Week of June 19, 2005 Friday, June 24 2005 | dmac UAD-1 Version 3.9 Update Includes Tiger Support Chorus Ensemble Universal Audio announced the launch of v3.9 software for the UAD-1 DSP Card & Powered Plug-Ins system. Version 3.9 includes a 14-day fully functional demo of the first of three announced emulations of vintage Roland effects units; the Boss CE-1 Chorus. Full authorizations of the CE-1 plug-in may be purchased for US$99 from my.uaudio.com "The Roland/Boss CE-1 Chorus Ensemble is the first UAD plug-in to be released as part of our strategic relationship with Roland Corporation." said Mike Barnes, Director of Marketing for Universal Audio. "After successfully partnering on the VS8F3 plug-project, we worked with Roland to apply our respected modeling techniques to clone a classic 'stomp-box'. The CE-1 plug-in delivers all of those inimitable lush, wide-stereo chorus sounds unique to - BOSS's first generation, analog-aficionado's unit." Version 3.9 also includes updated drivers for Apple's OSX 10.4 "Tiger" operating system and a number of further enhancements for improved functionality with Apple's Logic Pro DAW application and G5 computers but will be the last UAD-1 release for legacy OS9. For more information, visit their web site at uaudio.com. Friday, June 24 2005 | dmac Tiger Support for Pro Tools LE Arrives with Version 6.9.2 Digidesign has released Pro Tools LE 6.9.2 software which delivers support for Mac OS X 10.4.1 ("Tiger") to Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, and Mbox systems. Pro Tools LE 6.9.2 software is available as a free download for qualified users. Updater CD's are also available through the online DigiStore for $4.95 plus shipping and handling. Pro Tools LE 6.9.2 software is for Pro Tools LE systems only. The previously released Pro Tools TDM 6.9.2 software supports Pro Tools|HD systems on Mac OS X 10.4.1. A future software release will support Pro Tools M-Powered systems on Mac OS X 10.4.1. Note that there was no 6.9.1 software release for Pro Tools LE systems. For more information, visit their web site at digidesign.com. Friday, June 24 2005 | dmac OS X Version of Synful Orchestra Released Synful has announced availability of Synful Orchestra for Max OS X in AU and VST formats. Featuring the company's "Reconstructive Phrase Modeling" (RPM), now Mac users can also benefit from the expressivity and ease of use of Synful Orchestra. Synthesis is accomplished by selecting short phrase fragments from a database of idiomatic recorded instrumental phrases. The fragments, often corresponding to transitions between notes, are morphed in pitch and time and spliced together in real-time to form the synthesizer output. Phrases are stored and synthesized using a proprietary additive synthesis format that not only facilitates flexible morphing and splicing but also greatly reduces the size of the database compared to traditional sampling. The entire Synful Orchestra fits in just 32M of memory. Features: Smart articulation for realistic staccato, legato, portamento, and accents. Synful Orchestra instruments include Piccolo, Flute, Oboe, English Horn, Clarinet, Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, French Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Violin, Viola, Cello, Contrabass. Note transition modeling, intelligent phrase fragment search and splice, additive synthesis, infinite note extend without loops. AU, VST and DXi plugins included. Entire orchestra fits in 32M of memory. 80-150 real-time voices on Windows P4 1.5 GHz. 70-140 real-time voices on Mac G4 PowerBook 1.5 GHz. Easily uses Dual Processors on the Dual G5 for more voices. Runs on MAC OSX 10.2.8 or higher, and Windows 2000,XP. Reconstructive Phrase Modeling controls include Harmonic Tilt, Harmonic Parity, Transient Noise Trim, Sustain Noise Trim, Gain, Tune, Pitch Wheel Range, Delay for Expression, Synful Pitch Wheel mode for realistic portamento and pitch slide effects. Natural timbral vibrato controlled with Mod Wheel. Simple standard MIDI usage. MSRP: $479 (includes both Mac and Windows license). A 21 day fully functional free trial is available. For more information, visit their web site at