5.1 Surround plugins by TonyB.

(made with Synthedit)

Latest additions : New versions compatible with Cubase 4 and Nuendo 4

Important Change : 

Due to a lack of web space I have had to take the old versions of these plugins offline, so that I could make available the new Cubase 4 / Nuendo 4 package.

I will keep the old versions on my PC - so just email me if you need them.

I have edited this page to avoid confusion - only those plugins available in the new download package are shown and explained below.

Here is a link to the new package
(16 Meg zip)

This page is the closest thing to a help file - save it for future reference if needed.
If you need help, try emailing me with any problems. & Don't forget a small donation would be appreciated - 4000 hits on this page and not a penny so far !!

Contents : (see more details below..)

JDQ (Frippertronics in 5.1)
RoTaToR (Image rotation & Merging)
5.1 Channel Delay (Time alignment)
SixChannelEcho (SixChanWide echo unit with pingpong)
SmFx (ADT, chorus, warmer, filter, echo all with separate quad-panned outputs)
5.1 Router (mixer/switcher)
BMan (Bass manager)
Sap (Surround Auto Panner)
ESap (Sap with dual delay modules)
NW Panner (Static pan re-router)
QuadrupalDelay (4 echo units with separate pannable outputs)
ScatterDelay (reverb-like multiple panned echoes)
S-Chorus (8 pannable chorus units, stereo in, fat out)
SteeringOptimizer (AutoTriggered rotator)
SubMix6b (6 wide channel mixer/muter)

5.1 Channel Delay :- Built to solve a problem for a Cubase forum member, this plugin simply allows any of the six channels -  in a 5.1 channel, group or bus - to be delayed by a small amount for time alignment purposes.

Time mode can be mS, seconds or samples.

Six Channel Echo :- I wanted an tempo synced echo unit that is 6 channels wide... that could be inserted in a 5.1 group, and the resulting echoes would keep the original surround "image" intact. (Therefore all 6 channels, including sub and C needed sample synced delay units).
As it caused no extra cpu load, I added switches to disable certain channels, and a ping pong switch that criss-crosses the feedback paths in various ways. 
The feedback paths go via a LP/HP/BP/BR filter, with Resonance (careful with high feedback values, if resonance is used).

There is no help file with this one, as it's fairly straight forward. Max delay is 5 secs.
Right click plugins' gui for extra info.

SMfx is a chain of effects for taking a mono/stereo signal (like a rhythm guitar) and making it sound like many different instruments, all with their own surround panners. The signal flow is left to right. Help txt included in the zip file.

Rotator is for rotating the surround image around the listener, but this one uses all 5 main speakers. Image can be brought inwards towards the listener. See included txt help file for full details.

Scatter Delay is a cross between a reverb and an echo. Made from 22 delay units, 16 of which have their outputs panned around (and over) the listener. Can be very reverb-like, or more like a room early reflection/echo.

Quadruple Delay is a bit like Steinbergs' Double Delay - but in surround. Four tempo synced echo units, each with its' own surround panner. Feedback can be filtered, and an LFO is included which adds detune to the echos for a chorus-like effect. 

SubMix6b Little mixer that sits in a surround channel or group and allows you to easily adjust the levels of the separate channels within. The "b" version allows muting & storing mute pattern presets. 

S-Chorus for all your spreading needs !! 8 separate chorus/phaser/flanger units each of which has its own static quad panner (also routable to Center speaker). Takes a stereo or mono input (especially good with pads, of course) and spreads it all around.... here's a screenshot..

Please note, that wherever I mention using these plugins in a surround group, it is also possible to play a mono or stereo wave file on a 5.1 track, and insert the plugin directly into the tracks' insert effect slot.

It's much easier to set up, too.

JDQ - Jam delay quad

Do you know Frippertronics ?? Two tape decks at opposite ends of the room, the first records, the second plays back around 20 secs later, feeds back into the first, and so on. An excellent (and fun) way of building up unusual textures using guitar or keyboards.

JDQ does this in surround. And tied to Cubase's tempo too.

The original signal can be passed thru to any of the 5 main speakers. The repeats come (up to 32 bars later) from each speaker in turn. The "Feedback" knob controls the input level to the next delay unit inline.
After delays 2, 3 & 4 have done their stuff, the signal is sent back to delay 1, via the reGen knob.

The result is, if you use it in the way is was intended, the original guitar comes out of the center speaker, then (a number of) bars later, front right, then back right, then back left, then (regen) front left... and around again.

Max delay, between delays, is 20 Secs.
Bar sync is automatic.

Put the plugin into a 5.1 group. Send the mono (use center input) or stereo (use L/R input) signal to this group.
There are many options to play with.
Most are obvious.

Unusual is the "Bum Note Blocker" which, with some practice, will allow you to catch those playing errors that can normally ruin a nice loop, before it gets into the repeat cycle.

AutoMute just causes the echos to stop whenever Cubase does.

The low pass filter (LPF) is actually 4 low pass filters - one in every delay to delay link. This allows simulation of the Frippertronics "loose a bit of quality on every pass" feature !!

Although meant primarily for Frippatronics type work, much shorter delay times can be used too - allowing JDQ to work as an automatic Quadrupal Tracker, or just a nice quad echo unit.

Have fun with it !!

Tony@CubaseLessons.co.uk

Have fun - don't forget to email me, and send me a small donation, if you want to receive updates of these plugins.

Many thanks to the Synth Edit guys for their excellent program, and Steinberg for the Vsti technology.

(and again to Steinberg for linking to my site from their "useful links" section in the SX & Nuendo forums).

Shareware. Use at your own risk. If you like them, and use them a lot, email me for any updates, and I will tell you how you can send me a small amount of money (£ 10 for the lot will suffice).

Visitors: