and announced 50% discount on second and subsequent purchases of the same pack.

Main changes:

  • VST3 Manual Plugin Loader – File chooser for loading VST3 bundles directly from disk. Handles multi-type bundles. Accessible via System Tools panel, right-click context menu, and drag-drop from browser to canvas.
  • 4× Virtual Canvas (19200×12800) – Canvas expanded from 4800×3200 to 19200×12800. Transform-based panning via g.addTransform(). All mouse interactions, node placement, cable dragging, and popup positioning converted to virtual coordinate system.
  • Paint-Level Zoom – Zoom range expanded to 0.10–2.0. Zoom applied via Graphics transform instead of component-level setTransform(), preventing overflow into adjacent UI panels. Adaptive grid doubles spacing when lines would be too dense on screen.
  • Minimap Navigator – 220×147px minimap overlay showing full canvas with color-coded node dots (gold=I/O, green=instruments, orange=system tools, blue=plugins, gray=bypassed). Shows viewport rectangle, zoom percentage, and grid hints. Click to navigate, drag to scroll. Fixed to component pixel coords via g.saveState() /restoreState() — stays pinned at any zoom level.
  • Scrollbars – Horizontal and vertical scrollbars with proportional thumb sizing. Draggable thumbs for precise navigation. Corner square at intersection.
  • Left-Click Drag-to-Pan – Left-click on empty canvas starts panning. Cursor changes to dragging hand. Pan delta divided by zoomLevel for consistent feel at all zoom levels.
  • Ctrl+Wheel Zoom-to-Cursor – Zooming centers on mouse position. Shift+wheel for
    horizontal scroll, plain wheel for vertical scroll.
  • Thread-Safe Plugin Scanner – All knownPluginList mutations marshalled to message thread via MessageManager:callAsync + WaitableEvent. Prevents concurrent read/write corruption that caused phantom blacklisting of successfully scanned plugins like Serum.
  • Show Blacklist Dialog – New button next to « Reset Blacklist » that opens a popup listing all blacklisted plugin files with full paths, or confirms no plugins are blacklisted.
  • Multi-Version Plugin Support in Menus – Right-click canvas menu now detects plugins available in multiple formats and appends [VST2]/[VST3]/[AU] suffix to disambiguate. Both versions are independently selectable. Single-format plugins show without suffix.
  • Dynamic System Tools Count – Tools count label uses actual item count instead of hardcoded value.
  • Multi MIDI filter – 5 types of MIDI filters in single node.
  • Favorites menu – Allows loading favorite project patches straight from the rack page.
  • Floating mixer – Allows opening mixer tab as a pop up window.
  • Latcher – a new MIDI system tool that allows sending continuous MIDI on\off messages to other vsti’s in the rack.
  • Workflows – the single rack workflow is now expended to 16 simultaneous workflows that can be switched with a single button click.
  • A new plugin scanner – 8 simultaneous child based scanner with faster scanning abilities, compared to previous version.

Read More

Non classé

IK Multimedia Releases Sunset Sound Studio Reverb II

Laisser un commentaire

IK Multimedia has announced the release of Sunset Sound Studio Reverb II, a major evolution of their acclaimed studio emulation.

Moving beyond its origins as a T-RackS module, Version II arrives as a standalone powerhouse, significantly expanding the spatial depth and processing flexibility of the legendary Sunset Strip recording environment.

The update leverages IK’s proprietary Volumetric Response Modeling (VRM) technology to capture the acoustic nuances of Studios 1, 2, and 3. Unlike static convolution, VRM maintains the interaction between source position and room response, delivering the specific tone and movement heard on decades of iconic records.

True 3D Source Positioning

The centerpiece of Version II is the new Live Room Positioning System. Users can now place sound sources in up to 27 distinct locations per studio. Because each position was captured as a unique acoustic event rather than being mathematically interpolated, the early reflections and boundary reinforcements remain authentic to the physical space.

Additionally, Studios 1 and 3 now feature modeled variable dampening, allowing users to adjust the studio’s physical absorption panels to reshape decay and tonal balance in real-time.

