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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. |
The Zoom PS-04 - Personal Multi-Track Studio "A recording wonder in the palm of your hand... The PS-04 is a fully-functional 4-track recorder, mixer, multi-effect device, drum & bass machine. The PS-04 has everything you need to record whenever you want, wherever you want. Take it everywhere you go. When inspiration strikes, the PS-04 is always ready.Record 2 tracks simultaneously, and using the virtual tracks record up to 40 tracks. Choose your best 4 takes for mixing. Recording time with the supplied 32 MB SmartMedia card is 32 minutes. But you can use a 128MB card for up to 134 minutes (Long mode). Plug in guitars, mics, any instruments. Or use the built-in condenser mic to record your tracks. The PS-04 boasts a palette of 87 amazing ZOOM effects. Effects are configured in five modules: Dynamics/Compressor, Distortion, ZNR (ZOOM Noise Reduction), 3-band Equalizer, and Modulation/Ambience. The built-in mixer handles a total of seven tracks simultaneously: 4 audio tracks + stereo drum track + mono bass track. Input channels include a Hi-Z input with gain control, stereo line inputs, and the built-in mic. The battery-saving circuitry helps the unit operate more than ten hours on a set of four size AA batteries. Its handy size lets you take the PS-04 anywhere you please. Use the optional belt clip to attach the unit to your belt or guitar strap, and presto--you have a wearable recording tool." Click here for more information. Today's New Audio/Music Books: * Power Tools for Synthesizer Programming : The Ultimate Reference for Sound Design * Professional Guide to Audio Plug-ins and Virtual Instruments * The Expert Encyclopedia of Recording * The Musician's Guide to Acoustics * Practical Recording Techniques, Third Edition Also, new announcements from Cakewalk, Synapse Audio, Magix, DashSignature, BitHeadz, MHC, VirSyn, and the Kreatives Group in News. |
The UAD-1 Studio Pak "Universal Audio, a manufacturer of high-quality vintage audio hardware and DSP software plug-ins for digital audio workstations, announced the UAD-1 Studio Pak—a new Powered Plug-Ins bundle.The UAD-1 Studio Pak includes the proprietary high-performance UAD-1 PCI DSP card which powers a connoisseur collection of 20 Universal Audio plug-ins including: the 1176LN/SE and Teletronix LA-2A vintage compressors, the Pultec EQP-1A, RealVerb Pro, Cambridge EQ, Dreamverb, Nigel guitar processor, Fairchild 670 compressor and the CS-1 Channel Strip. The CS-1 itself includes a collection of plug-ins developed specifically for the UAD-1, including EQ, compression, delay modulation, and reflection engine modules. Nigel is also a suite of plug-ins, including the Pre-flex amp and speaker cabinet modeler, echo, delay modulation, tremelo, modulation filter, compressor/gate and phasor. As with the CS-1, these components can be used together or separately. “The UAD-1 Studio Pak really represents the best value and most desirable UAD-1 product yet released. With the addition of Audio Unit plug-in format support, OSX/Panther/G5 compatibility and inclusion of the new UA Fairchild 670 compressor in v3.4, the UAD-1 has come of age as the ultimate upgrade for digital audio workstations whether you’re on Mac or PC.” Said Mike Barnes, Director Of Marketing for Universal Audio Inc. The UAD-1 Studio Pak supports VST, AU, DX & MAS plug-in formats and is now available at Authorized Universal Audio Dealers worldwide for a MSRP of US$1199." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Soundart, Sonic Implants, Sonic Reality, Alesis, Sibelius, and Genelec in News. |
The PreSonus Eureka Channel Strip Device "The Eureka is a professional recording channel strip containing a discrete class A transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier, compressor, and three-band parametric equalizer. The microphone preamplifier features variable input impedance so that the Eureka can be matched and "tuned" for all types of microphones and recording applications. The Class A transformer-coupled microphone preamplifier also features "SATURATE" which adjusts the drain current on the input FET amplifier to simulate of the effects of tape saturation and tube "warmth".The Eureka's ultra fast compressor has both soft and hard knee compression as well as a separate make up gain stage and hi-pass side chain compression to deliver hard pumping to ultra transparent compression and everything in between. The Eureka's three-band fully parametric EQ gives you variable Q (bandwidth) on each band as well as an EQ pre COMP switch to put the EQ before the Compressor in the signal path. The equalizer has overlapping frequency selection on each band for