Interview: PSPaudioware We Talk InfiniStrip With Adam Taborowski

If you’ve been making music for a while, the name PSPaudioware should ring a bell. They’re the company behind the PSP Vintage Warmer which was released in 2000/2001. That was the very first plugin I remember being introduced to and I’ve been in love with them ever since.

We had a chance to pick the brain of Adam from PSPaudioware, he’s one of the geniuses behind their sound.

Can you tell everyone a little about yourself and how PSPaudioware came to be?

My name is Adam Taborowski. I’m an electronics engineer for PSPaudioware. We’re a Poland-based company that was founded in 2000 by two school friends Antoni Ożyński and Mateusz Woźniak.

I’ve always had an interest in tech, I started programming simple video games at the age of 12. When I was around 13 I formed my first rock band with a few friends from school. With PSPaudioware I found an outlet for both passions, music and software development.

My other hobbies include researching Vikings, Knights, Cowboys, Cats.

What was PSPaudioware’s first plugin(s) and why?

The first plugin developed by PSPaudioware was a bundle called PSP StereoPack. At the time, there weren’t many plugins like it. In fact, plugin companies and digital tools weren’t taken too seriously in the earlier days.  We (PSPaudioware) wanted to change that by developing great-sounding plugins available via the internet.

It’s still available today –> PSP StereoPack

What was the idea/inspiration The PSPaudioware InfiniStrip?

We wanted to create a channel strip plugin many years ago, way before any modular channel strip plugin was released. It took us a long time to develop one (around 7 years). Plugins like this require a lot of work, so many are pieces involved. Every year was harder than the previous due to how fast technology changes/keeping up with new OS and computer requirements and on top of that, we were not 100% satisfied with our results.

We wanted to create a powerful tool with PSP sound legacy, modern solutions, and simple to use, and of course zero latency.

What makes InfiniStrip different from Slate Mix Rack?

Personally, I haven’t used this plugin. If I had to guess, it would be our sound. Every company has its own sound and style of development.

Our goal was to design a plugin based on our client’s needs, experience, and sound signature.

Any general tips for using the PSP InfiniStrip?

PSP InfiniStrip has a lot of great modules that can be used in many ways. I am sure that most audio engineers will be familiar with the design and basic processing chain.

For new users, I recommend learning on the basis of our factory presets or simply starting with empty InfiniStrip and adding a basic Filter module to make space for other instruments. People often forget and it’s a cliche, but high and low pass filtering makes a huge difference.

Next, I’d suggest adding a compressor (go with FET) for dynamic control. You can create a nice sounding mix with those two devices alone (EQ/Compressor).

When it comes to some cool tricks – you can build a custom de-esser by using one of the compressors (or ReactivEQ), engaging the EXT S.C. button, and adding S.C. Filters before this compressor.

We can also create a multiband compressor in a similar way – so PSP InfiniStrip’s capabilities are limited only with our imagination.

What are you doing to keep your plugins CPU-friendly?

We really care about our algorithms and how they are designed. We try to catch “analog vibe” not only sound-wise but also the way processing is done – what gets in – gets out immediately.

Also, we try to avoid “impulse response” and convolutions as a way to capture “the sound”. When we do “emulations” – it is a real emulation built from the ground instead of “reproducing” sampled responses.

Convolutions and impulse responses are great tools, but they can be very CPU hungry.

Also, Mateusz is a DSP master.  He’s been around for a while and really knows his craft. He’s developed such plugins as VintageWarmer and 2445 EMT. He’s also responsible for many algorithms within the InfiStrip. Just an amazing talent and asset we have on the team.

What’s next for PSPaudioware? What are you currently working on?

Updates, OS compatibilities, ARM native support, updates, new features for Preset System, updates, and some great new plugins 😉 …. oh and have I mentioned updates?

More info on PSPaudioware can be found here