New Gear Alert: Volt Interfaces by Universal Audio, Warm Audio’s WA-8000, Auto-Tune Slice & More

Universal Audio introduces the Volt USB audio interfaces.

With various sizes and configurations to suit any setup, Universal Audio debuts the Volt USB interfaces.

Featuring best-in-class sound quality, a Vintage Mic Preamp mode, built-in 76 Compressor in the 76 models, and a suite of included audio software, these all-new USB recording interfaces bring classic studio sound to Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone users.

The Volt’s Vintage Mic Preamp mode is inspired by the mic/line preamp in UA’s 610 tube console. A UA exclusive, Volt’s tube emulation circuitry allows you to dial in rich, full sound on vocals and instruments. The 76 Compressor is an innovative analog circuit based on UA’s iconic 1176—with easy-to-use presets for adding clarity and punch to voice, guitar, and other sources.

Volt is available in five different configurations to suit any application. Click here for pricing and further details.

Warm Audio unleashes the WA-8000.

Warm Audio pays homage to a tried and true classic microphone with the WA-8000.

The team at Warm Audio did not take lightly the task of bringing a microphone with this legacy to market. It was not enough to simply measure components and hit “print”—and that’s why the WA-8000 has a custom K-67 inspired all-brass capsule, carefully selected transformers from Lundahl Sweden, rigorously tested NOS tubes, and the most premium 7-pin cable solution available from Gotham Switzerland.

The WA-8000 is easily recognizable by its open top end, crystal clear midrange, and an uncanny ability to capture every detail of acoustic sources. While most commonly known for modern R&B, rap, and hip-hop, the WA-8000 gives you that unmistakable “airy” and polished sound associated with some of the most hi-fidelity recordings of the 90’s and beyond. The WA-8000 is a true studio workhorse equipped to capture any voice or acoustic instrument with elite results.

The WA-800 is available now, priced at $1,199.

Antares debuts Auto-Tune Slice.

Antares unleashes Auto-Tune Slice, a creative new take on the popular pitch correction software.

Auto-Tune Slice is a hybrid instrument that’s both a precision sampler and flexible synthesizer. Featuring an ever-expanding library of exclusive presets, advanced vocal transient detection, built-in effects, and Auto-Tune functionality, Auto-Tune Slice is the world’s most advanced vocal sampler.

Optimized for vocals—but equally effective for beats, instruments, and other audio—Auto-Tune Slice turns samples into manageable slices that automatically map to your MIDI controller. Auto-Tune Slice turns any sample into a playable instrument, enabling you to rearrange slices, create new phrases and patterns, and easily manipulate your sounds with 14 onboard effects.

Auto-Tune Slice is available exclusively with Auto-Tune Unlimited. Current Auto-Tune Unlimited subscribers have immediate access to Auto-Tune Slice at no extra cost. New subscribers can access Auto-Tune Unlimited for $24.99/month, or $18.74/month with paid annual subscription. A free 14-day trial is also available here.

Nembrini Audio releases the free Black Distortion plugin.

Nembrini Audio harnesses the unmistakable sonic footprint of a classic distortion pedal and delivers it in plugin format.

This responsive and highly versatile plugin is modeled on the RAT2 distortion pedal, making it ideal for rock, metal, grunge, stoner, punk, and many other classic guitar tones. Renowned for its versatility, the classic RAT2 is the go-to distortion pedal for many guitarist playing all sorts of different aggressive music.

Just like the pedal it is based on, the Black Distortion plugin features the legendary filter control. Turn it to the left to roll off brittle high-end frequencies, turn to the right for all the natural brightness of a guitar to shine through. With this free plugin, guitarists can dial in their perfect amount of gain, from mild overdrive to full-on fuzzy assault.

Check out an introductory video to the Black Distortion plugin here.

The Black Distortion plugin is available now for free.

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