T3 has released the T3-Volume 5: Sytrus sound bank. This new bank of settings for ImageLine’s award-winning synthesizer, Sytrus, contains 128 unique, inspiring, and passionately programmed presets. A broad sonic palette is presented through deep basses, wild leads, evolving pads and textures, inspirational sequences, and much, much more.

Also included in the package is T3’s Sytrus Toolbox: a collection of time-saving envelope settings, keyboard mappings, wave cycles, and other useful files, to aid users in the creation of their own sounds. The entire collection has been made available in Steinberg FXB/FXP format, as well as FLStudio’s own FST format for maximum compatibility.

The bank is available immediately from the T3 website and costs $20.00 (USD). Once your order is processed, you will be redirected to the download area for your product. Also, in order to use this product, you must update to the latest version of Sytrus (version 2.2).

For more information, visit their web site at www.t3.totcproductions.com.

Posted in Synth, 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

RoGame Software has released the third generation of the Mozart music education program. Mozart has found wide acceptance with universities, schools as well as professionals and students. While the basic concept and premise of the program have not changed there are many new features and improvements in version 3.0.

Mozart is a program designed to aid in the process of learning how to read music. It does that in the form of a game. Once the game is started via the toolbar or menu, a stream of whole notes comes streaming from the right side of the screen. These notes have to be named in the order of their appearance with the current input instrument (i.e. piano). Once a note gets too close to the clef on the left side of the screen it disappears in a cloud of vapor and the player loses one life. For each note named in time the player gets one point or more depending on level. The further the game progresses the more notes will appear in this steady stream and their range will widen to potentially include many ledger lines above and below the staff. Once a player has depleted all his lives the game is over.

With version 3.0 Mozart can use new sound modules from RoGame Software. These are part of a sound library that will be made available in other music education titles as well. The game includes a Grand Piano module that sounds very realistic. Palm OS 5.x is needed for playback of these new sound modules and playback is asynchronous on many devices like the newer Treos, which makes for a very realistic game experience.

Version 3.0 adds key signatures which makes Mozart an even more valuable tool for the student as well as for the professional. A real boon, however, is the option to have the notes of the current key signature highlighted graphically in the current instrument. The Solfege instrument now works according to the “movable DO” principle and the letter input instrument changes note names according to key. A toolbar button to switch between parallel major and minor makes this concept very transparent.

Another new feature in Mozart 3.0 are ranges. This concept has been implemented very broadly and allows for different ranges in every clef and instrument. By allowing the student to adjust the range of notes that can appear in a practicing session games can be better targeted towards specific weaknesses.

Graphically the application is much improved in version 3.0. The instruments are laid out in much broader fashion and are easier to use. The notation area can be customized to change background patterns and staff color. A new set of toolbars simplifies the operation of the game significantly. Between sessions the toolbar provides quick access to all essential dialogs and functions and once a game is started all game relevant information is displayed.

Previous users of Mozart will find many more new features in version 3.0 than can be described here. There is a new bass instrument. Sessions can be repeated. Solfege syllables can be switched to use Si instead of Ti. The game speed can be adjusted globally and is now constant, and much more.

New Features Recap:

• Sound modules for realistic sounding instruments
• Toolbar interface
• Customizable notation view
• Live play mode in all instruments
• All major and minor key signatures
• Parallel major/minor switch
• New instrument controls
• Added instrument bass
• Repeatable session
• Sessions wizard to configure key and range of training sessions
• Movable Do for Solfege exercises
• Switch between Ti or Si
• Updated for new Palm handhelds
• New full screen interface

Mozart is available by itself and as part of Music Bundle and Music Bundle Pro.

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

Posted in Education

TC Electronic is delighted to announce that its long anticipated audio interface, Konnekt 24D, is now available at EUR 470 retail ex. VAT. The 14 in 14 out (2 mic/inst/line, 2 line inputs and 4 line outputs, 8 ADAT and 2 S/PDIF (optical and coaxial) inputs and outputs) Konnekt 24D audio interface integrates TC’s world-renowned DSP effects in a state-of-the art design developed for recording and performing musicians seeking the highest possible sound quality from analog input through built-in real-time DSP effects to the hard disk.

In addition to front panel control of internal mixer parameters, Konnekt 24D features two front panel inputs that combine TC’s new IMPACT™ (Integrated Mic Preamp Circuit Technology) mic preamps with true Hi-Z input circuits optimized for guitar. Designed for use with active monitors and bundled with Cubase LE software, TC’s new audio interface allows users to start recording right out of the box.

Konnekt 24D’s intuitive user interface design allows users to focus on making music, not on tweaking, and with the Fabrik C channel strip and Fabrik R reverb, Konnekt 24D has the most essential music production tools covered.

Both Fabrik effects feature TC MINT™ technology facilitating complex audio adjustments simply by moving the MINT icons around the screen. The effects are designed to work even in stand-alone mode, a feature that allows users to easily plug, play and monitor without needing to power up the computer.