Dual-Engine Architecture & Size Control

Sunset Sound Studio Reverb II introduces a dual independent reverb engine design. This allows for parallel routing of different spaces—for example, layering a Studio 1 Live Room with a vintage EMT plate or an AKG spring reverb. Each engine features its own EQ, stereo imaging, and routing controls.

The new Advanced Size Control goes beyond simple decay times. It dynamically scales impulse responses from 0% to 200% while preserving the original room’s tonal fingerprint. This enables engineers to shrink large rooms for tight percussion or expand small booths into cinematic environments without losing spatial coherence.

Key Features at a Glance

  • 336 Stereo IRs: A massive expansion of the live room capture library.

  • Directional & Omni Modes: Choose how the source energizes the room (e.g., focused dispersion for vocals vs. uniform propagation for drums).

  • Modeled Analog Paths: Selectable preamp emulations of the API/DeMedio Sunset Sound Custom and the Class-A Discrete NEVE 8880 consoles.

  • Modern Interface: A redesigned 3D UI for intuitive source positioning and routing.

  • Standalone & Plug-in: Works as a dedicated application or within any DAW.

Price: $/€149.99.

Loyalty Discount: Existing owners of the original T-RackS Sunset Sound Studio Reverb are eligible for a $/€50 discount automatically applied at checkout for a limited time.

https://youtu.be/rAUgZ0rgZxo?si=nuXah8c0tPDeYu5x

Read More

Non classé

Arturia KeyStep 37 Mk2: The Classic Hybrid MIDI Keyboard Controller Gets a Fresh New Coat Of Paint

Laisser un commentaire

The original Arturia KeyStep 37 has become a fixture in many a studio since it was originally launch in 2020. These days, it is almost impossible to watch a video on ‘Synth-tube’ without catching a glimpse of one, often surrounded by carefully curated pot plants, cacti, plastic figurines and other decorative memorabilia. It earned that spot by being a reliable, controller with hybrid capabilities allowing it to bridge not only hardware and software environments, but also MIDI and CV.

Sitting squarely between the streamlined 32-key base model we reviewed here at KVR, and the larger KeyStep Pro, the 37 mk2 iterates on the core design with quality-of-life upgrades and some new utility that make this version somewhat more desirable for folks looking for a controller to incorporate into live performances and hardware management, particularly CV enabled instruments.

So what’s new then?

For all intents and purposes, it is essentially the same keyboard as the Keystep, with a number of quality of life upgrades and expanded capabilities for hardware control. The build quality across the KeyStep line is solid and utilitarian. The chassis is plastic but rigid, built to survive the rigors of regular gigging and constant studio re-patching. Both units utilize Arturia’s Slimkey keyboard, featuring velocity and aftertouch. It’s similar to the Astrolab 37 which we also covered, and it remains excellent; the semi-weighted action provides enough physical resistance to avoid the « dinky » sensation common to mini-keys.

More knobs, more better.

The most obvious differences are visible in the Keystep 37 Mk2’s size and appearance. You’ve got an additional 5 keys, two extra front panel buttons, a set of 4 endless rotary encoders and a string of LEDs, one for each key on the key bed.

The rotaries allow for control of MIDI CC parameters, up to 16 of them via 4 banks of 4. The knobs aren’t touch capacitive, so you have to turn a knob to see which bank you’re in at times, or alternatively click the MIDI CC button, but that automatically advances the bank selection. I did find this a little clunky at times. While the screen is clear and utilitarian, it is small, and I constantly found myself clicking past the bank I wanted to be in. That said, whilst useful, controlling MIDI parameters is the least exciting use for these knobs though.

Selecting control mode, the knobs will function contextually based on whatever mode you are currently in, be that overdub, mutate, sequence, arpeggiate etc. In sequencer mode they control Ratchet, Time Division, and Randomization. In arpeggiator mode they dictate Arpeggio Type, Time Division, Octave Range, and Arpeggio Length. In chord mode, they allow you to tweak the chord Type, Spread, Strumming, and Voicing. The most fun is mutate mode which allows far easier granular control of the mutate function, allowing you to quickly fine tune levels of Probability, Randomness, Polyphony, and Density.

