Week of October 24, 2004 Saturday, October 30 2004 | dmac iZotope go Mac OS X iZotope has released its entire plug-in line for Mac OS X (VST / AU / MAS / RTAS / AS / HTDM) and updated the Windows versions (VST/DX). The release includes Ozone, a 64-bit analog modeled mastering system; Trash, a 64-bit classic amp, distortion, delay, and filter simulator; and Spectron, a versatile spectral-based effect. Vinyl, a record simulator, is already available as a free download for Mac OS X. Ozone US$249.99 Ozone is a 64-bit integrated mastering system featuring analog modeling with options for digitally transparent processing. Features include: Loudness maximizer with Intelligent Release Control for extremely transparent limiting Proprietary MBIT+ wordlength reduction technology (dither) Tube modeled multiband dynamics with analog and linear-phase crossover modes, RMS and peak detection Tube modeled EQ with linear phase mode for digitally transparent equalization, intelligent matching function for spectrum matching 64-bit acoustically modeled reverb Trash US$199.99 Trash sets a new standard in distortion and amp modeling. With its wide range of 64-bit box, cabinet, and speaker models, multiband distortion algorithms, fully sweepable and triggerable filters, and unique delay module, Trash is able to provide a superior sound with tremendous flexibility. Highlights include: 48 distortion types ranging from tube overdrive to the fuzz of germanium transistors. Chain pairs of distortions together for sonic destruction at 64-bit precision, or split the signal into multiple bands and apply distortion independently to individual frequencies. Realistic modeling of 85 amp cabinets and speakers. Classics, combos, boutique models, stacks... a tone and character for any occasion. 36 filters that can be LFO or envelope triggered through a unique graphical display. Synth filters, resonant filters, classic analog filters and more. Multiband dynamics and gating to control the peaks and tame the noise. Trash the echo with a selection of classic lo-fi delays. Tape delay with saturation and nonlinear tape machine artifacts, tape-tube delay with added tube saturation modeling, classic analog delay with analog degradation and Lo-fi digital delay with quantization noise and aliasing. Spectron US$129.99 Spectron is designed around the Spectron Engine, a powerful core which decomposes audio into thousands of frequency bands for spectral processing. Spectron offers a powerful interface which lets sound designers control groups of frequency bands with virtually unlimited options for sweeping and triggering. By chaining effects including morphing, panning, delay/feedback combinations and filtering, it's easy to find a unique sound with Spectron. Features include: Morph module for effects reminiscent of a vocoder but with frequency-selective amount control Spectral-based delay with independent delay and feedback control for each frequency band Spectral-based stereo panning Filter module for frequency-selective attenuation Smear module including four independent delay lines with flanger-style LFO for smoothing the output of the Spectron Engine Innovative interface allows for virtually unlimited sweeping and triggering options, includes advanced LFO settings with amplitude, frequency and pulse-width modulation. Windows Updates Ozone v3.0.5, Spectron v1.0.5, Trash v1.0.5 and Vinyl v1.7.1. Changes are unspecified. More @ izotope.com. Saturday, October 30 2004 | dmac AES :: Tascam Intros FW-1082 FireWire Interface and Control Surface The new FW-1082 from TASCAM not only provides audio and MIDI I/O to small studios, but offers a control surface with moving-faders. The FW-1082 features 10 inputs, including four balanced XLR mic inputs with phantom power. Two MIDI inputs and outputs are also included, plus S/PDIF digital I/O. Eight channel strips each feature a 60mm touch-sensitive moving fader and select/solo/mute buttons, and a moving master fader is also provided. The FW-1082 includes the latest TASCAM software bundle: Cubasis LE 96kHz/48-track recording software, GigaStudio 3 LE streaming sampler and Nomad Factory plug-in demos. "The FW-1082 offers many of the same powerful audio, MIDI and control surface features of our FW-1884 interface for well under $1,000," raves Jim Mack, Division Manager for TASCAM. "But it's not a 'budget' interface by any measure. The FW-1082 has 10 inputs at 96kHz, and the included Cubase LE software records 48 tracks at up to 96k/ 24-bit resolution, better than many 'pro' applications. Its nine moving faders feel great, and the encoders and transport controls all feel solid and professional. It's an incredible value for anyone breaking into home recording." The FW-1082's four microphone inputs, two with analog insert jacks, have phantom power for professional condenser microphones. Four additional line inputs and a S/PDIF