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Learn to master your music software... Sonar 1 and 2, Sound Forge 4.5 and 5 and 6, Cakewalk Plasma, Home Studio 2002 and 9, Music Creator 2002, Guitar Studio 2, Pro Audio 9. Click here to visit the Power Books web site!

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Vienna Special Edition Orchestral Software Offer
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

The Vienna Symphonic Library announces a limited time offer in connection with the Vienna Special Edition collections, the company’s all-in-one orchestral packages at entry-level prices. Users who purchase the Standard Library of the Vienna Special Edition or the Special Edition PLUS between March 1 and March 31, 2010, will receive the download collection Soprano Choir for free, a €95 / US-$133 value.

The offer applies to both the DVD Collections (Standard Libraries) as well as to their corresponding Download Collections. When choosing the download versions, all four instrument groups of the Vienna Special Edition or all three parts of the Special Edition PLUS need to be purchased in March 2010 in order to qualify for the offer.

The special offer also benefits customers wanting to upgrade to the upcoming Vienna Choir DVD Collection. Registered users of the Soprano Choir will get a €75 / US-$100 upgrade discount when purchasing the big Vienna Choir DVD Collection (Extended Library)...

Continue reading: Vienna Symphonic Library's Limited Time Offer on Vienna Special Edition Orchestral Software in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Pro Tools Structure Explained Video Tutorial
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Presented by AIR Users Blog founder and Pro Tools maven Russ Hughes, "Structure Explained" is your solution to the sometimes puzzling virtual sampler, Structure.

This in-depth series is for beginner to intermediate users of the full version of Structure and will reveal many of its powerful features and functions. Learn how to easily navigate its windows and menus, load and create patches and parts, apply filters, modulation, effects, utilize "Smart Knobs", key switching, build custom drum kits and much more.

If you want to get the most out of the full version of Pro Tool's amazing virtual sampler Structure, look no further. "Structure Explained" will enable you to work Structure like a pro and elevate your sounds and productions to the next level. Solve the Structure puzzle today...

Product Highlights
* 17 tutorials / Almost 2 hours total runtime.
* For all beginner to intermediate FULL VERSION Structure users
* Shot with the latest full version of Structure

Continue reading: Groove 3 Releases Pro Tools Structure Explained Video Tutorial - Get 10% off! in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Pro Tools Tips and Tricks Vol. 4 Video Tutorial
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Presented by multi-platinum producer / engineer Kenny Gioia and shown entirely in Pro Tools 8, this awesome collection of in-depth video tutorials is focused on "Frequently Asked Questions".

Kenny has gathered all the questions he's been asked via email and on Pro Tools forums, and answers them all in detail as only Kenny can. You'll learn creative tips & tricks on things like punching in, using effect sends and returns, automation, edit tools, edit modes, plug-ins, fades and crossfades, templates and much more.

If you use Pro Tools 8, get "in the know" with Kenny's legendary tips and tricks tutorials. You and your Pro Tools productions will be glad you did.

Product Hightlights:
* 30 Tutorials / Over 3 Hours Total Runtime
* Shot entirely in Pro Tools 8
* For all intermediate to advanced Pro Tools 8 users...

Continue reading: Groove 3 Releases Pro Tools Tips and Tricks Vol. 4 Video Tutorial - Get 10% off! in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Native Instruments ALICIA'S KEYS Grand Piano Instrument
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Native Instruments announced ALICIA'S KEYS, a new software that recreates Alicia Keys' personal grand piano with outstanding authenticity and playability. Developed in close collaboration with the Grammy-winning artist, the software is used as the primary instrument on her new album and on the current world tour. ALICIA'S KEYS is a unique and highly affordable way for musicians of all experience levels to utilize Alicia's acclaimed signature piano sound in their own music production, live performance, and recreational playing.

Designed as a comprehensive digital recreation of Alicia Key's own custom Yamaha "C3 Neo" grand piano, and based on Native Instruments' industry-leading KONTAKT 4 sampler platform, ALICIA'S KEYS provides a soulful and intimate piano sound that perfectly accommodates R&B, soul and pop styles. The instrument was meticulously recorded in Alicia's personal studio by her engineer Ann Mincieli and renowned sampling expert Thomas Scarbee over the course of two years, using vintage microphones and high-end outboard studio gear that produced an exquisite piano tone with supreme sonic fidelity...

Continue reading: Native Instruments Announces ALICIA'S KEYS - a New Grand Piano KONTAKT Instrument in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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IK Multimedia AmpliTube 3 Guitar Gear-Modeling Software
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

IK Multimedia is proud to announce that AmpliTube 3, a massive upgrade of the leading guitar and bass tone gear-modeling software, is now shipping! AmpliTube 3 raises the industry standard of sound variety, realism and creative power - with over 160 precisely modeled pieces of vintage and modern gear available in one package - it is the ultimate gear tone collection for players, producers and engineers.

