Monthly Archives: January 2005

Synths and workstations

Quantum Leap goes hardware?

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We all know Quantum Leap for there softsynths.
But we read on the Sounds online website:


For touring musicians, this is the ultimate instrument to have on the road or in a club, in fact, EASTWEST is also releasing a hardware rack-mount version of COLOSSUS called COLOSSUS LIVE. COLOSSUS has incredible instruments of every type (check out the complete list at the bottom of this page), for song-writing, filmscoring, multi-media production, in the studio, or on stage, COLOSSUS is an indespensible tool that has you completely covered.



we will examine it, stay tuned!

Studio Software

Cakewalk announces 64-bit host DAW application

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Cakewalk, developer of the leading music and sound software for Windows, today announces the availability of a fully native 64-bit version of SONAR 4 Producer Edition, the definitive audio production environment on the Windows platform. The x64 Technology Preview version of SONAR 4 includes the entire application, along with a collection of additional DirectX effects, synths, and samplers to spotlight the advantages of music production in a 64-bit processing environment.



The SONAR x64 Technology Preview is now available for free download from the Cakewalk web site at www.cakewalk.com/x64 . A free pre-release beta version Microsoft® Windows® XP Professional x64 Edition is available for download at www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/64bit .



With this native 64-bit application, Cakewalk is continuing its leadership role in ushering in the future of audio recording, editing and mixing on the PC. Cakewalk has a long history of providing cutting edge technology, with nearly two decades of product design and innovations, providing millions of users at all levels of expertise with PC music creation software.



Cakewalk’s implementation extends the amount of RAM available for music production on the PC to 1 terabyte (1024 GB), well beyond the current 2 GB limit offered by today’s 32-bit applications. This provides users with nearly unlimited potential for working with RAM intensive projects that make extensive use of samplers and numerous audio loops and tracks. SONAR x64 Technology Preview provides users with the ability to load entire, large sample banks, libraries, and audio clips into RAM, thereby eliminating the latency introduced by disk streaming. Additionally, future versions of SONAR will offer the highest resolution mix engine with a fidelity exceeding that of the most expensive professional audio tools available in the market today.



“We are very excited to be on the forefront of delivering x64 technology to the music production world, and have found Intel® processor-based Hewlett Packard platforms are ideal for delivering outstanding performance benefits to empower musicians.” commented Ron Kuper, Vice President of Engineering for Cakewalk. “In our testing not only are we seeing SONAR make more effective use of RAM, but as an added bonus we are also seeing reduced CPU overhead, which we believe to be the result of the increased number of internal registers within x64 processors,” added Kuper.



“64-bit Intel® Xeon™ processor-based workstations are optimal for the most demanding Pro Audio applications. Cakewalk’s SONAR 4 Producer Edition takes advantage of the capabilities of the 64-bit Intel Xeon processor to help meet the exacting needs of today’s audio professionals,” said Phil Brace, marketing director for Intel’s Enterprise Platforms Group.



AMD customers will also experience comparable performance gains using the SONAR x64 Technology Preview. A wealth of information and resources are available in the SONAR x64 Technology Preview FAQ found at www.cakewalk.com/x64/faq

E-MU announces 1616M and 1616 audio systems
Studio Hardware

E-MU announces 1616M and 1616 audio systems

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E-MU® Systems has announced its new 1616M and 1616 CardBus Digital Audio Systems – the most powerful and portable laptop audio systems ever created. The E-MU 1616M and 1616 include a PCMCIA card and compact MicroDock audio/MIDI interface that deliver the same powerful DSP effects, zero-latency monitoring and pristine 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters of E-MU’s best selling PCI Digital Audio Systems.

NI introduced Electronic Instruments 2 XT
Studio Software

NI introduced Electronic Instruments 2 XT

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Native Instruments has introduced Electronic Instruments 2 XT, the extended version of their Reaktor instrument collection. The new version contains all the unique synthesizers, drum machines and effects from the collection as individual self-contained software instruments. Each of the eight instruments in Electronic Instruments 2 XT can be run both standalone as well as in all major plugin formats, without relying on a Reaktor or Reaktor Session installation.


