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.

Posted in Audio, MIDI, Production, Technology

Reason is a complete virtual studio, a powerful application with endless creative possibilities — assuming you know how to use it. Indeed, the key to producing and composing in Reason is learning how to master the tools available to you in its MIDI sequencer. MIDI Sequencing in Reason: Skill Pack by Steve Nalepa is your guide to unlocking the power and creative freedom available in this dynamic program.

A key part of MIDI Sequencing in Reason: Skill Pack is the CD-ROM included with this book. It’s full of sample content and examples that you will use to build a song and, in the process, learn all the MIDI-sequencing intricacies of this dynamic and flexible software. Unlike other books with companion discs, the source files on every Skill Pack CD-ROM are an essential part of the book’s tutorials - they are not there as mere examples, but are the building blocks from which you’ll construct the projects. The result is a fully integrated learning experience.

This book/CD package will teach you how to use all the major features of Reason’s sequencer. Every available tool and function will be introduced and explained, with step-by-step exercises that illustrate the various ways to use them to enhance your productions.

Features

• Perfect for any musician, engineer, or music producer who uses Reason and wants to focus on MIDI sequencing within the application
• The book plus CD-Rom combination offers a unique learning experience for readers
• Learn a specific software skill and complete a project with step-by-step instructions from a pro, using the author’s source files on the accompanying CD-ROM
• Truly focused content allows the reader to hone a specific skill within the application

Table of Contents: MIDI and the Modern Sequencer
Sequencing in Reason
Inputting MIDI Into the Sequencer: Playing MIDI Notes
Inputting MIDI Into the Sequencer: Drawing in MIDI notes
Sequencing Beats in Reason
Editing MIDI Notes
Recording and Editing Velocity and Controller Data
Quantization

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

Posted in Computer, MIDI, Recording, Software, Technology

GVOX has announced the lastest update to MasterTracks Pro.

MasterTracks Pro for Windows has been fixed. The easiest to use MIDI sequencer on the market is once again in full working order.

GVOX knows that many have shared in the frustrations of some of the bugs that were in MTPro 6.8.3. The software primarily worked, after you may have contacted technical support or visited our knowledgebase. The bugs in the code frustrated our developers too. However, our new, crackerjack developers went right to work on MasterTracks Pro after completing the rebuilding of Encore and Musictime Deluxe for Mac OSX.

The following bugs were fixed:

• Edit sysex, program crash
• Slide data didn’t work right
• Single clicks in the track editor didn’t open windows
• Shift/click to the record controller info didn’t work
• Request to make “Choose Instrument” dialog bigger so no need for scroll bar didn’t work
• Menu inactivated at song end, including Save Preferences
• Click any .mts file to open - error message “: only allowed with drive letter” would show
• Thru on a B-port channel, it plays through the correct channel, but on the A-port
• Songs couldn’t be reordered like on Mac
• Stuck Sound when hit stop in middle of sustained note
• Empty field boxes in the Track Editor Program Name column were filled with a whole bunch of grayed-out characters
• In Windows 2000 and XP taskmanager ran at 99%
• Now tempo offset affects current time
• Current time” changes according to time base setting
• Mousing deactivated main menu
• External sync was non functional
• Timing/tempo issue in playback/record caused a gradual “lag”

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

Posted in Computer, MIDI, Microsoft PC, Recording, Software, Technology

E-MU® Systems has started shipping its new Xboard™ 61 USB/MIDI Controller for PC and Mac operating systems, featuring 61 premium full-size keys with aftertouch, 16 programmable real-time control knobs, 16 new patch select/program change buttons, Xboard Control editing software, and a full version of E-MU’s Proteus X Version 1.5 Desktop Sound Module with over 3GB of sounds, including a new custom bank of E-MU’s finest performance keyboard 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 Xboard 61 also allows you to set discrete MIDI channels for each knob and offer unrivalled 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 Latch Mode that enables you to define a section of the keyboard as on/off triggers - perfect for drum loops.

The Xboard 61 is priced at $249.99 and now available at authorized E-MU Dealers.

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

Posted in Computer, MIDI, Recording, Technology

CME, makers of the BitStream 3X MIDI Controller, announce a new promotion that qualifies the first 999 registered customers who purchase the BitStream 3X to receive a free, custom-fitted aluminum case.

The Bitstream 3X is perfect for controlling virtual instruments, DAWs, and even other MIDI hardware. This compact desktop unit is the only 3 axis (X,Y and Z) controller on the market and includes 35 knobs, 8 sliders, 16 buttons, a joystick, a cross-fader and an infrared controller. The joystick controls the X and Y axis while the infrared beam controls the Z axis.

