Slate Digital FG-X 1.1

The Press Desk at Gearslutz.com · 8th July 2010

Slate Digital FG-X 1.1 Available

Slate Digital has released the 1.1 version of their FG-X mastering processor. The updates include many enhancements that were in direct response to gearslutz members.

With the Fabrice Gabriel coded ITP 1.1, masters can now be pushed to commercial mastering levels while remaining punchy and clean. By lowering the ITP slider, any mix can be raised in level without distortion or crackling artifacts. Also updated is the Dynamic Perception control, which adds punch and impact to simulate the original mixes dynamics after the gain.

Users who demo'd the FG-X 1.0 version can redemo the new 1.1 update using the following ilok code:
5242-6481-1838-1506-4409-3974-7814-16

This is ONLY for users who have already used up their demo license. For new demo users, an ilok code will be emailed to you after downloading the FG-X 1.1 demo.

More on the FG-X:

The FG-X mastering processor consists of a world class mixbuss compressor and a new loudness enhancer based on a new technology called ITP, or Intelligent Transient Preservation. The ITP optimizes saturation curves for each transient of the mix, which ensures that the mix can be raised in level in the most transparent means possible.

For registered users of the FG-X who wish to update, please visit:
http://drumclassroom.net/customer-fgx/

You will be asked to enter your email, which will get you access to the new registered users area, where you can download FG-X 1.1.

bleen · 8th July 2010

So, as I asked in the other thread before it was locked, if I never redeemed my v1.0 license, will it still work for this update?

Steven Slate · 9th July 2010

I would just redownload the demo, and YES, use the ilok code you were given to activate it.

TGP · 9th July 2010

Works well here, I just updated my 1.0 version (full license). Eats up more CPU than before.

andre tchmil · 9th July 2010

Tiger ?

Ruud Unit · 9th July 2010

So I bought FG-X a few weeks back and just went to download the update....

"Download Area

Your downloads have been processed with the DAFS ANTIPIRACY system.

This system puts a digital fingerprint, also known as a watermark, on random files within the drum software before download, so that all software can be traced back to its original owner.
It is highly recommended that you use a download manager. This will ensure that you will be able to continue your downloads regardless of internet connection dropouts. A free download manager can be found at:"

HUH? Digital watermarking? Is this text included in error?

Fuzzhead · 9th July 2010

Hey Alex/Steven, I asked in the other thread where I can download the manual? The link provided a while back came up 404 unknown.

I probably wont download the demo until after next week when I record some drums (which I bought Trigger Platinum and an iLok for, I already own SSD Platinum), seeing as its quite a short demo period. I would like to give it a fair test against the other suspects.

Is it true you can render FG-X in real time in Reaper using the Online Render setting? I read that somewhere, that would make for better testing. I am a bit surprised its only 2 weeks and crippled...DSMs demo is 3 weeks and fully functioning, thats fair enough and more like the Slate credo imo (its already on an iLok). Reapers is the bomb (1 month uncrippled demo, only nags you after that) but nobody else equals that apart from freeware.

Shy · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruud Unit

HUH? Digital watermarking? Is this text included in error?

Yes, it's an error. This text is for their other products which have drum sample audio files.

BigJunk · 9th July 2010

I've been playing with the update for a bit over an hour.

This is a really really really powerful update. Did anyone find that you can actually push the mix about 2db hotter now? Like I mean with the new updated FGX I can get the same amount of punch at -8RMS as I could previously at -10RMS. Maybe I'm crazy as I can't compare them side by side. But I have a master I used the old version on and I just got its mix to -8RMS and its just as punchy as the one done with the older one which was -10RMS.

Either way, this is an amazing plugin and it appears to be even better with the update. Now it just makes the TC MD3 we have here sound silly. I also noticed that the ITP slider is more obvious sounding and is easier to set as well. Well done sirs.

Junk

MarsBot · 9th July 2010

When I enter my email and password, it takes me to a page with an "FG-X updates" link. When I click on that link I get an "error page not found" in both Safari and Firefox. Is this overload of that download page? What is a salivating sound junky to do?

Fuzzhead · 9th July 2010

nevermind I found the manual pdf after entering my email, thanks anyway

(btw typo page 5 bottom, FG Level section)

Quote:

You can adjust the gain range in the FG Level setting panel, and adjust the output but resolution with the dither options

ampwax · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarsBot

When I enter my email and password, it takes me to a page with an "FG-X updates" link. When I click on that link I get an "error page not found" in both Safari and Firefox. Is this overload of that download page? What is a salivating sound junky to do?

