Focusrite's new Plug-in Collective offer featuring Acustica Audio's Cream2
Focusrite’s latest Plug-in Collective community giveaway is a stunning convolution-based vintage channel strip emulation from acclaimed Italian developer Acustica Audio. Between March 25th and May 27th, all Plug-in Collective members can download Cream2 – which normally retails for €199 – for free.
Built on Acustica’s proprietary Acqua Engine convolution technology, Cream2 recreates a truly iconic collection of British valve and solid-state hardware, manufactured between the late 1950s and early ’70s, and deployed at one of the most famous studios in the world for the production of some of the most timeless albums ever made. Four VST/AU/AAX plug-ins are included: a preamp, a compressor, a four-band EQ and a complete channel strip comprising all three modules in a single effect. All are available in both Standard and ZL versions, the latter delivering zero-latency performance for tracking, at the expense of CPU overhead.
Cream Pre offers a choice of transistor-based line/mic and tube-based tape deck preamplifier emulations, for a variety of sonic styling. The Cream Comp compressor comes in transistor and vari-mu valve variants, and features an external sidechain input and dry/wet mix control. Cream EQ, meanwhile, models two classic console equaliser circuits, and consists of Bass, Treble, Presence and Magic bands, the last switching between various different responses, including bass and loudness boost.
With its warm, musical sound, and the ability to mix and match vintage circuits within and between modules, either independently or in the main Cream Channel Strip, Cream2 puts some of the most revered consoles and tape decks in the history of recorded music right at the heart of your DAW. It’s just the thing for bringing a touch of analogue class to any in-the-box production.
“This month we’re teaming with Acustica Audio for the first time. An exciting company based out of Italy, they’re offering their very powerful channel strip, Cream2,” comments Plug-in Collective Product Manager Jonathan Campbell. “Cream2 is modelled on some old and iconic British-built hardware that I’ve found to really give an extra element of warmth to my mixes. This powerful tool definitely serves as the icing on the cake in many situations, and any producer will get that extra 5% from it!”
Plug-in Collective members can get their free download code for Cream2 from their Focusrite account from March 25th to May 27th.
Plug-in Collective is a community hub that brings you, Focusrite and the most innovative software brands together. If you want to find great virtual instruments and effects, keeping up to date with the constant stream of new releases is essential, and Plug-in Collective makes it easy, with regular free software downloads and generous discounts on high-end plug-ins. To join Plug-in Collective, simply register any Focusrite hardware product, then look out for a new offer every couple of months. No one else works with software manufacturers like Focusrite does to bring you inspirational tools for your next production.
