Week of July 24, 2005 Friday, July 29 2005 | dmac Mackie released Tracktion 2 update Mackie recently released an update to Tracktion 2, version 2.0.1.13, which includes a couple of new features and several bug fixes. New features since v2.0.1.4: Added new assignable key command to toggle "auto display MIDI toolbar" behavior on or off. This is also accessible from the Options Menu on the Edit screen. Added option to apply dither during Audio Export. Fixed or updated since v2.0.1.4: Tracktion now runs correctly on Mac OS 10.4 "Tiger". Fixed issue with extraneous noise occurring when rendering and exporting audio. Rendering quality improved at all bit depths. Normalizing now occurs before Dither on Audio Export. Fixed a feedback issue on filters that have more than two inputs. Fixed MIDI continuous controller issue with Raw Materials Software delay plug-in. Fixed issue with right-click command not working correctly to replace rack filter. Fixed issue with multiple parameters linked to one MIDI controller in the "Create MIDI Controllers" screen. Fixed issue with graphics artifacts when using transparencies in CPU meter/color editor. Fixed various small issues relating to color editor. Fixed issue causing MIDI editor tools to remain shown when they should not. Fixed issue with right-click functions in MIDI Editor. Fixed issue with MIDI continuous controller mapping disregarding the MIDI Channel used. Fixed issue with mapping MIDI continuous controllers to duplicate filters on the same track. Fixed issue with rendered clips not having the correct Broadcast Wave time stamp. Fixed issue with aux sends used on mono tracks emitting a noise in the right channel. Other miscellaneous fixes. More @ mackie.com. Friday, July 29 2005 | dmac Sony Media Software release Funk Factory Loop Collection Sony Media Software has released the Dr. Fink's Funk Factory library, a new Premium Collection (2-CD, 24-bit) of royalty-free loops and samples that give users the freedom to create music with sounds from the funk doctor himself, Matt Fink. For more than ten years, Matt Fink was the chief keyboardist in one of the most influential bands of all time, Prince and the Revolution. Now, Matt has partnered with Sony Media Software to make his pop/funk keyboard and synth stylings available to music enthusiasts everywhere. "The premise for Dr. Fink's Funk Factory was to match old school sounds and beat loops with contemporary techno beats and synthesizer sounds so that they could be mixed and matched within this collection," said Matt Fink. "I really enjoyed creating the Funk Factory, and I hope that others will have a fun and creative experience with it as well." Recorded by Matt Fink exclusively for Sony Media Software, this funky Sony Sound Series Premium Collection offering captures polyphonic analog synth themes, tight dance grooves captured directly from vintage machines, clavinet licks, searing lead solos and riffs, and more. Sony Sound Series libraries offer comprehensive solutions for music creation. Three levels: Classic, Standard, and Premium, offer multiple price point options across a wide range of music genres. Sony Sound Series libraries are delivered in the ACID .wav file format that supports pitch-shifting and time-stretching in the entire line of ACID music creation programs, as well as Live, Sonar, Cubase, Logic, Soundtrack, and GarageBand 2. These loops can also be imported into any other non-linear editor that supports the .wav file format. MSRP: $99.95. For more information, visit their web site at sonymediasoftware.com. Thursday, July 28 2005 | dmac Sonic Implants Releases Complete Symphonic Collection for GigaStudio 3 Sonic Network, Inc. announced the availability of its Sonic Implants Complete Symphonic Collection. The culmination of the efforts of nearly one hundred recording engineers, sound designers, programmers, and professional musicians, the Sonic Implants Complete Symphonic Collection was developed to harness the power of Gigastudio 3. The Sonic Implants Complete Symphonic Collection incorporates several new technological innovations co-developed with the Tascam Gigastudio Development team in addition. The Dynamic Expression filter provides a continuous, note-dependent, morphing filter for adding expressiveness before and after sustaining note-on events. For the first time ever, frequency responses can accurately and continuously morph between velocity dynamics, even after note-on events have occurred. The new legato mode uses connecting samples to create instruments with legato transitions without the need for interval specific sampling. This new technique allows for legato instruments that the intervals are not limited by range or tempo. The Portamento Reshaping filter provides a phase corrected, 7th order, morphing filter for shaping formants dynamically as the pitch changes. This filter can continuously morph frequency responses of notes as they are stretched beyond their natural range. Also included in the Sonic Implants Complete Symphonic Collection are several custom GigaPulse halls from Grammy Award wining engineer Larry Seyer. Larry Seyer has been on the cutting edge of development of rooms for GigaPulse. The contribution of the custom halls allows the user to put the Symphonic Collection in the environment that best suits the need at the composition. The Sonic Implants Complete Symphonic