MOTU is now shipping the MasterWorks Collection audio plug-in bundle ($295) for Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase and other Mac OS X hosts (Version 10.5 or 10.6) that support RTAS, Audio Units and VST3 audio plug-ins. The bundle includes three audio processors: MasterWorks EQ, MasterWorks Leveler and ProVerb.
Originally developed exclusively for Digital Performer, the MasterWorks Series plug-ins offer analog hardware modeling, 32- and 64-bit internal floating point processing, and highly CPU-efficient performance. All three plug-ins support mono, stereo and surround channel configurations (with supporting host software), and users can share MasterWorks plug-in presets among different hosts.
MOTU MasterWorks EQ
The MasterWorks EQ plug-in is modeled on British analog console EQs. Users can apply up to five bands of EQ filtering, each with four EQ types that provide popular modern EQ styles and vintage analog EQ styles alike. Each filter type uniquely handles the dynamic interaction between gain and Q. This crucial relationship has been modeled to emulate the smooth and musical character of classic analog EQ circuits, in which the gain/Q dependency was dictated by the actual circuit design and electrical components used. The resulting filter types exhibit versatility, from minor corrective tasks to highly creative applications. Two midrange bands include shelf filtering, and two outside bands provide variable slope low- and highpass filtering. A full-width graphic display allows users to click directly on the filter control points for total control and visual feedback of the EQ curve being applied. Users can also view a real-time FFT display of the audio material being equalized to immediately see the effects of the filter on the frequency content of the audio.
MOTU MasterWorks Leveler
The MasterWorks Leveler plug-in provides automatic gain control and is modeled on the Teletronix LA-2A optical leveling amplifier, known for its unique and highly sought-after Automatic Gain Control (AGC) characteristics. The heart of the LA-2A is the T4 opto-coupler, a photoelectric device with self-adjusting behavior for smoothing out audio material ranging from vocals to bass guitar to full-program mixes, without destroying perceived dynamics. Thanks to CPU-efficient performance, users can freely apply the Leveler plug-in as needed to the elements of their mix. The Leveler’s software controls match the front panel of the original LA-2A hardware, with Gain Reduction, Makeup Gain, and Response knobs, along with Limiter and Compressor buttons, plus an accurately modeled VU meter that adheres to IEC standards. The MasterWorks Leveler also provides four different LA-2A models: Slow Vintage, Fast Vintage, Slow Modern and Fast Modern.
MOTU ProVerb
ProVerb is a CPU-efficient convolution reverb that models acoustic spaces and offers real-time parameter adjustment. Dozens of preset acoustic spaces (impulse responses) are included, from halls and stages, to plates and cathedrals. For many presets, a submenu provides different locations within the space. Many presets also offer L/C/R positions, so users can spread different elements of their mix. For ProVerb’s factory presets, both the impulse responses (sampled spaces) and the ProVerb convolution engine process four separate channels for stereo processing: two channels (left and right) for the left side and two channels for the right side. Users can simply drag and drop any standard audio file into ProVerb’s waveform display to add their own presets.
Digital Performer Version 6 and 7 users already own the MasterWorks plug-ins, which are included with DP. However, they have the option of purchasing the MasterWorks Collection for collaborating with colleagues using other hosts. AudioDesk users can either upgrade to Digital Performer or purchase the MasterWorks Collection to obtain the plug-ins.
For further information, visit MOTU’s MasterWorks Web pages.
