Plugin Boutique are soon to release VirtualCZ, which they describe as a new plug-in inspired by an iconic series of digital synthesisers made in the 1980s.

A spokesperson told us, "VirtualCZ uses Phase Distortion - which is similar to FM Synthesis but easier to program! It can make great pads, leads, bass, percussion and RAVE ORGAN sounds that will fit into a wide variety of genres.

Many people fondly remember the CZ synths and they have become retro-classics that are highly sought after, having been used on countless techno, house, rave and synth-pop records in the late 80s and early 90s. Lots of artists still use them today for their unique sounds.

The synthesis engine of the original hardware is modelled in the plug-in which can load and transmit CZ SYSEX patches, but the plug-in goes beyond the hardware to offer new sound possibilities and usability features. It's much more fun to edit, since all the important synthesis parameters have their own control. It includes things not found on the originals such as switchable envelope generators (ADSR or 8-Stage MSEG) and Unison modes."

Developed by Oli Larkin with graphics by Philippe Decuyper, VirtualCZ will ship with a library of presets offering both retro and modern sounds by Plugin Boutique's sound designers and artists.

VirtualCZ comes in VST2, VST3, Audiounit and AAX plug-in formats plus as a Standalone app for Mac and PC.

Key Features

• Recreates the unique synthesis engine of the CZ synths (it models the flagship CZ-1 but does all the other ones too!)
• Works as a SYSEX editor/librarian for all CZ hardware as well as an emulation
• 2 CZ Phase Distortion oscillators per voice (each has 8 wave shapes, which can be different for alternate cycles)
• 6 loop-able envelope generators per voice (switchable between easy-to-use ADSR and powerful CZ-style 8-Stage MSEG modes)
• Tempo sync-able LFO for vibrato, with 7 shapes
• Ring Modulation and Noise Modulation
• 32 voice polyphonic/mono/legato modes
• Unison and detuning effects
• Stereo panning effects
• Microtonal tuning support
• Vintage stereo chorus/ensemble effect
• Randomization of parameters
• Easy to use interface (all key synthesis functions accessible on the front panel)
• Includes over 200 high quality presets plus ability to load thousands of CZ patches online
• Presets come in multiple formats: fxp/aupreset/vstpreset/tfx
• Import/export presets for all plugin formats
• Optional cross-format preset browser
• Available for Mac and PC in VST2, VST3, AU and AAX plug-in formats plus standalone app

Pricing and Availability:
Available to purchase mid September 2014 exclusively from Plugin Boutique for an introductory price of  $99 / £59.

More information:

• www.pluginboutique.com

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