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Sonic Implants’ Symphonic Brass Collection "Sonic Network, maker of Sonic Implants sample libraries and an industry leader in the creation of instrument sounds for film and television composers, has announced the release of the newest addition to Sonic Implants' premium Symphonic line, Symphonic Brass. This 3 DVDs collection features solo and ensemble French Horns, Trombones, Trumpets and Tubas, and like the acclaimed Symphonic String Collection, is another 'must have' library for composers and producers. Recorded in the same hall as Symphonic Strings, using the same award-winning engineers and featuring Boston Pops musicians, the Brass collection packs a truly unique set of features including the largest set of brass articulations available, multiple section sizes (1st chair, 2nd & 3rd chair, 1st - 3rd chair, and 1st - 4th chair), up to 4 alternate takes on select articulations, plus release samples and looped sustains. With Sonic's well-deserved reputation for superb playability and quality, this Symphonic Brass Collection is sure to be the library of choice among top composers and studio musicians.Produced by veteran sound-designer Jennifer Hruska, Symphonic Brass was recorded by Emmy and RIAA award-winning engineers Antonio Oliart and John Bono at Sonic Temple Studios, the same hall used to record the Symphonic String Collection. To ensure a perfect balance with the string collection the players were placed in the hall in the correct orchestral spatial positions with the same B&K 4011 front microphones placed in the same front-of-hall position. Top-notch players were utilized and recording takes were kept short to preserve the players lips. The result is a beautiful, consistent tone for all recordings and a sample library that is the perfect compliment to Sonic's Symphonic String Collection. Boston has no shortage of world-class players and members of the Boston Pops and Boston Ballet Orchestras shared their incomparable musicianship and beautiful instruments for the creation of Symphonic Brass. Recordings include Solo French Horn, 2 French Horn Ensemble, 6 French Horn Ensemble, Solo Trumpet, 2 Trumpet Ensemble, 3 Trumpet Ensemble, Solo Baritone Trombone, 2 Tenor Trombone Ensemble, Baritone & 2 Tenor Trombone Ensemble, and solo Tuba. Unique to the Sonic Implants Symphonic Brass Collection is the versatility of the brass choir section sizes, thereby allowing composers to control their section sizes according to what's required for their musical parts. For example one can write different parts for 1st chair trumpet and 2nd & 3rd chair trumpets, 1st part French horns and 2nd part French horns, baritone trombone and tenor trombones, etc. Recorded and programmed ensembles were included for fast composing of a large section sound." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Sonic Studio, Zero-X, Voxengo, Digigram, eMedia, and TC Electronics in News. |
PowerTracks Pro Audio 9 "PG Music Inc. has released Version 9 of its popular PowerTracks Pro Audio sequencing software for Windows® with a “new look” workspace, automatic audio harmonies, and more than 30 other new features for seamlessly integrated MIDI/digital audio music production. With this new release, PowerTracks Pro Audio users now have the unique ability to load any MIDI file, instantly view the “pro” chord changes on-screen, render MIDI to audio with ease, and harmonize any audio track with up to
4 audio harmony parts.The amazing new audio harmonies feature employs industry leading TC-Helicon technology to generate up to 4 harmony parts from any solo audio track, either vocal or instrumental. There are three different harmony modes available: Chordal Harmony mode determines the harmony parts based on the song's chord changes, Multi-Part Harmony mode generates harmonies from selected MIDI tracks in the song, and Melody Pitch Tracking mode performs pitch correction, changing audio notes, or automatic double tracking based on a MIDI melody track. The “new look” of PowerTracks Pro Audio 9 includes floating, dockable toolbars and a new Tracks window featuring audio wave overview or MIDI piano roll display for each track in a macro view made for easy editing. Tracks can be labelled with eye-catching instrument icons, and there’s quick access to all of the settings and effects for each track, including built-in DirectX audio effects and DXi software synthesizers. Preset effects groups can be assigned to common types of audio tracks and users can also create their own customized track setups complete with their own icon image and a preset effects group. Other new features in PowerTracks Pro Audio 9 enhance recording, mixing, and editing tasks." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Steinberg, ERA, Edirol, and Soundelux in News. |
