Michael Kingston Productions has introduced a new type of distortion plug-in. RetroBand models several aspects of the interaction between gain stages and transformers of analogue gear, referred to as intra-modulation (IM), i.e. Class A/B gain stage switching distortion. It also features several forms of transient shaping in-between the stages.

 

As opposed to sterile but perfect digital sound, IM is a distortion that can sound good. It happens especially in less than ideal analogue class A/B gain staging, which means it's present in a plenty of vintage gear.There are three different models in RetroBand using the IM process, allowing good range of sound shaping. No particular piece of equipment is simulated in any of them, but the combined flexibility can generate some of the desirable aspects of great sounding analogue gear. It could be said IM is one of the minor missing links to analogue sound in a digital audio workstation.

The Sound

RetroBand is a distortion unit at heart, but this type and concept hasn't been previously available as a digital model. It may desirably enrich sterile sound sources. Failing equipment can be easily simulated and this allows plenty of creativity. With some luck, it makes things sound larger than life. The transient enhanced IM with mid-side stereo control can change or revive a stereo image, too.

Features:

• Digital model of interaction between gain stages and transformers of analogue gear (IM)
• Three flexible IM models with noise modulation
• Several forms of transient shaping within the IM models
• Mid-side stereo image control on all signal paths
• Efficient SSE optimised processing

Requirements:

• A host with VST plug-in support
• Windows 2000 or Windows XP
• A processor with SSE instructions

Support for SSE instructions started with the Pentium III and continued with more recent processors including recent AMDs like the Duron and Athlon XP. Almost all new processors support SSE now.

Pricing and Availability

RetroBand is available for purchase now for the price of EUR35. This introductory offer will end on November 1 2006. A trial version of RetroBand and the free RetroBandLite version can be downloaded on-line at the Michael Kingston Productions website.

More information is available at the Michael Kingston Productions site.