PC and Music News

Steinberg has also announced a new lighten version of Cubase 4 called Cubase Essential 4.

Features :

• 64 audio tracks, unlimited MIDI tracks, 44 included VST3 and MIDI plug-ins, 16 VST instrument slots, full latency compensation
• Integrated HALionOne sampling instrument with over 100 playable instruments including waves from the Yamaha Motif synthesizer
• Built-in Amp Simulator for instant guitar recording with 14 amps and 10 speaker simulations with a new, easy-to-use interface
• AudioWarp real-time time stretching and pitch shifting with formant correction for natural-sounding transposition and full tempo matching
• Arranger Track with pattern-based arranging tools stores up to 16 different arrangements for on-the-fly reordering of song sections, expe ...

Steinberg is pleased to announce the release of the Software Development Kit (SDK) for VST3, the latest generation of its VST platform. VST3 offers new capabilities to developers of host applications, audio plug-ins and virtual instruments.

Already implemented in Steinberg's Cubase and Nuendo product ranges, VST3 offers a range of new features and advantages over other standards.

• Enhanced CPU efficiency: unique silence detection feature automatically switches off the plug-in if no audio signal is being received
• Multiple Dynamic I/Os: VST3 plug-ins are fully surround-capable, and can be configured to receive from and output to any I/O configuration, including any surround format
• Dynamic Bus Management: VST3 plug-in output busses can be reassigned at any time, st ...

Pro Tools Music Creation Studio
Digidesign and M-Audio have joined together to create a limited-edition package. The bundle features an Mbox 2 Factory audio/MIDI production system, M-Audio Nova microphone, M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI keyboard controller, M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 monitors, Structure LE advanced sample player plug-in, Velvet vintage electric pianos plug-in, and all required cables.

Pro Tools Personal Studio
For the singer/songwriter or individual musician, Digidesign and M-Audio have also created a special limited-edition studio package that features the ultra-compact Mbox 2 Mini audio system, M-Audio Nova microphone, M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 monitors, Structure LE advanced sample player plug-in, an iLok USB Smart Key, and all required cables.

Digidesign continues to expand and improve its groundbreaking D-Show software with the new D-Show 2.7 software. The latest upgrade provides hardware support for the new VENUE Mix Rack, and several new software enhancements for VENUE users to improve monitor-mixing workflows, provide system lock capabilities, and give engineers better visual insight into their mixes.

The VENUEPack 3.0 comes included with VENUE Mix Rack and FOH Rack (with Impact, Reverb One, ReVibe, Smack!, BF-3A, le Bundle Pultec, Slightly Rude Compressor, Bundle Classic Compressors, Bundle MoogerFooger, Focusrite d2 and d3, and bundle TrooTrace Audio Analysis).
The updated VENUEPack Pro 3.0 includes the bundle JOEMEEK, Fairchild 660 and 670, bundle Voce, Eleven and Line 6 Echo Farm. VENUEPack Pro 3.0 comes included with FOH Rack (in addition to VENUEPack 3.0), and with any D-Show Mix Engine card purchase.

KORE Player is a free software instrument designed for use with KORE SoundPacks. Built on the same principles as KORE 2, KORE Player includes six Native Instruments sound engines under the hood and provides ready-to-play sounds that can be browsed and tweaked via the ultra-intuitive KORE Player interface. Adding new sounds is as easy as purchasing and downloading affordable KORE SoundPacks.

KORE Player will be released in March as a free download.

The MPD32 is the new Akai Pro pad controller, using USB connection (Mac or Windows). The MPD32 features the MPC Note Repeat with swing and gate time parameters. It can also work as a master clock for MIDI sequencers, includes transport functions and is fully programmable. It includes sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, eight assignable faders, eight assignable switches and eight assignable infinite knobs. Three selectable control banks extend the number of available faders, buttons and knobs to 24 each (72 total controllers). Four pad banks allow for 64 total pads.

The MPD32 is coming Q2 - 2008 with an MSRP of $499.

