Category Archives: Technology

Avid Announces Sibelius 7, the Fastest, Smartest, Easiest Way to Write Music

Posted on July 27, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Avid releases newest version of the world’s best-selling music notation software, with full MusicXML interchange support, exclusive professional-quality sample library and a new task-oriented user interface.

Avid® today announced the release of Sibelius 7, the newest version of the company’s flagship musical notation software. Combining a deep, sophisticated feature set with an all new task-oriented user interface — putting all of the software’s features at the user’s fingertips — Sibelius® 7 enhances music writing through intuitive and flexible workflows and improved tools for increased collaboration. Complete with a newly recorded professional-quality sampled sound library, native 64-bit performance, full MusicXML interchange support, and advanced typography and graphics features, Sibelius 7 is more powerful and versatile than ever before.

“Whether you’re a composer, arranger, copyist, publisher, instrumentalist, teacher or student, Sibelius 7 enables you to write music even more quickly and easily—no matter your level of experience,” said Chris Gahagan, Avid Senior Vice President of Products and Solutions. “Sibelius 7 offers a completely redesigned user interface and technology architecture, providing incredibly fast performance and improved workflows designed to help you create beautiful scores faster and more easily than ever.”

What’s New in Sibelius 7?

  • New and exclusive professional-quality sound library – Unique to Sibelius, the new professional-quality sound library delivers stunning musical realism to scores during playback. It includes the Avid Orchestra, a specially recorded full symphony orchestra, a collection of rock and pop sounds from the Avid virtual instrument team, a 27-stop church organ from leading virtual organ creator Hauptwerk, and a selection of sounds from Sample Logic Rumble and Fanfare featuring 14-time world champion Drum and Bugle Corps, The Blue Devils.
  • Completely redesigned task-oriented user interface – Optimized for single-display systems, the new user interface employs a rich graphical toolbar and dockable panels that don’t obscure the working area, putting all of the software’s features at the user’s fingertips. The redesigned mixer also allows finer control of playback than ever before, delivering more balanced mixes.
  • Full MusicXML interchange – Complete MusicXML import and now export makes sharing files with hundreds of music applications, including Finale®, easier than ever.
  • 64-bit performance – Sibelius 7 is the world’s first native 64-bit notation software, and has been completely rewritten to take advantage of the performance of today’s incredibly fast 64-bit hardware and operating systems.
  • Powerful text, graphic and sharing options – Publisher-quality typography and graphics import/export capability delivers finished scores with professional-quality text and graphics. Publish and export demanding layouts and text-heavy scores with advanced finishing options, including direct PDF and EPS export. Also sync with or import notation from Pro Tools®, or export scores as Scorch® files, then share or publish them on the web or via Avid Scorch for iPad®.

What Customers Are Saying

“Sibelius 7 clearly demonstrates that the design team is not content to rest on their laurels,” declares Bill Holab, engraver and winner of 57 Paul Revere awards for graphic excellence in music. “They have completely revamped the interface, made it easier for novice users, yet retained all of the familiar shortcuts. On top of that, they have redesigned the display system so that we get a far more accurate view of the music onscreen, and added in extensive text features that are essential to some of the complex projects we work on, like opera vocal scores. Sibelius 7 is an intrinsic part of our production workflow and will continue to be the main tool we use to prepare high-end music publications and performance materials.”

“The striking thing about Sibelius 7 is the new user interface – the startling thing about Sibelius 7 is how much faster the new user interface allows you to work,” explains John Murdoch, music director of Lehigh Valley Presbyterian Church in Allentown, PA. “Are you arranging a score for a choral performance? Sibelius 7 makes you faster. Are you creating music for live playback with virtual instruments? Sibelius 7 makes you faster. Are you simplifying a score for Broadway musical auditions? Sibelius 7 makes you faster. And that was just my day yesterday.”

Availability and Pricing

Sibelius 7 is now available for £459 GBP / €549 EUR. Current Sibelius customers may take advantage of upgrade options of £119 GBP / €140 EUR, with multi-seat upgrade pricing from £47 GBP / €60 EUR per seat. Customers looking to crossgrade from another notation product can purchase a crossgrade for £149 GBP / €170 EUR. Avid also offers individual educator and student pricing for £219 GBP / €249 EUR. In addition, students receive four years of complimentary upgrades. This price and four years of complimentary upgrades also apply to Avid’s leading audio and video software, Pro Tools and Media Composer. Educational multi-user pricing is offered at £95 GBP / €95 EUR per seat. To learn more or to watch a video overview of Sibelius 7, visit Sibelius online. For purchasing inquiries, please visit the Sibelius Store.