Modular Utility

While on the subject of the knobs, holding shift and selecting either CV Mod 1 or 2, will allow for control over the CV signals transmitted via the CV Control 1 & 2 outputs on the rear panel. On the Keystep MK2, you do this by accessing the settings menu. It’s far easier with the front panel controls… however Arturia didn’t stop there. They’ve added a new functionality for the CV Mod outputs, now including an ASR envelope generator, a cycling envelope (Rise, hold, Fall) and an LFO per output. The modes already available on the Keystep can have the voltage tweaked easily, the curves switched between linear, log and exponential all without the need to scroll through menus. This provides a ton of utility for modular users in addition to the sequencer functions of the Keystep 37.

Visual Feedback: The LED Upgrade

Aside from the front panel controls, the most significant workflow improvement on the 37 mk2 is the addition of the individual, multi-coloured LEDs above the keybed. When integrating with hardware in particular, being aware of the sequencer’s exact state is huge boon.

It extends further to other features too. In Scale and chord mode, the LEDs indicate the root note being played, which notes belong to the selected scale or chord and which notes are being actively transposed or corrected.

When navigating the Sequencer, holding Shift displays your current Bank and Pattern selection in orange. During Arpeggiator playback, the LEDs provide immediate feedback on the current Arpeggio Octave and Mode.

This visual feedback removes the guesswork. On the Keystep, dialing in a sequence or overdubbing required relying heavily on the small OLED screen or simple memorization. The 37 mk2 maps that data directly onto the keys, making live pattern switching significantly less prone to error.

Lastly, since much of the sequencer and chord functionality is reliant on ‘shift + keyboard’ combinations, the additional 5 keys now provide extra shortcuts to switching scales between Off, Major, Minor, Blues and User scales.

Workflow Frustrations

The few gripes I had with the Keystep remain largely the same here for the Keystep 37. The capacitive touch strips for Pitch and Modulation are not my best. Placing your finger on the Mod Strip changes values from minimum to maximum, but unlike the Pitch Strip, it does not snap back to zero when released. It’s easy to accidentally brush the Mod Strip and inadvertently alter your patch.

Second, the heavy reliance on the Shift key. Modifying the « Spice » parameter (which randomizes Gate Length and Ratcheting) requires holding Shift and sliding the Modulation Strip. If you are playing the keyboard while doing this and fail to release the Shift button quickly enough, your subsequent key presses will likely trigger an unintended Arpeggiator Mode change.

Final Thoughts: 25 vs 37

The choice between the KeyStep 25 mk2 and the 37 mk2 comes down to application. If you need a minimalist controller to toss in a backpack for use with your laptop, the 25 remains the undisputed champion due to its ultra-flat profile and low cost. The creative and inspirational sequencer tools are added fun. I’ve taken the Keystep on two trips since first reviewing it and it’s convenient, robust and easy to travel with. The keyboard doesn’t feel rubbish like some budget controllers and it’s fun and satisfying to jam with.

If you are however driving a hardware rig, whether it’s desktop synths or a Eurorack system, the KeyStep 37 Mk2 is undoubtably the superior tool. Modular users in particular will get a lot of added utility here with the additional CV Mod modes. The addition of the four contextual encoders and the per-key LED feedback fundamentally speeds up the programming process and significantly reduces the stress of operating blind when using the sequencer. The Keystep 37 MK2 takes the success of the recently updated Keystep model and ’steps’ it up a notch with excellent visual feedback and additional hands on controls, making it a brilliant addition to a live or hardware set-up.

Pros

  • Per-key LED feedback drastically improves live visual monitoring.
  • The four encoders provide great, context-sensitive control over functions without menu diving.
  • Expanded CV utility is a bonus for Eurorack users.
  • All the same great features we loved about the Keystep Mk2.

Cons

  • As with the Keystep, capacitive touch strips can be a tad sensitive and easy to bump accidentally.
  • Navigating MIDI CC banks for the knobs can be cumbersome and lack an immediate top-panel visual reference.

Read More