The eight instruments included in Electronic Instruments 2 XT are:

* PHOTONE – hybrid master synthesizer

* LIMELITE – advanced beat composer

* METAPHYSICAL FUNCTION – soundscape synthesizer

* KRYPT – granular drum machine

* AKKORD – sequenced chord generator

* FAST FX – advanced performance effects

* RESOCHORD – programmable polyphonic resonator

* CYAN – extended vintage chorus

Luxonix updates Ravity product line
Studio Software

Luxonix updates Ravity product line

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LUXONIX has released Ravity16 for Windows, a host plug-in solely for Ravity(S)/(R). With Ravity16, LUXONIX completes the vision of conversion from hardware sound modules to software. Ravity16 can load up to 16 instances of Ravity(S)/(R) with channel mute/solo controls. You can load as many instances of the Ravity16 host as you want, with full VST-Automation over all the modules loaded within Ravity16. Linking 2 or more channels, it’s possible to synthesize more powerful and complex sound.

MOTU announces Machfive 2.0 and MX4 2.0
Studio Software

MOTU announces Machfive 2.0 and MX4 2.0

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MOTU, have unveiled Version 2.0 for both of their instrument plug-ins, MachFive and MX4. MachFive Version 2, MOTU’s universal sampler plug-in, includes unlimited parts per instance, a full-screen preset browser, a new modular synthesis architecture, keygroup layering with rule-based switching, larger sample and keygroup editors, a complete built-in mixer, LoopLab™ groove slice engine, sample time-stretching, and many other new features. MX4 Version 2, MOTU’s hybrid synth plugin, adds more effects, more presets, a built-in pattern gate, a built-in arpeggiator and numerous additional modulation sources and shapers.

Numarks ships the DVDJ products
DJ GEAR

Numarks ships the DVDJ products

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Numark is pleased to announce that it will begin shipping its revolutionary line of DVDJ products in the first quarter of 2005. With a proven, familiar interface based on Numark’s leading line of dual rack-mountable CD players, DJs can easily set cue points, adjust tempo, and match beats. Video and audio fades can be controlled from the AVM01 mixer via dedicated crossfaders. Video output and cueing can be monitored from the VM03 which also boasts a pivoting mount for optimal viewing angles.

Numark announces MP300, dual MP3 CD player
DJ GEAR

Numark announces MP300, dual MP3 CD player

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Numark proudly announces the MP300, a professional MP3 mixing solution for club and mobile applications. The MP300, a dual transport CD player that plays MP3 files on CDR media, as well as standard audio CDs, gives the DJ the ability to manipulate and mix two MP3 files in real time. The MP300 includes +/-16% pitch adjustment and professional features such as AntiShockTM buffer memory, direct track access, relay, fader start and track display.

Numark unveils the DXM09 DJ mixer
DJ GEAR

Numark unveils the DXM09 DJ mixer

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Numark, the first and only company to offer 100% digital DJ mixers, announces the new DXM09. This versatile 3-channel table top mixer features a custom effects section designed to enhance the mixing experience. Equipped with 24-bit digital circuitry, this mixer delivers superior headroom and extreme frequency kills. The unique effect interface allows for real time adjustments of rate frequency and mix intensity. The manual tap control ensures precise timing of delays and echoes. Other features include: three band kill switches, fader auto start, adjustable cross and line fader slope, and 1/4” output jacks.

Studio Hardware, Studio Software

Lexicon Omega now includes Steinberg Cubase LE

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The Lexicon Pro Omega Studio is an integrated computer recording system that includes the Omega 8x4x2 USB I/O mixer now with a VST™ version of the Pantheon™ world-class Lexicon reverb plug-in, coupled with Steinberg’s intuitive cross-platform Cubase LE featuring 48 track audio/64 MIDI tracks, up to 8 VST instruments, 2 insert/4 aux sends per channel and ASIO drivers.



Steinberg’s industry-standard Cubase is a comprehensive 48 track recording suite that includes all the modules needed to track, edit and mix. With the addition of Cubase LE, the Omega Studio contains all of the components necessary to transform a computer into a professional 24-bit recording studio.



Omega Studio is currently available from authorized Lexicon dealers at an estimated street price of $299.

Denon introduces DN-D6000 dual CD/MP3 Player
DJ GEAR

Denon introduces DN-D6000 dual CD/MP3 Player

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Denon DJ introduces the new rack-mountable DN-D6000 Professional Dual CD/MP3 Player. The ongoing expansion of Denon DJ’s acclaimed line of Dual CD/MP3 Players further underscores the company’s position as the preeminent manufacturer of high quality, cutting-edge products for the DJ and professional audio industries.