stereo input add up to 10 inputs simultaneously, each at 96kHz/24-bit audio resolution. Two MIDI inputs and outputs are provided for 32 channels of MIDI synth playback or control. The control surface has nine 60mm touch-sensitive moving faders for silky-smooth control over channel level, pan or aux settings. Four encoders are also available for mix control, as well as transport and jog/shuttle controls. Stereo monitoring is included, and the FW-1082 even mixes signals internally for stand-alone use. Features: 10-in/4-out audio interface at 96kHz/24-bit Nine 60mm touch-sensitive moving faders Four balanced XLR / 1/4" TRS mic/line inputs with phantom power Four balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs 1/4" TRS insert jacks for channels 1 & 2 S/PDIF stereo digital input and output Balanced 1/4" TRS monitor outputs Headphone output with level control Two MIDI inputs and outputs Assignable Footswitch jack Eight channel strips with solo, mute, select, record arm indicator Four assignable encoders control pan, aux level and EQ parameters Transport controls, jog/shuttle wheel, and many other surface controls Emulates Mackie HUI and Mackie Control in addition to the included native mode control plug ins Includes GigaStudio 3 LE Includes Steinberg Cubase LE 48-track 96kHz workstation software For more information, visit their web site at tascam.com. Saturday, October 30 2004 | dmac AES :: BIAS Introduces SoundSoap 2 for OS X and XP "One-click" audio noise reduction & restoration software now offers vinyl LP restoration, broader plug-in compatibility & more... At the 117th AES Convention, BIAS announced SoundSoap 2, the latest upgrade to the company's "one-click" audio cleaning software for Mac OS X and Windows XP. Like the original SoundSoap, SoundSoap 2 provides noise reduction, while still being easy enough for average consumers to use effectively. New for version 2 are Remove Click & Crackle and Enhance features, plus plug-in compatibility with Audio Units and RTAS/AudioSuite host applications. SoundSoap 2 also retains its original ease of use and cost effectiveness, its plug-in compatibility with DirectX and VST host applications, and its $99 MSRP. Pricing and Availability BIAS SoundSoap 2 is will be available in November 2004, at a suggested retail price of just $99 US. Customers who purchased SoundSoap through authorized BIAS resellers or directly from BIAS on or after October 1st, 2004, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 2 at no additional charge by faxing BIAS a request along with a copy of their original dated sales receipt. For customers who purchased SoundSoap before October 1st, 2004, the upgrade to SoundSoap 2 is just $49 US (plus tax, shipping, and VAT where applicable) -- and is available directly from BIAS or through the worldwide network of BIAS distributors. SoundSoap Pro remains available at $599 US list. For more information, visit their web site at bias-inc.com. Friday, October 29 2004 | dmac Native Instruments Introduces Version 3 of Absynth Absynth 3 is the latest reincarnation of the Native Instruments synth, literally taking it into a whole new dimension -- the third dimension, in fact. Absynth 3 is now fully surround-enabled, offering a versatile multi-channel implementation. Powerful new oscillator functions and additional integrated effects further expand its sonic capabilities, while a versatile live input function turns Absynth 3 into a real-time sound mangling tool. Flexible MIDI parameter control and a revised user interface further increase Absynth's versatility and ease of use. The role of surround sound is rapidly increasing in all areas of music production and sound design, and Absynth 3 delivers: Integrated multi-channel support includes a wide range of formats, ranging from 3.1 and 5.1 up to 7.1 and even 8.0, with dedicated surround panning sections in each oscillator channel. Panning envelopes and LFOs offer far-reaching and convenient control over spatial movement, allowing for animated soundscapes that can be both subtle and overwhelming. Surround integration takes Absynth's signature evolving pads and complex atmospheres to a completely new level, and existing sounds can easily be adapted to make use of the new features. Absynths oscillator section is also enhanced, adding a "real-time fractalize" mode and "frequency shifting" modulation to its existing arsenal of subtractive, FM, sampling and granular capabilities. Furthermore, each of Absynth's oscillators now offers both an optional free-running mode and an additional "unison" function combining up to eight detuned oscillators simultaneously, for increased analog feel and fat monophonic lines. The new "live input" mode can process up to three external stereo signals at once, routing each into a separate oscillator channel for individual treatment with Absynth's versatile filter, waveshaping, envelope