A software update for the Virus TI synthesizer and PC/Mac components is available for download on www.virus.info.

The new version is a Universal Binary build supporting PowerPC and Intel based Macintosh computers. It also improves the startup behaviour of the Virus Control plug-in, feels much snappier, fixes a couple of bugs which caused crackling with certain patches and lowers the CPU consumption when the plug-in window is open.

The free update requires Windows XP SP2 or MacOS 10.4 and is available now.

For more information, visit their web site at www.access-music.de.

Posted in Computer, Software, Technology

otiumFX has updated their compressor, Compadre Beatpuncher VST, to version 1.1.

This is a free upgrade for registered users.

Changes in version 1.1:

• Improved CPU performance
• Faster attack time (now goes down to 0.1 ms)
• Changed response for gain reduction meter & clip indicator
• Fix: registration glitch causing the plug-in to sometimes appear unregistered
• Fix: Weird panning behaviour in some hosts with certain material

Unfortunately it has not been possible to maintain preset/song compatibility with the previous version, so it is recommended that you keep version 1.0 on your system while making the transition. The trial version will also soon be updated.

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

Posted in Computer, Plug-Ins, Software, Technology

Line 6, Inc. announced today that GuitarPort XT is now shipping. The hardware and software bundle, which will include GearBox™ 2.0 software, is a powerful tool for guitarists seeking a no-hassle way to learn, play and record music. GuitarPort XT works with both PC and Mac computers, including the new Intel-based OS X machines.

GuitarPort XT delivers 18 classic and modern guitar amp models, 24 cab models, and 28 must-have studio and stompbox effects. Plus, included tools such as a chromatic tuner, hum reducer, metronome, and riff looper with half-speed playback ensure a great musical experience. “We’ve taken the studio standard digital modeling we perfected with POD XT, and our expertise in guitar-friendly user interfaces, and combined them into a computer-based product anyone can use and afford,” said Mark McCrite, Product Line Manager for POD & PC Products, Line 6.

With the optional GuitarPort Online™ membership, the musical possibilities of GuitarPort XT are almost limitless. Using an Internet connection, GuitarPort Online members can immerse themselves in a world of guitar tones, tracks and tablature. An incredible collection of loops, grooves, in-depth artist lessons, and original Line 6 songs are instantly available for jamming. The online library also features hundreds of the world’s greatest guitar songs. Ranging from blues to hardcore to modern rock and country, most tracks are available with and without guitar.

Recorded with the same painstaking detail as the original versions, users can learn their favorite songs by using the provided tablature, then “sit in” with a band like Double Trouble on Stevie Ray Vaughan tunes. GuitarPort Online members can even jam with the original master tracks from Jimi Hendrix exclusively remixed by original engineer Eddie Kramer. All lesson, cover, and master tracks are matched with perfectly dialed in amp, cab and effect tones for the ultimate in-studio experience that only Line 6 can offer.

GuitarPort XT (hardware/software package) - $139.99 MSRP, $99.99 Street Price

For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com.

Posted in Amplification, Computer, Digital, Effects, Software, Technology

Line 6, Inc. announced the latest version of their award-winning guitar recording software, RiffWorks Line 6 Edition Version 2. RiffWorks is available as a standalone software recording application for Line 6® USB enabled devices, and as part of the GuitarPort® RiffTracker™ hardware/software bundle. RiffWorks Version 2 is available for Mac® OS X Universal, as well as Windows® XP and includes RiffLink online collaboration for 60 days and RiffCaster instant podcasting technology.

Designed for guitarists, RiffWorks makes recording easy and fun. RiffWorks users can set the tempo and start recording simply by strumming their guitar. Seven real-time effects help create just the right mix, and the included InstantDrummer™ offers authentic drummer back-up recordings and the ability to dial in the right amount of intensity and variation without typical tedious drum-machine programming. Eight InstantDrummer sessions are included and 46 more are available from Sonoma Wire Works.

With integrated RiffLink technology, RiffWorks users will be able to jam together online with no technical challenges regardless of their platform (Windows® XP or Mac® OS X). RiffLink collaboration will allow multiple users to record and mix in a shared session in real-time or when they have time. After the 60-day free trial, for a nominal subscription fee, users can continue to enjoy all the robust features of RiffLink online collaboration.