synful.com. Thursday, June 23 2005 | dmac IndieSFX Release Sokoban Sounds indieSFX.co.uk have announced a new collection of sound effects. Sokoban Sounds was created with casual games in mind and includes slides and boulder rolls, jewel clinks, and Aztec wooden levers and trapdoors. Extra Pong sounds and weapon upgrade noises, as well as some new surface footsteps and explosions for items like crates make Sokoban Sounds an essential resource for any independent game developer. Sokoban Sounds is available on CD-ROM or download for $24 US (£14 GBP), with a 25% discount on all bundles including the entire IndieSFX library. Visit indiesfx.co.uk for audio previews and more information. Wednesday, June 22 2005 | dmac FXpansion releases GURU Sampling Beat Box v1.0 FXpansion has released GURU. Developed in conjunction with Devine Machine, GURU is an "enlightened sampling beat box" for major realtime mangling, sequencing, and much more. GURU's architecture is perfect for anything from straight-up breaks and stomping floor-fillers to complex polyrhythmic, multi-layered grooves. The powerful built-in FX and graphical parameter automation allow you to mutate your beats into new, unheard forms, or create subtle variations. Mash up your sounds with pitch modulation, repeat triggers, start-point and timing manipulation, resonant filters and much more. Everything from precision funk to disturbing sonic mangling and glitch beatscapes is at your fingertips. Feature highlights include: 8 Engines, each comprising: 16 MIDI-triggered Sample Pads. Powerful step-sequencer with 24 MIDI-triggered Patterns of up to 128 steps. Three Aux effect slots. Insert effects slot. Comprehensive Sample Pad Editor offering individual control of the following for each Pad: Gain, pan, tuning, resonant filtering (blendable between LP/BP/HP), start/end points. Amp/FX envelopes. 8 layers (with optional velocity split and crossfades). Cut groups (choke groups). 3 Aux sends and an effect slot. Advanced Step Sequencer: 128 steps. 16 channels. 24 Pattern memories per engine. Graphical automation. MIDI remote control. Independent tempo multipliers. Real-time recording with undo. Flexible groove/shuffle control. Automated sample slicing, classification and pad mapping (kick, snare, hat, percussion) with manual slice-tuning capability and optional MIDI score extraction. Can load audio loops (WAV/AIFF/REX), MIDI loops, single-hits, complete kits, pattern banks. Includes library of over 2GB of sample content, featuring material by Yellow Tools, Wizoo, Gearshift and others. Eight stereo outputs, flexible routing. On board effects: - Delay, Flanger, Chorus, Reverb, Phaser, Compressor, EQ, Multimode Filter (ENV & LFO), Comb Filter, Bit Crusher, Distortion, Ring Mod, Trance Gate, Freeze, pitched and noise oscillators. Built in MIDI mapping allows you to quickly setup GURU to work with your hardware MIDI controller / groove box / drum triggers (Such as Akai MPC/MPD series, Alternate Mode DrumKat, Korg MicroKontrol, M-Audio Trigger Finger etc.). GURU is available as a stand-alone application, ReWire device, and in VSTi, DXi, AudioUnit and RTAS plug-in formats for Windows 2000/XP and Mac OS X. GURU is available now direct from FXpansion's online store for US$249 / EU€199 / GB£129 (excluding local taxes where applicable). GURU will also be available in stores in some countries. For details please applicable). GURU will also be available in stores in some countries. More info's @ fxpansion.com. Wednesday, June 22 2005 | dmac MasterQ Update for OS X Includes AudioUnit, RTAS Support PSP has updated Mac OS X version of their MasterQ EQ VST plug-in to version 1.2.1, available free to registered users. At the same time it has been ported it to AudioUnit and RTAS format. PSP MasterQ is a parametric equalizer designed to operate at sampling rates ranging from 44.1 to 192kHz. The plug-in (VST and DirectX for PC; AudioUnit, VST, RTAS for Mac OS X) contains seven filters: 12 or 24 dB/oct low cut and high cut filters, low shelf and high shelf filters, and low mid, middle and high mid peaking filters-all of them with adjustable frequency and Q factor over a wide range. The plug-in also includes a high precision