Spectrasonics Stylus RMX 1.5 Full Library With Update 1.9.5d PC
Mazie Wingeier
Where can I purchase Stylus RMX Xpanded?
Download sales and Upgrades are now available for purchase in our Webstore/Techshop. Physical sales (boxed with USB drive) are handled exclusively through our Authorized Resellers.
Is there an upgrade for Stylus Classic users?
Yes! If you already are an Stylus Classic customer, you are eligible for the Stylus RMX Xpanded Upgrade - available now in the Webstore/Techshop.
Is there a DEMO version of Stylus RMX Xpanded I can try?
Because of the size of our instruments, we don't offer Demo versions. However, you can contact one of our local dealers in your area in order to arrange a live demo of Stylus RMX Xpanded. To find a local dealer in your area, please contact your local Authorized Resellers.
How are Spectrasonics Instruments delivered to new users?
All Spectrasonics instruments are available in two different editions: Boxed and Download. The physical boxed editions now contain high quality USB drives and are sold exclusively to new customers through our Authorized Resellers. The download editions are now available and sold exclusively through our Webstore/Techshop.
If I buy the Boxed version, will I also be able to get a download in the future? If I buy the Download Edition, will I also be able to get a drive? If I have the DVD-ROM edition, will I be able to get the drive or future downloads if I need them?
Yes to all of the above! We are happy to announce that there are now alternative forms of installation available optionally to registered users - no matter which edition you have originally purchased.
Spectrasonics is keenly aware that many users no longer have computers with optical drives and there are numerous scenarios when the convenience of downloading or the speed of a USB drive would be a preferred form of installation for different types of users. To address all the various user needs and scenarios, Spectrasonics has a new Support Services area that offers Alternative Installation USB Drives and Additional Download Installations for optional purchase. These services are available for purchase directly in our Webstore/Techshop for registered users.
Is there a student discount price for Stylus RMX Xpanded?
Spectrasonics doesn't offer student discounts, however qualifying schools and institutions can participate in our EDU program.
Does Spectrasonics allow for used sales/license transfers of Stylus RMX Xpanded?
Please see the License Transfer FAQs area of the Knowledgebase for more info on our License Transfer Policy.
How large is the core library?
The Stylus RMX Xpanded core library is 5 times the size of Stylus Classic - over 14 Gigabytes! There are thousands of different grooves and sounds.
Does it contain all the samples from the original Stylus Classic?
Yes! All the original core library samples and enhanced versions of all the classic Stylus Classic sounds are included.
What is Stylus RMX Xpanded?
It's a Virtual Groove Module plug-in, which combines a massive 14 gigabyte core library with a powerful, yet easy to use interface for manipulating the sounds in unique and innovative ways. It includes all five Spectrasonics SAGE Xpander libraries (previously sold separately.)
What formats does Stylus RMX Xpanded import?
Stylus RMX Xpanded can import all the Groove Control sample libraries and Propellerheads REX files as well... which vastly expands the capabilities of this instrument, since this opens up the potential of using your own audio loops and third party REX libraries.
Do I need a MIDI keyboard to use Stylus RMX Xpanded?
No, you can use it completely with a mouse if you want. However, it is faster to use and more inspiring if you also use it with a MIDI keyboard, since Stylus RMX Xpanded can be "performed" in real-time.
Does Stylus RMX Xpanded include a manual?
All our instruments include a comprehensive online Reference Guide, which is accessible directly through the plug-in. The integrated Reference Guide is searchable and we can keep it up to date with the software releases. You can check out the Reference Guide HERE.
How fast of a computer will I need to run Stylus RMX Xpanded?
Not very fast, but as with all virtual instruments - the faster the better. Stylus RMX Xpanded is designed to run optimally on modern computers. See the System Requirements for more information.
Does Stylus RMX Xpanded need as much CPU power as Omnisphere?
No. Grooves and rhythm require far less polyphony than most of the sounds in Omnisphere, and as a result typically require significantly less CPU power to run.
Can I selectively install parts of the Stylus RMX Xpanded library since it is so large?
