Latest News & Articles
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.
Tascam announces new software updates
New Drivers for FW-1884 Add Cross-Platform Support for Cubase LE/SE and PCI-822 Driver Update for Windows XP FW-1884 Version 1.40
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, 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
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
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
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.
Roland updates the V Synth and the MV 8000
The V-Synth Reloaded Roland’s flagship mega-synth grows even stronger with the release of Version 2 software. This user-installable system upgrade
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
TC-Helicon announces the VoicePro
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 announces the IO|2 USB
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 announces the Photon X49
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.
Tascam announces the DM-3200 digital console
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.