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.
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.
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 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.
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 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
TC-Helicon introduces VoicePro, the most technologically advanced voice-processing unit on the market today. A combination of proprietary voice processing algorithms developed through years of human voice research, and a voice-optimized compilation of essential vocal effects including classic TC algorithms, delivers limitless vocal sounds for music, game, post and commercial audio designer/producers. VoicePro is designed to inspire creativity and save production time by allowing all aspects of a vocal performance to be altered once the talent has left the studio.
Alesis is pleased to announce the IO|2 USB, a tough-as-nails, portable 24-bit/96k USB interface that’s unbeatably priced. This ultra-sturdy device features aluminum housing and is USB powered. Complete with low latency ASIO 2.0 drivers and Cubase LE recording software, just add a computer and record right out of the box.
Alesis is pleased to announce the Photon X49, which further expands the USB/MIDI Keyboard controller series, the Photon 25 and X25. The intuitive user interface is completely assignable and features silky smooth high-resolution knobs and faders. These assigned presets can then be stored for future use.
The DM-3200 is an all-new 48-channel professional digital console from TASCAM, boasting an impressive list of specs competitive with consoles twice its price. Based on the DM-24 in operational ease-of-use, the DM-3200 adds more busses, more effects, more auxes, USB connectivity and many other new features. Its user interface includes 16 rotary encoders with LED indicators to display mixer settings at a glance.
Cakewalk, developer of the leading music and sound software for Windows, has acquired rgc:audio, a leading developer of DirectX and VST synthesizer plug-ins for Windows. Joining the Cakewalk product development team is rgc:audio founder and synthesizer expert René Ceballos. Cakewalk has exclusive publishing and distribution rights to all rgc:audio products, including the highly acclaimed Triangle, Pentagon, and z3ta+ instruments. rgc:audio products remain available through the online store at www.rgcaudio.com, and technical support continues via the rgc:audio forum on the K-v-R web site.
Sony Media Software today announced the highly anticipated launch of Sound Forge® 8 Professional Audio Editing Software, the latest version of its award-winning professional digital audio editing product. New features include the addition of CD Architect™ 5.2 software for professional CD mastering, with direct track export functionality from Sound Forge software for fast and efficient Red Book audio CD creation. This new upgrade also provides application scripting functionality and batch processing which allows users to automate processes for multiple file encodes; customizable keyboard commands for streamlining workflow; the addition of low-latency ASIO driver support; and VST plug-in support which expands the number of effect options users can now apply to their audio.
“Sound Forge software has become synonymous with professional audio editing and processing on the PC platform for over ten years,” said Dave Chaimson, Vice President, Marketing for Sony Media Software. “Whether you’ve used the product for its support of a variety of audio and video formats , automated recording, real-time effects processing, streaming media encoding, or audio restoration, we’re sure you’ll find the integration of CD Architect, a long-time industry standard for disc-at-once CD creation, to be invaluable.”
Sound Forge software is the industry-standard for audio editing and is used worldwide for production in leading recording studios, post production facilities, broadcast and media complexes, home studios, radio stations and training facilities. The application includes an extensive set of customizable processes, professional studio effects and powerful tools for manipulating audio, creating streaming media, and offers support for a wide range of file import and export options for most standard formats.
Berhinger introduces small boxes, for a small buget but with big features: the Micro Series.
In the Micro series there are 3 products availible: aUltra-Compact 4-Channel Stereo Headphone Amplifier, a Ultra Low-Noise 4-Channel Line Mixer and a Ultra-Compact 2-Channel Hum Destroyer.
Ableton has announced the worldwide release of Operator, a powerful new software synthesizer instrument optimized for use inside Live 4 (actually 4.1). Operator brings an eclectic spectrum of sonic possibilities and musical inspiration to Ableton Live users. True to Ableton’s philosophy, Operator invites creativity through the fusion of depth and usability, allowing even the most complex sounds to be created quickly. Whether you long for evolving synthetic textures, rich expressive leads, gritty percussion, rhythmic atmospheres or anything in between, Operator has the cure.
Manifold Labs today announced the delivery of V.FOH, a purpose-built software package that yields Plugzilla as the ultimate digital solution for Front-of-House engineering.
V.FOH features an enhanced audio routing system, a real-time frequency analyzer, and a MIDI-learn mode that renders Plugzilla as an integral instrument in the Front-of-House engineer’s cockpit. The world’s first standalone plugin player, Plugzilla is a unique 2U Linux-based digital effects processor that can run virtually any Windows-based VST or Linux-based LADSPA plugin.
“Front-of-House engineers quickly identified the value Plugzilla delivers as a completely portable and unequivocally versatile digital effects processor. Leveraging the enthusiasm of this demanding group of consumers we have developed a software solution that caters specifically to their diverse set of needs and objectives,” said Don Elwell, President of Manifold Labs.
The V.FOH update provides users with unprecedented audio routing flexibility through Plugzilla’s eight inputs and outputs and eight plugin slots. The capability to independently process eight different audio sources with bulletproof reliability saves time and resources by shrinking a typical 8U front of house rig to just 2U.
More information about Plugzilla is available online at www.plugzilla.com.