Week of December 12, 2004 Friday, December 17 2004 | dmac Shortcircuit Sampling VSTi for Windows Released vember|audio has released Shortcircuit, their solution for creative sampling on the VST PC platform. Shortcircuit features a user interfaced streamlined for fast sample loading/editing and a versatile arsenal of filters. The engine is capable of 256 voices along with up to 16 mono AND 8 stereo outputs per instance. You can apply two filters/effects to each voice. Additional effects can be applied at the group level. There are also plenty of modulation options as well, including the abillity to modulate envelope times and loop points. The company has also released Shortcircuit Free, a 2-note polyphony limited version of Shortcircuit. It is completely free to download and gives you a way to evaluate the capabilities of the full version of Shortcircuit. Shortcircuit is available now for a price of 150 Euro. For more information, visit their web site at vemberaudio.com. Friday, December 17 2004 | dmac Arturia Debuts ARP2600 V at AES The ARP2600 V is the reproduction of one of the finest analog synthesizer ever made, the ARP 2600. Introduced in 1972 with its "Blue Meanie" version (not even 100 were built), the ARP 2600 has evolved over the years to become a synthesizer celebrated by respected musicians. Capable of creating amazing sounds thanks to the exclusive ARP technologies, it can be operated with or without patch cords since all of the functions are internally wired and can be controlled via sliders and switches. With the ARP2600 V, Arturia brings this powerful semi-modular synthesizer back to life. Offering all the features of the original version, Arturia has added new functions such as MIDI control, polyphony, and -- hidden behind the speaker panels - tracking generators and additional effects. The ARP2600 V is loaded with more than 400 presets made by a selection of top musicians. Fully compatible with the main protocols and systems in the industry, it can be used as stand-alone software or as a virtual instrument. The ARP2600 V is based on a set of algorithms created by Arturia's sound engineers and gathered under the name TAE. TAE stands for True Analog Emulation. TAE avoids any sort of aliasing according to the company; it also emulates the typical instability of hardware oscillators and brings the warm sound of the vintage synths. ARP2600 V runs on both Mac OS X and Windows as a standalone application or plug-in. Supported plug-in formats are VST, RTAS, HTDM, DXi (Windows only), and Audio Unit (OS X only). For more information, visit their web site at arturia.com. Friday, December 17 2004 | dmac Cubase SX3 Update Adds New Reverb Plug-In Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH announced the availability of the first update to its Cubase SX3 music production system. Including new features and a new reverb virtual effect processor, Cubase SX3.0.1 is available now for download from Steinberg's web site. Among the new features in the update to version 3.0.1 is the new RoomWorks reverb plug-in. This fully surround-capable reverb allows Cubase SX3.0.1 users to scale the CPU efficiency of the plug-in. While RoomWorks' dense reverb provides high-quality rooms and spaces for just about any conceivable use, it can also be used effectively even when CPU load for a project is already high. Its user interface also offers built-in contextual help, and the preset library offers over 60 predefined virtual spaces. With Cubase SX3.0.1, the MIDI device panels system is now also available for editing effect plug-ins in audio channels as well as VST instruments, making any parameters of those objects instantly accessible not only in the Project Window, but also on the appropriate channel mixer strip and the track inspector through user-defined panels. Cubase SX3.0.1 also expands the concept of full automatic plug-in delay compensation to include external effects loops as well. A unique new "ping" button can be used to measure the processing delay of any external effects device and automatically set the corresponding delay parameter for automatic compensation. Now automatic sample-accurate timing is now possible even in complex software/hardware systems where plug-ins and hardware effects work side by side. The master output level display on the Cubase SX3.0.1 Transport Bar has been fitted with an overload indicator, allowing the user to check with a single glance at the Transport Bar if the audio output has exceeded 0db. Cubase SX3.0.1 is now available for download to all Cubase SX3 customers from the Steinberg website. For more information, visit their web site at steinberg.net. Friday, December 17 2004 | dmac Smart Loops Plans Multi-Format Loop CDs Smart Loops, a provider of audio loops and web-based recording services, has announced plans to release its Smart Loops libraries in multi-format editions, supporting ACID, REX2, and Apple Loops formats. The company will be launching its new product line for 2005 at Winter NAMM in Anaheim next month. Smart Loops' best-selling audio loop libraries include the Smart Loops Dry Studio Kit, Percussion Kit, Electric Guitars, Bass Guitars, Phat to Phreaky, as well as the recently released, 6-CD, Pro Drum Works library. In addition, the company is now offering Harmony Central readers 25% off all of its single-CD ACID-format loop libraries, including Dry Studio Kit, Percussion Kit, Electric Guitars, Bass Guitars, and Phat to Phreaky. Harmony Cetnral readers simply need to include the coupon code HARMONY25 when checking out of the Smart Loops web store. Customers will also get free shipping within the U.S. when they purchase two or more CDs. This offer expires January 19, 2004. (LSD sessions, downloadable MIDI Drums, and Pro Drum Works are not included in this special offer.) For more information, visit their web site at smartloops.com. Tuesday, December 14 2004 | dmac SpinAudio Brings RoomVerb to TC PowerCore Platform SpinAudio has announced the release of RoomVerb, their acoustic modeling reverb plug-in, for PowerCore. RoomVerb is based on a Virtual Room Acoustic modeling technique designed to simulate various acoustic spaces from small bath rooms to large halls using a single set of parameters. Such an approach provides a unified way of controlling reverb and removes the limits inherited in traditional reverb design schemes based on either pre-defined algorithms or pre-calculated room response patterns. The product is available in VST (PC/Mac OS X) and AudioUnit(Mac OS X) formats. The main features of RoomVerb for PowerCore are: Separately controlled room dimensions can vary from 1 to 50 meters Plate reverb mode support Stereo width control for simulation of irregular room shapes Separate control of Early and Late reflections Reverb Tail Modulation Comprehensive tone control system that includes separate 2-band parametric equalizers for Early and Late reflections Two-band frequency-dependant decay filters Special DSP reverb algorithms not found in native versions that provide better stereo imaging 100 ready-to-use factory presets Database based preset management system with categorical and keyword search 1 per DSP in 48 kHz System Requirements: TC PowerCore, Software version 1.7.6 or higher Operating Systems: Windows XP, MAC OS X 10.2.8 or higher Host: VST and/or AudioUnit compatible The downloadable version of RoomVerb for PowerCore is now available for purchase in SpinAudio On-line Shop. The boxed version is expected to be available through SpinAudio distributors in January 2005. Free demo versions are available for download. The product MSRP is 199 EUR, however for the period of December 2004 it is available for special Xmas price of 199 USD. In addition, for the month of December, SpinAudio is offering Xmas pricing on other products as follows: RoomVerb M2 2.1 PC/MAC - 99 USD Virtual Mixing Console - 79 USD Essential Plug-ins Bundle - 59 USD 3D Plug-ins Bundle - 59 USD The prices are effective through December 31, 2004 For more information, visit their web site at spinaudio.com. Tuesday, December 14 2004 | dmac Synapse Audio Releases Version 5.8 of Orion Pro Synapse Audio has released Version 5.8 of Orion Pro, a soft synth workstation for the Windows platform. Orion Pro is the affordable edition of Orion, consisting of 8 tone generators, 21 effects, sequencers, and an analog-style mixer with effect sends and inserts. The update 5.8 is freely available to registered customers, from the Synapse Audio website. It mostly extends the professional sampler module: Delay/Attack time adjustable for each LFO Sophisticated Editor with automatic pitch detection and easy multisample creation Internal effects unit, for better SoundFont compatibility Also new are Styles, introduced in Orion Platinum 5.8. With Styles patterns and presets can be saved in one unit, allowing easy sharing of complex sequences across projects, or with other users. System Requirements: Pentium P-III 450 MHz, 64mb RAM, Soundcard. Orion Pro is available for $149 from the Synapse Audio online shop. For more information, visit their web site at synapse-audio.com. Tuesday, December 14 2004 | dmac KARMA Software Update Adds Support for Triton Extreme Karma Lab has released an update (1.3) to both KARMA MW and KARMA Triton, the PC/Mac software applications that allow owners of the Korg Karma and Korg Triton series to generate phrases, grooves and other musical effects that can be altered and randomized in real-time. The main new feature is that KARMA Triton 1.3 includes full support for the Korg Triton Extreme. KARMA Triton now works with all Korg Triton models, including the Classic 61, Pro 76, ProX 88, Studio 61/76/88, Extreme 61/76/88, LE 61/76/88, and the Triton Rack. In addition, numerous performance enhancements have been incorporated into both versions. Developed by musician and programmer Stephen Kay, KARMA generates musical effects in real-time, allowing effortless creation of cascades of complex interweaving notes, techno arpeggios and effects, dynamic drum beats, dense rhythmic and melodic textures, glissandos for acoustic instrument programs, guitar strumming and finger-picking simulations, random effects, auto-accompaniment effects, gliding and swooping portamento and pitch bend effects, and new sound design possibilities. Audio demos (mp3) and software demos are available online. For a limited time, Karma Lab is running a "Good KARMA for the Holidays!" promotion on their KARMA software and sound sets for the Korg Karma and Korg Triton series of instruments. Now thru Jan 15th 2005, users can save up to $70 on packages that include KARMA MW or KARMA Triton software, and sound set collections such as Chemistry Volume 1 "Grooves & Inspiration", Chemistry Volume 2 "Sonic Viagra!", and Reincarnation Volume 1 "Inner Groove." Downloadable demo versions are available. For more information, visit their web site at karma-lab.com. Tuesday, December 14 2004 | dmac SynthEdit v0.958.7 released A new stable beta version of SynthEdit has been released - v0.958.7. Changes since v0.958.3: Fixed error message when loading bitmaps from custom skin folders. New Module available on modules page - Unison Fix. Provides work-around for CK_Unison modules (required by recent bug-fixes to MIDI-CV). Soundfonts - "Scale Tune" parameter now supported (provides for non-standard tuning). Fixes for VST plug-ins: Sampletank and discoDSP Discovery. VST Nag mode fixed. .sep Modules - Help option working again. VCA - fixed bug preventing sleep mode in some synths. ASIO - Fixes for SoundBlaster Audigy. SDK - Fixed bug in seGuiHostSendStringToAudio. More @ synthedit.com.