Monthly Archives: August 2006

Sennheiser Introduces “Wireless” Microphone Stands

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Sennheiser is introducing three new microphone stands with a cable connection at its base rather than at the microphone itself.

This new system means that plug-on wireless transmitters can now be attached to the bottom of the stand or, if preferred, cables can be connected at the base eliminating the necessity to run the mic cable up the stand itself.

While the 60cm and 80cm variants are ideal for use as “wireless” floor stands at large events, the 30cm version is designed for TV and panel discussions. The stands can be combined with a choice of Sennheiser MZH goosenecks and ME microphone heads, and can be converted to wireless operation using an SKP 3000 or SKP 500 plug-on transmitter.

The floor stands are fitted with a female XLR-3 connector and locking screw at their top to accommodate the gooseneck, and a right-angled male XLR-3 connector at the bottom.

For more information, visit their web site at www.sennheiser.com.

Sennheiser “Wireless” Microphone Stands

Posted in Accessories, Microphones

Music Unfolding Introduces OttoPhilter Audio Unit Effect

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

OttoPhilter is the 7th of the Twister Series, a new line of Audio Unit effects from Music Unfolding.

OttoPhilter is an auto/touch wah filter with LFO control and sub-octave generation and a second auto/touch wah filter on the sub-octave.

There’s a level meter tied to the touch wah sensitivity to help you adjust OttoPhilter to suit your playing dynamics. OttoPhilter has two driven resonant filter sections – one on your input signal and one for the generated sub-octave. The filters sweep by using triggered envelopes or tracking the input signal or using LFOs.

OttoPhilter is $19.99 and is available for OS X as a Universal Binary. Download a demo of OttoPhilter here.

For more information, visit their web site at www.MusicUnfolding.com.

Music Unfolding OttoPhilter Audio Unit Effect

Posted in Audio, Effects, Recording, Software, Synth, Technology, VST

IK Multimedia Ships “Total Bundle” Series Of Music Production Tools

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

IK Multimedia is pleased to announce that three new Bundle collections of IK’s award-winning music production tools are now shipping: The “Total Studio Bundle,” The “Total Effects Bundle” and the “Total Workstation Bundle.”

With savings of up to 67% off the full prices for registered IK Users, the IK Total Bundle Series is the most comprehensive collection of instruments, samples and effects available, suiting all musicians at every level of expertise.

The IK Total Bundle Series offers the perfect solution for recording, composing, producing and mastering any style of music, be it orchestral, pop, rock, hip-hop or experimental. These bundles contain all the essential instruments and effects found in a high-quality recording and post-production studio environment, designed to help take music production to the next level.

Three separate collections are available:

Total Workstation Bundle
All of IK’s premier software virtual instrument workstations in one complete package; designed to provide sounds for every genre and style of music.

3 virtual instrument workstation plug-in suites
SampleTank 2.1 XL sample workstation with over 1,700 sounds
Sonik Synth 2 synth workstation with over 5,000 sounds
Miroslav Philharmonik orchestral workstation with over 1,300 sounds
Over 8,000 multi-sampled sounds and 21.5GB of samples included for all instruments types and music genres
An all-around comprehensive solution for all sample-based instrument needs

Total Effects Bundle
Offering 4 different plug-in signal processing suites, the Total Effects Bundle is a complete professional signal processing package designed to get the most complete selection of award-winning analog modeled effects in a single package.

4 effects plug-in suites
Ampeg SVX complete bass-rig with signature Ampeg sound
AmpliTube 2 complete guitar amp and effects modeling solution
Classik Studio Reverb 4 high end reverbs modeled on classic outboards
T-RackS analog modeled mixing and mastering suite
Over 90 DSP effects included. The widest range of analog modeled effects in one package.
The only effects bundle solution covering all basic studio needs for Mixing, Mastering, Reverbs, Guitar and Bass

Total Studio Bundle
The entire collection of IK effects and instruments plug-ins, all the necessary professional quality production tools for everything needed to record, compose, produce, master in every style of music.

7 effects and instruments plug-in suites
SampleTank 2.1 XL sample workstation with over 1,700 sounds
Sonik Synth 2 synth workstation with over 5,000 sounds
Miroslav Philharmonik orchestral workstation with over 1,300 sounds
Ampeg SVX complete bass-rig with signature Ampeg sound
AmpliTube 2 complete guitar amp and effects modeling solution
Classik Studio Reverb 4 high end reverbs modeled on classic outboard gear
T-RackS analog modeled mixing and mastering suite
Over 90 DSP effects included
Over 8,000 multisampled sounds and 21.5GB of samples included for all instruments types and music genres
The most complete selection of effects and instruments in one package covering all studio needs.

All registered IK customers of ANY IK product version (full, upgrade and lite) are eligible to purchase the bundle packages at the upgrade prices.

