Latest News & Articles
Filterscape has now arrived on the PC!
Urs Heckmann: “I’m happy to announce that Filterscape has now arrived on the PC!
Well, it’s not fully perfect, but the beta team has given it a nod for stability and usability. Thus I have decided to make the latest beta version of Filterscape VST Win available for public download. This preview comes with the same features as the Mac version and runs in demo mode. But it will be further developed until the final release, i.e. in case of yet unknown bugs and in order to enhance the user experience even more.”
NI announces details of the KONTAKT 2 library
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS is excited to announce details on the library of the upcoming KONTAKT 2 software sampler. The factory library will set new standards in terms of sound quality and versatility, weighing in at more than 15 GByte and making extensive use of the new “Kontakt Script Processor” (KSP) for a wide range of advanced performance effects. A special version of the world-renowned VSL orchestra, a studio-quality Steinway Grand Piano, the innovative “Elektrik Guitar”, and a church organ sampled in 5.1 surround are
only some of the highlights of what will be the most powerful factory library of any sampler on the market.
The KONTAKT 2 library will include:
– a special version of the Vienna Symphonic Library (VSL) specifically made for KONTAKT 2, offering a full symphonic orchestra with supreme audio quality and playability. The VSL orchestra in KONTAKT 2 includes 30 instruments and takes advantage of the KSP engine for sophisticated performance effects including “Monophonic Legato” and “Repetition”
– a meticulously multi-sampled Steinway D Grand Piano that uses both the KSP engine and the integrated convolution engine to recreate the soundboard and sympathetic resonance of the sustain pedal samples
– an August Foerster Concert Piano with 10 velocity layers and a dedicated KSP module for control of release volume and sympathetic resonance
– the “Elektrik Guitar”, an extensively sampled electric guitar which goes beyond the limitations of conventionally sampled instruments by utilizing the KSP engine for realistic playing behaviour, including various strumming styles as well as authentic handling of ghost notes, harmonics and flageolets
– the “Akkord Guitar”, a KSP-based instrument that draws on a library of more than 3.500 acoustic guitar chord samples and allows for convenient creation of rhythmic guitar tracks due to an intelligent chord recognition mechanism
– a selection of church organs, including a massive cathedral organ sampled in full 5.1 surround for a truly overwhelming sonic experience
– a selection of electric pianos, including the Rhodes MK II from NIs acclaimed ELEKTRIK PIANO
– the “Automatic Harp”, a concert harp with unparalleled acoustic detail that enables extremely realistic glissandi and bisbigliandi thanks to a special KSP module
– a large assortment of tempo-synchronized loops from a huge variety of musical styles, taken in part from the Zero-G libraries “Altered States”, “Sound of the 70s” and “Total Drum & Bass”, all making extensive use of the KONTAKT 2 Time Machine and Beat Machine modes
– a library of high-quality surround effects, recorded with the SPL-Brauner Atmos 5.1 microphone system
– a wide selection of synthesizer sounds sampled from classic vintage analog and digital synthesizers, including a special modular synth bank designed by Kevin Lamb
– an extensive assortment of both electronic and acoustic drum kits and percussion sounds, taken in part from the BATTERY 2 library
– a selection of over 300 impulse responses, providing a wide variety of reverbs, filter, special effects and instrument resonances for the integrated convolution effect module.
For more information on the KONTAKT 2 library, please see ww.native-instruments.com/kontakt2lib.info
Ableton Live Lite 4 with every Pro Tools TDM and LE system
Digidesign is pleased to announce that Ableton Live Lite 4 Digidesign Edition will soon ship with every Digidesign® Pro Tools® TDM and LE system as part of the Music Production Enhancement Suite. Registered owners of the previous version of Ableton Live Digidesign Edition can download a free update to the new software version for a limited time from Ableton’s website at www.ableton.com/free-digidesign-update.
Live Lite 4 Digidesign Edition features some of the latest enhancements included in Ableton Live 4 software. Compared to the previously bundled Ableton Live Digidesign Edition, Live Lite 4 Digidesign Edition features new MIDI functionality, more precise control of volume, pitch and timing for audio, and offers a variety of audio and MIDI effects as well.
Moog announces the Moogerfooger 4’33” UPDATE
Moog Music is now shipping a groundbreaking new analog effects module designed by Bob Moog. The latest release in the distinguished line of Moogerfoogers offers a quiet reflective sound like no other. The Moogerfooger family is proud to introduce its most modest member.
The plug-in formerly known as Finalis
Elemental Audio Systems today announced a name change for its new peak limiter and the availability of updates for all of its commercial audio plug-ins. Formerly known as Finalis, Elemental Audio Systems’ limiting plug-in and newest product has been renamed Finis. The plug-in updates, released for Firium, Eqium, Neodynium, and Finis, address several issues and offer improved user experience and audio quality. All supported plug-in formats, including Digidesign RTAS, Steinberg VST, and Apple Audio Unit (AU), are affected by the updates. The new versions are free to all current, registered customers.
New Tannoy Reveal range announced
The new Tannoy Reveal range of near field monitoring speakers builds upon the success and recording industry reputation of the famous original Tannoy Reveal. When launched in the mid nineties, the Reveal was widely recognised as the product that defined the category, and has been the monitor of choice for thousands of amateur and professional recording facilities worldwide.
Avid Technology to acquire Pinnacle Systems
Avid Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVID) and Pinnacle Systems, Inc. today announced that Avid has entered into a definitive agreement to
ConcreteFX release new FM/additive softsynth Viper
ConcreteFX has released Viper, a new FM / additive synthesizer VSTi for Windows that can create range a broad range of organic leads, pads and basses.
