Monthly Archives: January 2005

MOTU announces Symphonic Instrument

MOTU announces Symphonic Instrument

MOTU has announced the MOTU Symphonic Instrument, a cross-platform instrument plug-in that gives users quick and easy access to an 8GB library of quality orchestra sounds for composing, sequencing and rendering realistic orchestral performances. The MOTU Symphonic Instrument can be used with any compatible host application (VST, Audio Units, DXi, MAS and RTAS), where users can load up to sixteen different instruments per instance of the plug-in to create ensembles of any size and scope. Built-in convolution reverb allows users to place their ensemble in authentic acoustic spaces, from orchestra sound stages to renowned concert halls to majestic cathedrals. Easy to use controls let users further adjust each instrument to achieve the perfect sound. Sounds can also be directly loaded into MOTU’s MachFive sampler plug-in for more advanced layering and programming.

Lexicon announced the MX200 Dual Reverb/Effects Processor

Lexicon Pro announced the MX200 Dual Reverb/Effects Processor at the 2005 Winter NAMM show. This new single rack-space, two-channel unit combines an intuitive front-panel design with a unique USB connection and VST interface for use with software recording platforms. Featuring a wide array of the reverb algorithms Lexicon is noted for, with delays, effects and dbx dynamics, MX200 is the intended for the home studio or the concert hall. In any application, the MX200 offers versatility and instantly accessible reverb, dynamics and special effects with the signature Lexicon sound.

Mackie announces Tracktion 2

Mackie announces Tracktion 2

Mackie announced today the upcoming release of Tracktion 2, the first major update to their critically acclaimed recording and MIDI production software.


The new update, dubbed T2, is a major step forward, adding numerous new capabilities, while still maintaining the core feature set that has made the original Tracktion a runaway success. The program’s clutter-free, single-screen design and intuitive user interface still offers unparalleled productivity, combining multitrack digital audio, MIDI programming and automated mixdown into a simple yet powerful package. T2 continues to offer full VST instrument and plugin support, import and export compatibility with all major audio file formats, and cross-platform Mac and PC compatibility.


The new T2, which will soon be available in a boxed version through major music retailers, introduces an enhanced, more powerful MIDI editor, more comprehensive keyboard control and the ability to map hardware MIDI controllers to filter parameters. T2 also brings a new high-definition 64-bit mix engine, improved external synchronization support, eight auxiliary sends and returns, and full integration for Mackie Control Universal and C4 controllers.

IK Multimedia releases Studiophonik and Philharmonik plug in

IK Multimedia releases Studiophonik and Philharmonik plug in

IK Multimedia unveils Studiophonik™, the first studio instrument workstation designed to bring the realism and control of the sound of a band in a studio. And IK Multimedia is proud to announce Miroslav™ Philharmonik™, a powerful integrated Orchestral Workstation combining the legendary Miroslav™ Orchestral and Choir sample collection masterpieces with a dedicated plug-in instrument specifically tailored toward classical sounds and arrangements. Two new products which have been unveiled at Winter NAMM 2005.

Cakewalk presents Project5 version 2

Cakewalk presents Project5 version 2

Cakewalk, developer of the leading music and sound software for Windows, today unveiled the Project5 Version 2 performance workstation. The next-generation of the Project5 open studio environment features a streamlined design, optimized for immediacy, that provides everything you need to take your music from inspiration to studio and stage. Project5 Version 2 has a $429 MSRP U.S. and is scheduled for release in April 2005. Customers that purchase full retail packages of Project5 Version 1 or 1.5 after February 1, 2005 will receive a free upgrade to Project5 Version 2 directly from Cakewalk.


Project5 soft synth workstation was introduced in 2003 to address the needs of musicians looking for new, cutting edge environments to create, compose, and perform with live soft synths. Project5 version 1 delivered an innovative, open synth host that combined the best of live input MIDI recording, pattern based sequencing, and ACID loop support, along with great sounding synths and samplers.

