The CAPS Software which is already well-known from COHEDRA™ and COHEDRA COMPACT™ is now available also for the new ConTour Array™.

The CAPS CTA Software enables the simulation of the projection behavior of a ConTour Array™ system in a specific venue. It allows rapid virtual construction of venues featuring up to three audience areas. Up to five flown CTA 208 mid/high units can easily be simulated. For stacked applications, you can make up a ground-stack simulation by one mouse click.

Creative work is carried out in the Setup menu; with the help of the adjustable angles of the DualCurve™ system, the resulting sound projection data is computed and displayed. The software also calculates delay times and sound pressure for different audience positions. This allows for reliable prediction of obtainable SPL values (Peak/Continuous/A-weighted) as well as precise analysis in 1/3-, 1- and 3-octave steps and two-dimensional mapping.

The Rigging menu captures data parameters for weight, centre of gravity, overall height and the angles between the individual mid/high units. The software was developed in cooperation with Software Design Ahnert (SDA) and is based on the CAPS version for COHEDRA™ and COHEDRA COMPACT™.

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

Posted in Software

FabFilter has released updates to FabFilter Twin and FabFilter Volcano. The new versions contain bug fixes as well as improvements and new features.

•Added MIDI program change handling. Any preset can now be loaded by sending bank select and program change MIDI messages.

•Added optional interactive help. When this feature is activated, help texts will appear when the user moves the mouse over any control in the plug-in interface.

•Fixed a bug that could cause Twin or Volcano to freeze on Apple G5 Quad systems when changing presets.

•Added a ‘polarity’ option to the LFO’s in Twin, which can be used to produce either waveforms between -1 and 1 (original behaviour) or positive-only waveforms between 0 and 1.

•Reduced memory usage of Twin by 50%.

•Slightly reduced memory usage of FabFilter Volcano and improved filters to use less CPU.

•Other minor bug fixes.

The new versions are fully backwards-compatible with earlier versions and should load songs and presets written by the older version without any problems. These updates are free for existing users and grants others a new evaluation period.

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

Posted in Plug-Ins, Software, Technology, VST

Digidesign® is pleased to announce the D-Show 2.5 software upgrade for the VENUE live sound environment. D-Show 2.5 is the first release that offers support for both the D-Show™ and D-Show Profile™ mixing consoles.

Developed in response to user requests, D-Show 2.5 provides more flexibility to Matrix and PQ outputs and adds input libraries, a new Events List, and many other features to enhance the user experience with any VENUE console.

New Features in D-Show 2.5

Support for the D-Show Profile mixing surface
With the addition of the new D-Show Profile console to the VENUE family, D-Show 2.5 provides complete support for the entire VENUE product line. D-Show users who adopt the new console will be immediately familiar with the software and workflows.

Full portability of user setting and show files between VENUE consoles
D-Show 2.5 offers guaranteed show file compatibility between D-Show and D-Show Profile mixing consoles. And users won’t encounter any data loss when moving files between the two systems—if functions are unavailable, the software will preserve and restore settings.

Expanded Matrix and Personal Q (PQ) Routing
Mono or PQ matrices can now accept input from 12 sources, which can include any combination of groups, auxiliaries, LRM masters, and any of eight user-assigned inputs. All matrices can have their own input sources and all can be changed on a per-scene basis with snapshot automation.

New Event List functionality
The new Event List allows complete customization of function buttons, footswitches, and D-Show Profile’s General Purpose Interface (GPI), enabling users to speed up their workflow. Engineers can now create “macros” that allow the console to perform single or multiple functions with a single button push or switch closure from an external device.

Input Channel Presets
This additional input library enables complete channel settings storage on a per-channel basis, which allows faster set-up of similar channels and easy access to input-only settings to all show files. As with other preset libraries, input libraries can be transferred independently to a USB key.

Pricing and Availability
Digidesign expects to release the D-Show 2.5 software upgrade around 10/31/06. Customers will be able to purchase the upgrade either directly from Digidesign’s Customer Service Administration (CSA) or from their authorized VENUE reseller for $149 US MSRP. Customers must provide the serial number of their FOH Rack to qualify for the upgrade.

