Louder Than Liftoff SILVER BULLET mk2 PLUGIN User manual
8/22/23
SILVER BULLET
mk2
PLUGIN USER MANUAL
© 2023 Louder Than Liftoff LLC. All rights reserved.
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SILVER BULLET
mk2
PLUGIN USER MANUAL
Rev. 3
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PLUGIN USER MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TIGHT'High'Pass'Filter'15!
TIGHT'Frequency'15!
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VINTAGE'Mode'16!
ASPECT'RATIO'16!
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Preset'Manager'17!
GAIN'LINK'18!
CIRCUIT'BEND'18!
MOJO'C'Select'18!
DYNA'REALISM™' 20!
DYNA'REALISM'MODES'21!
DEPTH'21!
RATE'21!
HEADROOM'22!
OUTPUT'TRIM'22!
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PLUGIN USER MANUAL
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing the Silver Bullet mk2 plugin. We are truly grateful for your support here at Louder Than Liftoff!
It's incredible to think that more than 10 years have passed since Brad McGowan and I embarked on the journey of
creating the iconic Silver Bullet, a renowned piece of Audio Outboard Hardware. While both Brad and I come from an
analog background, we have wholeheartedly embraced the modern hybrid workflow as the industry standard. When we
contemplated the viability of a Silver Bullet plugin, it was essential for us to capture the analog sound while leveraging
digital capabilities that surpass what the hardware can offer. We firmly believe that both the hardware Silver Bullet mk2
and its digital counterpart, the Silver Bullet mk2 plugin, have a place in every studio.
As you instantiate the plugin for the first time, prepare to embark on an amazing sonic journey! Each day, I continue to
discover new and exciting features that this plugin has to offer. Interestingly, I've found that I interact with the plugin's
knobs in a slightly different manner compared to the hardware, leading to enjoyable and often unexpected results!
At the start of this journey, we were concerned about capturing the lifelike and vibrant quality that analog units
possess—a sense of depth and dimension that many plugins fail to deliver. So we challenged ourselves to push the
state of the art of analog modeling. After extensive discussion and collaboration, we developed a unique and innovative
approach called Dyna Realism™ (patent-pending) for generating a user-selectable spectrum of analog realism. This
goes beyond the standard approach that typically involves circuit schematics and component level modeling. Behind
the seemingly "simple" design of this plugin, there is some intensive code at work. We have implemented some
interesting ways to incorporate Dyna Realism™. I encourage you to read about it in this manual and experiment with it.
We believe that careful experimentation with Dyna Realism™ will bridge the gap between this plugin and the analog
world more effectively than other options available.
Beyond the exceptional Saturation, EQ, Filters, Aspect Ratio, and Harmonic Mojo you would expect from a hardware
Silver Bullet, don't forget to explore the Aux Panel for a few unique and unconventional capabilities that are exclusive to
the plugin…including a few Easter eggs.Feel free to unleash your creativity, tweak the knobs, and push the boundaries
of what you can achieve with this plugin! And, of course, let your creativity flow through your music, which you can
share with the rest of our community.
Welcome to the Mission!
William Pearson — aka drBill
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INSTALLATION
System Requirements and Supported Platforms
For latest system requirements & supported platforms, please visit the product list page on the Plugin Alliance website to
see particular details for this product.
Install and Activate your New Plugin:
For offline activation instructions and additional information, please refer to the Activation Manual (activation_manual.pdf)
included in the installation folder of this plugin. For more information, visit: www.plugin-alliance.com
Option #1 – Installation Manager
Plugin Alliance Installation Manager Installation instructions:
1. Run the appropriate installer for your system found in its corresponding folder.
Mac: pa_installation_manager_mac_1_2_3.dmg
Windows: InstallationManagerSetup.exe
2. Run the PA Installation Manager application. Create a free Plugin Alliance account if you do not already have one. Log
into your account.
3. Search for Silver Bullet mk2 in the product list, select it, and click "Download & Install." This will download and install
Silver Bullet mk2 and its preset files.
