Week of October 8, 2006 Saturday, October 14 2006 | dmac Vienna Symphonic Library Releases Vienna Instruments 1.1 The Vienna Symphonic Library team has released an important update to their VIENNA INSTRUMENTS. Registered users are eligible to download the new player software from the User Area of the company's website. The player, command center and core of Vienna's virtual instruments, is now available in version 1.1 in the plug-in formats AU, VST for OS X, VST for Windows XP, and as a stand-alone version. The user interface has been completely re-written from scratch and includes valuable requests and ideas by users from all around the world. In addition to improving the visual workspace, many advancements have been incorporated under the hood. Initial load times are now dramatically faster than ever before. Improved drag-and-drop support, additional functions whithin the Cell Editor, enhanced shortcut functionality and the revised Directory Manager will make composing and playing with VIENNA INSTRUMENTS much easier and more efficient. The Update will also be included on the installation CDs of the brand new ELEMENTS and SAXOPHONES Collections, scheduled for release later this month. Player Software Version 1.1 in detail Completely re-written user interface code Quicker start-up time and more responsive GUI behavior The plug-in remembers the last open page Matrices can be switched by program change commands (101 - 112) The Matrix has been completely overhauled; it can be re-sized by dragging the borders using the mouse Cells of a Matrix can now be dragged around by holding the Alt (Mac: Command) key, or copied by holding Alt+Ctrl (Mac: Alt+Command) Octave and semitone transposition shifts can be adjusted in the Cell Editor The dynamic range (velocity response) can be adjusted in the Cell Editor The behavior of sliders has been improved: Right-click to learn, right-click again to clear, Alt-click to edit the controller parameters. Sliders move slower when holding the shift key while dragging New shortcuts for defining key switches: Hold shift to select white/black keys only, hold Ctrl (Mac: Command) to set a chromatic scale, hold Alt to set just one key switch The behavior of the pitch wheel for switching horizontally/vertically has been improved Many subtle graphic improvements make working more consistent, such as the Matrix 1-2 selector, the relocation of the Parallel Cell, color and font adjustments, etc The Directory Manager now supports presets Vienna Instruments The most powerful virtual instruments on the market integrate intelligent Performance Algorithms with their easy-to-use VST/AU plug-in instruments to orchestrate an inconceivably vast array of samples. For the first time, hundreds of inspiring articulations can be combined in one Preset and on a single MIDI track. Vienna's proprietary Performance Detection analyzes intervals, repeated notes, patterns, and even speed in real-time and automatically summons the appropriate articulation or nuance. System Requirements PC Intel/AMD 2 GHz (3++ GHz recommended) with Windows XP or Apple G4 1 GHz (G5 or Intel Core Duo processor recommended) with Mac OS X 10.4 or higher •1GB RAM (2 GB recommended) •VST (PC) or AU (Mac) compatible host, also works stand-alone on PC and Mac •DVD drive for installation •Fast separate hard drive •88 key master keyboard (highly recommended) •ViennaKey (Vienna Symphonic Library USB Protection Device) For more information, visit their web site at www.vsl.co.at. Saturday, October 14 2006 | dmac Native Instruments Ships MASSIVE, ABSYNTH 4, BATTERY 3, FM8, And KOMPLETE 4 Native Instruments is excited to announce that MASSIVE, ABSYNTH 4, BATTERY 3, FM8 and KOMPLETE 4 are now available in stores worldwide. MASSIVE is a true next-generation software synthesizer with unique sonic character, outstanding audio fidelity, vast flexibility and an innovative, highly accessible interface. Based on an new high-resolution audio engine, MASSIVE combines advanced Wave-Scanning synthesis with a wealth of sophisticated sound-shaping and modulation options, resulting in a charismatic high-end sound full of warmth, punch, character and definition. MASSIVE is available for a suggested retail price of $ 339 / 299 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. ABSYNTH 4 is the fourth generation of Native Instruments' award-winning semi-modular software synthesizer that is renowned for its unique evolving sounds and textures. The new version offers extended sound design and performance capabilities through a new customizable signal flow; additional oscillator, waveform and envelope features; and a completely revised modulation concept. Numerous usability improvements, including a new KORE-compatible sound