Digidesign® is now shipping X-Form™, a new high-quality AudioSuite™ plug-in that represents the pinnacle of time compression/expansion and pitch-shifting technology. X-Form delivers unparalleled time stretching and formant-correct pitch shifting to Pro Tools® and Avid DNA™ systems to produce natural-sounding results—even at the most extreme settings—making it ideal for music production, sound design, post production, or any other application that requires time-stretch and pitch-shift processing.

“The secret to X-Form’s natural-sounding, polyphonic, time-stretching algorithm is frequency domain processing, a technology proven more effective than the ‘frame overlap’ algorithms used in most time-stretching products,” reveals Digidesign Senior Product Manager Bobby Lombardi.

Getting high quality, professional results is easy. X-Form features minimal controls to simplify the workflow, yet delivers stunning sound quality whether audio is processed from 1/8 to eight times its original length, or shifted up or down three octaves. Simply choose from two algorithms—Polyphonic or Monophonic—and let X-Form do the rest.

The Polyphonic algorithm is ideal for use on complex audio files, such as chords or an entire stereo mix. This algorithm is truly “best in breed,” and when used with the Transient Sensitivity control, allows you to compress or stretch drum loops and other percussive material without losing crucial attack transients. When working with solo instruments or vocals, simply choose the Monophonic algorithm. Each algorithm was designed to provide exceptional results capable of preserving proper stereo imaging, attack transients, and timing accuracy—even at exaggerated settings.

X-Form is available now via authorized Digidesign dealers and through the online DigiStore for $595 US MSRP.

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

Posted in Audio, Plug-Ins, Production, Recording, Studio, Technology

Korg announces the KP3 Dynamic Effect/Sampler, the latest addition to the KAOSS series. The KP3 provides even more creative power for DJs, musicians and producers while retaining the intuitive, expressive and user-friendly KAOSS interface. New effects, synth sounds, enhanced sampling, computer connectivity and SD data storage are complemented by detailed visual feedback from the new pad lighting system.

Like all KAOSS Pads, the KP3 responds to the touch of a finger on its X/Y pad, for intuitive control over multiple parameters in real time. The Hold button locks the finger’s current position on the pad and Pad Motion memorizes and repeats any gesture played on the pad. The new pad lighting system — 64 individual LEDs in an eight by eight grid — can display the Pad Motion pattern as it plays, as well as many other visual cues.

The KP3 features 128 great-sounding effects programs containing new effects such as grain shifter, decimator, a vintage analog-style filter and expanded EQ. There are also drum grooves and unique vocoder and synth sounds derived from the Korg RADIAS. To prevent abrupt changes when transitioning from one effect to another, the new FX Release function adds an adjustable delay tail when the user’s finger is removed from the X/Y pad. The delay is automatically set to the current tempo and the depth of the FX release can be set and saved with each program.

The KP3 can sample from a wide variety of sources via mic and line inputs. Four Sample Bank buttons (100 total banks) allow the user to create, play and save looped and one-shot samples on the fly. All samples are recorded using high resolution 24-bit converters and stored in 16-bit/48 kHz format. Samples can be saved on a Secure Digital (SD) card or transferred to computer via USB.

The KP3 thinks in musical terms, allowing the sample length to be defined in terms of beats, not seconds. When sampling is finished, the sample will immediately start playing in sync with the sample source. As the sample plays, its start time can be fine-tuned further.

Time-Slicing divides a sample into separate parts. The eight Program Memory buttons can turn individual slices on/off in real time, resulting in new rhythmic patterns. The KP3 can also sample its effects and even resample the entire output for powerful, multi-element sounds.

All tempo-related functions (sampling, effects) are accurate to .1 (one-tenth) of a BPM for more precise matching to external devices. KP3 features an improved auto-BPM detection from the audio input, Tap-Tempo entry, as well as a manual tempo setting. The KP3 can also send and receive tempo information via MIDI clock.

The KP3 is also a MIDI controller, transmitting three controller signals from its touchpad, along with data from the slider. The Sample Bank buttons send and receive MIDI note messages as well as program change commands and clock information.

USB computer connectivity allows for convenient data transfer to a computer. The included editor/librarian software also allows AIFF and WAV audio files to be loaded into the KP3 and includes sample-rate pitch correction.