EQ graph to display an overview of the EQ curve, as well as display the individual characteristics of each filter. Features: Processing using 64 double precision floating point computations Up to 192kHz sample rates supported 7 filters with pre-configured parameter ranges for easy use EQ graph that displays an overall EQ curve and individual curves for each active filter Set of example presets Minimum system requirements: Panther MacOS X v 10.3.5 or later / Tiger MacOS X 10.4.0 or later G4 400 Mhz 512 MB RAM AudioUnit AudioUnit compatible host application VST VST compatible host application RTAS ProTools TDM 6.4 / ProTools LE 6.4 or later High Color S-VGA, 1024x768 Price: $149. For more information, visit their web site at pspaudioware.com. Wednesday, June 22 2005 | dmac Groovebox Launches New Site for Reason Training Videos Having launched protoolsvideos.com last year, Groovebox Corp. has now created reasonvideos.com to offer similar on-line training dedicated to Propellerhead's Reason software. Membership gives you 24/7 on-line access to streaming videos. A total of 10 videos are available right now, and a vast amount of topics and techniques are planned - Groovebox plans to release new content almost daily for the next month. In addition, a "Reason Playground" with free professionally-made Refills, will be available very shortly according to the company. The company is also offering special deals for those who join before July 31st 2005: Special 1 - Monthly Member Savings - $14.99: Get full access to the initial release and all new videos added for the next month for only $14.99. Special 2 - Monthly Member EXTRA Savings - $14.99: Lock in a recurring monthly membership for only $14.99 a month. This is half off the regular price, and you receive this discounted price as long as you stay a member, even after prices go up in August. Special 3 - Half-Off One Year Memberships - $149.99: Until July 31st, you can purchase a One Year Membership for only $149.99. That is over half off the regular yearly membership price. Prices will be going back up to the normal rates on August 1. A free, full-length Reason tutorial example is available. For more information, visit their web site at reasonvideos.com. Wednesday, June 22 2005 | dmac Version 2.2 Update to Lampthruster Released Lampthruster version 2.2 has been released and is now available for download. Lampthruster is a non-linear processing module (tube/valve amp simulator) coupled with a vintage-sounding equalizer. Lampthruster is currently available in PC VST plug-in format only. This version update introduces a convenient graphical equalizer curve editing mode like the one found in other Voxengo equalizer plug-ins. This graphical display allows you to get the most from Lampthruster's equalizer. Note that EQ band gain range has been decreased to 18 dB for more convenience during EQ curve editing. Voxengo Lampthruster features: 9 pre-amp models Built-in vintage equalizer Graphical EQ curve editing On/off switches for all processing stages Factory presets "A-to-B" comparisons Mono-to-Stereo, Stereo-to-Stereo processing All sample rates supported 64-bit internal precision Native assembler DSP code Lampthruster is sold on-line direct for USD 59.95. Lampthruster is also available in various plug-in bundles as well. For more information, visit their web site at voxengo.com. Monday, June 20 2005 | dmac Updated Version of SampleRobot Released SampleRobot, the software for automatically sampling instruments, is now available for download. The current version is V 1.14. SampleRobot provides fully automatic sampling of MIDI sound devices that are connected to a Windows compatible MIDI and audio interface. It can also be used to sample any acoustic instrument, though not without some human involvement as you might guess. What's new in SampleRobot Version 1.14: Semi-Automatic recording gains new functions (like loop-prelistening and waveform preview) for sampling live instruments For sampling acoustic instruments, a tuning oscillator with 3 waveforms and adjustable level is available. The oscillator can be played via MIDI before recording the dedicated key. Now you can normalize or adjust levels