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

IK Multimedia is pleased to announce that three new Bundle collections of IK’s award-winning music production tools are now shipping: The “Total Studio Bundle,” The “Total Effects Bundle” and the “Total Workstation Bundle.”

With savings of up to 67% off the full prices for registered IK Users, the IK Total Bundle Series is the most comprehensive collection of instruments, samples and effects available, suiting all musicians at every level of expertise.

The IK Total Bundle Series offers the perfect solution for recording, composing, producing and mastering any style of music, be it orchestral, pop, rock, hip-hop or experimental. These bundles contain all the essential instruments and effects found in a high-quality recording and post-production studio environment, designed to help take music production to the next level.

Three separate collections are available:

Total Workstation Bundle
All of IK’s premier software virtual instrument workstations in one complete package; designed to provide sounds for every genre and style of music.

3 virtual instrument workstation plug-in suites
SampleTank 2.1 XL sample workstation with over 1,700 sounds
Sonik Synth 2 synth workstation with over 5,000 sounds
Miroslav Philharmonik orchestral workstation with over 1,300 sounds
Over 8,000 multi-sampled sounds and 21.5GB of samples included for all instruments types and music genres
An all-around comprehensive solution for all sample-based instrument needs

Total Effects Bundle
Offering 4 different plug-in signal processing suites, the Total Effects Bundle is a complete professional signal processing package designed to get the most complete selection of award-winning analog modeled effects in a single package.

4 effects plug-in suites
Ampeg SVX complete bass-rig with signature Ampeg sound
AmpliTube 2 complete guitar amp and effects modeling solution
Classik Studio Reverb 4 high end reverbs modeled on classic outboards
T-RackS analog modeled mixing and mastering suite
Over 90 DSP effects included. The widest range of analog modeled effects in one package.
The only effects bundle solution covering all basic studio needs for Mixing, Mastering, Reverbs, Guitar and Bass

Total Studio Bundle
The entire collection of IK effects and instruments plug-ins, all the necessary professional quality production tools for everything needed to record, compose, produce, master in every style of music.

7 effects and instruments plug-in suites
SampleTank 2.1 XL sample workstation with over 1,700 sounds
Sonik Synth 2 synth workstation with over 5,000 sounds
Miroslav Philharmonik orchestral workstation with over 1,300 sounds
Ampeg SVX complete bass-rig with signature Ampeg sound
AmpliTube 2 complete guitar amp and effects modeling solution
Classik Studio Reverb 4 high end reverbs modeled on classic outboard gear
T-RackS analog modeled mixing and mastering suite
Over 90 DSP effects included
Over 8,000 multisampled sounds and 21.5GB of samples included for all instruments types and music genres
The most complete selection of effects and instruments in one package covering all studio needs.

All registered IK customers of ANY IK product version (full, upgrade and lite) are eligible to purchase the bundle packages at the upgrade prices.

The Total Bundle Series from IK Multimedia is currently available from all IK distributors and dealers worldwide.

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

Posted in Production, Recording, Technology

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

Magix announced today a new version of its award-winning music creation software, MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe, featuring powerful new compositional aids, including “JamSession Mode,” “Mastering Suite,” and “Sample Player,” which makes creating music a snap. MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe is available immediately in stores and online at www.magix.com for $79.99.

MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe, the best-selling music creation software for the PC worldwide1, has surpassed its already extensive feature list with exciting new features:

• JamSession Mode: with advances in recording automation, people recording at home can now simply start jamming and rely on the software to choose the instruments and effects. In addition, for the first time, the famous sample player, “Sample Tank MX” from the renowned software house IK Multimedia, is included.
• Mastering Suite: delivers music studio sound at the touch of a button. Give your recordings a professional, impressive sound at home. The software incorporates experience and feedback provided by international music studio professionals, who have used the product throughout the last 10 years. It also offers powerful studio sound with four mastering effects.
• New effects: include the parametric 4-band equalizer for perfect tuning and VariVerb for excellent stereo reverb, which provide a well-tempered sound. The BitMachine, free when registering your product, lets you mix in old-style lo-fi sounds from the early days of music into your songs.

Task Assistant Makes Music Studio 11 deluxe Easy to Use

Even with all the advanced features, MAGIX Music Studio 11 deluxe is still extremely easy to use. The Task Assistant quickly walks you through the basics of the program, explaining the most important functions through short videos.

