Apogee’s Symphony PCI-X Card is now shipping worldwide through authorized dealers and distributors. Utilizing the same driver as the PCI-Express version, the PCI-X card is specifically designed for Macintosh’s earlier G5 computers. Now with PCI-X, more G5 users can experience the high performance and low latency Symphony delivers.

Apogee’s Symphony PCI-X card is a digital computer interface that is based on the PCI-X architecture in Apple’s PowerMac G5 computers. Controlled by Apogee’s Maestro software, Symphony features 32 channels of digital I/O on a single PCI-X card format. With support for sample rates up to 192 kHz, Symphony can be used as a digital router or patch-bay when connected to external converters or other digital outboard equipment. Software drivers for Symphony feature extensive routing capabilities and very low latency performance. Symphony connects directly to Apogee’s Rosetta and AD-16X and DA-16X converters via the X-Symphony option card, which installs in the slot of the converter itself.

With the ability to have three cards installed at one time in a PowerMac G5, Symphony is the only connectivity solution that offers high-end professional users the capability to employ up to 192 channels of audio simultaneously in a single computer, more than enough for even the biggest scoring sessions.

Symphony PCI-X at a glance:

• 32 channels of 24-bit 192K Digital I/O
• 32 channel bi-directional connector
• Connects directly to Apogee’s Rosetta 800, Rosetta 200 and AD-16X and DA-16X converters via the X-Symphony option card
• Compatibility with other Macintosh based audio software
• Apogee’s Maestro Software for advanced control and routing
• Compatibility with any Core Audio application

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

Posted in Apple Mac, Computer, Hardware, Recording, Technology

E-MU® Systems has announced 64-bit Windows XP drivers for its line of Xboard USB/MIDI controllers, and is available as a free download to all Xboard owners at www.emu.com.

E-MU’s Xboard USB/MIDI controllers for PC and Mac offer unmatched playability, real-time control and programmability in a portable keyboard package ideal for studio and stage use.

The Xboard™ 61, Xboard 49 and Xboard 25 all feature full-size velocity sensitive keyboards with aftertouch, 16 programmable real-time controllers and Xboard Control editing software. The new Xboard 61 additionally features 16 patch select/program change buttons for quick sound changes during performance and ships with E-MU’s Proteus X Software Sound Module with over 3GB of sounds (Xboard 49 and Xboard 25 ship with Proteus X LE with over 1000 sounds).

The Xboard Control software provides an intuitive desktop interface that lets you effortlessly create custom templates for all of your favorite hardware and software instruments. The Xboards also allow you to set discrete MIDI channels for each controller and offer unrivaled real-time control and performance features, including Snap Shot that lets you send multiple program changes and controller values by pressing a single button, and Xboard Latch Mode that enables you to define a section of the keyboard as on/off triggers – perfect for drum loops.

All three Xboard models are ultra-portable and can run on USB, battery, or AC power.

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

Posted in Computer, MIDI, Technology

Full 64-bit support for Steinberg’s industry-standard technology.

Steinberg Media Technologies is proud to announce the release of a new, fully 64-bit-capable version of its ASIO technology. The ASIO 2.2 SDK provides software engineers with a complete set of tools for creating ASIO-ready host applications and drivers for 64-bit versions of Microsoft’s Windows operating system.

“ASIO 2.2 and its ASIO 2/64 component will form the backbone of a new generation of 64-bit host applications and audio devices for Windows,” summarizes Markus Stehlik, Steinberg’s Director of Engineering. “The new version of this open standard will also ensure both 32-bit and 64-bit driver versions are available to customers of audio software and hardware, easing the transition to the new 64-bit Windows versions. And because ASIO 2.2 was specified in close cooperation with other companies from the audio industry, we expect that the new standard will see wide adoption in the foreseeable future,” Stehlik continues.

The SDK is available for download now at www.steinberg.net.

The Audio Stream Input/Output (ASIO) architecture forms the backbone of VST. ASIO addresses any needs a professional audio recording solution might have, supporting variable bit depths and sample rates, multi-channel operation and synchronization. As a result, users can enjoy low latency, high performance, easy set up and stable audio recording within VST. The entire system becomes controllable and offers complete and immediate access to the audio system’s capabilities. Since its introduction, ASIO has become a supported standard by many leading audio hardware manufacturers.

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

Posted in Computer, Software, Technology

Roger Nichols Digital’s range of five DAW plug-ins is now available in Universal Binary versions for Intel-based Apple Macintosh Core Duo systems, in VST, RTAS and AU formats for leading species of Digital Audio Workstations.

“We have been working for several months porting our plug-ins to work with the new Apple Core-Duo Mac platform,” offers company CEO Roger Nichols. “These new versions will allow DAW users to take full advantage of the enhanced processing speeds and native DSP capabilities of latest-generation Macintosh computers.” All plug-ins are also Window XP-compatible.

RND has also announced that all DAW plug-ins are now available for a Free 14-day Evaluation Period from its company website; no iLok is required. Also, purchase can be made either against an iLok account, or a conventional challenge/response verification processing and an email sequence.

“We wanted to make sure that our prospective customers can access whatever buying option suits their needs,” says COO Reinhold Probst. “While iLok offers a more secure way of preventing unauthorized use of a customer’s plug-is, there are times when other techniques are more useful, hence our recent change of policy.”

The current collection of RND Plug-Ins comprises:

Dynam-izer™ – Get Those Levels Under Control
This plug-in lets users break audio levels up into zones so they can be controlled exactly as required.
Pro-user price: $249.00

Uniquel-izer™ – The Swiss Army Knife of Equalizers
The unlimited Equalizer. This plug-in lets users determine their ideal EQ. And if you ever need more bands or filters, these are just a click away.
Pro-user price: $249.00

Frequal-izer™ – Surgically Accurate Mastering EQ
This plug-in lets users build a complex FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter to their own specifications. EQ curves can also be drawn and edited.
Pro-user price: $249.00

Finis™ – Peak Limiter That Controls Dynamics
This plug-in employs the most advanced psycho-acoustic limiting algorithms we know of. There’s nothing else to do after Finis.
Pro-user price: $249.00

Inspector XL™ – Collection of Powerful Analysis Tools
This is a collection of six powerful audio analysis tools designed to fulfill a number of familiar analysis tasks with professionalism, style and finesse.
Pro-user price: $299.00

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

Posted in Computer, Effects, Plug-Ins

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.

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

Blue Cat Audio has released a new version of the Digital Peak Meter Pro, a unique plug-in able to transform the audio signal to various types of controls.

New in V2.0:

• The plug-in is now 100% real time thanks to the MIDI output capability: generated envelopes can be used to control any MIDI hardware or software plug-in
• Advanced MIDI control with customizable parameters curve response and MIDI learn
• Skinnable user interface with Blue Cat’s Skinning language V1.2.1 support
• RMS envelope support
• new parameters for total control of the peak envelope detection
• Real time envelopes display
• All parameters can now be fine tuned thanks to a text-edit popup window that appears when double clicking on user interface widgets

A step by step tutorial is available to learn how to use the new advanced MIDI control features.

Pricing:
A special introductory price lets you get the Digital Peak Meter Pro for 27.3 EUR (USD $32.76) instead of 39 EUR (USD 46.80).
Upgrade from version 1.x is 12 EUR only (USD 14.40).

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

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

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