Same problem here. I guess I'll check tomorrow. Urgggg!!!!!

marchhare · 9th July 2010

Been using version 1.1 since Tuesday. I loved the old
version, but my problem with it was that I couldn’t get
the level I wanted without side effects like crackling
& mushyness on some tracks. With the new version,
that problem is no longer an issue. This thing is perfect
now. The gain range seems to have been revamped;
pushing it to +7 yields a mix that is as loud as I could
ever need, but without any bad artifacts. On the contrary,
it actually makes things sound better! Imagine that.
I’ve gotten so used to dreading what’s gonna happen to my mix once I have to make it louder, I never dreamed
it could be louder and actually sound better.
I don’t know if the metering has been changed, but it seems to be closer to the meter that I normally use now. To me, the best part of the FGX is the Dynamic Perception knob. It seems to make –10rms sound like –7, and it somehow does it without hurting your ears. I knew there was a reason I’ve been waiting for this since October of last year. Thank you Steve & Fabrice, it’s now every bit as good as all the hype that proceeded it. Hurry with the VCC!

Animus · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by marchhare

Been using version 1.1 since Tuesday. I loved the old
version, but my problem with it was that I couldn’t get
the level I wanted without side effects like crackling
& mushyness on some tracks. With the new version,
that problem is no longer an issue. This thing is perfect
now. The gain range seems to have been revamped;
pushing it to +7 yields a mix that is as loud as I could
ever need, but without any bad artifacts. On the contrary,
it actually makes things sound better! Imagine that.
I’ve gotten so used to dreading what’s gonna happen to my mix once I have to make it louder, I never dreamed
it could be louder and actually sound better.
I don’t know if the metering has been changed, but it seems to be closer to the meter that I normally use now. To me, the best part of the FGX is the Dynamic Perception knob. It seems to make –10rms sound like –7, and it somehow does it without hurting your ears. I knew there was a reason I’ve been waiting for this since October of last year. Thank you Steve & Fabrice, it’s now every bit as good as all the hype that proceeded it. Hurry with the VCC!

Normalize the mastered audio file to the level of the original and then see if it sounds better.

Steven Slate · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Animus

Normalize the mastered audio file to the level of the original and then see if it sounds better.

No no! Just hit "constant gain monitor" on the FG-X which will give a great comparison of the original mix, but I'm sure Josh did this already.

The Dynamic Perception knob on the 1.1 update has a whole new set of cahones. I love that knob. Thats what she said.

MattGray · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by ampwax

Same problem here. I guess I'll check tomorrow. Urgggg!!!!!

Same here.. very frustrating... tried on Safari, Firefox & even booted VPC & tried on IE nothing works.. error 404 page not found???

Loopy C · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattGray

Same here.. very frustrating... tried on Safari, Firefox & even booted VPC & tried on IE nothing works.. error 404 page not found???

And also here.

keithl · 9th July 2010

No go on getting the update.....

The server can not find the requested page:
fgx.updates.dl.drumclassroom.net/download/ (port 80)
Please forward this error screen to fgx.updates.dl.drumclassroom.net's WebMaster.

Steven Slate · 9th July 2010

Fixing this.. We were preparing the server for another deal with the SSD virtual instrument and some setting got messed up and knocked the page off. Sorry for the inconvenience, we'll get it going asap.

OMU · 9th July 2010

I know it's a tough thing to please everybody, but what I hear now is that the modified itp, although getting rid of the distortions if set to -1, sounds too soft and somehow unnatural, compared to the old version. Anyway, the distortions are gone and this is a good thing.

In the end I have the impression that fg-x is an unusual tool, but an interesting alternative if you really need something different.

djanthonyw · 9th July 2010

Is 1.1 crashing for anyone else in Logic 9.1.1?

Steven Slate · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMU

I know it's a tough thing to please everybody, but what I hear now is that the modified itp, although getting rid of the distortions if set to -1, sounds too soft and somehow unnatural, compared to the old version. Anyway, the distortions are gone and this is a good thing.

In the end I have the impression that fg-x is an unusual tool, but an interesting alternative if you really need something different.

The lower you put the ITP, higher the Dynamic Perception. Think of those guys like really close buddies. Low ITP with higher Dynamic Perception will add back the mix punch. Also, just get to "know" the new range of the ITP, its got a different thing going on.

Melodeath · 9th July 2010

Working fine here. Looking to test it on those old crackling mixes! haha

Shy · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by OMU

I know it's a tough thing to please everybody, but what I hear now is that the modified itp, although getting rid of the distortions if set to -1, sounds too soft and somehow unnatural, compared to the old version. Anyway, the distortions are gone and this is a good thing.

That's exactly the compromise. Not much to do about it. I also find that when the ITP slider is set to higher than 2, transients can get too clicky and with too little "body", kind of like the detail feature but less harsh.