Posted in Computer, MIDI, Sheet Music, Software, Technology

Avid Next-Generation DJ Software Torq 2.0 – Special Promotions

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Buy Torq Xponent – Get a Gig Bag at No Extra Charge or Buy Torq Conectiv – Get Accessories at No Extra Charge

Avid UK — July 21st—Avid® (NASDAQ: AVID) today announced special promotions for  Torq® Xponent performance and production system and Torq®  Conectiv audio interface for connecting turntables or DJ CD players.

Buy the Torq Xponent and get a gig bag at no extra cost.  If you are ready to experience the future of DJing then the Torq Exponent is for you. It provides you with hands on control of all the revolutionary features in Torq 2.0 software in a portable compact form that is easy to take on the road. Purchase and register your Torq Xponent before 16th September 2011 and you will receive a custom designed, rugged construction, Gig Bag (worth more than £50) at no extra cost. The bag has lots of separate compartments for the Xponent, a laptop, any accessories – in fact everything you need for a night out.  Buy now or find a reseller for the Torq Xponent system.

Buy the Torq Conectiv and get accessories at no extra cost.  This offer means there has never been a better time to step up to the creative power of Torq. Purchase and register your Torq Conectiv before September 16th 2011 and at no extra cost you have a choice of two additional control CDs, two additional control vinyl mats or two slipmats. This means you could get everything you need to create and perform your own sound. The Torq Conectiv also includes an upgrade to Torq 2.0 at no extra cost. Buy now or find a reseller for the Torq Connectiv system.

Offers are available while stocks last – so act quickly and don’t miss out.

Note: Everyone purchasing Torq Xponent or Torq Conectiv from January 13, 2011 to September 30, 2011 will receive a free upgrade to Torq 2.0 when it becomes available.

Further information on Torq and the upgrade amnesty can be found here: www.avid.com/US/products/Torq-2.

Posted in DJ, Technology

Mackie Expands Popular ProFX Mixer Series

Posted on May 26, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Offers increased channel count and compression for larger applications.

Mackie today announces two additions to its popular ProFX Compact Effects Mixer series — the ProFX16 and ProFX22. With increased channel count and useful tools like dedicated inline compression, both new models are perfect for mid-sized venues and bands looking for a do-it-all live sound solution.

“The ProFX line has always been about maximum utility,” said Matt Redmon, Mackie Product Manager.  “Now, with the new ProFX16 and ProFX22, larger applications can benefit from Mackie’s out-of-the-box live sound solution.”

Like all ProFX Series mixers, the new 16-channel ProFX16 and 22-channel ProFX22 deliver a host of features designed to eliminate the need for additional rackmount gear. On the front end, Mackie low-noise, high-headroom preamps work with LED metering and 60mm faders on each channel to keep levels in check. Every channel also features 3-band EQ. All ProFX mixers offer an integrated 32-bit RMFX™ effects processor with 16 “Gig-Ready” FX and a 7-band graphic EQ for simple tuning of mains or monitors. The built-in USB interface allows the user to record the show and stream back music for breaks or integration into the mix. A rugged, solid steel chassis with protective ABS sidecheeks offers superior impact-resistance. The new ProFX16 and ProFX22 not only increase the number of mic pres needed for larger applications, they also feature dedicated inline compression for simple, one-knob compression of critical vocals and instruments.

“They’re easy to operate, sound great and virtually eliminate the need for expensive, heavy outboard gear,” remarked Redmon. “They’re perfect for any performance venue, house of worship or band that needs a ton of professional tools and are on a budget.”

The new ProFX16 and ProFX22 join the popular ProFX Series, which also features the ultra-compact ProFX8 and ProFX12. Both new ProFX models will be available worldwide in Q2, 2011. Pricing is as follows: ProFX16 – Euro list price €599 Inc tax / UK list price of £499 Inc Vat, ProFX22 – Euro list price €799 Inc tax / UK list price of £699 Inc Vat. For more detailed product information, please visit www.mackie.com.

