Week of July 23, 2006 Saturday, July 29 2006 | dmac AudioWarrior Releases Kreator XL 1.1 Audiowarrior Kreator® XL updates to v1.1. This new, feature-enhanced songwriter's version with DEEP programming abilities includes real time Wah-Wah, AmpModeling, SpeakerCabModeling, Vowel Modeling and includes an a software industry 'first' featuring a 30 day money back guarantee (subject to *special conditions). Virtually Infinite Kreator XL is the Nu Age 3 Gigabyte Professional Soft-Synth-Sound-Module music production solution for recording engineers, film makers, broadcasters, game developers, effects artists, and other media professionals. Create compelling, professional-sounding songs by using Audiowarrior's built-in production elements that contribute to a well balanced, artful and professional-sounding mix. Kreator XL's library is divided into 30 sections with hundreds of program presets, REX files, and MIDI files. Specifications: 32-bit Connects to everything : VST, DXi2, AU, Rewire and Standalone 256 Voices polyphony 16 sounds on 16 MIDI channels simultaneously per instance Sound Category System support, no difference between finding, selecting and loading a Sound Control up to 32 DSP effects with 8 "quick" remote controllable Q-Controls featuring MIDI Learn Ultra easy user interface--clean, handy and easy to understand for beginners or seasoned professionals Award-winning Surround-Capable HALion 3 playback engine All of Kreator's sounds and instruments can be opened in HALion 3.1+ Take it with you: Having your AudioWarrior Kreator1.0 License Code installed on your Steinberg Key makes it easy to use Kreator interchangeably on any computer, anytime, anywhere in the world, PC or Mac For more information, visit their web site at audiowarrior.com. Saturday, July 29 2006 | dmac Westgate Studios Releases The Oboes Module For Gigastudio And Kontakt As part of their all-new Modular Series, Westgate Studios is proud to announce the release of The Oboes Module. This library for Gigastudio 3.1 and Kontakt 2.1 features 24 bit samples recorded by Grammy award-winning engineer Tim Kimsey. On the DVD you will find a comprehensive set of patches for Solo Oboe, Solo English Horn and Oboe Section. The most important feature of this library is the Legato playing style. These patches contain not only expressive long notes, but also true legato interval samples that were recorded as the musicians played every note up and down from 1 half-step all the way up to a full octave. You don't have to load any special tools to control them because the Legato effect is powered by Gigastudio's iMIDI rules and Kontakt's scripting engine. You can also vary the Attack Strength of each note, control the use of Release Samples, and play Same-Note Legato Repetitions in any rhythm or tempo. Each of the oboe patches also allows you complete Tone Control within the instrument. If you prefer a "darker" sound, simply adjust control change 4 until you like what you hear. Along with these highlights you'll also find Staccato and Marcato articulations, Trills, Octave Runs and changing dynamics such as Crescendos, Diminuendos, and Fortepiano. Eerie Multiphonic Effect samples are included as well. With an MSRP of $100 (US), the Oboes Module is available on DVD for either Gigastudio 3.1 or Kontakt 2.1. The samples included are 24bit\44.1k\stereo recordings of Solo Oboe, Solo English Horn and Oboe Section. For more information, visit their web site at westgatestudios.com. Thursday, July 27 2006 | dmac Sonoma wire works launches riffworks standard Sonoma Wire Works™, developers of highly acclaimed RiffWorks™ recording software, have released RiffWorks Standard (version 2) offering increased compatibility, more features, integrated RiffCaster instant podcasting, and access to RiffLink online collaboration. RiffWorks Standard allows users to spontaneously record their musical ideas, create songs complete with drums and effects, jam online, and broadcast to an enthusiastic community. RECORDING MADE FUN RiffWorks Standard installs easily on Mac OS Universal with any CoreAudio device and on WinXP with any ASIO device, making it more accessible. RiffWorks still features the popular Riff-based workflow, and the new SongLayer tool allows for full song-length recording. In addition to the real-time effects users could add to each layer in v1, users can now add effects to each backup module including InstantDrummer, ReWire, and the REX player. Eight InstantDrummer sessions from top drum content providers (Drums on Demand, Discrete Drums, and Submersible Music) are included and dozens more have just been released, giving users more professional drum recordings for their songs. JAM ONLINE RiffWorks