EM News May 2003

May 12, 2003 12:00 PM, Gino Robair

EM News April 29th - May 6th

Product Update
New products, software updates, and more. . .

Ableton

and PowerFX are bundling Ableton's Live 2 audio software with three PowerFX Sample CDs: New World Order 1, which offers loops and sounds from India, Africa, Cuba, the Caribbean, Japan, Ireland, Texas, and Brazil; Funk Master, featuring the stick work of James Brown's drummer, Jabo Starks; Extreme Rock Funk Rage, featuring contemporary drums, bass, and guitar riffs. The Live 2 bundle is available online from Ableton or from your local dealer.

Analogue Solutions is now shipping the Red Square, a MIDI-controllable, semi-modular analog monosynth. The Red Square offers 1/4-inch patch points and can also act as an effects processor. The instrument is compatible with control voltages from other analog synthesizers as well as almost any audio signal. The Red Square is distributed in the US by Big City Music.

Eventide is now shipping its Eventide Clockworks Legacy plug-ins, designed for Digidesign Pro Tools TDM systems. The plug-ins model Eventide's most popular analog hardware processors, including the H910 harmonizer, the Omnipressor, the Instant Phaser, the Instant Flanger, and the H949 "deglitched" pitch changer. The plug-ins support parameter automation and MIDI control.

Japanese shareware author Hida, who was behind the popular KinkyBeep program, has introduced Sound Builder 3.0.1, a shareware sound effects tool for Mac OS X. The new version fixes a bug in an earlier version and offers enhancements for Japanese users.

Kid Nepro is offering updates to its MPC Millennium Series Disks for Akai MPC2000, MPC2000-XL, and MPC4000 workstations. The Akai MPC Millennium Series 3.0 Update comes on three CD-ROMS or Zip disks and contains a total of 74 new programs, with multiple samples in each program. Among the many sounds in the collection are drum kits, basses, loops, and beats.

Magix announced that it is now shipping Music Studio 2004 Deluxe, a digital-audio sequencer that offers 64 tracks of hard-disk recording, MIDI sequencing, multiple stereo output capabilities, VSTi support, and real-time effects (including a vocoder). The program offers 32-bit floating-point support and the ability to export 24-bit audio files.

Native Instruments, in cooperation with Stanton Magnetics, is now shipping its Final Scratch 1.1, a hardware interface that allows turntablists to manipulate digital music files (CD audio, MP3, WAV, and AIFF) using standard turntables and special time-code-embedded vinyl records. Native Instruments offers Traktor FS as the software interface for the system. Traktor FS runs on Mac OS X and Linux systems. Final Scratch 1.1 is distributed by Stanton Magnetics.

Pro-Rec has released six new sound collections in its Producer Series for the Korg Triton, Triton LE, Triton Pro X, Triton Rack, and other Triton-compatible instruments. The disks feature 128 programs and 64 combinations. The new titles are Poly Synths, Buzz Fuzz, Chiffs & Bells, Synth Basses, Smooth Leads, and EPs & Keys. Information about each disk, as well as sound demos, are available online. You can read EM's Korg Triton master class online by clicking here, and read our review of the Triton Studio here.

Wizoo has released a new book, Cubase SX/SL - Mixing & Mastering, which covers the arranging, mixing, and mastering features in Steinberg's Cubase SX and Cubase SL. The book includes a CD-ROM containing audio examples and sample Cubase projects.

Calendar

The Steinberg Virtual Band Tour (April 28 to June 4, 2003) will focus on Cubase SL and SX; the company's latest virtual instruments; and integration of the VSL2020 audio card, V-Stack software, and VST System Link into one system. Visit SteinbergUSA.net for information on the dates and locations of the events, as well as news about special deals.

The Spring 2003 leg of M-Audio's M-World tour will feature guest artists demonstrating Propellerhead Reason, Arkaos VJ, and Ableton Live 2. In addition, participants will have a chance to get their hands on all of M-Audio's latest hardware products. The cities and dates include Washington, D.C., May 28-29; Chicago, June 4-5; Montreal, June 18-19; and Toronto, June 23-24. Register at M-Audio.com.

