Toontrack Music are announcing EZplayer Pro, the expanded version of Toontrack Musics EZplayer Free.
Basically it is a plug-in MIDI engine that lets you collect and organize all the MIDI on your hard drive. You can combine, put together and fuse drum and percussion MIDI clips from individual kit pieces to entire arrangements and audition them with your favorite drum sampler in EZplayer Pro before dragging them into your sequencer. It includes map-wrappers between different drum sampler formats. These allow you to use the MIDI from one brand of drum sampler with a sampler from another brand as a sound source on the fly. The map-wrapper encompass all common brands in the market.
EZplayer Pro is organized as a multi track arranger where every track can be connected to a virtual instrument in the main sequencer and EZplayer Pro be utilized to audition different instruments in combination before you adjust them in detail. The tracks and the sub tracks with fills and variations can also be aligned to a hardware controller such as a keyboard or percussive controller to trigger MIDI sequences live.
EZplayer Pro is a VST, AU and RTAS compatible plug-in and will be included on disc together with Superior Drummer 2.0 as its MIDI engine. It will also be available separately in april of 2008 both as a download purchase and in a boxed version at €35/£25/$49.
• Wide range of dynamic and authentic Voices - total of 1,152 Voices and 65 Drum Kits
• Powerful Arpeggio function - simultaneous playback of four types, total 6,633 available
• Five real-time Control Knobs, for adjusting the sound as you perform or record
• Convenient, intuitive editing of all settings from computer with MOTIF-RACK XS Editor
• Full integration with the popular Cubase series audio/MIDI recording software
Numark has announced the Mixmeister Control, a controller designed and optimized to work like a true hardware extension of the MixMeister interface but it can also control other MIDI-capable DJ software.
If you already use MixMeister, you will be performing in seconds. MixMeister Control even comes with a full version of MixMeister Fusion software - the perfect way to get started. Individual hands-on controls are included for looping by track, EQ, FX and more with complete control for up to four tracks at once. A massive amount of control is available from its 40 knobs, 53 buttons and a Jog Wheel for fast location management. Finally, automation effects, VST plug-ins and other functions can be manipulated with minimal computer interaction.
In order to commemorate its 25th anniversary, Clavia has created an Anniversary Model Limited Edition of the Nord Lead synthesizer. This collectible model will be made in a limited production run that will consist of only 299 units.
The Nord Lead Anniversary Model Ltd. Edition shares the internal specifications with the Nord Lead 2x and will be easily recognizable with a custom printed front panel and the inverted color scheme on the keyboard. These individually numbered units will be delivered with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Mr Nordelius.
Virsyn has just released TDesign - The Transient Designer, a new plug-in that aims to shape the transient of an audio signal.
The idea behind the TDesign is to give the user direct control over the attack and sustain characteristics of natural sounds. Take a recording of an unremarkable drum kit and dial in some really hard-hitting attack or take a very percussive sound and soften the attack. You can also use the sustain control to work on the decay portion of sounds, and with drums you can tighten up the sound to give a fast, dry decay or you can make them ring as though you'd taken the dampers off the kit.
Unique to TDesign is the ability to shape the transient not only amplitude wise but also with a dynamically controlled 24 dB lowpass filter with resonance control. This gives you the opportunity to change the sound in a way which normally is only possible if you recreate it with a synthesizer.
Features :
- Attack amplification/attenuation.
- Sustain amplification/attenuation.
- Dynamic Transient filtering.
- 24 dB Lowpass with resonance.
- Multi channel capability.
- Easy user interface.
TDesign is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST 3, VST 2.4, AudioUnit and RTAS plug-in formats. A fully functional/time-limited demo version is available. From now until March 31st, 2008, you can buy it for €99 instead of €169. By taking this offer you also have the option to get VirSyn's other effects, Matrix, Reflect and VTAPE, for 20% off.
Building on the success of the popular A7, ADAM Audio announces the expansion of the A Series with the new A5 Powered Monitor.
Designed using the same technologies as the existing ADAM monitors, the A5 is a smaller version of the A7, and can be used either in stereo or to fill out a 5.1 surround system. Powered by 2X25W on-board amplifiers, the A5 combines ADAM's ART (Accelerated Ribbon Technology) folded ribbon tweeter with a 5" woofer constructed of a carbon fiber and Rohacell® sandwich. The front of the A5 sports dual ports for low frequency response down to 55Hz, metal grills for added durability, as well as power and gain controls. The rear panel includes balanced XLR jacks, unbalanced RCA jacks, and a new development by ADAM called Stereolink®. This new technology connects speakers with input and output jacks allowing the user to control the overall volume of the system from any one speaker's gain control, making the A5 a great match for desktop recording systems.
