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D16 Group turns 18 | why you should know the best music software company around
Introduction to D16 Group Audio Software
Established on the innovative premise of creating high-quality virtual instruments and effects, D16 Group Audio Software has been a prominent figure in the music software industry since its inception on February 22, 2006. Celebrating 18 years of creativity and development, D16 Group stands as a testament to the enduring value and impact of audio software innovation.
The journey from a fledgling company to becoming a respected name amongst producers and musicians worldwide is marked by their unwavering commitment to excellence. With each passing year, D16 Group solidifies its reputation, not just as another entity in the market, but as a pioneer in music software emulations. Their dedication to replicating classic synthesizers and drum machines has garnered both acclaim and a loyal user base.
Their milestone of reaching 18 years resonates deeply within the music production community. It reflects not only longevity but also the sustained relevance of their products in an industry that is constantly evolving. Their significance as a pioneer cannot be overstated; through their emulations, D16 Group has bridged the gap between vintage analog sounds and modern digital convenience, enabling artists to craft timeless music with cutting-edge technology.
For more on their journey and contributions, visit D16 Group Audio Software.
The Impressive Product Lineup of D16 Group
D16 Group stands out in the digital audio industry with a comprehensive array of virtual instruments and effects, catering to a broad spectrum of musical needs. From lush synthesizers to intricate drum machines, each product showcases D16's commitment to quality and sound authenticity.
Virtual Instruments
D16 Group offers a range of virtual instruments that capture the essence of iconic hardware. Here's just a few of them.
The quality is insane:
- Phoscyon 2: A detailed emulation of the classic TB-303 bass line
- Nepheton 2: Recreates the iconic TR-808 drum machine
Lush 2: A polyphonic synthesizer reimagining the legendary monosynth SH101 as a layered, rich powerbox
Effects
Also D16 Group's VST effects plugins are unique sonic shapers that go beyond the ordinary:
- Decimort 2: One of the best high-quality bit crushers I know for achieving lo-fi textures
- Toraverb 2: A versatile space-modulated reverb for creating unique ambiances
The significance of these tools extends beyond mere replication. They serve as essential resources in the creative toolkit of modern musicians and producers. D16 Group's instruments and effects are not only praised to inject genuine vintage character into contemporary music production, more often than not, their products offer new dimensions of sonic exploration with extensive feature lists which go well beyond their original counterparts.
Look out for their bundled packages, bringing together complementary tools at a more accessible price point. For more information on their full product range, visit D16 Group's official website.
Quite a few companies are trying to make this claim, but D16 Group truly form an integral part of music creation worldwide.
Synthesizer Software Excellence: Exploring D16 Group's throw at the legendary SH-101 with luSH-101
When it comes to synthesizer software, the SH-101 VST emulation by D16 Group is a standout choice for many music producers. It is not only a perfect recreatoin of the iconic hardware synth known as the Roland SH-101, which has played a significant role in electronic music history. The acclaimed music making site gearnews puts it brilliantly:
The [ LuSH-101 softsynth ] is no longer a monosynth at all, but rather a multitimbral polysynth with expansions in almost every avenue possible [ ... ] This incredible softsynth puts the original SH-101 on steroids.
Unlike the original, or any other SH-101 clone for that matter, luSH-101 can produce anything rangeing from ambient pads over reed bass to agressive leads. It's pretty crazy.
Listen to a few examples here:
The Legacy of the Roland SH-101
The original Roland SH-101 synthesizer gained popularity for its distinctive analog sound and user-friendly interface. Artists and musicians embraced its versatility, using it to create everything from basslines to lead melodies.
However, finding and maintaining a well-preserved SH-101 can be challenging and expensive. Also, as with any vintage piece of gear, times have changed, and so have music producers and their expectations of what they believe top music tools should deliver. Therefore, sometimes the original feels dauntingly limited and at times even unreliable. Not so with their software emulations!
The importance of the SH-101 is clear from the line-up of the greatest music producers in electronic music. These stars are known to use the original beast: Nitzer Ebb, Aphex Twin, Vince Clarke of Erasure, Paul Frick from Tangerine Dream, Future Sound of London, Orbital, Überzone, The Prodigy, 808 State, The Grid, Eat Static, Jimmy Edgar, Apollo 440, Devo, Union Jack, Luke Vibert, Dirty Vegas, Skinny Puppy, Pig, MSTRKRFT, Josh Wink, Depeche Mode, The Crystal Method, Astral Projection, Les Rythmes Digitales, Squarepusher, KMFDM, Freddy Fresh, Lab-4, Jimmy Dickinson of Little Angels, The Chemical Brothers, Boards of Canada, The Knife and many others.