Option #2 – Standalone Installers
1. Run the appropriate installer for your system found in its corresponding folder.
Mac: “LTL Silver Bullet mk2.app”
Windows: “LTL Silver Bullet mk2.exe”
Activating Your License
1. Create a free Plugin Alliance account if you do not already have one using this link:
https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/registration.html
2. Redeem the product voucher code you received via email by following the instructions at this link:
https://www.plugin-alliance.com/en/activate.html
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After the voucher code has been added, please be sure to complete the checkout process. The plugin license will not
be added to your account until you click the "Place order" button at the end of the process.
3. Run the Silver Bullet mk2 plugin from inside of any DAW. Follow the activation prompts and login to your Plugin
Alliance account from within Silver Bullet mk2.Once this is completed a static license file will be added to your
computer and the plugin will work on or offline without having to log in.
SILVER BULLET
mk2
PLUGIN USER MANUAL
© 2023 Louder Than Liftoff LLC. All rights reserved.
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QUICKSTART – Main Panel
POWER switch enables processing for the plugin.
POLARITY switch reverses polarity of the input signal.
MODE Selector switch chooses which sections of the plugin are active for processing. MIX enables all processing. PRE EQ enables only processing before the
TONE EQ, up to and including TIGHT. POST TIGHT enables only processing after, but not including TIGHT. Bypassed sections will be grayed out. These two
selections effectively split the plugin in half and allow two instances of the Silver Bullet mk2 to be placed before and after another plugin in the DAW channel.
This workflow emulates the Insert Mode of the hardware (i.e. the other plugin is inserted in the middle of the Silver Bullet’s processing).
MOJO Selector switchchooses which MOJO amp is processing the signal. Inactive MOJO amp controls are grayed out. The A and N amps may be cascaded
for maximum MOJO.
MOJO A•N switch engages the A and N amps at the heart of the TONE-AMP™. When engaged, A and/or N LEDs will illuminate to show the active selection.
MOJO C / COLOUR switch activates the C Mojo Amp expansion slot, as selected by the MOJO C SELECT drop-down on the Aux Panel. When the “C” module
is active, the C LED will illuminate. The LED next to the switch illuminates with a unique color determined by the chosen module.
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GAIN knobs drive the input of the A and N MOJO stages.
OUTPUT knobs attenuate the output level of the A and N MOJO stages.
SWAP LED illuminates when MOJO selector is set to N>A.
C-DRV knob simultaneously controls both input gain of the C module and post-module attenuation to maintain a musical loudness taper (approximately unity
gain). The control goes from -6 dB to +18 dB of drive; the red hashmark denotes 0 dB. The exception is for the Helical Scan Colour module where C-DRV
controls the warble depth instead.
C-MIX knob controls intensity of C module effect by blending processed and dry signal. Turning the knob clockwise mixes in more of the C module’s effect. The
exception is for the VHS AF Colour module where C-MIX controls the intensity of warble instead.
TIGHT switch engages a 12 dB/oct high pass filter.
TIGHT Frequency switch selects between two high pass filter options: 12 dB/oct at 25 Hz with a slight resonant bump at 40 Hz which gives tape-like response
for mixes, or 12 dB/oct Butterworth at 50 Hz which is well suit-suited for tracking.
TONE switch engages the 3-band Baxandall EQ circuit. The LED illuminates when engaged.
LF knob sets the amount of low frequency boost/cut for the Baxandall TONE circuit up to +/- 9 dB.
LF Selector switch selects between SUB 1, SUB 2, BASS, and BODY frequencies.
HF knob sets the amount of high frequency boost/cut for the Baxandall TONE circuit up to +/- 9 dB.
HF Selector switch selects between MIDS, PRES, BRITE, and SHEEN frequencies.
AIR knob sets the amount of Air boost/cut circuit up to +/- 9 dB.
VINTAGE switch alters high frequency response to emulate vintage British consoles.
ASPECT RATIO switch alters the relationship between width and height of the stereo image to give a more enhanced stereo image.
20 segment meters show output level of processed signal for all Modes. When the plugin is bypassed no signal will be present.
Gain Reduction meter shows gain reduction level for applicable MOJO C modules. It is hidden when not used. Each LED indicates 2 dB of gain reduction.