M-Audio unveils Studiophile BX5a and BX8a Deluxe monitors, offering new waveguides and enhanced driver integration for extended low frequency response and refined sound. The BX8a utilizes 8" Kevlar low-frequency driver and 1-¼ " natural silk high-frequency driver, the BX5a 5" Kevlar low-frequency driver plus 1" waveguide-loaded high-frequency driver.
BX5a frequency response is ranged from 56Hz to 22kHz, BX8a from 40 Hz to 22 kHz. Custom-tuned crossovers distribute 130 watts (BX8a) and 70 watts (BX5a) of bi-amplified power.

MSRP is $399.95 per pair (BX5a) and $599.95 per pair (BX8a).

Digidesign has released Hybrid 1.5, which offers even more features and filters. Hybrid 1.5 features a new vintage sound filter for classic analog sounds, five new filter saturation modes, 336 all-new patches, and 256 revised factory patches. If you own a previous version of Hybrid, Digidesign is offering a free upgrade to version 1.5 from January 22 through March 22, 2008, after which it will be available for purchase from the DigiStore.

Strike Content Expansion
This new content for Strike offers 100 completely new drum and beat styles from all musical genres, plus two completely new electronic drum kits. Digidesign is offering Strike Content Expansion to all Strike owners as a free download through March 22, 2008 only, after which it will be available for purchase from the DigiStore.

The Naked Eye Roswellite features the same True Dual Voicing design and carefully crafted tone of the Naked Eye Classic, plus it adds the
power of the Crowley and Tripp nanocomposite ribbon material - Roswellite - that was first introduced in the el Diablo Mercenary Edition.

Adding Roswellite to the Naked Eye expands its capability into kick drums, snare, bass, and the rigors of live touring and sound reinforcement. There is no other 'foil' ribbon microphone at any price that can match its tone, sound pressure level handling and toughness.

Naked Eye Roswellite comes with a lifetime warranty, beautiful wood storage box, and low-diffraction rotary Monocle Mount. The Naked Roswellite is now shipping and is priced at $1,295.

Crowley and Tripp ribbon microphones are made in USA by hand.

Sonalksis unveils a new bundle called Sonalksis Mastering Suite which includes MultiLimit, a multiband mastering limiter ; Maxlimit, a maximizing mastering limiter ; StereoTools, a stereo imaging processor ; and Ultimate-D, the "Ultimate" dithering.

The release is scheduled for early Q2 2008 for native versions (Mac OS X / WIN, VST / AU / RTAS). TDM versions are planned for release during 2008, further announcements regarding this will follow later in the year.

Of course, it's NAMM time.
But, between two announcements, maybe could you take some time to have a look at our review of Reason 4.
Just click on the link below.

E-MU Systems has announced its new Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface/Mobile Preamp.

Features :

-24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters (A/D and D/A: 112dB measured SNR performance)
- Preamplified analog signals are available before the A/D converters, allowing the Tracker Pre to be used as a standalone high-quality stereo microphone preamp (using optional power supply)
- Hardware zero-latency direct monitoring (mono or stereo) with continuously variable level control
- Plug-and-play operation with hands-on control of all major functions
- Independent ground lift switches for optimal audio fidelity/flexibility
- USB bus powered (can also be powered using optional 5V power supply)
- Cross-platform support (Mac OS X and Windows XP32/XP64/Vista32/Vista64) and compatibility with mos ...

Overloud has announced TH1, a new virtual guitar amp plug-in based on 4th-generation technology that "boasts unique features not found in other virtual amplifiers".

Modeled after a wide variety of amplifiers, one of the most unusual TH1 features is its ability to "morph" between amps, so the guitar player can "build" his own personal amp. TH1's Smart Control strip is a row of 8 soft buttons, pots and switches controlling the vital parameters of the current sound. The logic beneath these devices allows the user to control more than one parameter at once. The Smart Control strip and Preset Selection can also be controlled by host automation and MIDI control.

Features :

- 15 Amps, 15 cabinets, 15 mics.
- 3D-positioning of mics around guitar cabinets and in the room.
- Virtual Cabinets.
- In-line tuner.
- At-a-glance photographic view of the signal chain.
- MIDI pedal board support.
- User-oriented amp channel switching.
- Tons of ready-to-use sounds with up to 8 variations made to fit different song sections, or a full set.

TH1 will be released in Q2 of 2008.

URS has announced Saturation, a new plug-in designed to recreate four different and distinct pre amplifiers, each featuring: a different type of input stage saturation, even and odd ordered harmonics and soft clipping.

