Week of November 28, 2004 Saturday, December 4 2004 | dmac Midi Mix Now Available in Kontakt Format Ever wonder what it sounds like when you hook up a Motif to a Triton? Or how about a Mini Moog to a Super Jupiter or a Prophet 5 to a Wavestation? Well so did Kid Nepro and the results are a new collection of sounds called "Midi Mix". Midi Mix contains samples from over 25 of the best synthesizers released over the past three decades. All sounds are sampled from Nepro's custom made sound libraries and then layered together to create totally unique textures. All Sounds are compatible with Native Instruments Intakt, Kompakt and Battery Samplers. Midi Mix is priced at $75. Kontakt Sounds are also available as downloadable files for $5 per download package. Midi Mix is also offered in AIFF/WAV and Akai S1000/S3000 formats. For more information, visit their web site at kidnepro.com. Saturday, December 4 2004 | dmac New Vintage Keyboard FX Plug-In from Scarbee Scarbee has released their Vintage Keyboard FX (VKFX) VST plugin, a virtual rack packed with models of a range of different vintage analog effects processors. Coded by software developers Thomas Serafini, Alfonso De Prisco - and graphic artist Stefan Kengen, the VKFX completes Scarbee's vision for vintage keyboard sample libraries which faithfully capture the sounds of the original masters - right down to the effects processing which was often a key element in defining a classic instrument's unique 'voice'. Loaded into the VKFX are eight effects processors, including the essential electric piano preamp with stereo tremolo, a Compressor, Wah (Envelope Filter), Phase Shifter, Chorus Unit, Overdrive, Tape Delay, and a Valve Amp modelled on arguably the most popular device ever used to amplify electric keyboards (and the model includes the four spring reverb). Features include: Multiple mode switching allows module architecture to alternate from one popular version of a particular effects processor to another which has a completely different sonic character - at the touch of a button. Simultaneous editing of all processors is available via a friendly and intuitive interface presented in the form of a rack of independent modules. Module order can be rearranged by simply dragging and dropping modules to where they're needed, giving users fast and total control over the effects chain. Easy A-B morphing between presets makes experimentation and creation of new sounds addictively effortless. All rates and times can be sync'd to VST host, internal clock or left independent for a more 'analog' approach. All parameters are automatable. All parameters are assigned to MIDI controllers. A flexible file management system allows one, several or all modules to be loaded and saved - enabling easy mixing and matching of module presets saved from different sessions. The licensing arrangement allows the licensed user to install and operate VKFX on up to three PCs simultaneously - greatly easing investment costs for users running multiple CPU systems. Mouse sensitive tool tips allow the user to get manual-style information by simply hovering the mouse over any area of interest. A comprehensive on-line manual in pdf format is only one mouse click away at all times. Scarbee Vintage Keyboard FX plugin is priced $299 and is now available in PC-VST format as a download, with a boxed version due out early 2005. For more information, visit their web site at scarbee.com. Friday, December 3 2004 | dmac Machinedrum Gets an OS Upgrade Users of Elektron's Machinedrum synthesizer and arranger can now enjoy another little feature boost. Elektron has released an upgrade to the new OS1.20. The OS is now available from the Elektron Machinedrum webpage free of charge for all current users. Highlights of the update include DJ-tempo for turntable synchronization, improved live control and individual swing, accent and slide tracks. A number of bugfixes are also in the update. The Elektron Machinedrum SPS-1 is sold direct to musicians world wide from the Elektron webpage and through a selected set of retailers. For more information, visit their web site at machinedrum.com. Friday, December 3 2004 | dmac Native Instruments Updates NI Komplete 2 Bundle Absynth 3 Battery 2 The NI Komplete 2 product bundle is now even more complete. Now every purchase of the bundle also includes Battery 2 and Absynth 3 at no extra cost. Battery 2 takes NI's drum sampler to the next level with a powerful new sampling engine, enhanced sound shaping and modulation capabilities, sophisticated sample control and a revised user interface. Absynth 3 is the latest reincarnation of what is one of NI's most creative and capable synthesizers. The new version of Absynth is fully surround-enabled, offering the most comprehensive and versatile multi-channel implementation of any available synthesizer. Both updates are not physically included in the NI Komplete 2 package, but will be delivered free of charge after the bundle has been authorized. Each update includes a PDF manual on the installation disc. Printed manuals for both products can be ordered separately for $19 / 19 Euro each plus shipping costs. NI Komplete 2 is available for a suggested retail price $1149 / 999 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. For more information, visit their web site at