New Music/Audio Book Releases "With the popularity of DVD’s, video games, and surround sound, and advances in high definition video and audio, the industry is seeing vast new interest in digital audio technologies. Today’s home studio is capable of putting out finished audio tracks of professional quality. Pro Tools is the most widely used Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) in the world. It used on more music recordings and audio post production projects than any other system and has developed into a very deep and capable technology with a user base in the hundreds of thousands. The Pro Tools Bible will serve as comprehensive tutorial and complete reference for Pro Tools users of any experience level." Click here for more information. "Pro Tools for Dummies - Shows musicians and home recording enthusiasts how to get up and running with Pro Tools, the leading software for professional music recording; Features minibooks on recording basics, PC and recording hardware, MIDI, editing, mixing, mastering, synchronization, and advanced Pro Tools use; Offers information on the hot-selling Digi002, Digi001, and Mbox packages for home recording buffs; Provides more complete information than other books, including basic tips on the recording process; Written by a professional musician who has been a touring and studio drummer as well as a sound and recording engineer." Click here for more information.Also, new announcements from discoDSP, Izotope, Luxonix, AcidMusicLoops, and Voxengo in News. |
MOTU MachFive for Windows "The Windows version of MachFive, MOTU's universal cross-platform sampler software, is now shipping with disk streaming and several additional enhancements. MachFive now supports all major Windows plug-in
formats (VST, DXi, RTAS and HTDM) and Windows host applications, including Pro Tools, SONAR, Cubase SX and Nuendo.Additional MachFive enhancements include the ability to import Kontakt soundbanks, as well as REX (Recycle) version 1 and 2 files. MachFive automatically maps each audio slice in a REX file to consecutive keys on the keyboard for convenient sample-style triggering. Both of these new features are also being made available to MachFive/Mac users as a free Version 1.08 updater, now available at www.motu.com/downloads. MachFive is now available for both Mac OS 9/X and Windows 2K/XP at a suggested retail price of $395." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from M-Audio, Discrete Drums, Beta Monkey Music, and MakeMusic in News. |
MusicLab Releases RealGuitar "RealGuitar is a sample-based virtual instrument with an innovative approach to guitar sound modeling and guitar part performing on keyboard.The true power of RealGuitar lies in 3 brand new technologies incorporated in this innovative guitar performance tool: - New multi-channel layering technology, incorporating a custom library of specially recorded samples taken from every fret of all 6 strings of a real guitar. - The unique Floating Fret Position technology, which imitates change of fret position of a guitarist's hand on the neck. This gives you the possibility of playing on up to 104 guitar frets using just 43 keys of a standard keyboard! - Our original Guitar Touch technology letting you easily imitate basic guitar techniques (strumming, plucking, sliding, bending, muting, etc..), using standard MIDI keyboard and MIDI controllers, such as Pitch Bender, Modulation Wheel, Sustain Pedal, Aftertouch." DigiFreq visitors get 10% off RealGuitar! Click here for more information and the 10% discount. Also, new announcements from Tascam, Korg, and EastWest in News. |
Adobe Announces Adobe Audition 1.5 "Adobe Systems Incorporated announced a new version of its award-winning audio editing, mixing, and mastering software, Adobe(R) Audition(TM) 1.5. This major upgrade combines innovative editing and effects tools with enhanced integration across Adobe's product line to deliver a more efficient workflow. The innovative new Frequency Space editing feature in Adobe Audition 1.5 includes Spectral View, which enables users to visually isolate and select any sound that spans a range of frequencies for a particular duration, and apply effects to or edit that sound. This can be used in cleaning up an interview marred by a cell phone ring, or heightening the impact of a professionally-recorded session.The new Pitch Correction tool enables users to fix off-pitch vocal performances and create pitch-based special effects. Cleaning up audio is easy with the Automatic Click/Pop Eliminator, and the new Center Channel Extractor adjusts the relative volumes of vocals and instruments in a mix. Adobe Audition 1.5 also adds more than 500 new royalty-free production music loops -- now totaling more than 5,000 -- as well as 20 sample sessions. New support for transferring audio with ReWire makes Adobe Audition 1.5 a great host for ReWire-enabled applications, such as Propellerhead Reason. VST plug-in support makes thousands of third-party effects available to Adobe Audition users, who can easily share VST effects with Adobe Premiere Pro users. Video support in Adobe Audition has also been enhanced -- video filmstrips appear in the Multitrack View, markers from Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 are imported with AVI movies, and support has been added for a wide range of video formats." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Riff Interactive, Yamaha, and Native Instruments in News. |
