Category Archives: MIDI

LvB’s X Announces Version 2.0 Of Virtual Music Composer

Posted on August 3, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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

TASCAM Introduces Two New USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interfaces

Posted on July 28, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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.

TASCAM New USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interfaces

TASCAM New USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interfaces

TASCAM New USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interfaces

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

Neyrinck Announces SoundCode For DTS Plug-In Suite For Pro Tools

Posted on July 27, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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.

Neyrinck SoundCode DTS Pro Tools Plug-In Suite

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

Sonicbytes Releases Phrazor Preview #6

Posted on July 25, 2006 by Planet-Musician

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