Spectrasonics releases new Stylus RMX v.1.2

Spectrasonics releases new Stylus RMX v.1.2

At Winter NAMM 2005, Spectrasonics is releasing a new 1.2 version of Stylus RMX. The new version of the award-winning groove software adds over a dozen new features including three brand new, professional quality effect modules, as well as enhanced compatibility with major host applications. The update is now available as a free download for all registered users from the Spectrasonics website in all supported plug-in platforms.

Waves has released Q-Clone

Waves has released Q-Clone

Q-Clone is a revolutionary new product utilizing unique (patent-pending) technology that lets you use your outboard hardware equalizer in a completely new way. By capturing the sound of your own gear, Q-Clone allows you to use that sound freely throughout your session, adjusting the sound of each track just as you would if you had dozens of that same hardware equalizer.

NI presents KONTAKT 2

NI presents KONTAKT 2

KONTAKT 2 is the second generation of NI´s award-winning flagship sampler. With a powerful new sampling engine, comprehensive surround integration, the unique KONTAKT Script Processor (KSP), integrated convolution effects and unrivaled import capabilities, KONTAKT 2 is simply the most advanced sampler ever.


At the heart of KONTAKT 2 lies a powerful new sampling engine that offers virtually unlimited polyphony as well as 64-part multi-timbrality, allowing for the most complex arrangements even within a single instance of KONTAKT 2. Multiprocessor support delivers up to 100% performance increase on dual processors systems, while Altivec optimization gives a further performance boost on Macintosh computers equipped with G4 and G5 processors.


The new surround integration in KONTAKT 2 is the definitive answer to the increasing role of surround in all areas of professional audio production, with support for multi-channel formats ranging from 3.0 up to 16.0, including industry standards like 5.1 and 7.1. All of the 13 effects in KONTAKT 2 are also fully surround-enabled, including a highly capable surround panning module that allows for precise sound field placement as well as sophisticated creative panning effects. KONTAKT 2 also features an output browser that gives a convenient overview about channel routing and output levels, making work in surround as effortless as with traditional stereo setups.

NI presents Komplete Sounds

NI KOMPLETE SOUND is a massive and highly affordable collection of outstanding ensembles, sounds and samples for NI´s range of software instruments – combining all eight products from the NI SOUNDLINE into one single package. NI KOMPLETE SOUND tremendously expands the sonic arsenal of REAKTOR, KONTAKT, BATTERY, FM7, ABSYNTH and B4, making it an ideal supplement for all owners of the NI KOMPLETE 2 bundle. NI KOMPLETE SOUND ships on one DVD with a single installer that provides a convenient installation process for all components included in the bundle.


NI KOMPLETE SOUND contains the following products:

– REAKTOR Electronic Instruments Vol. 1

– REAKTOR Electronic Instruments Vol. 2

– BATTERY Studio Drums

– Synthetic Drums

– FM7 Sounds Vol. 1

– FM7 Sounds Vol. 2

– ABSYNTH Sounds Vol. 1

– B4 Tonewheel Set “Vintage Expansion”


NI KOMPLETE SOUND will be available in March 2005 for a suggested retail price of $339 / 289 Euro. Owners of NI KOMPLETE CARE 2005 will be able to take advantage of an exclusive discount price of $229 / 199 Euro.

NI presents Electronic Instruments 2 XT

ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS 2 XT is the extended version of NI´s award-winning 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



The original ensemble versions are also included on the disc for optional editing in REAKTOR. ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS 2 XT also ships with a printed manual covering all included instruments.

ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS 2 XT will be available in February 2005 for a suggested retail price of $169 / 149 Euro.

TC Releases system 6000 reverb for Powercore

TC Releases system 6000 reverb for Powercore

TC Electronic introduces the VSS3 Stereo Source Reverb for PowerCore, a direct port of the legendary reverb algorithm from TC’s System 6000, and arguably the first truly high-end VST/AU reverb for digital audio workstations. The VSS3 algorithm is made up of nearly 800 parameters, all of which have been condensed into a simple user interface with clear choices at all levels. Industry-standard presets and customizable focus fields from System 6000 are included to facilitate easy start-up