The Total Bundle Series from IK Multimedia is currently available from all IK distributors and dealers worldwide.

For more information, visit their web site at www.ikmultimedia.com.

Posted in Production, Recording, Technology

Synthogy Releases Universal Binary Version Of Ivory Grand Pianos

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Synthogy is pleased to announce the release of their first Universal Binary version of Ivory for Audio Units. While the update is essential for all Intel-based Macs, it is also highly recommended for all users with Mac PowerPC processors running OS 10.4 or higher. Included in this download and installation is also the first release of the Ivory stand-alone version for Mac.

The update is free for all registered Ivory users and requires a previous installation of Ivory 1.5. Both the Ivory stand-alone version and the Ivory UB AU update plug-in are installed in the same package that is available for download at Synthogy’s website.

Ivory retails for $349 and is available for AU, VST (Mac/PC) and RTAS (Mac/PC). The Italian Grand Expansion Pack for Ivory is expected for a release within the next few weeks.

For more information, visit their web site at www.synthogy.com.

Posted in Computer, Piano, Plug-Ins, Synth

LiveLab Releases LiveSlice 1.44

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Livelab.dk has released version 1.44 of LiveSlice.

New features/changes:

  • GUI optimized – more than twice as fast – especially when using large arrangements
  • 72 arrangements – 3 banks of 24
  • playback position is only reset the first time the play button is pressed
  • track clear changed (mouse buttons reversed): LMB does a complete clear, RMB leaves empty events
  • improved event display when moving events

Bugfixes:

  • single slice trigger timing bug fixed
  • gui play button bug fixed (is now updated correctly)
  • settings page display bug fixed
  • changing number of visible tracks now refreshes properly
  • parameter value set and display bugs fixed
  • Audiomulch crash when closing file dialogs fixed

For more information, visit their web site at www.livelab.dk.

Posted in Computer, Recording, Software, Technology

Zero-G Downloadable CDs Now Online Available At Sonomic

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Sonomic, home to the largest online library of samples, sound effects, and royalty-free music, and Zero-G, one of the world’s largest and longest established developers of Sample CDs and soundware, are proud to announce that over 120 Zero-G titles are now available as Downloadable CDs from Sonomic.

Downloadable CDs offer all of the sounds from a physical CD title as a single compressed file that can be downloaded with one click. Zero-G Downloadable CDs include numerous Keyboard KeyBuy, Future Music Platinum, and Sound On Sound Five Star award-winning titles, such as Chemical Beats, Jungle Warfare, Planet of the Breaks, Total House, Deepest India, Funk Guitar, Phantom Horns, NY Cutz, Nu House, and many more.

For more information, visit their web site at www.sonomic.com.

Posted in Computer, Loops, Recording, Samples

BandmateLoops.com Releases Jazz Drums And Bass Freq Loop Collections

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

BandmateLoops.com is proud to unveil two new loop collections today. Bandmates Drummer – Jazz Drums features premium acoustic drum loops suitable for jazz and other compositions. Bandmates Synth Player – Bass Freq offers synthetic bass lines and effects for building out the “low end” in dance, hip-hop and electro-style projects. Both collections are available in Apple Loop, Acidized Wave, Rex2 and ReFill formats.

BMT-027 Bandmates Drummer – Jazz Drums

Seriously cool jazz is the hallmark of legends and Bandmates Drummer – Jazz Drums has got the rhythm and style to make it happen. Pristine acoustic performances cover a generous range of light to medium riffs. Jazz Drums features a live, balanced sound that is suitable for most jazz applications. Tempos range between 80 and 130 bpm.

BMT-027 Bandmates Drummer – Jazz Drums is available now via electronic delivery for $11.95 USD.

Available formats: Apple Loop, Acidized Wave, Rex2 and ReFill.

BMT-029 Bandmates Synth Player – Bass Freq

Build a better, more powerful low-end for dance, hip-hop and electronica with Bandmates Bass Freq. Get ready for a tantalizing array of rich synth bass lines and accents designed for maximum groove flexibility. Bass Freq’s well-balanced tone also allows for excellent layering effects.

BMT-029 Bandmates Synth Player – Bass Freq is available now via electronic delivery for $15.95 USD.

Available formats: Apple Loop, Acidized Wave, Rex2 and ReFill.

For more information, visit their web site at www.bandmateloops.com.

Posted in Loops, Recording, Samples

MAGIX Introduces Music Studio 11 Deluxe

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Magix announced today a new version of its award-winning music creation software, MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe, featuring powerful new compositional aids, including “JamSession Mode,” “Mastering Suite,” and “Sample Player,” which makes creating music a snap. MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe is available immediately in stores and online at www.magix.com for $79.99.

MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe, the best-selling music creation software for the PC worldwide1, has surpassed its already extensive feature list with exciting new features:

  • JamSession Mode: with advances in recording automation, people recording at home can now simply start jamming and rely on the software to choose the instruments and effects. In addition, for the first time, the famous sample player, “Sample Tank MX” from the renowned software house IK Multimedia, is included.
  • Mastering Suite: delivers music studio sound at the touch of a button. Give your recordings a professional, impressive sound at home. The software incorporates experience and feedback provided by international music studio professionals, who have used the product throughout the last 10 years. It also offers powerful studio sound with four mastering effects.
  • New effects: include the parametric 4-band equalizer for perfect tuning and VariVerb for excellent stereo reverb, which provide a well-tempered sound. The BitMachine, free when registering your product, lets you mix in old-style lo-fi sounds from the early days of music into your songs.

Task Assistant Makes Music Studio 11 deluxe Easy to Use

Even with all the advanced features, MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe is still extremely easy to use. The Task Assistant quickly walks you through the basics of the program, explaining the most important functions through short videos.

Although easy enough for home users and amateur musicians, Music Studio 11 deLuxe is advanced enough for semi-professional and professional movie and video producers, who take advantage of the power of the software to create perfect soundtracks employing MAGIX’s new advanced features, such as professional sound overdubbing.

Available immediately, Magix Music Studio 11 deluxe is priced at $79.99 available through the retail channel and online at www.magix.com.

For more information, visit their web site at www.magix.net.

MAGIX Music Studio 11 Deluxe

MAGIX Music Studio 11 Deluxe

MAGIX Music Studio 11 Deluxe

Posted in Computer, Recording, Software, Technology

Neumann To Unveil KM D Digital Microphone Series

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Neumann is building on the legacy of its well-known KM series of miniature microphones with the introduction of three new digital models with integrated DSP. The modular KM 183 D, KM 184 D and KM 185 D combine omnidirectional, cardioid and supercardioid capsules with the KM D output stage to offer three different directional characteristics.

The proven Neumann A-to-D converter is located immediately next to the capsule in the new microphone models. The converter supports a dynamic range far exceeding that of the capsule, with no coloration and absolute transparency.

Two versions of the new digital miniature microphones are available in classic nickel and black Nextel finish. All standard sampling frequencies, from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, are supported.

The integrated DSP functions – including gain, a compressor/limiter with de-esser and a peak limiter – can be configured and controlled remotely via the DMI-2 digital microphone interface and the RCS remote control software. The fully digital system permits the peak limiter to operate across the entire available dynamic range even in stressful recording situations.

Neumann is additionally offering attractively priced “Connection Kits” to permit easy connection of the digital KM series microphones to S/PDIF and AES/EBU interfaces without the DMI-2. An upgrade to the DMI-2, with its configuration capabilities and DSP functions, is possible at any time. A plug-in power supply is included as a standard feature. A battery pack to permit outdoor operation is available as an option.

The DMI-2 digital microphone interface has recently been updated with discreet visual enhancements, support for the 192kHz sampling rate, AES 11 synchronization capability and greatly improved jitter performance. Data exchange with the microphone in accordance with the AES 42 standard and the supply of the data stream from the microphone in AES/EBU format remains a key feature of the DMI-2.

Two budget-oriented starter sets that package a Neumann KM 184 D microphone with a Connection Kit for S/PDIF or AES/EBU connection offer a straightforward introduction to digital microphone technology at a very attractive U.S. retail price of $3,495. Since the microphone includes an A-to-D converter and does not require a preamplifier, these starter sets provide all of the necessary components for capturing the Neumann microphone sound onto the digital recording medium with no coloration.

For more information, visit their web site at www.neumann.com.

Neumann KM D Digital Microphone Series

Posted in Microphones, Technology

Alfred Publishing Releases Authentic Guitar TAB Book For Mastodon’s Leviathan

Posted on August 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Alfred Publishing is proud to present the album-matching folio for heavy metal band Mastodon’s latest release, Leviathan.

For the last six years, Atlanta-based band Mastodon has been steadily gaining attention as one of the best new heavy metal groups, receiving tremendous critical acclaim from The New York Times, Spin, Entertainment Weekly, Billboard, Guitar World, and Rolling Stone.

Leviathan, the band’s 2nd release, is Mastodon’s crowning achievement. An epic heavy metal song cycle based on the classic novel Moby Dick, Leviathan was simultaneously awarded 2004′s “Album of the Year” by REVOLVER, KERRANG! and TERRORIZER magazines.

This album-matching folio provides authentic guitar TAB for all the songs on the record. Songs include: Blood and Thunder * I am Ahab * Seabeast * Island * Iron Tusk * Megalodon * Naked Burn * Aqua Dementia * Hearts Alive * Joseph Merrick.

For more information, visit their web site at www.alfred.com.

Alfred Guitar TAB Book For Mastodon’s Leviathan

Posted in Education, Guitar