Amnesty Upgrades
D-Show 2.0 customers qualify for a free D-Show 2.5 upgrade provided they meet the following requirements:

Customers purchasing a D-Show 2.0 system or D-Show 2.0 upgrade kit between January 1, 2006 and July 31, 2006 must register their purchase with Digidesign Customer Service Administration on or before September 25, 2006 in order to qualify for a free D-Show 2.5 upgrade.

Customers purchasing a D-Show 2.0 system or D-Show 2.0 upgrade kit between August 1, 2006 and the release of D-Show 2.5 (late Oct / early Nov) must register their purchase with Digidesign Customer Service Administration on or before December 15, 2006 in order to qualify for a free D-Show 2.5 upgrade.

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

Posted in Mixers, Software, Technology

Today Toontrack Music released Superior Drummer 1.5.6 for dfh-Superior, Superior Custom and Vintage and Superior Vintage add-on.

The first RTAS version available of the Superior Drummer samplers for dfh-Superior, Superior Custom and Vintage and Superior Vintage add-on is compatible with ProTools 7 and above for all platforms (M-Powered, LE and TDM/HD - PC and Mac).

In addition the release features the following bug fixes and improvements:

• Graphic meltdown affecting Logic/DP-fronted TDM/DAE systems
• Improved multiple instances support on multiple CPUs
• Various transmute related bugs fixed
• Setting Fade mode back to Note On once Aftertouch or NoteOff had been selected was ignored

This update is recommended in particular for users who had experienced graphic issues with the previous release, and, of course, ProTools users with compatible systems.

Superior Drummer 1.5.6 is of course available as a free download for all registered and registering users of dfh Superior and Superior Custom and Vintage.

Posted in Samples, Software

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.

Posted in Audio, Software, Technology

Defective Records Software proudly introduces the Universal Binary version of VSTi Host, version 3.13x. VSTi Host version 1.0 was the first Mac-based standalone VST and VSTi host (originally released in early 2000), and is now positioned to offer lightweight VST plugin support on Intel Mac architectures as well as PowerPC.

VSTi Host allows VST instrument and effect plugins to be used outside of larger host applications (like Logic, GarageBand, Cubase, etc.). It’s perfect if you have an extra Mac that you’d like to put to use as a virtual synth and/or effects unit, or if your sequencer of choice doesn’t support the VST plugins you’d like to use.

VSTi Host is available for $35 USD. For registered users, this update is FREE.

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

Posted in Software, VST

ASK Video Interactive Media adds to their growing library of titles with a new DVD Tutorial for Celemony’s Melodyne pitch shifting and time-stretching software.

ASK’s resident software genius, Morgan Pottruff (aka Morg) is back to host this informative DVD on one of the most unique and acclaimed music software applications on the market.

Based on Melodyne 3, the intuitive interface and menus guide users through the 34 ultra-high-quality videos, packed with real-time screen animations, audio examples, and techniques that can be immediately applied in real-life situations. Users of Melodyne studio, cre8, uno, and essential will also benefit from the hours of instruction.

The Melodyne DVD Tutorial begins with a basic introduction to the program with chapters on Installation and First Run, Audio and MIDI Setup, and a Guided Tour. Next come chapters on navigating the program; The Transport, The Mixer, The Menus, Quick Run Through and so on. From there, Morg takes users through Editing, Tuning, Pitch and Time Correction, and Recording. The final chapters are devoted to advanced concepts such as Detecting Audio, ReWire, MIDI and Synchronization.

System Requirements:
This product includes QuickTime 7.x Mac/PC which is required for video playback. DVD-Rom drive required. Minimum screen resolution 1024 x 768. PC: Windows XP Home or Professional, Intel Pentium or AMD Athlon 800 MHz or faster, 256 MB RAM. Windows MME or DirectSound Sound Card. MAC: Requires Mac OS X v10.2 or higher, Power Mac G4 867 MHz, 256 MB RAM, Sound Card.

Pricing and Availability:
The Melodyne DVD Tutorial is available in September, 2006 for $55 USD.

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

Posted in Education, Software

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

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

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