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QUICKSTART – Aux Panel
GAIN LINK switch enables linking between the GAIN and OUT knobs for the A and N MOJO amps for simplified gain-staging. When the switch is pressed the
knobs will link at their current settings. Turning up the GAIN turns down the OUT in an inverse manner. Hold down the Option or Alt key while moving the GAIN
or OUT knobs to temporarily defeat the Gain Link.
CIRCUIT BEND Selector switch selects settings that rewire the digitally modeled analog circuits as if the hardware had been “circuit bent”. BEND 1 and BEND 2
short out power rails in various parts of the processing and produce distorted and broken textures that can be exploited for creative use. A, N, and C MOJO will
each exhibit unique behaviors as a function of BEND setting. Exploration is rewarded.
MOJO C SELECT drop-down selects which Colour module is active for MOJO C.
DYNA REALISM™ Selector switch controls how much left/right channel and unit-to-unit variations occur throughout all circuits in the digital model including
Mojo, EQ, and Aspect Ratio. These subtle differences can enhance the depth and width of the stereo image.
DEPTH knob sets the amount of amount of analog variation when FLUX is enabled. High settings can cause extreme level and frequency shifts.
RATE knob sets the rate at which the FLUX processor varies the digital model. At higher settings a lot of musical variation can be created in a stereo source.
The LED next to the knob pulses in sync with the oscillations in both FLUX and BPM modes.
HEADROOM knob adjusts the internal operating level so that the plugin produces saturation. Turning the control counterclockwise decreases headroom and
increases the amount of saturation from the MOJO amps. Turning the control clockwise increases headroom and decreases the amount of saturation produced
by the MOJO amps. There is +/10 dB of range. The default setting is at 0 (12 o’clock).
OUT TRIM knob sets the final output level of the plugin using a digitally modeled gain stage up to +/- 10 dB.
SILVER BULLET mk2: Click to access the serial number and credits on the rear panel.
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PLUGIN USER MANUAL
BLOCK DIAGRAM
SILVER BULLET
mk2
PLUGIN USER MANUAL
© 2023 Louder Than Liftoff LLC. All rights reserved.
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CONTROL DETAILS
The Silver Bullet mk2 is a true stereo plugin with one common set of controls for both left and right channels when used
on stereo audio tracks. Mono instances of the plugin can be used on mono audio tracks within your DAW. All Mojo
potentiometers feature 21 detents to facilitate recall. All Tone Shaping potentiometers feature 41 detents.
The Silver Bullet mk2 is comprised of four main sections on the Main Panel:
1. MODE Selection – facilitates different workflows that allow the plugin to be used in full or split in half so other
plugins can be instantiated in between the MOJO and Tone Shaping sections.
2. MOJO Amps – impart harmonic distortion, saturation, and analog “mojo”; this section includes a third C Mojo
that can be selected from the drop-down on the Aux Panel.
3. Tone Shaping (EQ) section – enables you to shape and enhance the tone of the signal.
4. Aspect Ratio – musical image enhancement processor.
There is an Aux Panel with additional functions that expand the capability of the digital model beyond what the analog
hardware could do:
1. Preset Manager – A, B, C, D buttons allow you to toggle between four preset settings. The drop-down menu
has options to load/save presets, resize/reset the GUI window, disable tooltips, and save/reset the Serial
Number on the rear panel.
2. Gain Link – inversely links the GAIN and OUT knobs for each of the three Mojo Amps for unity gain control.
3. Circuit Bend – breaks the digital model of the Mojo Amps to emulate hardware circuit bending.
4. MOJO C Select – choose different Colour module emulations to load into MOJO C.
5. Dyna Realism™– analog realism modes that add increasingly greater static and dynamic stereo variation to the
digital model (patent-pending).
6. Depth – sets the amount of amount of analog variation when FLUX is enabled.
7. Rate – sets the rate at which the FLUX processor varies the digital model.
8. Headroom – adjusts the internal operating level so that the plugin produces saturation.
9. Output Trim – sets the final output level of the plugin.
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MODE Selection
The MODE Selector Switch controls which sections of the plugin can be activated. The signal flow for each Mode is
best understood by referencing the Block Diagram and Signal Flow / Routing Diagram above.