Features :

- Four Vintage Pre Amplifier Algorithms
- Even and Odd Ordered Harmonics
- Tube and Discrete Analog Saturation
- Soft Clipping

The initial four Pre Amplifiers models include :

- Class A Tube Mic Pre Amplifier - Vintage Motorcity
- Class A Tube Mic Pre Amplifier - German
- Class A Discrete Pre Amplifier - British
- Class A Discrete JFet Pre Amplifier - Modern

Native Support only, the URS Saturation plug-in currently supports Audio Units and VST for both Mac OSX (VST for WinXP, Vista to be released soon). Note that RTAS is currently supported with a VST to RTAS Wrapper only. The URS Saturation is available now at an introductory price of $199.99 (regular price $249.99).

M-Audio unveils a new FireWire audio interface : the ProFire 2626. This new interface delivers 26 x 26 simultaneous I/O, complete with an onboard DSP mixer sourced from up to 52 audio streams.

Features :

- 26 x 26 simultaneous analog/digital I/O
- eight preamps with award-winning Octane technology
- flexible on-board DSP mixer
- up to 24-bit/192kHz for pristine audio
- features critically acclaimed JetPLL jitter elimination technology
- Pro Tools M-Powered compatible

The ProFire 2626 interface is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2008 and carries an MSRP of US$899.95.

PreSonus has announced not less than 3 brand new products at the 2008 NAMM show, including the DigiMAX D8, AudioBox USB, and the FireStudio Tube.

The DigiMAX D8 is the newest member of the DigiMAX family, offering you 8 XMAX mic preamps, 8 direct analog outputs, and ADAT optical light pipe expansion capability.

The AudioBox USB is a portable, USB bus-powered recording interface featuring 2 mic/instrument preamps with 48V phantom power, 2 balanced TRS outputs, and MIDI in/out.

Last but not least, the FireStudio Tube expands your studio with 8 Class A XMAX microphone amplifiers, 16 analog ins/outs, PLUS 2 tube preamp channels.

The DigiMAX D8 will be available on February while the AudioBox USB and the FireStudio Tube are expected on Q2, 2008.

Solid State Logic has announced Duende Mini, a 'one third rack width', all metal construction, desktop box that hooks up to your computer via Firewire. Mini makes a stack of DSP processing power available to drive up to 16 channels of plug-in processing (at sample rates up to 96kHz) within your host application. Duende Mini is upgradeable to 32 channels of processing power and you can run two Duende units on a single computer system for up to 64 channels of processing.

Key features :

- Classic SSL console channel strip features and sound.
- 4-band EQ, two shelving sections and two parametric.
- Variable low-pass and high-pass filter.
- Switchable EQ characteristics between E Series and G Series EQ.
- "Over-Easy" soft ratio compression characteristic for smooth transitions.
- Variable process order routing.
- Dynamics side-chain processing with independent side chains for compressor and expander/gate.

Mini also ships with fully functional trial versions of the growing portfolio of plug-ins available for the Duende platform.

Pricing & Availability

Duende Mini will be available from February 2008 via SSL Resellers.

* Duende Mini $799 (+Tax)
* Duende Mini 16 to 32 channel upgrade $399 (+Tax)

Solid State Logic has also announced the release of Pro-Convert, the Digital Audio Project Translator application for moving sessions from one DAW environment to another.

Key Features :

- Streamlines project transfer between Digital Audio Workstations.
- Compatible with over 40 different applications.
- Converts to and from Pro Tools 7.x.
- Simple step by step operation.
- 'Audio Tool' audio file format batch converter.
- Frame accurate offset feature.
- 'Housekeeping' features for cleaning up projects.
- Fade curve translation control.
- Pan and Volume automation curve conversion.
- Includes Track Markers and PQ Data.
- Search & Replace missing audio file functions.
- Rapid offline conversion process.

Pro-Convert is available through SSL Resellers priced $699 + Tax. Pro-Convert will also be available to order online via the SSL web shop in February. For more information including format compatibility, FAQ's and User Guides, please visit the link below :

Yamaha unveils the KX Series, including the KX25 (keys), the KX49, KX61and KX8 (piano style) USB Keyboard Studios.

