Surreal Machines (http://www.surrealmachines.com/) has released a new set of Max for Live devices for Ableton Live called Dub Machines. For $39 you get 2 devices, 95 presets, and 2 live sets.
Dub Machines is a pair of expertly designed Max for Live devices that reproduce, and expand on the sound of classic tape and analog delays. With vintage character, extensive control and deep sound-shaping capabilities, Dub Machines is ready to take any sound into space.
The Pack is available here https://www.ableton.com/en/packs/dub-machines/.
Making of Dub Machines
If you are interested in the behind-the-scenes creation of this device check out Darwin Grosse’s latest podcast where he interviews the developers http://artmusictech.libsyn.com/podcast-030-pete-dowling-and-matt-jackson.
In my first two-person podcast, I meet with Pete Dowling and Matt Jackson of Surreal Machines http://www.surrealmachines.com). Pete and Matt have just released a new MFL-based Live pack, and I hit them up for an explanation of the concept, a discussion about what it is like to collaborate on this kind of project, and how one might ever be satisfied with ones work. This is a revealing interview that provides insight on code-based collaborations.
If you haven't gotten a chance to test drive the Dubmachines Live pack, you should give it a try. The two devices are cool to work with, and have a very unique sound (and vibe) to them.
More On Magnetic and Diffuse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nEJPueE1LA
Magnetic
Magnetic is based on one of the most beloved tape delays of the 1970s. To capture all the nuances of the original, Surreal Machines started by measuring the distortion, frequency response, errors and mechanical noise of an actual hardware unit. As a result, Magnetic is a delay that oozes with nonlinearities and, true to the original, includes multiple gain stages, tape hysteresis, capstan wobble – not even the dry signal comes out the way it went in.
Magnetic comes with a high-quality internal convolution reverb with samples of classic spring and plate reverbs, early digital halls, plus several more radically character-altering spaces. And, in addition to the parallel system that original hardware units had, Magnetic’s reverb can be switched pre or post echo.
Two different reverse options for classic tape or stompbox behaviors are included. Several other tape delays from the period were examined and carefully crafted into new breeds of four different machine styles – all with a control to tone back or exaggerate character.
Diffuse
Is it delay? Is it reverb? It’s Diffuse, and most importantly, it’s lush and full of character. With a sophisticated feedback network under the hood, Diffuse can produce short virtual spaces, otherworldly atmospheric swells, and everything in between.
Diffuse gives you complete control over smearing, echoes and dampening and features plenty of the nonlinearities and smooth tape style delay changes of hardware. As with Magnetic, all relevant parameters can be tweaked directly in the device interface.
Some of the more advanced features include a digital rectifier to add some top end and sizzle and "Pump" – a specially designed dynamics tool to duck the delay out of the way of the dry signal and pull it back up again for long sustained trails.
Mark Mosher
Electronic Musician Boulder, CO
www.ModulateThis.com
www.MarkMosherMusic.com
www.FearCannotSaveUs <<< New album
Mark Mosher 