Boz Digital Labs

The Cargo Cult Slapper
$139
(ST)/$339 (Surround)
Slapper is eight discrete delays in one plug, combined
in a clever, intuitive package that is easy to manipulate,
both in stereo and in surround. Each delay has controls for
level, timing, pan, feedback and damping (using a LP and
HP filter which narrows into a band-pass as you increase
the effect). The master out has a mix control and separate
HP and LP filters. The display gives you a graphic of each
delay and has a variable grid which can be set to different
musical values, or just to time or even prime numbers. If
you have selected it to sync mode then you can grab each
delay and pull into place on the grid – moving it up and
down affects level. Creating groovy rhythmic delays is a
doddle, as is creating great unusual spaces. Tape mode
means it varispeeds just like a tape machine and it has
great control surface integration so you can automate it
easily too. Its fast, intuitive interface and amazing spatial
and rhythmic capabilities make it essential for electronic
music and take you right through to extreme sound design.
http://thecargocult.nz
VERDICT 9.5
moves a long way into the realms of
reverb. Then there are seven further
effects: Phaser, Flanger, Chorus,
Frequency Shifter, Filter, Pitch
Shifter and Micro Pitch. The unit
can be in single or dual delay modes
and the FX can be in series or
parallel. It scores high on heavily
effected delays with colourful
modulations which sound amazing
when messed with further by the
effects section; but it’s equally at
home making a wide range of diffuse
reverberant effects with lots of
soundscaping possibilities. Fantastic
and very powerful.
https://www.native-instruments.com
VERDICT 9.3
McDSP
EC-300 $149
With the EC-300 you get three delay
types: Analogue, Digital and
Magnetic. Within the Magnetic and
the Analogue modes there are five
delay characters (clean, resonant,
warm etc) and in the Digital you get
straight delay or SIM mode which
gives you a huge list of simulated
loudspeakers from kids’ toys to
studio loudspeakers. Each delay type
comes with a large selection of
controls for modulation, feedback,
EQ, stereo width and offset, plus
things like saturation in the
Magnetic, bit depth in Digital and in
every type a dynamics section. The
results are excellent. It’s possible to
get incredibly authentic sounding
Magnetic and Analogue delays and
flanging/chorus effects and the
Digital side can go from the super
clean to the insane and distorted
but, because of those extra controls,
especially the dynamics and
modulation sections, you can
fine-tune to your heart’s content. A
great creative tool with multiple
sonic characters.
http://mcdsp.com
VERDICT 9.2
FM
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STUDIO ESSENTIAL!
Round-Up | Reviews
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FMU316.rev_roundup.indd 89 22/02/2017 15:32