Standard integrates the new RiffLink interface, which enables participation in online jamming. With the debut of RiffLink, RiffWorks is the only recording application with built-in online collaboration. RiffLink allows multiple users to record, mix and chat in a shared session in real-time or when they have time. Because Riffs are looped, users can be playing along with collaborators' tracks with no worries about latency. New tracks show up when they finish streaming and are always perfectly in sync. The RiffLink service is in public beta. RiffWorks Standard is available for $129.99 from sonomawireworks.com, which includes a 60-day free subscription to RiffLink. INSTANT PODCASTING RiffCaster free broadcasting service allows instant publishing via webcasts and podcasts with embedded Creative Commons licensing at the press of a button. Songs can now be published instantly to the RiffCaster webcast and podcast server with the click of one button from within the RiffWorks interface. "We listened to our enthusiastic users' feature requests and we've delivered. The result is RiffWorks Standard - accessible to more users and even more fun to record with. We are hearing amazing songs being recorded with RiffWorks and some hot collaborations coming out of RiffLink sessions. It's exciting to watch (and hear) RiffWorks bringing home musicians together." Doug Wright, President of Sonoma Wire Works NEW FEATURES IN RIFFWORKS STANDARD     * RiffCaster one-click podcasting     * RiffLink online collaboration free trial     * IK Multimedia's AmpliTube LE guitar amp and effects plug-in     * More InstantDrummer sessions from Drums on Demand, Submersible Music, & Discrete Drums     * WinXP with ASIO     * MacOS Universal with Core Audio More new features listed on sonomawireworks.com. Wednesday, July 26 2006 | dmac iZotope Announces Major Updates For Ozone 3, Spectron, And Trash Plug-Ins iZotope has released major updates for Ozone 3, Spectron, and Trash. The updated versions include many usability enhancements as well as support for the latest operating systems and host applications. Updates for all three plug-ins: Universal Binary versions for Intel-based Macs Support for 64-bit Windows applications Improved authorization system Improved delay compensation support with delay freeze function "Alt-Solo" bandwidth can be changed with the mouse wheel Ozone 3 updates: Improved EQ snapshot import under Mac OS X Smooth crossover changes in multiband modules Trash updates: Fully automatable Buzz module 200% feedback settings for Buzz module Smooth crossover changes in multiband modules Host tempo sync for delay time and LFO rate Spectron updates: Host tempo sync for LFO rate Host tempo sync for Delay module nodes Numeric entry for node parameters iZotope Ozone 3, Spectron, and Trash are available to purchase directly from iZotope, and are distributed to retail stores worldwide by M-Audio. Updates for Ozone 3, Spectron, and Trash are free to download for registered users on iZotope's website. For more information, visit their web site at izotope.com. Wednesday, July 26 2006 | dmac eJamming Studio Update Adds Social Networking Capabilities eJamming, Inc. today announced eJamming® Studio 1.5, now significantly enhanced with social networking capabilities. With searchable Musician Profiles, JamVite instant messaging and Jam Scheduler automatic calendar, as well as automated access through firewalls and routers, the eJamming Studio makes it easier for digital musicians to find, schedule jam sessions and connect with others over the Internet. eJamming Studio is the only online service that allows musicians using MIDI-enabled instruments to write, rehearse and play music together in real time—even if they're thousands of miles apart. Lets Musicians Connect More Quickly and Easily eJamming's social networking provides easier, more effective ways to identify and connect with potential collaborators. With eJamming Musician Profiles, users can review player musical influences, styles, instrument preferences and location from both the eJamming Studio and the eJamming website (www.ejamming.com). JamVites provide a way to invite other musicians to join in writing or jam sessions, and the Jam Scheduler keeps track of session dates, times and players involved, as well as public hosted online get-togethers. eJamming Studio solves router/firewall connectivity issues by using Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) and NAT negotiation techniques to automate opening and closing ports for each eJamming session, getting musicians connected faster and easier. eJamming Studio's new Connection Doctor aids users in fixing remaining connection problems. Six Months Free