The KX Series keyboards come with Cubase AI4 and the set up for seamless Steinberg integration. Open windows, add instrument tracks, switch control templates for different tone modules, quantize and delete functions are also preset to assignable keys to reduce setup time and procedures.
They also feature a range of drum, guitar, bass, keyboard and other musical phrases built in, minimizing the need for complex manual MIDI data programming.
Also built in are thirty different software tone model templates, and the most commonly used parameters are automatically assigned to the KX keyboards four real time control encoders.

Solid State Logic has released X-Comp, a new plug-in for Duende, their DSP platform. X-Comp follows the recent release of X-EQ and further extends the range of plug-ins.

X-Comp is a versatile stereo compressor. It delivers mastering grade audio fidelity with a distinctly analogue feel and can be used for everything from 'invisible' subtle dynamic control for mastering, to dramatic 'brick wall' effects that inject raw energy and power that competes with the legendary SSL Listen Mic Compressor. Between these two extremes X-Comp can reproduce the characteristics of a wide range of modern and classic vintage compressors.

The plug-in is available in VST, AU and RTAS* formats making it compatible with virtually all audio software currently available on both PC and Mac. X-Comp is capable of operating at 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz sampling rates.

X-Comp is available only for the Duende platform and is sold exclusively through the Solid State Logic web site priced £249 + tax.

If you want to see the first pictures of the NAMM show, click on the link below !

Roland announces Fantom-G, its latest workstation, with an advanced sound engine, ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay, extra-large 8.5" wide TFT color LCD, new audio/MIDI recorder, 88-note Ivory Feel weighted keys (Fantom-G8), 76-note keys (Fantom-G7), and 61-note keys (Fantom-G6).

The Fantom-G's sound engine is driven by a new audio processor, with 16-part multi-timbre mode, up to 22 effect routings and that handles twice the wave-ROM capacity of its predecessor, made of Roland's world-famous SRX sounds. The Fantom-G serie has a new ARX expansion slot, that allows additional SuperNATURAL sound-sets and fully dedicated synth and effects engines to be added. Roland has introduced the first two, ARX-1 (Drums) and ARX-2 (Electric Piano).

The Fantom-G is the first Roland instrument to feature Roland's newly designed power sequencer, which provides 128 tracks (including 24 audio tracks) in a fully integrated audio/MIDI graphical environment.

TC Electronic announces Desktop Konnekt 6, an easy-to-use desktop FireWire audio interface with dedicated monitor control features including a tracking reverb, an ergonomic volume knob and a 3-mode high resolution meter for intuitive and instant control while recording.
The IMPACT mic preamp and the true Hi-Z inputs should ensure top-notch sound quality recordings of vocals and guitar.
Desktop Konnekt 6 will ship in March 2008 at a suggested retail price of EUR 249.

TC Electronic also announce that the Studio Konnekt 48 is now officially worldwide available.

After many years of development, Spectrasonics today previewed their brand new flagship virtual instrument Omnisphere®.
The revolutionary 'Power Synth' breaks completely new sonic ground by combining a wide variety of hybrid realtime synthesis techniques, an epic library of remarkable 'Psychoacoustic' sounds, and many innovative features that have never been seen before in any hardware or software synthesizer.
The new instrument is the first to be based on Spectrasonics' STEAM Engine, the company's newly developed core technology.
Omnisphere is set to be released September 15, 2008, the MSRP is $499 US.

Omnisphere will offer a host of hybrid synthesis and new control capabilities including Variable Waveshaping DSP synthesis, Granular synthesis, Timbre Shifting, FM synthesis, polyp ...

Scarbee today announced Blue Bass, a sample library made for N.I. Kontakt 2 and Kontakt 3. Scarbee Blue Bass has been built to take advantage of the advanced scripting technology originally developed for the Black Bass.

Blue Bass was designed to be very easy to play live. Almost all articulations can be triggered without any keyswitches. Eg. legato playing triggers hammer-on and pull-off, legato playing with sustain pedal pressed triggers slides, fast legato playing triggers grace notes.

Features
• All four strings sampled, more than 4 000 samples and up to 9 velocity layers to capture the full timbre of the bass.
• Real-time playable – with the exception of cross hammering and trills all of the articulations in the list given further below can be triggered without the ne ...