total tonal control and shaping. The Eureka is loaded with microphone, line and instrument input so you can use it as a front end preamplifier for recording with microphones, guitars, keyboards, synths as well as a compressor/equalizer on a single channel during mixdown. The Eureka also has balanced send and return jacks so that you can insert your favorite outboard processor before the compressor/EQ to further enhance and customize your sound." Click here for more information. Today's New Audio/Music Books: * Mastering Audio: The Art and the Science * The Mixing Engineer's Handbook * The Audiophile's Project Sourcebook: 80 High-Performance Audio Electronics Projects * How to Make and Sell Your Own Recording * How I Make $100,000/year in the Music Business (Without a Record Label, Manager, or Booking Agent) Today's New Audio/Music Gear: * Yamaha F310 Acoustic Guitar Value Package * Yamaha DGX202 76-Key Portable Keyboard * Fostex MR8 8-Track Digital Recorder with Built In FX * Digidesign MBox Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows) * Yamaha DD55 Digital Drum Kit Also, new announcements from TerraTec, PowerFX, Ultimate Sound Bank, Tascam, Propellerheads, StudioLogic, and Akai in News. |
Sony's American Piano and Rhythm & Twang "American Piano is a collaboration between Sony Pictures Digital and veteran stage and studio pianist Doug Colosio. Doug's résumé includes performance credits with Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride, Jewel, and many other chart-topping country and crossover artists. Inside American Piano, you will discover solo piano phrases that breathe pure American spirit, from traditional country blues, swing, and stride riffing, to country rock and ballad figures that are edited to perfection so that you can enjoy the sounds of smooth, natural, hand-played piano performances in Sony Pictures Digital ACID." Click here for more information. "Join Brooks & Dunn pedal steel wizard Troy Klontz on a whirlwind tour of Nashville, and hook up with some of his favorite friends for a celebration of country pickin' and fiddlin'! Rhythm and Twang is chock-full of pure, fresh, country music stringed instrument loops for your enjoyment. Crack open this royalty-free collection and get busy, with folders full of down home fiddle loops, chicken fried lead guitar riffs and licks, mellow rhythm guitar strumming, rock solid electric bass, and yes, even a heapin' helpin' of Troy's own incomparable pedal steel guitar riffs." Click here for more information.Today's New Audio/Music Books: * Practical Theory Complete: A Self-Instruction Music Theory Course * The Piano Handbook: A Complete Guide for Mastering Piano * The Guitar Handbook * Solo Guitar Playing/Book 1 with CD * Songwriting for Dummies * Classical Music 101: A Complete Guide to Learning and Loving Classical Music Also, new announcements from E-mu Systems, Boss, Minnetonka Audio Software, Steinberg, Bitshift Audio, MHC, and IK Multimedia in News. |
Drums On Demand Volume 2 "Drums On Demand has announced the release of “Volume 2” — a companion CD to the company’s popular first volume of live session drummer loops. The new CD includes nearly 800 royalty free loops in 35 Songs Sets comprising several new features, including more loops per Song Set and many longer loops.Drums On Demand takes drum track construction to a new level of simplicity, versatility and realism through it’s creative live drumming, high-quality sound and unique organization system. Each Song Set includes as many as 36 verse, chorus, fill, bridge, break, intro, ending and other loops. Simply find the master verse or chorus loop that fits your song and use the other loops and segments in the Song Set to quickly build a drum track that feels and sounds like a live session drummer playing a real song -- because that’s exactly what it is. Mixed with an ear for punch and musicality, these loops were tracked into 24-bit Pro Tools with top-of-the-line microphones and mixed down using high-end compression and processing. The result is the fastest, most flexible way to create a live-sounding, high-quality drum performance for your project. Drums on Demand delivers the simplicity and flexibility of stereo loops, combined with the realism of a session drummer performing live in a state-of-the-art studio with a veteran engineer at the console." Click here for more information. Today's New Audio/Music Books: * Sonar 3 Power! * Sonar 2 Power! * Sound Forge 6 Power! * Sonar Power! * Sound Forge Power! * Cakewalk Power! Also, new announcements from The 2004 USA Songwriting Competition, DashSignature, eMedia, and Cakewalk Music Software in News. |