native-instruments.com. Thursday, December 2 2004 | dmac AmpliTube Live Available Now for Both Windows and OS X Includes AmpliTube LE plug-in IK Multimedia announced that AmpliTube Live is now available as a standalone application for Windows XP as well as MacOS X. Plus, each AmpliTube Live box now includes the AmpliTube LE plug-in for most major formats (VST, Audio Unit, DX and RTAS). AmpliTube Live users can now get a taste of the power of the AmpliTube plug-in free with AmpliTube LE. Here is what AmpliTube Live and LE can do for your guitar sounds: An amp set-up in your computer - Combine 3 different Amp models and related EQs with 3 emulated cabinets to craft a palette of guitar sounds ranging from clean to crunch to lead. On-board Effects - A set of 4 classic effects is included, together with a Spring Reverb and 3 stomp-like effects including Wah-Wah, Delay and Overdrive, all modeled after classic guitar effects. Built-in Chromatic Tuner Play live - AmpliTube Live and LE play without any perceivable latency, according to IK. 128 presets can be changed using MIDI foot controller - With 128 presets included (64 factory-64 user), you can emulate the widest range of amp sounds, select them live with any general MIDI foot controller (available in AmpliTube Live only) AmpliTube Live for MacOSX and WindowsXP will be priced $/Euro99 and will be available now. For more information, visit their web site at ikmultimedia.com. Wednesday, December 1 2004 | dmac Voxengo Voxformer VST 1.4 released Voxengo has updated Voxformer to v1.4 which fixes various minor issues. Also an issue with the De-esser has been fixed and its gain reduction meter range has been increased to 10 dB to allow for better monitoring of de-esser's operation. Changes: De-esser's filtering bug fixed. De-esser's gain reduction meter range increased up to 10 dB. Output clipping indicator added. It will turn red when three sequential clip incidents were detected on any of the output channels. More voxengo.com | Screenshot. Wednesday, December 1 2004 | dmac Mackie Offers Traktion as a Free Download Previously available for purchase, Mackie is now making Traktion, their audio/MIDI sequencer, available as a free download. All you have to do is register on their site. Tracktion is a new audio/MIDI workstation that is easy to use thanks to a powerful single-screen interface that provides instant access to functions requiring multiple screens in most current workstation software. Features include VST plug-in/instrument support, track freezing, a built-in samplers, ReWire support, and more. Traktion now also includes Mackie's Final Mix Mastering Tool Kit. Tracktion, which was originally developed by UK-based Raw Materials Software, is now part of a collaborative effort in which Mackie is handling all marketing and distribution activities as well as consulting on features and future releases. Mackie is also be bundling Tracktion with select hardware products beginning with the Spike Powered Recording system, a 24-bit, 96k music production system that includes all of the hardware and software necessary to track, mix and record music on a Mac or PC. Tracktion is compatible with Windows 98, 2000, ME and XP as well as Mac OSX 10.2 and above. To download your copy, head on over to www.mackie.com/tracktionpromo. For more information, visit their web site at mackie.com. Tuesday, November 30 2004 | dmac Version 2.0 of Revitar Virtual Guitar for VST Released CutterMusic released version 2.0 of Revitar, their VST PC format guitar synthesizer. Revitar can produce a wide variety of guitar sounds and playing styles. To achieve added realism and playing flexibility, Revitar employs guitar pick, string and body simulations. No samples are used in the entire process, so no two notes ever sound the same. Many aspects of the guitar can be manipulated within Revitar. The shape, width and position of the guitar pick can be adjusted. The harmonics of the strings can be controlled through several types of damping. The electric pickup can be positioned for brighter or hollower sounds. Other controls include: string type, fret height, sympathetic resonance and vibrato. Revitar also includes a selection of six acoustic body types, which are modeled using the modes of real guitars, to add warmth and character to the final sound. Revitar supports several playing styles. Users can select between playing single notes or entire chords. Along with a selection of 48 predefined chords, users can also design their own chords. Slide effects, or hammer-on and pull-off techniques can be applied to note transitions. Revitar is for PCs only. A 1.5 GHz processor or greater is recommended. Revitar has assignable MIDI control of all knobs and sliders. Revitar 2.0 costs $69.00 For more information, visit their web site at cuttermusic.com. Tuesday, November 30 2004 | dmac Version 3.0 of Reason Announced Combinator MClass Mastering Suite Propellerhead Software announced version 3.0 of Reason, an update that focuses on live performance, taking Reason from the studio realm to the stage. Reason 3 introduces a new module, the Combinator, which allows users to build elaborate chains of Reason devices-instruments, effects, pattern sequencer etc., and save as a Combi patch. With it's ability to load-up complex instruments routed through effect units and dynamic processors in one