Although easy enough for home users and amateur musicians, Music Studio 11 deLuxe is advanced enough for semi-professional and professional movie and video producers, who take advantage of the power of the software to create perfect soundtracks employing MAGIX’s new advanced features, such as professional sound overdubbing.

Available immediately, Magix Music Studio 11 deluxe is priced at $79.99 available through the retail channel and online at www.magix.com.

For more information, visit their web site at www.magix.net.

Posted in Computer, Recording, Software, Technology

Neumann is building on the legacy of its well-known KM series of miniature microphones with the introduction of three new digital models with integrated DSP. The modular KM 183 D, KM 184 D and KM 185 D combine omnidirectional, cardioid and supercardioid capsules with the KM D output stage to offer three different directional characteristics.

The proven Neumann A-to-D converter is located immediately next to the capsule in the new microphone models. The converter supports a dynamic range far exceeding that of the capsule, with no coloration and absolute transparency.

Two versions of the new digital miniature microphones are available in classic nickel and black Nextel finish. All standard sampling frequencies, from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, are supported.

The integrated DSP functions - including gain, a compressor/limiter with de-esser and a peak limiter - can be configured and controlled remotely via the DMI-2 digital microphone interface and the RCS remote control software. The fully digital system permits the peak limiter to operate across the entire available dynamic range even in stressful recording situations.

Neumann is additionally offering attractively priced “Connection Kits” to permit easy connection of the digital KM series microphones to S/PDIF and AES/EBU interfaces without the DMI-2. An upgrade to the DMI-2, with its configuration capabilities and DSP functions, is possible at any time. A plug-in power supply is included as a standard feature. A battery pack to permit outdoor operation is available as an option.

The DMI-2 digital microphone interface has recently been updated with discreet visual enhancements, support for the 192kHz sampling rate, AES 11 synchronization capability and greatly improved jitter performance. Data exchange with the microphone in accordance with the AES 42 standard and the supply of the data stream from the microphone in AES/EBU format remains a key feature of the DMI-2.

Two budget-oriented starter sets that package a Neumann KM 184 D microphone with a Connection Kit for S/PDIF or AES/EBU connection offer a straightforward introduction to digital microphone technology at a very attractive U.S. retail price of $3,495. Since the microphone includes an A-to-D converter and does not require a preamplifier, these starter sets provide all of the necessary components for capturing the Neumann microphone sound onto the digital recording medium with no coloration.

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

Posted in Microphones, Technology

Advanced tube technology enables musicians to capture the full range of their sound.

Sterling Audio — working closely with Aspen Pittman of Groove Tubes fame, legendary researcher and designer of audio tubes and microphones — has announced recent additions to Sterling Audio’s line of professional microphones:

ST66 (Class-A tube, large diaphragm condenser mic)
ST55 (Class-A FET, large diaphragm condenser mic)
ST44 (Class-A tube, mid-size diaphragm condenser mic)
ST33 (Class-A FET, mid-size diaphragm condenser mic)
ST31 (low-noise FET, mid-sized condenser mic) With the exception of the ST31, all models feature an attenuation switch (ST55/ST66 -10dB; ST33/ST44 -15dB), a 75Hz, 12dB/octave low frequency roll-off switch, cardioid polar pattern, and transformer-isolated output. The ST31 uses a hypercardioid polar pattern and transformerless output design.

All Sterling microphones feature high-SPL handling. Available accessories are the STSM3 and STSM4 shockmounts and the STPF1 professional pop filter.

One of the features of Sterling Audio’s large capsules is the exclusive Disk Resonator™ system. With it, they have been able to compensate for the 14kHz frequency roll-off that is inherent in large diaphragm mics. This deficiency translates to a lack of sparkle from high-frequency sound sources.

Other manufacturers have typically solved this problem with corrective EQ circuits after the capsule; “boosting” the high frequency which unfortunately results in increased noise and other negative sonic artifacts from this band aid circuit approach.

Disk Resonator Technology incorporates a gold-plated brass “umbrella” that protrudes from the center of the diaphragm in Sterling Audio’s ST55 and ST66 mics. It gently boosts the diaphragm sensitivity to shorter sound waves, allowing it to respond more accurately to those all-important higher frequencies. The result is optimal sensitivity, full frequency response, and a low signal-to-noise ratio.