Collection is now shipping and is available as a complete set or separately in the four individual volumes Strings, Brass, Woodwinds, and Percussion. The Complete Symphonic Collection is priced at $2,995. All individual titles are priced at $995, except for the Symphonic Percussion Collection, which is $695. For more information, visit their web site at sonicimplants.com. Wednesday, July 27 2005 | dmac Groove Monkee Releases Beats For GURU Groove Monkee is pleased to announce the release of two new MIDI libraries for FXpansion’s GURU beatbox. Both collections contain over 1,000 royalty free beats and each covers at least 10 musical styles. The grooves are mapped to maximize GURU’s 16 instrument pads and are available in four formats: GURU mapped Bundles, GM Single Track and GM Multi-Track and GM Cakewalk Session Drummer.   Groove Monkee Electronic For GURU Contents include: 1400 Beats for DnB, Downtempo, Garage, House, Jungle, Techno, Trance and more. 5 variations/fills per beat. Two and Eight-Bar grooves (GM mapped only). GURU Bundles, Single and Multi-Track files. Extra Percussion and Fill Bundles. Cakewalk Session Drummer compatible.   Groove Monkee Funk Hip Hop and R&B For GURU Contents include: 1000 Beats for Hip Hop (West Coast, East Coast, Dirty South), Funk and R&B 3 variations/fills per beat.  GURU Bundles, Single and Multi-Track files. Extra Percussion and Fill Bundles. Cakewalk Session Drummer compatible. Available now for $39.95 via instant download or on CD. Current owners of either GM mapped collection may upgrade for $10. Groove Monkee offers free samples and a 30 day money back guarantee. For additional information please visit groovemonkee.com. Wednesday, July 27 2005 | dmac AmpliTube UNO Available as Free Download IK Multimedia announced AmpliTube UNO, a free version of their guitar amp and FX software, is now available for download. Running on MacOSX and Windows XP, it uses the same technology derived from the full version of AmpliTube. AmpliTube UNO includes the crunch and distortion models from AmpliTube. The distortion effect is modeled after an analog solid-state overdrive stomp box. This is the perfect unit for "driving" the first stage of the AmpliTube UNO pre-amp. This is a versatile overdrive pedal that can saturate itself and overdrive the amp as well. Next to the Distortion effect is the amp modeling section, the Crunch Model. The Crunch Model is the same one offered in the full version of AmpliTube. This model features an EQ stage with Lo, Mid and Hi tone control circuitry that recreates the authentic response of the modeled amp. It also features an input gain control and an overall output level control. Users may download the FREE software by visiting amplitube.com For more information, visit their web site at ikmultimedia.com. Tuesday, July 26 2005 | dmac Voxengo Releases Version 1.9 of Deconvolver for Windows Deconvolver is a standalone Windows application which allows audio engineers to recover impulse responses from previously recorded test tone sine sweeps. This version has been totally reworked since the previous version release. The total rewrite allowed Voxengo to fix a range of various issues and improve the overall functionality: now Deconvolver supports multi-channel files; all created files now have a "dc" suffix added to them - this ensures that original files would not be overwritten during conversion. Version 1.9 also fixes problems with the "Reversed technique" mode that were available in the previous version. Voxengo Deconvolver features: True FFT deconvolution Reversed test tone deconvolution technique Minimum-phase transform option Reads 8, 16, 24, 32, 64 bit PCM and IEEE WAV files Writes 8, 16, 24 PCM and 32 IEEE WAV files Multi-channel file support Batch support Built-in DC removal filter Built-in test tone generator Automatic stereo normalization 64-bit processing All sample rates supported Voxengo Deconvolver is available on-line for USD 29.95. For more information, visit their web site at voxengo.com. Tuesday, July 26 2005 | dmac Limiter Joins Sony Oxford Plug-In Lineup Sony introduced the Oxford Limiter Plug-In at the Summer NAMM convention. The new plug-in can provide engineers and producers with high levels of flexibility and performance, whether the goal is general transparent level control, program loudness maximization or heavily applied artistic effects. The Oxford Limiter uses logarithmic side chain processing with adaptive timing functionality and "look-ahead" techniques. The "Enhance" function adds volume and punch to material without over-loading. Comprehensive metering functionality displays conventional peak sample value as well as inter-sample overloads, allowing dynamic correction of reconstruction overloads in real time. Sophisticated dithering functionality with selectable and variable depth noise shaping enables superb mastering output quality in either 24- or 16-bit modes. The Oxford Limiter plug-in features three processing functions: Level control, Loudness Enhancement and Output Metering with program analysis. Features include: Input section: Input Gain Fader: Controls input gain to limiter processing from -18dB to +18dB Input Meter: Displays effective input level from --20dBr to + 18dBr Numerical Gain Display: Consistently displays effective gain, and allows manual setting entry Attack control: Adjusts attack timing from 1mS to 