Galaxy Steinway 5.1 "Best Service has released Galaxy Steinway 5.1. Powered by Native Instruments Kompakt Engine, this virtual instrument features a Steinway Grand Piano recorded at one of the world´s most up to date and technically advanced studios - Galaxy Studios in Belgium.Although optimized for full 5.1 surround sound, you can choose to load a subset (Stereo front L/R 1.5 Gbyte) and you will still be amazed by the sheer quality of sound. Enjoy being surrounded by an exceptional instrument recorded at an extraordinary location. The piano was recorded at Galaxy Studios, Belgium. Galaxy Hall, size 320 square meters, 8 meters room height. Via Neve Capricorn digital console directly linked to ProTools. Microphones: close miking with 5 Bruel & Kjaer mics, room mics from Neumann plus SPL / Brauner Atmos System for the 5.1 recording of the grand piano. Additional features: Six discrete channels in 16/24 bit / 48 kHz resolution. Separate microphone for the LFE channel. Mapped in whole tones. Ten velocity layers provide a natural sound quality over the whole dynamic range. Sample length up to 40 seconds, hence no loops. Grand total approx. 6.5 Gigabytes of audio samples." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Cycling '74, Antares, FXpansion, Zero-G, and Nomad Factory in News. |
Tassman 4 for Mac OS X and Windows "Applied Acoustics Systems announces the official release of Tassman 4 for Mac OS X and Windows, an upgrade of their award-winning Tassman sound synthesis studio. Tassman 4 offers musicians and sound designers an even broader range of creative possibilities with a new synth and preset library created by top sound designers, the possibility to process live audio inputs, sync to host capability and improved acoustic modules. Tassman 4 also includes new functionalities for the management and design of presets such as an output effect section, new
effect modules and a performance mode."With this upgrade, we have focused on exploiting the unique creative potential of Tassman and developed new tools to make the use of sounds from such a wide range of synths easy and efficient," said Marc-Pierre Verge, CEO of Applied Acoustics Systems. "This work is the fruit of an exciting collaboration with Ilio, our new North-American distribution partner, which has enabled us to combine our innovative technology with their tremendous expertise in sound design." Based on AAS' state-of-the-art physical modeling technology, the Tassman is an entirely modular sound design solution, offering a near infinite range of creative possibilities for realistic emulation of acoustic instruments, analog and FM synthesizers, and unique hybrid constructions simply not possible by any other means of synthesis." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Hard Note Software, Native Instruments, Soundminer, Digigram, and Mackie in News. |
New Versions of Vegas and DVD Architect "Sony announced the availability of its new Vegas+DVD Production Suite of software tools, which includes Vegas 5(R), DVD Architect 2 and a Dolby(R) Digital AC-3 Encoder software. Sony Vegas(R) 5 software, the latest version of the award-winning non-linear professional video and audio editing application, now offers increased functionality, more specialized features and the most extensive audio upgrade to date. With advanced, real-time scalable production for SD, HD, HDV and other formats across unlimited tracks, Vegas software is the ideal application for professional DV, DVCAM(TM) and audio editing and encoding, and an overwhelming favorite among digital video and audio professionals who are looking for a single-platform solution for A/V editing and finishing. New features in the Vegas 5 software include 3D track motion and compositing, keyframable Bezier masks, network rendering, transition progress envelopes, subtitle/text export to DVD Architect(R) software, Flash(TM) .swf import, ACID(R) software loop properties support, keyboard event pitch shifting, 5.1 audio plug-in support at the master bus level, film-style 5.1 surround panning, downmix monitoring, external control surface support, envelope automation recording, customizable UI's and keyboard mapping, media subclips, realtime A/V event reverse, support for external Sony hardware devices such as the DSR-DU1 and DSR-DR1000 video disk recorders and J-H3 HDCAM(R) player, and more.New features for the DVD Architect 2 software include programmable end actions, subtitle creation and multiple audio track support, enhanced disk optimization tools, real-time external monitor playback via i.LINK(R) connector/IEEE-1394, Flash(TM) .swf import, support for 24P DVD encoding, elementary stream import, and much more. As an added bonus, the Vegas+DVD Production Suite and Vegas 5 software will include a stand-alone version of Boris Graffiti(R) 3.0 LTD for enhanced 2D and 3D titling, along with Red Giant Software's Magic Bullet Movie Looks(TM) plug-in effect for Vegas 5 software that provides simulated film looks for digital video projects." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from PreSonus, reFX, Prosoniq, Voxengo, and Yamaha in News. |
Ultimate Sound Bank's X-Treme FX "X-Treme FX is a virtual instrument dedicated to sound effects, foleys and atmospheric sounds. For sound designers it means having a brand new soundbank and the ability to work faster than ever with a great set sound shaping tools (layers, filters, envelopes, LFOs…). This means it will be easier and faster to build complex sounds. And it’s perfect to trigger the included sound effects easily!X-treme FX is also a great composition tool that will inspire original ideas. In practice, few instruments feel so refreshing to use, and provide so effortlessly sounds that can be described as unconventional, cinematic and weird. It’s the ideal basis to great atmospheres. And thanks to the quality of the UVI-Engine, you can count on an uncompromised sound quality throughout the plug-in. Xtreme FX puts thousands of creative sound effects at your fingertips: the soundset occupies over 3 Gigabytes of disc space, roughly equivalent to 15 effects audio CDs. X-Treme FX is incredibly faster and more affordable than using such soundbanks. Included categories are: Science-Fiction, Drones & sub, Natural sounds, Urban sounds, Foleys and Musical effects. Scenes are provided: one preset loads up an ensemble of related sounds, perfect for live mixing or creating a virtual soundscape. Throughout the library you’ll find sounds that are off the beaten track, original and expressive." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Ultimate Sound Bank, Digidesign, LinPlug, VirSyn, RME, IK Multimedia, M-Audio, and SoundToys in News. |