What this update is really about is giving much more flexibility, and that's great. It makes it generally much more adaptable. But I still find that the less messing around with ITP, detail, dynamics values, the more natural the result sounds, though with some clean audio, this just may not be possible, so lowering the ITP value will definitely help.

OMU · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slate Press

The lower you put the ITP, higher the Dynamic Perception. Think of those guys like really close buddies. Low ITP with higher Dynamic Perception will add back the mix punch. Also, just get to "know" the new range of the ITP, its got a different thing going on.

I understood that from the beginning. IMO it accentuates the unnatural behaviour. I'm not a fan of the dynamic perception parameter in either of the two versions.

Marty Long · 9th July 2010

We're probably doing different music (I'm doing rock and pop) but to my ears the Dynamic Perception lives straight up the middle. With this setting I can make it sound a lot more like the original mix.

The ITP slider setting varies per mix. Every time I'm like "its perfect on .3" I find that it needs to be either higher or lower depending on the source material. I actually like it kinda high still on music that needs some extra detail in the peaks.

I'm still really loving the compressor, that thing just sounds good turned on.

Loopy C · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slate Press

Fixing this.. We were preparing the server for another deal with the SSD virtual instrument and some setting got messed up and knocked the page off. Sorry for the inconvenience, we'll get it going asap.

I did hear from the webmaster (Steve) but his suggestion didn't work yet but obviously it's being addressed (and not a local problem just I was having) so I will just wait until it's sorted ;-)

OMU · 9th July 2010

Yes, very different. I'm doing almost exclusively european dance and electronic.

Melodeath · 9th July 2010

Awesome! The crackling is finally gone at -1.0 ITP! Although, not too surprising since I heard you guys used this particular mix (plus others, of course) to help test the new algorithm

My only complaint so far is that -1.0 ITP is noticeably quieter than other ITP settings. This is fine, except that with Constant Gain on, FG-X actually sounds quieter than if you turn FG-X off. To my ears at least. I don't remember this being the case in v1.0, but maybe I just didn't notice

Anyway, great work

djanthonyw · 9th July 2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by djanthonyw

Is 1.1 crashing for anyone else in Logic 9.1.1?

Ok, I deleted everything related to "FG-X" and "Slate" off of my system and then re-installed. Working fine now. thumbsup

8th July 2010	#1
The Press Desk at Gearslutz.com News Desk Editor Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: In cyber space Posts: 888 Thread Starter	Slate Digital FG-X 1.1 Slate Digital FG-X 1.1 Available Slate Digital has released the 1.1 version of their FG-X mastering processor. The updates include many enhancements that were in direct response to gearslutz members. With the Fabrice Gabriel coded ITP 1.1, masters can now be pushed to commercial mastering levels while remaining punchy and clean. By lowering the ITP slider, any mix can be raised in level without distortion or crackling artifacts. Also updated is the Dynamic Perception control, which adds punch and impact to simulate the original mixes dynamics after the gain. Users who demo'd the FG-X 1.0 version can redemo the new 1.1 update using the following ilok code: 5242-6481-1838-1506-4409-3974-7814-16 This is ONLY for users who have already used up their demo license. For new demo users, an ilok code will be emailed to you after downloading the FG-X 1.1 demo. More on the FG-X: The FG-X mastering processor consists of a world class mixbuss compressor and a new loudness enhancer based on a new technology called ITP, or Intelligent Transient Preservation. The ITP optimizes saturation curves for each transient of the mix, which ensures that the mix can be raised in level in the most transparent means possible. For registered users of the FG-X who wish to update, please visit: http://drumclassroom.net/customer-fgx/ You will be asked to enter your email, which will get you access to the new registered users area, where you can download FG-X 1.1. __________________ Manufacturers / dealers / distributors please contact thepressdesk AT gearslutz.com for guidelines on what you are allowed to post in this forum. Often it can be better to post your OWN press releases than to send them in.

8th July 2010	#2
bleen Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Seattle Posts: 2,248	So, as I asked in the other thread before it was locked, if I never redeemed my v1.0 license, will it still work for this update? __________________ don gunn recording/mix guy www.dongunn.com

9th July 2010	#3
Steven Slate Slate Pro Audio / Slate Digital Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 1,574	I would just redownload the demo, and YES, use the ilok code you were given to activate it. __________________ Steven Slate www.slatedigital.com www.stevenslatedrums.com www.slateproaudio.com www.slatedigital.com/support Follow us @ www.twitter.com/slateproaudio

