Category Archives: Computer

Avid Announces Sibelius 7, the Fastest, Smartest, Easiest Way to Write Music

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Avid releases newest version of the world’s best-selling music notation software, with full MusicXML interchange support, exclusive professional-quality sample library and a new task-oriented user interface.

Avid® today announced the release of Sibelius 7, the newest version of the company’s flagship musical notation software. Combining a deep, sophisticated feature set with an all new task-oriented user interface — putting all of the software’s features at the user’s fingertips — Sibelius® 7 enhances music writing through intuitive and flexible workflows and improved tools for increased collaboration. Complete with a newly recorded professional-quality sampled sound library, native 64-bit performance, full MusicXML interchange support, and advanced typography and graphics features, Sibelius 7 is more powerful and versatile than ever before.

“Whether you’re a composer, arranger, copyist, publisher, instrumentalist, teacher or student, Sibelius 7 enables you to write music even more quickly and easily—no matter your level of experience,” said Chris Gahagan, Avid Senior Vice President of Products and Solutions. “Sibelius 7 offers a completely redesigned user interface and technology architecture, providing incredibly fast performance and improved workflows designed to help you create beautiful scores faster and more easily than ever.”

What’s New in Sibelius 7?

  • New and exclusive professional-quality sound library – Unique to Sibelius, the new professional-quality sound library delivers stunning musical realism to scores during playback. It includes the Avid Orchestra, a specially recorded full symphony orchestra, a collection of rock and pop sounds from the Avid virtual instrument team, a 27-stop church organ from leading virtual organ creator Hauptwerk, and a selection of sounds from Sample Logic Rumble and Fanfare featuring 14-time world champion Drum and Bugle Corps, The Blue Devils.
  • Completely redesigned task-oriented user interface – Optimized for single-display systems, the new user interface employs a rich graphical toolbar and dockable panels that don’t obscure the working area, putting all of the software’s features at the user’s fingertips. The redesigned mixer also allows finer control of playback than ever before, delivering more balanced mixes.
  • Full MusicXML interchange – Complete MusicXML import and now export makes sharing files with hundreds of music applications, including Finale®, easier than ever.
  • 64-bit performance – Sibelius 7 is the world’s first native 64-bit notation software, and has been completely rewritten to take advantage of the performance of today’s incredibly fast 64-bit hardware and operating systems.
  • Powerful text, graphic and sharing options – Publisher-quality typography and graphics import/export capability delivers finished scores with professional-quality text and graphics. Publish and export demanding layouts and text-heavy scores with advanced finishing options, including direct PDF and EPS export. Also sync with or import notation from Pro Tools®, or export scores as Scorch® files, then share or publish them on the web or via Avid Scorch for iPad®.

What Customers Are Saying

“Sibelius 7 clearly demonstrates that the design team is not content to rest on their laurels,” declares Bill Holab, engraver and winner of 57 Paul Revere awards for graphic excellence in music. “They have completely revamped the interface, made it easier for novice users, yet retained all of the familiar shortcuts. On top of that, they have redesigned the display system so that we get a far more accurate view of the music onscreen, and added in extensive text features that are essential to some of the complex projects we work on, like opera vocal scores. Sibelius 7 is an intrinsic part of our production workflow and will continue to be the main tool we use to prepare high-end music publications and performance materials.”

“The striking thing about Sibelius 7 is the new user interface – the startling thing about Sibelius 7 is how much faster the new user interface allows you to work,” explains John Murdoch, music director of Lehigh Valley Presbyterian Church in Allentown, PA. “Are you arranging a score for a choral performance? Sibelius 7 makes you faster. Are you creating music for live playback with virtual instruments? Sibelius 7 makes you faster. Are you simplifying a score for Broadway musical auditions? Sibelius 7 makes you faster. And that was just my day yesterday.”