MIX mode allows all processing blocks of the plug to be enabled.This is the default mode.
PRE EQ enables all MOJO and TIGHT filter processing only. The Tone Shaping EQ, VINTAGE
Filter, and ASPECT RATIO are disabled. Their controls will be grayed out.
POST TIGHT enables Tone Shaping EQ, VINTAGE Filter, and ASPECT RATIO only. The three
MOJO Modules, and TIGHT Filter are disabled. Their controls will be grayed out.
Using the PRE EQ and POST TIGHT modes provides a convenient way to for other plugins to
be inserted virtually into the middle of the Silver Bullet’s signal path between the TIGHT filter
and the Tone Shaping EQ. This is analogous to using the inserts on the hardware unit. For
example, if you wanted to use a compressor plugin in the middle of the Silver Bullet, you
would set up the following three plugin instances in your DAW:
SILVER BULLET mk2 (Mode = PRE EQ) àCompressor Plugin àSILVER BULLET mk2 (Mode = POST TIGHT)
POWER
This button enables or bypasses all plugin processing. When the plugin is enabled the LED illuminates blue. When the
plugin is bypassed using this switch all controls will be grayed out and the meter will stop indicating output level.
POLARITY
The POL switch reverses the polarity of the input signals. If the plugin is a stereo instance, then both left and right input
signals are reversed. When mixing drums, it's a good practice to check the polarity of all sources against each other so
that you have a full and punchy low end.
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MOJO Amps
The MOJO section is the heart of the unit. The A and N MOJO Amps are modeled after the exact circuits used in the
original Silver Bullet mk1 and Silver Bullet mk2. A third Mojo Amp has been added in series with these for even more
tonal flexibility and nuance. The C Mojo Amp can be customized by selecting virtual Colour Modules from the drop-
down menu on the Aux Panel.
MOJO A!N
To activate either or both A/N MOJO Amps press the MOJO A"N pushbutton switch. The active Amps will be indicated
by the Mojo LED labelled “A” or “N”. The active MOJO Amp or cascaded combination of Amps is selected with the
rotary MOJO Selector switch. You can choose to use just one Amp, or both A and N Amps in series. The fourth setting
swaps the serial order; the “SWAP” LED will illuminate to indicate this setting.
The GAIN and OUT controls each provide 24 dB of gain. In either the A>N or N>A cascaded selections, up to 48 dB of
gain is available. Needless to say, that's a crap-ton of gain to use on a full mix. The potential to completely mangle
program material into sonic soup is high when both GAIN and OUT are at maximum. Unity gain is always approximately
achieved by setting GAIN and OUT to mirrored settings. For example, GAIN at 9 o'clock, and OUT at 3 o'clock will be
close to unity gain. GAIN at 1 o'clock and OUT at 11 o'clock will also yield an output close to unity gain. Use the meters
for reference and fine tune the OUT to taste. GAIN LINK on the Aux Panel is enabled by default to help automatically
gain stage in this manner (see the section below).
The output level of each MOJO Amp channel is calibrated for unity gain when the GAIN is set to minimum, and the OUT
is set the maximum. This ensures well-matched left/right channel gain and a balanced stereo image. Double click the
GAIN or OUT knobs to reset them to their min and max settings respectively.
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MOJO C / COLOUR
To activate the Colour Module selected from drop-down on the Aux Panel, press the MOJO C / COLOUR pushbutton
switch. An RGB Colour LED next to it illuminates when the MOJO C / COLOUR pushbutton is engaged. The “C” Mojo
LED will also illuminate. The LED color is dependent on the module selected—each module will have a unique hue to
help identify it.
The C-DRV knob provides -6 to +18 dB of input drive. The red hash mark denotes unity gain. It simultaneously
increases input gain into the module and attenuates the output level so that there is only a small increase in RMS gain
throughout the range of the knob. The overall feel is very musical and intuitive: as C-DRV is turned up the RMS level
increases slightly while peak levels are attenuated. This can be seen on the meter. Depending on the module installed,
this control will affect the amount of saturation, distortion, or compression.