all samples in a Multi-Sample / Project at the same time. There is a search function for the maximum level of a sample in a Multi-Sample / Project to adjust all other levels to that level. Improved function "Import Single-Sample-Soundlibrary" to split up all sample parts between silence to the selected keys. Improved user interface Egosys Inc. (ESI) is the wordwide distributor of the boxed version. The boxed version will be available in July 2005. The price for SampleRobot is 249 Euro (329 US $). For more information, visit their web site at samplerobot.com. Monday, June 20 2005 | dmac PowerTracks Pro Hits Version 10 PG Music Inc. has released Version 10 of its PowerTracks Pro Audio sequencing software for Windows. This major upgrade offers more than thirty new features, including ASIO driver support, a full-featured Piano Roll Window, Time Stretch and Pitch Change for audio tracks, half and quarter speed audio playback, drag and drop audio editing, 3 new DirectX Plug-ins (PG Vinyl, PG RTA, PG Vocal Remover) and much more. With the addition of ASIO driver support, PowerTracks Pro Audio 10 can achieve softsynth latency as low as 5 milliseconds. In practical terms, this means that PowerTracks Pro Audio will echo MIDI thru notes in real time, even when using a DXi softsynth such as the Roland VSC DXi. The new Piano Roll Window in PowerTracks Pro Audio 10 can be used to edit all tracks. The Piano Roll Window enables precise graphic editing of note timing and duration for every MIDI track. Users can also graphically edit Note Velocity, Controllers, Program Changes, Channel Aftertouch, and Pitch Bend for any MIDI note by simply selecting and dragging. Audio track Volume & Pan automation can now be graphically edited in the Piano Roll Window. Audio Time Stretch and Pitch Change are new features that allow PowerTracks Pro Audio 10 users to change the speed and pitch of audio tracks independently. They can be used to permanently change the duration and pitch of individual audio tracks, or to change the speed and pitch of the entire PowerTracks Pro Audio mix. PowerTracks Pro Audio 10 has new Drag and Drop editing features that permit the user to select a highlighted region and drag it to a new location in the song, with options to either move or copy and overwrite or merge the selected region. The new PG Vinyl DirectX plug-in removes clicks and pops from any vinyl record. This plug-in can also provide RIAA equalization for better tone so users do not require a preamp. Turntables can be attached directly to the mixer console. PG Vinyl can also reduce broadband noise, and remove clicks on digital audio tracks. In some cases the plug-in can reduce the clipping distortion on digital audio tracks which were recorded too loud. PG RTA (Real Time Analyzer) is a new plug-in that displays a third-octave frequency graph of either a single track or the entire mix. This plug-in can assist audio equalization, measure the frequency response of audio equipment, be used as a voice and music learning aid, and much more. The PG Vocal Remover is a new plug-in that can reduce the level of lead vocals in many recordings. Users can finetune the vocal removal frequency range, and optionally reduce the level of residual vocal reverb. Other powerful new features in PowerTracks Pro Audio 10 include: Block - Select Recent From/Thru Range, Advance Now After Paste Option, MIDI Guitar Cleanup Dialog, Combine 2 Mono Audio Tracks to a Single Stereo Track, Split Stereo Track into 2 Mono Tracks, Auto-Convert MIDI Track to .WAV file, Auto-Convert MIDI track to Audio Track, time signatures now displayed on lead sheet, Print the Currently Displayed Page, MIDI Pitch Bends, Send ALL Recent MIDI Controllers, Track Number or MIDI Channel number Indicator displayed in Big Piano Window, Toggle Part Marker Type for a Measure During Playback, Audio Track Levels, Tempo Adjust Hot-keys, Cakewalk (INS) and Band-in-a-Box (PAT) patch file converter and much more. PowerTracks Pro Audio 10 is available now for immediate download or order by mail, phone, fax, or e-mail directly from PG Music Inc., and also at music stores worldwide. For more information, visit their web site at pgmusic.com.