20mS (with signal look ahead) Release control: Adjusts limiting release timing from 1mS to 10 seconds Curve Control: Adjusts soft limiting threshold from 0dB (hard) to 10dB (soft) Gain reduction meter: Permanently displays total peak gain reduction due to limiting Auto Gain switch: Engages an additional long-term gain process to provide gain scaling compensation to accommodate wide input level ranges Output section: Enhance: Controls unique additional dynamic loudness enhancement, from 0 to 100 percent Output Fader: Adjusts output level from --20dBr to 0dBr 16-Bit Dither Selector: Selects 16-bit output word length dithering, which includes 4 selectable noise-shaping types with unique "depth" control. Output Meter: Displays plug-in final output levels Recon Meter Selector: Switches meter to display actual reconstructed signal levels. Auto Comp Selector: Enables additional processing to allow automatic compensation of potential reconstructed overloads (i.e. inter-sample peaks) Peak Hold Selector: Selects meter display peak hold function for long-term peak level monitoring The Oxford Limiter Plug-in for Pro Tools TDM (PTH-LIMG2) is currently available, with a suggested list price of $530. A version for LE systems (PTL-LIMG2) is also currently available, with a suggested list price of $350. For more information, visit their web site at sony.com. Monday, July 25 2005 | dmac Akoustik Piano Unveiled at Summer NAMM Native Instruments has announced Akoustik Piano, a new sample-based software instrument that brings four classic pianos to life. Akoustik Piano recreates each of the original instruments by combining elaborate multi-sampling with sophisticated emulation of soundboard resonance and pedal behaviour. Akoustik Piano includes three famous Grand pianos that have been at the heart of countless classical concerts and recordings for many decades - the powerful and dynamic Boesendorfer 290 Imperial, the crystal-clear and versatile Steinway D, and the gentle Bechstein D 280 with its subtle harmonic overtones. Also included is the Steingraeber Model 130, an acclaimed upright piano offering a warm, compact tone that can fit perfectly whenever a majestic Concert Grand sound is not the first choice. For inclusion into Akoustik Piano, each of the original instruments was carefully set up and recorded using a special recording technique that minimized room ambienc. All four instruments have been captured in 10 velocity levels, and with full sustain phases. Akoustik Piano puts a strong focus on the accurate recreation of soundboard resonance for realistic playing behavior. Special attention was given to the implementation of the sustain, sustenuto and soft pedals, even including the effect of pressing the sustain pedal after a note has been struck. Expert settings allow for individual changes to the soundboard resonance characteristics, the key and pedal noise, and the position of the piano lid for each of the four instruments. Akoustik Piano also includes ambience on the basis of an integrated convolution reverb, offering accurate sonic representations of a Concert Hall, Recording Studio, Cathedral, and Jazz Club. Ambience characteristics can be fine-tuned in the Expert section of the instrument, which also includes various controls for stereo positioning, tuning, and velocity response as well as versatile 3-band-equalizer. Akoustik Piano can be used with any major host sequencer on the market, and due to its additional standalone mode is also a self-contained instrument that lends itself perfectly to live performances. Direct-From-Disk streaming technology significantly reduces the memory requirements of the instrument, while an optional ECO mode allows for smooth operation even on less powerful computer setups. For rehearsal and music education, Akoustik Piano is also equipped with a basic MIDI filer player, a two-channel performance recorder with Render-to-Disk option, and a versatile metronome, allowing musicians to record their piano playing and even accompany themselves without the need for a separate music sequencer application. Akoustik Piano will be available in September 2005 for for a suggested retail price of $ 349 / 299 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. For more information, visit their web site at native-instruments.com. Monday, July 25 2005 | dmac Live 5 Released at 2005 Summer NAMM Show Ableton announced the release and first public showing of Live 5 at the Summer NAMM show. Live 5 presents a wealth of new features and enhancements that cater to the musician's entire musical process - creation, production and performance. Live 5 includes advanced and creative DAW features to satisfy any audio professional. Clip Freeze serves two purposes: freeing up CPU power and easing the transfer of projects between computers. Unique to Live 5, "frozen" clips retain their real-time launch capabilities, allowing for improvisation, performance or song arrangement. A project with frozen tracks can also be transferred from your main computer and run easily on one with less-than-optimal CPU specs. Plug-In Delay Compensation automatically delays tracks to compensate for latencies caused by effects and plug-ins, including those on the return tracks. In addition, both audio and MIDI tracks have a manual delay setting to compensate for human, acoustic, hardware and other real-world delays. Launchable