Neural DSP has unveiled Parallax X, the eagerly anticipated successor to its acclaimed bass plug-in. This latest iteration promises to be an essential tool for bassists worldwide, offering unparalleled control and flexibility for crafting custom bass tones.
Neural DSP’s Bass Plug-in Gets a Major Upgrade
We recently tested the new Neural DSP Soldano SLO-100 X and Fortin Nameless Suite X; both have just had a nice overhaul, and Parallax X is getting the same treatment. Neural DSP was kind enough to send us a copy to review, so we loaded it onto our Apple Silicon machines in the studio and took it for a spin.
Key Features
Building on the foundation of its predecessor, Parallax X introduces a revamped user interface, a suite of powerful new features, and a refined sonic palette. The plug-in employs a parallel processing architecture at its core, allowing bassists to independently shape low, mid, and high frequencies for surgical tone sculpting.
It has had a visual revamp, which includes subtle enhancements to the overall layout of the plugin window. These include access to the new Transpose feature, which works remarkably well and tracks how you would hope it to. It can also be resized easily and has plenty of usable views within your DAW of choice.
We liked the core patches that have grown since the original version was released. They are all a great starting point for making your own patches, and we found them all very usable within various projects. A few tweaks are needed to taste, and they sit nicely in a mix.
Core Features and Enhancements
- Parallel Processing: This feature is the hallmark of the Parallax series, enabling precise control over different frequency ranges.
- Low Compression: Provides dynamic control over low-end frequencies for a tight, punchy sound.
- Mid and High Distortion: Independent overdrive sections add grit and character to the mid and high ranges.
- 6-Band Equalizer: Offers fine-tuning capabilities for dialing in the perfect tonal balance.
- Cabinet Simulation: Comprehensive cabinet modeling with six virtual microphones for realistic speaker emulation.
- Transpose and Live Tuner: New features that simplify tuning and key changes.
- Standalone Metronome: A valuable tool for practice and recording.
- Improved User Interface: A more intuitive and visually appealing design.
A Deeper Dive into the Sound
To truly appreciate the sonic capabilities of Parallax X, check out this in-depth video featuring bassist Harry Green.
Compatibility and Pricing
Parallax X is compatible with Windows (10+) and macOS (11+) systems and supports VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats. A standalone version is also available. The plug-in utilises iLok for authorization but doesn’t require a physical dongle.
Priced at €119, Parallax X represents exceptional value, especially considering existing Parallax users can upgrade for free.
Guitar Bomb Verdict
Neural DSP’s Parallax X is a monumental leap forward in bass plug-in technology. Its comprehensive feature set, intuitive interface, and exceptional sound quality make it a must-have tool for any bassist seeking to create world-class tones. We found the plugin easy to navigate, and the core functionality and tones were perfect for sculpting great bass tones.
The extras, including the Metronome, Transpose, and the Mid and High Distortion, make this a very versatile package for bassists in the studio. We loved the 6-band EQ, as it allowed us to make precise adjustments to our bass tone easily and with precision.
As a free update, there are zero complaints. If you are considering investing in the package, the 14-day free trial should be enough time to tell you if this software is for you.