The A5 comes in a choice of traditional ADAM matte black ($699 pr) or new glossy "piano" finishes in black or white ($769 pr). Optional wedge-like stands enhance desktop recording by allowing the A5 to be positioned at an upward angle.
ADAM Audio is also introducing the Sub7 ($479 matte black, $529 glossy black/white), a new compact subwoofer designed to compliment the A5. Despite its small footprint, it is capable of extending the frequency reproduction of the A5 down to 30Hz. Multiple inputs (both XLR and RCA) and controls allow the system to be fine-tuned to any listening environment. A wireless remote control for adjusting the volume and crossover frequency from the listening position is also provided.
API presents a new model of lunchbox : the API Model 500-6B Lunchbox. Basically it is a six position rack designed to accept all API standard 5.25 X 1.5 modules. This allows an engineer the flexibility to bring along specialized EQ effects to any situation: 550A, 550B or 560. The Lunchbox is self-powered, with a rear panel selected AC voltage switch, and a removable power cord. The input/output jacks are XLR.
The Lunchbox comes standard with a +48 volt internal phantom power supply, bussed to pin 15 for interface with the API 512C.
Future Audio Workshop (FAW) introduces Circle, a new semi-modular software synthesizer, designed to be easy to use, allowing you to concentrate fully on sound design and performance.
Features :
- Ease of Use :
o Designed to be easy to use and intuitive through simple work flows.
o Large easy to see knobs and sliders.
o Connect up modulations via color coded circles in a simple and visual fashion. To preview a modulation, simple place a circle under a knob, and hear its effect.
o See all your connections at a glance, without the clutter of virtual cables.
- Interactive Control :
o Visually interactive MIDI learn. Assign your MIDI controllers in a simple, fast and familiar way.
o Attach multiple Circle controls to a single knob. Speed up an LFO, while closing a filt ...
Yamaha introduces the Audiogram Interface Series. Coming as a complete kit, the Audiogram6 and Audiogram3 each bundle together a hardware interface that adds audio inputs and outputs to your computer, software for recording and producing music, and a USB cable for connecting the audio interface.
The Audiogram Series will be available in August, 2008 for $139.99 retail (Audiogram3) and $199.99 retail (Audiogram6).
Mu Technologies is proud to present a double update of Mu Voice at MusikMesse this year. Mu Voice is a real-time low latency vocal harmonizer by Mu Technologies for studio use and live performance.
2. 1.2.0: MIDI-enabled version of Mu Voice. This version gives you full control over Mu Voice from a MIDI keyboard, featuring:
- state-of-the-art chord recognition
- preset selection
- chord scheme navigation
- configurable for any type of keyboard from 24 to 88 keys.
Mu Voice is available for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, RTAS and AU formats at a price of $279 / 239€. Of course update is free of charge for licensed users.
Solid State Logic has also announced the release of MadiXtreme, a new family of multichannel PCIe audio cards for Mac and PC. Featuring "SSL's revolutionary" PCIe-Core Audio Pipeline technology, MadiXtreme is one of the first audio devices to take full advantage of the high speeds and incredible bandwidth offered by the PCIe bus on modern computers. There are two versions available; the single head MadiXtreme 64 and the dual head MadiXtreme 128.
MadiXtreme 64 features one optical MADI connector for 64 simultaneous I/Os while MadiXtreme 128 features two optical MADI Connector for up to 128 simultaneous I/Os. Both of them also features a word clock connector.
Compatible Mac OS X (10.4 or later) and Windows (XP or Vista 32 Bit), MadiXtreme will be available worldwide through selected SSL Resellers from May 2008.
Pricing:
MadiXtreme 64 ; MSRP of £449+ Local Tax.
MadiXtreme 128 ; MSRP of £669+ Local Tax.
M-Audio announces the ProKeys Sono 61 and the ProKeys Sono 88 which are respectively a 61-Key / 88-Key Portable Digital Piano with Audio Interface.
Features :
- 61-key / 88-Key portable digital piano with 2 x 2 USB audio interface
- semi-weighted velocity-sensitive keys
- 5 / 7 built-in sounds > instant access to piano, clav, organ and more
- line and microphone inputs > record vocals and instruments
- includes on-board General MIDI sound set > 128 total sounds plus drum kits and sound effects
Pricing :
ProKeys Sono 61 > $449.95
ProKeys Sono 88 > $549.95
SM Pro Audio demonstrates three new products at the MusikMesse, the V-Box, V-Rack, and V-Pedal which are stand-alone VST plug-in compatible hardware units .