Nudge Editing Tools for Cakewalk's Sonar "There are many times when I’ve found myself wanting to quickly and easily move selected data either backward or forward in a Sonar project. Unfortunately, something like this can be tedious because it involves multiple steps. To make the process easier, I decided to develop a new set of editing tools that allow you to move selected data with the single click of a button. The Nudge Editing Tools for Sonar (which are compatible with Sonar 2 and Sonar 3) allow you to move data by ticks or note values. For example, if you have a MIDI or audio clip or a group of MIDI notes that you want to move by a precise amount within a track (or even multiple tracks), all you need to do is select the data, and click a button. The Tools provide buttons for various clock tick values as well as for various note duration values. Once you have the Tools, you won’t know how you lived without them! With these Tools you can quickly and easily move any selected data backward or forward in time within your project either by clock ticks or by note durations. You just select your data and click a button. That's all there is to it. You can use the Tools to line up data to a specific time in the Time Ruler by using the Ticks options. Or you can move selected data so that it sounds on a different beat. Or lets say you have a bunch of music clips that start at different times and you want to keep them all at their relevant starting times, but just move everything over a few ticks or by a certain note duration... just select the clips and click a button on the Nudge Tools window. I use these Tools all the time, so I know you'll love them." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from TerraTec, Yamaha, Celemony Software, Scarbee, Keyfax, Native Instruments, and Post Musical Instruments in News. |
Voxengo GlissEQ 2.0 "GlissEQ is an analog-style equalizer in PC VST plug-in format. The most interesting thing GlissEQ offers is its dynamic equalization performance. This `dynamic nature' of GlissEQ gives you a much more friendly, assisting filtering experience. Boosting up the highs will not necessarily create the fatiguing effect of overload. Instead, you will get a pleasant transient-emphasizing effect bringing life and dimension to your track: thus, GlissEQ sounds simply musical.Beside this wonderful `dynamic nature' version 2.0 of GlissEQ offers a built-in FFT spectrum analyzer. Moreover, the spectrum of the track can be exported to any other instance of GlissEQ thus making interchannel spectrum overlays possible. This can help you to free frequency ranges in one track to allow the instrument in another track occupying these frequencies breathe. Version 2.0 is a free update for all existing registered users of the previous GlissEQ version." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Steinberg, Native Instruments, Digital Media Dreams, Rock House, Scarbee, Riff Interactive, and SonicBytes in News. |
REAKTOR 4.1 Now Available "Reaktor 4.1 features countless improvements, revisions and fixes which take REAKTOR to a whole new level of usability and reliability. An overview of key improvements is listed below:* New Screensets functionality for storage and recall of screen layouts - greatly enhances workflow on ensembles with multiple and/or large panels * New plugin Auto Save functionality for reliable restoration of plugin state within host sequencer projects * Extended control for the size, and automatic resizing, of the plugin window * Audio Units implementation reworked * Parameter automation improved * New Batch conversion function (for converting Reaktor file formats) * Enhanced Sample Map Editor * Enhanced usability and workflow, including optimized context menus, and improved user interface * Improved stability, including event-loop safeguarding * Numerous modules revised and improved * Optimizations for audio quality, performance and memory usage Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Peace Love Productions, Steinberg, SoundHack, Sound Devices, Zygoat, Voxengo, Digigram, and Scarbee in News. |
WaveArts FinalPlug "Wave Arts is pleased to announce FinalPlug! FinalPlug is the new peak limiter/volume maximizer plug-in, which features comprehensive bit depth truncation and dithering options. FinalPlug represents a continuation of Wave Arts' line of essential sound processing tools, joining TrackPlug, MasterVerb and WaveSurround Pro. Features include: * Sonically transparent peak limiting, use as peak limiter or volume maximizer * Effective on individual tracks or an entire mix * Mono to mono or stereo to stereo operation * Bit depth truncation from 4 to 24 bits * TPDF dithering * Comprehensive noise shaping options * Operation up to 192 kHz sampling rate * Presets for CD and DVD-audio mastering and track compression Comprehensive format support includes Mac OS X AU/MAS/VST/RTAS, Mac OS 9 MAS/VST/RTAS and Windows DX/VST." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from FX-MAX, Rock House, Sonic Implants, Image Line, Celemony, Wizoo, and Virsyn in News. |
