Category Archives: Audio

Equinox Sounds Releases After Hours Loop/Phrase Collection

Posted on September 15, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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.

Equinox Sounds Releases After Hours Loop/Phrase Collection

Posted in Audio, Loops, MIDI, Samples

Native Instruments Announces ABSYNTH 4

Posted on September 14, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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.

Native Instruments ABSYNTH 4

Posted in Audio, Softsynths, VST

A-Designs Audio Debuts The ATTY2′D Multi-Channel Passive Line Level Controller

Posted on September 13, 2006 by Planet-Musician

A-Designs Audio is proud to introduce the ATTY2′D (pronounced ‘attitude’), a multi-channel passive line level controller that is the big brother of the successful ATTY stereo passive line level controller introduced in 2004.

Housed in a 1U rack-mountable chassis, the ATTY2′D features two stereo and two mono channels–all four sporting their own individual mute switches and large aluminum cast rotary level controls. A single master mute switch is also located in the center of the front panel for fast termination of audio signal to all channels.

The ATTY2′D can allow engineers to gain control of their classic preamplifiers with no output attenuation by padding the line level signal to their AD converters without clipping. At the same time, it allows preamplifiers to be pushed harder for a completely different audio effect in the signal path.

As another example, the demand for active monitors coupled with today’s audio software can certainly create an issue when the computer crashes and the active monitors are set to 11. The ATTY2′D provides a solution by using the muting setup for separate channels or the master mute for all channels when working with more than one pair of active monitors or in 5.1 surround sound. And using the ATTY2′D for active speaker control is perfectly seamless; the unit is 100 percent passive, therefore no unwanted color/electronic signals are added to the audio path ensuring the purest signal possible.

Currently shipping, the ATTY2′D features a US list price of $585.00.

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

A-Designs Audio ATTY2′D Multi-Channel Passive Line Level Controller

Posted in Audio, Technology

TC Electronic Ships Konnekt 24D Audio Interface

Posted on September 12, 2006 by Planet-Musician

TC Electronic is delighted to announce that its long anticipated audio interface, Konnekt 24D, is now available at EUR 470 retail ex. VAT. The 14 in 14 out (2 mic/inst/line, 2 line inputs and 4 line outputs, 8 ADAT and 2 S/PDIF (optical and coaxial) inputs and outputs) Konnekt 24D audio interface integrates TC’s world-renowned DSP effects in a state-of-the art design developed for recording and performing musicians seeking the highest possible sound quality from analog input through built-in real-time DSP effects to the hard disk.

In addition to front panel control of internal mixer parameters, Konnekt 24D features two front panel inputs that combine TC’s new IMPACT™ (Integrated Mic Preamp Circuit Technology) mic preamps with true Hi-Z input circuits optimized for guitar. Designed for use with active monitors and bundled with Cubase LE software, TC’s new audio interface allows users to start recording right out of the box.

Konnekt 24D’s intuitive user interface design allows users to focus on making music, not on tweaking, and with the Fabrik C channel strip and Fabrik R reverb, Konnekt 24D has the most essential music production tools covered.

Both Fabrik effects feature TC MINT™ technology facilitating complex audio adjustments simply by moving the MINT icons around the screen. The effects are designed to work even in stand-alone mode, a feature that allows users to easily plug, play and monitor without needing to power up the computer.

In addition, Konnekt 24D includes Assimilator Konnekt – an extremely powerful equalization tool that “learns” the frequency curve of one piece of audio so it can be applied to another audio file.

This native fingerprint equalizer, originally developed for PowerCore, has been customized for Konnekt 24D and is ideal for analyzing and copying EQ curves of individual instruments, voices or reference mixes. It truly excels when applied to align the frequency response of different tracks recorded at different times compiled to appear on the same album. Assimilator Konnekt is available as a free download.

Konnekt 8, a non-DSP version with less I/O available in fall 2006.

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

TC Electronic Konnekt 24D Audio Interface

Posted in Audio, Recording

NuGen Audio Releases Visualizer 1 Beta 3

Posted on September 9, 2006 by Planet-Musician

NuGen Audio has announced the release of Visualizer 1.0 beta 3, introducing more functionality and several fixes for the audio analysis tool.

Available as a free download to anyone wishing to try. Users posting comments/suggestions to NuGen Audio will be entered into a prize draw to win the full release version.