If you're interested in Cakewalk's Project5 Synth Workstation, you won't want to miss the All Access Retail Clinic Tour during the month of June. Visit Cakewalk's Web site for more details.

The 2003 Rocky Mountain Electronic Music Conference (RMEMC) is slated to take over Denver, Colo., May 8-10. The conference offers panels and workshops, including "Women in the DJ Business" and one presented by Remix magazine. For complete information, including registration options, click here.

The Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford University is offering three workshops during the summer of 2003. This year's workshops include:
July 14 through 25: Digital Signal Processing for Audio: Spectral and Physical Models with Perry R. Cook and Xavier Serra
July 28 through August 8: Physical Interaction Design for Music, with Bill Verplank, Michael Gurevich, and Scott Wilson
August 11 through 22: Perceptual Audio Coding, with Marina Bosi
Application materials and detailed information about the workshops can be found here.

EM News May 7th - 13th

Product Update
New products, software updates, and more. . .

Big Fish Audio has released Scott Rockenfield-Queensryche Drums (Acidized WAV), a 2-CD-ROM collection of rock-based loops from the drummer of Queensryche. For this collection, Rockenfield recreated the drum tracks for many of his favorite Queensryche songs. He then split each performance into loops, variations, fills, and individual hits. The samples on disc one have the sound of the room microphones mixed in. Disc two contains dry samples, without the room mics. The tempo range of the collection is from 68 to 137 bpm.

Cakewalk has announced that its VST Adapter is now available for download. The download is free to registered users of Fxpansion VST-DX Adapter.

EastWest is distributing Albino (Mac/Win), a VSTi created by Rob Papen and Linplug. Albino offers four oscillators per voice, is 32-note polyphonic, and is Mac OS X compatible. The company says an RTAS and AU version will be available shortly. In other EastWest news, the company has posted an online audio demo of the Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra library.

Native Instruments is now shipping Reaktor 4 and Reaktor Session. Registered Reaktor 3 users can download the Reaktor 4 installer for free at the Native Instruments Web site. Dynamo users can upgrade to Reaktor Session for a minimal charge.

Propellerhead Software is now shipping Reason 2.5. The new features include the RV7000 Advanced Reverb, the BV512 Digital Vocoder, the Scream 4 Sound Destruction Unit, the UN-16 Unison, and the Spider Audio and Spider CV utilities. Registered Reason 2.0 users can get the update for free from the Propellerhead's Web site.

Roland has announced the VariOS-8 and VariOS 303, two new firmware synthesizer sets for its VariOS Open System Module. The VariOS-8 is an analog-modeling soft synth with two oscillators, that offers several analog waveforms, a sub-oscillator, low-pass and high-pass filters, and an arpeggiator. The VariOS 303 is an analog-modeling bass synth reminiscent of Roland's TB-303 Bass Line. The VariOS 303 includes recreations of its namesake's step sequencer and Slide parameter. VariOS-8 and VariOS 303 will be available to registered users for download by June 1, 2003.

Spectrasonics is releasing Mac OS X-compatible versions of its line of virtual instruments, Stylus, Atmosphere, and Trilogy. The OS X upgrade for all three instruments is available as a free download to registered Spectrasonics customers. The company adds that native support for MOTU's MAS platform for OS X will be released shortly.

TC Works is now shipping Spark XL version 2.8. The new version includes support for Apple Audio Units in Mac OS X, a new Loop Window for crossfade looping, new Loop Edit tools, a Set-tempo feature, key mapping information for samplers, user assignable key commands, and support for long file names. Spark XL 2.8 exclusively supports OS X: Mac OS 9 is no longer supported.

Calendar

Get a first-hand glimpse of MusicPad Pro by Free Hand Systems, on May 28, 2003, between 5:00 and 7:30 PM at Cobi's Place (second floor of Sam Ash Music Store), 158 West 48th St, New York, NY. The entry is between Sam Ash Music and Manny's Music. Refreshments will be provided.