In addition, Konnekt 24D includes Assimilator Konnekt - an extremely powerful equalization tool that “learns” the frequency curve of one piece of audio so it can be applied to another audio file.

This native fingerprint equalizer, originally developed for PowerCore, has been customized for Konnekt 24D and is ideal for analyzing and copying EQ curves of individual instruments, voices or reference mixes. It truly excels when applied to align the frequency response of different tracks recorded at different times compiled to appear on the same album. Assimilator Konnekt is available as a free download.

Konnekt 8, a non-DSP version with less I/O available in fall 2006.

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

Posted in Audio, Recording

In the past, independent musicians would have to buy huge quantities of bubble envelopes, stuff them with CDs that took hours to burn, look up contact information, print out labels, weigh the packages, then head to the post office where they would pay a hefty bill for mailing. Now there’s a cheaper, secure, web-based delivery alternative.

Broadjam.com has launched a revolutionary new service - Broadjam Radio Deliveries. Powered by Musicrypt’s patented Digital Media Distribution System (DMDS), Broadjam Radio Deliveries allows independent artists to deliver their music and promotional materials directly to radio stations across North America. The deal with Musicrypt Inc., the industry’s leading and most secure digital music distribution company, gives independent musicians the opportunity to reach radio stations in the same manner as major label artists.

Broadjam Radio Deliveries allows Broadjam.com members to send broadcast quality music, bios, pictures and other promotional materials directly to the desktops of radio professionals and track when their material was delivered. The service provides a far more effective, secure and cost-effective means of distributing music and related promotional material than traditional mailing.

Most important to the independent musician, Broadjam Radio Deliveries provides security and accountability thanks to DMDS’s encryption, biometrics, and watermarking, ensuring that only the intended recipient can access their work. The addition of Radio Deliveries to Broadjam’s existing suite of tools places further control into the hands of independent artists.

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

Posted in Industry, Promotion

eMedia Music Corp. announces the release of Arobas Music’s Guitar Pro 5.1 CD-ROM - the new Windows / Macintosh hybrid version of the best-selling multi-track tablature editor software for guitar, banjo and bass. Besides writing scores, Guitar Pro 5.1 is a complete tool for beginner and accomplished guitarists alike to improve, compose, or accompany themselves.

Guitar Pro 5.1 is a complete workshop for guitarists at an affordable price. New advanced notation features add drum notation, vocal notation and tablature support for any stringed instrument with four to seven strings. You can create complete scores for a band in minutes. Guitar Pro 5.1 is also a complete solution for creating lead sheets, scores, or lesson sheets for students.

Guitar Pro 5.1 features the newest in playback technology including RSE-Realistic Sound Engine. RSE gives you real time playback of your scores with realistic sound samples taken from high quality guitars and real time effects such as wah-wah. Improved ASCII import/export and the newly enhanced speed trainer are also part of Guitar Pro 5.1.

Guitar Pro 5.1 is available now at computer and music retail stores nationwide with an estimated retail price of $59.95. The hybrid CD-ROM is compatible with Windows 98 SE/2000/XP and Macintosh OSX 10.3 or higher.

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

Posted in Education, Guitar, Tab

Zaxcom today announced that its popular TRX900 wireless microphone system is now available with the Zaxcom Recording Wireless™ feature. This patent-pending option records up to 12 hours of audio directly to an internal memory card for later use in the post house, eliminating concern over audio loss due to RF or EMI interference during transmission.

The system’s new internal recording capability is particularly useful for reality television productions or other programming where ad lib dialogue is used frequently. Because the audio is recorded directly to the body pack, there’s no chance of missing anything, even if the sound mixer wasn’t expecting dialogue from a given actor or reality show participant. The sound mixer’s job is further simplified by the fact that perfect reception is no longer a concern — he or she can focus solely on sound mixing rather than trying to figure out the best place for an antenna or spending time installing a lengthy multicable run.

The TRX900 system features an ultra-compact design and will operate for up to five hours on a single battery. The units are completely remote controllable, allowing production staff to stop recording, replay audio, or begin recording all while the actor is wearing the body pack.

Each TRX900 system has a timecode receiver to ensure that all units are precisely synchronized with each other and with the cameras. This functionality creates a virtual multitrack recording system, allowing post-production teams to work independently with the audio from each unit while knowing they will easily synchronize with the master audio track and camera footage.

The Zaxcom Recording Wireless feature uses a mobile audio recording format developed by Zaxcom that prevents the burnout of memory cards typically experienced with other computer-based file systems. This unique file format also ensures that the system is fault tolerant, allowing users to recover audio from the memory card even when recording is stopped abruptly due to power loss.

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

Posted in Microphones, Technology

Audio-Technica Ltd. is pleased to announce two new kits that offer greater flexibility for users of UHF wireless receivers and antennas.