While most modern condenser diaphragms are 6 to 12 microns in thickness, Sterling Audio, in association with Dupont, has produced a highly resilient Mylar that measures a mere 3 microns. This allows the ST55 and ST66 to deliver a degree of sensitivity unparalleled in the industry.

The ST66 and ST44 use triode wiring on specially selected pentode tubes to yield low noise and a more realistic dynamic response than their competitors. Its power supply is designed with a load-balancing circuitry that allows cable runs of more than 200 feet with no deviation from optimal performance.

For more information, visit their web site at www.sterlingaudio.net.

Posted in Microphones, Technology

Demonstrating its commitment to customers worldwide, Roland is proud to announce extensive editor and driver updates for the new SH-201 Synthesizer.

Roland Product Manager Vince LaDuca relates, “We’re now offering our SH-201 users support for the Apple® Audio Units plug-in format. This new feature allows the SH-201 editor to be accessed from within Logic, Digital Performer, Live, Garage Band, and other Audio Units-compatible DAWs.”

The Audio Units, or AU plug-in can be downloaded from www.rolandus.com.

Additionally, the SH-201 driver has also be updated to support the new Intel-based Macintosh computers. This adds the SH-201 to the ever-growing list of over 50 Roland products that have Universal Binary support.

In addition to these extensive updates, Roland is also offering a collection of patches for the SH-201 from a global roster of artists.

Available now at www.rolandus.com:

• SH-201 Editor Version 1.10 Macintosh OS X
Roland’s latest version of the SH-201 Editor / Librarian is now available.This install contains the stand-alone, the VSTi, and the AU versions of the Editor.

• SH-201 Macintosh OS X USB Driver Version 1.10
Used to connect the SH-201 to a Macintosh computer running OS X, this version of the driver adds support for Intel-based Macintosh computers.

Both Windows XP/2000 and Macintosh OS X installs contain custom patches from Jean Michel Jarre, Jordan Rudess, Richard Barbieri, and Hisashi Saito.

Also Available:

• SH-201 Windows USB Driver Version 1.01 for connecting the SH-201 to PCs running Windows XP or 2000.

•SH-201 Editor Version 1.10 Windows XP/2000

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

Posted in Computer, Recording, Software, Synth, Technology

Pianoteq is the very first truly modelled piano, available for the VST and AudioUnit platforms.

Being a truly modelled piano, the sound is created in real time from scratch through a very sophisticated mathematical model, simulating an acoustic piano. It is responding to how the pianist is striking each key and how strings are interacting, just like a real piano does. The result is a remarkably expressive and vivid instrument.

The first generation of pianos began with Cristofori’s pianoforte in 1698 which came to maturity at the end of the 19th century with the acoustic grand pianos. It was followed in the 20th century by the second generation electro-acoustic pianos and the third generation sampled pianos where each note is a recording of how it sounded during a specific moment in time, not taking into account the complexity of the instrument.

Pianoteq is the first and only piano belonging to the fourth generation, developed to go beyond the limitations of the third generation and to become a versatile and innovating tool.

Simulating acoustic pianos: Everything that characterizes an acoustic piano is there: the mechanic noises (optional), the complexity of pedals and strings in interaction, the percussion impact on staccato play, and of course the most important, the beauty of the piano sound.

New possibilities: The unique adjustable parameters result in great realism and even allow going beyond the material constraints of an acoustic piano, thus being able to create new instruments and sounds.

System friendly: Pianoteq adapts its CPU consumption dynamically to the resources available on your computer. It holds more than easily in the computer memory, and its installation is fast and easy. It can be successfully used on a modern laptop.

The current piano presets are the first instruments of a collection which will grow in the near future. Pianoteq customers are invited to exchange their best settings through the FXP corner of the Pianoteq website.

Being modelled, Pianoteq allows parameters to be stretched as long as the model permits, resulting not only in new performance styles but also in new piano sounds. The sound comes from 32-bit floating audio computation without any quantization noise, not even with the softest pianissimos. Expressivity is superior as it can handle all the 127 MIDI velocities for each note.

The high quality sound can be easily processed in a virtual studio for professional use.

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

Posted in Audio, Computer, Plug-Ins, Recording, Software, Technology, VST