Week of October 31, 2004 Saturday, November 6 2004 | dmac New Step Sequencer Released for SCOPE Platform wolf audio design has released a standalone 32 step sequencer for the SCOPE Fusion Platform. Unlike other integrated solutions on this platform, it can be connected to any MIDI capable device, be it a plug-in in the main sequencer or any outboard equipment. Features: 32 steps Three swing parameters for different steps in the timeline for achieving grooves, connectable to each other, can be modulated via LFO Different surface view options for better step determination Tool for composing the sequencer lines faster Manual and automatic MIDI note reset Price: Euro 59. A demo version can be requested. For more information, visit their web site at worldless.com/sfp. Friday, November 5 2004 | dmac Zvon released "Prepared Rhodes" for Wusikstation "Even if there are some clean sounds, this is a "dirty" instrument, when you put things inside a Rhodes, a lot of things happen sonically, like strange vibrations and resonance between the objects and the tines. Even the release of the key produce artifacts on notes. All sounds have their natural decay, none is cut or looped. Every note was sampled and almost every note has multiple velocity layers (from 2 to 6, average 4). 367 samples in a total of 64 meg." MP3 examples and a small DEMO version of the product @ zvon.wusik.com. Friday, November 5 2004 | dmac AudioWarrior Announces "Strummable" Acoustic Dreadnought ReFill AudioWarrior's new Reason Refill is designed to let you use a strumming action on a MIDI keyboard, in real-time, to play guitar chords. The programming for Reason's NN-XT takes care of organizing the individual notes into chords, ready for you to lay out on the keyboard for performance. The brand new half-gig library is essentially an entire sampled dual-tuned (Low B and A-440) 6 string acoustic dreadnought guitar that lives in your computer. Sampled on all open strings and all frets up to the 20th fret with 5 velocity layers per chord patch, complete with wood thumps, wood slaps, plinks, and stunningly beautiful harmonics sampled at the 5th, 7th, and 12th fret (Low B Tuning). 440 harmonics will be available as a download for registered users. Strum forward, strum reverse, or play individual notes of the chords including Natural Harmonics, Plinks, Scrapes, and Wood Sounds. It's possible to map out an entire simple acoustic guitar song with all the chords ready to be played in 24bit glory on your keyboard in less than 1 minute. You can position as many different 6 note chord patches as your keyboard can hold. Features: More than 1 Half-Gig (503 megs) of 24 bit/44.1 unprocessed natural acoustic samples All open strings and fretted notes have been sampled individually Hammer-ons, Wood slaps/thumps String scrapes Plinks & string sweeps above the tuning pegs Natural harmonics @ the 5th, 7th, and 12th frets (Low B tuning) "50" of some of the most widely used Standard 440 (open-EADGBE) multi-velocity chord patches "14" Low B (open-BEADF#B) tuned multi-velocity chord patches Multi-velocity Harmonics patches Multi-velocity Hammer-on patches Muted notes New chord patches and sounds for registered users monthly Complete song patches containing multiple chords are possible and may be requested by registered users Natively programmed for use with Propellerheads NN-XT Sampler Available Now. Retail Price: $129 US / 99 Euro For more information, visit their web site at audiowarrior.com. Friday, November 5 2004 | dmac GuitarPort Software Upgraded to Version 2.5 Line 6 announced a significant update to its PC-based GuitarPort software, GuitarPort 2.5. GuitarPort 2.5 introduces major enhancements to the GuitarPort software for all existing GuitarPort users. The GuitarPort version 2.5 upgrade improves the overall sound and capabilities of GuitarPort. The upgrade includes all new and improved cabinet and microphone models, a four band semi-parametric Post-EQ, a vintage studio compressor model, an additional amp model, a built-in Metronome, and many other software and user interface enhancements. In addition, GuitarPort 2.5 is compatible with the Version 2 update for PODxt and the new PODxt Live. "With each new product we work on, we learn something new and make improvements," said Mark McCrite, Product Line Manager, Line 6. "Important advances in tone and software architecture developed for our products like Vetta II, PODxt, PODxt Live, and PODxt Pro are now available to all GuitarPort users," continues McCrite. GuitarPort 2.5's architecture also allows for further upgrades like the newly released Model Packs. "With GuitarPort 2.5, it's now possible to upgrade GuitarPort