Service for First 2000 Former and New Members who Sign Up "We want to thank all the musicians who downloaded eJamming before—and invite new users to experience the enhanced 'new' eJamming," said Alan Jay Glueckman, chairman and president, eJamming. "Six months for free is an incredible deal." A monthly subscription to eJamming normally costs $14.95, and a Day Pass - for 24 hours of continuous eJamming - costs $4.95. For more information, visit their web site at ejamming.com. Tuesday, July 25 2006 | dmac Sonicbytes Releases Phrazor Preview #6 Sonicbytes has released Phrazor Preview #6. This release introduces the Standalone and VST Multi-I/O version. The routing-capabilities of the engine have been improved - Multi-Out VST plugins are supported as well. The clip-based Arpeggiator completes the MIDI-engine. New: Standalone version supporting multiple audio and midi ports VST version provides multi I/O (up to 16 stereo inputs/outputs) Support for Multi-Out VSTs Slots can send audio to any subsequent Track Send and Multi-Out target Tracks are colored Send target Tracks are processed thru Track midi out can be merged Added 'Internal' Midi ports Pure Midi Tracks are highlighted Optional routing of midi-input to selected Track The selected Track can be stored/recalled live Clip based full featured Arpeggiator Pianoroll tools Shrink/Expand Pianoroll tool Random-Time avoids doubles Quick browser for merging Clips directly into Pianoroll for reuse of chords and lines Single Programs can be saved/loaded and dragged from Browser Automatic creation of Programs from VST presets Quick browser menus for Tracks, Slots, Programs and Clips Refresh and Explorer buttons in Browser Manual updated Logfiles for diagnostics Changed: GUI changes to improve consistency and workflow Configuration files renamed Drummaps are now stored in a dedicated Folder Auto-connect for effects is now default, hold control to disable Pianoroll tool Stretch also affects length Phrazor is still free - there are no limitations and restrictions. Preordering is possible until the middle of August. For more information, visit their web site at sonicbytes.com Tuesday, July 25 2006 | dmac Beta Monkey Music Releases Drum Werks X: Punk Drums Loop Library Beta Monkey Music announces the release of Drum Werks X: Punk Drums. Drum Werks X is a complete songwriting package for aggressive music, featuring over 600 slamming punk drum loops. Everything is fast. Everything is simple. Everything is hard-hitting. No time for complex drumming or subtle ghost strokes - this CD is nothing but hundreds of slamming beats and fast and furious fills. With a wide span of tempos from 100 BPM to 285 BPM and beyond, Drum Werks X will deliver the no-nonsense drum parts your music needs. And, to top it off, Beta Monkey included a complete matching multi-velocity drum and cymbal sample set for added versatility. Drum Werks X: Punk Drums Features: 600+ Grooves, Groove Variations, Fills, Intros, Endings, and One-Shots 100+ Multi-Velocity Drum and Cymbal Single Hits Wide Range of Tempos: 100-285 BPM Rhythmic Realism: 2, 4, 8, and 16 bar segments convey authentic phrasing Cohesive Groove Sets: All loops are taken from the SAME recording session (all grooves, fills, one shots, samples are sonically-matched) Complete Multi-Velocity Drum and Cymbal Single Hits Sample Set Available in WAV, APPLE LOOPS and REX2 loop formats Drum Werks X: Punk Drums is available now for a limited time for $29.99. New release pricing is available through July 31. For more information, visit their web site at betamonkeymusic.com. Monday, July 24 2006 | dmac Camel Audio Releases The CamelCrusher Free Distortion/Compression/Filter Plug-In Camel Audio are pleased to announce CamelCrusher, a new free VST and Audio Unit plugin. CamelCrusher is a versatile 'colouring' multi-effect that borrows some features from its big brother CamelPhat. It offers two different distortion algorithms which can be blended together to create a wide variety of tones and textures. Great for guitars, drums and plenty more! There's also a warm, smooth analogue-style low-pass filter, with buckets of resonance. Assign a MIDI controller and start tweaking. Finally, let's not forget the easiest-to-use compressor you'll find anywhere. It can 'phatten' up your sound as quickly as you can turn up the 'Amount' knob! Features: Two different distortion types Warm, analogue-modelled resonant low-pass filter High quality, easy-to-use compressor, with 'Phat' mode Powerful 'MIDI Learn' function A collection of useful Preset patches to get you started Randomize for instant inspiration Available as a Universal Binary for Mac For more information, visit their web site at camelaudio.com.