The Bitstream 3x is fully programmable and includes more than 13,000 presets for popular samplers, synthesizers, and software including Propellerheads Reason and Rebirth, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live, Native Instruments Reaktor, Traktor, Kontakt, and Absynth, Fruity Loops and more. An 8 track motion sampler, transport functions, and a large LCD display round out this versatile unit.

For more information, visit their web site at www.cme-pro.com.

Posted in Accessories, Hardware, MIDI

Digidesign is now shipping its highly anticipated Pro Tools HD 7.2 software.

With a dramatically enhanced feature set—including the industry’s most comprehensive automation package, extended video capabilities, revolutionary new workflows with multi-channel field recorders, built-in dubber/stem recorder functionality and the new SignalTools™ DigiRack™ metering plug-ins—Pro Tools® HD 7.2 software is an essential upgrade for Pro Tools|HD® and ICON users working in music or post.

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, MIDI, Recording, Technology

LvB’s X today introduced LvB’s X 2.0 - Virtual Music Composer, “music motive/phrase maker” software. The software works as a composer instead of a tool for composing. Users can create the basic part of a song by developing the motive which allows a key shift in the phrase. In other words, the program will bring the inspiration to the user. The software is available in three versions: Basic (free), Standard and Professional, for Windows OS.

LvB’s X simplifies creation by providing a simple graphical interface to be used by those with no prior knowledge or understanding of how to make music with a computer. Essentially, LvB’s X is designed to obtain a well-balanced relationship between musical regularities and irregularities. Every note of every instrument, except the drums, has its own sample - there is no musical predetermination as loop-based samples.

Pricing & Availability
The Basic version of LvB’s X is free and available immediately as a download at www.lvbsx.com. The Standard version ($99.95, shipping included) is available for download with software and printed user manual sent to customers via mail. The Professional version ($249.95) offers a special program for educational professionals ($49.95).

System Requirements
LvB’s X requires a Windows (XP, 2000, 2003) based OS, sound capability, at least 99MB/690MB of free disk space for Basic/Professional version installation and minimal graphics resolution of 1024 x 860 pixels.

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, MIDI, Recording, Software, Technology

The new TASCAM US-122L and US-144, the follow-ups to the popular US-122, deliver audiophile-quality Audio/MIDI Interfaces in a portable, affordable package. USB 2.0 technology allows up to 96kHz/24-bit recording with zero latency hardware monitoring. They retain the rugged metal enclosure, pro XLR mic inputs and MIDI I/O of the US-122, and 48-track Cubase LE recording software makes them ready to rock right out of the box.

“Musicians have been traveling with their TASCAM PortaStudios for years, and these interfaces bring the PortaStudio philosophy into the laptop age,” says Johnny DeLeon, Computer Products Channel Manager for TASCAM. “Our interfaces are designed by musicians for musicians, which means they’re easy to use and sound great. We’ve even designed low-profile knobs for the top - so they’re easy to slip into a backpack - and built them out of sturdy die-cast metal so they’re built to last.”

Priced at only $199 and $269, the US-122L & US-144 are within reach of anyone ready to start recording to a computer.

Features:

• 2 XLR mic inputs with phantom power
• S/PDIF Digital Input & Output (US-144 only)
• 2 analog line inputs (1 switchable to high impedance for use with guitars, basses, etc.)
• 1 MIDI input, 1 MIDI output
• USB 2.0 equipped (also supports USB 1.1)
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit for high quality recordings
• Zero-latency hardware monitoring
• Combined Headphone/output level control (US122L)
• Separate headphone output & level controls (US-144)
• Bus powered for use with PC or Mac, including laptops
• Includes Cubase LE 48-track professional recording software
• Includes GigaStudio 3 LE 64-voice software sampler

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, Hardware, MIDI, Recording, Technology

Neyrinck is pleased to introduce the SoundCode for DTS plug-in suite for Digidesign® Pro Tools systems. Tightly integrated with Pro Tools software, the SoundCode for DTS plug-in suite provides mastering-quality workflow tools that enable encoding and decoding of DTS Digital Surround, 96/24, and ES audio directly within Pro Tools HD, Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools M-Powered systems.

The SoundCode for DTS plug-in suite is the newest addition to the Neyrinck SoundCode product family, which debuted in 2005 with the release of the SoundCode for Dolby Digital plug-in. The two SoundCode plug-ins complement each other and provide surround encoding for any DVD delivery requirement. SoundCode for DTS is a must–have for post production professionals delivering high-quality audio for DVD-Video and DVD-Audio.