The Steinberg Virtual Band Tour (April 28 to June 4, 2003) will focus on Cubase SL and SX; the company's latest virtual instruments; and integration of the VSL2020 audio card, V-Stack software, and VST System Link into one system. Visit SteinbergUSA.net for information on the dates and locations of the events, as well as news about special deals.

The Spring 2003 leg of M-Audio's M-World tour will feature guest artists demonstrating Propellerhead Reason, Arkaos VJ, and Ableton Live 2. In addition, participants will have a chance to get their hands on all of M-Audio's latest hardware products. The cities and dates include Washington, D.C., May 28-29; Chicago, June 4-5; Montreal, June 18-19; and Toronto, June 23-24. Register at M-Audio.com.

If you're interested in Cakewalk's Project5 Synth Workstation, you won't want to miss the All Access Retail Clinic Tour during the month of June. Visit Cakewalk's Web site for more details.

Enter the Big Fish Audio and Electronic Musician Loop-A-Palooza Sample Library Giveaway. Three lucky winners will receive shopping sprees at Big Fish Audio to select a personal sample library. First Prize: $10,000 spree. Second Prize: $4,000 spree, Third Prize: $2,000 spree. No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to win.

The Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics (CCRMA) at Stanford University is offering three workshops during the summer of 2003. This year's workshops include:
July 14 through 25: Digital Signal Processing for Audio: Spectral and Physical Models with Perry R. Cook and Xavier Serra
July 28 through August 8: Physical Interaction Design for Music, with Bill Verplank, Michael Gurevich, and Scott Wilson
August 11 through 22: Perceptual Audio Coding, with Marina Bosi
Application materials and detailed information about the workshops can be found here.

Error Log: The link was incorrect in last week's note about the shareware program Sound Builder 3.0.1. Here's the correct link for this shareware tool for Mac OS X: http://www.venus.dti.ne.jp/~khidaka/soundbuilder_en.html

EM News May 14th - 20th

Product Update
New products, software updates, and more. . .

Alesis is now shipping Guitar FX, a guitar multi-effects pedal that offers over 40 effects. Using the unit's nine modules, you can chain together different combinations of distortion, pitch effects, cabinet models, filters, delays, and reverbs. The unit also includes a built-in chromatic tuner.

DashSynthesis.com offers FMF, an inexpensive virtual-analog synthesizer ensemble for SynC Modular 2.21. FMF offers several filter options; effects like ring modulation, flanger, and reverb; 40 presets; and numerous envelope and modulation options.

Digidesign has released Pro Tools LE 6.0.2, which allows the Digi 002 to work under Mac OS X 10.2.5. In addition, the company has announced that the Digi 002 will now come bundled with IK Multimedia's AmpliTube and SampleTank SE plug-ins as well as the company's own D-FI and Maxim plug-ins. Click here to read EM's review of the Digi 002.

IK Multimedia has released a Mac OS X version of its SampleTank plug-in for RTAS- and VST-compatible DAWs. To read EM's review of SampleTank 1.1, click here. In addition, IK Multimedia announced AmpliTube Live, a stand-alone virtual guitar amp and effects processor that uses Mac OS X's Core Audio features. AmpliTube Live is MIDI controllable and lets you combine three amps, three cabinets, and four effects. It also includes a chromatic tuner.

M-Audio is shipping the first 14 titles in its series of ProSessions sound and loop libraries (Mac/Win). Each CD includes over 400 MB of samples in multiple formats: AIFF, WAV, REX2, and Acidized WAV. The genres and styles include hip-hop dance, pop, Latin, R&B, rap, drum & bass, techno, and world beat. The titles include Discrete Drums: World Rock and Percussion, Worldbeat Cafe, Latin Element, Mechanically Separated, and Electro Crash.