Based around the recently developed 'Powered by VFX' hardware platform, VST and VSTi plug-ins can be loaded directly into the V-Box, V-Pedal, or V-Rack which all offer VST/VSTi plug-in compatibility in stand-alone hardware units without the need for a standard PC/Mac computer.
V-Box
The V-Box is a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module built for performance keyboard players and DJ's. It allows you to take your plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them live without a computer. Multiple plug-ins can be pre-loaded into bank/preset memories for immediate access. You can combine VST and VSTi plug-ins into chai ...
Solid State Logic unveils Matrix, a SuperAnalogue 16 channel, 40 input mixing console with inbuilt signal router and multi-layer digital workstation control.
Designed to be at the heart of your every day creative process, Matrix is built to meticulous SSL hardware standards, to withstand even the most intensive studio use. Fully equipped to partner your monitors, workstations and outboard gear, Matrix lets you shape your project studio around the way you work.
Key Features :
- 16 Mono Line channels with two separate inputs per strip
- 32 x 16 x 16 insert router for up to 16 external processing devices
- Stereo Aux Send and 4 Mono Sends per channel
- 'Input to Cue Stereo' doubles mixdown channel count
- 'In Line' DAW monitoring with 'SuperCue' headphone mode
- Dual Stereo Mix ...
Hot on the heels of the portable Solid State Logic Duende Mini unit (launched in January 2008), Musikmesse sees the launch of Duende PCIe. This new product aims to put the legendary SSL sound inside your workstation hardware. This card is ideal for those who work with lots of external firewire equipment, or those who want to integrate their SSL processing and workstation into a single case unit.
Duende PCIe matches the processing power of its 19" Classic Duende sister with a stack of DSP processing power available to drive up to 32 channels of plug-in processing (at sample rates up to 96kHz) within your host application. You can run two Duende PCIe units on a single computer system for up to 64 channels of processing, it can also partner with firewire connected Duende Mini or Classic to achieve increased channel processing count.
Duende PCIe will be available worldwide through selected SSL Resellers from April 2008 with a MSRP of £600 + Local Tax.
Another co-operation between Steinberg and Yamaha have resulted in two FireWire Interfaces, the MR816 CSX and MR816 X Advanced Integration FireWire audio interfaces.
Both units feature unprecedented integration into Cubase, and offer a full range of audio I/O options and onboard DSP with the renowned REV-X reverb. MR816 CSX also offers the acclaimed Sweet Sport Morphing Channel Strip plug-in, with both DSP effects available as a VST3 plug-in in Cubase.
Features :
- True Integrated Monitoring: no latency, DSP-powered FX* and full Cubase Control Room support including independent Studio mixes
- Complete Cubase user interface integration throughout: direct access from Cubase with no additional software mixing or external windows required
- 8 discrete Class A analog 'D-Pre' mic preamps with combination XLR and TRS analog inputs with advanced new inverted Darlington circuits and switchable phantom power per channel, as well as digital ADAT and S/PDIF I/O
- Quick connect: Next-generation of plug and play with instant routing of inputs to Cubase channels from the hardware with the push of a button
- DSP power for Cubase*: Up to 8 simultaneous onboard DSP-powered Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip with compressor, EQ as well as REV-X reverb – available within Cubase during mixing
*Sweet Spot Morphing Channel Strip available in MR816 CSX only
Those new units will support Mac OS X, Windows XP and Windows Vista, and will ship in Q3 2008.
Celemony introduces Direct Note Access for Melodyne at the Frankfurt Musikmesse, heralding a whole new age in audio editing. With Direct Note Access it is possible for the first time to edit individual notes within polyphonic audio material. Possible applications range from the simple correction of errors to the complete refashioning of harmonies and timing.
With Direct Note Access, polyphonic audio material is 'exploded' in the Melodyne Editor's display, so that the user can see the individual notes of a chord displayed at their various pitches and edit them individually using the familiar Melodyne tools. As parameters, you therefore have access to the pitch, position in time and duration of each note as well as its vibrato, pitch drift and formant spectrum – you can also change the volume and even the internal evolution of each note.