The SoundCode for DTS Encoder, which operates as an AudioSuite™ plug-in, offers a faster-than-real-time way to encode audio from a Pro Tools session - ready for use with DVD audio and video authoring applications. The time-saving Punch In/Out encoding feature allows users to punch in fixes to an existing DTS file. If the audio for a two-hour program has already been encoded, but a single line of dialog needs to be replaced, SoundCode can encode just that line, without having to re-encode the entire two-hour soundtrack. In addition to DTS 5.1 Digital Surround, DTS 6.1ES Discrete mode can be used to encode a rear center channel for increased surround localization and spatialization. DTS 96/24 mode can be used to encode 96 kHz, 24-bit audio up to 5.1 channels for applications requiring the highest fidelity possible.

The SoundCode for DTS Decoder functions as a real-time RTAS® plug-in or a non-real-time AudioSuite plug-in. The real-time decoder features Sample-Accurate Direct File Decode to decode a DTS file in real-time synchronized to the Pro Tools timeline and video. Simply point SoundCode to the DTS file and press play for mastering-quality confidence monitoring. The decoder also features a legacy monitor so a user can hear how 96/24, 5.1 ES, and 6.1 ES streams will decode on a legacy 5.1, 48 kHz system. Using the AudioSuite decoder, users can decode all or a portion of an audio file faster than real time, or view the metadata of a DTS file.

SoundCode for DTS is compatible with Pro Tools LE and M-Powered systems so that low-cost encoding/decoding workstations can be configured in post production and DVD authoring facilities. The fully functional encoder can encode a surround mix from a set of imported mono tracks. The decoder stereo can output a DTS bitstream over SPDIF to an external home theater decoder for surround monitoring.

Features:

Encoding

• Tight integration within the Pro Tools environment
• Faster-than-real-time encoding*
• Punch In/Out feature to saves time when fixing an existing DTS file
• DTS 96/24 mode encodes 96 kHz / 24-bit audio
• DTS 6.1 ES Discrete mode encodes rear-center channel
• Fully functional in Pro Tools HD, Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools M-Powered systems

Decoding

• Real-time decoding of DTS files and streams
• Direct File Decode synchronized sample-accurate to Pro Tools timeline and video
• Extensive metadata display
• Legacy monitor mode simulates 5.1, 48k playback systems
• Stereo and 5.1 downmixing to simulate consumer listening environments
• Output level metering
• AudioSuite decode to timeline

*Encoding time will vary based on CPU speed.

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, Effects, MIDI, Recording, Software, Technology

Sonicbytes has released Phrazor Preview #6. This release introduces the Standalone and VST Multi-I/O version. The routing-capabilities of the engine have been improved - Multi-Out VST plugins are supported as well. The clip-based Arpeggiator completes the MIDI-engine.

New:

• Standalone version supporting multiple audio and midi ports
• VST version provides multi I/O (up to 16 stereo inputs/outputs)
• Support for Multi-Out VSTs
• Slots can send audio to any subsequent Track
• Send and Multi-Out target Tracks are colored
• Send target Tracks are processed thru
• Track midi out can be merged
• Added ‘Internal’ Midi ports
• Pure Midi Tracks are highlighted
• Optional routing of midi-input to selected Track
• The selected Track can be stored/recalled live
• Clip based full featured Arpeggiator
• Pianoroll tools Shrink/Expand
• Pianoroll tool Random-Time avoids doubles
• Quick browser for merging Clips directly into Pianoroll for reuse of chords and lines
• Single Programs can be saved/loaded and dragged from Browser
• Automatic creation of Programs from VST presets
• Quick browser menus for Tracks, Slots, Programs and Clips
• Refresh and Explorer buttons in Browser
• Manual updated
• Logfiles for diagnostics

Changed:

• GUI changes to improve consistency and workflow
• Configuration files renamed
• Drummaps are now stored in a dedicated Folder
• Auto-connect for effects is now default, hold control to disable
• Pianoroll tool Stretch also affects length

Fixed:

• Hanging notes when switching to SYNC
• Default folders and filenames in Save dialogs could be wrong
• Chorder component (was broken)
• Minor issues regarding State recall
• Undo/Redo buttons in Pianoroll updated correctly
• Added missing icons in Schematic Scheme
• FX version got no audio-input in Cubase
• VST Parameter Midi-CC assignment crash
• Moving Clips in list corrupted remote settings
• Undo was not working with certain tools in pianoroll
• Bug regarding Selective Clip playback velocity
• Bug Clip playback with very low tempo

Phrazor is still free - there are no limitations and restrictions.

Preordering is possible until the middle of August.

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, Effects, MIDI, Recording, Software, Technology