MOTU announced the 828mkII (Mac/Win), a single rack-space, FireWire audio interface. The 828mkII, which replaces the 828 at the same price, offers 20 simultaneous inputs; 22 simultaneous outputs; 24-bit, 96 kHz operation; 8-bus monitor mixing; stand-alone operation; front-panel mic/guitar/instrument inputs with preamps and sends; SMPTE time code sync; and MIDI I/O. Click here for EM's review of the original MOTU 828.

Roland announced Mac OS X support for its M-1000 10-channel Digital Line Mixer. The 1U rackmount mixer can mix four stereo S/PDIF signals and two analog inputs, at 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution with automatic sampling rate conversion. The M-1000 includes a USB connector and Word Clock I/O.

Sonic Foundry has reached an agreement to sell its popular desktop music production software titles to Sony Pictures Digital. Sony will acquire such popular titles as Acid, Sound Forge, and Vegas. The agreement is subject to approval by the Sonic Foundry shareholders.

Wave Arts has announced Mac OS X VST and MAS support for its line of plug-ins, MasterVerb, TrackPlug, WaveSurround Pro. A free 30-day demo of the plug-ins is available here.

Calendar

Get a first-hand glimpse of MusicPad Pro by Free Hand Systems, on May 28, 2003, between 5:00 and 7:30 PM at Cobi's Place (second floor of Sam Ash Music Store), 158 West 48th St, New York, NY. The entry is between Sam Ash Music and Manny's Music. Refreshments will be provided.

The Steinberg Virtual Band Tour (through June 4, 2003) will focus on Cubase SL and SX; the company's latest virtual instruments; and integration of the VSL2020 audio card, V-Stack software, and VST System Link into one system. Visit SteinbergUSA.net for information on the dates and locations of the events, as well as news about special deals.

The Spring 2003 leg of M-Audio's M-World tour will feature guest artists demonstrating Propellerhead Reason, Arkaos VJ, and Ableton Live 2. In addition, participants will have a chance to get their hands on all of M-Audio's latest hardware products. The cities and dates include Washington, D.C., May 28-29; Chicago, June 4-5; Montreal, June 18-19; and Toronto, June 23-24. Register at M-Audio.com.

If you're interested in Cakewalk's Project5 Synth Workstation, you won't want to miss the All Access Retail Clinic Tour during the month of June. Visit Cakewalk's Web site for more details.

Enter the Big Fish Audio and Electronic Musician Loop-A-Palooza Sample Library Giveaway. Three lucky winners will receive shopping sprees at Big Fish Audio to select a personal sample library. First Prize: $10,000 spree. Second Prize: $4,000 spree, Third Prize: $2,000 spree. No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to win.

EM News May 21st - 27th

Product Update
New products, software updates, and more. . .

Dash Synthesis.com is offering three new instruments for use in Native Instruments Reaktor 4. Xantos is an 8-voice sequencer that plays semi-random sequences. It comes with eight sample maps and two built-in effects (filtered delay and reverb). The B Organ is modeled after the Hammond B3 and offers nine virtual drawbars, vibrato, tremolo, percussion, keyclick, and a Leslie-speaker effect. Also available is RetroA8, an analog synth model.

Digidesign has announced the Digi 002 Rack (Mac/Win), a rackmountable version of its Digi 002 FireWire interface. The Digi 002 Rack is nearly identical in features to its namesake, but offers only one FireWire port and doesn't include the control surface and standalone mixing capabilities. Windows compatibility will be added with the upcoming release of Pro Tools 6.1 software.

Elemental Audio Systems announced version 1.1 of Firium, Eqium, and Inspector, which adds support for Windows VST applications as well as performance upgrades. Inspector is a freeware audio-analysis tool, and the updated version includes several new presets.

E-mu Systems announced version 2.00 software for its XL-7 and MP-7 Command Stations and its Proteus 2500 Command Module. The new operating system offers nine new performance features and thirteen new sequencer features, including on-the-fly track swapping and new trigger-keys functionality. Version 2.00 software and the 22-page users-manual addendum is available as a free download. Read EM's review of the E-mu XL-7 and MP-7 Command Stations by clicking here.

