Spectrasonics Stylus RMX Xpanded

Spectrasonics Stylus RMX has become one of the most popular and widely-used virtual instruments in the world - offering a quick and easy way to creatively assemble incredible sounding grooves in all the popular host sequencers: including Apple Logic, Pro Tools, MOTU Digital Performer, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton LIVE, Cakewalk Sonar and many others.

Although the core library of Stylus RMX is focused on “remix” genres, the thousands of Xpander grooves (see More Info) that are included in the new package vastly broaden the musical scope of RMX by offering grooves and sounds for any style of music.

Stylus RMX is the first product to offer the combined power of Groove Control™ with Spectrasonics Advanced Groove Engine (S.A.G.E.™) technology giving users dramatic new control over groove production and performance.

Spectrasonics’ in-house development team created the new instrument from the ground up, with dozens of new features including the ground-breaking Chaos Designer™ (see More Info), a completely redesigned multi-page user interface, a new core library of sounds, all with a focus on realtime groove creation and performance.

New Core library
The massive new 7.4 gigabyte core-library in Stylus RMX has thousands of cutting-edge grooves and sounds that were created by Spectrasonics’ international sound design team, and produced by Eric Persing. The new core library contains nearly triple the amount of sounds originally offered in the original Stylus, and contains all the original material as well. The new sounds and grooves in Stylus RMX offer a much wider range of modern musical genres than the original Stylus. Mixes of grooves are broken down into individual tracks called Elements for flexibility and infinite combinations.

Also new in Stylus RMX are thousands of new Kit modules, 250 Kit patches, as well as user Kit construction....Users can create their own customized multitrack remix grooves and kits, save them into the plug-in, and even share them with other Stylus RMX users on different platforms and hosts. RMX 1.5 even comes with 500 new Multi grooves!

Main features of Spectrasonics Stylus RMX include:

“Xpandable”
Stylus RMX marks Spectrasonics’ first expandable virtual instrument, with a series of five new “S.A.G.E. Xpanders”. Stylus RMX also can be expanded with existing Groove Control CD-ROM libraries and even REX files – which opens the door for musicians to utilize their own audio loops within the powerful S.A.G.E. Environment. The five Xpanders are:

- Backbeat SAGE Xpander: Live Acoustic “Straight-ahead” drum grooves
- Retro Funk SAGE Xpander: Authentic vintage acoustic sound, feel & classic grooves
- Burning Grooves SAGE Xpander: Maximum impact, aggressive live drum grooves
- Liquid Grooves SAGE Xpander: Acoustic ethnic drum and percussion grooves with unique processing
- Metamorphosis SAGE Xpander: 21st Century remix grooves designed by producer Eric Persing

Chaos Designer™
Of the many new capabilities in Stylus RMX, possibly the most innovative feature is the Chaos Designer™. With simple controls, the user can introduce musical Chaos into the groove, which allows it to have constantly evolving variations— giving the impression that the audio grooves are improvising. The results can be subtle or extreme by setting the simple to use controls. A Capture feature allows the spontaneous audio chaos patterns to be made into a MIDI file, dragged and dropped into the host sequencer, and played back again for further editing by the user.

• First product using new S.A.G.E. technology (Spectrasonics Advanced Groove Engine)


• Realtime auto-sync to the beat so grooves are always in time, even when performed live! Groove Control is always active for optimum sound quality at virtually any tempo.


• Massive cutting-edge 7.4gb Core Library, with nearly triple the sounds of the original Stylus.

(the original Stylus core library also included)

• Expandable Xpanders Add more grooves with new series of S.A.G.E. Xpanders


• Expandable with Groove Control® activated sample libraries


• Expandable with Propellerheads, which allow a user to import their own audio loops via ReCycle.


• Thousands and thousands of grooves, sounds, patches and interchangeable Kit modules for building grooves


• 500 Multi Grooves


• 250 Kits


• World-Class integrated FX Racks w/27 professional effects: Tube Limiter, Tape Slammer, Modern and Vintage Compressors, Wah-Wah, Power Filter, 6 different Vintage/Parametric/Graphic Equalizers, Flame Distortion, Valve Radio, PRO-Verb, EZ-Verb, Spring Verb, Gate Expander, Stereo Imager, Flanger, 2 different Phasers, 3 BPM Delays, Retroplex Tape Delay and Radio Delay


• Easy MIDI Control of all 20,000 parameters with MIDI Learn: simply grab the parameter and the hardware control


• Hardware Controller Templates provided for Popular models by Korg, Behringer and M-Audio


• Over 9 hours of professional Video Tutorials are included a visual way to quickly learn about Stylus RMX!


