Now in its public beta version, the Cableguys VolumeShaper 3 effect plugin adds useful new functions and tools, such as a sample-accurate oscilloscope, MIDI triggering, and more. You can use VolumeShaper 3 for shaping and automating the levels of any audio signal.

From signature pumping effects to extreme gating, from tempo-synced stutter to precise sample-shaping, VolumeShaper provides a wealth of creative musical effects with a visual approach to volume, Cableguys says.

The full list of features is listed below. New in version 3 of VolumeShaper is the precise oscilloscope for helpful visual control, plus an option to trigger the LFO via MIDI notes.

Cableguys VolumeShaper 3 features:

• Waveform editing — Draw waveforms with ease and precision. Create smooth bezier curves, peaks, cuts, and slopes using soft or hard breakpoints, producing gentle transitions or sharp bends in the waveform.


• LFO — Set it free-running, synced to the beat of your sequencer, or synced to the frequency of a note you’re playing, from long, evolving LFO lengths right up to the audible range.


• MIDI triggering (new) — VolumeShaper is an audio effect, but it can receive MIDI from your host sequencer or any virtual or physical MIDI port. For example, set it to retrigger the LFO when you play a note — perfect for defining the volume envelope of your synths and drum players. You can even set the LFO to the frequency of the note that you play.


• Oscilloscope (new) — A sample-accurate oscilloscope displays the incoming and processed audio signal, so you can see exactly where to draw the curve. Allows faster and more accurate edits.


• User-friendly design — All the controls are available within a single window, in a clear, neatly-organized design that still looks good after six solid hours in the studio. Version 3 features improved contrast and a fresh color scheme.


• Parameter automation — From LFO speed to waveform selection, everything can be automated. Our tip: Automate the shapes of the waveforms and breakpoint movements for dynamic effects.


• Exceptional sound quality — VolumeShaper computes the audio at a per-sample basis. Its LFO is interpolated with cubic interpolation and will always stay in sync, even when you make tempo changes in your host software, or jump ahead to different parts of your track.

The Cableguys VolumeShaper 3 beta plugin is now available for Mac and Windows (VST / AU / RTAS). VolumeShaper 2 is still available for $20, and the upgrade from version 2 to 3 is free of charge.

For more details, visit www.cableguys.de.