

- #SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT FOR MAC OS X#
- #SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT PRO#
- #SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT SOFTWARE#
- #SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT LICENSE#
- #SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT PROFESSIONAL#
That's true, but what it does, it does really well. You could certainly argue that the price ($129) is a bit high for a plug-in that only does one thing. SoundToys' MicroShift is a plug-in on par with the other SoundToys products, and is the first that can be used without a dongle. The synth not only gains space, but also becomes more lively thanks to the micro pitch and delay variations that create a nice sensation of movement. Let's now take a distance from its classic use on vocals and apply SoundToys to an acoustic guitar. It seems more "colored" and sounds more "British" than "US" to my ears. For its part, the AMS DMX 15-80 has a more distinctive personality. The frequency response seems to be slightly different between the two Eventide ones, but nothing significant. The difference between the algorithms is extremely subtle. With such settings the choir naturally takes its place on the back of the mix to wrap up the rest of the instruments in a very nice fashion. A first observation, the gain in depth and cohesion is simply awesome, regardless of the algorithm. The only difference is the algorithm type, which follows this order: Preset #231 and #519 of the H3000 (I and II) and then AMS DMX 15-80 (III). Samples 05 to 07 correspond to a Mix set to 100%, Detune set to 69.3% and Delay set to 200%.

#SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT PROFESSIONAL#
Back in the '80s, most professional studios had hardware machines capable of doing this nifty trick, among other things, the best examples being the Eventide H3000 and AMS DMX 15-80. Therefore it's no surprise that SoundToys took them as the foundation to develop their MicroShift. The principle behind this "magic" formula can be summarized as the use of tiny pitch and/or delay variations sent to the right and left of the stereo field.

#SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT FOR MAC OS X#
Toy storyĪvailable in VST, AU, RTAS, and AAX formats, both in 32- and 64-bit versions for Mac OS X and Windows, MicroShift is a plug-in that allows you to apply to your tracks a well-known trick professional sound engineers use in order to gain space and depth. Let's end this brief digression to go into the heart of the matter. Going back to SoundToys, if the experience with MicroShift proves to be a success, it wouldn't be hard to imagine that they will implement this option on all the plug-ins in their catalog.
#SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT SOFTWARE#
Besides, several software developers have been doing the same lately, which is great news. So, giving its users the choice seems a very good idea. However, dongles can sometimes be a limitation, depending on your system. A good proof of evolution, isn't it?ĭon't misunderstand me: I am not against protection systems like iLok, which do have their advantages like, for example, the possibility to move a plug-in from one computer to another in no time, whereas when you use a system that associates the plug-in to the computer, you have to dissociate them and then go through the entire authorization process on the new machine. And you can obviously use an iLok key as well, it's up to you.
#SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT LICENSE#
You nevertheless need an iLok account to manage the license via the iLok Manager software, but it's free and can be done in no time. MicroShift is the first SoundToy plug that can be installed and authorized without the need of any dongle! The authorization can be associated directly to a given computer. Up to now, all SoundToys plug-ins have required the famous protection system based on a USB dongle. However, the brand's plug-ins still required an iLok.
#SOUNDTOYS MICROSHIFT PRO#
As proof of that are the launch of native versions for Pro Tools LE in 2006, the implementation of AudioUnits compatibility in 2007, as well as VST in 2008, and everything with more accessible prices. Fortunately for us, SoundToys has been able to adapt to these changes. But everything that has to do with computers in one way or another evolves very rapidly. While their products were of excellent quality (like the superb EchoBoy delay), their high prices and format made them exclusive to an "elite" few. In the beginning, the Vermont-based software developer specialized in TDM plug-ins for Pro Tools. SoundToys is an old hand in the small world of audio plug-ins.