• Integrated Documentation - A 68,000 word Reference Guide is accessible directly from the plug-in Help menu


• Multipage user interface design with fully integrated Browser for easily auditioning & organizing grooves


• Innovative Chaos Designer adds musical variations and improvising within stereo audio grooves!


• 8-part Multitimbral, each part can have dozens of grooves and samples


• Multiple stereo outputs (with supported software)


• Edit Groups offer unique control of individual beats within an audio loop: add ambience to just the backbeat, control the pitch of the snare inside a stereo loop, reverse only specific slices in the loop…non-destructively


• Favorites Menu creation of user defined suites of grooves, perfect for project-by-project work


• Built-in Mixer w/ 8 channels, mute/solo, level, meters, 4 Aux sends, output assignments


• Drag and Drop MIDI files into host sequencer


• User Kit building from core library, User Remixes, cross-platform/cross-host patch compatibility


• Groove Menu mode allows any suite of multiple grooves to be played live from the keyboard on a single MIDI channel


• Grooves can be instantly auditioned at Half Time / Double Time


• Build Multitrack Grooves in realtime!


• Real-time Jamming in sync!


• Power Filter, 3 syncable LFOs,3 AHDR envelopes, Reverse and more


• Edit Templates to browse and audition grooves using custom sets of parameter edits


• Easy Edit page with Big Knobs for simple, yet powerful control of key parameters


New Version of RMX with Ground-Breaking Control over Audio Grooves

Spectrasonics has releasedStylus RMX^®version 1.7 featuring an innovative and completely new capability called‘Time Designer' which intelligently transforms RMX audio loops into different time signatures and features the ability to Groove Lock the feel of any groove to another all in real time. Time Designer also lets the user create instant pattern variations with smart algorithms based on musical rules, and to ‘simplify' any RMX groove in a musical manner. Version 1.7 is also the first 64-bit native software release from Spectrasonics, includes all the new effects from Omnisphere and useful workflow enhancements to RMX, such as Suite Editing and Host Transport Sync. The new version is a free download for all registered users of Stylus RMX and is available now from the Updates Page.

The new RMX version 1.7 contains a totally new way for users to browse and use their entire RMX library by offering the user the ability to Groove Lock any loop in real time to another loop or MIDI File. The user simply chooses a designated loop as the Groove Lock master, and switches one button ("Settings"): now all the loops that are played as the user browses are Groove Locked to that main feel.

RMX's Time Designer capabilities are available in any designated time signature. Once new Time Signatures are selected, the browsing experience works the same way dramatically changing the experience of groove production in time signatures other than 4/4.

Working on a 6/8 ballad? Simply choose 6/8 in Time Designer and the entire RMX library is now instantly available rearranged in 6/8 patterns!

For multiple time signatures in a piece of music the user simply sets the first time signature variation, drags and drops the MIDI file to the sequencer, then sets the time signature to a new one and repeats the process for each section of music that requires a new time signature.The MIDI Files that are dragged to the host sequencer are "imprinted" with all the Groove Lock and Time Signature changes in the MIDI data, making it easy to customize the loops further.

Time Designer's Pattern Variation section allows the user to instantly check out useful variations on a loop. Time Designer makes rearrangements of the pattern based on a series of musical rules creating useful variations, and is available for all time signatures (including 4/4 pattern variations). Best of all, Time Designer and Chaos Designer can be used together!

The Simplify function provides an easy way to instantly customize audio loops to better fit the user´s music. Turning the Simplify knob takes out slices and makes more space for other musical parts. Used along with Groove Lock, Simplify allows the user to quickly layer synchronized grooves to create one-of-a-kind groove combinations. The Time Designer page shows a graphic of the groove's time slices to give the user instant visual feedback along with the changing groove as the Simplify knob is turned. Anything in RMX can be used with Simplify including tonal, percussive and imported REX libraries.

All Time Designer features also work with third party RMX libraries and imported REX files, as long as the grooves are sliced properly.

All of the new effects from Spectrasonics' Omnisphere have been added to RMX v1.7 as well: Formant Filter: Adds characteristics of the human vocal tract by chaining a narrow set of bandpass filters, set at specific frequencies, which reflect the formants of the human voice. Smoke Amp: An amp/speaker simulator with a full set of amplifier controls, speaker combinations and modeled versions of several classic guitar amplifiers. Ultra Chorus: A ´lush' custom chorus, with a very dense, rich character compared with standard Chorus units. Retro-Phaser: A vibey sounding vintage Phaser, with more features than the EZ-Phaser and a dedicated page for tone shaping. Retro-Flanger: A vibey sounding vintage Flanger, with more features than the original Flanger and a dedicated page for tone shaping. Chorus Echo:Inspired by the classic Roland Chorus-Echo units from the 1970s, this unit combines both analog-style delay and chorusing, but includes new features, like stereo width control and a dedicated ‘Dirt' control for a more gritty sound.