Changes since 1.0 beta2:

  • Snapshot views added
  • Dynamic snapshot memory added

Level meter:

  • dB scale zoom and scroll implemented
  • 1dB, 0.5dB and 01.dB segments added at
  • appropriate zoom level
  • peak hold control enhanced

Spectrum Analysers:

  • peak envelope colour selection now possible
  • peak hold control enhanced
  • Octave and 1/12 octave (chromatic) banding

Spectrograms:

  • Octave, 1/3 octave and 1/12 octave (chromatic)

Vectorscope:

  • Joined line option added to Lissajous view
  • Polar view implemented
  • Peak hold envelope control
  • Envelope and Grid colour selection
  • Freeze option
  • Stereometer added

Correlation meter controls implemented:

  • History
  • Freeze
  • Response time
  • Colour spectrum picker

Stats and Setup tab added:

  • FFT window selection
  • Weighting curves and slopes made available
  • Right click tone option added
  • FFT window size parameter
  • RMS window size parameter
  • Pink noise generator (reduced file size in beta)
  • Clip counters and setup

Fixes: Level meter

  • margin fixed to follow primary meter
  • RMS meter adjusted to give true reading

Visualizer 1.0b3 is available now from NuGen Audio.

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

NuGen Audio Visualizer 1 Beta 3

Posted in Audio, Software, Technology

Audeon Updates UFO Soft Synth To v.1.02

Posted on September 8, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Audeon updates UFO software synthesizer to v1.02. UFO is a software synthesizer built upon Audeon’s proprietary TransModal Synthesis technology. Its oscillator model is controlled by perceptual attributes such as Periodicity, Brightness, Noisiness or Chaos, etc, lying on 2D controllers.

Programming a sound simply consists of balancing these attributes by placing dots on the controllers, and modulating them graphically by drawing arrows. The hundreds of simultaneous possible modulations offer unparalleled expressivity, while the very intuitive user interface makes sound programming particularly easy. It is available as a VST plugin for PC & Mac.

What’s new in v1.02:

  • 50% more factory presets
  • Improved graphics for better parameter readability
  • Bug fix that could potentially have crashed the plugin
  • “MIDI forget” feature now working
  • Asks if you want to save the current preset only when it was actually modified

UFO Light is updated to V1.02 as well.

UFO Mac public beta also undergoes an update to 0.91 with enhanced graphics and presets.

For more information, visit their web site at www.audeon.fr.

Audeon UFO Soft Synth v.1.02

Posted in Audio, Synth, Technology

Digidesign Announces The Mbox 2 Pro

Posted on September 7, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Building on the strengths of the Mbox® 2, Digidesign is pleased to announce the Mbox® 2 Pro—a new portable, high-definition audio/MIDI production system that provides high-speed FireWire-powered connectivity, up to 24-bit/96 kHz* audio resolution, and a wide range of analog and digital I/O. It also offers several professional features, including MIDI Time Stamping support, Word Clock I/O, and dedicated studio monitor outputs. With Mbox 2 Pro, novices and professionals alike now have a portable, studio-grade Pro Tools® solution available—one that they could take directly from home to a pro studio and then back again.

“Mbox 2 Pro is a versatile and portable Pro Tools interface,” declares Digidesign Product Manager Matt May. “It’ll accept just about any type of audio gear you throw at it—a couple of microphones, keyboards or other line-level devices, S/PDIF digital source, turntable, MIDI, even Word Clock—and let you capture all of it into a high-quality Pro Tools LE session that’s compatible with professional Pro Tools|HD systems. And with its ultra portability, Mbox 2 Pro is the perfect solution to capture high-resolution audio anywhere—from a large commercial studio to a tiny home studio, or from a field recording to a live recording.”

Designed by the same engineering team responsible for Digidesign’s professional Pro Tools|HD® systems, which are used in top studios around the world, Mbox 2 Pro features plenty of analog and digital I/O options packed neatly into its sleekly compact frame, and supports up to six simultaneous inputs and eight outputs. It also includes award-winning, industry-standard Pro Tools LE™ software and over 50 effects and instrument plug-ins, including DigiRack™ plug-ins, Bomb Factory® plug-ins, the Xpand!™ sample-playback/synthesis workstation, and the Pro Tools Ignition Pack™ to get users started on their masterpiece right away at home, in the studio, and everywhere in between.

For a mere $100 more, customers can purchase Mbox 2 Pro Factory, which includes an additional five high-quality Digidesign and Bomb Factory plug-ins (worth over $1,000), the Mbox 2 Pro system, and an iLok USB Smart Key.

Mbox 2 Pro and Mbox 2 Factory will be available September 15th, 2006 via authorized Digidesign dealers for $799 and $899, respectively, US MSRP.

* Mbox 2 Pro does not support external sync at 88.2 and 96 kHz sample rates.

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

Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro

Posted in Audio, MIDI, Production, Technology

SM Pro Audio Ships PM8 Passive Summing Mixer

Posted on September 7, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Kaysound, the North American distributor for SM Pro Audio, is now shipping the new PM8 passive mixer.

The PM8 is an 8 x 4 passive mixer/summing unit designed to help users of digital audio workstations achieve higher quality audio mix down results. The summing and mixing features built into the PM8 allow users to avoid unnecessary A/D & D/A conversions commonly found in digital studios and thus attain extremely detailed mixes with superb stereo imaging and punch.