Impressive...
D16 Group's Approach: Honoring the Past, Embracing the Future
D16 Group took on the task of bringing the SH-101 experience into the digital realm with their VST plugin. They meticulously studied every aspect of the original hardware, ensuring that their software version captured its essence accurately. At the same time, they added new capabilities that enhance its functionality for modern music production.
Key Features and Capabilities:
The guys from D16 saved time nor energy to make their Lush into their best ever softsynth. This VST received every possible expansion in any possible direction you can think of. We'll dig into Lush in another article, but here are some basic and evident features that make the SH-101 VST an exceptional choice for any serious music producer:
- Authentic Sound: The SH-101 VST faithfully reproduces the warm and vibrant tones of its hardware counterpart. It's truly like having a vintage synthesizer inside your computer
- Extended Modulation: While staying true to the original design, D16 Group expanded on the modulation options available. This allows users to explore more sound possibilities beyond what the physical instrument offered
- Integrated Arpeggiator and Sequencer: With these built-in tools, you can easily create intricate patterns and sequences to enhance your compositions. They provide endless inspiration for your musical ideas
- Versatile Connectivity: The plugin seamlessly integrates with your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), supporting MIDI input and automation for all parameters. This makes it convenient to incorporate the SH-101 VST into your existing workflow
- Multitimbral Polysynth (!): D16 Group turned their flagship synth into an armada of sound shaping possibilites. Just the mere fact that you get no less than 8 SH-101s layered on top of each other is pure madness. If you know what a beast the SH-101 already is, just imagine getting 8 on top of each other.
You just can't go wrong with this one, and honestly there is nothing comparable on the market either.
It flatters the guys from D16 Group that they had the balls to turn such a legend in a software icon in its own right. Not only because of the sheer difficulty in getting this daunting task done, but also because developing this softsynth VST wasn't an easy thing to sell in the market when it was released. As you can imagine, layering 8 SH-101s on top of each other, with arpeggiators, FX chains, and a whole chain of modulators, came at a high CPU usage cost.
The guys from D16 Group were basically ahead of their time, and you could argue they released it too early. The market wasn't ready for this monster. Luckily enough, nowadays, this poses less of a problem, and with quantum computers leering from around the corner, this is no longer going to be an issue at all.
Elevating Rhythms with D16 Group's Cutting-Edge Drum Machine Emulators
Another iconic product the market wasn't ready for at the time: the drum computer.
It's strange to think of the history of the drum machine as one of a complete commercial disaster to what it has become, i.e. an essential tool in music production.
In a much later stage, as physical drum machines carved their niche in the 1980s, their digital counterparts, drum machine emulators, have become fundamental for producers seeking that classic sound with modern flexibility.
Again, D16 Group has been at the forefront of this evolution, creating emulators that not only mimic but often surpass the original hardware in versatility and sound quality.
Quick Overview of D16 Group's Flagship Drum Machine Plugins
In no way can we offer you an in-depth review of the D16 Group drum machines. We'll leave that for another article. For now, we can only state that D16 Group offers an array of drum machine plugins that cater to various production styles and preferences. Each plugin is meticulously designed to provide an authentic experience reminiscent of using a classic hardware drum machine.
- Nepheton: Emulating the legendary TR-808, Nepheton packs all the punch and boom associated with this iconic instrument. You get 17 fully synthesized instruments that deliver all the richness of the original
- Drumazon: Mirroring the equally famous TR-909, Drumazon gives you tight kicks, snappy snares, and crisp hi-hats. The step sequencer included is a powerful tool for creating dynamic rhythms
Nithonat: A tribute to the TR-606, Nithonat brings a boutique feel with its high-quality sounds and detailed control over tone shaping
These plugins not only replicate their respective legends but also expand upon them with contemporary production features like full MIDI control, integrated sequencers, and extensive editing capabilities.
Highlighting Unique Features and Benefits
The true value of D16 Group’s software lies in their attention to detail, the almost inhuman effort they took to take these already iconic drumcomputers to other heights and the much appreciated user-centric approach. Again, only meant as an introduction to these fantastic VST emulations, some standout features:
- Internal Sequencer: Each of these software drumcomputers comes with an internal sequencer that provides extensive editing options. You can manipulate your beats down to the finest detail without leaving the plugin interface. Even if the originals sound great, one of the absolute downturns would be their limited sequencing possibilities. Life is made so much easier for us, contemporary music makers!
