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Software Reviews

Review – RC-20 Retro Color by XLN Audio

by Kurt Loewen

The RC-20 by XLN audio is an affordable and versatile production tool that every producer and engineer should have at their disposal.  According to XLN, RC-20 should be on everything…including the master.  And I have to say that after using this liberally over the past 6 months I must agree.

XLN - RC20

Use the 6 settings of Noise, Wobble, Distort, Digital, Space and Magnetic individually or use them all together to create truly one of a kind effects!  Setting the magnitude dial of the overall plugin will give you either more color or more signal depending on where you set it, while each individual setting comes with its own color/signal knob. (more…)

Meldaproduction – MAutoDynamicEq

Review by Anto Kovacic

The name of this plugin reflects its three main purposes: it’s a dynamic equalizer with frequency-matching functionalities. Actually, this plugin features many more options and possibilities, which makes it a very powerful multifunctional audioproduction tool. In-depth explanation of every option and possible production usage would take up a lot of space, so I will restrict this review on marking the basics of most important functions and options. (more…)

Review – iZotope’s Neutron 2

Intelligent Mixing Tool – iZotope’s Neutron 2

By J. Scaturro

iZotope’s award winning, research-driven audio technology includes a suite of products that give you new ways of treating your mixes with intelligent tools for modernizing and elevating your sound. Included in their product line is Neutron 2, a versatile mixing plugin consisting of multiple sound shaping modules and powerful audio analysis tools including Track Assistant, Masking Meter and the Visual Mixer.

Neutron 2 is part of iZotope’s line of intelligent DSP plugins for Windows and Mac, available in AAX, RTAS, VST2, VST3 and Audio Unit formats. Plugins are offered separately and in bundles such as the Music Production Suite and 08N2.  Each plugin comes in three versions: Elements, Standard and Advanced, each adding additional features.  For simplicity, I’ll focus on the Standard level of Neutron 2. The feature comparison charts on the iZotope website will give you details for each version.
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Noiiz – Unlimited Cloud Based Samples – Review

by Mark Morgon-Shaw

Disclaimer :  I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services  mentioned in this review.

Working with a team of musicians and sound designers to create fresh and unique sounding content across 40 genres,  UK based  Samplephonics have produced well received royalty free sample packs since being founded by former producer and mastering engineer Davis Rose in 2011.

With subscription plans increasingly becoming the norm within the world of  Pro Audio and professional software tools in general,  what can Samplephonics spin off service Noiiz bring to the table for the cloud generation ?

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Finding Authenticity In Writing Production Music

by Will Benoit

One of the most important parts in the process of composing production music is keeping your tracks fresh and exciting after turning out so many pieces of music. But to me, theMcDSP Analog Channel most important part is getting your tracks to sound consistent within the aesthetic of the genre you are writing in. Whether it’s EDM, Hip Hop, Rock, or any other genre, the song needs to sound a certain way in order to feel authentic. (more…)