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A Look at the #1 Songs of 2002 "You are the smallest business in America. Your product is a vital part of many of the largest businesses in the world (radio, TV, film, restaurants, clubs, hotels, supermarkets, etc.). The only reason they use your product is to make money. They grudgingly pay you a small portion of what you earn them, and you must raise a family, pay bills and create more product on that money. Demos are not cheap; opportunities to pitch your work are few. This article is researched knowing that as a creator you write what you want, about what you want, how you choose to write it. However, when you have completed your song, you MUST change hats and become a small business person who understands what big business wants." Click here to read this Taxi article. Also, new announcements from Alienware, RML Labs, Emagic, and Audiorealism in News. |
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The JAMOFF! Unsigned Artist Competition "INDIE911 is currently accepting submissions for a compilation CD that will spotlight some of the best unsigned and undiscovered musicians. Ten artists will be chosen to have their music included on a CD compilation which will be nationally distributed by Relix Magazine and featured on the INDIE911 Marketplace, which accesses thousands of music business professionals seeking to license music, find new songs or sign artists. Winners also receive publicity on Relix.com and Jambands.com, and the opportunity to perform at the JAMOFF! Winners Circle Showcase in New York City." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Bias Inc., Muse Research, Lexicon, and SADiE in News. |
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Arturia Announces the CS-80V "Arturia’s CS-80V is the reproduction of the legendary Yamaha CS-80 which is considered by many as 'the ultimate polyphonic' synthesizer. Introduced in 1976 and considered Japans first great synthesizer, the CS-80 became immediately famous in the Music Industry. It was popularised by a very large number of pop supergroups and artists who helped to turn it into a real myth. The CS-80V offers the same features as the original CS-80 and adds some innovative functions such as a multi-mode, and a modulation matrix. It is fully compatible with the main protocols and systems in the industry. It can be used as stand-alone software or as a virtual instrument. And with the ability to work 32 bits/96kHz, it offers all the qualities of a hardware synthesizer." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from AKG Acoustics, Cycling'74, JBL Professional, and Steinberg in News. |
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The Waves Diamond Bundle "WAVES LTD., a leading innovator in audio signal processing solutions, has announced the release of its ultimate plug-in package — the Diamond Bundle. The Waves Diamond Bundle incorporates 35 critically acclaimed signal processing tools from the Platinum, Transform, and Restoration Bundles in one all-encompassing package. Cutting tracks with the Diamond Bundle means incredible power as well as an incredible value. The Diamond Bundle comprises plug-ins for every application, including tracking, mixing, mastering, sound design, audio restoration, and creative sound manipulation. All these tools are now available in the comprehensive Diamond Bundle at significantly less than the cost of buying the three original bundles individually. For further versatility, Waves’ exclusive WaveShell provides support for all popular plug-in formats and audio editors including TDM, RTAS, and AudioSuite, along with native formats such as VST, DirectX (Windows), MAS (Macintosh), and Apple Audio Units (Macintosh)." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Smart Loops, Native Instruments, Sony Pictures Digital Networks, Eventide, Open Labs, and Cakewalk Music Software in News. |
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Native Instruments Announces Kontakt 1.5 "NI's flagship KONTAKT sampler will soon receive an extensive update to version 1.5. KONTAKT 1.5 brings many new and improved features, Mac OS X compatibility, and new import formats. Using an advanced peak-detection algorithm, KONTAKT 1.5's newly developed Beat Machine divides any percussive loop into individual hits. KONTAKT 1.5's time stretching and pitch shifting engine has been further developed and improved. The result is Time Machine II, which is available in addition to the original Time Machine from KONTAKT 1.2. In addition to the MIDI automation in version 1.2, KONTAKT 1.5 now also supports VST automation. Extended drag and drop functionality further enhances the workflow with KONTAKT. And more..." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Native Instruments, MSR Inc., MOTU, and Tascam in News. |
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Steinberg Announces WaveLab 4.01 "Steinberg, the Audio Group of Pinnacle Systems, is pleased to present WaveLab 4.01, the latest version WaveLab audio editing and mastering software. WaveLab is Steinberg's fastest editor with VST and DirectX plug-in support, a wealth of mastering, audio montage and CD burning features. WaveLab is used at radio stations, mastering and project studios and everywhere creative people work with audio. A free update to registered users, this version extends WaveLab with an impressive array of new features and turns WaveLab into a universal professional tool for audio editing and mastering. New features include: Scripting support; AES 31 Support; Audio Error Detection and Correction; Extended format support; MPEG Layer 2 / MUSICAM support; New Multimedia File Formats; and CD Text." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Steinberg, Manifold Labs, Redmatica, and Oz Music Code in News. |
