Computer Music Magazine - Jan 09

Sanford Phaser CMVST Effect

a phaser effect created exclusively for Computer Music Magazine

The Sanford Super Phaser was created exclusively for Computer Music Magazine.
  • Up to 16 stages of phase shifting
  • Two independent modulation sources
  • LFOs have a spread mode for fat output
  • Many LFO shapes
  • Envelope Follower with adjustable gain
  • Polarity control for inverting the Envelope Follower's output

In the early fall of 2008, Tim Cant of Computer Music Magazine contacted me and asked if I'd like to create a plugin effect to be included with their magazine's DVD. Seeing this as a wonderful opportunity to reach a wide audience with my work, I jumped at the chance.

I decided to do a phaser effect. I had already done a "freebie" phaser, but I wanted to do a more elaborate version with a really nice UI. For the UI, I contacted my good friend Rick Christy. He did the UI for Cobalt, and I knew he could do a great job. We began working together, he started creating the graphics and I began writing the plugin code.

Time was of the essence as Tim needed the plugin by a certain date so that it could be included in their next issue. This was the first time I've ever had to meet a deadline as far as writing a VST plugin; it made things exciting.

Well, we got the job done and handed the completed plugin over to Tim. The Sanford Phaser-CM came out in the January 2009 edition of the magazine. I remember going to Barnes and Noble repeatedly looking for it on their magazine racks. Because I live in the United States and CM published in the UK, its arrival here was delayed by about a month. When I finally saw the magazine at Barnes and Noble, it was a rewarding moment. I bought two copies, one for me and another for my parents. :)

All in all, it was a very satisfying experience, and I hope to work with Computer Music Magazine again some day.