Rev Up

Jan 1, 2003 12:00 PM, By Marty Cutler

           
 

Izotope

Ozone (Win, $199; upgrade, $49) is a 64-bit DirectX mastering plug-in. Version 2 adds more than 30 new features, including 5 different noise-shaped dither algorithms. Adaptive DC-offset filtering reduces DC offset to zero in real time, no matter how far it drifts. The software supports word lengths of 8, 12, 16, or 24 bits. You can view the effectiveness of DC-offset adjustments with the new DC-offset-reduction meter.

Other visual enhancements include a Bit Scope, a ⅓-octave Spectrum Meter, and a Critical Band Meter, which displays an audio spectrum that visually compensates for the frequency masking inherent in auditory perception. Multiband processors let you copy settings from one band to another. To save CPU load, you can eliminate specific bands from processing if you don't require them.

Ozone is a modular plug-in; that means that you can load sets of mastering tools by adding reverb, EQ, dynamics processing, and other components in a single application. You can now selectively load presets by individual modules, sort modules by name or date, and audition presets with a single click. Ozone 2 provides DirectX automation of more than 140 parameters.

Ozone requires a Pentium II/500 MHz computer with 60 MB of RAM and Windows 98, 2000, ME, or XP. You will also need a DirectX host. IZotope, Inc.; e-mail izotope@izotope.com; Web www.izotope.com.

Digidesign

Pro Tools 6.0 for Mac OS X ($195; upgrade, $75) provides a new look, improved database features, and new mixing and MIDI enhancements. The upgrade offers increased performance with dual processor systems.

The program's new Digibase Pro technology (TDM only) handles file and session management with mini-waveform views, file-duration information, time stamps, and the ability to view file comments. You can use Digibase features to search and audition files and import them directly into the program. Digibase Pro lets you create and share custom catalogs that can reference files wherever they're installed, including offline media.

Pro Tools 6.0's enhanced MIDI functions include support for OS X MIDI services, obviating the need for OMS. MIDI Time Stamping (MTS) offers sample-accurate MIDI events with Pro Tools-compatible software synths as well as submillisecond timing when used with the company's MIDI I/O and other MIDI interfaces that support MTS.

The program now offers groove-quantizing templates with 960 ppqn resolution. Digidesign provides several Digigroove templates to get you started. Beat Detective (for TDM only) lets you create your own groove templates from analyzed audio files, and it captures dynamics as well as timing. The new Restore Performance feature lets you return to the original MIDI-based performance at any time.

Other enhancements include mixer and plug-in automation, routing assignments, and the ability to retain mixer layout, routing, and plug-in settings when importing audio and MIDI playlists. Pro Tools 6.0 minimally requires a Pro Tools|HD, 24 Mix, or LE system with a Power Mac G4 and Mac OS X. Digidesign; tel. (800) 333-2137 or (650) 731-6300; e-mail prodinfo@digidesign.com; Web www.digidesign.com.