Focusrite announces control software for Saffire
Focusrite has announced full details for SaffireControl, the software application that unlocks the onboard 24-bit/96kHz DSP of the Saffire audio interface, while also providing access to the hardware’s advanced settings. Focusrite is also confirming that Steinberg’s Cubase LE software is to be bundled for free with Saffire.
Introduced at the NAMM Show 2005 by Focusrite, the company behind the design of the Mbox, Saffire is a compact, portable desktop unit featuring multiple I/O and powerful onboard processing for the modern audio engineer.
The SaffireControl software suite (from the same team that created the control application for The Liquid Channel) includes a comprehensive I/O control plus Focusrite EQ, Compression, Amp Modelling and Reverb plug-ins. Focusrite front-end design is combined with software to provide effects processing on the incoming audio and foldback reverb over any of the separate headphone/monitor outputs, ensuring artists are kept happy and audio is tracked.
Digidesign and M-Audio Co-sponsor REMIX Hotel Miami
Digidesign and M-Audio are pleased to participate as proud sponsors of Remix Hotel Miami for three evenings of total technology immersion during Winter Music Conference from March 24-26, 2005, at the beautiful Eden Roc Miami Beach Resort, from 3 PM to 9 PM daily. Remix Hotel, in association with REMIX and URB magazines, will feature music production panels, product demonstrations, celebrity presentations, electronic music performances, and music industry mingling at one of Miami’s most fabulous hotels.
Visit Digidesign and M-Audio at Remix Hotel Miami this year and hear the top artists in the world of dance and electronic music discuss their music production techniques for creating the hot tracks that currently dominate dance floors all over the world. Digidesign-sponsored appearances include internationally renowned DJs and producers BT, Bad Boy Bill, Junkie XL, Hybrid, Carmen Rizzo, Dave Aude, Grandmixer DXT, Jay-J, and Kaskade. M-Audio-sponsored appearances include world-renowned electronic musicians Richard Devine, Murat Uncuoglu, Cedric Gervais, Monk, Chris Hawkes and The Carbon Community demonstrating how they use M-Audio® gear to craft their signature sounds.
Reflex Audio introduces Romio USB MIDI Interface
Attractive and powerful. What more could you want? Romio is a compact MIDI interface that adds MIDI In and Out to a USB equipped WIndows or MacIntosh computer. Check out our Romio product page for more information. And don’t even bother with the Shakespeare jokes – we’ve heard ’em all.
Dateq announces new dj mixer: the Vibe
The Vibe has five channels, four of which are equipped with faders. The channel without fader is meant to enable microphones or auxiliary sources to be used without occupying one of the 4 main channels.
Free DigiRack EQ plug-in form Digidesign
EQ III is a new high-resolution, double-precision 48-bit EQ plug-in available for Pro Tools® and Avid® systems. The latest addition to the DigiRack suite of free plug-ins, EQ III supports TDM, RTAS, and AudioSuite formats, and is available in 1-band, 4-band, and 7-band configurations for optimized CPU/DSP efficiency. In addition to the plug-in’s fully parametric design, EQ III includes selectable shelving filters and settings as well as separate high-pass, low-pass, and variable Q notch filters.
EQ III’s sleek and intuitive interface features a fully interactive and easy to use frequency graph that allows users to view and adjust individual EQ bands and filters from within the display. EQ III was designed to complement the dedicated EQ center section of Digidesign’s ICON D-Control tactile worksurface, providing D-Control users with unsurpassed control over all of EQ III’s parameters, including gain, frequency, Q, and filter switching for all of EQ III’s bands. The plug-in’s professional and interactive interface and seamless worksurface integration makes EQ III one of the easiest EQ plug-ins to use, and provides an unparalleled workflow designed for speed and accuracy.
Denon DJ announces software plug-in enhancements
Denon DJ has unveiled the latest round of software plug-ins available for its innovative line of performance-driven DJ products. Downloadable software is available free-of-charge to all Denon DJ registered users via denondj.com. The new software enhancements provide an array of new features for the acclaimed DN-X1500 Professional DJ Mixer, DN-S5000 and DN-S3000 Tabletop CD/MP3 Players, and DN-D4000 Dual CD/MP3 Player.
Denon’s revolutionary DN-X1500 offers four full-featured channels integrated with the ‘world’s first’ 8-channel input matrix control, with additional DN-board effects and USB connectivity. Newly available enhancements include separate Rear Output Trim and Master Level Control, Stereo/Mono Switching independent of global cueing system, improved Crossfader response for intricate scratch routines, and a ‘sharper’ Channel Fader contour preset. In the Effects section, Filter 2 can be set to correspond to the unit’s DRYIWET control, Echo 1 can now be locked to the bpm independent of WET status, the TAP button now flashes when selected once to lock to the bpm, and when bpm effects are engaged they are now synced to the beginning of the sine wave. Finally, when the SPLIT/CUE is selected the Master Cue is now ganged together to turn on, and the Master Cue can now be monitored pre Master Volume.
Ravity for MAC VST announced
LUXONIX have made an announcement of Ravity for Mac OS X. All of Ravity(S), Ravity(R) and Ravity16 are ported to Macintosh completely. VST format is scheduled for release in 22 March 2005, and AU format in May 2005.
Ravity(S)/(R)/16 for Mac will cost $139, $79, $16 respectively, same as PC version. For existing registered users, cross-grade between PC and Mac version will be available in May 2005.