Mac and Music News

Sample Manager is a full-featured batch audio processor for Mac OS X. This first full version includes the ability to process audio with AU plugins, and features partial support for ACID, Recycle, and Apple Loop file, full support of AIFF, WAVE and Sound Designer II audio files and background analyzing of newly added files. Sample Manager demo will run, without limitation, for 15 days; the ful version costs US$49.

Emagic announced initial international shipping of the new, streamlined Logic product line announced at NAMM earlier this month, with expected availability February 25. But toonsy writes us that we'll have to wait a little longer: new availability date from Emagic is the second week of March. -PK

VirSyn has released a 1.51 update to Cube that fixes spread parameter loading, fixes the standalone Wave recorder in OS X, and properly functions with Digital Performer 4.1 in OS X. The demo has been updated, while an update for registered users is available via a form.

If you're not already familiar with Griffin Technology's superb PowerMate, this simple USB rotary knob provides what a mouse doesn't: the ability to spin and dial your way through apps, perfect for scrubbing through video and audio. With version 1.6, Griffin has updated the PowerMate software with a new customized setting for GarageBand: spin the PowerMate to move through measures of your song, or control playback with its push-button action. The software also includes a push-button sleep more access command, the ability to disable the PowerMate's cool blue LED lights (though how could you part with that lovely eerie glow?), plus enhanced settings for many other apps. The PowerMate is currently on sale in both aluminum and black for US$39.99.

Band To Logic 0.1 is a new utility from Web42 that converts GarageBand songs to Logic song files. Open a GarageBand file in Band To Logic and it will create a Logic song file for you in the same directory. Band to Logic is a freeware. You need to install CamelBones before using Band to Logic.

Ed: There are some caveats to check out first, but this is still more than you can do with GarageBand on its own -- which raises the question, why didn't Apple include this feature? -PK

The Logic driver version 1.1 for the Tascam FW-1884 fixes several bugs from the older version: the "sensitive touch" function of the faders, the control of the master track, and more.

Ugly VSTi interface 0.2 by ReFuse Software is a host application for VSTi plug-ins. The 0.2 version is now ported to OS X, and loads one VSTi at a time but is intuitive and stable. Ugly VSTi interface 0.2 is a freeware.

Sound And Form has released Aggro, a versatile compressor plug-in for Pro Tools TDM. At moderate settings it is smooth and transparent, perfect for vocals and acoustic instruments. Crank it up for an aggressiveness similar to a vintage FET compressor, and add intensity and character to mediocre drum tracks.

Digidesign has announced its new MIX-to-HD Hardware Exchange program. Through June 30, 2004, users can exchange their Pro Tools|24 or Pro Tools|24 MIX system for a Pro Tools|HD 1. 2 or 3 Accel system and save an additional $2,000 off the regular Hardware Exchange list prices. During this offer, users will automatically receive the HDpack bundle. Details of this offer are available on Digidesign web site.

VirSyn has released a version 2.01 of TERA. This new version adds features like ReWire (MIDI input for use with Ableton Live on MacOS 9) and fixes a number of bugs: OS X automation didn't work and the sequencer didn't work in the standalone version, the sequencer didn't work in stand alone version on Mac OS X, the internal keyboard triggered only one part even with combi programs, and a number of other issues. The update is available for registered users.

Arturia is still working on the new version, and therefore cannot announce any reasonable release date, but they can say it will certainly arrive by the first days of spring.

Storm 3.0 brings a lot of new features, the biggest of them being:

- Ability to work with as many instruments and effects as your computer can handle
- Ability to work with MIDI sequences
- Ability to import MIDI files
- New improved sequencer
- New mixing console with Eqs, Pan, and FX sends
- New Piano Roll editing module for patterns, MIDI sequences, and controls
- New General MIDI instrument (GMSynth) for fidelity to imported MIDI files

Ericlc writes us to let us know that GVOX, new owners of the once-leading Encore notation software, is aggressively pursuing its competitors' customers with a US$129.99 competitive upgrade offer from Finale and Sibelius, an enormous savings of US$270 off list. Both Finale and Sibelius has competitive upgrade offers of their own.

MusicMath 3.0 adds two new functions: conversion between notes, MIDI values and frequency as well as a SMPTE calculator for converting tempo beat values to time. The new version also improves TapTempo accuracy and delay conversion and adds support for ms values in the Sample section. MusicMath includes five other conversion functions: Tempo, Transpose, Delay, Tap Tempo and Sample. This software runs under OS9 and OSX and all for free!

Ed: A must-have in your toolbox, simple as that. If you don't have it in your dock already, download it now! -PK

Minimoog V software, announced at NAMM, will offer all the features of the original Mini Moog, plus polyphony, MIDI management, and preset handling. Additional functions are hidden beyond the control panels: a modulation matrix, a LFO, an arpeggiator, a chorus and a delay. Arturia has now posted a demo version and the final version will come very soon.

Ed: This is one of the most exciting announcements, soft synth-wise, to come out of NAMM: the Arturia software has the blessing of Moog and does a lot the Mini Moog can't. Arturia did a superb job with the Moog Modular, and now they'll bring one of the most successful synths ever, THE classic synth, to software form. OS X as a Mini Moog? Pure heaven. -PK

Applied Acoustics has launched a US$199 crossgrade program for Nord Modular users to the Tasman 3 Sound Synthesis studio. Tasman is a sound design environment based on physical modeling for Mac OS 9.x/ OS X.2 (RTAS,VST, Standalone). This offer is for a limited time and is exclusively available as a download. As part of the offer, Nord Modular users will have the opportunity to upgrade to Tassman 4 for free.

Innovason has announced its new Sy80 console. Designed for live sound and touring, fixed installation and broadcast, the Sy80 digital console features 80 faders, 80 inputs, up to 80 outputs, 48 mixing buses and the advanced Sensoft 8 software. More on the website.