Gallery UK announced that it's now shipping LibraryLoader, which allows you to transfer your sound-effects CDs to hard disk and create an on-line, networkable library that can be accessed by the new DigiBase management system within Digidesign Pro Tools 6. LibraryLoader reads track and index subcode directly from the CDs when ripping disks in a Mac OS X environment. In addition, LibraryLoader creates files which are fully compatible with a number of other systems, including Gallery's Mtools (which includes LibraryLoader), Waveframe 7, and any other application that reads Broadcast WAV file descriptions. The file descriptions can also be viewed directly in Mac OS 9 and OS X Finder windows.

Korg has released OS version 2.0 for the Triton Studio keyboard workstation. The new features include two tracks of high-definition audio recording on dedicated tracks, MIDI System Exclusive-message recording, swing quantize, a Tone Adjust system for tweaking sounds from within a song, and one-touch setup for recording Programs and Combinations complete with their effect and arpeggiator settings. Click here to read EM's review of the Triton Studio.

Lynx Studio Technology is offering a beta version of its Mac OS X driver for the LynxTWO and L22 192 kHz PCI interface cards. The company says the new driver allows you to install multiple Lynx cards in a Mac and use more than one application simultaneously. The full release of the Mac OS X driver is slated for this Summer.

Max Magic Microtuner 1.0 (Mac OS 9 and OS X) allows Cycling 74 Max/MSP and Pluggo users to generate alternate-tuning external objects by converting specially formatted text files into MIDI-to-frequency externals. The text files contain intonation-table data and can be created and edited using Max Magic Microtuner or with any other text editor. The program will import data from plain text files and mttx-native files. Pluggo users will also want to check out the Pluggo Tuning Selector (Mac OS 9). To read EM's review of Pluggo 3, click here.

Wizoo has announced the Claudius Bruese String Section Pack, available in Steinberg HALion, Emagic EXS24, and Tascam Giga formats. The library, available from wizoosound.com as a download or on a custom-made iCD, features 24-bit recordings of symphonic-size string sections: 16 violins, 12 violas, 10 cellos and 8 double basses. The Claudius Bruese String Section also features a natural room ambience and offers common string articulations, including legato, pizzicato, spiccato, tremolo, and whole and semitone trills.

Calendar

Get a first-hand glimpse of MusicPad Pro by Free Hand Systems, on May 28, 2003, between 5:00 and 7:30 PM at Cobi's Place (second floor of Sam Ash Music Store), 158 West 48th St, New York, NY. The entry is between Sam Ash Music and Manny's Music. Refreshments will be provided.

The Steinberg Virtual Band Tour (through June 4, 2003) will focus on Cubase SL and SX; the company's latest virtual instruments; and integration of the VSL2020 audio card, V-Stack software, and VST System Link into one system. Visit SteinbergUSA.net for information on the dates and locations of the events, as well as news about special deals.

The Spring 2003 leg of M-Audio's M-World tour will feature guest artists demonstrating Propellerhead Reason, Arkaos VJ, and Ableton Live 2. In addition, participants will have a chance to get their hands on all of M-Audio's latest hardware products. The cities and dates include Washington, D.C., May 28-29; Chicago, June 4-5; Montreal, June 18-19; and Toronto, June 23-24. Register at M-Audio.com.

If you're interested in Cakewalk's Project5 Synth Workstation, you won't want to miss the All Access Retail Clinic Tour during the month of June. Visit Cakewalk's Web site for more details.

Enter the Big Fish Audio and Electronic Musician Loop-A-Palooza Sample Library Giveaway. Three lucky winners will receive shopping sprees at Big Fish Audio to select a personal sample library. First Prize: $10,000 spree. Second Prize: $4,000 spree, Third Prize: $2,000 spree. No purchase necessary, but you must be 18 or older to win.

 

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