Sonic Implants Symphonic String Collection "I love the sound of orchestral string instruments. The blending of the 1st and 2nd violins along with the viola, cello, and bass strings is a heavenly delight for the ears. And string instruments are no longer restricted to the classical genre. These days you can hear strings in rock, pop, jazz music and even hip hop and rap! Of course, hiring the string sections of a classical orchestra to play on your latest tune can cost literally thousands of dollars. If you’re a music superstar with a major label record deal, then maybe you can afford to hire all those musicians, but most bands can’t. That’s where sampling technology can even the playing field with products like the Symphonic String Collection from Sonic Implants." Click here to read my full review.Today's New Audio/Music Books: * Play Piano in a Flash! Play Your Favorite Songs Like a Pro--Whether You've Had Lessons or Not! * The "First Stage" Guitar Chord Chart - Learn How To Play The Most Commonly Played Guitar Chords * Instant Scale and Chord Guide for Keyboards * The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory * How to Write Songs on Guitar: A Guitar-Playing and Songwriting Course Also, new announcements from Soundart, Cakewalk, MakeMusic, Roland, Native Instruments, Cycling '74, and M-Audio in News. |
The Terratec Aureon 7.1 FireWire Sound System "Terratec Electronics GmbH is showcasing for the first time the Terratec Aureon 7.1 FireWire Sound System for Mac and PC. The TerraTec Aureon 7.1 FireWire card is an external 7.1 surround sound system for home musicians and home theater owners who want the full impact of DVD movies with impressive surround sound. In addition, the Aureon 7.1 FireWire can be used as a recording system by connecting the studio equipment to the stereo analog line and phono inputs (with preamp) or the digital I/O (S/PDI, optical). Thanks to its FireWire technology, the Aureon 7.1 FireWire card is easy to install.Aureon 7.1 FireWire even features a professional microphone input for vocalists (1/4" jack) with a gain control and peak LED. In addition to volume Control for the eight speakers in 7.1 surround sound, the high-quality headphones connector can be used with its separate volume control as a stereo line out. Whether you're using speakers or headphones, the system's audio quality is always in a class of its own with up to 24 Bit/192 kHz signal processing — whether you're gaming, listening to MP3s or playing music of your own. And the best thing about it: you can control the Aureon's functions and those of all other common PC multimedia applications from the comfort of your sofa with the infrared remote control." Click here for more information. Today's New Audio/Music Books: * Burning Down the House: Ripping, Recording, Remixing, and More! * Professional Guide to Audio Plug-ins and Virtual Instruments * What's Up Dawg?: How to Become a Superstar in the Music Business * PC Audio Editing, Second Edition * Audio Editing With Cool Edit * Cool Edit Pro 2 in Use * Recording the Guitar and Bass: Getting a Great Sound Every Time You Record Also, new announcements from ioNeo, Ultrano Software, RML Labs, VirSyn, Gary Garritan, Steinberg, and Zero-G in News. |
Yamaha Pitch Fix, Vocal Rack, and Final Master Plug-Ins "Yamaha Corporation of America, Digital Musical Instruments, announces the release of Virtual Studio Technology (VST) plug-ins for specific audio applications. Three plug-in modules are currently available, and are compatible for Windows (XP, 2000, ME, 98 or 98SE) and Mac (OS, 9.x or OSX) formats.Pitch Fix, the first implementation of Yamaha's proprietary formant pitch correction and pitch shifting technology, will operate with any VST/AU compatible software. This pitch correction utility uses formant shifting to preserve the quality of the original signal without creating artifacts or distortion. Based on Yamaha's proven world-class algorithms, Vocal Rack assembles the ultimate tools for vocal processing. This VST/AU plug-in includes 20 presets using several valuable processing tools specifically designed for vocal processing, including a High Pass filter, Compressor, Harmonic Enhancer, three-band EQ, DeEsser, Gate and Delay. Final Master is a VST/AU plug-in based on Yamaha's proven world-class compression algorithms, and delivers the tools needed for audio mastering. Features include a multi-band compressor/limiter with adjustable frequency control, three soft clipping models and pre-seek look-ahead technology." Click here for more information. Today's New Audio/Music Books: * $30 Music School * The Complete Idiot's Guide to Home Recording Illustrated * The Complete Guide to Digital Audio * The Complete Singer-Songwriter * This Business of Music Marketing and Promotion Also, new announcements from Yamaha, Apple, Celemony, Arturia, Steinberg, and Cycling '74 in News. |
