Cableguys NoiseShaper review

Cableguys NoiseShaper: What is it?

Cableguys’ ShaperBox 2, the plugin which acts as a host for a library of Shaper effects, now includes the latest addition to the package: NoiseShaper.

NoiseShaper differs slightly from the other effects. Instead of applying an effect to the incoming audio, NoiseShaper creates sound itself. 

As you might have guessed, the primary focus here is noise. It comes with a library of noise samples, which can be blended with the incoming audio and modulated in a variety of ways to create dynamic, rhythmic effects.

Cableguys NoiseShaper: Performance and verdict

Much of the familiar ShaperBox workflow remains unchanged. The primary element of the UI remains the titular custom modulation shaper, which allows users to craft a wide variety of loopable envelope shapes or pick premade ones from an array of templates. 

As with other Shapers, the incoming signal can be split into three independent frequency bands, each with its own parameter and modulation settings. The plugin also offers an assortment of MIDI triggering and switching tools – great for live jamming and performance.

For each band, NoiseShaper offers a dropdown to pick a source sample from the library. These range from simple white or pink noise loops to more interesting textures, such as broken equipment, field recordings or vinyl crackle samples. The range and quality is great. Users can also use their own loops by dropping them into NoiseShaper’s sample folder, although the range on offer is good enough that it’s hardly worth bothering.

The envelope follower – a feature familiar from other Shapers – takes a front seat here. NoiseShaper works best when the noise samples pump in time with, or around, the incoming audio signal, so it makes sense that the follower is always on by default.

One slightly curious element of NoiseShaper’s design is how it interacts with the multi-band splitter. As with other Shapers, the incoming signal can be split into three bands, but here the noise samples are always applied with their full frequency range. The reasoning here is that it allows users to, for example, have high-frequency tape noise respond to just the low-frequency pulse from a kick, but the design also feels at odds with the multiband nature of ShaperBox. It’s hardly a problem, since there’s an additional high/low filter that can be applied to the noise samples anyway, but it would be nice to have an option to engage/disengage whether each band’s noise is affected by the multi-band filter.

That aside, NoiseShaper is loads of fun and has the potential to be the most creatively powerful tool in ShaperBox’s arsenal. It’s fantastic for creating builds or adding drama. Some of the most fun applications come from layering multiple lines of rhythmically pulsing noise to create complex grooves. A must-try for existing ShaperBox users, and yet another argument why the uninitiated should take it for a spin.

MusicRadar verdict: A fun and powerful addition to ShaperBox that’s great for dramatic FX and subtle rhythmic tricks.

Cableguys NoiseShaper: The web says

"It’s a fantastic sound design and mix tool for adding all-important texture, character and movement to any audio, and we’re excited to explore its many possibilities."
MusicTech

Cableguys NoiseShaper: Hands-on demos

MusicRadar

Cableguys

SweetScale TV

Cableguys NoiseShaper: Specifications

• Multi-band sampled noise generator. Also available as part of ShaperBox 2 bundle priced at €89 or the Cableguys bundle for €169
• CONTACT: Cableguys
• BUY: Cableguys NoiseShaper at Plugin Boutique