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PMI Bösendorfer 290 Grand Piano Plug-In "The 5-star awarded Bösendorfer 290 is simply the best sampled Bösendorfer 290 Grand Piano on the planet - and now it's available as a 24-bit plug-in for the first time. This pristine piano library has finally captured all of the beauty of this piano. Up to 16 velocity layers, true release samples, true repedalling and two different microphone positions (close and ambient) for ultimate ambience control... and best of all: it sounds as good as the real thing! This Plug-In version comes with 28 programs (9 DRY programs, 9 WET programs (with and without true real-time repedalling), 3 Dry & Wet layered programs and several FX variations. The bass of this instrument is absolutely huge with a very focused pitch." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Ableton, Steinberg, SRS Labs, and Riff Interactive in News. |
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Sonic Implants Symphonic Strings Collection Sonic Network, Inc. announced that the full sized version of the acclaimed Sonic Implants Symphonic Strings Collection is now shipping in Logic Audio's popular EXS24 software synthesizer format. Responding to customer requests, Sonic began porting their extensive sound libraries to EXS24 and Kontakt formats earlier this summer. "Symphonic Strings is, by far, our largest and most critically acclaimed product," explained Jennifer Hruska, President of Sonic Network. "The EXS24 version of the strings is particularly stellar because it uses the full 24 bit samples we recorded with. You can really hear the difference." "This is native programming," added David Fox, from Sonic Implants. "We don't just convert the samples from one format to another. We work within each software synth to create unique programs, using the programming of that particular synthesizer to maximum effect." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Drums On Demand, Quiet Solution, Loopheads Soundware, VirSyn, and Applied Acoustics Systems in News. |
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Evolution UC-33e Controller "The Evolution UC-33e is the affordable hardware controller, designed to be used with any computer music/MIDI setup. In fact, the UC-33e allows instant and simultaneous control of up to 47 different parameters, and with 33 memory locations, changing its setup is fast and easy. With its compact and intuitive design, the UC-33e fits into any studio, regardless of size. The UC-33e puts the power of music software in your hands. The UC-33e comes with 33 pre-configured presets allowing instant control of the most popular virtual instruments and host applications, ranging from Cubase SX to Propellerhead Reason to Native Instruments B4. There's even a selection of colour overlays which quickly transform the UC-33 into a Pro-53, a B4 and a mixer, plus there's a blank for you to customise yourself." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Sibelius, GMEDIA, Emagic, 4Front, and Line 6 in News. |
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FXpansion BFD - Premium Acoustic Drum Module "FXpansion is pleased to announce the availability of the much-anticipated BFD Drum Library Instrument. BFD gives you your own drum studio,with complete control of 7 real drum kits plus additional hats, snares and cymbals. Every drum is recorded from eleven different mics positioned around the kit and room so you can mix your drums by blending the mic sources just like in a real studio. BFD's high quality drum sample library has an unparalleled degree of realism. For each type of drum type in each kit, there are a number of different styles of 'hits'. Each of these 'hits' is sampled at up to 46 velocity layers, resulting in drum parts of superior detail and expressiveness." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Airy Andre, Garritan, PowerFX, and Native Instruments in News. |
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Cakewalk Ships Sonar 3 "SONAR 3 includes over 100 new features and enhancements including: Completely redesigned User Interface; Cutting edge mixing environment; Dynamic Console view; Universal Bus Architecture; Support for VST effects & instruments through included Cakewalk VST Adapter; Advanced MIDI routing & synth layering; Confidence recording of audio, MIDI, and automation; Track Inspector — optional vertical patch point and meter in Track view; Patch effects, trim audio, and roll out loops without disrupting the audio stream; MIDI Groove Clips; Multi-port MTC and MIDI sync transmission; Full control over color schemes with multiple presets; and more..." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Cakewalk, Kid Nepro Productions, Symetrix, and Soundart in News. |