and effect sections. The revamped user interface of Absynth 3 offers more convenience and control, with a single-window-architecture that reduces screen clutter and improves workflow. The greatly enhanced envelope editor makes working with Absynth's powerful multi-breakpoint envelopes much easier, thanks to new features like multiple breakpoint selection, copy/paste functionality, and a real-time envelope cursor. Absynth 3 comes with more than 1000 presets, including 256 brand new ones that make use of the added features, as well as over 800 sounds from the previous instalment. Absynth 3 will be available in December 2004 for a suggested retail price of $ 339 / 289 Euro. For more information, visit their web site at native-instruments.com. Friday, October 29 2004 | dmac New Fantom-Xa Synthesizer from Roland Roland's Fantom-X series continues to grow, now with the Fantom-Xa, a more affordable way to get your hands on the company's new generation of sampling workstation. Many of the most popular features from the flagship Fantom-X line have been ported to the Fantom-Xa, including 128-voice polyphony, major memory expansion, high-resolution built-in sequencing, realtime audio time-stretching, COSM modeling effects, mastering processor, Skip Back Sampling, USB port, WAV/AIF compatibility, and an SRX expansion slot. The onboard PC Card slot allows up to a gigabyte of patch and sample data storage. Under the Fantom-Xa's hood is a powerful synth engines loaded with raw waveforms, semi-modular structures, multiple filter types, and up to eight syncable LFOs per patch, including the expressive programmable Step LFO. The Fantom-Xa's patchs cover the classic keyboard and orchestral instruments plus modern electronic textures and more. The 1,000-plus internal patches are categorized by family (Electric Guitars, Soft Pads, Organs, etc.) so it's easy to find your sound quickly. Whether you're sequencing MIDI tracks, triggering samples, or even recording audio directly to RAM, the Fantom-Xa makes combining these elements a simple process. Lay down a drum track by combining the internal drum sounds with audio loops, which can automatically sync to tempo via realtime timestretching. Then record some keyboard parts via MIDI and finish your song by tracking a guitar or vocal as audio. The high-resolution sequencer holds up to 400,000 events, and supports Standard MIDI Files. The Fantom-Xa also includes COSM effects. There are three MFX processors onboard, plus dedicated reverb, chorus, and even a mastering processor with multiband compression. Export your mixes to a PC or Mac via USB for CD burning. For more information, visit their web site at rolandus.com. Monday, October 25 2004 | dmac FXpansion VST-AU Adapter v1.5 released FXpansion have updated their VST to Audio Units adapter to v1.5. This release is fully compatible with Logic 6.x and 7.x, Final Cut Pro 4.x, Digital Performer 4.5, Soundtrack and GarageBand, amongst others. It allows VST plug-ins to pass Logic's "AUValidation" scheme. More @ fxpansion.com. Monday, October 25 2004 | dmac Metric Halo Releases ChannelStrip Native for OS X Metric Halo has released ChannelStrip Native for OS X. Registered users can upgrade by contacting Metric Halo or their local dealer. ChannelStrip Native includes Audio Units (AU), MAS, VST, and RTAS support, all in one license. With one license for ChannelStrip Native, Mac OS X users can use ChannelStrip with just about every major audio program available for Mac, including Logic 7, Cubase SX 3, Digital Performer 4.5, Nuendo 2, Pro Tools 6, Final Cut, and GarageBand, amongst others. Pricing for the OS X upgrade is $149.99 for immediate fulfillment from Metric Halo and Metric Halo dealers worldwide. Retail upgrade packages are shipping now. ChannelStrip Native for OS X is priced at $345. More information is available from sales@mhlabs.com. For more information, visit their web site at mhlabs.com. Sunday, October 24 2004 | dmac Groove Monkee Releases MIDI Jazz Beats Collection Groove Monkee announced the release of a third set of MIDI drum grooves. Groove Monkee Beats for Jazz contains over 900 jazz beats in 10 categories ranging from basic swing to Latin. Designed to be as realistic as possible, these grooves employ a wide variety of techniques: drags, flat and double flams, ghost notes, inter-kit dynamics, etc., along with extensive timing and velocity (volume) variations. Each beat is two measures long. Contents include: 200+ Alternative Time beats (3/4, 5/4, 6/8, 7/4, 9/8, 12/8) 5 variations per beat, clearly labeled and arranged in folders by style. Each beat has multiple variations and fills Single and Multi-Track files Mapped for GM drums Type 0 files are available upon request. Session Drummer Compatible Available direct from Groove Monkee via email or on CD. For more information, visit their web site at groovemonkee.com.