Synthogy's Ivory Grand Piano Virtual Instrument "Synthogy's first product, Ivory is a groundbreaking Grand Piano Virtual Instrument that features stunning, all new samples of Steinway D, Bosendorfer 290 and Yamaha C7 Grand Pianos. The multi-platform plug-in is powered by Synthogy's custom sample playback and DSP engine dedicated to rendering a new level of realism in digital sound creation.Ivory : The largest, most skillfully designed Grand Piano virtual instrument ever! Over 3,500 samples are combined with a sample-playback engine built from the ground up to bring out the resonance, response and character of the world's finest Concert Grands. Ivory's superb piano samples were brought to life using no-compromise technology in the finest studios and concert halls. The sessions were produced by accomplished pianist and award winning sound designer Joe Ierardi." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Soundcraft, Native Instruments, Ableton, Arturia, Recordare, Novation, mtech, Evolution, and eMedia in News. |
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Production - Mixing - Mastering with Waves "Audio software plug-in manufacturer Waves is introducing a CD-based Interactive Course titled Production-Mixing-Mastering with Waves, written by Anthony Egizii. The course includes seven CDs (for either Mac or PC) and contains audio sessions files for use on all popular audio editing software. Any Digital Audio Workstation user can benefit from the information contained within this CD course, which teaches how to master the signal processing tools that shape the sound of hit songs, films, and shows. In addition, there is a 14-day complimentary Waves software demo set of programs for the user to install on their system. End users get to hear and experiment with five professionally mixed tracks using Waves proprietary plug-ins and browse the settings of each of the individual instruments that were used in the songs. Also included is a comprehensive demonstration of how Waves plug-ins offer a professional solution to create an outstanding mix, covering everything from Equalizers, Compressors, Reverbs, Delays, Choruses, and Creative effects, to vintage modeled EQs, Compressors, and Reverbs. The CD guides the user through the process of how the songs were arranged and produced, all the while imparting knowledge of the various techniques used in the production process. Production-Mixing-Mastering with Waves give the user the 'inside track' on mastering the signal process techniques and tricks for professional production in contemporary musical styles, including R&B, Rock, Country, Alternative, and Urban." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from KORG, IK Multimedia, Open Labs, Tascam and Native Instruments in News. |
The XPower Powerpack 300 Plus One of the coolest products you're going to want is this product I recently found out about that I think everyone should have. Here's an excerpt from my full product review..."Have you ever been in an emergency situation where your car stalled and needed a jump-start? How about when a flat tire needed changing but the spare didn't have enough air? Did you ever experience a home power outage and needed emergency lighting or electricity for your radio, television, or cordless phone? What about non-emergency circumstances such as camping or a job site where you needed to power some small tools or appliances? Most people will say that they've experienced at least one or maybe even all of these predicaments. So what if I told you there is a new product on the market that can solve them all? It's called the XPower Powerpack 300 Plus from Xantrex Technology." What does this have to do with music? Well, think about it. If the power goes out in your home, you can still do some jamming. Or maybe you want to do some composing while you're out on the road or on a camping trip. Just plug your keyboard or audio recorder into the Powerpack, and away you go. I take my Powerpack with me whenever I leave the house, and keep it plugged in whenever I'm at home so I can be sure it's ready to go when the lights go out. For more information, Click here to read my review. Also, new announcements from Cycling '74, White Noise Audio Software, BitHeadz, Image-Line, M-Audio, PSPaudioware, and Focusrite in News. |