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Sibelius 3 "Sibelius Software Ltd, developers of the world’s leading music notation software, today announces the release of its groundbreaking new version, Sibelius 3. The major new version contains over 170 new features, plug-ins and enhancements. The most innovative is the Kontakt Player Silver, which allows users to play back music using high-quality instrumental samples, burn compositions to CD, and create audio files to post on the Internet. Ben Finn, Founder and Director of Sibelius Software, said: "Sibelius 3 represents a dramatic advance for the writing of music. New features across the whole spectrum of the program will appeal to all kinds of musician, from professional composers to students. This exciting collaboration with Native Instruments on the Kontakt Players enables musicians to extend the way they can hear and share their music. We expect this to be extremely popular with our current users and to appeal to new customers who want to combine easy-to-use software with great audio capabilities." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Scarbee, Five 12, and Zygoat in News. |
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M-Audio Solaris Microphone "M-Audio, a leading manufacturer and distributor of hardware and software for computer-centric musicians, is pleased to announce shipment of the new Solaris microphone. The Solaris is a full-featured, large diaphragm condenser microphone offering the look, feel and sonic performance of mics costing significantly more. As a versatile and appealing addition to the project studio’s microphone cabinet, or as a single, multi-purpose mic for a personal home studio setup, the Solaris has been painstakingly designed with features usually reserved for more expensive and exotic microphones. Its precision-designed three-micron diaphragm, selectable polar patterns, bass roll-off filter and switchable -10 dB pad place it firmly in a class previously reserved for high-end imported studio mics. Its innovative, alluring designer look and vintage motif are guaranteed to command attention and respect." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Mackie, Riff Interactive, Adern, MakeMusic, and PowerFX in News. |
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Symbolic Composer 5.0 Modular For Windows "Systems/Mrac Publishing have created another milestone in history of MIDI by releasing Symbolic Composer 5.0 Modular for the Windows Operating System. The announcement represents a milestone in the history of Symbolic Composer, bringing now the software available for the PC platform. Symbolic Composer 5.0 is the most advanced and largest music composition language available, widely appreciated by frontmost contemporary and experimental composers working on the Macintosh. With the Symbolic Composer 5.0 Modular release this powerful music composition language becomes available for composers working with PCs, too. Symbolic Composer 5.0 Modular totals hundreds of algorithmic tools suitable for music composition of any style and complexity. Included are also complete hyper-documentation, programmable phrase library, 300 chords/scales/tunings, and example score files." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Prosoniq, ConcreteFX, Steinberg, and InnovaSON in News. |
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Soundart Releases Infiltrator For Chameleon "At Soundart we promised from the start that our revolutionary product the Chameleon would kick start independent development of unique, high quality DSP audio tools, synths and FX. We have not been proven wrong. As the development around the world rolls ever-onwards, Soundart are very proud to release INFILTRATOR v1.0. Infiltrator is principally a monster Vocoder that can accurately recreate classic vocoder architectures, but it can also be anything from a DJ performance filter to a multiband compressor and detailed stereo EQ - a Chameleon-like application in itself." Free to all Chameleon owners. Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from DashSignature, Native Instruments, and Tonewise in News. |
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The EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra Sample Library "The Eastwest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra was recorded where orchestral instruments sound their most natural - in a ‘state of the art’ concert hall. Listen to the pure beauty of the 'critically acclaimed' Symphonic Orchestra and 'state of the art' 125 million dollar Concert Hall that were captured, using custom built recording equipment, by audio legend - Prof. Keith O. Johnson - recipient of two GRAMMYS, plus eight additonal GRAMMY nominations for his 90 plus Classical Recordings. This is the first 24-bit orchestral sample library to include three simultaneous stereo mic setups (close, stage and hall), so users can mix together any combination of mic positions to control tone and ambience." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Tascam and PVDJ in News. |
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Steinberg Ships Cubase SX 2.0 "The new Cubase SX 2.0 unites the proven and the pioneering in one fascinating new program. Cubase SX 2.0 is the next generation of one of the world's most popular sequencers with a new revised user interface and over 100 fantastic new features. Improvements such as the new VST audio engine with 32-bit floating point audio resolution, Freeze function for VSTi's, real multi-channel surround, Stacked Recording mode and the freely configurable user interface leave Cubase SX 2.0 without peer among music workstations. And because Cubase SX is a native application, users can choose which audio and control hardware they wish to work with." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Digidesign, Emagic, TC Electronic, and Electronisounds in News. |