RMX version 1.7 also sports several user-requested features such as Suite Editing for easy customization and better ‘Favorites' management of users own collections of loops, sequencer Host Transport Sync so that RMX will follow the host sequencer's transport controls and song position.

The new version is also the first 64-bit native software release from Spectrasonics, keeping pace with the industry-wide move towards 64-bit systems and access to more RAM. Windows 64-bit compatibility has been released first in version 1.7, then a 64-bit Mac version of RMX will follow.

Stylus RMX v1.7 Features:

TIME DESIGNER™

• Groundbreaking ability to rearrange audio loops into different time signatures in real-time!


• Create instant Pattern Variations for any groove, with smart algorithms based on musical rules


• Groove Lock™ any RMX groove to another RMX groove's feel


• Groove Lock™ to external MIDI files


• ‘Simplify' control alters the pattern complexity of any RMX loop


• Strengthen or Loosen the feel of any groove.


• Browse core library in real-time with any time signature, feel or variation you need


• Time Shift can rush, drag or offset the groove in milliseconds or rhythmic values


• Grid Quantize and Swing controls


• Factory Groove Lock templates library includes legendary Akai MPC, SP-1200, TR-808/909, Latin, Blues, New Orleans, Breakbeat, Jazz feels


• Make your own library of Time Designer Presets with your own REX or MIDI Files.


• Time Designer works with Third Party and User REX/RMX libraries too


• Greatly expands creative potential of user's existing library, with unlimited useful variations


• New online Time Designer video tutorials show production techniques with the new features

64 BIT SUPPORT FOR WINDOWS

• RMX 1.7 includes native 64-bit support for Windows hosts.

CUSTOM SUITE MANAGEMENT

• New Edit Buffer suite that acts as a temporary work area for editing and managing Custom Suites and Groove Menus.


• Edit Buffer suite is saved with the host session for later recall.


• Elements inside the Edit Buffer suite and be renamed and reordered.


• Elements inside custom suites can be deleted.


• Elements can be added to any Custom Suite by right-clicking on "Add".

NEW FX UNITS FROM OMNISPHERE INCLUDED

• Formant Filter: Adds characteristics of the human vocal tract by chaining a narrow set of bandpass filters, set at specific frequencies, which reflect the formants of the human voice.


• Smoke Amp: An amp/speaker simulator with a full set of amplifier controls, speaker combinations and modeled versions of several classic guitar amplifiers.


• Ultra Chorus: A ´lush' custom chorus, with a very dense, rich character compared with standard Chorus units.


• Retro-Phaser: A vibey sounding vintage Phaser, with more features than the EZ-Phaser and a dedicated page for tone shaping.


• Retro-Flanger: A vibey sounding vintage Flanger, with more features than the original Flanger and a dedicated page for tone shaping.


• Chorus Echo: Inspired by the classic Roland Chorus-Echo units from the 1970s, this unit combines both analog-style delay and chorusing, but includes new features, like stereo width control and a dedicated ‘Dirt' control for a more gritty sound.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Host Sync: The Host Sync Button enables RMX to sync with the transport controls in the host. When the Play button is activated in the host, all Host Synced Parts in RMX will also begin playing. The song position of the host is also synchronized to RMX when Host Sync is enabled.


• Groove Menu Mode Keyboard Display: In the Browser, when setting a Part to Groove Menu Mode, a keyboard display will show up next to the elements in the Suite.


• Making a selection in the Trigger Mode menu now sets the mode for all parts. To change the Trigger Mode just for the current Part, hold the Option/Alt key while selecting the desired Mode.


• Buzz Attenuation: New Chaos Page switch lowers the volume of the Buzz effect.



• SOUND ENHANCEMENT UPDATE
  The 1.7 update offers a completely new factory patch library, including 500 new Multi Grooves and 250 new Kits created by the acclaimed Spectrasonics sound design team, which take advantage of all the new features and effects that have been added since the original release of Stylus RMX. The complete patch library is now also organized by mood and genre. The expanded Groove Elements sound directory adds new "Tonal Elements" and "4x4 Kicks" suites geared for European dance club styles. The Core Library update also includes new Example Groove Menus in various genres - such as Drum ‘n Bass, Electronica, Urban, Percussion, Film Action/Suspense/Chase, etc.