go, the Combinator is a playable, performance friendly device. Additional new features include: Remote: Instant out of the box integration with most major control surfaces including support for motorized faders and controller displays. New soundbank: An expanded soundbank with increased focus on providing a wide palette of multi sampled instruments and huge sounding Combi patches. New browser: Reason's new browser will help you work faster and better in Reason. Free text search across your entire sound library, organize your sounds in favorite folders, audition play all samples and patches via MIDI. MClass: A mastering suite comparable with any hard- or software units. The suite consists of a four band parametric + shelving EQ, a stereo processor, a fantastic sounding compressor and a maximizer with look ahead limiter. Reason 3 is expected to ship early 2005. An upgrade discount will be available for Reason owners. Upgrade and retail price TBA. For more information, visit their web site at propellerheads.se. Monday, November 29 2004 | dmac FL Studio Version 5 Released FPC FL Studio (formerly Fruityloops), Image-Line's all in one software production suite for PC, has received another significant update with the release of version 5, available in four different versions to meet varying needs and price points. Here is a list of what is new or improved in FL Studio version 5: Time-Stretching in Audio Tracks, Slicer and Sampler. Based on the highly acclaimed ZPlane Elastique time-stretching technology, FL Studio now offers Tonal, drums, slices and resample time-stretching Automation Clips & Improved Audio Clips allow multipoint spline-based and LFO based automation envelopes Load ACID Loops - Retains ACID Loop markers and allows following of project tempo. Improved Recording & loop recording New Plugins: FPC - FL Studio MPC: a new self-contained drum machine plugin WaveShaper: Graph based distortion with super sampling. VideoPlayer: Synchronized playback of video & flash content inside FL Studio Improved Plugins Sytrus: adds global envelopes, new curve types and more. Fruity Slicer: is improved to support our new slicing engine, .rex files & time stretching capabilities. Granulizer: is vastly improved (supports transients, new key-to modes). DrumSynth Live: now supports up to 120 patches at once. Other New Features, like Tempo Tapping, support for slice markers and MP3 loading Added support for Hercules DJ Console (when set in MIDI mode, endless knobs, coupled switches, special switches & middle jog work). New box edition available: FL Studio XXL Box edition FL Studio comes in 4 different editions: FL Studio Express Edition - Downloadable US$ 49 - Boxed: N/A - Does not include full audio recording/editing or VSTi, DXi, ReWire client capability. FL Studio Fruityloops Edition - Downloadable US$ 99 - Boxed: US$ 139 SRP - Does not include full audio recording. FL Studio Producer Edition - Downloadable US$ 149 - Boxed: US$ 209 SRP FL Studio XXL Edition - Downloadable US$ 299 - Boxed: US$ 399 SRP All product upgrades are free for existing download customers, and those who purchase the downloadable versions are eligible for free lifetime updates. Boxed versions are available from international distributors. A trial version is available for download. For more information, visit their web site at flstudio.com. Monday, November 29 2004 | dmac Audio Damage Kicks Off Digitalis VST Plug-In Line Discord Deverb New from Audio Damage is the Digitalis line of plug-ins modeled after vintage digital outboard effects. The first two offerings in this series are: Discord - A model of the first mass-produced pitch-shifter, which was a studio standard found in control rooms the world over. Discord has all the features you know and love from the original, along with added controls to take advantage of the modern DAW environment. Capable of achieving everything from subtle vocal doubling and "stereo-izing" to extreme sound effects. Deverb - A dark digital reverberator, Deverb is a clever implementation of the reverb paradigm featuring twin filters for extreme shaping of the reverb tail, and MIDI controls allowing rhythmic "playing" of the effect. Each of the Digitalis plug-ins is available as a VST plug-in for OS X and Windows. Instant downloads of each plug in are US$39.00, or you can buy the pair for US$68.00, and save ten bucks. For more information, visit their web site at audiodamage.com. Monday, November 29 2004 | dmac Ravity 16 Host for Luxonix VST ROMplers Coming Ravity 16 with Ravity(S) Selected Luxonix is working on Ravity16 for Windows, a host application/plug-in created solely for their Ravity(S) and Ravity(R) virtual instruments, completing the companys vision of the genuine VST ROMpler. Functioning as either a VST plug-in itself or a standalone application, Ravity 16 can load up to 16 instances of Ravity(S)/(R) with channel mute/solo controls. When used as a plug-in, you can load as many instances of the Ravity 16 host as you want, plus you have full VST automation over all the modules loaded within it. Ravity16 is scheduled for release in December 2004 and will cost $16.00 USD. However all users that purchased Ravity(S) or Ravity(R)by the end of 2004 will be offered Ravity16 for free. A Macintosh version is planned. For more information, visit their web site at luxonix.com.