Availability and Pricing

Sibelius 7 is now available for £459 GBP / €549 EUR. Current Sibelius customers may take advantage of upgrade options of £119 GBP / €140 EUR, with multi-seat upgrade pricing from £47 GBP / €60 EUR per seat. Customers looking to crossgrade from another notation product can purchase a crossgrade for £149 GBP / €170 EUR. Avid also offers individual educator and student pricing for £219 GBP / €249 EUR. In addition, students receive four years of complimentary upgrades. This price and four years of complimentary upgrades also apply to Avid’s leading audio and video software, Pro Tools and Media Composer. Educational multi-user pricing is offered at £95 GBP / €95 EUR per seat. To learn more or to watch a video overview of Sibelius 7, visit Sibelius online. For purchasing inquiries, please visit the Sibelius Store.

Posted in Computer, MIDI, Sheet Music, Software, Technology

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Orange OPC, Upgraded and now Shipping

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The much anticipated Orange OPC, the musician’s personal computer, has been upgraded and is ready for Pre-Order from the new website www.orangeopc.com for delivery within the UK by the end of April and will be shipping outside the UK shortly after.

Fresh from its triumphant demonstration at the CES Show on the INTEL stand, the OPC now features the 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ series i3-2100 CPU (3M Cache, 3.10 GHz). Featuring the very latest Intel technology, the new platform uses less power and has vastly superior integrated graphics and raw power ideal for audio processing. Further improvements announced today include 1 VGA and 2 HDMI interfaces and a precision cut laser aluminium chassis.

The OPC hit the headlines last year when the revolutionary all-in-one hybrid was announced. The first computer of its kind to have built-in high powered speakers, the OPC delivers superb full range studio and authentic vintage guitar sounds. The OPC is designed for musicians and songwriters offering one stop playing, recording, editing and computing capabilities, with premium software pre-installed. The OPC works straight out of the box with no setting up necessary… just plug in, play, record and share!

The OPC comes with well over £700/$1000 of premium software, including the following packages;

  • IK Multimedia Amplitube 3 including Custom Shop Orange Amps – Amp and Effects Modelling Software
  • Presonus Studio One Custom Orange Edition – DAW
  • Acoustica Mixcraft 5 – DAW
  • Toontracks EZdrummer Lite
  • Lick Library Player – Guitar learning and jamming centre for included guitar lessons.

The OPC retail price is £1020 + VAT (£1224 inc) with free delivery and can be ordered from the new website www.orangeopc.com.

Technical Specifications:

  • 500GB Hard Disk Drive
  • 4GB DDR3 1333Mhz RAM
  • OPC Instrument Interface 24bit, 96hz ULTRA low latency
  • 2 independent ¼” jack inputs for guitar, microphone or instrument, switchable and attenuated
  • Optical & Coaxial S/PDIF outputs
  • Intel® Core™ i3-2100 Processor (3M Cache, 3.10 GHz)
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
  • Stereo Amplifier with 2 x JBL 6.5”Dual Concentric drivers

The Orange OPC revolution starts here!

For further information news please see the website www.orangeopc.com or contact info@orangeusa.com.

Posted in Amplification, Computer, Frankfurt Musikmesse, Guitar, Technology

Winter NAMM 2011: Orange Amps unveil revolutionary OPC Musician’s Personal Computer

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Orange Amplifiers announced to the world in summer 2010 the revolutionary all-in-one computer amplifier speaker – The OPC. The product has since undergone significant specification improvements and at NAMM the company will be debuting the final production spec product.

The much anticipated OPC is a complete all in one Guitar Amplifier and Recording Studio Workstation designed for musicians and songwriters, offering one stop playing, recording, editing and computing capabilities with selected software pre-installed. The OPC is the perfect ‘Musicians Personal Computer’  and will work straight out of the box with no setting up necessary… just plug in, create, play, record and share to the web!

The OPC will be leading the way with a number of ‘Firsts’:

  • The first PC to feature an integrated audio interface enabling the user to plug in a guitar or microphone using a standard 1/4″ jack plug
  • The first computer of its kind to have built-in high powered speakers which deliver superb full range studio quality sound as well as producing vintage guitar sounds.

