RipX DeepRemix & DeepAudio Review (20% OFF Black Friday + WINNER ANNOUNCED!)

Hit’n’Mix offers Black Friday discounts (up to 20%) on RipX, cutting-edge stem separation software. RipX comes in the form of two separately sold modules, DeepRemix ($99) and DeepAudio ($349 – includes DeepRemix). Hit’n’Mix is giving away one FREE copy of RipX DeepRemix to one lucky BPB reader (scroll down to enter the giveaway).

From November 12th until the end of the month, you can get 5% off DeepRemix and a massive 20% off DeepAudio.

Before we get into each module and what they do, let’s look at where it all started.

To Infinity and Beyond

Just to be clear, I wasn’t challenged to reference Buzz Lightyear in a post.

Infinity is where it all started, and while the original release maybe didn’t have the desired impact, it laid the foundations for what we are looking at today.

Infinity was improved and rebranded as RipX. Instead of a single product that slightly lacked direction, we have two modules with clearly defined use cases and target audiences.

Future Audio Platform

Hit’n’Mix hails RipX as a Future Audio Platform, and with innovation awards from Musictech and Computer Music, who am I to argue.

I think the most fitting thing about the self-designated title is the developer’s apparent desire to create, embrace, and merge cutting-edge technologies.

RipX combines AI machine learning with algorithmic separation software for more accurate separation/isolation.

The heart of RipX is the proprietory Rip format that allows for greater control and manipulation of individual audio elements.

Another improvement since Infinity is a ripping speed up to 10X faster than the original release.

The Modules

DeepRemix deals with the core audio separation and is aimed at DJs, remixers, and enthusiasts.

DeepAudio provides more in-depth isolation, manipulation, and repair tools aimed at the pro audio market.

Getting Started

Starting with DeepRemix, I liked the GUI straight away; it’s not a million miles away from Melodyne. Although, for me, it’s less clunky, more modern, and visually intuitive.

On dragging a file (stereo MP3, WAV, or most mainstream file types – video files, macOS only) into the main window, you’ll see a pop-up with ripping settings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6PITLDuPEw

You can refine your rip by selecting which instruments/sounds to detect and setting the time/quality slider. The higher the quality, the longer it takes to rip. You’ll also get the option to save stems that you can drag into your DAW, or save to a performance-ready USB drive.

Once ready, you’ll see the various elements of audio represented on screen, showing pitch and length, etc. RipX accurately detects the tempo and marks each bar/division, which I think is a nice feature.

DeepRemix in Use

Although DeepRemix is the entry-level module, it’s fair to say it offers more than just stem extraction.

With that said, extraction is where it starts. RipX can separate instruments (guitar, drums, piano, bass, and so on), as well as sound effects and other layers. With each element of your track separated, you can mute, solo, and even EQ individual sounds/instruments.

Getting a bit deeper, you can adjust things like tempo, pitch/length, and volume. As basic as it may sound on paper, I was impressed by the tempo change function because it opens up many more uses for stems. For example, tempo-matching elements from multiple songs to make a new song.

Similarly, as well as making minor pitch corrections by tuning to the nearest semitone, you can take a bassline from one song and change the key/scale to fit another piece.

Beyond corrective measures, you can get into some mixing and arrangement techniques, like stereo panning and adding built-in effects or harmonies.

The intuitive nature of the GUI makes it easy to apply changes to the entire rip, individual stems, or defined sections by dragging the cursor to group elements together.

If you are stuck for ideas, you can randomize effects and key signatures.

I like any software that provides valuable functions and helps people understand the process in a musical way, and RipX does that via plenty of color-coded visual feedback.

Benefits of DeepAudio

DeepAudio does everything that DeepRemix does and more.

At this point, it’s a good time to say that I think RipX does a better job of audio separation than anything I’ve used. It’s, of course, thanks to the technology, but also thanks to how easy it is to use. I like the kind of audio playground feel it gives you where there are very few rules.

The quality of an isolated stem also depends on the time and effort you spend. DeepAudio provides more precise tools that allow you to create more pristine stems.

For example, you have a Draw Fine Pitch tool that you can use with more freedom than snapping to the nearest semitone. You can even draw slight corrections in individual notes within a chord structure.

You can imagine that it offers possibilities like correcting untidy chords or even reharmonizing to an extent. It lets you fix/alter other pitch performance aspects, like cloning vibrato for a more consistent sound. The Harmonic Editor takes you past pitch into editing timbre, which is impressively detailed.

With DeepAudio, you can edit pitched and unpitched notes independently, which you can’t do with DeepRemix.

There is another side to DeepAudio, which is noise removal and audio repair. I’m an iZotope RX user (check out Plugin Boutique’s iZotope offers), I love it, but I use it quite sparingly. I know some people who are wizards with it, so I can’t say RipX does it better, but I think it might be easier for many users who want quick results (like me).

If you want to get really crazy, you can actually replace sounds, like replace vocals with a trumpet (or your own sample). At this point, doing so is more about comedy value than anything else, but maybe one day we can turn Adele into Dizzy Gillespie.

On top of the many available tools, RipX is open-ended, meaning you can even create your own tools (RipScripts).

I’m in danger of giving too much information, and I’ve barely scratched the surface. So, if you’re still with me, thank you, it’s almost over.

Why Use RipX?

To finish off, let’s take a look at a few use cases.

Sampling

It’s a no-brainer; whether you are working on a remix or adding stems to a live set (DJs), it’s a quick and easy way to grab a sample.

Remixing

Remixing entirely within RipX is not just productive; it’s a whole lot of fun. Rip multiple songs and copy/paste elements from one into another, creating the ultimate mash-up; it’s super-easy.

Notation/Scoring

Alternatively, if you do want to create accurate notation, isolating tracks is a great way to score multiple instruments. It’s a great way to learn specific parts, whether for yourself or as part of a band.

Arranging

RipX could be a valuable tool for arranging, and it doesn’t have to be about creating a release-ready track. If you play in a band that regularly changes arrangements to stay fresh, RipX could make life easier. You could develop mock arrangements for your bandmates to learn that might be less prone to misinterpretation than charts.

Pranks

I’m surprised Hit’n’Mix isn’t leading with this, but for me, it’s such a fun way to use RipX.

If you have a friend who has sent you a demo (hopefully one they are particularly excited about), why not make a few adjustments?

Take a few hits slightly off time and a few notes slightly out of tune, but not so much that it’s obviously been tampered with, then invite them round to listen together.

With any luck, you’ll see an expression that suggests they realize the band wasn’t quite as tight as they thought.

OK, it’s not a legit use case, but it’s fun.

RipX – The Conclusion

I’ve been skeptical of audio separation tools because they aren’t perfect. However, recently spending more time with LALAL.AI made me realize that it doesn’t have to be perfect to be very useful.

To me, RipX isn’t going to give you perfect acapella tracks (not me, anyway), but it’s another significant step forward, and it’s FUN!

RipX works as a standalone application and via installed RipLink plugins in Pro Tools and other DAWs that support VST/ARA v2.

For Logic Pro X and some other DAWs, you can use RipX as an external sample editor.

More info: RipX (20% OFF)

RipX – The Giveaway 🥳

Hit’n’Mix is giving away one FREE copy of RipX DeepRemix to one lucky BPB reader! To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment on this post.

The winner will be randomly selected on Friday, November 19th.

The winner is: Haymo

Congratulations (check your inbox for prize info)! 🏆

Everyone else, better luck next time, and thanks for reading BPB!

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