The C-MIX knob allows the user to blend the MOJO C / COLOUR effected signal with the signal taken before MOJO C
and post A/N MOJO. Setting the knob fully counterclockwise at “0” will give only the “dry” signal. Setting the knob fully
clockwise at “100” will give only the effected signal.This allows one to fine-tune the intensity of the effect, or to achieve
parallel compression depending on what’s installed in the expansion slot.
Mojo Intensity
Control Right clicking the C-MIX knob or text will transform the C-MIX knob into a Mojo Intensity control for the entire
A>N>C Mojo signal path. In this mode the dry signal is taken before the A•N MOJO section, but after POLARITY. This
allows you to lower the intensity of the entire chain of saturation by blending in dry signal when C-MIX is turned down.
Note: when VHS AF is selected for MOJO C the warble intensity will be set to a tasteful preset amount in this special
mode.
Mojo LEDs – A, N, C
The LEDs for the A, N, and C MOJO Amps illuminate blue when the corresponding MOJO switch is engaged, and rotary
MOJO Selector switch is set. If the N>A setting is selected the SWAP LED will illuminate as well to indicate the signal is
flowing into the N Amp before the A Amp. To help gauge the level of saturation in each MOJO Amp the blue LEDs will
turn pink and then red as the Gain knob is turned up. When the LEDs turn red the audio will probably sound severely
mangled.
GR LED
This RGB LED indicates Gain Reduction for C Mojo Modules that offer compression or limiting. The different colors
correspond to the following levels of gain reduction:
• Blue = 0-2 dB
• Green = 2-4 dB
• Yellow = 4-6 dB
• Red = >6 dB
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Tone Shaping (EQ) Section
TIGHT High Pass Filter
Engage the TIGHT pushbutton switch to activate a 12 dB/oct high pass filter with a corner frequency (-3 dB) at 20
Hz. The filter is slightly resonant so there will also be a tasteful 0.6 dB bump at 40 HZ. TIGHT works well for clearing up
subsonic mud that can reduce headroom in a mix without adversely affecting the perception of low-end size and
extension. This feature can be used in conjunction with or separately from all other processing.
TIGHT Frequency
The pushbutton next to TIGHT selects between the original Silver Bullet TIGHT corner frequency and an alternate setting
that is better suited for tracking individual instruments. Engage this switch to active a 12 dB/oct Butterworth response
high pass filter with a corner frequency at 50 Hz.
Baxandall TONE EQ
Engage the TONE pushbutton switch to insert the 3-band Baxandall EQ into the signal path. The LED next to the
pushbutton will illuminate blue to indicate that the EQ is activated. The left knob controls the amount of boost or cut for
the Low Frequency (LF) shelf. The rotary switch to its right selects between four frequency settings: SUB (30 Hz), SUB
(45 Hz), BASS (60 Hz), and BODY. The middle knob controls the amount of boost or cut for the High Frequency (HF)
shelf. The rotary switch to its right selects between four frequency settings: MIDS, PRESENCE, BRITE, and
SHEEN. The right know controls the amount of boost or cut for the AIR shelving filter. The amount of boost/cut for each
band is +/- 9 dB.
The LF and HF bands each have four (4) frequencies that can be selected by rotary frequency selector knobs. The
frequency values increase as the knob is turned clockwise. The lowest frequency is the choice at 6 o’clock on the
selector switch. The AIR band has two (2) frequencies that can be selected by right clicking the knob or “AIR” label. The
text will change to blue when the lower 30 kHz corner frequency is selected.
LF:SUB 1 (30 Hz), SUB 2 (45 Hz), BASS (60 Hz), BODY
HF:MIDS, PRESENCE, BRITE, SHEEN
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AIR:The original Air band from the Silver Bullet mk1 is the default setting (red text). An alternate lower
frequency option (blue text) is available via internal jumper on the hardware Silver Bullet mk2, but we made it
accessible on the plugin by right clicking the knob. This band technically occurs in series with the LF and HF
bands, so it can be used to create some amazingly smooth high frequency filter shapes. You can
The boost/cut gain knobs all have 41 detents for precise recall.