- Randomizer: For instant inspiration, these drum machines include a randomizer function which can generate new patterns at the click of a button, offering endless creative possibilities
- Multiple Outputs: Flexibility is key in mixing drums; hence each instrument within the emulators can be routed to separate audio outputs for individual processing
- Full MIDI Support: Integration into modern workflows is seamless since every parameter is fully controllable via MIDI, allowing for deep automation and live performance manipulation
Users benefit from these features by gaining access to vintage sounds without the unpredictability or maintenance requirements of hardware. The ease-of-use factor is significant here; you can dial in complex rhythms and nuanced grooves without ever hitting a physical pad or turning a hardware knob.
Leveraging these powerful tools allows musicians to focus on creativity while relying on stable and high-fidelity software solutions. By infusing classic drum machine tones with modern production techniques, D16 Group ensures that producers have the best of both worlds at their fingertips.
The Legendary TB-303 Sound Reimagined: TB-303 Clone VST by D16 Group
Do we really need to tell you? No doubt we are kicking in open doors here 😁
The 303 acid bass sound is a cornerstone of electronic music, pulsing through genres like techno, house, and acid since the early '80s. After all these years the greatest still use this sound to bring an uncomparable level of excitement and acid madness to their tracks: from live performer Saytek (who actually told me he uses D16 Group's Phoscyon 2) to today's Belgian techno star Charlotte Dewitte.
This unmistakable squelch helped define this era's sound and will continue to influence music production tomorrow.
D16 Group recognized the need for an authentic replication of this iconic instrument and delivered it through their TB 303 clone vst which they baptized Phoscyon, and which was one of the first, if not the first, software emulation at this quality standard of Roland's famous and iconic acid machine.
D16 Group's Approach to Recreating the TB-303 Vibe
D16 Group meticulously analyzed the original hardware to produce a virtual instrument that not only emulates the distinctive tonal characteristics of the TB-303 but also offers modern enhancements for today's producers.
Their dedication to authenticity means you get:
- Analog Circuit Emulation: The virtual analog synthesis mimics the original silver box, producing warm and gritty bass lines, and dangerously acidic and screaming leads alike
- Sequencer with Classic Features: The step sequencer ensures you can craft those hypnotic patterns true to the 303 legacy, and adds all todays goodies of sequencing on top of it
- Extended Modulation Capabilities: While retaining the feel of the classic, this plugin goes beyond with added modulation features for expansive sonic exploration - read: you can make Phoscyon produce sounds you didn't know existed 🤯
Key Features Capturing the Essence of the Original Hardware
The Phoscyon TB 303 clone VST stands out with a set of features designed to evoke nostalgia while propelling todays creative music producers forward. These include:
- Accurate Oscillator Tuning: Faithfully reproduced oscillator tuning provides that signature resonant scream
- Built-in Distortion Effect: The onboard distortion effect adds character and edge to your bass lines without needing external processing
- Intuitive Interface: You’ll navigate a user-friendly interface that streamlines workflow without compromising depth
Guidelines on Effectively Using the TB-303 Clone VST in Productions
We are coming with a more extensive handguide to get to that classic acid sound, and how to make great acid patterns for bass and leads. For now, to harness the full potential of this plugin, consider these tips:
- Start with Presets: Dive into the presets for instant access to classic 303 sounds and tweak from there
- Experiment with Slides and Accents: These signature articulations give life to sequences; don't hold back on using them liberally
- Layer Your Bass Lines: Pairing the tb 303 clone vst with other synths can yield rich textures and complex rhythms
The D16 Group TB 303 clone VST is more than a tribute; it's a tool that brings a piece of electronic music history into your productions with unparalleled authenticity. By integrating this plugin into your workflow, you open up a world where classic acid lines coexist with your own proper custom sound design.
This software emulation in its own right proves once again why D16 Group remains an essential player in music software innovation.
Enhance Your Tracks with Meticulously Modeled Effects Units
To add that final touch of polish to your music, D16 Group's effects plugins deliver authentic analog character, to name just a few (I know the names can sound a bit strange ; do see through this, they are worth it!):
- Decimort 2: One of the best bit crusher and sample rate reducers that adds vintage flavor to any audio source ; we'll talk about this one in another article, that's for sure
- Antresol: Based on the iconic bucket brigade device (BBD) analog delay, it offers warm echoes and modulation options
- Toraverb 2: An extremely versatile reverb plugin capable of creating anything from subtle ambience to vast spaces - worth checking out!
Catering to the DJ Community: D16 Group's Best Software for DJs
In the fast-paced world of electronic music, DJs are always on the lookout for tools that can bring something new and exciting to their performances. They need software that they can rely on, whether they're playing at a small club or a huge festival. You don't just need that great and authentic sound. You want to be able to create a sound that becomes yours.