Steinberg Announces WaveLab 5 "One of the major new releases in Steinberg’s 20th anniversary year, WaveLab 5 encompasses a full set of DVD Audio mastering and authoring tools. Among the new capabilities included is support for up to eight audio channels throughout the entire signal chain for recording, editing, processing and mastering. The DVD Audio burning capabilities also include video data; WaveLab 5 also offers DVD Audio extraction, conversion, and archiving. More DVD Audio-specific features include an extensive DVD Audio authoring toolset, including Playlist editing, on-screen video menu design, picture slide shows, and DVD text.The range of new capabilities encompasses not only DVD Audio, but aims to offer additional capabilities within the stereo and multi-channel audio domain. A new “Smart” Video Thumbnail Track for editing audio for video is included, as is support for trackbased insert effects, multi-channel metering, and support for Steinberg Surround Edition plug-ins. “We’re very proud of WaveLab 5, as it is not only the first and only application currently available to support both CD-Audio and DVD Audio formats within a unified user interface, but also to combine all aspects of stereo and multi-channel high-resolution audio editing, processing, mastering and DVD-Audio authoring and burning,” commented Arnd Kaiser, Steinberg’s Senior Product Manager for Music Technology. With full multi-channel surround support and DVD Audio mastering and authoring, WaveLab 5 will ship to Steinberg resellers on April 19th, 2004 and will cost $699.99." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Magix, Cakewalk, Native Instruments, and Ableton in News. |
Sonar 3 - Mixing & Mastering "These days, producing music on a computer is no longer just about recording instruments and arranging them, with advanced music production applications like Sonar 3 also providing a complete mixing and mastering environment. However, in order to make use of the software, from the first idea to the final CD master, musicians need to become expert sound and mastering engineers.With this in mind, Wizoo presents 'Sonar 3 – Mixing & Mastering', an easy-to-read and practical book that will help the reader improve their arranging, mixing and mastering skills using the powerful features in Sonar 3. And in addition to giving readers a basic introduction to the world of sound engineering, author Craig Anderton provides advanced tips and tricks to help them get the best results in their own music productions. Perfect for both beginners and advanced users, 'Sonar 3 – Mixing & Mastering' also includes a CD-ROM featuring a large number of audio examples and more to help enhance the learning experience." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Prosoniq, rgc:audio, iZotope, Steinberg, Ableton, Native Instruments, and LinPlug in News. |
Albino 2 Software Synthesizer "In 2002 Rob Papen approached Peter
Linsener of LinPlug with his idea of a sound-designers dream synth... A few months later ALBINO was born! Within a very short time it stole the hearts of many musicians due to it's high quality sound, usability and inspirational presets.Today a breathtaking new update, the ALBINO 2 has been released. Rob Papen was clear that the new features should be top notch, creative and again focus highly on usability and music making. Together with his ideas and the wishes of his users, Rob and LinPlug mastermind Peter Linsener created ALBINO 2. The ALBINO comes with a whole bunch of modules: Three types of oscillators are available: Digital, Analog, and Noise. two separate stereo filter modules with two filter types: Silk and Cream (thats how they sound!). Four versatile LFOs and eight envelopes, the unique LinPlug Modulation Matrix. Finally, a sophisticated effects section consisting of two independent stereo effects units, each containing eight effects processors. All this with numerous modulation capabilities." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Voxengo, TC Electronic, PSP Audioware, and Rock House in News. |
Xitel’s New Ground Loop Isolator Stops Speaker Hum "Xitel Pty Ltd., a worldwide leading provider of digital audio technology solutions, today announced the release of the first premium quality Ground Loop Isolator designed specifically to stop the annoying ground loop hum that can result from connecting computers to home stereo equipment.Xitel’s new Ground Loop Isolator works by breaking the earth between a computer and stereo to ensure no ground path exists for current from an electrical imbalance to flow. This simple and effective way of eliminating ground loop issues preserves the full fidelity of all digital music while preventing speakers from humming. Xitel’s ground loop isolator has been fully designed, built and tested to exacting standards for high fidelity audio applications. Its quality components ensure premium signal transmission and audiophile performance, making it equally suitable for eliminating ground loops from all types of stereo equipment as well as computers. It installs simply by plugging into the RCA inputs on the back of any receiver, amplifier, mini-system or stereo." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from DiscoDSP, NUSofting, Ploytec, Ableton, Drums On Demand, Yamaha, and Voxengo in News. |