Because the TONE EQ can be engaged separately from all other processing, the Silver Bullet mk2 can be used just for
its tone shaping capabilities if desired.
VINTAGE Mode
Engage the VINTAGE pushbutton switch to apply a 6 dB/oct low pass filter to the extreme high frequencies. One of the
trademark characteristics of vintage Neve consoles is the soft and silky top end, especially when the EQ is engaged in
the channel. The VINTAGE switch applies this characteristic coloration to the signal path. When combined with the high
shelves of the TONE section, unique equalization curves can be created to expand the palette of treble tone shaping
possibilities.
Like the TIGHT filter and Baxandall TONE EQ, VINTAGE can be used independently from the MOJO Amps. The plot in
the TIGHT section above shows the frequency response of VINTAGE Mode without the Baxandall TONE EQ engaged.
ASPECT RATIO
ASPECT RATIO is a proprietary analog processor that musically enhances the stereo width, height, and clarity of your
mix. This isn't one of those cheap sounding, phasey widening effects that leaves you wondering if you are messing up
your soundstage or balance. ASPECT RATIO delivers masterful results at the touch of a single button. No fussy tweaking
or second guessing required. We spent the last year perfecting this circuit so you can get on with perfecting your mix.
Designer’s Note
The Silver Bullet mk2 EQ is the evolution of the original Silver Bullet 2-band EQ. While extremely musical and
smooth, it was limited in its frequency options. The new EQ doubles the number of frequency selections in the LF
and HF bands and splits off the beloved AIR setting to its own dedicated control. It can now be used in conjunction
with other HF settings to tailor the top end of your tracks and mixes in ways other EQs just can’t touch.
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Aux Panel
The controls on this lower panel provide additional functionality that goes beyond the capability of the original hardware
unit. Presets and gain staging can be managed, but there are also controls that invite the user on a journey of sonic
discovery of new creative textures.
Preset Manager
The drop-down menu has options to load/save presets, resize/reset the GUI window, disable tooltips, and save/reset the
Serial Number on the rear panel. The A, B, C, D buttons allow you to toggle between four preset settings per plugin
instance for the active session.The right and left arrows scroll through preset options.
• Save Preset: overwrites active preset with current settings.
• Save Preset As: saves current settings to a new preset.
• Load Preset: loads the settings from a saved User Preset.
• Delete Preset: removes the active preset from the User Presets bank.
• Reset to Defaults: resets all knobs, switches, and buttons to the default settings.
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• Save UI Size as Default: click to save the plugin window size as default after you expand its size by dragging
the lower right corner.
• Reset UI Size: resets the plugin window to 1366 x 381 pixels.
• Disable Tooltips: hide pop-up tooltips from showing when you hover the mouse cursor over a control.
• Restore Factory Serial Number: click this option to restore the serial number to the one originally assigned to
your user license. Note that this option only appears once the serial number has been changed on the rear
panel.
• Save Serial Number as Default: after typing in a new serial number on the rear panel you may click this option
to save it as the new default for the plugin.
GAIN LINK
This pushbutton enables linking between the GAIN and OUT knobs for the A and N MOJO amps for simplified gain-
staging. When the switch is pressed the knobs will link at their current settings. Turning up the GAIN turns down the
OUTPUT in an inverse manner. Hold down the Option or Alt key while moving the GAIN or OUT knobs to temporarily
defeat the Gain Link.
CIRCUIT BEND
The CIRCUIT BEND rotary switch selects settings that rewire the digitally modeled circuits as if the hardware had been
“circuit bent”. BEND 1 and BEND 2 short out power rails in various parts of the processing and produce distorted and
broken textures that can be exploited for creative use. BEND 2 tends to produce more intense and obtrusive results. A,
N, and C MOJO will each exhibit unique behaviors as a function of BEND setting. Exploration is rewarded.
Note: when CIRCUIT BEND is enabled for the Helical Scan Colour, there will be a low-level droning buzz. This is an
intended behavior for that combination of modes.