browser, provide a more convenient creative workflow. ABSYNTH 4 is available for a suggested retail price of $ 339 / 299 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. BATTERY 3 offers a significant revision of the popular drum and percussion sampler. The addition of time-stretching and advanced loop capabilities, innovative "play parameters," a powerful master effects section and an integrated wave editor all serve to strengthen the role of BATTERY as the premier creative drum and percussion sampler, with an enormous library of more than 100 high-quality drum kits providing a wealth of studio-quality material for all styles and genres. BATTERY 3 is available for a suggested retail price of $ 229 / 199 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. FM8 is the long-awaited successor of the popular FM7 software synthesizer, which has become a classic in its own time. With an enhanced high-resolution audio engine, intelligent sound morphing, added performance features and a new KORE-compatible preset manager, the FM8 makes the timeless and highly expressive musical potential of FM synthesis available in a thoroughly modernized instrument that fits perfectly into today's studio and stage setups. FM8 is available for a suggested retail price of $ 339 / 299 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. KOMPLETE 4 is the new version of the powerful software bundle that has become a mainstay with professional musicians and producers around the world. With a universal selection of state-of-the-art instruments and effects, reinforced through several powerful updates to some of its key components, KOMPLETE 4 continues to mark the cutting edge in software synthesis and to provide an invaluable resource for all areas of modern music production and performance. KOMPLETE 4 is available for a suggested retail price of $ 1499 / 1299 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. Customers who purchase both KOMPLETE 4 and KORE after September 13th 2006 are eligible for a free copy of MASSIVE. This special limited-time offer expires December 31st 2006. For more information, visit their web site at native-instruments.com. Friday, October 13 2006 | dmac Smart Loops Launches SL Hit Tracks Smart Loops, a leading provider of pro audio loops and web-based recording services, has announced the official launch of SL Hit Tracks(tm), downloadable audio loop packs that recreate the live drum performances of hit songs from artists like Led Zeppelin, The Who, The B-52s, Sublime, Van Halen, and others. Musicians can now rehearse, perform and record their own versions of hit songs with a rock-solid, live drum track supporting them every time.   SL Hit Tracks, available in ACID, Apple Loops and REX2 formats, are the live audio recordings of actual drum performances. Each SL Hit Track is split into separate chorus, verse, fill, solo and other song sections. Musicians and producers can use the loops to duplicate the original drum performance, or use them to create entirely new songs.   Some of the many uses for SL Hit Tracks include: Solo performers and small groups - Use these SL Hit Tracks at live shows and gigs to sound more like the original song. Drum, guitar, bass, and keyboard students - Slow the SL Hit Tracks down to learn and rehearse your parts. Songwriters, producers and remixers - Use SL Hit Tracks to create a totally new song, or to create a new version by rearranging the sections or changing the tempo. SL Hit Track titles are being added on a weekly basis.  Current SL Hit Track titles include songs from artists like Blondie, The B-52s, Aretha Franklin, Grand Funk Railroad, KISS, Led Zeppelin, Spacehog, Sublime, Van Halen, Van Morrison, The Who, Wild Cherry, and others.   Pricing and Availability SL Hit Tracks are available in ACID, Apple Loops and REX2 formats, for an introductory price of  $9.99 each`.  To learn more, audition and download sample loops, request song titles and purchase SL Hit Tracks, visit smartloops.com. Friday, October 13 2006 | dmac AraldFX Releases The Grand Electrix VSTi AraldFX has released Grand Electrix VSTi, an emulation of the famous CP70 electroacoustic piano. "Grand Electrix" is a sample-based virtual instrument featuring a new stream from disk custom technology ("direct from disk") - the powerful DashSignature Arald piano engine - for very low memory and CPU usage. Samples are streamed in real time from the hard disk, reducing the need for huge amounts of RAM in sample playback. The samples are derived from the acclaimed Hollow Sun library "Definitive CP70," which features every note, recorded with full decay over two levels of dynamics, of the classic CP70B piano. The Arald piano engine features direct from disk streaming of samples with