I believe that D16 has been underrated by younger producers especially, probably because D16 doesn't make so much marketing noise, and they have been meticulously building their path to the widely recognized niche position they have now.
In any way, my reasoning is that as a music producer, picking up a relatively unkown software house is probably the best starting point to make your own, recognizable sound.
Also: once you get to that sound, you want to be able to build your own library with sounds, patches and settings. You don't want to be fiddling with buttons that have no memory settings! That's where products like those form D16 Group come in beautifully.
Understanding What DJs Need
DJs today have specific requirements when it comes to software:
- Versatility: They need software that can handle different styles of music, if not their own custom style
- Reliability: Nothing is worse for a DJ than having their software crash in the middle of your creative process. We've all been there, and you want a solid partner to get you the tools that no longer have children's diseases in them, and have been tested extensively over the years
- Intuitiveness: When you're really performing real-time (I hope you are, it's so much more fun than penciling in notes in a sequencer canvas!), there's no time to stop and figure out how to use a complicated piece of software. As a DJ you need tools that you can pick up and start using right away
- Features: Finally, you want software that gives you lots of options for creating unique sounds and effects
I'd recommend D16 for any use
- Live Performance: One of the great things about D16 Group's plugins is that they're designed to be used in real-time. This means that DJs can use them to add their own personal touch to their sets, whether it's by creating new basslines, layering drum patterns, or tweaking effects on-the-fly
- Sound Design: For DJs who also produce their own music, D16 Group's software can be a valuable tool for sound design. The ability to customize drum sounds or create unique synth patches can help them develop their own signature sound
- Studio Production: Even if you're not a producer, there's still a place for D16 Group's plugins in your DJ sets. For example, you could use them to mix and arrange tracks in your preferred DAW (digital audio workstation), or record patterns from the emulators and manipulate them for live remixing
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, having the right tools can make all the difference in your DJ career. You have to have a look at these guys if you haven't already!
The Underrated Success: Unveiling D16 Group's Journey in the Music Software Sector
Recognition in the music software sector often depends on how popular a product is or if it's endorsed by famous people. But there's one company that has gained respect in a different way. Despite focusing on old-fashioned sounds and unique designs, D16 Group has earned a reputation among professionals and experts in the industry. They are known for making plugins that sound authentic and paying attention to even the smallest details in their software.
As stated above, the sheer perseverence of their developers to come with crazy-mad ideas such as an 8-layered SH-101 synth, kept them away from wider market adoption until recently, now that slowly but surely, CPUs are able to handle these beasts, and many music producers are becoming more tech savvy, and are not frightened to dive into the wealthy possibilities of sound design as the D16 products offer them.
Factors Contributing to Their Underestimated Status Despite Notable Achievements
Even though D16 Group has achieved a lot, there are some reasons why they are not as well-known as other companies:
- Niche Market Focus: D16 Group specializes in recreating pricy hardware with extreme accuracy, which limits their appeal to a specific group of people. They make tools for enthusiasts who want to create authentic sounds, but this narrow focus means they may not be noticed by the general public who prefer more mainstream products
- Marketing Strategy: Unlike big companies with lots of money for advertising, D16 Group seem to have chosen to invest in making their products better instead. They are not investing in online marketing, buying off customers with high CPAs. I don't know what their strategy is exactly, but they are clearly doing very well, and seem to thrive off the fact that if their plugins are truly good, people will talk about them and their business will grow naturally
You can probably tell from my enthousiastic tone of voice: I for one can affirm that once you have discovered D16 Group's plugins you are a loyal fan and you recommend their treasures to others. While they may not be as famous as some other companies, their influence on music production is undeniable.
The story of D16 Group shows us that success doesn't always mean being well-known by everyone. It's about finding a niche where your passion and dedication can make a lasting impact—an achievement that can't be measured by fame alone.
Embrace Innovation with D16 Group: The Future of Music Software
As D16 Group Audio Software celebrates 18 years as a pioneer in music software emulations, a lot of D16 Group adepts and music professionals watch with anticipation for what comes next. The company's journey showcases a commitment to innovation, quality, and an undeniably deep understanding of music production's past and future. So what should they build next? Let us know what you think.
Companies like D16 Group ensure that both legacy sounds and future sonic explorations continue to inspire and evolve. By supporting such innovators, you contribute to a vibrant ecosystem where technology serves creativity, allowing music to grow in unexpected and thrilling directions. Embracing D16 Group's offerings means standing at the forefront of audio innovation—where the reverence for classic tones meets the thrill of future possibilities.
Peace out people 🖖
BBJinx