Arrangement Locators offer arrangement/song-position markers with MIDI mapping and quantized recall. Using the mouse, computer keys or MIDI messages, you can drop locators on the fly during playback or recording. Each locator can be named and assigned to a computer key or MIDI message. Jumping to a locator is subject to real-time quantization, just like launching Session View clips and scenes. Previous/Next buttons allow you to jump from locator to locator. Mackie Control Support enables full implementation of compatible mixer surfaces such as Tascam's FW-1082/1884, Yamaha's 01X and Mackie Control, allowing for mouse-free program operation. Easily navigate arrangements and the Session View grid; launch clips, scenes and locators; and access instruments and effects. Live 5 ships with a host of new remix-minded features, assuring instant remix and mash-up gratification. MP3 support makes your entire music library available for use in Live. Automatic Tempo-Matching tracks the tempo of imported songs and sets Warp Markers for you - instantly synchronizing your files to the project tempo. Complex Warp Mode is a frequency-domain warping method specifically designed to accommodate composite signals such as mixed-down music. New Clip Transport allows for performance-enhancing looping, editing and shuffling on the fly for any clip in Live. Click anywhere in a waveform to jump there - in sync and subject to real-time quantization. Live 5 also features simple tools for saving, previewing and accessing any idea on your hard drive. Live Clips. Clips can now be exported to disk for easy retrieval and reuse in any project. The exported Live Clip not only retains MIDI, audio, envelopes, warping and other clip settings but also the associated instrument, effects and plug-ins. In Live's Browser, Live Clips are as easy to browse and preview as samples. Better Browsing. Live's built-in Browser now features a search field and standard file organization capabilities such as creating folders and dragging files into folders. In the Browser, Live Sets (.als files) can be "unfolded" to reveal their tracks and clips-which can then be selectively previewed and dragged in. It is also possible to drag a Live Set from the Browser into the currently open Set to merge the two. New Preset Management. Presets for Ableton instruments and effects are now managed through the Browser as well. You can organize presets in folders at will and search for presets across folders using the search field. A new "browse" button on every device temporarily links the Browser to the device, allowing for easy preset recall. Device Groups allow you to save powerful multi-effect creations, effectively adding all the capabilities of Ableton's MIDI and audio effects to Simpler, Impulse and Operator presets. Live 5 introduces a selection of new effects, bringing even more creative possibilities. Beat Repeat - An inspirational, expressive and addictive audio effect useful for subtle-to-extreme reorganization of beats and vocals. Create short loops on the fly and control their lengths either manually or via random functions for endless variations of grooves and stutter effects. Phaser and Flanger - These are both modeled after popular '70s guitar effects and augmented with a beat-synced LFO (with variable waveforms) and a unique envelope follower function. Results range from classic phasing and flanging to drastic sound manipulation. Auto Pan - Offers LFO-driven manipulation of amplitude and panning. It can create everything from automatic panning with various curves to tremolo and amplitude modulation and beat-synchronized chopping effects. Saturator - Add dirt, punch or warmth to your sound with five different shapes and a set of powerful tone controls for creating subtle-to-drastic distortion effects. Arpeggiator - Offers all the classic arpeggiator applications and more-strum notes like a guitarist, morph velocities and create scale-corrected pitch progressions. Other new Live 5 features: Count-in recording Right-click context menus Change settings in multiple clips at once Resize tracks in Session View VST MIDI effect support New Live Clips sound library New preset library for Live devices New and improved Live 5 lessons Simpler now includes independent envelopes for filter, pitch and more. Live 5 Pricing and Availability Live 5 is now available for 499 EUR/USD (MSRP) from dealers worldwide and from the Ableton webshop. Upgrading from Live 4: For customers who purchased Live 4 before May 1, 2005, downloadable upgrades to Live 5 are available for 119 EUR/USD from the Ableton webshop. Boxed upgrades are available for 149 EUR/USD (MSRP) from dealers worldwide and from the Ableton webshop. Accommodation for recent buyers of Live 4: For customers who purchased Live 4 between May 1, 2005 and May 31, 2005, downloadable upgrades to Live 5 will be available for 49 EUR/USD from the Ableton webshop. All customers who unlock Live 4 for the first time from June 1, 2005 until the final release day of Live 5 will receive a version 5 serial number on release day at no charge. Upgrading from Live 1, 2 and 3: Downloadable upgrades from Live 1, 2 or 3 to Live 5 are available for 169 EUR/USD from the Ableton webshop. Boxed upgrades from Live 1, 2 or 3 to Live 5 are available for 199 EUR/USD from the Ableton webshop. For more information, visit their web site at ableton.com.