Posted in Audio, Effects, Mixers, Technology

Nomad Factory Releases ECHOES – The Ultimate Analog Echo Box

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Nomad Factory today proudly announces the release of ECHOES, a new Analog Echo Box plug-in designed to reproduce the warmth and richness of classic vintage delay effects. ECHOES faithfully models the greatest delay units of all time…

Following the philosophy behind Nomad Factory’s hit MAGNETIC plug-in, ECHOES not only sounds amazing, but it is designed to be very easy to use. Unlike many other delay plug-ins that have dozens of unnecessary knobs and confusing parameters, ECHOES has captured the essence of the original effects by keeping it simple. With the turn of a few knobs, the plug-in delivers musical results and instant analog delay satisfaction!

1000 words on the product will not say much more… Simply download and try the full ECHOES demo and feel for your self!

Until May 15, 2011, ECHOES will be sold at introductory price of only $49 (MSRP $129).  ECHOES can also be purchased with MAGNETICS in an exclusive bundle offer called “Magnetic Bundle” which is also promoted at introductory price of only $99 (MSRP $158).

Learn more from the Nomad Factory website :

www.nomadfactory.com

System Requirements

Apple Minimum Requirements :

  • Macintosh® Intel Core Solo® 1.5GHz with 1Gb of RAM. Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard. Compatible Intel Macs, PPC are not supported.
  • Apple Compatibility : AudioUnit – RTAS (Pro Tools) and VST plug-ins. (All plug-in formats are included).
  • 32-bit and 64-bit are supported. You can authorize our software on up to 3 computers with a simple one-click authorization procedure (no dongle key required).

Windows Minimum Requirements :

  • Pentium® iV 2GHz / Athlon™XP 2GHz with 1Gb of RAM. Windows 7 – XP – Vista are supported (32-bit and 64-bit).
  • Windows Compatibility : VST and RTAS (Pro Tools) plug-ins. (All plug-in formats are included).
  • 32-bit and 64-bit are supported. You can authorize this software on up to 3 computers with a simple one-click authorization procedure (no dongle key required).
Posted in Events, Plug-Ins, Recording, Technology

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Orange OPC, Upgraded and now Shipping

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Planet-Musician

The much anticipated Orange OPC, the musician’s personal computer, has been upgraded and is ready for Pre-Order from the new website www.orangeopc.com for delivery within the UK by the end of April and will be shipping outside the UK shortly after.

Fresh from its triumphant demonstration at the CES Show on the INTEL stand, the OPC now features the 2nd Generation Intel® Core™ series i3-2100 CPU (3M Cache, 3.10 GHz). Featuring the very latest Intel technology, the new platform uses less power and has vastly superior integrated graphics and raw power ideal for audio processing. Further improvements announced today include 1 VGA and 2 HDMI interfaces and a precision cut laser aluminium chassis.

The OPC hit the headlines last year when the revolutionary all-in-one hybrid was announced. The first computer of its kind to have built-in high powered speakers, the OPC delivers superb full range studio and authentic vintage guitar sounds. The OPC is designed for musicians and songwriters offering one stop playing, recording, editing and computing capabilities, with premium software pre-installed. The OPC works straight out of the box with no setting up necessary… just plug in, play, record and share!

The OPC comes with well over £700/$1000 of premium software, including the following packages;

  • IK Multimedia Amplitube 3 including Custom Shop Orange Amps – Amp and Effects Modelling Software
  • Presonus Studio One Custom Orange Edition – DAW
  • Acoustica Mixcraft 5 – DAW
  • Toontracks EZdrummer Lite
  • Lick Library Player – Guitar learning and jamming centre for included guitar lessons.

The OPC retail price is £1020 + VAT (£1224 inc) with free delivery and can be ordered from the new website www.orangeopc.com.

Technical Specifications:

  • 500GB Hard Disk Drive
  • 4GB DDR3 1333Mhz RAM
  • OPC Instrument Interface 24bit, 96hz ULTRA low latency
  • 2 independent ¼” jack inputs for guitar, microphone or instrument, switchable and attenuated
  • Optical & Coaxial S/PDIF outputs
  • Intel® Core™ i3-2100 Processor (3M Cache, 3.10 GHz)
  • Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
  • Stereo Amplifier with 2 x JBL 6.5”Dual Concentric drivers

The Orange OPC revolution starts here!

For further information news please see the website www.orangeopc.com or contact info@orangeusa.com.

Posted in Amplification, Computer, Frankfurt Musikmesse, Guitar, Technology

Avid Announces Eleven Rack Expansion Pack

Posted on March 23, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Eleven Rack Expansion Pack: Expanded Guitar Amp Emulation, Vocal and Bass Workflows and Effect.

