Experimental Instrument Inspired by Vintage Test Equipment
AudioThing releases B00GA, a micro-sound rhythm and tone generator inspired by the rare Hewlett-Packard Word Generator 8006A. The plugin transforms experimental laboratory equipment concepts into a studio and live performance instrument for creating rhythmic patterns and tonal textures.
From Test Equipment to Musical Instrument
B00GA draws inspiration from binary word generators used in logic circuit testing and telecommunications development. When composer Hainbach discovered the musical potential of these devices, AudioThing developed the concept into a comprehensive plugin instrument.
The original hardware units are known for precise timing and their ability to morph from rhythmic patterns to continuous tones. B00GA captures this functionality while addressing the reliability issues that plague vintage test equipment.
Dual Sequencing and Sound Generation
The plugin combines a dual sequencer with variable speeds from 0.1 Hz to 5 kHz, paired with a crossfading sample player and noise synthesizer. Users can select from factory sample banks or load custom sounds, with randomization ensuring pattern variations.
The noise section generates, filters, and shapes noise bursts for percussion and textural elements. B00GA includes 28 pulse banks created from vintage pulse generators, drum machines, analog synths, and field recordings.
Effects Processing Suite
B00GA features four effects that can be reordered via drag and drop. The collection includes a passive bandpass filter with 10 octave bands, modeled after vintage radiophonic equipment. Additional effects include spring reverb, tape echo based on AudioThing's Space Echo emulation, and analog-inspired phaser.
Cross-Platform Availability
The plugin supports multiple formats across desktop and mobile platforms. Desktop versions include VST2, VST3, AU, AAX, and CLAP for macOS, Windows, and Linux. iOS users can access B00GA through the App Store as both AUv3 plugin and standalone application.
B00GA is available for $69 ($39 during current promotion) with a free demo version featuring limited selections and periodic silence interruptions.
More information about B00GA is available on the AudioThing website.
