NAMM Update: Ultimate Sound Bank has announced the availability of PLUGSOUNDPRO, a software instrument combining an 8 GB core sound library, easy groove manipulation, preset management and universal compatibility. In addition, a number of “expander” libraries for the title, called UVI Soundcards, are also shipping.
PLUGSOUNDPRO uses the latest version of USB’s UVI engine for more power and flexibility than ever before. The multi-timbral software instrument supports unlimited polyphony with up to 64 parts (consisting of instruments, loops or samples) and 64 MIDI channels, LFOs, envelopes, multi-mode filters and more. Ultra-low software latency allows for natural feel in live performance applications.
The 8 GB core library includes all the sounds from the award-winning Plugsound Box, along with a new Classical section providing a wide range of acoustic instruments and a broad selection of ready-to-use loops and phrases. The powerful synth engine offers disk streaming for seamless playback of large sampled instruments. PLUGSOUNDPRO can also be expanded with optional UVI Soundcards, including: Retro Organs (UVISC01) — 3 GB of classic tonewheel organs sounds; Synths Anthology (UVISC02) — 8 GB of classic synths; and X-Treme FX (UVISC03) — 8 GB of sound effects and atmospheres; with more to come. These titles can also be used stand-alone, as plug-ins in a variety of formats, and can be read by MOTU’s Mach5 V2 software sampler.
Built-in effects include delay, reverb, phaser, flanger, chorus, EQ, filter, distortion, compressor and many more. Up to four effects can be inserted on each of the 64 parts. Expert mode enables the fast creation of complex stacks, layers, zone splits and key switches using any of the 64 parts. Multiple, separate outputs provide flexible routing options. Exclusive to PLUGSOUNDPRO is an onboard, real-time mastering section that includes a built-in spectrum analyzer and dozens of professional presets covering an array of musical styles.
Cutting-edge groove features are provided for working with audio or MIDI loops within PLUGSOUNDPRO. They include direct sync to the host sequencer for tempo and transport, real-time sync to the host sequencer’s beat, state-of-the-art real-time time-stretching, Latch Mode for starting and stopping loops with a single key press, double and half-time tempo, and Sample/Slice Start for loops and phrases.
Unique to PLUGSOUNDPRO is ability to drag and drop audio and MIDI files into the host sequencer’s tracks. MIDI files for triggering sliced loops and REX files can be dragged into the host for rearranging and further manipulation, while audio files from stretched or sliced loops, including WAV, AIFF and Apple Loop formats can be dropped into the host for creative remixing and further development.
The new PLUGSOUNDPRO software instrument operates as a Mac (OS 10.3.9 or higher — Intel Macs supported) or PC (Windows XP) stand-alone application and as a virtual instrument plug-in within any host application supporting VST, RTAS, MAS, DXi or Audio Units formats.
PLUGSOUNDPRO is currently available at a U.S. MSRP of $399. Retro Organs (UVISC01) is $130; Synths Anthology (UVISC02) and X-Treme FX (UVISC03) are both $199.
