Post by garystrat on Nov 25, 2020 12:02:41 GMT
For those who are interested in recording and top end software amp/effects modelling there are are some interesting new developments!
Line 6 have released a firmware/software update to version 3 for Helix pedals/Helix Native that has has many new features, including a new US Princess amp model based on the Fender Princeton Reverb. Personalised amp and effects blocks can be saved as default user settings, whilst commonly used amp/FX blocks can now be stored under a new “Favourites” section also with custom settings.
After I installed the Helix Native update all my presets automatically updated and after a short familiarisation with the new controls there seemed to be subtle tonal improvements in what was already one of the top software modellers. Combine this with the latest Redwirez IR’s I get very satisfactory results, in this case I normally use separate amp/speaker plugins, Helix Native followed by the Redwirez with echo modelling after this in the chain (either Overloud’s Echoson - Binson based modeller or Soundtoys EchoBoy).
I can’t provide a direct link, but further information is available on the Line 6 downloads under Helix on their website:
line6.com/helix/helixnative.html
Redwirez Link:
redwirez.com
Ableton has announced a new Live version 11 for release early in the New Year which has some major new features and plugins, including things like track take recording and comping, which also works on MIDI tracks. There is also linked track editing where tracks can be edited simultaneously.
I converted to Ableton Live 10 about 2 years ago after having previous experience with many different DAW’s over the years, my system is mainly software based for the convenience of home use and it’s proved to be a great learning tool with scope for live play, recording and general experimenting. Whilst it has many advanced pro level features, in practice it’s also reasonably easy to use via the interactive on-screen help and I found it guided me naturally into a more advanced work flow and using techniques that I had avoided in the past because they were simply too awkward or difficult in other DAW’s.
Ableton hadn’t really come upon my radar until I tried a “Lite” demo version which came with my audio interface, I have progressively upgraded because it includes many features that are more usually found in third party software, plus some that are fairly unique if you are interested in MIDI and working with backing tracks. In truth I probably always thought of it as being expensive, but the entry level is surprising well spec’d for around £80.00 and has all the core features that many would likely be more than happy with.
www.ableton.com/en/live/
Lastly, Celestion seem to be offering a more advanced form of speaker IR (Impulse Response) based around a “SpeakerMix Pro” plugin which uses their new format DSR speaker emulations, whilst seemingly still being able to use standard IR plugins in their native format. There is an introductory price of £199.00 inc VAT (normally £279.00), which includes 6 individual DSR speaker models. Rather pricey, but it will be interesting to see what the reviewers and first adopters make of this.
www.celestionplus.com/product/celestion-speakermix-pro/?mc_cid=658df31374&mc_eid=b8523427e3
At the bottom of the page there is a downloadable PDF user guide.
Recognising that software is not for everyone, there seems to be some pretty cool contenders coming along that could also be used in live/gigging environments, I would be interested to know if others think this is the direction things are heading?
Hope you are all well and staying safe!
Best regards
Gary