More Gear. In fact, twice as much gear!
- Over 160 gear models included (with nearly 100 added models), more than double the amount of other packages, from the most sought-after vintage collections to modern-day workhorses
- 51 Stompbox effects, 31 Amps, 46 Cabinets, 15 Studio Mics and 17 Rack effects
- 30 brand new models for the most complete anthology of gear, ever
- 70 re-worked and superior sounding models from packages like AmpliTube Metal™ and AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix™
- A new collection of bass gear models also makes it the most complete package for recording and performance of bass by the engineer or musician...

Continue reading: IK Multimedia AmpliTube 3 Now Shipping - More Gear, More Feel, More Power, More Tone in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Blue Cat Audio Freeware and Analysis Plugins Update
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Blue Cat Audio has released a new version of Blue Cat's Freeware Pack and Blue Cat's Analysis Pack, two bundles of Audio plug-ins for Mac and PC. This is a maintenance release that fixes several issues and also improves the demo version of commercial plug-ins.

For commercial plug-ins, the upgrade is free for registered users. An email will be sent to customers with the new download location.

Blue Cat Audio focuses on providing flexible and powerful audio tools for musicians and audio professionals, offering a wide range of audio processing and analysis plugins.

Blue Cat Audio is also a part of the DigiFreq Deals program, which provides a 10% discount on all Blue Cat Audio products. Use this coupon code: DIGIF008. Visit: www.bluecataudio.com

Continue reading: Blue Cat Audio Issues Maintenance Release for Freeware and Analysis Plugins in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Image Line Drumaxx VSTi Percussion Modeling Instrument
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Image Line Software, leading developer of audio production software, has released its newest VSTi/AU for percussion modeling, Drumaxx. And from now until March 31st, you can pay what you think it's worth - after that the cost will be $99.

Drumaxx is a virtual instrument (VSTi, AU & FL Native) that gives total control of 16 physically modeled drums. Each drum can be routed to independent output for external effects processing. Drumaxx includes 130 drumkits, 900 drum patches, 200 drum patterns and not a single sample in sight.

Drumaxx is not based on samples or even commonly used 'synthesis' techniques, where oscillators are mixed and the result is 'electronic'. Drumaxx is a truly 'modeled' drum with a huge repertoire of sounds. Drumaxx can model bass drums, snares, realistic and yes, electronic sounds. In addition, Drumaxx also models hi-hats, cymbals & metallic 'ethnic' percussion instruments with impressive realism...

Continue reading: Image Line Software Releases Drumaxx VSTi and AU Percussion Modeling Instrument in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Drums On Demand Odd-Time Odyssey Drum Loop Collection
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Drums On Demand Ships Volume 14: Odd-Time Odyssey Drum Loop Collection... 800 loops and single hits in 12 deep Song Sets.

Odd-Time Odyssey is a highly requested collection of odd-time signature Song Sets®. These include 3/4, 6/8, 12/8, 7/4 and 6/4 in tempos ranging from 80 to 208. The crossover styles and mix are great for rock, pop and even country songs (ballads). Simply find the Master Loop that matches your song, then use the average of 50 other loops in each Song Set® to build an awesome drum track. Available as immediate download or shipped on disc.

Odd-Time Odyssey Highlights:
• 800 loops and single hits in 12 deep Song Sets®
• 24-BIT Acid WAVs, 16-BiT Acid WAVs or Apple Loops formats
• REX format available in March
• 150 multi-velocity single hit drum samples (snares, kick, toms, cymbals, etc.)...

Continue reading: Drums On Demand Ships Volume 14: Odd-Time Odyssey Drum Loop Collection - Get 10% off! in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Universal Audio in the Studio with Vampire Weekend
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Engineer Justin Gerrish relied heavily on the Universal Audio 1176 compressor/limiter to achieve the distinctive drum sounds heard on the new Vampire Weekend album, Contra. Band member Rostam Batmanglij produced and co-mixed the album, which made its debut at #1 on the Billboard 200 Chart. Gerrish and Batmanglij recorded most of the drums and mixed the record at Avatar Studios in NYC.

Indie rock with a world beat influence, Contra is faithful to the exciting sound of Vampire Weekend’s debut album, but still maintains a fresh and experimental flavor all of its own. Gerrish shared some of the techniques that he used on the drums. “The band wanted to try and get that kind of trashy sounding, in your face hi-hat. So we actually ran one of the hi-hat mikes through a Neve mic pre, and then into an 1176, and compressed that. Which I normally don't do, I don't really compress the hi-hat, but they wanted to try it, and get this really aggressive sound on the hi-hat. It ended up working out well for us...

Continue reading: Vampire Weekend Cuts Hit Record with Universal Audio's 1176 in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Native Instruments SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS Virtual Instruments
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Native Instruments has just introduced SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS, a new set of software instruments that provide highly expressive and authentic renditions of the most legendary electric pianos, for use in KONTAKT 4 and the free KONTAKT PLAYER. Based on the acclaimed Scarbee sample libraries that have become a staple in professional productions worldwide, SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS gives musicians and producers of all genres an efficient and affordable way to integrate the distinctive sounds of these classic keyboards into their music.

SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS features the most revered electric pianos of the 60s and 70s, dubbed MARK I, A-200, CLAVINET and PIANET, all based on carefully recorded 24-bit sample material. The instruments utilize up to 16 velocity layers per key as well as special "Horizontal Release Technology" to recreate the complex dynamic behavior of each instrument with maximum precision and authenticity. Each instrument also offers an integrated multi-effect section with up to 10 algorithms, including phaser, chorus, reverb and various other classic effect types, which add further depth and variety to the vintage electric piano tones...

Continue reading: Native Instruments Introduces SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS - Authentic Renditions of Legendary Electric Pianos in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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DOWNLOAD: Free Cakewalk SONAR 8.5.3 Update
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Cakewalk announces a free update for SONAR 8.5 Producer and SONAR 8.5 Studio. Registered SONAR 8.5 Producer, SONAR 8.5 Studio, and V-Studio 700 customers can download the SONAR 8.5.3 AudioSnap Update for free.

The SONAR 8.5.3 update is focused on AudioSnap 2.0 providing usability enhancements, optimizations, and overall improved stability when performing complex audio timing tasks.

The SONAR 8.5.3 AudioSnap Update includes:
* Improved stability
* Improved rendering quality and functionality
* Improved tempo detection algorithm and new option to set clip tempo to original project tempo
* Improved Clip Tempo Maps functionality
* New resolution settings to set tempo changes on every beat, measure or clip...

Get the DOWNLOAD: Cakewalk SONAR 8.5.3 Update (Windows - Free) in Downloads. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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MODARTT Clavinet Add-On for Pianoteq Virtual Piano Instrument
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

MODARTT releases a clavinet add-on, the famous electric clavichord from the seventies. It brings you the very characteristic sound featured in many rhythm & blues, pop, funk, disco and reggae songs. It also offers additional features not available in the original instrument.

The clavinet add-on is modelled after the well-known D6 electric clavichord. Thanks to the powerful technology provided by physical modelling, it offers in contrast to the original instrument a sustain pedal, an extended range from C0 to C6 (original range F0 to E5), a variable mute bar, continuous pick-up mixing, and of course the well-known Pianoteq’s possibilities to adjust the timbre such as hammer hardness, overtones and resonator. There is also a wah-wah feature and customized equalizer presets.

The clavinet was frequently used in recordings during the 1970-80’s and is still being used today...

Continue reading: MODARTT Releases a Clavinet Add-On for their Pianoteq Virtual Piano Instrument in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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DEAL: V-Plugs - 10% discount off all products!
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

V-Plugs brings the most colorful and full of charm sound processors to your professional studio, at value prices. Our plugins offer the advantages and flexibilities of the digital world, while not neglecting the analog liveliness that we all love!

Some of V-Plugs products include:
* Echo Trip (all the classic tape echoes... and more!) Fusing vintage and modern, complexity and ease of use, Echo Trip presents new standards in the echo domain.
* Emphasizer (the new way to manipulate frequencies!) Emphasizer is a unique VST effect that presents a new approach for tone shaping and frequency manipulation.

This DigiFreq Deal allows you to get a 10% discount off all V-Plugs products!

Use this coupon code: DFQ399

Visit the V-Plugs site: V-Plugs

And for more DigiFreq Deals from other music manufacturers, visit the DigiFreq Deals page! - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Dan Dean Solo Strings Advanced Sound Library
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

Highly regarded in the music industry, sampling pioneer Dan Dean provides his “Dan Dean Solo Strings ADVANCED” DVD-ROM library in Native Instruments Kontakt 2 player format. Priced at $199 (US) for the single DVD, this orchestral library has been completely redesigned featuring chromatically sampled Violin, Viola and Cello in both Solo and Ensemble configurations.

Convolution – Timbral and Reverb. This is the first sampling product to employ Timbral Impulse technology, developed with Numerical Sound which allows you to match the DDSSA’s sound to a captured snapshot of a different string section or solo instrument. Also by Numerical Sound, a custom created library of Reverb Impulses custom designed for use only with the DDSSA. The Dan Dean Solo Strings ADVANCED is composed of 3 main instrument groups:

1. All-In-One Instruments, which feature all articulations of each solo instrument (Violin, Viola and Cello) accessible via keyswitching...

Continue reading: Dan Dean Productions' Dan Dean Solo Strings Advanced in Native Instruments Kontakt Format in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)
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Producing Hard Rock with Logic Video Tutorial
Posted by Scott R. Garrigus

All new for 2010, the "Mad Man from Louisiana" Scott Griggs returns with a killer Logic 9 music production series, "Producing Hard Rock with Logic". This in-depth series starts with nothing, and ends with a serious "Rawk' n Roll" track as only Scott could do it.

Throughout your musical journey with Scott and Logic 9, you'll learn invaluable techniques and methods for creating killer guitar sounds, realistic drum parts, interesting arrangements, slick automation tips & tricks, vocal editing, sound effect creation and so much more.

This series is focused on a hard rock track, but you can easily use the theories and principles on any genre production. The techniques and procedures shown are truly universal and will further expand your ever growing Logic 9 mind. Get your hands on "Producing Hard Rock with Logic" today...

Continue reading: Groove 3 Releases Producing Hard Rock with Logic Video Tutorial - Get 10% off! in News. - Comments (Reply To Topic)

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