Dante:
What can you tell us about the new Optimus updates?
Ray: There
are some serious updates for creating long ambient FX:
- Crosslink
the delay mix to output. This can be used for for example
the K-Stereo patches! Yes, it does have simple K-Stereo
possibilities.
- The Feed A
to B option for example, for making ultra long delays.
- Switch
between filtering the delay / feedback path. Sometimes you
really want to use the nice filters of the Optimus right from
the start, and with it's initial release these were only on the
feedback path.
- With the
upcoming update you can insert plug-ins on the feedback or on
the delay path. This allows for creating endless
possibilities in Sound Effects. I made this option for an
upcoming new release (just finishing up) so stay tuned for that.
Dante: 2014
you had a bit of a break from device development (congratulations on
upcoming newborn), then you came back all guns firing. What
inspired you to
write these devices, and particular, what drew you to the crowded
world of Scope delays ?
Ray: I
was already working on this device then (since I was working on a
Multi-FX unit), but things started badly for me in 2014 and in the
end it resulted in a newborn to come any day now (haha). But
then I just couldn't get myself to finishing as the juice was very
low....Luckily it started flowing again. I tried combining it with
some other plug-ins into one big device, but it didn't work up to my
standards. All this trial and error just costs so much time
but in the end you take these experiences and make a device better
or more intuitive. That is not so easy since the Optimus is a
complex plug-in though it might seem easy or just more of the same
there already was. Well it keeps surprising me lots of times
what it can do. Why did I decide to make delays? Well I
just like delays in that they can create so many different effects.
And the Tape Echo is simple (as you know my philosophy is to make
devices intuitive to use but still sound great).
Dante: The
idea of a combo package straight off for release was a winner. How
did you find the response sales wise ?
Ray:
Responses were very nice from all users and that really gave me a
boost and again a big smile on my face so thanks you all! And
hence the updates that I released soon after the initial
release. And some more are still coming up. It sold
not bad though it is not easy selling plug-ins nowadays on the
platform. A lot of people do not want to invest in their 'old'
system (jeez, look at what it can still do!!! Maybe redefine 'old').
I updated almost all plug-ins mostly just popup tool-tips and saving
the MIDI CC assignment IN the preset as I thought that would be
handy. Also I updated the solo-function of the Stereo
Equaliser (solo switches to both outputs). I find that handy
for monitoring and the summer will have inserts, so can be used for
in-device mastering. PS I will put up the latest updates on the dNa
site, since S|C is busy, and I can bring out bug fixes or updates
features much faster!
Dante: Were
you assisted or encouraged by S|C or was it basically a solo effort?
Ray:
Basically it was a solo effort in creating the devices but for
the release and feedback Holger from S|C assisted me where he could. Also
on the sidetrack for combining some plugs into one big plug I could
get all the support I needed, but high standards prevented that
device from coming out too early. It resulted in another upcoming
release. Just stay tuned as I also have another freebee coming out
soon as well.
Dante: Did
you have fun developing these devices and played them to your
friends?
How did you party with them (the devices or the friends)?
Ray: I
don't party enough (haha). I create and test and tune all the
plug-ins myself before sending some test versions out for the final beta
testing or I ask people to make samples or give feedback on them. In all honesty these first beta reactions are always very good and
promising and luckily there are some good and nice people around in
assisting me with those last things just before release. I just want
to give them a shout out and a big thanks for their time and
efforts: Holger, GaryB, ShogunSpy, Dawman, Dante, GregH, Tessa,
Thomas, John and those I forgot to mention. Maybe all Scope
users don't understand but every mail, question or reaction I get as
dNa brings the plug-ins to the next level. I take my customers
seriously and will try everything that is reasonable to come up with
solutions. |