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New DigiFreq Discussion Features The DigiFreq Discussion board now has a number of new features that will make it easier for you to find the answers to your music technology questions. First, when reading and replying to messages the board will automatically take you back to the same page and position in the topic list so you can read through all the topics in an easy and orderly manner. The board will now also automatically tell you the last date and time you visited. In addition, it will show you what topics contain new messages since your last visit. With this feature you'll be sure not to miss any important discussions or information, and you no longer have to try to remember what topics you may have already read. Click here to visit your fellow DigiFreqers and get answers to all your music technology questions! Also, new announcements from Akai Professional, Mackie Designs, PowerFX, ConcreteFX, Synapse Audio, and discoDSP in News. |
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Sony Announces Sound Forge 7 "Sony Pictures Digital Networks announced today at the International Broadcasting Convention that a new version of its Sound Forge(R) software, the company's award-winning professional digital audio editor, will ship at the end of September. An industry standard for over a decade, this is the first new professional software release from Sony Pictures Digital Networks since it purchased all of Sonic Foundry's desktop production software assets in July 2003. Sound Forge 7.0 software includes many new powerful features and enhancements such as: automated time-based recording; audio threshold record triggering; VU meters for recording and playback; enhanced Spectrum Analysis tools; DirectX(R) Plug-in effects automation; White, Pink, and Brown noise generators; Media Explorer Previewing; Project File Creation; support for 24fps native DV video files, and more." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from PrimeSounds, Riff Interactive, Mackie, Precisionsound, and Native Instruments in News. |
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Ableton Announces Live 3 "Live 3 brings a new world of possibilities to your compositions, loops and samples by giving you control inside of the sample. Easily change individual notes or a specific part of your sample. Instantly draw volume, pitch, pan, effects controls and more on any portion of a sample. Add dynamic musical expression to your previously static samples. Live 3 allows you to create infinite variations from just one sample in real-time -- anything from subtle corrections to entirely new and exciting sounds." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Native Instruments, Arboretum, crusher-X, Sonic Stop, Roland, and M-Audio in News. |
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Song Dynamics "Among the most powerful tools you can use to make your songs more commercial and to impress industry pros with your command of the craft, is the use of contrasts and variations... 'song dynamics.' ...it's the tool most commonly overlooked and underused by amateur songwriters. In this section we'll look at several devices you should have in your bag of tricks and why they work." Click here to read this entire TAXI article. Also, new announcements from ConcreteFX, 4Front Technologies, East West, MOTU, Steinberg, and Emagic in News. |
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Cakewalk Announces Sonar 3! "In today's fast-paced production world, it's not enough to have all the features at your fingertips. SONAR 3 offers a complete software-based production environment and so much more. * The creative tools you need to realize, excite, and act upon your musical inspirations. * Unmatched ease-of-use, efficiency, customization, and flexibility to speed your ideas to completion — faster than ever before. * The precision and power of a world class studio environment that delivers master-quality productions. * The stability of a workstation designed and optimized exclusively for the Windows platform." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from M-Audio, MicroTools, FMJ-Software, and ModernBeats in News. |
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M-Audio Revolution 7.1 Surround Sound Card I get a lot of people asking for my advice about what sound card they should buy, but many of them don’t want to spend a lot of money. They aren’t looking to record music professionally. They just want to do it as a hobby or just for fun. They also want to use the card not only for music, but for games and movies, etc. The question of whether or not they should get a Creative Labs sound card like the Sound Blaster or Audigy usually comes up. But I don’t like to recommend those cards because of their limitations especially in the area of drivers. Too many problems. Unfortunately, there really hasn’t been an all-around, low-cost card to take the place of the Creative Labs cards, until now… Make way for the Revolution 7.1 from M-Audio. Click here to read my entire review. Also, new announcements from Steinberg, Native Instruments, and Applied Acoustics Systems in News. |
