Kontakt version available NOW!
Best of VFX
synth pop icon of the 80’s & 90’s
Best of VFX is a collection of custom-sampled virtual instruments wrapped in a new interface for MainStage/Logic and Kontakt - crafted from the ground up to evoke the unmistakeable synth pop sounds of the Ensoniq VFX, popular from the late-80s through the early 90s.
On the heels of the Roland D-50 - the first synth to feature built-in high-quality effects - the VFX had its own unique sound and could easily produce slick, production-ready sounds right out of the box. Like most Ensoniq keyboards, it had a very airy, hi-fi character but with a characteristic punch not found elsewhere. As with DX Dreams, the raw sounds were recorded with extreme attention to detail through British 1073-style preamps and/or various analog tape models, so you get those iconic sounds captured with the best sonic presentation possible.
As a smaller niche instrument, Best of VFX comes with 20 custom source sounds that cover the “must-have” flavors of this synth, and it will be expanded with additional content over time.
MainStage/Logic version FEATURES
Over 850 MB of meticulously sampled content all sourced from a pristine Ensoniq VFX
Stunning production-ready sounds sampled through the hit-making hardware of the 80s & 90s: 1073-style preamps, various analog tape models, built-in effects from the VFX
Includes 3 custom reverb impulses from the AMS RMX16: the unmistakeable non-linear reverb that was a crucial ingredient in so many 80s/90s hits
Built from the ground up for uncompromising performance in a live setting without the CPU/RAM penalties, authorization issues, and other hassles of 3rd party plugins
Modular rack paradigm featuring realtime control over major sound shaping aspects that weren’t available on the original hardware: each module has independent controls for volume, coarse and fine tune, solo & mute, 3 effects sends, and chorus effects that emulate the classic Dimension D and Juno chorus circuits
A dedicated Logic Pro demo session with pre-mapped FX buses for auditioning all patches so they sound identical to the MainStage versions
A new TouchOSC controller file designed to correspond to all onscreen controls, including the newly updated “main channel” page
Kontakt version now available - click here
MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Mac OS Mojave (10.14.6) or greater
MainStage 3.4.3 or higher. All content loads in Logic Pro as well; version 10.5.0+ recommended
2 GB free space for downloaded & installation; 855 MB installed
SSD (solid state drive) for sample streaming
Although it will run on lesser systems, a quad core i7 with 16 GB RAM & dedicated graphics processor is recommended for best performance
RECOMMENDED FOR FULL FUNCTIONALITY
An 88-note keyboard controller
Any iPad (9” or larger, all the way back to first generation) running TouchOSC
Free TouchOSC Bridge utility running on Mac
FAQ
Q: Is Backstage Pass or DX Dreams required to use Best of VFX?
A: No! Best of VFX is a completely separate, standalone product with its own interface (for MainStage). However, Best of VFX is part of the BackStage Pass “ecosystem” so it will integrate perfectly with those other libraries in whatever way you want. You can import patches between any of these libraries, or your own MainStage/Logic sessions. So, while those other libraries are NOT required, they really compliment each other - and they are required if you want to use the forthcoming “combo” patches.
Q: Can I open Best of VFX sounds in Backstage Pass, DX Dreams, or vice-versa?
A: Absolutely! Each BackStage Pass instrument has its own unique interface for MainStage that’s designed for live performance. However, the sounds themselves are shared with Logic Pro, and are completely interchangeable. You can create any combination of sounds you can imagine; you can also load any of them into your other MainStage templates. The forthcoming Kontakt versions can of course be loaded into any DAW on either Mac or Windows.
Q: Is there a Kontakt version?
A: Yes, click here. While all BackStage Pass instruments are developed in MainStage because of its advantages for live performance, the Kontakt versions can be used in any DAW, on both Mac or Windows. The custom GUI and performance environment will always be exclusive to MainStage, but the sounds themselves are identical in Kontakt.
Q: Can I use Best of VFX in Logic, ProTools, or another DAW?
A: See the previous answer re: Kontakt. Logic and MainStage share a common library, so Logic users can natively open any of the Best of VFX files (channel strips, sampler instruments, patches, etc.). Best of VFX also includes a custom Logic demo session with all sounds loaded so you can hear them as intended.
Q: Where can I hear demos of Best of VFX?
A: See the videos below!
Q: I have another question…
A: Happy to help! Get in touch using the Contact form - click here.
DEMO
Note: everything in this video (other than drums & percussion) is from “Best of VFX.” What you hear is what you get - including the demo Logic session itself!