The Korg KP3 is available November 2006 at a U.S. MSRP of $460.

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

Posted in Audio, Effects, Hardware, Samples, Technology

Native Instruments is excited to announce KOMPLETE 4, the new version of its powerful software bundle. With a universal selection of state-of-the-art instruments and effects, reinforced through several powerful updates to some of its key components, KOMPLETE 4 continues to mark the cutting edge in software synthesis and to provide an invaluable resource for all areas of modern music production and performance.

KOMPLETE 4 incorporates the latest ABSYNTH 4, BATTERY 3, and FM8 versions, which add significant creative capabilities over their predecessors and offer increased integration with Native Instruments’ host system KORE and its KoreSound format. The new KOMPLETE package also includes AKOUSTIK PIANO, the acclaimed grand-piano emulation that gives musicians and producers access to a comprehensive range of world-class, performance-ready piano sounds.

Native Instruments has refocused the content of KOMPLETE 4, which now offers 12 instruments and effects that cover the full range of applications and musical styles in modern audio production. The sampling instruments INTAKT and KOMPAKT are no longer part of KOMPLETE, and will be discontinued as individual products effectively immediately. Comparable functionality is provided by the more powerful KONTAKT 2 and BATTERY 3 samplers. Owners of the individual versions of INTAKT and KOMPAKT can make use of a special crossgrade offer for KONTAKT 2.

All owners of KOMPLETE CARE 2006 will receive a free update to KOMPLETE 4. The KOMPLETE CARE update program will not be extended beyond its current 2006 version due to a change in Native Instruments’ product-release policy. From now on, relevant product releases will be consolidated and combined with a corresponding annual revision of the KOMPLETE bundle, which will be made available to existing KOMPLETE users at attractive update prices.

ABSYNTH 4, BATTERY 3 and FM8 include Universal Binary versions that support both PowerMac- and Intel-based Macintosh computers. Further Universal Binary updates for instruments contained in KOMPLETE 4 will be made available in 2006 according to the release schedule as detailed on the NI website, and will be free of charge for owners of KOMPLETE 4.

KOMPLETE 4 will be available in October 2006 for a suggested retail price of $ 1499 / 1299 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. An update for owners of KOMPLETE 3 will be available for $ 339 / 299 Euro. Owners of KORE or two qualifying products will be able to purchase an upgrade to KOMPLETE 4 for $ 1149 / 999 Euro.

All owners of KOMPLETE CARE 2006 as well as all customers who activate KOMPLETE 3 after September 13th 2006 will receive an update to KOMPLETE 4 free of charge.

Customers who purchase KOMPLETE 4 and KORE after September 13th will receive a free copy of MASSIVE, Native Instruments’ new software synthesizer. This special limited-time offer expires December 31st 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com.

Posted in Audio, Software, Technology

Sonicbytes is happy to announce the official release of Phrazor. The latest development cycle adds numerous features covering all existent and new domains. This release elevates Phrazor to an all-purpose audio workstation with an outstanding workflow and live expressiveness.

Phrazor is available for Windows and functions as a VST Instrument or VST Effect and it is also a fully fledged VST Instrument and Effect Host. It costs Euro 49 (USD 69) and a demo version with working save/load functions is available.

New features since Preview #6

Starter Kit

• 47 tutorials covering all important features
• Help pages in about panel
• Factory containing 170+ clips and prepared tracks
• 3 GTG Synths
• Complete Kjaerhus Classic Series bundled
• 76 ready to use drummaps
• Updated PDF manual (80 pages)

Workflow

• Save command for projects, tracks, slots, programs and clips
• Lock mechanism for programs and states
• Info for projects, tracks, slots, programs and clips
• Browser menus for grooves and drummaps
• Drag tracks to clips (extracts clips from tracks)
• Smart tab selection in browser/manager
• Save message box when closing Phrazor standalone
• Set tempo dialog (doubleclick on BPM)
• Automap functions for clips and states
• Filetype “Clipmap” stores complete remote-assignment-sets

Import/Export

• Drag MIDI clips from Phrazor to host or any other application
• Multiple files can be dragged to Phrazor (e.g. importing multiple MIDI files at once)
• Save all clips to folder function
• MIDI Export of single or all clips