Sonic Excursions for Acoustic Guitar "The Sonic Excursions for Acoustic Guitar™ collection from Sony Electronics utilizes delicate acoustic guitar performances as the source materials for the production of bright, dazzling sound sculptures. J. Arif Verner is an incredible musician and a master of recording studio technology.Follow his complex signal path straight through to your ACID® software, and take advantage of delightful, beautifully processed sounds that echo, swirl, and shimmer! The Sonic Excursions library can stand alone as a construction kit for making sparse, beautifully arranged tracks - perfect for multimedia producers who need music that reflects sensitivity, calmness, and understated elegance. Used across music genres, the Sonic Excursions collection will provide that special touch of ear candy you need! Superb performances, lush and imaginative effects processing, and crisp 24-bit ultra high-fidelity sound make the 2CD Sonic Excursions for Acoustic Guitar an essential collection for producers working in all music genres. 289 (702MB) original, royalty-free loops." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from IK Multimedia, RML Labs, FabFilter, Mackie, Sonicbytes, and Audio Damage in News. |
Steinberg Releases Cubase SE "Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH has announced the release of a new entry-level music production workstation: Cubase SE. Cubase SE includes Steinberg music production technology from its premiere Cubase SX product, yet offers a compact feature set ideal for beginners and educational use.Cubase SE first appeared as part of Steinberg’s highly successful Studio Case package, and has now been released as a full, stand alone Steinberg product. Aimed squarely at newcomers to digital music production as well as the education market, this SE version makes professional audio technologies available to those on a smaller budget. “Released in Steinberg’s 20th anniversary year, Cubase SE offers established and familiar Cubase SX quality at a new entry-level price point. With up to 48 Audio- and unlimited MIDI tracks, Cubase SE is the perfect cross-platform starting point for any home-recording studio, small-project studio or pre-production/editing room,” commented Arnd Kaiser, Steinberg’s Senior Product Manager for Music Technology. Cubase SE is shipping now through authorized Steinberg resellers and is fully upgradeable to higher versions of Cubase." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from DigiFreq, ConcreteFX, Kjaerhus Audio, Wizoo, LinPlug, DashSignature, and East West in News. |
 Issue 20 has been published! Here's what you'll find in this issue:1. Scott's Notes - The New DigiFreq Enhanced Edition 2. DFreqCONTEST - Native Instruments INTAKT 3. DFreqREVIEWS - Sonic Implants Symphonic String Collection 4. DFreqDEALS - Smart Loops Sample Loop CDs 5. DFreqDISCUSS - How To Get An AM Radio Effect? 6. DFreqTOPIC - Sonar 3 Q&A (Part 2) 7. DFreqTOPIC - Music Software Freebies (Part 2) 8. DFreqTIP - Quick Audio Preview in Windows XP To read this issue, you need to be a subscriber. If you're not already, just click here. It's free! If you are already a subscriber, please allow 3 to 7 days for the delivery of your issue. Also, there are new announcements from Yamaha, SoundEngine, DashSignature, Steinberg, Synapse Audio, and Sonic Reality in News. |
Moog Modular V "1971. At the NAMM convention, Bob Moog introduces the Minimoog, the very first compact and affordable synthesizer for musicians. With its fat sound and unparalleled filters, the Minimoog eventually became responsible for some of the best analog synth bass and lead sounds ever. 2004. At the NAMM show, Arturia introduces the minimoog V, a faithful reproduction of the Minimoog. Offering all the features of the original, the software version also brings polyphony, MIDI management, presets, coupled with other advantages of modern tools - behind the control panel are additional functions: a modulation matrix, an arpeggiator and an independent LFO as well as a stereo chorus and a delay. But what about the core of the Minimoog, the sound? Thanks to TAE®, Arturia’s proprietary technology for emulating analog circuits, the minimoog V offers an unchallenged quality of sound. Sharp filters, aliasing-free oscillators, soft-clipping guarantee you have the best analog emulation on the market." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Native Instruments, Steinberg, ConcreteFX, VirSyn, and discoDSP in News. |
