by J. Arif Verner

Hyperprism TDM 2.1 ($499) is one handy Swiss Army knife of effects. Included in version 2.1 are 20 different plug-in modules with 22 separate effects. While there are plenty of bread-and-butter effects (chorus, flange, pan, balance, etc.), it is the esoteric processing that gives Hyperprism its personality (Sonic Decimator, Ring Modulator, Dynamics, Quasi Stereo, Filters, Tremolo, Vibrato).

Features

At the heart of the program is a blue window with a small yellow indicator. The blue window provides a means for data entry via dual-axis parameters. The horizontal and vertical axes, each represent one of the effect’s parameters. By moving the yellow indicator with the mouse, Hyperprism’s effects can be modulated in real time. What we are talking about is drawing your effects onto the blue window. Definitely very cool!

By using Pro Tools’ automation, audio tracks can be recorded, edited and played back with dynamic parameter changes. For those wishing to use a more traditional approach, settings may be typed directly into the program. Also interesting is the ability to change the range of parameter settings. For example, the flange’s default value for feedback is a range of 0.0% to 100%. However, this could be modified to 25% to 75%.

In use

Arboretum provides a lot of interesting presets. And sonically, they all sound great. Favorites include the Flange preset Rubbery Drums. This sounds like the audio is being stretched like a rubber band. Drum Tweak and Space Warp from the Ring Modulator module imparts high-sweeping filtering effects. And for those who want to destroy their musical masterpieces, the Sonic Decimator module has four presets with Lo-Fi hiss and distortion. Depending upon your computer’s DSP allocation, Hyperprism effects can be fed in and out of each other. This should provide very interesting results.

Summary

While Hyperprism can handle conventional effects processing, its forte is the ability to mutate and manipulate sounds — much like Bias SFX and SoundHack. The program, however, is not for everyone. But for people involved in sound design, film effects or electronic music, Arboretum’s Hyperprism TDM will be an indispensable tool.

Contact: Arboretum at 800-700-7390.

J. Arif Verner, a regular Pro Audio Review contributor, owns Infinite Sound, a project studio that specializes in music, film and audio production.