The first product to feature the revolutionary Direct Note Access will be Melodyne plugin 2, which is due for release in late summer as a VST, AU and RTAS plug-in. The full version will cost 349 €/399 US$; the update from Version 1 will cost 129 €/129 US$. Customers purchasing Melodyne plugin after the 12th March 2008 will receive the update free of charge. The update will also be free of charge for the version of Melodyne plugin included with Melodyne studio provided the purchase was made after the 12th March 2008.
MusikMesse sees Thermionic Culture announcing the Fat Bustard Valve Mixer.
Previewed at the last AES NYC show, the Fat Bustard has a total of 12 inputs arranged as 4x stereo pairs and 4x mono with pan controls, all with toggle mute switches. The simple but amazing Bass and Treble EQ has 0.5dB stepped Lift controls while there are 6 way stepped Bass & Treble Cut controls. This unit also includes a really sweet and effective stereo width control, a little reminiscent of some vinyl lathe cutting EQ's. Four valves are used on the master buss, a pair of 5965 double triodes, the first half of which is pre-amp/eq, the second half is gain makeup in conjunction with the dedicated 'Attitude' feedback control which determines the amount of THD. The Attitude control can yield a clean signal or add gain and some "valvy" 2nd harmonic distortion. The other pair of valves is the larger 6SN7 double triode connected in parallel to give massive headroom cleanly (approaching +30 dBm).
Additional pair of AUX inputs is also provided for future channel expansion by adding the optional Little Bustard 16 channel expander, which will be due later this year.
TC Electronic announces Tap Factory, a hybrid delay/reverb plug-in for PowerCore that combines multi-tap delay effects with early reflection reverb effects.
Tap Factory is designed primarily for the user who is looking for delay effects beyond the usual vintage style which will help him create a unique sound that is all his own. The combination of delay effects and reverb effects generates an unusual set of parameters such as the 3-band parametric EQ with a diffuser capable of simulating the change in sound that occurs when a tap hits a metal or wooden wall.
Tap Factory's extremely intuitive and clean user interface allows you to make individual parameter settings for each of its 24 taps within seconds.
Note that Tap Factory includes a bonus LE version that enables the user to run multiple instances per DSP on current PowerCore systems, and supports discontinued PowerCore hardware.
Main Features :
- Multi-tap delay with 24 taps
- Early reflection reverb
- Tap tempo/rhythm tap
- 3-band filter with diffusion
- Intuitive user interface for single tap/group tap editing
- more than 150 adjustable parameters
- Includes Tap Factory LE, supporting first generation hardware
Tap Factory will ship end of March 2008 at a suggested retail price of €299.
RME presents the new MADIface, the world's first portable MADI solution for Laptops, providing 128 channels of audio with up to 192 kHz.
Consisting of the HDSPe ExpressCard MADI and a small breakout box, the MADIface offers full MADI power: 64 channels input and 64 channels output, up to 192 kHz sample rate, in MADI embedded MIDI transmission, complete TotalMix that is even remote controllable and has all features of the 'bigger' HDSPe MADI, as well as lowest latency and CPU-load. To make the usage as comfortable as possible, the power for the breakout box is provided directly by the ExpressCard, so no external power supply is required.
The MADIface is fully compatible to all devices with MADI interface. While many MADI-based devices require an additional word clock or AES line, the MADIface uses SteadyClock to extract the reference clock at lowest jitter directly from the MADI signal, making long-distance connections even more convenient. Although not available at the MADIface itself, word clock input and output are thus available when using another RME MADI device.
Included software: DIGICheck for Windows: Spectral Analyser, professional level meter for 2, 8, or 64 channels, Vector Audio Scope, Global record, various other audio analysis tools.
Drivers: Windows 2000/XP/Vista/64 (full ASIO multi-client operation of WDM, GSIF 2.0 and ASIO 2.0), Mac OS X Intel (Core Audio and Core MIDI).
Developed together by Steinberg and Yamaha and manufactured by Yamaha, here comes the CC121 Advanced Integration Controller.
Offering dedicated maximum-quality hardware controllers and an innovative and flexible new controller concept, CC121 provides full Cubase 4 integration and control.
Features :
- Ultra-precision Advanced Integration controller knob with 'point and control' support: controls any visual Cubase 4 parameter, internal FX setting or VSTi parameter using mouse pointer selection
- Instant plug and play with 'Cubase Ready' LED – no additional setup or parameter assigning required
- One motorized 100mm touch-sensitive fader
- Dedicated control of Cubase channel settings including solo/mute, record arm, 'e' settings button, automation read/write, pan and VSTi editor
- Full Cubase EQ section in hardware with 12 dedicated rotary encoders, with mode selection and bypass switches
- User-assignable section with Cubase-integrated presets for Control Room studio sends and monitoring setup.