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The Novation ReMOTE 25 Audio Xtreme "Here it is, the most highly specified two octave USB MIDI controller keyboard with integrated audio and effects that you can get your hands on. Ideal for use with your laptop or studio set-up, the new ReMOTE 25 Audio Xtreme is bursting with the kind of high quality features, flexibility and real control you’ve come to expect from Novation. It'as all in the box, great sound making capabilities, awesome controller features, sequencing software and audio editing! At the heart of the ReMOTE 25 Audio is a superb action semi-weighted with aftertouch keyboard. Unlike many controllers on the market you can play your favourite software/hardware synth or sampler with the care and precise control that can make a huge difference to the final performance. The ReMOTE 25 Audio Xtreme features a full K-station synth which features three of the most powerful oscillators around, each providing the classic waveforms and a sine wave for those sub-bass floor-shaking grooves. Plus it gets waveform ‘doubling’ for mega phatt sounds with no loss of polyphony. And its many other features include: Dedicated Transport Controls; Backlit two line LCD; Pristine quality audio preamps and effects section; Recording and listening with Effects; MIDI, Audio and power in just one cable; and more." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from PSPaudioware, Ableton, FXpansion, Voxengo, Big Fish Audio, Kiesel Software, and T-Rex Engineering in News. |
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LinPlug Announces Albino 2 "Rob Papen and LinPlug are proud to announce the ALBINO 2 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. Now a breathtaking new update, the ALBINO 2 is due for release in the first quarter of 2004. 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! New features include: Arpeggiator; New preset browser; More than 1100 high quality RP presets; Chord memory mode, with the setting saved within a preset; Oscillator SYNC option in Analog Oscillator 2 and 4; New digital spectrum waveforms; Spread function for ultra fat detune sounds; New Flanger FX; Oscillators activity led; Stereo panning knob in Phaser FX; Additional new Chorus; New GUI; Keyboard velocity curve respond; Microtuning for different scales, Indian, Arabic etc.; and more." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Cakewalk Music Software, ConcreteFX, RML Labs, DashSignature, MOTU, Image Line, and FXpansion in News. |
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Zero-G MORPHOLOGY Plug-in Virtual Sound Module "MORPHOLOGY is a new Native Instruments-powered virtual instrument featuring over 3 Gb of evolving soundscapes, dream synth patches and samples for film composers and sound designers, created from scratch by IAN BODDY, one of the UK's most celebrated synthesists, and a veteran of the European electronic music scene since the late 1970s. The whole library is presented within a stunning new state-of-the-art plug-in interface by NATIVE INSTRUMENTS which combines intuitive handling and a capable architecture with excellent sound quality. It is a powerful version of NI's KOMPAKT sampler interface, and it makes no compromises playing and performing sample-based instruments. Powerful multi-mode filters, envelopes, and LFOs give a wealth of creative possibilities. Features include Over 3 Gigabytes of new evolving and morphing soundscapes, dream synths & samples; Virtual Synth section includes lovingly multi-sampled / multi waveform analogue synth; All original samples, recorded at 24 Bit sample resolution for hi-fidelity; and more." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Safe Sound Audio, NUSofting, TerraTec Producer, Clavia, and U & I Software in News. |
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Melodyne 2.1 Now Also Supports Cakewalk Sonar With DXi "Celemony Software GmbH announces Melodyne 2.1. The latest version of the audio recording software now also supports the DXi interface under Windows XP, as well as being optimized for Macintosh OS 10.3 and Apple's new G5 computer. Via the DXi interface, Sonar users, too, can now enjoy Melodyne's breathtaking features: the ability to edit and modify audio data as effortlessly as if it were MIDI, undertake corrections of pitch, whether subtle or dramatic, derive complex, high-quality harmonies from simple melodies, modify entire phrases and reshape audio recordings creatively in other ways they would never have thought possible. The quality of the pitch correction, too, has been improved for minor modifications (± 50 cents), whilst the analysis and melody detection functions now operate just as flawlessly at 48 kHz as 44.1 kHz. In addition, navigation and operation have been optimized, file I/O expanded through the addition of new formats (including 32-bit AIFF) and both MTC synchronization and the support for AudioUnit, VST and ASIO improved." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from ModernBeats, Cakewalk, GMedia Music, Native Instruments, Sony, and Hades Music in News. |
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