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

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