RiffWorks Version 2 will offer one-click podcasting and webcasting. RiffCaster broadcasting service allows instant publishing via podcasts and webcasts at the press of a button — all with embedded Creative Commons licensing. “We’ve heard several killer songs produced by RiffWorks users who say it’s their first time ever recording. Many musicians post their first song on RiffCaster the same night they install RiffWorks,” says Doug Wright, President of Sonoma Wire Works. “And now with RiffLink they can collaborate with friends, too.”

RiffWorks Line 6 Edition works seamlessly with Line 6 products such as TonePort™, POD® xt, POD® xt Live, POD® xt Pro, and GuitarPort for Windows® and Mac® OS X. RiffWorks Version 2 is available as an add-on for Line 6 GuitarPort, TonePort, and PODxt customers for $99 and as a complete solution in a box with a GuitarPort in stores now for $265.99 MSRP. Any version of RiffWorks/GuitarPort RiffTracker purchased on or after February 1st, 2006 will be upgraded for free to RiffWorks Line 6 Edition Version 2.

For more information, visit their web site at www.line6.com.

Posted in Guitar, Recording, Software, Technology

AraldFX and Dash Signature has released the Mac version (AU, VST and AU Universal Binary) of Grand Electrix Virtual Piano, an emulation of the famous CP70 electroacoustic piano.

To celebrate the Mac release the price is reduced to only 50 USD for two weeks, until 10th of September 2006 (then it will get back to full price $79 US). The license at $50 US includes both Mac OS X and PC Windows versions.

“Grand Electrix” is a sample based virtual instrument featuring a new stream from disk custom technology (”direct from disk”), for very low memory and CPU usage. Samples are streamed in real time from the computer disk, so there is no need for large amounts of RAM.

Features:

• 180 MB multisample full decay, no loops, crossfading layers
• Stream from disk custom technology for very low memory and CPU usage
• Complete control on Velocity response, curve, min max, sensivity
• 3 Band EQ
• Tremolo
• Chorus
• Temperament Menu (microtuning)
• Stretch tuning adjustable

Samples are derived from the acclaimed Hollow Sun library “Definitive CP 70″. A demo of Grand Electrix Virtual Piano is available here.

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

Posted in Apple Mac, Computer, Piano, 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

NevaFong have announced the release of “Envelight Set” for Cakewalk Z3ta+, a new loadable wavetable set with 57 new waveforms and a sound set of 128 top-notch sounds.

Long-standing work experience with various synthesizers made it possible to create sounds which will be interesting both to beginning users and experienced musicians wishing to add new elements in their compositions.

The wavetable set includes 57 new waveforms. Unique waveforms are created on the basis of FM, additive, and subtractive synthesis and experimental modulations.

The soundset also includes 128 high-quality presets sorted by categories: Bass, Fat, FX, FX tone, Keyboard, Lead, Pad, Various.

Background and solo sounds are powerful and soft, with exotic and classical flavors to suit any genre.

Envelight Set costs $45. Demo mp3s are available for download on the Neva Fong website.

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

Posted in Computer, Recording, Samples, Software, Synth, Technology

Rayzoon proudly announces the release of Jamstix 1.7, another massive update for their ground-breaking virtual drummer.

The focus of this update is an improved audio engine that reduces CPU usage and the addition of the brand-new ‘Keyboard Jam’ mode. Aside from this, there are dozens of additions and enhancements, new rhythms, new automation parameters as well as several bug fixes.

All Jamstix owners can download the update free of charge here.

Update Details:

• Lowered CPU usage through optimized audio processing and improved voice reduction
• Implemented new jam mode “Keyboard Jam”
• Added 20 new rhythms as follows:
  • 7 world rhythms, including cha cha, calypso, merengue and soca
  • 6 rock rhythms
  • 4 R&B rhythms
  • 2 jazz rhythms
  • 1 reggae rhythm
• Automatic fills are now also available in ‘Manual Jam’
• PDF manual is now fully searchable
• Console gain meters are now stereo instead of mono sum
• Added ‘Time Sig Changes’ option to OUTPUT tab. Host synch-up is accelerated if unchecked, fixing possible loop alignment issues
• Improved ‘Shaping’ function in various ways, including suppression of clicking at high levels
• Added ‘Dampening’ slider to the ‘Ambience’ control panel to simulate smaller rooms
• Added options ‘Create 2-Bar Pattern’ and ‘Create 4-Bar Pattern’ to arranger rhythm name right-click menu, which allow the quick creation of multi-bar patterns
• Bars that have snare or tom accents are now shown with a black center line in the arranger
• Added ‘2x 16th’ as an option for the hihat quarter column
• When editing hihat quarter and eighths columns, the velocity is now only reset to default if it is currently zero
• Improved fill start time suppression options
• Added option ‘Simplify by suppressing 16th notes’ to the fill options
• Improved reggae rhythms and added ’shuffle’ keyword to them
• Improved hihat choking sound when choked by low velocity closed hat event
• Added ‘Drive/Laid-Back Timing’ automation parameter which allows setting a constant earliness (drive) or lateness (laid-back) of the drums
• BFD mappings now have anti-machine gun mode enabled
• Increased limb transition time for snare ghost notes to account for stick drag time
• Improved hihat import logic for 8ths and added missing logic for 16ths
• Mapping tab output lock state is now recalled via ini profile
• Selecting ‘Normal’ character no longer switches off shuffling
• Clicking ‘Free Jam’ no longer clears the current arrangement
• When using fill filter start time limits with fills that issue rhythm silencing before the start time limit, the rhythm is no longer silenced until the fill is allowed to start
• Added new automation parameters to dynamically control fill options during a performance
  • Fill - Start Limiter
  • Fill - Rhythm Silencer
  • Fill - Toms On Snare
  • Fill - No 16ths
• Added warning message if sounds are missing
• Output grouping now also applies to percussion sounds
• Added voice limiter to restrict maximum voice load to around 60 (90 on min reduction level)
• Improved + column hihat velocity logic and fixed suppressed semi hats in that column under certain cirucmstances
• Added ini option ‘SpeedFilterBPM’ to set a BPM above which certain 16th notes and all 32nd notes in fills and accents will be suppressed to avoid unnaturally fast performances
• The velocity threshold for switching from snare head to sidestick can now be adjusted in the general ini settings (Velocity_Autoside, 0..1). Default is 0.5 (used to be 0.7 so adjust if you need the old style)
• The velocity thresholds for the reduction logic can now be adjusted in the general ini settings:
  • Velocity_Reduction1 0..1 Default=0.4
  • Velocity_Reduction2 0..1 Default=0.3
  • Velocity_Reduction3 0..1 Default=0.2
  • Velocity_Reduction4 0..1 Default=0.1
• Added notice above arranger in free and keyword jam indicating that Jamstix is controlling the arrangement in those modes
• Fixed increasing CPU usage over time in Podium and forte
• Fixed problem with Jamstix ‘freezing’ after loading first internal sample in some hosts under certain circumstances
• Fixed a problem that could lead to an infinite loop when using empty default mappings or missing stock sounds under certain circumstances
• Fixed delayed playing of accents suppressed by a silent rhythm or post-fill pause
• Fixed GUI freeze in n-Track when closing several listboxes without selection
• Fixed MIDI export tempo offset by 1BPM when the host sends tempo information in .9999 format

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

Posted in Computer, Drums & Percussion, Recording, Software, Technology

OttoPhilter is the 7th of the Twister Series, a new line of Audio Unit effects from Music Unfolding.

OttoPhilter is an auto/touch wah filter with LFO control and sub-octave generation and a second auto/touch wah filter on the sub-octave.

There’s a level meter tied to the touch wah sensitivity to help you adjust OttoPhilter to suit your playing dynamics. OttoPhilter has two driven resonant filter sections - one on your input signal and one for the generated sub-octave. The filters sweep by using triggered envelopes or tracking the input signal or using LFOs.

OttoPhilter is $19.99 and is available for OS X as a Universal Binary. Download a demo of OttoPhilter here.

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

Posted in Audio, Effects, Recording, Software, Synth, Technology, VST

Livelab.dk has released version 1.44 of LiveSlice.

New features/changes:

• GUI optimized - more than twice as fast - especially when using large arrangements
• 72 arrangements - 3 banks of 24
• playback position is only reset the first time the play button is pressed
• track clear changed (mouse buttons reversed): LMB does a complete clear, RMB leaves empty events
• improved event display when moving events

Bugfixes:

• single slice trigger timing bug fixed
• gui play button bug fixed (is now updated correctly)
• settings page display bug fixed
• changing number of visible tracks now refreshes properly
• parameter value set and display bugs fixed
• Audiomulch crash when closing file dialogs fixed

For more information, visit their web site at www.livelab.dk.

Posted in Computer, Recording, Software, Technology