MOJO C Select
This drop-down menu selects which Colour module is active for MOJO C:
• Hitmaker 4000:modeled after the Louder Than Liftoff Colour module of the same name and produces analog
saturation inspired by classic VCA recording consoles from the 1980’s
• Bitmaker 1200: 12-bit, sample rate reduced version of Hitmaker 4000 with brick wall input filtering and aliasing
artifacts inspired by a legendary late-80’s sampling drum machine.
drBill’s Note
The sound of early sampling 12-bit drum machines–the 12 and subsequently the 1200 became an iconic part of
“my sound” in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The digital recording mediums improved quickly and dramatically, but
there was always something “organically digital” about the 12/1200 samplers. I love that a bit–or 12–of that
character coupled with the console of the day has found its way into the mk2 plugin. Enjoy the destruction.
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• Vinyl Saturation (designed by Unfiltered Audio): produces warm vinyl saturation based on their plugin
Needlepoint.
• Helical Scan (designed by Unfiltered Audio): features VHS tape inspired warble algorithms based on their
plugin LO-FI-AF. Turning up C-DRV increases the depth and intensity of the pitch variations. Turning down C-
MIX from 100 will blend warble and dry signals to create a chorusing effect.At full C-MIX = 100 the wet signal is
delayed 8 ms from the dry signal. At all other C-MIX settings the wet signal is delayed 20 ms. These delay times
are not delay compensated by your DAW so if maintaining the track’s timing is important to you then you will
need to adjust track delay manually in your DAW.
• VHS AF (designed by Unfiltered Audio): a serial combination of vinyl saturation and VHS warble algorithms that
increase saturation intensity as C-DRV is turned up and increase warble depth as C-MIX is turned up.
Designer’s Note
When I started my recording journey in the mid-1990’s I was primarily using a Tascam Portastudio cassette 4-
track. I discovered that I could mix down to the audio inputs of my family’s VHS video recorder and bounce the
stereo mix to a fresh cassette tape to get an additional two tracks…six tracks in total. Helical Scan and VHS AF
Colour modules evoke the nostalgic sounds of those two marginally stable and lo-fi recording systems that I relied
upon for my early productions.
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DYNA REALISM™
The Silver Bullet mk2 plugin is more than just an analog emulation of an acclaimed hardware unit. It’s an exploration of
the question “what is analog”? To answer that question, we created Dyna Realism, our remarkable patent-pending
analog realism generator. Dyna Realism harnesses the innovative Virtual Parts Bin and Serial Number systems,
meticulously constructing unique static and dynamic models of analog circuits across a broad spectrum of variation and
realism. Through a simple knob adjustment, each setting unveils more intense variations within and between channels.
Experience cutting-edge analog realism modeling. It breathes life into static emulations, surpassing their inherent
limitations to deliver hyper-real dynamic emulations where the circuits feel alive.
Virtual Parts Bin™
Critical circuit components driving channel to channel variation in real hardware units have been painstakingly measured
and cataloged into Virtual Parts Bins. This means that when you instantiate the plugin, you receive a "built-to-order"
version of the analog emulation, assembled using discrete components selected from the Virtual Parts Bin and
associated to your license.
Serial Number
Click the SILVER BULLET mk2 logo on the right side of the Aux Panel to reveal the rear panel and you will see a serial
number. The six-digit serial number on the rear panel is not just for graphical authenticity, however. These six digits
serve an integral function to the Virtual Parts Bin system and Dyna Realism modes. Just like a real hardware unit, each
license of the plugin is given a unique serial number. That serial number identifies a unique build of the digitally modeled
analog circuit.
Every time you instantiate a new instance you will get the same serial number. By changing your serial number on the
rear panel, you can explore other subtly unique builds. Imagine coming to our factory and choosing your unit from a
1000 different hardware Silver Bullets. Simply type a new six-digit number into the field and you have a new unit at your
disposal. The DYNA REALISM modes yield processing variations unique to each serial number just like one would
experience with individual hardware units.
If you’d like to save this new serial number as your default, you can do that on the plugin’s Preset Menu. You can also
revert to your factory provided serial number as well.
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