The OPC comes with well over $1000 of premium software, including the following packages;

  • IK Multimedia Amplitube 3 including Custom Shop Orange Amps – Amp and Effects Modelling Software
  • Presonus Studio One Custom Orange Edition – DAW
  • Acoustica Mixcraft 5 – DAW
  • Toontracks EZdrummer Lite
  • Lick Library Player – Guitar learning and jamming centre

Technical Specifications:

  • 500GB Hard Disk Drive
  • 4GB DDR3 1600Mhz
  • OPC Instrument Interface 24bit, 96hz ULTRA low latency
  • 2 independent ¼” jack inputs for guitar, microphone or instrument, switchable and attenuated
  • Optical & Coaxial S/PDIF outputs
  • Slot-loading DVD-DL Drive
  • Wireless-G (802.1 B/G) with top-loaded antenna
  • Intel® Core™ i3-540 Processor (4M Cache, 3.06 GHz)
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
  • Stereo Amplifier with 2 x JBL 6.5”Dual Concentric drivers

The OPC recommended retail price is $1499 (£1020 + vat) and it will go on sale first quarter 2011

The all-in-one computer amplifier speaker revolution starts here! See the OPC on display at NAMM2011 on the Orange Music Electrical Company Booth #4674 Hall C

For further information news please see the website www.orangeamps.com or contact info@orangeusa.com.

Posted in Amplification, Computer, Guitar, NAMM Show, Recording, Technology

Nomad Factory Releases Magnetic – Real to Real Audio Tape Warmer Plug-In

Posted on November 22, 2010 by Planet-Musician

Nomad Factory, leader in tube emulation technology, proudly announces the launch of “MAGNETIC”, a truly realistic “Real to Real” audio tape warming effect plug-in that gives your audio tracks the exclusive vintage tape sound which your ears crave. This effect can inject sterile audio with the warmth and character of classic tube circuitry and analog tape saturation. The plug-in features pure analog reel-to-reel tape speeds, tape/tube saturation and tape color effects, as well as a dedicated vintage style EQ and a built in Boost mastering section. The result is a creamy, warm sound that can only be achieved by MAGNETIC.

Never before has such a great sounding plug-in effect been so easy to use! At first touch, the plug-in’s interface is modern, simple, and extremely user-friendly which instantly allows you to dial in usable sounds.

MAGNETIC can be used in many different musical ways. Try using it on individual tracks to add subtle warmth and tape color to your drums or use it to create a filtered cassette AM-radio effect on a vocal. But that’s not all… when used on the master bus, MAGNETIC can warm your entire mix and “boost” it up to broadcast level. It’s just like having a 30+ year old reel-to-reel tape machine at your fingertips, without all the maintenance costs.

From Today till November 30, 2010 the new MAGNETIC plug-in will be sold at introductory price of $49 (MSRP $199) or as part of a hot Group-Buy promotion.

Learn more from the Nomad Factory website :

www.nomadfactory.com

About Nomad Factory

Nomad Factory, leader in tube emulation technology is a well-known audio software company based in Los Angeles, California. Nomad Factory has from scratch developed unique tube emulation techniques that make their plug-ins sound so realistic that it gives the users, the impression they are using the warm sound of classic analog hardware. Nomad Factory’s plug-ins are actually used in professional studios through out the world as well as by professional musicians, engineers and producers…


Posted in Audio, Computer, Plug-Ins, Technology

Apogee’s Symphony PCI-X Card Now Shipping

Posted on September 19, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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 Announces 64-bit Drivers For Xboard USB/MIDI Controller Line

Posted on September 17, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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

Steinberg Releases New ASIO 2.2 Standard

Posted on September 15, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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 Announces Universal Binary Versions Of DAW Plug-Ins

Posted on September 6, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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.

Roger Nichols Digital Universal Binary Versions DAW Plug-Ins

Roger Nichols Digital Universal Binary Versions DAW Plug-Ins

Roger Nichols Digital Universal Binary Versions DAW Plug-Ins

Roger Nichols Digital Universal Binary Versions DAW Plug-Ins

Roger Nichols Digital Universal Binary Versions DAW Plug-Ins

Posted in Computer, Effects, Plug-Ins

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

Blue Cat Releases Volume 2 Of Digital Peak Meter Pro Plug-In

Posted on September 5, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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.

Blue Cat Digital Peak Meter Pro Plug-In Volume 2

Blue Cat Digital Peak Meter Pro Plug-In Volume 2

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