Because of patch compatibility, Stylus RMX Xpanded must always be installed with its complete core library. However, you can install the 14 Gigabyte library to a secondary or external drive if you wish.
Selecting sounds is very simple with both conventional and Groove Control versions of each rhythm available from categorised pull-down menus. Tempo information is provided for all the non-Groove Control grooves, and there are around 3000 patches in all, based upon 38,000 individual samples. The patches are broken down into the following types:
These each contain just one audio loop mapped across the keyboard, where middle C is the original tempo. You can use these as they come, but they also provide a quick way of auditioning patches, as they're faster to load than their Groove Control equivalents. When you've chosen one, you can then load the Groove Control version for more tempo flexibility. The Loop Patches are also good for real-time layering, as you have instant access to several different loop elements at the same time. By contrast, Groove Control lets you access just one rhythm loop per part.
These items have 61 different tempo-matched loops (supplied from 50 to 180bpm), each assigned to their own keyboard note. This provides a fast way to assemble layered rhythm parts, but as these do not use Groove Control, any change of tempo involves a corresponding change of pitch. Likewise, if you try to use Zone edit (of which more in a moment) to change pitch, the tempo will also change. Swing Menus follow the same concept as the Groove Menu section, but have a stronger swing feel.
These comprise loops that have been sliced in such a way that by triggering the slices from the matched MIDI file, you can can recreate the original loop over a wide tempo range. The Groove Control patches use an identical directory structure to the loop patches and are identified by the patch name. The manual points out that while Groove Control patches are designed to be driven from their MIDI file, they can also be played manually, as the slices are triggered by a ramp of chromatic MIDI notes starting at C1, so each note plays one slice (usually a single beat).
The sound library contains both Breakbeats and Percussion Loops, available in both standard and Groove Control formats. Breakbeats are traditionally 'lifted' from records, but to avoid copyright problems, Spectrasonics have created their own from scratch (no pun intended!), and then pressed them onto vinyl before resampling themin a bid to capture the authentic sound.
The Percussion Loops section features specific percussion instruments, such as bongos, shakers, djembes, hi-hats, ride cymbals and so on, that can be layered with any of the other Groove Control Percussion loops or Groove Control Breakbeats loops at any tempo. Organisation is by percussion instrument type and there are some very useable cymbal loops in this section, as well as the more obvious congas and bongos.
These patches comprise in excess of 1000 theme-based DJ effects samples where each patch comprises up to 61 samples mapped right across the keyboard Here you'll find short snatches of sound, scratches, noises and effects. If you're into vinyl sounds, you need look no further.
Moving outside the main Breakbeat loops, the percussion loops are again designed to be musically useful rather than being an excuse for the producers to show off their polyrhythmic skills, and they layer well with the main rhythms. I particularly liked the harmonic cymbal loops and djembe rhythms, but you also get plenty of congas, bongos, hi-hats and the other staples of rhythm construction. These are all sampled cleanly with only a little ambience, giving them a very natural sound, so there's plenty of scope to treat them, either with effects or with the built-in filters and ADSR.
Finally, the Extras are a mammoth resource on their own. There really are 1000 different kick sounds, in the main electronically generated, and these include some powerful alternatives to the usual TR909 'thwubs', as well as all the old staples. The same is true of the snares and the other sections, but where it really does get overwhelming is in the record scratch department. Every vinyl effect you can think of is included, with dozens of variations of each. With this section, you'll never need to abuse another gramophone record again! And of course you get some nice vinyl crackle to add to your own recordings. In short, the core sound library inside Stylus is exceptionally well produced, and well-targeted stylistically.
All of the front-panel controls, other than the Master controls, apply either to the whole loop or individual slices or a loop, depending on whether Zone Edit is selected or not, and of course you need to be using a Groove Control loop for slices to be applicable. Level, Pan and Velocity are pretty self-explanatory, as are Pitch coarse-and fine-tuning. However, the pitch may also be controlled via a dedicated envelope shaper that has just a variable release time for those electronic drum sounds of yesteryear (or Eastenders!). Both positive and negative envelope shifts can be applied to pitch.
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