Goodbye, learning curve. Hello Tracktion. "Tracktion is a radical new type of music production software - giving you a clean, intuitive, and clutter-free interface without losing the features you find in software costing much more.If you like your software to use dozens of overlapping windows, Tracktion is not for you. It won't pretend to be a mixing desk or show you panels with pictures of screws in the corners or 3D knobs that are accurately copied from a real piece of hardware. It doesn't use concepts like 'busses' or 'sends' that were developed for analogue mixing desks. There is no Windows clutter, nor obscure menus full of commands that you'll never use. It doesn't come in a shrink-wrapped cardboard box, and there's only one version. In short, Tracktion is a little bit different. It's a continuously evolving product with new features and updates regularly released. By the time you read this, Tracktion will rival all the major sequencers in terms of features, and will also be running on Mac and Linux. Most people who've used a sequencer before can get to grips with Tracktion in about 10 minutes, and once you've grasped a handful of basic concepts (which aren't exactly rocket-science), the learning curve practically disappears." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Sibelius, Acon Digital Media, M-Audio, PowerFX, and Coyote R&D in News. |
The Sorber S5-2L Free-Standing Acoustic Absorption Panel "ClearSonic has announced new Sorber acoustic panels. SORBER S5-2L ($180 each) are 24" x 66" x 1.6" thick free-standing acoustic absorption baffles made from two sections of compressed fiberglass inserted into a heavy-duty Velcro-receptive cloth case with a hinge sewn down the middle.44" high S4-2 Units are also available ($120 each). Units setup and tear down in seconds. Multiple units tack together to grow with your needs. When your done, S4-2 and S5-2 SORBERs (available in light or dark gray) fold in half and have handles for easy transport. A great tool to have in the studio, on stage, or in rehearsal for fast and portable acoustic control and separation." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Audiofile Engineering, Patchman Music, PreSonus, UK Music, and Audio Damage in News. |
Furman SB-1000 Uninterruptible Power Supply "Furman is proud to introduce the new rackmountable Uninterruptible Power Supply SB-1000, specifically designed for stage and studio applications. Never again will musicians or studio professionals need to worry about damaging sensitive digital equipment or losing hours of studio work in the event of a power outage. Onstage, the ruggedly designed and constructed 15-inch 1U Furman SB-1000 can (safely) keep computer laptops, micro-processing components, and keyboards running until the user can (safely) power them down. The SB-1000’s brownout and surge protection prevent the data loss and corruption that can cripple sensitive equipment. In the studio, the Furman SB-1000 can safely save and close critical applications and then power down a CPU and monitor along with additional peripherals, such as hard drives, CD/DVD burners, etc. The Furman SB-1000’s passive cooling allows for super quiet operation in critical listening environments. The Furman SB-1000 features a generous 1000VA / 600 watts capacity from its step-up/step-down multi-tap Toroid transformer. A current overload alarm activates at 10 amps total capacity. An additional alarm activates when in battery back-up mode. The unit will provide a 3-minute back-up with a 5-amp RMS load, and 32-minutes of back-up with a typical computer and monitor load. When used as a computer system back-up, a standard UTP-RJ45 network jack allows for automatic shutdown of critical applications. The SB-1000 features 5 AC outlets, (4 for backup with a 5 amp total load) and 1 bypass outlet, (4 amps total, for higher amperage units) so additional computer peripherals and electronic devices can be safely powered down. Additional features include adjustable line voltage from 110/115/120 VAC, two step regulation, and an adjustable line frequency of 50 or 60 hertz. (Internal jumpers). The front panel features convenient ON/OFF switches for the backup and bypass outlets, a test switch that allows battery status check, as well as a line/backup indicator LED." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Novation, FMJ Software, reFX, Coyote R&D, and Cycling '74 in News. |
Russian Ethnic Vocals "Russian Ethnic Vocals - is the first ever and absolutely unique sample library of the real Russian vocal patterns, which includes more than 800 samples in Wav format. The samples were recorded in one of the oldest Russian provinces, where you still can here the breathing of ancient Russia. With the help of this library your compositions will obtain an off-center and attractive features.All samples on this CD were grouped for your convenience into several categories: Vocal Patterns, Voice Phrases, Old Women Vocals, Old Women Phrases, Naa Ree Naa vocals, Nai Nai vocals, Oi Lyu Lee vocals, OOh AAh EEh, Hops, Melodic Screams, Whistle, Birch Bark. The format of this library is compatible with any multitrack editor, as well as with many types of software and hardware-based samplers and keyboards, which are able to read WAV format - Hailon, Exs24, Kontakt, Reason, AKAI S5000/S6000, Korg Triton, etc." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Voxengo, delaydots, Digidesign, Elektron, Native Instruments, and Arturia in News. |
WaveSurround Pro Version 4 "WaveSurround is a spatial enhancer that uses HRTF binaural processing and sophisticated crosstalk cancelling technology to put you inside your stereo tracks and mixes, making your music surround you. The latest release includes a spectral shaping filter and a professional reverb with fully adjustable parameters to enrich the imaging effect.Highlights: * Effective for individual stereo tracks or the entire mix * Adjustable pair of virtual speakers to control spatial effect * Built-in spectral shaping filters to fine-tune frequency & phase response * Built-in reverb module based on our critically-acclaimed MasterVerb plug-in * Really <- W I D E -> reverb effects * Full automation of any control thru compatible host applications New in Version 4: * New user interface * Mac OS X versions fully Panther (10.3) compatible * Cross platform Preset Manager- save your presets in a file that can be used in any other format of our plug-ins, PC or Mac * Undo and A/B Buffers for easier editing Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Native Instruments, Applied Acoustics Systems, Open Labs, Ultimate Sound Bank, TerraTec, and Symbolic Sound in News. |