to include all 72 amp models and every stompbox model from Line 6's flagship Vetta II amplifier," explained McCrite. The USB GuitarPort hardware and software package also provides access to the optional GuitarPort Online service (which enables subscribers to download hundreds of guitar lessons and exclusive tracks with tablature). For more information, visit their web site at line6.com. Friday, November 5 2004 | dmac Drums on Demand Releases "Country & Crossover" Vol. 4 Drums On Demand's new "Country & Crossover" (Vol. 4) offers a combination of country-style and straight-up crossover drumming intended for new country, pop/rock, and traditional country projects. The royalty-free collection features more than 660 loops and segments in 30 Songs Sets. "Country & Crossover" is organized using a Song Set system, with each Song Set featuring as many as 34 verse, chorus, fill, bridge, break, intro, ending and other loops. Just find the Master Loop that fits your song and use the other loops and segments in the Song Set to quickly build a drum track that feels and sounds like a live drummer playing a real song. Key Features Great for Country, Pop and Rock projects WAV, Apple Loops, or REX formats Power Ballads, Rim Ballads, Brush Ballads Straight Mid- and Up-Tempos Paddle Balls, Shuffles & More 60-180 BPM Song Sets Straight 4/4 and some Odd-Time Royalty-free Contempory beats & fills Patent-Pending organization system Many 2-4 bar loops for increased realism High end, quality mix Includes Downloaded Generic Single Hits Collection (from Vol. 1 & 2.) The new volume compliments the many country-flavored and crossover Song Sets on Volumes 1 and 2. Bundled pricing includes discounts of 35% and more. Price is $49.95. 20-second previews of all 30 Song Sets are available on-line. Wednesday, November 3 2004 | dmac IndieSFX release new Footsteps sound effects Game sound effects creator indiesfx.co.uk have released S012C Footsteps. The new sound effects set contains lots of human footstep sounds taken in a variety of environments including snow, grass and different hard surfaces in different footwear. Some sounds for robot or creature movement are also included. The individual footstep recordings are all very clean and free of spatial acoustic reverberation, perfect for adding your own environmental effects. Like any IndieSFX release, S012C Footsteps is available on CD-ROM or instant download for $24. A discount applies to bundles, and as the final release of 2004 you can obtain Footsteps as part of the 2004 Collection, or opt to purchase the full IndieSFX library. Please visit Indiesfx.co.uk for more information. Wednesday, November 3 2004 | dmac Logic Express 7 Logic Express 7 lets you produce a convincing demo of your band, create a remix of your favorite track or score QuickTime movies. This affordable virtual studio integrates a rich feature set for both music and audio production in one application. In addition to the Apple Loops you’re familiar with from GarageBand, you’ll enjoy the wide variety of software instruments. These provide, for example, faithful emulations of vintage keyboard classics as well as synthetic sounds, ranging from digital to virtual analog. Composers and music theory teachers will also appreciate the full-featured score editor. Create your own music using an advanced spectrum of features and tools for computer based music production. Logic Express provides a step up from GarageBand for aspiring musicians, producers and composers without breaking the bank. With the same flexible layout as Logic Pro, you can dive deeper into the creation and manipulation of audio and MIDI, for just $299. As with Logic Pro 7, Apple have created a great website that explains the features of Logic Express 7 and also a comparison to Logic Pro 7. More @ apple.com. Wednesday, November 3 2004 | dmac M-Audio Creates FireWire Solo with Guitarists in Mind M-Audio latest audio interface is the FireWire Solo, designed from the ground up as an easy-to-use interface for recording guitar tracks on the computer. This compact bus-powered unit is small enough to go anywhere--perfect for desktop or laptops. The metal chassis can be rack-mounted as well. In addition to the 1/4" guitar input right on the front panel, a microphone input with phantom power also accommodates recording of vocals, acoustic guitars and other instruments. Both of these inputs feature gain control and clipping LEDs. There are also dual line inputs for effects, drum machines and other outboard gear. Coaxial S/PDIF digital I/O provides both 2-channel PCM and pass-through of AC-3 and DTS surround-encoded content. FireWire Solo can be powered via the FireWire