Fewer antennas needed for the same performance quality
The ATW-49SP Active Antenna Splitter Kit includes two Active Antenna Splitters, each of which is a broadband device, (frequency range from 440 to 900 MHz), that splits an incoming RF signal into two identical outgoing RF signals. The Active Antenna Splitter provides unity gain, so there is no RF signal loss from the original antenna signal. One set of Active Antenna Splitters enables one set of antennas to feed two wireless receivers, which can also be of different frequency bands.

Perfect coverage even in the largest of areas
The ATW-49CB Active Antenna Combiner Kit includes two Active Antenna Combiners, each of which is a broadband device, (frequency range from 440 to 900 MHz), combining two incoming RF signals into one outgoing RF signal. The ATW-40CB also provides unity gain to compensate for RF signal loss associated with incoming signals. One set of Active Antenna Combiners enables two sets of antennas to feed one wireless receiver or distribution system.

Originally designed for use with the Audio-Technica 4000 and 5000 Series UHF wireless receivers and ATW-A49 LPDA antennas, both kits may also be used with a variety of other antennas from Audio-Technica and other manufacturers.

Available immediately, the ATW-49SP Active Antenna Splitter Kit and the ATW-49CB Active Antenna Combiner Kit both retail at £180.00 (inc VAT).

For more information, visit their web site at www.audio-technica.com.

Posted in Technology

Behringer has announced that the iAXE393 USB-Guitar will be available immediately around the globe with an exclusive software package developed by Native Instruments.

Unveiled at the Frankfurter Musikmesse in April 2006, the Behringer iAXE393 USB-Guitar connects directly to the computer (either PC or Mac) through its built-in USB port, allowing jamming and producing out-of-the-box. The guitar features a maple neck with three single-coil pickups, five-way switching and an integrated headphones jack. Alternatively, the iAXE393 USB-Guitar can also be played with any real amplifier. Additional software which comes bundled with the iAXE393 USB-Guitar gives the user enhanced editing and recording options. These include ultra-low latency ASIO drivers for PC, KRISTAL Audio Engine Multitrack production software and Audacity® audio editor.

To provide the iAXE393 USB-Guitar with an array of virtual amplification and modeling options, Behringer collaborated with Native Instruments to develop a special Behringer Edition of Guitar Combos, which emulates three classic combo amps with an absolutely authentic, warm, and dynamic sound. The exclusive Behringer Edition is enhanced with Tapedeck and Metronome functions for easy recording and practice.

Customers can choose from one of these combos:

• Guitar Combo I: the sound that revolutionized British pop music
• Guitar Combo II: the clean and crunchy unmistakable blues sound
• Guitar Combo III: the sound of rock legends of the late 60’s and 70’s

The Behringer Edition Guitar Combos software package bundled with each iAXE393 USB-Guitar features three fully functional demo versions of the popular Native Instruments’ amp emulations, consisting of a classic tube amplifier with speaker and integrated effects. Behringer customers can use the coupon that is packaged with the iAXE393 USB-Guitar to download one of the above Behringer Edition Guitar Combos for free from the Native Instruments website. The other two combos can be downloaded for $15 USD/EUR each.

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

Posted in Guitar

Audio-Technica’s comprehensive range of wireless products is to be further augmented with the launch of the company’s new, affordable 700 Series. The series delivers professional features and sound quality unheard of in its class, while offering customers a range of easy-to-use solutions designed for a variety of performance situations.

Comprising five different packages, the 700 Series includes the Vocal system with handheld mic/transmitter, the Presenter system with belt pack and lavalier mic, the Guitar system including cable for guitar/belt pack hook-up, and the Active system that includes a headworn mic. For ultimate flexibility, the Options system comprises a basic belt pack and receiver, with the customer able to select a microphone of choice from Audio-Technica’s Wireless Essential range. (All Wireless Essential models are compatible with the Options system.)

The 700 Series offers 8 selectable frequency-coordinated UHF channels, automatic frequency scanning with open channel selection at the touch of a button, and Audio-Technica’s Tone Lock™ squelch system that eliminates interference when the transmitter is off. Its diversity operation selects the stronger signal from two antennas, giving increased range and reliability.

The UniPak™ transmitter features separate guitar/mic trim control, switchable high/low RF power, an internal channel selector and multi-colour battery/power indicator. The handheld transmitter also features variable trim control, internal channel selector and multi-colour battery/power indicator. Both transmitters offer AA operation with a battery life of 8-12 hours for the UniPak, and 12 hours for the handheld.

The ATW-R700 receiver features an LED channel display, plus antenna and AF peak indicators. Balanced XLR and unbalanced 1/4″ output connectors offer compatibility with most audio gear. Up to 8 systems can be used simultaneously for multi-microphone applications.

The 700 Series is estimated to ship in Europe, Middle East and Africa during October.

UK Retail Pricing (inc VAT):
Vocal System: £199.95
Guitar System: £199.95
Presenter System: £209.95
Active System: £239.95
Options System: £179.95

For more information, visit their web site at www.audio-technica.com.

Posted in Microphones