GUI

• Main panel layout reworked
• Titlebar shows project filename
• Filenames of selected objects displayed in browser/manager
• Values displays for all sliders
• Alternative time display (hh:mm:ss)
• Visualization of loading programs
• Visualization of the plugin scan process
• Mono GUI
• Icon for standalone version

MIDI Engine

• Mute/solo for pure MIDI tracks
• Output delay for calibrating audio/MIDI drift
• MIDI Sync. Master (sends Clock, Start, Stop, Continue, SPP)
• MIDI Transport Slave (receives Start, Stop, Continue, SPP)
• Optional only-tempo host synchronization
• Dragging tracks automatically updates MIDI source tracks
• Track playmode “Automatic”
• MIDI Control surface
• Thru option for remote-clips
• Visualization of pending states

Audio Engine

• Pre/Post fader sends
• Thru/Mute send option
• Visualization of track groups (linked by sends)
• Dragging tracks automatically updates send-source and multi-output targets
• Reset all mute/solo function
• Intelligent “Auto-Connect” in mixer panel
• Fade inertia on tracks for smooth mixing
• ASIO driver improvements (standalone)
• Built-in multi-filter component

MIDI Editing

• Visualization of selected ghost notes
• Buttons for important functions (selection, clipboard, quantize etc.)
• Visualization of active notes in keyboard
• Auto-scroll option follows cursor
• Drummap selection in clipeditor
• Automap functions
• More edit functions like trim and auto-length
• Merge into clip at cursor

Songlist

• Virtual project workspace allows one-click project loading
• Projects can be loaded via MIDI song select or program change
• Integration in project notes panel

VST Improvements

• Better compatibility (no non-working plugin known)
• Load VST directly via dialog
• Randomize function in parameter panel
• Close all editors function
• MIDI learn for plugin parameters
• Optional “Prog. Change Thru”
• Take button for faster library building
• Drag VST dll’s to Phrazor

Render to WAV

• Complete project and loop renderingv
• Render to track with autonaming
• Loops are perfectly trimmed
• Rendering up to 384 KHz in 5 different formats

Manager

• Find and classify files by simple keyword selection
• Freely assignable key columns and words
• Check-in utility to take up files from other users/pc’s
• Provides filetypes projects, tracks, slots, programs and clips

Playlist

• Auto-scroll option follows cursor
• Buttons for important functions (selection, clipboard, quantize etc.)
• View selection for playpart parameters (velocity and transpose)
• Auto selection in playlist

General/Options

• Default cliplength, channel and snap settings
• Auto-lock for programs and states
• Better keyboard support
• Reworked installer, separated vst-dll’s and Phrazor folder
• Works on Muse Receptor and mobile devices (e.g. usb-sticks)

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

Posted in Audio, Softsynths, Technology, VST

Native Instruments is excited to announce BATTERY 3, a significant revision of its popular drum and percussion sampler. The addition of time-stretching and advanced loop capabilities, innovative “play parameters”, a powerful master effects section and an integrated wave editor all serve to strengthen the role of BATTERY as the premier creative drum and percussion sampler, with an enormous library of more than 100 high-quality drum kits providing a wealth of studio-quality material for all styles and genres.

BATTERY 3 is based on a powerful new sampling engine that offers high-quality time stretching and a new “Beat Mode” for improved loop-handling capabilities, enabling musicians to get the most out of any sample library. BATTERY 3 can also turn programmed beats into truly dynamic performances through new “articulations” that allow for authentic real-time flams, drags and rolls, while the “humanize” function can now add a subtle natural feel.

The customizable cell matrix in BATTERY 3 has been extended to hold up to 128 sounds per kit, while color coding of cells now provides a better overview. A new wave editor offers direct surgical access to any individual sample in BATTERY on-the-fly, opening up an additional powerful level of in-depth customization and creative sound shaping.

While the existing cell-specific effect section has been further improved in BATTERY 3, the new version also adds a comprehensive master multi-effect section that is especially useful both for sound design and for live use. Equipped with high-quality filter, dynamic and delay algorithms, the master effect section also incorporates a high-end convolution reverb that can even accept individual drum kit cells as impulse sources via easy drag-and-drop assignment, opening up a new resource of creative sound shaping and experimentation.

