Mac and Music News

Musimac, the Italian website targeted to mac-musicians, has an interesting article about the new PowerMacs G5. The tests are music-oriented, and have been carried out on the 1.6 GHz model; They give the first performance scores and impressions on the new machines. Definitely worth reading...

Emagic introduces Space Designer , a premium reverb plug-in for Logic 6, at the IBC show in Amsterdam. Space Designer is the latest member of Emagic's successful range of Studio Tools and Software Instruments, all of which are available separately to expand the functionality of the Logic System.

Featuring a real-time convolution process using reverberation samples - impulse responses (IR) - it is now possible to produce reverbs that are virtually indistinguishable from real rooms or halls. The possibility to create and edit custom convolution reverbs sets Space Designer apart. In addition to sampled reverbs, Space Designer is equipped with a synthesis engine creating custom impulse responses. The reverb can be further shaped using Space Designer's comprehensive parameter set that featu ...

Akai has just given new informations on the mpc 1000 :
- 3,3 kg and small size
- 16 Mo de ram (upgradable up to 128 Mo)
- 6 analog outputs
- S/PDIF I/O
- 16 pads and the sequencer
- Backup to a compact Flash card via an USB connection (very convenient)

TC-Electronic has announced the avalaibility of a new version of their 2 tracks audio editor for mastering. New features include support for burning multiple CDs from a single playlist, Audio Units plug-in support for the batch converter and automatic plug-in delay compensation for the playback cursor. Additionally, new user settings for the Preferences dialog has been added, as well as preloading-support for Waves' plug-in shell.

Happy visitors to the coming Apple expo in PARIS : Let's come and see us on the MacMusic stand (F 14). You'll get the opportunity to save money and to become an active members for 50 euros only for a new or a renewal subscription (cash or cheque only). We're looking forward to meet you on the MacMusic Stand.

On Monday, Inside Mac Radio is launching the first and only daily Mac radio show, with a summary of news and interviews with Mac experts and luminaries Monday through Friday, in English. The show, based in San Francisco, has an exclusive partnership with MacMusic.org, so I will be checking in with Scott weekly to talk about the latest in the world of Mac music and audio. Listen via the web or download archives to your iPod and listen on the bus/train! Other partners include Bare Feats, DV Guys, MacDesign Magazine, MacFixIt, MacMinute, MacSec, MacTech Magazine, MacUpdate, MacWindows, Macworld UK Magazine, Mugcenter, O'Reilly, OSXFAQ, and PowerPage. English-only for now.

Digi has announced ProTools HD ACCEL at the IBC Show in Amsterdam today. The ACCEL card appears to be a super dsp card replacement for the HD Process card. The new card is twice as powerful - but has a list price only $500 higher. HD2 and HD3 ACCEL systems will include the new card instead of the Process cards previously shipped with these systems. The other news is that ACCEL is shipping immediately.

After the warm reception for its first mixer, the TAPCO 6306, the new Mackie branch is releasing the S-5 Studio Monitor. The high quality S-5 has impressive sound and is solidly built, all for just US$560 (for the two monitors).

The S-5 is a bi-amplified compact monitor. It features two high-precision amplifiers with 120w overall (60W for the Boomer and 60w for the tweeter). The 5.25-inch boomer delivers punchy bass and a detailed middle. The 1-inch dome tweeter is coupled to wave guidance intended to deliver precise and less aggressive treble.

On the back side of the S-5 are a bass boost and treble (+/-) switch for further adjustment. The S-5 also features TRS jack, XLR asymmetric and asymmetric RCA inputs.

Emagic has announced it is renaming its USB audio interfaces, formerly the 2|6 and 6|2m, as the A26 and A62m. No other changes are being made to its hardware line other than the rebranding. Same box with a new name, in other words.

John Keane, a prolific TV composer for such shows as the US CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, is interviewed today on the Native Instruments website as a frequent user of the German developer's products. Dig down and you'll see Mr. Keane is a full-time Mac user. He has also been interviewed by Emagic as a Logic user. You can check out Mr. Keane's record, as well, on his website. (Warning: incompatible with Apple Safari.) Hopefully Mr. Keane will join us on this site, too!