Roger Nichols Digital Unveils Universal Binary Versions of Pro Tools plug-ins for Intel-based Macintosh Systems
;) |
In other news, RND has announced that all Pro Tools plug-ins are now available for a Free 14-day Evaluation Period from its company website; no iLok is required. Also, purchase can be made either against an iLok account, or a conventional challenge/response verification processing and an email sequence. “We wanted to make sure that our prospective customers can access whatever buying option suits their needs,” says COO Reinhold Probst. “While iLok offers a more secure way of preventing unauthorized use of a customer’s Pro Tools plug-ins, there are times when other techniques are more useful, hence our recent change of policy.”
The current collection of RND Pro Tools-compatible plug-ins comprises:
Dynam-izer
Dynam-izer is a multi-zone dynamic processor that allows the user to change compression/expansion ratios based on the signal’s internal level. It functions like a compressor offering multiple knees with adjustable curves, and positive or negative slopes between knees. You can compress vocals from the inside, leaving dynamic peaks un-touched while raising the subtle low level qualities of that vocal. You can raise the level of snare rattle without compressing or changing the sound of the snare drum itself. The plug-in also includes a peak limiter.
Uniquel-izer
Uniquel-izer features 11 different filters, each optimized for their individual function. Users can add as many as they need. Each filter type is optimized for just one function making for a very hi-fi EQ. Harmonic parametric filters will not only notch the note, but up to eight harmonics of the note. Any filter can be placed in solo mode for fine adjustments without the effects of all other filters. Stereo filters can be split into independent left and right filters. Loading presets add functionality to your existing EQ settings, not replacing your existing settings. This is a very smooth, nice sounding EQ.
Frequal-izer
Frequal-izer is an “Absolutely No Phase Shift” FIR equalizer. Users can draw their own curve, scale it and smooth it out. A built-in spectral analyzer lets the user compare two sources, and build an EQ-matching curve. You can save 50 snapshots for automation recall. The Frequal-izer can be split into left and right EQ. Two workspaces are provided for EQ comparisons.
FINIS
FINIS is a mastering limiter that maintains high-frequency detail while limiting the level – it raises levels without them sounding squashed. It features three distinct limiting algorithms. Special metering shows how far over zero your signal would go if not limited. This is a true brick-wall limiter.
InspectorXL
InspectorXL is a five plug-in set for all metering needs. Users can custom-set their OVER definition. It counts overs, provides a third-octave analyzer, FFT analyzer, balance, correlation, phase scope, stereo image, statistic alarms and detects hidden clipping. (Content that was clipped then level-lowered to avoid over meters.) Also featured: Peak meters, K-meters and RMS metering. Not sure what you are getting from a client or sending out to mastering? Inspect it with InspectorXL.
“With my name on the box, you know that you're getting power, density and all of the signal-processing tricks that I have been employing as a successful session engineer and producer,” Nichols confides. “I want plug-ins that will bring sparkle and focus to my project, but they also need to save time. For example, one of the biggest time savers built into the flexible designs of our compressor and equalizer units is that they can be expanded on the fly as I am working on a project. I am not stuck with a rigid design structure. I turn off features I don’t need in one track and turn them on as needed in others. I can do almost everything I ever need to EQ or compress with the same plug-in. Being able to use the same tool over and over again in different scenarios quickly increases my productivity. Because of their flexibility I also can make much more proficient use of preset files. Before, I had found presets to be of limited use because they worked only for one particular plug-in.”
Roger Nichols has been designing DSP software for his personal use since 1981. These powerful devices have been used to great effect on countless albums and mastering projects with such artists as Steely Dan, Al DiMeola and Bela Fleck. “It is now time to make these plug-ins available to the ever-expanding universe of DAW-based mixing and mastering,” Nichols confides. “RND is fully committed to plug-in development.”
But make no mistake - these are not your father’s plug-ins. Innovative, state-of-the-art technology, coupled with more than three decades of cranking out some of the best sounding albums in the industry, makes Roger Nichols Digital a unique plug-in developer. Sure, there are a lot of plug-in companies out there, and a lot of good plug-ins. But has any other company Beta-tested its DSP algorithms for over 20 years before releasing them?
Roger Nichols built his first audio software application in 1978: a drum replacement plug-in named Wendel that debuted on Steely Dan's Gaucho album. The second version was christened in 1981 on Donald Fagen's Nightfly album. “And Wendel is the only machine ever nominated for a Grammy®,” Nichols concludes.