Sinevibes Switch v3: free update 3.1 is out now, bringing major changes to its easy-to-use gate sequencer plugin.
At the end of 2023, Sinevibes released the third generation of its beautiful gate sequencer plugin, Switch v3. In addition to many engine changes, they gave the plugin a complete interface redesign. Well, only one year and one month later, the design is thrown overboard again.
Sinevibes has released the free update 3.1 of Switch v3 with another significant UI redesign.
Sinevibes Switch 3.1.0
In Switch 3.1.0, users can experience a completely new interface design, away from rectangular and towards round cells for the sequencer. I like the decision as it gives me the Sine vibes from the past.
The rest has remained unchanged except for some improvement controls and a new color scheme. Blue and yellow is the new orange.
Switch 3.1.0 also comes with new features. Sinevibes added the ability to edit the pattern steps beyond the end step marker. Then, it includes a new trim pattern utility function that resets all steps beyond the end step marker.
The free update also comes with new and reworked factory presets. For macOS users, it now requires macOS 10.13 or later. This is a neat update to the easiest-to-use gate sequencer plugin without unnecessary frills.
I dig the new look, as it looks more again like Sinevibes plugins from a few years ago. The update is free of charge for existing users, and for new sound manglers, it’s $29.
Article From December 9, 2023
Effects are often used to refine sounds, to give them space in the room or to make them sound wider. You can also use effects to transform them into something new. Sinevibes has updated its gate sequencer Switch to v3, which creates rhythms from any sound in seconds.
A gate sequencer is one of those effects that, unlike classic effects, moves sound in completely new directions. The new Switch v3 is perfect for this job.
Sinevibes Switch v3
Switch v3 remains an easy-to-use gate sequencer effect plugin. Visually, the GUI has been completely redesigned. This is now scalable and offers color-coded graphic elements.
The core uses a high-precision step sequencer running in sync with the host transport and driving a gate pattern. On this, you can switch on/off steps that define whether the input audio will be passed through (gate open) or will be muted (gate closed). The latter gates then create the rhythm.
Switch v3 has eight gate patterns with up to 32 steps each. The built-in sequencer offers a wide range of timing settings, allowing the creation of traditional sequencing effects but also polymetric or polyrhythmic motion in any time signature.
A single gate pattern is active at a given time, however, all of the patterns can be edited on the fly, and the interface also offers multiple macro editing functions.
Sinevibes also added some other neat functions in the sequencer code. For example, advanced swing support. You can not only smoothly adjust the ratio in real-time (positive/negative), but it also keeps correct swing timing when the pattern length is an odd number. That’s sounds very interesting.
The gate is also fully adjustable. It has a variable time and is shaped using a two-pole low-pass filter for natural yet snappy transitions.
Furthermore, Switch v3 offers a new preset browser with an open design. It uses pure XML to clearly present the plugin’s main parameters as well as all the sequencer patterns. This allows to view and modify the data in a simple text editor. Plus, you can create custom patterns via any programming language.
The plugin is designed for creating all kinds of gated sequence effects, including trancegate and intricate tremolo effects, to beat chopping, pulsating accents, complex staccato, and more. I find the plugin particularly exciting when you want to bring movement into a flat sound
First Impression
An excellent continuation of the Swift plugin. Great to see that it’s a free update for existing users.
Sinevibes Swift v3 is available now for $29. It runs as a VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Windows) and Windows. For existing users of Strobe, Switch, or Switch v2 (bought from the Sinevibes website), the upgrade is free of charge and available on the update page.
More information here: Sinevibes
What are the step rate options (resolution of possible values)?
Step rate can be anything from 1/16 to 16/1. So you can have any polyrhythms or weird signatures like 8/7 or 9/5, whatever you please 🙂