bus or optional power supply, and dual FireWire ports allow easy chaining of FireWire devices. FireWire Solo is currently shipping at an MSRP of $249.95 USD. For more information, visit their web site at m-audio.com. Tuesday, November 2 2004 | dmac Voxengo Introduces r8brain PRO Sample Rate Conversion Software New from Voxengo is its new sample rate conversion application for Windows - r8brain PRO. Unlike many existing SRC algorithms available on the market, r8brain PRO implements sample rate conversion process in its full: interpolation and decimation steps without exploiting any kind of simplifications: signal is first resampled to a least common multiple sample rate which makes conversion perfect. In the core of the SRC algorithm the convolution methods of the company's Pristine Space convolution processor are employed. Like many existing SRC programs r8brain PRO offers you a linear-phase conversion mode. But you also have an option of using minimum-phase conversion mode in which r8brain PRO works like an ideal digital-to-analog converter followed by an analog-to-digital converter to resample the audio. This eliminates pre-ringing associated with linear-phase designs while introduces only a minimal amount of phase coloration, according to the company. r8brain PRO can read mono, stereo and multi-channel files in both WAV and AIFF file formats creating 16-, 24- and 32-bit mono, stereo and multi-channel WAV files in fixed and floating point formats. EBU BWF (broadcasting) extensions, extensible wave format, sample loops and textual data residing inside the file are also supported. For the sake of your convenience r8brain PRO allows you to perform batch conversions in a convenient manner. r8brain PRO features: Reads 8-, 16-, 24-, 32-bit PCM and IEEE files Reads both WAV and AIFF files Writes 16-, 24-, 32-bit PCM and IEEE WAV files Multi-channel file support Extensible wave format support EBU BWF extensions support Linear- and minimum-phase modes Batch support Automatic normalization Supports all standard sample rates r8brain PRO Full is currently available for the introductory price of US$99.95. r8brain PRO Light is available for US$39.95. For more information, visit their web site at voxengo.com. Tuesday, November 2 2004 | dmac AES :: Nuendo Version 3 Unveiled Steinberg, the audio group of Pinnacle Systems, announced the latest version of its Nuendo Media Production System software. Nuendo 3 offers new features and technologies for top-level professionals in post production, surround mixing and high-end studio recording, mixing and editing. Post Production Nuendo 3 sees a marked strengthening of functionality for post production in cinema, DVD and video. "Out of the box" import and export of a huge variety of file formats include the AAF (Advanced Authoring Format), providing project transfer to and from other DAW and video editing systems, as well as current industry standard exchange formats such as OMF, OpenTL and AES31. Integration of Pinnacle's X-Send protocol allows video projects completed in Liquid to be imported directly to Nuendo 3, ready for audio post. Nuendo 3 also introduces a new set of Media Management tools that allow fast, easy handling of large audio file libraries from the Nuendo Pool, including file categorization, batch file-naming and extended search functionality. The new Warp To Picture feature offers a uniquely quick and efficient approach to synchronizing audio to picture by allowing the real-time timestretching of audio material with simultaneous real-time tracking of the corresponding video track. Mixing and Surround Building on the surround architecture already implemented in Nuendo 2, the latest Nuendo version adds refinements for surround producers including a new MixConvert plug-in, the powerful yet discrete Linked Panners feature and many other innovations. An innovative new mixing feature is the new Audition Channel, which provides flexible new monitoring options including both after and pre-fader listen modes, allowing instant checking of any audio channel while leaving the signal routed to the main mix bus untouched. Integrating external effects equipment is now astoundingly simple thanks to the new External Effect Plug-in, which allows the direct integration of outboard effects within the Nuendo 3 VST Mixer --including delay compensation, of course. Recording Nuendo 3 sees the introduction of new functionality that looks set to cement its reputation as one of the leading recording, editing and mixing DAW products available. Real-time Audio Warp timestretching and pitchshifting allows instant remolding of audio material to dynamically adapt to project tempi in