9th July 2010	#13
marchhare Lives for gear Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Hollywood, CA Posts: 839	Been using version 1.1 since Tuesday. I loved the old version, but my problem with it was that I couldn’t get the level I wanted without side effects like crackling & mushyness on some tracks. With the new version, that problem is no longer an issue. This thing is perfect now. The gain range seems to have been revamped; pushing it to +7 yields a mix that is as loud as I could ever need, but without any bad artifacts. On the contrary, it actually makes things sound better! Imagine that. I’ve gotten so used to dreading what’s gonna happen to my mix once I have to make it louder, I never dreamed it could be louder and actually sound better. I don’t know if the metering has been changed, but it seems to be closer to the meter that I normally use now. To me, the best part of the FGX is the Dynamic Perception knob. It seems to make –10rms sound like –7, and it somehow does it without hurting your ears. I knew there was a reason I’ve been waiting for this since October of last year. Thank you Steve & Fabrice, it’s now every bit as good as all the hype that proceeded it. Hurry with the VCC! __________________ http://www.myspace.com/joshfieldsltd http:// www.myspace.com/joshfieldsproducermixer http://evolutionmusicpartners.com/artists__songwriters

9th July 2010	#20
OMU Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Romania Posts: 639	I know it's a tough thing to please everybody, but what I hear now is that the modified itp, although getting rid of the distortions if set to -1, sounds too soft and somehow unnatural, compared to the old version. Anyway, the distortions are gone and this is a good thing. In the end I have the impression that fg-x is an unusual tool, but an interesting alternative if you really need something different. __________________ "When the MAN sings, the whole being rejoices"

9th July 2010	#4
TGP Gear Head Join Date: Jun 2010 Posts: 49	Works well here, I just updated my 1.0 version (full license). Eats up more CPU than before.

9th July 2010	#5
andre tchmil Lives for gear Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: always on the move Posts: 741	Tiger ?

9th July 2010	#6
Ruud Unit Gear addict Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 488	So I bought FG-X a few weeks back and just went to download the update.... "Download Area Your downloads have been processed with the DAFS ANTIPIRACY system. This system puts a digital fingerprint, also known as a watermark, on random files within the drum software before download, so that all software can be traced back to its original owner. It is highly recommended that you use a download manager. This will ensure that you will be able to continue your downloads regardless of internet connection dropouts. A free download manager can be found at:" HUH? Digital watermarking? Is this text included in error?

9th July 2010	#7
Fuzzhead Gear nut Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 84	Hey Alex/Steven, I asked in the other thread where I can download the manual? The link provided a while back came up 404 unknown. I probably wont download the demo until after next week when I record some drums (which I bought Trigger Platinum and an iLok for, I already own SSD Platinum), seeing as its quite a short demo period. I would like to give it a fair test against the other suspects. Is it true you can render FG-X in real time in Reaper using the Online Render setting? I read that somewhere, that would make for better testing. I am a bit surprised its only 2 weeks and crippled...DSMs demo is 3 weeks and fully functioning, thats fair enough and more like the Slate credo imo (its already on an iLok). Reapers is the bomb (1 month uncrippled demo, only nags you after that) but nobody else equals that apart from freeware.

9th July 2010	#9
BigJunk Gear addict Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 441	I've been playing with the update for a bit over an hour. This is a really really really powerful update. Did anyone find that you can actually push the mix about 2db hotter now? Like I mean with the new updated FGX I can get the same amount of punch at -8RMS as I could previously at -10RMS. Maybe I'm crazy as I can't compare them side by side. But I have a master I used the old version on and I just got its mix to -8RMS and its just as punchy as the one done with the older one which was -10RMS. Either way, this is an amazing plugin and it appears to be even better with the update. Now it just makes the TC MD3 we have here sound silly. I also noticed that the ITP slider is more obvious sounding and is easier to set as well. Well done sirs. Junk

9th July 2010	#10
MarsBot Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 782	When I enter my email and password, it takes me to a page with an "FG-X updates" link. When I click on that link I get an "error page not found" in both Safari and Firefox. Is this overload of that download page? What is a salivating sound junky to do?

9th July 2010	#18
keithl Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 194	No go on getting the update..... The server can not find the requested page: fgx.updates.dl.drumclassroom.net/download/ (port 80) Please forward this error screen to fgx.updates.dl.drumclassroom.net's WebMaster.

9th July 2010	#21
djanthonyw Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Boston Posts: 3,359	Is 1.1 crashing for anyone else in Logic 9.1.1?

9th July 2010	#23
Melodeath Gear nut Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 116	Working fine here. Looking to test it on those old crackling mixes! haha

9th July 2010	#26
Marty Long Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 298	We're probably doing different music (I'm doing rock and pop) but to my ears the Dynamic Perception lives straight up the middle. With this setting I can make it sound a lot more like the original mix. The ITP slider setting varies per mix. Every time I'm like "its perfect on .3" I find that it needs to be either higher or lower depending on the source material. I actually like it kinda high still on music that needs some extra detail in the peaks. I'm still really loving the compressor, that thing just sounds good turned on. __________________ Marty Long "who cares if it sounds good, its got a window that shows glowing tubes!!"

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