Studio Software

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

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.

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.

MOTU announces Symphonic Instrument
Studio Software

MOTU announces Symphonic Instrument

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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.

Mackie announces Tracktion 2
Studio Hardware, Studio Software

Mackie announces Tracktion 2

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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
Studio Software

IK Multimedia releases Studiophonik and Philharmonik plug in

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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
Studio Software

Cakewalk presents Project5 version 2

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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
Studio Software

Spectrasonics releases new Stylus RMX v.1.2

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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
Studio Software

Waves has released Q-Clone

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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
Studio Software

NI presents KONTAKT 2

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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.

Studio Software

NI presents Komplete Sounds

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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.