The Eleven Rack Expansion Pack, a software add-on option for Avid’s award-winning Eleven Rack guitar amp and effects processor, provides a series of new features and enhancements to the system, including:

  • New guitar and bass amp effects emulations—deliver users an expanded sonic palette with 19 new guitar amp and effects emulations, including an all-new bass amp/cabinet simulation that invokes the sounds of legendary bass tones.
  • Parametric EQ and studio compressor channel strip effects—allow customers to easily capture vocal and instrument performances using new channel strip-style signal processing.
  • Dynamic stereo delay—provides customers more options to enhance their sound, create custom effects and widen their guitar tone with full ducking, panning and filtering control on delay feedback.
  • Speaker break-up emulation—re-creates the natural distortion characteristics heard when turning up an analog amp with speaker breakup emulation added to all amps.

Pricing and availability

The Eleven Rack Expansion Pack will be available worldwide on March 22, 2011 for $99 USD / £76.95 via the Avid Web store only.

www.Shop.Avid.com

Specific link to product: http://shop.avid.com/store/product.do?product=324834580953840

For more information on features and availability, visit: www.avid.com.

Posted in Amplification, Bass, Effects, Guitar, Software, Technology

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: New Mackie VLZ3 4-Bus Mixers Offer Proven VLZ Technology with Higher Channel Count

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Includes integrated FX and USB connectivity.

Mackie today brings two new mid-format analog consoles, each featuring dual internal FX processors, dedicated compression and 4-track recording via USB – the 24-channel 2404-VLZ3 and 32-channel 3204-VLZ3 to Musikmesse. Mackie VLZ3 4-Bus Premium FX Mixers with USB deliver proven, professional sound quality and performance in an ultra-compact and rugged design with the channel count needed for SR applications.

“VLZ is synonymous with high-headroom and low-noise,” remarked John Boudreau, Music Gear Group VP, LOUD Technologies Inc. “We are psyched to bring VLZ3 performance to mixers with higher channel count and real-world live sound tools like effects processing, channel compression and USB connectivity.”

The Mackie 2404-VLZ3 and 3204-VLZ3 feature low-noise, high-headroom XDR2™ mic channels (20 and 28, respectively) and two dedicated channels for stereo inputs. Inline compression is available on each of the four subgroups and on four select channels. Dual 32-bit RMFX™ effects processors offer 16 extremely useable presets, including tap delay. The integrated 4×2 USB interface offers multiple routing options to a DAW, with a convenient stereo return that’s assignable to the mains for background music or into a channel strip for mix integration. With the smallest footprint in their class and legendary Mackie rugged design, VLZ3 4-Bus mixers are perfect for often cramped FOH areas or portable applications.

“Mackie has always been about professional features and performance at prices that are within the reach of the working musician. The new VLZ3 4-Bus mixers are a perfect example of this philosophy in action,” concluded Boudreau.

The Mackie VLZ3 4-Bus Series Premium FX Mixers with USB are available worldwide. The 2404-VLZ3 is £1199 including VAT and €1499 including tax. The 3204-VLZ3 is £1349 including VAT and €1699 including tax. Visit Mackie during Musikmesse from April 6-9, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany in Halle 4.1, Stand E31.  For more detailed product information, please visit www.mackie.com.

Posted in Frankfurt Musikmesse, Mixers, Technology

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Mackie Introduces New Ultra-Compact TH-12A Powered Loudspeaker

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Extremely affordable new option from Mackie’s popular Thump Series.

Mackie today announces an ultra-compact new addition to its bestselling Thump Series portable, powered loudspeakers — the Thump TH-12A. Delivering the perfect balance of power, portability and price, the new 400-watt, 2-way 12˝ Thump Series loudspeaker is perfect for any application that demands high-output and professional sound without breaking the budget.

“The new TH-12A is simply the best powered loudspeaker option for your hard-earned money,” said Greg Young, Mackie Brand Director.  “While it is more compact, it is an equally powerful version of our top-selling TH-15A. It is truly the most professional compact loudspeaker in its class.”

The new TH-12A is designed by the same award-winning team that created the industry-standard SRM Series powered loudspeakers, delivering proven Mackie build-quality and sonic performance. The TH-12A’s efficient Class-D Fast Recovery™ amplification provides 400 watts of total system power, tuned to perfectly match the custom-designed 12˝ high-precision woofer and 1˝ compression driver. An integrated 3-band EQ on the back panel allows the user to dial in the TH-12A’s tone, perfect for simple room correction or tonal adjust per application (vocal only, low-volume, etc.). Featuring Mackie Active electronics, the precision crossover and transducer time-alignment optimize the system while protective circuitry protects against overload and thermal shutdown. Pole-mountable and ideal for use as a stage monitor, the TH-12A’s lightweight design offers undeniable portability.