realtime, and also offers lightning fast, quality drum timing correction. The convenient 10-minute pre-record function automatically records all audio routed to Nuendo 3, so even if an engineer did not have record engaged for a take, it's still safely recorded to disk. Pricing and availability Nuendo 3 will be available for EUR 1999.00 (including 16% VAT) MSRP from late November 2004. Upgrades from Nuendo 2.x will cost only EUR 499.00. Steinberg has announced a special time-limited Nuendo 3 update offer from Nuendo 2 for only EUR 299.00 and from Nuendo 1 for only 419.00; this offer is valid until 31st January 2005. For more information, visit their web site at www.steinberg.net. Tuesday, November 2 2004 | dmac Kjaerhus Audio updates The Classic Series Kjaerhus Audio has updated their entire Classic Series line of free plug-ins, all featuring the same changes: Redesigned Graphic User Interface (Now 2D). Problem with user interface not showing correctly in some Hosts or being partly erased after another window has been dragged over it is fixed. GUI size is now reported correctly to Host. Time signature is now shown correctly (Flanger and Phaser only). Current versions: Classic Chorus v1.2.7 Classic Compressor v1.1.6 Classic Delay v1.0.2 Classic EQ v1.0.3 Classic Flanger v1.0.8 Classic Master Limiter v1.0.5 Classic Phaser v1.0.2 Classic Reverb v1.0.5 More @ kjaerhusaudio.com. Tuesday, November 2 2004 | dmac AES :: PreSonus Introduces BlueTube DP Preamp At AES, PreSonus is demonstrating the new BlueTube DP two channel microphone/ instrument preamplifier with Dual Path Technology. The BlueTube DP will replace the BlueTube by adding enhanced features including a dual signal path with both a solid state preamplifier stage and a tube preamplifier stage. This feature allows the user to switch between an ultra quiet transparent solid state preamp and a smooth, round, warm tube preamp. The new BlueTube DP also boasts a -6dB better signal to noise ratio and higher input headroom than its predecessor. Each channel on the BlueTube DP features dual mic/input connectors, balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS outputs, 48V phantom power, -20dB pad, polarity inverse, and 80Hz roll-off filter. For more information, visit their web site at www.presonus.com. Tuesday, November 2 2004 | dmac AES :: ACID Pro 5 Unveiled at 117th AES Show Sony announced that ACID Pro 5 software, the latest upgrade to its , professional loop-based music creation tool, will be available for purchase on Nov. 8. 2004. Enhancements include two new patent-pending technologies: The Media Manager is a new technology for browsing and tagging media assets that greatly enhances the user's ability to track, label and store media files including loops, video and stills. Additionally, the unique Groove Mapping and Groove Cloning technologies provide enhanced ways for users to sonically interact with their loops and samples collection. "Because ACID software is considered to be the top loop-based music creation application, we felt compelled to spend the past several years developing new technologies that once again provide users with innovative workflow enhancements and more important, new innovations for musical expression," said Dave Chaimson, vice president of marketing for Sony Media Software. New features in ACID Pro 5 software include: ACID Media Manager System - Patent-pending, new media management technology provides control over project and archived assets, including customizable searches and loop tagging. Groove Quantization - Patent-pending technologies incorporate sophisticated Groove Mapping and Groove Cloning features for morphing existing loops and samples into new fresh, new sounds. VST Plug-In Hosting - Expanded ability to apply VST plug-ins at the track or project level. ReWire Device Support - ACID Pro 5 includes ReWire "synth" support so users can incorporate ACID Pro 5 software as a plug-in or instrument within other applications that support ReWire mixer technology. ACID Pro 5 software will be available in November with a suggested retail price of $499.95. Users of previous versions of ACID Pro software can purchase an upgrade to version 5 for $149.95. ACID Music Studio users may upgrade to ACID Pro 5 software for $299.95. For more information, visit their web site at sony.com/mediasoftware. Sunday, October 31 2004 | dmac AES :: Tascam Announces FW-1804 Rackmount FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface The latest computer interface solution from TASCAM brings many of the audio and MIDI interface features of the FW-1884 to a rackmountable format with the new FW-1804. It features four XLR microphone inputs