adjustable buffer size for maximum performance on any system. Disk streaming may also be disabled for PCs with huge amounts of RAM. Features: 180 MB multisampled content with full decay, crossfading layers, and no loops Stream from disk custom technology for very low memory and CPU usage Complete control over velocity response, curve, min/max, and sensitivity Temperament Menu (microtuning) Stretch tuning adjustable for customizable "expression color" across the keyboard 3 Band EQ Tremolo Rate and Depth Chrous Rate and Depth Released initially as VST for Windows; OS X AU and VST versions will follow. Introductory price $46 US, offer valid until the end of July 2006. Full price $79 US (orders processed by DASH Signature). For more information, visit their web site at araldfx.com Friday, October 13 2006 | dmac Line 6 Now Shipping GearBox Plug-in Silver And Gold Bundles Line 6, Inc. is now shipping GearBox Plug-In Silver and Gold bundles. For the computer-based musician who records guitar, bass and vocals, GearBox Plug-In bundles deliver Line 6 studio-standard tone from PODxt, and classic vintage effects in a flexible software plug-in format. Both packages include Mac AU and PC VST Plug-In support and a USB guitar interface with Line 6 ToneDirect monitoring. "With GearBox Plug-In, users now have instant access to an incredible selection of vintage and modern gear models right in their software-based recording app," said Mark McCrite, product line manager, Line 6. The included USB hardware interface completes the package by delivering an optimized guitar/bass instrument input. "With the included interface, GearBox gives you the option to use Line 6's exclusive ToneDirect monitoring so musicians can get an inspiring tone without the latency issues that can ruin a great performance." GearBox Plug-In Silver and Gold bundles include an extraordinary collection of professionally programmed presets. Plus, presets created during the recording process can easily be moved into other Line 6 products like POD XT Live for total portability to the stage. The Silver bundle provides a handpicked model selection, while the Gold bundle delivers a comprehensive array for the ultimate tone palette. Both packages include the TonePort DI USB guitar interface and are compatible with the most popular Mac and Windows recording programs. RTAS support is planned for summer 2007. GearBox Plug-In Silver Bundle - MSRP $419.99 • 18 guitar amp and 24 cab models from PODxt • 5 bass amp models from Bass PODxt • 6 world-renowned vintage and modern mic preamps • 30 studio and stompbox effects GearBox Plug-In Gold Bundle - MSRP $699.99 • 78 guitar amp and 24 cab models from PODxt/Vetta II • 28 bass amp and 22 bass cab models from Bass PODxt • 6 world-renowned vintage and modern mic preamps • 80 plus studio and stompbox effects For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com. Friday, October 13 2006 | dmac Precisionsound Releases Greek Lira For HALion & NI Kontakt The Lira (kemance) is a traditional Greek instrument used in Mediterranean folk music—a small 3 stringed instrument played with a bow and with a quiet limited tonal range. Precisionsound decided to sample the Lira in a way that makes it more like a universal "ethno violin." As a result, the articulations represented in this SampleSet are more "over the top" than the actual instrument is used for traditionally. For example; pizzicato and staccato playing is not, traditionally often or at all, played with this type of instrument. The articulations are: Regular unlooped notes Legato unlooped notes Staccato Pizzicato Tremolo Glides Effects The SampleSet contains 254 24-bit WAV files divided into 28 programs for NI Kontakt and 25 programs for HALion. Both formats are included when you buy Greek Lira. Greek Lira costs $49 (+$11 if you want it on CD). For more information, visit their web site at www.precisionsound.net. Friday, October 13 2006 | dmac Pro-Sounds Updates Adder Collection To Version 1.1 Pro-Sounds is pleased to announce the first in a long line of important updates: The Pro-Sounds Adder Collection has been updated to version 1.1. This update addresses a the volume issues found in version 1.0, adds Mod-wheel and Pitch-Bend control to all 128 presets, and features a few subtle redesigns of a handful of the presets. The price remains €9.95 per-volume, and €29.95 for the entire set. Currently registered users of the Adder Collection may download this new update, free of charge, from the download area mentioned in your original shipping email. If for some reason you do not have this information, please do not hesitate to email us and provide the email address you used to purchase the set. For more information, visit their web site at pro-sounds.net.