Nuro Audio Blockchain Ultra, a new multi-FX plugin for macOS and Windows, is packed with algorithms and has an expandable concept.
Multi-FX processors provide music producers/sound designers with the opportunity to access a wide range of effects cost-effectively, without the need to purchase 100 individual plugins or hardware units.
Many multi-effects plugins, however, often share a recurring drawback. They offer numerous effects and are usually modular, but the selection remains limited to those included. Nuro Audio takes a different approach with its new Blockchain Ultra plugin, which is a multi-FX unit and an expanding ecosystem.
Nuro Audio Blockchain Ultra
Blockchain Ultra is a new multi-FX plugin for macOS and Windows. I’m not a big fan of the name because it triggers the crypto horror stories from years past for me. I really like the GUI, though, because it allows you to see the essentials and the effects.
According to Nuro Audio, Blockchain Ultra utilizes a new Fluid DSP technology that enables developers to implement more functionality, greater power, and yet remain lighter on the CPU.
There are two versions, giving you either 32 or 87 effects and over 300 ready-to-use multi-FX preset chains to explore. It features a wide range of effects, including:
- saturators for everything from subtle warmth to complete chaos
- creative LoFi FX for versatile tape, vinyl, and noise effects
- resampling FX (analog/digital) for instantly creative textures
- granular FX for chops, reverses, and delays,
- dynamic exciters for hyped highs and massive subs
- creative reverbs & delays, including shimmer, space delay, space verb
- pristine clippers for instantly massive tracks
- natural stereo wideners and creative stereo imaging FX.
- iconic chorus (Roland Juno chorus)
- track limiters
- multiband FX, such as multi-clip and multiband stereo tools, and more.
- modulators, compressors, tone shapers, dynamic tools, and much more.
But that’s not all. Unlike many multi-FX processors, Blockchain Ultra is an ecosystem that will grow in the future. Booster Packs allow the effects engine to be expanded with 12 new effects. This way, you buy the effects you actually need.
On the technical side, you can freely load up to effects modules in a signal path. Then, it’s possible to modify the signal path and use parallel or serial processing. Plus, there is a dry/wet mix control.
It appears that the plugin, in its current version 1.0, does not offer a modulation engine. To modulate parameters, one would then have to use DAW automation.
First Impression
At first glance, Blockchain Ultra appears to be a very creative and powerful multi-FX processor. I appreciate that the plugin will continue to evolve with the addition of more algorithms in the future, even if only at an additional cost.
Speaking of price: it’s a bit too high for me, especially in the currently saturated plugin market. Since the developers are already on iOS, I hope a mobile version will also be released.
Nuro Audio Blockchain is available now in two versions and runs as. VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
The standard version, with 32 modules and over 150 presets, is $99.99 (reg. $159,99), and the Ultra version with 87 modules and over 300 presets is $199,99 (reg. 259,99).
Individual Blockchain Booster Packs with 12 all-new modules will be available for $49,99 each.
More information here: Nuro Audio
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