CC121 will support Windows XP Windows Vista and Mac OS X, and will be available in Q3 2008 with price TBA.
Musik Messe 2008 sees the launch of the Focusrite's fourth Liquid solution, Liquid Mix 16. Combining the same pool of classic EQ and Compressor emulations with a control surface, Liquid Mix 16 brings the sound of the priceless and the historically significant, within reach of even the most modest studio owner.
Each of the sixteen mono channels (or eight stereo channels) provides Compressor and EQ emulations selectable from forty Compressors and twenty EQs. As with Liquid Mix, a hybrid seven-band 'super EQ' is available in every instance, built out of separate classic EQ sections. Each channel appears as a separate VST/AU/RTAS effect within the sequencer and will work within all major sequencers, including Pro Tools. Liquid Mix 16 launches with Liquid Mix v2.2 software, ensuring compatib ...
M-Audio unveils the Fast Track Ultra 8R, an 8x8 USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface with 8 preamps and MX Core DSP.
Features :
- high-speed USB 2.0 interface - simultaneous 16 x 8* 24-bit/96kHz audio
- MX Core DSP technology - flexible channel routing, monitor sub-mixing, and effects processing
- 8 preamps with M-Audio Octane technology
- two completely independent headphone outputs
- compatible with Mac and PC > works with most audio production software
*when playing back 8 software return streams
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra 8R will be available at an MSRP of $629.95.
TC Electronic introduces the limited PowerCore X8 Sonnox Edition, a PowerCore X8 bundled with the highly acclaimed Sonnox Oxford EQ and Sonnox Oxford Dynamics plug-ins.
PowerCore Sonnox Edition will be available at authorized TC Electronic dealers in March 2008 at a suggested retail price of €1599.
Zplane.development unveils version 2 of the time stretching and pitch shifting engines Elastique Pro and Elastique efficient. Elastique stretching can be found as an integral part of numerous digital audio workstations and DJ applications such as Ableton Live or überschall Elastik loop player.
The new version offers many audio quality enhancements, including better transient preservation, increased bass resolution and improved high tonal frequency processing. Many optimizations and new interface functionality improve the performance, integration and handling of Elastique significantly.
TC Electronic announces the release of the long awaited G-System Editor for Mac and PC, which allows for intuitive and real-time control of all functions in G-System, creation of new presets, and sharing presets with other G-System users. The Editor is compatible with Windows XP as well as OSX 10.4 (Tiger) and 10.5 (Leopard).
G-System Software 3.0 enables use of the Editor and includes modulated delay, a new feature resulting from numerous customer requests. Users will also experience faster reacting expression pedals, faster attack at the compressor, the ability to assign a specific preset to a switch, improved MIDI clock and faster level shift between right and left channel.
The Editor and Software 3.0 are relevant for all G-System users, and are downloadable free of charge at :
USA-based Lauten Audio will make its European debut at Musikmesse Frankfurt at Hall 5.1, Walkway D, Stand 50. On display will be the company's studio microphone line including their flagship Horizon tube microphone and three new models.
Lauten Audio's studio microphone line includes :
Horizon (List: $799.00)
The Horizon tube microphone is Lauten Audio's first commercially available product. Designed as a work-horse, the microphone features a solid build quality, NOS military grade tube, custom wound output transformer and premium high-resolution electronics. This microphone has found its home on everything from vocals and voice-overs to drums, electric guitar amplifiers, acoustic guitar, piano and fiddle. It is also known to be used for live sound micing.
Starplugs has released the THS Synthesizer MK-1, a new virtual synth for Windows.
The THS Synthesizer features a new synthesis algorithm, "TransHarmonic Synthesis", with a newly developed THS Oscillator. With its "ultra fast" real-time calculation up to 8,000,000 waveforms are morphed into each other. The THS Synthesizer offers an intuitive and easy handling concept featuring the newly developed 3D wave-pad. It combines a powerful sound with tons of modulation possibilities to create a "Sequencing-Monster" as MK 1 of the THS synthesizer series.
THS Theory
The carrier wave of the THS-Oscillator is a clean sine wave. Any move in the wavepad will add subharmonic waves; harmonic upper waves and the new discovered transharmonic waveline. This new synthesis can be used to easily ...
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