At NAMM, Applied Acoustics Systems presents on its upcoming plug-in instrument - Strum Acoustic GS-1, an Acoustic Guitar Plug-in Synthesizer.

- Keyboardist's Acoustic Guitar: Can't learn the guitar in time for your deadline. Your favorite session player is out of town. ROMplers are not quite there. Strum is the just-right solution.
- Play a folk song with open chords: Play the chords you know and Strum voices them as a guitarist would.
- Strum on your keyboard: Auto-strum chords or play them via strumming keys or MIDI loops.
- Pick a guitar from your collection: Go from nylon to steel, from jumbo to concert, or from country rock to finger-style classical.
- Create your own space: Add warmth with the EQ, lush with the chorus, and space with the reverb.

Strum Acoustic GS-1 will be available by the end of Q1 2008 for Windows and Mac OS X (Universal Binary) in VST, AU and RTAS formats.

Moog Music has announced two new product innovations, unveiled for the first time at the 2008 NAMM show in Anaheim.

The Minimoog Voyager Old School is an analog synth based upon their famous Voyager. The Old School will feature a streamlined interface for a more authentic experience. The Old School features an enhanced modulation selection and a slightly altered knob configuration, and unlike the Minimoog Voyager, there is no touch screen, pre-sets or MIDI functionality. And thanks to this streamlining, the Old School comes at a significantly lower price point than the Minimoog Voyager.

The MP-201 Multi-Pedal extends expressive control to virtually all contemporary synths (both hardware and software), as well as effects processors, laptops and DJ gear. Thanks to its MID ...

NAMM 2008 sees the unveiling of Focusrite's new 'ISA One' microphone pre-amplifier. It features the classic vintage microphone pre-amplifier topology from the original ISA110 module in a rugged and portable chassis, including the Lundahl L1538 transformer and bespoke zobel network. (The original 110 pre amp formed the cornerstone of each channel of Focusrite's legendary Forte console.)

The pre amp is complemented by a line input (XLR and TRS Jack) and an independent D.I. channel, complete with dedicated gain control, active or passive impedance switch, a TRS Jack output for routing to an amp and an independent XLR output on the rear.

A variable impedance circuit has been added, allowing the user to switch between four carefully selected input impedance settings. In addition to the or ...

Novation unveils a new USB controller called Nocturn. Featuring the latest Automap Universal 2.0 software, exclusive to Novation controllers, Nocturn provides automatic, instant and intelligent control of all automatable plug-ins within every major sequencer, including Pro Tools.

Features :

- 8 touch-sensitive rotary encoders, each equipped with a bright eleven-LED ring
- 8 user-assignable illuminated buttons
- smooth, professional 45mm cross-fader
- Novation's unique 'speed dial'; a touch-sensitive rotary encoder that instantly takes control of whatever your mouse is focused on!

Featuring a revolutionary new 'heads-up transparent control GUI', Automap Universal 2.0 places a transparent control map across your computer screen, to be recalled or hidden at will. Little or no user ...

Sonnox has announced the launch of its first new plug-in since the Company became independent in April 2007. The Sonnox Oxford SuprEsser is both a very highly-featured professional De-Esser and a Dynamic EQ at the same time. There is a basic mode for quick fixes, but also an advanced mode for increased functionality and fine-tuning. The combination of an intuitive FFT display and three listen modes enables the user to easily see and hear exactly where the problem frequencies are, allowing the rapid reduction or removal of the offending audio. Rather than simply allowing a frequency to trigger full-band compression, only the offending frequencies are carefully carved out leaving the rest of the mix untouched. Since the SuprEsser can operate at all frequencies, 'plosives' and other annoyances can also be removed effortlessly, making it more than a simple De-Esser. Additional features include Automatic Level Tracking, Linear Phase Filtering and a Wet/Dry blend control for final balancing.

Sonnox will be unveiling its new Oxford SuprEsser plug-in at the Winter NAMM 2008 show in Anaheim, on January 17-20. Stand 201-18, Room 201, 2nd Floor. The company will also be giving away a Native Oxford 6-Pack bundle, (worth $1,250) each day at the show, and attendees will be given a voucher entitling them to a special NAMM deal.