“Engineers have known mixing in software alone has some serious limitations,” said Danny Olesh (Product Developer) from SM Pro Audio. “Our new passive mixer helps users get the best from both worlds. They can continue to get great features from their digital multi-track recording software whilst mixing down without compromise through the PM8.”

Using the best quality components, the PM-8 merges up to eight analog channels into clean and clear stereo pairs, with all the sonic depth and dynamics intact. Level control, panning, and muting controls give the PM8 the tools to deliver the sonic quality you would expect from a quality analog console.

The PM8 also allows users integrate their outboard reverbs, EQ units, vintage synths, and other audio equipment with their DAW projects easily, inexpensively and without compromise. Multiple PM8s can be stacked for more input channels.

Features:

  • Sums 8 x channels of audio to two stereo output pairs
  • 8 x combo connector inputs
  • 25 pin DSUB input connector (compatible with Digidesign Protools hardware)
  • 2 x stereo (4, Master 1 pair, Master 2 pair) XLR balanced outputs
  • 2 x stepped attenuator controls for accurate level adjustment
  • Internal power supply (110v – 230v switchable)
  • Ground pin connector
  • Achieves better stereo imaging
  • Creates exceptionally detailed mixes with clarity and punch

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

SM Pro Audio PM8 Passive Summing Mixer

SM Pro Audio PM8 Passive Summing Mixer

Posted in Audio, Mixers

Vember Audio Releases Version 1.2.0 Of Surge VST Plug-In

Posted on September 5, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Previously released as a VST Plug-In for 32 & 64-bit (x64) Windows, Surge is now available to Mac OS X users as well. Delivered as a Universal Binary for both the Audio Units and VST Plug-In architectures, the software synthesizer is compatible with the majority of host applications on both Intel and PowerPC-powered Macs (1GHz G4 or faster).

Combining analog-style & wavetable oscillators, configurable dual filters with a feedback-loop and massive modulation capabilities, Surge goes far beyond the capabilities of most fixed-architecture synths but still retain the directness of one. Along with a powerful effect section and the high sound quality Vember Audio is known to deliver make Surge an obvious candidate to fulfill you synthesis and sound-design needs.

Key updates in v1.2.0:

  • Improved filter algorithms. Carefully crafted to provide dependable self-oscillation at high resonance settings and a musical sound
  • Updated Graphical User Interface with a fresh new look
  • A wider selection of preset patches (914)
  • Mac OS X compatible (AU & VST, Universal Binary)

Available immediately, Surge v1.2.0 can be bought in the Vember Audio on-line shop for 120€ (+VAT for EU residents). The v1.2.0 update is free for registered users.

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

Vember Audio Surge VST Plug-In Version 1.2.0

Posted in Audio, Computer, Plug-Ins, Recording, Software, Technology, VST

Audiowarrior Releases Master Songwriter 1.0 For Reason

Posted on September 2, 2006 by Planet-Musician

Audiowarrior has released Master Songwriter® v1.0 for Reason, a complete 4GB sample workstation Reason Refill.

Everything you need is here to make complete songs for music demos, TV, Film, or any audio-visual project.

Acoustic drum kits, Electric drum kits, Acoustic and Electric Guitars, Analogue Synthesizers, Acoustic and Electric Pianos, Organs, Acoustic and Electric Basses, Sound Effects, Soundscapes, World Percussion, all from one easy-access DVD. Includes these Pro-SongTool Instruments:

  • Acoustic Dreadnought Strummer Rythym/Lead with iStrum® MIDI patterns
  • Elektrik Lead Guitar with alternating harmonics and Power Chords
  • 30 Drum Kits Plus 12 World Percussion Instruments (All Maple and Birch)
  • Axe-N-Skin DoubleBass Drums
  • Reason Bass Rig (J-Bass-Slap Bass-Acoustic Upright-18 Synth Basses)
  • Banghis Khan Vintage Ludwig®
  • The Seven Deadly Synths (Pads, FX, Basses, Leads)
  • The Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ (One Man Orchestra)
  • Pianos & Organs (two Acoustic Grands, Rhodes, B3, Wurly Electric Piano)
  • Vintage ’63 Collector’s Silvertone® Electric Rythym/Lead Guitar with iStrum® MIDI patterns
  • Bryan ‘Brain’ Mantia Drum Track Builder (extremely flexible and adaptable drum beat collection)
  • Scott Rockenfield Drum Track Builder (extremely flexible and adaptable drum beat collection)

ReWire Master Songwriter® into Pro Tools® and Cubase® via Reason®.
Requires Reason® 2.5 or 3.0 For Mac OS X and Windows XP

AW Customers who have purchased one or more AW titles since Jan 1st, 2006 are eligible to upgrade to Master Songwriter® for the difference of their original purchase.

DVD or Download from the AW Online Shop: list $199.

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, Recording, Software, Technology