effects
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Boss VE-22 Vocal Performer is the latest high-powered effects pedal for singers
The Boss VE-22 Vocal Performer puts a studio's worth of effects at a singer's feet, including pitch correction and harmonization.
Arturia's instruments and effects are 50 percent off until December 6th
Arturia's instruments and effects are 50 percent off during a Black Friday sale that lasts until December 6th.
IK Multimedia debuts guitar effects pedals based on its AmpliTube software
IK Multimedia has created a set of digital guitar effects pedals based on its AmpliTube modeling software.
Hector is a virtual modular synth you can put in your real modular synth
Hector is essentially a Poly Effects Digit and Beebo modular guitar pedal, but in a 30 HP Eurorack module.
Arturia's JUN-6 is a free chorus plugin based on the iconic Juno synth
Arturia’s new V Collection 8 added a recreation of the iconic Juno-6, so in the spirit of the holiday season (and a dash of self promotion), the company is giving away a free version of the chorus effect from that plugin until December 29th.
MOD Duo X review: A do-it-all music box with potential
The MOD Duo X is a one-of-a-kind desktop effects processor that has the potential to do even more. It's excellent for building virtual pedalboards, but its synth features still feel unfinished. If you’re looking for an all-in-one device that can be a multi-effects unit, a direct recording box, a headphone practice amp and a live sound mangler the Duo X is a solid choice, as long as you’re willing to spend the $749.
Watch VFX bring Westworld's dystopian LA to life
Watch how VFX team DNEG created the dystopian land of 'Westworld.'
Cooper FX's multi-effect guitar pedal uses tiny cartridges
Get 32 different effects from just four cartridges.
ZOIA review: A complex and rewarding modular effects pedal
Empress Effects ZOIA is unquestionably a one-of-a-kind effects pedal. Its interface can be daunting at times, but it puts an almost limitless number of sounds at your feet.
See how VFX artists included Carrie Fisher in 'The Rise of Skywalker'
Whatever your opinion on Rise of Skywalker, we can probably all agree that its effects were pretty impressive -- not least because of the seamless inclusion of Carrie Fisher's scenes. The iconic Leia actress had only recorded a small amount of footage before she passed away. Now, the studio behind the film's VFX, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), has released a short video showcasing exactly they did it, as well as the work that went into other major scenes, such as the final space battle and Rey's jump over the TIE Silencer. Take a look below, although if you've somehow avoided seeing the movie yet, be aware that the video contains minor spoilers.
Finally: A guitar pedal you’re supposed to spill beer on
I'm not going to pretend to be an expert on the history of guitar pedals. But, I'm fairly confident in saying there has never been a pedal quite like Rainger FX's Minibar. It's an overdrive pedal, but one that requires a little something extra to work -- a liquid. There's a small container on the top that says "pour liquid here" and, until you put something in there it simply wont make a sound.
Adobe brings Photoshop tricks directly to your smartphone camera
Adobe has showed off a preview of a new app called Photoshop Camera at its Adobe Max conference that brings Photoshop editing tricks and AI directly to your smartphone's camera. Like most camera apps, you can use it to capture, edit and share photos on social media networks. However, it also brings powerful Photoshop-grade tools, along with automatic AI adjustments, custom lenses and other tricks.
TikTok-owner Bytedance reveals its first smartphone
The rumored smartphone by TikTok's owner ByteDance is now available. The Nut Jianguo Pro 3 is ByteDance's first smartphone. It's a continuation of work by the Chinese phone maker Smartisan (which partially explains the name), and it's being released under the Smartisan brand.
Instagram's new Story camera makes it even more like Snapchat
Ever since its arrival in 2016, the Instagram Stories feature has had a very familiar look and feel compared to Snapchat. Today Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced that it's rolling out an updated camera with easier to browse effects and filters that are easier to sort through -- apparently they still have energy left after killing the "Following" feed and adding Dark Mode. It still looks a lot like Snapchat, although maybe you'll find it more unique than we did. There are other new features too, like a "Create" mode where you can play around with the interactive stickers without taking a picture first, and you can even use a GIF as the background for your next Story post. The features are live now, so make sure you're the first one on your timeline to use them.
Prepare yourselves for a deluge of new AR filters on Instagram
As of today, anyone can create AR filters and effects for Instagram. Facebook has opened Spark AR -- the tool responsible for pretty much every AR experience you've encountered across Facebook's products -- to the Instagramming public.
Microsoft Mixer streams now support Lightstream Studio effects
Microsoft's Twitch competitor Mixer makes livestreaming pretty straightforward thanks to a broadcast feature built directly into Xbox One and Windows 10. However, if you want to make your streams looks a bit more polished with effects and overlays, things can get complicated. Today, the company is announcing a new partnership with Lightstream Studio, which will help streamers give their broadcasts a professional visual edge.
Fender's Mustang GT amps pack an overkill of digital options
Playing the electric guitar in a cover band can be complex. You need to be able to sound like a wide range of different guitar players, each with their own distinct sound -- much of which is based on their unique amplifier and effects profile. The Fender Mustang GT series of amplifiers, consisting of 40-, 100- and 200-watt models, aims to squeeze a range of classic Fender sounds into a single digital cabinet. Imagine being able to sound like Prince, AC/DC and Chic in quick succession onstage without having to change out any of your gear. That's the Mustang GT promise, and -- for the most part -- Fender succeeds. With a full-featured set of pre- and post-effects modules, customizable presets and a deep catalog of amplifier emulation available, Fender has made it pretty easy to sound however you want, provided you're OK with a solid-state sound rather than a tube-based one.
Giphy Cam finally lets you make GIFs from videos
Giphy Cam, the app that lets you become a master GIFs-man (or woman, it doesn't discriminate) has just released its first major update. Before, users were only able to create GIFs using the native camera, either capturing 10 second full-motion clips or 5-shot bursts that are then stitched-together. Now users can import photos and videos from their camera rolls. What's more, people are able to trim their clips, apply more than one filter to the GIF and add text, giving their creations even more personality. Giphy Cam is still only available on iOS devices with no mention of when it'll cross platforms. In the meantime, Android users will have to rely on the Giphy bank of pre-made GIFs to express their animated points.
Giphy Cam wants to be the Instagram of GIFs
Everybody loves a good animated GIF but they're just such a pain to create from a mobile device. Or rather, they were a pain to create on mobile devices now that Giphy's new mobile camera app is available. The Giphy Cam is a free iOS app that allows users to create and share animated gifs as easily they do overproduced shots of their lunches.
See how digital effects put the spectacle into 'Game of Thrones'
Game of Thrones has a healthy $6 million-per-episode budget, but that's still nothing compared to the average Michael Bay blockbuster -- especially for the special effects needed to fill in the magic (and gore). That's where the creativity of effects house Mackevision comes in. If an epic shot can't be done "practically" in camera, characters are filmed against a green screen or threadbare set. Then, elements like terrain, castles, crowds of soldiers and even CG water are added. As you can see in the video below, with a touch of artful compositing, lighting, shading and color-timing, the result is a seamless final shot. If there's any money left over, they may even add a dragon or three.
