Tone2 has released RayBlaster 3 update 3.5 with major engine overhauls for the impulse modeling Synthesizer plugin.
Over the past few months, Tone2 has updated several of its software synthesizers. Most recently, Nemesis was updated to version 3.1 and Icarus to version 3.2. Another plugin received a makeover today.
Tone2 has today released RayBlaster 3.5, a major update for the unique impulse modeling Synthesizer.
Update 3.5
The new update 3.5 is a free download for all Tone2 RayBlaster 3 users. This version doesn’t change anything about the innovative impulse modeling synthesis or add new features. Just like version 3.0, however, it overhauls many parts of the sound engine.
First, it significantly enhances the sound quality when 44 kHz or 22 kHz is used as the DAW’s samplerate. In this case, the aliasing is reduced by up to 12dB. Even better if you use it with 88 kHz or 176 kHz. Here, the aliasing is reduced by up to 20dB.
The FFT precision of the synthesis engines has also been enhanced, delivering more accurate waveform resampling. This includes a more precise interpolation of the oscillator impulses.
RayBlaster 3.5 also brings a major upgrade to the multi-FX, offering better effects like enhanced reverbs with stereo input, smoother rolloff, more detail, and more depth.
There are also better delays with reduced detuning as well as improved EQ, which now uses 64-bit processing. The upper midrange is less sharp in the EQ modes ‘Psychoacoustic+’, ‘High Boost’ and ‘Psychoacoustic’. The pre-voice distortion also benefits from an enhanced sound.
Alongside this, it comes with features for the patch browser: new color-coding, a scrollbar for the categories, and an additional EQ in the setup section. In this, you can also find a completely reworked factory library with 50 new sounds.
Mediocre sounds have been kicked to provide only top-quality content. You can download them from the website if you like, says Tone2.
Furthermore, it offers faster animations and a more precise layout of the small knobs and various GUI elements. Plus:
- Better default settings for the init patch.
- Better default parameters for various effects.
- Enhanced stability.
- The installer is smarter, and VST3 is installed with the default setting.
- Many small enhancements.
It’s great that the maintenance of the existing plugins continues.
Tone2 RayBlaster 3.5 is a free update for existing RB 3.0 users. Owners of RayBlaster 1 or 2 can upgrade with a discount.
More information here: Tone2
Available from my partner
Article from November 4, 2023
Are there forms of synthesis that don’t exist yet, or do we have everything we dreamed of in 2023 in hardware and software? Analog, VA, wavetable, FM, granular, additive, spectral… to name just a few. The number of options for designing sounds using synthesis is freaking impressive.
In 2010, Tone2 showed with the RayBlaster that there is still room for new synthesis concepts. I mention this because Rayblaster 3 is now available.
Tone2 RayBlaster 3
RayBlaster 3 uses the innovative Impulse Modeling Synthesis, or IMS for short. It generates its timbre using a convolution-based synthesis technique with impulse responses derived from many short samples.
In addition to built-in sources, users can load custom samples, in which the synthesis extracts the IRs. You can load in oscillator shapes, samples, or even filter responses, giving endless sonic possibilities. There are also resynthesis options and more. A very unusual synthesis with its own character.
The German developers now continue RayBlaster in version 3. There aren’t any major new features; it’s more of a complete overhaul of the plugin. So you don’t need to re-familiarise yourself with a different workflow. Everything stays the same.
New UI, Higher Sound Quality, And More
Let’s start with the visuals. The RayBlaster 3 GUI has received a significant revision and comes in 22 sizes, with and without keys. It now features ultrasharp graphics, hardware acceleration, and rescaling.
An excellent new feature is importing wav files by drag & drop on the wave display. This improves the workflow and reduces menu diving.
RB3 users can benefit from an upgraded sound engine. Tone2 promises a clearer, more transparent overall sound. More: “The synth sits better in the mix, especially when it’s combined with other instruments”.
The audio engine now uses 64-bit precision instead of 32-bit and offers higher resampling options up to 88 kHz sample rate.
Then, the effects section also received a major upgrade. No new algorithms, but the existing ones have been renewed. Including better reverbs (huge, small, ultra…), chorus, and delays with more precise interpolation.
There are also many enhancements:
- higher performance
- smoother animations and more responsive controls.
- more beautiful sectors for knob-modulation.
- reworked some tool-tips
- ….
First Impression
I’m happy that the “exotic” RayBlaster’s journey continues. It’s a shame that version 3 didn’t get any new features. It would certainly have been exciting to see how the engine would continue after ten years. Nonetheless, it’s a solid upgrade and, especially for RB users, a must-have.
Tone2 RayBlaster 3 is available now for an introductory price of $99/99€ instead of $199/199€. Existing users of RB1 or RB2 can upgrade for $29/29€. RayBlaster 3 runs as a VST, VST3, AU plugin, and a standalone app on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Tone2
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