Needlepoint - Vinyl Simulator 1.0.3

Unfiltered Audio's Needlepoint is now available on iOS as a standalone app or AUv3 plugin!

Unfiltered Audio introduces Needlepoint, a groundbreaking vinyl simulation tool that sets new standards in sound design. Reflecting the vintage essence of their popular lo-fi-af plugin, Needlepoint offers a comprehensive range of cutting-edge physical modeling capabilities designed to delve deep into the warm, textured world of turntable sounds and effects that have captivated many music enthusiasts. True to Unfiltered Audio's signature style, Needlepoint allows users to creatively distort reality and explore unconventional sonic territories.

While conventional vinyl emulators rely on repetitive noise samples, Needlepoint distinguishes itself by employing advanced physical modeling techniques to achieve its exceptional sound quality. By synthesiszing a wide array of elements found on a vinyl record such as hair, dust particles, scratches, and warping effects, Needlepoint delivers an authentic simulation experience that is dynamically mapped onto a rotating algorithmic platter. Modulating the rotation speed of the "record" greatly influences the character of the sound output, offering users the opportunity to experiment with tempo-synced turntable effects rarely explored before.

In addition to offering a plethora of noise textures, atmospheric enhancements, and tonal modifications, Needlepoint incorporates a suite of supplementary effects to help users refine their sonic aesthetic. Featuring a single-knob compressor with six different algorithms—inspired by the renowned "PRESS" knob from lo-fi-af—this tool can be seamlessly integrated at various points within the signal chain, replicating the characteristics of vintage hardware samplers often associated with vinyl production or simulating analog distortion inherent in vinyl manufacturing. The BROKEN mode introduces an erratic looping effect by intermittently skipping grooves, producing fragmented and glitch-like audio patterns when automated.

In keeping with traditional vinyl emulation essentials, Needlepoint includes a SPINDOWN function that authentically reproduces the classic vinyl stop/start effect. Users have control over the spindown rate to tailor the effect to their specific project requirements. Additionally, at the final stage of signal processing, Needlepoint offers a granular pitch shifter to assist users in achieving choppy musical nuances without manually adjusting track speeds.

Despite its wide array of functionalities, Needlepoint remains remarkably user-friendly. Boasting an intuitive interface and an extensive selection of presets, this plugin caters to both novices and seasoned professionals seeking to infuse their music with nostalgic charm.

Available as an AUv3 plugin, Needlepoint has been rigorously tested for seamless performance compatibility with popular iOS apps such as GarageBand, Drambo, AUM, Cubasis, BeatMaker, NanoStudio, apeMatrix, Loopy Pro, among others. Furthermore, its adaptable interface layout ensures smooth operation across various tablets and smartphones.

(Note for Drambo users: Although Drambo does not currently offer automatic Plugin Delay Compensation for latency management, upcoming updates are expected to address this limitation for flawless integration with plugins like Needlepoint.)