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3rd Shure Musical Roots Contest "Enter the 3rd Shure Musical Roots Contest and you may find yourself performing as the opening act for a surprise artist at the House of Blues Anaheim, CA. The lucky winner will take in prizes including airfare, hotel, $5000 of Shure gear, and a cover story in On Tour with Shure magazine. Five runner-ups will also win a KSM27 studio microphone and an E2 earphone." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Steinberg, LinPlug, brainspawn, DashSignature, and rgc:audio in News. |
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Max/MSP for Windows "Cycling '74 has announced the release of its long awaited Windows versions of the Max and MSP graphical programming environments. Max and MSP will now be cross platform products with both Mac OS and Windows versions in the same package. Any customer who purchased after July 1, 2003 will receive the crossgrade product for free. Max/MSP is a graphical environment for music, audio, and multimedia. In use worldwide for over fifteen years by performers, composers, artists, teachers, and students, Max/MSP is the way to make your computer do things that reflect your individual ideas and dreams." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from NTONYX, Voxengo, and Wave Mechanics in News. |
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db audioware Quantum-FX Modular Plug-In System "Quantum-FX comes with an extensive library of more than 50 top quality studio effects, in both VST & DirectX formats. The unique quantum-fx workbench gives you the freedom to customise the effects and create your own from scratch. Included: The Classic Pack. The essential plugins we all need for everyday recording. The Creative Pack. A suite of exciting plugins designed to give your artistic brain cells a helping hand. The Studio Pack. All the professional tools you need to make your mix stand out from the crowd. Need even more? Jump into the unique quantum-fx workbench and build your own plugins! Our easy to use workbench lets you graphically build effects from scratch, by simply connecting together modules from our extensive DSP library." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Cakewalk, Digital Audio Wave, and Bias in News. |
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MakeMusic! Releases Finale 2004 MakeMusic! Inc. announced the release of its much anticipated Finale 2004 music notation software for Windows computers. The latest upgrade to the Company's award-winning music notation software offers a variety of powerful and timesaving new features for educators, students, composers and publishers. "We have worked closely with the world's best engravers and publishers," stated John Paulson, MakeMusic! President. "The power of FinaleScript, the new note entry design and the ease-of-use features such as Smart Page Turns will make their work much more efficient. Similarly, we have worked closely with educators. The built-in synthesizer, great sounds and Human Playback will inspire students when they listen to their assignments created with Finale. The Save as Audio File feature will let students share their music with friends and family and enable teachers to keep a record of each student's progress." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Emagic, DashSignature, ConcreteFX, 4Front Technologies, and Devine-Machine.com in News. |
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Victims Of Power Failure Use Xantrex Power Products "People throughout Canada and the US flipped the switch on power outages with Xantrex Technology Inc. XPower portable 'power-in-a-box' systems. The XPower Powerpack 1500 and Powerpack 300 Plus systems are compact, easy-to-operate, and inexpensive sources of household power that people can use to run refrigerators, lights, fans, TVs, computers, microwave ovens and other critical appliances. XPower products are safe to use indoors and outdoors. They are ideal for people living in homes, apartments or townhouses where use of a generator is not feasible. Unlike a fuel-operated generator, Xantrex portable power products are quiet, create no exhaust fumes and can be recharged easily." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from CM Labs, TC Electronic, and Waves in News. |
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Free Songmaster Course On Songwriting "The Songmaster Course is a unique method for integrating intangible inspirations with the practical skills of songwriting. The course contains 6 lessons, divided into 32 sections and 21 practice sessions. Some of the more prominent sections include: Writing And Performing From The Heart; Disappearing; Creativity When You're Not Feeling Creative; The Secrets Of Songmastery; and How To Write Uplifting Songs About Negativity And Darkness." Click here for more information. Also, new announcements from Sonic Implants, PrimeSounds, Carillon, Roland, and Waves in News. |
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CD Baby's New Digital Deal Is Not What It Seems "CD Baby has been called the Mecca of the Do-it-Yourself music industry, and its CEO, Derek Sivers, the Pied Piper of up-and-coming recording artists. But now, the country's most successful independent online distributor of CDs may have crossed a line that could get them in hot water with thousands of their clients." Click here to read this MusicDish article. Also, new announcements from Native Instruments, i3 Software Engineering, discoDSP, Novation, Steinberg, and DashSignature in News. |
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