Latest News & Articles
Cakewalk acquires rgc:audio
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 announces Soundforge 8
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.
Behringer announces Micro Series
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 releases Operator
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 announces v.FOH software for Plugzilla
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.
Genelec introduces the new 8130A
Genelec, the world’s longstanding leader in active monitoring, is launching its new 8130A Digital Monitoring System. Featuring a 192 kHz/24-bit digital audio interface, AES/EBU digital and analog audio inputs, as well as automatic detection of word length and sampling frequency, the 8130A is the latest addition to Genelec’s critically acclaimed 8000 MDE™ Series of Bi-amplified Active Monitors. The 8130A is compact with advanced integrated construction, and has excellent dispersion and precise stereo imaging, which makes it ideal for near-field monitoring, mobile vans, digital audio workstations, broadcast/TV control rooms, surround sound systems, home studios, multimedia applications, and use with computer soundcards.
Behringer announces a audio interface/ DJ controller
Play, mix and scratch any MP3 and WAV files, CDs and vinyl records—no time code records needed! The BCD2000 features a full-speed USB 4-channel audio interface plus high-resolution 24-bit A/D and D/A converters. It perfectly complements the included BEHRINGER B-DJ software or any other DJ software. And don’t let the cutesy looks fool you: this is an integrated, full-fledged audio mixer with a premium quality mic preamp, 3-band kill EQ per channel, ultra-precise faders, super-smooth crossfader and talkover function. The BCD2000 is packed with 2 state-of-the-art phono preamplifiers, one of which is switchable to a CD player.
OpenLabs introduces mFusion midi software
Open Labs, the leading designer and developer of computer-based music production solutions, has introduced mFusion™, a breakthrough set of software technologies that allows users to control different musical keyboard devices and software packages through a single interface. The latest software component of the company’s OpenSynth™ platform, which is used in the Open Labs NeKo™ and OMX™ lines of keyboards and digital audio production stations, mFusion will be licensed to third-party musical instrument and recording equipment companies that want to take advantage of an efficient, next-generation platform for music production that allows users to access and create more digital music, in less time and with better control than previously available.
Cycling74 announces MODE for windows
Cycling ’74, a software company based in San Francisco, today announced Mode for Windows. This popular package of native audio processing plug-ins will be available on Windows XP for host applications supporting the VST and RTAS formats. The package features three instruments and two effects units that integrate functions and performance controls typically found in rack-mount and workstation hardware. An additional 18 plug-in “submodules” extend the package with creative effects, parameter modulators and CPU-saving mini-instruments.
Roland unveils the V-Synth XT
…No, I am not gonna say: I told you so……
Steinberg announces Halion Player and Groove Agent 2
Steinberg has announced HALion Player, a new, playback-only version of its HALion virtual sampler. Tailored to newcomers to virtual sampling, HALion Player puts many of the technologies available on the HALion sampling platform behind a sleek, no-frills interface. Capable of playing any HSB, FXP or FXB files created for HALion 3, HALion Player offers an affordable, high quality sample content playback module for VST, DXi and AU.
Next to the Halion PLayer, Steinberg has announced the launch of Groove Agent 2, the long-awaited update to its Groove Agent virtual drummer. Replete with dozens of fresh, up-to-the-minute styles and a battery of quality new drum sounds, Groove Agent 2 offers the latest drum grooves and styles within the comfortable confines of modern DAW environments supporting the VST, DXi, ReWire or AU plug-in formats.
Korgs new workstation: The Oasys
OASYS is built around our new flagship PCM-based engine, which we call the HD-1 High Definition Synthesizer. Driven by an exacting, robust and detail-rich voice architecture, the sound of the HD-1 possesses an amazing clarity and presence; a high end that is crystal clear, but never harsh; a detailed and accurate sound that is smooth and rich across the entire audio spectrum.
AAS announces String Studio VS-1
A Direct Approach to Sound Design – The String Studio synthesizer swaps the traditional oscillator, filter, and envelope pattern for real-life string instrument components. At the core of String Studio lies a new cutting edge string model interacting with picks, bows, hammers, fingers, frets, dampers, and soundboards. Through this direct approach, String Studio delivers stunning guitars, basses, harps, clavinets, bowed instruments, percussions as well as rich and animated tones that blend the warmth, naturalness, and density of real-life with unique and innovative timbres from yet unheard instruments.
Terratec announces the EWS MIC 2 / MIC 8 serie
With the new EWS MIC 2/ MIC 8 series, TerraTec Producer offers a line of digital audio interfaces boasting state-of-the-art, astonishingly versatile technology and built-in microphone inputs in premium SPL quality. The FireWire series completes the present PCI-Bus MIC-series.
Doepfer releases organ masterkeyboard
The first part of the modular concept is the keyboard module d3m. d3m contains a 5 octave manual with feeling and looking modelled on the classic examples (so-called waterfall keyboard with ivory keys). In addition it has 22 buttons for program change available.