BATTERY 3 ships with a huge and highly versatile sound library that includes more than 100 unique and ready-to-use drum kits, spanning a huge musical spectrum from jazz and rock to hip-hop and techno, and including a wide range of exotic ethno-percussion and special effects assortments. The library is based on over 23.000 individual samples, with both kits and samples becoming more accessible through a significantly enhanced sound browser in BATTERY 3. Creating and customizing drum kits has also become much more convenient due to a new “cell library” that holds more than 2.500 individual drum cells, all pre-categorized according to their musical role and application.

BATTERY 3 will be available in October 2006 for a suggested retail price of $ 219 / 199 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. An update for owners of will be available for $ 119 / 99 Euro.

BATTERY 3 is also a part of the KOMPLETE 4 product bundle, which will in turn be available as a free update for all owners of KOMPLETE CARE 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com.

Posted in Audio, Drums & Percussion, Samples, Technology

Equinox Sounds has released After Hours, a collection of melodic and rythmic loops and phrases for creating Melodic, Deep and Ambient Trance music. The collection contains a selection of beats, synth lines, bass lines and arpeggios in ACID and REX2 formats, plus a folder containing melodies and chord lines in Standard MIDI File format.

Features:

• 30 Melodic MIDI Loops
• 61 Arpeggios (ranging from 120-145 BPM)
• 119 Bass Lines (ranging from 120-145 BPM)
• 121 Synth Lines (ranging from 120-145 BPM)
• 52 Trance Percussion Loops
• 300 Drum Loops (ranging from 120-145 BPM)
• 200 Single Drum Sounds

Format:
30 MIDI loops/phrases + 650 ACIDized.wav loops/music phrases + 560 Rex2 loops + 200 single drum sounds in wav format.

After Hours is currently available for 60 Euros on CD-ROM or as a download.

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

Posted in Audio, Loops, MIDI, Samples

Native Instruments today announced ABSYNTH 4, the fourth generation of its award-winning semi-modular software synthesizer that is renowned for its unique evolving sounds and textures. The new version offers extended sound design and performance capabilities through a new customizable signal flow; additional oscillator, waveform and envelope features; and a completely revised modulation concept. Numerous usability improvements, including a new KORE-compatible sound browser, provide a more convenient creative workflow.

The sonic capabilities of ABSYNTH have received a major extension in its fourth revision. The semi-modular signal flow is now customizable, allowing users to freely specify the combination and order of filter, modulator and waveshaping modules in each oscillator channel. A new “Wave Morph” function creates a wide range of new timbres through seamless interpolation between two user-definable waveforms, with real-time modulation of the interpolation readout leading to dramatic, highly musical results. A new “Sync Granular” oscillator mode also adds an entirely new sound source, resembling a blown or strummed acoustic instrument.

Powerful envelopes are one of the signature features of ABSYNTH, and the fourth generation of the instrument offers significant enhancements. A new global Master ADSR envelope can be used to shape even the most complex sound in a quick and intuitive way. The individual multi-breakpoint envelopes can now be synchronized to a beat grid, creating sound movements that follow the global tempo of a host sequencer. With this new feature, ABSYNTH 4 effectively integrates the concepts of envelopes and step sequencers into a powerful new tool for creative sound design.

A completely revised modulation concept in ABSYNTH 4 offers significantly increased real-time performance and automation options. Sixteen assignable macro controls can now manipulate any combination of oscillator, filter, modulation and effect parameters, with the additional option to convert any pair of controls into an XY field. “Audio Modulation” also now allows an external input signal to be used as a routable controller.

ABSYNTH 4 ships with more than 1,200 outstanding preset sounds, while a new integrated sound browser provides advanced categorization and search features. The ABSYNTH sound browser is now fully compatible with Native Instruments’ KORE host system and its KoreSound format.

ABSYNTH 4 will be available in October 2006 for a suggested retail price of $ 339 / 299 Euro from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. An update for owners of ABSYNTH 3 will be available for $ 119 / 99 Euro.

ABSYNTH 4 is also a part of the KOMPLETE 4 bundle, which will in turn be available as a free update for all owners of KOMPLETE CARE 2006.

For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com.

Posted in Audio, Softsynths, VST