“Now there’s a great, ultra-compact Thump loudspeaker,” remarked Young. “…perfect for vocal applications, solo performances or for use as a DJ monitor, too.”

The TH-12A is now available worldwide and is €299 inc. tax & £249 inc. VAT. Visit Mackie during Musikmesse from April 6-9, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany in Halle 4.1, Stand E31.  For more detailed product information, please visit www.mackie.com.

Posted in Frankfurt Musikmesse, Live Sound, Speakers, Technology

Frankfurt Musikmesse 2011: Mackie Introduces New Onyx Blackjack and Blackbird Premium Recording Interfaces

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Offers industry-leading recording quality, conversion in ergonomic designs.

Mackie brings two new premium recording interfaces, additions to the popular Onyx family — the Onyx Blackjack and Onyx Blackbird to Musikmesse. These powerful new interfaces combine the sonic benefits of Mackie’s proven Onyx mic preamps with high-end Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters and workflow-friendly features that are perfect for people starting or expanding upon their studio.

“Our new Onyx interfaces offer unmatched recording quality,” remarked Mackie Product Manager, Matt Redmon. “The Onyx preamps alone are far superior to anything in this price range. Combined with the high-end converters and workflow-friendly features and design…the value is undeniable.”

The Onyx Blackjack is an ultra-compact desktop 2×2 USB interface, perfect for the home studio. It features two acclaimed Onyx mic preamp channels, each featuring built-in DIs for connecting guitars, etc. Separate level control for studio monitors and headphones, along with true analog hardware monitoring take the guesswork out of zero-latency recording. It is bus-powered, with a rugged, ergonomic chassis perfect for both portable and home studio applications.

The rackmount Onyx Blackbird delivers studio-grade recording via eight Onyx mic preamps. A 16×16 FireWire interface, Blackbird also features 8×8 ADAT and wordclock I/O, providing ultimate expandability. There are two “Super Channels” on the front panel with dedicated low-cut switches, phantom power and true hardware monitoring options for quick zero-latency tracking. The other channels are equally flexible, utilizing the powerful Blackbird Control DSP Matrix Mixer for quick setup of independent mixes and the ability to route any input to any output. Monitor, main, alt and dual headphone outs with dedicated source selection and level control ensures there are plenty of mix routing options.

The Onyx Blackjack and Onyx Blackbird are Mac/PC compatible, work with most major DAWs and include Tracktion 3 Music Production Software. The Onyx Blackjack and Onyx Blackbird are now available worldwide. The Onyx Blackjack is €169 inc. tax & £149 inc. VAT and the Onyx Blackbird is €499 inc. tax & £415 inc. VAT. Visit Mackie during Musikmesse from April 6-9, 2011 in Frankfurt, Germany in Halle 4.1, Stand E31.  For more detailed product information, please visit www.mackie.com.

Posted in Frankfurt Musikmesse, Recording, Studio, Technology

Winter NAMM 2011: Orange Amps Launch TH100 Head

Posted on January 10, 2011 by Planet-Musician

Orange Amps continue to advance their guitar amps range with the new TH100 head, the 100 watt big brother of the TH30.

The TH100 has exactly the same controls and pre-amp section as its smaller sibling, but when running in class AB1 (half power) it makes 35 watts on two output tubes and 70 watts on four output tubes. Put it to full power (AB2 position) and the amp makes 50 watts with two output tubes and 100 watts with four. Being able to switch to half power means you can reduce the listening volume while preserving the power tube distortion.

Just like the TH30, the TH100’s design features the best of the Rocker and TH Series, with two channels. The clarity of the classic vintage sparkling sound on one channel plus the stunning overdrive / distortion with its British tone crunch on the other, makes this a very classy amp.

The new head will come with four EL34 tubes, four 12AX7 pre-amp tubes and a 12AT7 for the low impedance FX loop. It will also have four internal bias pots so the output tubes can be matched into the amp by a qualified technician. In terms of size and weight it will be comparable to the Rockerverb 100.

This mighty head delivers more tone, greater power and more features. With this knockout combination the TH100 will be the driving force behind your sound!

To take a look at the TH100 as well as all the other Orange Amps go to Orange Music Booth 4674 Hall C.

www.orangeamps.com

Posted in Amplification, Guitar, NAMM Show, Technology