• NEW SOUND DESIGN FEATURE: "CHAOS BUZZ"
  The unique new Chaos Designer "Buzz" feature allows real-time stutter edits, "bouncing-ball" and unusual tonal buzzing noises to be instantly applied to any groove, sound menu and Edit Group. The user can control the time between the repeats to get different pitches of buzzing, as well as controlling the acceleration speed and direction of the repeat FX. Chaos can be applied to the probability of how often the buzz effect is heard, as well as chaotically varying the range of acceleration and the range of time and pitch change. Buzz is a wild effect that's perfect for creative electronic music remixing in real-time.



• COMPREHENSIVE INTEGRATED DOCUMENTATION
  The new embedded "Help System" provides instant access to the brand new comprehensive Reference Guide for Stylus RMX, right from within the RMX plug-in. A modern way to get just the information you need, when you need it! This new manual is over 68,000 words and covers every area of the instrument - with full cross-referencing to all of the video tutorials and links to relevant chapters and to the Internet. As RMX continues to evolve, so will this new electronic Reference Guide - ensuring that the manual is always up to date with the software.



• OVER 4.5 HOURS OF NEW VIDEO TUTORIALS INCLUDED
  This 1.7 update brings the total RMX video tutorials up to nearly 8 hours of included training! In the 36 new video tutorials, the Spectrasonics team goes deep into showing how to unlock the full potential of Stylus RMX 1.7 in creative musical applications, demonstrating the new hardware controller templates in action and also teaching "host-specific" video tutorials for Apple Logic, Digidesign Pro Tools, Steinberg Cubase SX, Ableton Live, Cakewalk Sonar, MOTU Digital Performer and more. All the new video tutorials are posted in the RMX Community on the Spectrasonics website for free download to registered users at:
  http://www.spectrasonics.net/rmxcommunity/



• WINDOWS RTAS SUPPORT
  Native support for the Windows version of Digidesign's RTAS plug-in format has been added. Stylus RMX is now available to Pro Tools users on both platforms of Windows XP and OSX.



• CONVERSION SUPPORT FOR MORE GOOVE CONTROL® LIBRARIES
  Four more Groove Control CD-ROM titles are now supported in the SAGE Converter: Ethno Techno, Big Bad Beats, Stark Raving Beats, and NoizBox



• BATCH CONVERSION OF REX FILES AND LIBRARIES
  Batch conversion of REX files and REX libraries via a single drag and drop in the SAGE Converter, greatly simplifying the process of getting audio loops into Stylus RMX.



• BROWSE CORE LIBRARY BY GENRE & CATEGORY
  You can now browse the Core Library by genre and new categories including: Epic Energy, Breakbeats, Electronic, Urban, Swing and Club



• NEW MIDI LEARN FEATURES
  A new MIDI Learn submenu has been added to the utility menu that contains many new options. "Show All" displays your current MIDI Learn settings in your web browser. MIDI Learn templates can now be saved and loaded for easy hardware setup. Assignments can now be cloned and placed in Omni mode for easier control of multi-channel systems. MIDI Learn has been added as an option to the value display that shows the "MIDI CC assignment" of a parameter when you tweak it.



• HARDWARE CONTROLLER TEMPLATES
  A selection of custom MIDI Learn templates for some of the most popular hardware controllers on the market including the Korg microKontrol, Kontrol 49, Behringer BCR/BCF-2000, M-Audio Trigger Finger, O2, Ozonic and others. Full documentation and detailed tutorials are also provided for users to create and share their own hardware controller RMX templates for any MIDI device.



• 16 ACTIVE EDIT GROUPS
  With the performance improvements in v1.7, Stylus RMX now has doubled the number of active Edit Groups to 16. This brings the total number of RMX parameters to over 20,000 in a single instance!



• EXPANDED LFO SYNC CAPABILITIES
  Improved LFO behavior allows all LFO waveforms to be phase locked to the bar of the song, allowing greater capability for rhythmic LFO modulation that performs consistently. When the LFO SYNC and RETRIGGER are turned on, the phase of the LFO is locked to the song beat so, for example, the sawtooth shape will always start on a beat boundary.



• ENHANCED BROWSER DISPLAY MODE
  The Browser now displays the most recently played groove with a speaker icon. This is very useful in Groove Menu mode to correlate the name of the groove you are playing from a MIDI controller.



• EDIT GROUP FUNCTIONS IN GROOVE MENU MODE
  In Groove menu MIDI mode, choosing "Create edit group" will now create an edit group for the last groove played and put the entire groove in that edit group. This facilitates very fast real-time editing on any groove within a Groove Menu.



• NEW CONFIRMATION DIALOGS
  Confirmation Dialogs are now displayed at various points where a significant amount of work could be lost. This includes: part clear, part revert, multi clear, favorites delete, and switching to, or from, kit mode.


• Also includes performance enhancements for Windows systems, various fixes and improved user interface display feedback.