with analog inserts and phantom power for professional condenser mics. An additional four line inputs are provided, plus ADAT and S/PDIF digital connection for a total of 18 inputs and 12 outputs. Two MIDI inputs and four MIDI outputs round out the interfacing with pro touches like word clock and a guitar-level input. The FW-1804 includes TASCAM's latest software bundle, including 48-track/96k Cubase LE recording software, GigaStudio 3 LE software sampler and dozens of Nomad Factory plug-in demos. The FW-1804 features: 18-in/12-out audio interface Records at up to 96kHz/24-bit 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 1-4 S/PDIF and ADAT digital input and output Word clock in and out Balanced 1/4" TRS monitor outputs Headphone output with level control Two MIDI inputs and 4 MIDI outputs Assignable Footswitch jack Includes GigaStudio 3 LE Includes Steinberg Cubase LE 48-track 96kHz workstation software For more information, visit their web site at www.tascam.com. Sunday, October 31 2004 | dmac Steinberg announces Nuendo 3 Steinberg has announced Nuendo 3, which offers new features and technologies for post production, surround mixing and high-end studio recording, mixing and editing. Post Production Nuendo 3 sees a marked strengthening of functionality for post production in cinema, DVD and video. "Out of the box" import and export of a huge variety of file formats include the AAF (Advanced Authoring Format), providing project transfer to and from other DAW and video editing systems, as well as current industry standard exchange formats such as OMF, OpenTL and AES31. Integration of Pinnacle's X-Send protocol allows video projects completed in Liquid to be imported directly to Nuendo 3, ready for audio post. Nuendo 3 also introduces a new set of Media Management tools that allow fast, easy handling of large audio file libraries from the Nuendo Pool, including file categorization, batch file-naming and extended search functionality. The new Warp To Picture feature offers a quick and efficient approach to synchronizing audio to picture by allowing the real-time timestretching of audio material with simultaneous real-time tracking of the corresponding video track. Mixing and Surround Building on the advanced surround architecture already implemented in Nuendo 2, the latest Nuendo version adds refinements for surround producers including a new MixConvert plug-in, the powerful yet discrete Linked Panners feature and many other innovations. An innovative new mixing feature is the new Audition Channel, which provides flexible new monitoring options including both after and pre-fader listen modes, allowing instant checking of any audio channel while leaving the signal routed to the main mix bus untouched. Integrating external effects equipment is now simple thanks to the new External Effect Plug-in, which allows the direct integration of outboard effects within the Nuendo 3 VST Mixer – including delay compensation, of course. Recording Real-time Audio Warp timestretching and pitchshifting allows instant remolding of audio material to dynamically adapt to project tempi in real-time, and also offers lightning fast, quality drum timing correction. The 10-minute pre-record function automatically records all audio routed to Nuendo 3, so even if an engineer did not have record engaged for a take, it's still safely recorded to disk. Pricing and availability Nuendo 3 will be available for EUR 1999* MSRP from late November 2004. Upgrades from Nuendo 2.x will cost EUR 499. Steinberg has announced a special time-limited Nuendo 3 update offer from Nuendo 2 for EUR 299 and from Nuendo 1 for EUR 419; this offer is valid until 31st January 2005. More @ Steinberg.net. Sunday, October 31 2004 | dmac AES :: Version 1.2 of Guitar Rig Coming Soon Native Instruments announced the Guitar Rig 1.2 update will be available soon. The free update adds four more stomp boxes to the guitarists arsenal, all modelled after popular real world units, offering two distinctive new flavors of both classic fuzz overdrive and powerful hi-gain distortion. The new features of Guitar Rig 1.2 in detail: "Fuzz Ace" (fuzz pedal based on Arbiter Fuzz Face) "Big Fuzz" (fuzz pedal based on Electro Harmonix Big Muff) "Cat" (distortion pedal based on ProCo Rat) "Demon Distortion" (distortion pedal based on MXR Dime Distortion) More than 40 additional presets which make use of the new components Various minor improvements, cosmetic changes and fixes The 1.2 update for Windows and Mac will be available as a free download for all registered Guitar Rig users in the first half of November. For more information, visit their web site at native-instruments.com.