What's New in Augustus Loop version 2
For a
complete list of changes, please refer to the version
history section of the user manual.
Quality Improvements
Great attention has been paid
to removing the niggling little clicks and pops that used
to occur if you used some features and were unlucky with
your timing. Specifically, using the following should now
never result in an unpleasant audio artefact:
- Clear Loop
- Changing the Input Level (which includes using the
Punch In/Out Set Input Level features)
- Tap Record
Freeze Loop
While Freeze Loop is essentially the
same feature as has always been found in Augustus Loop, the
new implementation in version 2 transforms this function
into something altogether more powerful. Whereas in
previous versions frozen loops were prone to clicking and
popping unless the audio and plug-in settings were just
right, version 2’s Freeze Loop is totally bomb proof and
will loop anything.
Sync Groups
It is now possible to synchronise
multiple copies of Augustus Loop that are running within
one host application. You can therefore use Augustus Loop
to build complex, multi-channel, multi-loop systems.
Tape Sim
A new audio processing section has been
added to further expand the range of sounds you can get out
of Augustus Loop, consisting of a new tape-style saturation
effect and a new filter section.
Skinnable and Scriptable GUI
In version 2 it’s
possible to completely replace the Augustus Loop user
interface. This goes far beyond other ‘skinning’ systems
where you can only change the superficial appearance of the
interface. With Augustus Loop you can move user interface
elements around, remove things you don’t use, add new
buttons to drive your own new functionality. A general
purpose scripting language lies behind all this, so your
new buttons aren’t just limited to setting plug-in
parameters - you can build complex systems limited only by
your imagination (and programming skill!). Some examples
are
here.
OSC
Augustus Loop can now be remotely controlled
via the Open Sound Control protocol.
MIDI & OSC Scripting
Augustus Loop’s response
to MIDI and OSC control can now be completely redefined by
scripts written by users. This goes far beyond simply
redefining which MIDI CC controls which parameter - you can
build elaborate, state-based control systems, driving many
copies of Augustus Loop from a single control source. Some
example scripts are
here.
Waveform Display
A new element has been added to
the GUI that enables you to visualise the audio that’s
recorded onto Augustus Loop’s virtual tape. Apart from
looking swish, this is a useful tool that helps you
understand exactly what the plug-in is doing at any
particular time, especially when some of the more complex
functions are enabled.
Record Offset
This new feature makes it easy to
sync your looping to other performers, even when your
computer-based setup is introducing a lot of latency into
your audio stream.
Tape Read Mode
Although Augustus Loop remains a
fundamentally stereo device, the new Tape Read Mode setting
lets you simulate a mono tape echo from days of old.