Extensions for Hypersonic Debut "Wizoo, the developer of Steinberg’s Hypersonic virtual music workstation, has unveiled the first three extensions for Hypersonic. Each of these Hyper Modules endows Hypersonic with yet another fully-featured software instrument. Hyper Modules integrate smoothly into Hypersonic’s sound-generating, ensuring users enjoy functional breadth and depth far greater than that of many stand-alone plugs-ins, and at a far more affordable price to boot.US-1 Ultra Synth. This fully programmable analog/digital synthesizer features three oscillators with analog waveforms, Wavetable synthesis, Sync and Unison modes, a Multimode filter featuring audio modulation via oscillator and overdrive, three envelopes, three LFOs, a Modulation Matrix, an Expert editor for in-depth sound parameter tweaking, and 256 patches created by pro sound designers. GP-2 Grand Pianos. Designed to spare system capacity and power, two virtual grand pianos offer astonishing authenticity and stunning detail in the tradition of the much-lauded VST instrument The Grand. Offering adjustable timbre and velocity curve, each piano comes in three sizes to strike the best possible balance between maximum sound quality and minimal RAM requirements. NB-3 Tonewheel Organ. This Hyper Module brings the legendary organs and rotary cabinets of the ‘50s back to life with a sonic spectrum ranging from monstrous, house-approved low end to ‘70s-style lead sounds. Nine drawbars, various tone wheel emulations (from "new" to "old and ratty"), adjustable key click as well as a virtual rotary cabinet offering tube overdrive and variable speed are on board. The NB-3’s 64 preset patches by Peter Gorges ooze authenticity so that even newcomers to organ styles are sure to enjoy instant musical satisfaction in every musical genre." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Synapse Audio, Software Technology, RML Labs, Open Labs, and Riff Interactive in News. |
DIVA Classical Female Soloists "Diva classical Female Soloists! From angelic to ominous, Diva captures the true splendor of the female voice. This stirring double CD sample library produces many options via the use of two classically trained female soloists. All characteristics of the female voice are here.Two classically trained female soloists recorded independently. DIVA will afford the user with the subtle nuances between each soloist whilst surrounded by the natural ambience of a 19th century church. Two distinct variations of vibrato and attack, mixed with multiple levels expression. DIVA consists of vowels, marcato vowels, and "true" syllables. Finally, yet importantly, Performance Files. Possibly the most exciting section of DIVA is a trilogy of mood driven phrases. All captured with natural legato and a varying degree of breathing, and mouth noises." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from ESI, Soundart, Kjaerhus Audio, RePlay Technologies, Boss, Riff Interactive, and Wizoo in News. |
Sibelius Compass "Sibelius Compass is a unique program to help students learn how to compose. It includes lessons, worksheets and self-tests covering a wide range of topics, leading on to complete composition projects.For each lesson, students study relevant interactive topics, test themselves with the built-in quiz, and try out what they've learned in the Tracker. Topics include melody, harmony, scales, rhythm, dynamics, transformations, timbre, texture, and form. Compass's Tracker is a unique educational sequencer which helps students record and develop musical ideas. It includes 1200 motives (e.g. chord sequences, rhythms, scales) to use – plus tools to create canons, inversions, ostinati etc., and combine material in new ways. The lessons lead on to composition projects such as theme and variations, songwriting and blues. Students develop music in the Tracker, and can also transfer it to Sibelius 3 or any sequencer." Click here for more information. Today's New Audio/Music Books: * Studio-in-a-Box : The New Era of Computer Recording Technology * How to Set a Home Recording Studio * Sell Your Music : How To Profitably Sell Your Own Recordings Online * The Secrets of Songwriting: Leading Songwriters Reveal How to Find Inspiration and Success * How to Be a Hit Songwriter : Polishing and Marketing Your Lyrics and Music * Songwriters on Songwriting Today's New Audio/Music Software: * Cakewalk Home Studio 2004 * Audio Cleaning Lab 3.0 * Finale Guitar 2003 * Magix Hip-Hop Maker Today's New Audio/Music Gear: * Evolution 449C 49-Note MIDI Controller * Evolution UC33e MIDI Control Surface * FXpansion BFD Drum Instrument VST/RTAS/AU * Alesis Monitor One MK2 Studio Monitors Also, new announcements from Wizoo, Elemental Audio Systems, Zero-G, LinPlug, SoundEngine, and Lionstracs in News. |
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