Mac and Music News

Outi is a real-time loops player which allows you to record, loop, use VST plug-ins. It includes a cut-up feature, and is tempo-synchronised. This new version 1.51 features : hardware configuration, presets and bug fixes.

Outi is available from our Softs section.

Sonalksis announces CQ1 Multi-Band Compander and DQ1 Dynamic Equaliser for Mac OS X in both VST and AudioUnits formats. The CQ1 is a multi-band frequency-selective dynamics processor, allowing independent compression or expansion of four freely adjustable filter bands. The DQ1 dynamic-equaliser is an extremely versatile processing tool that can be used for precision sculpting, creative moulding, ambient enhancement or restoration.

CQ1 & DQ1 are VST and AU compatible. Each plugin costs 229 euros and the bundle CQ1 & DQ1 costs 359 euros. Demo versions are available.

Nomad Factory released Rock Amp Legends in AudioUnits version. This guitar amp simulator plug-in features : Amp Simulator, Stage Tube Emulation, Tremolo, Auto-Pan, Stereo Imager, Chorus, Phaser, Delay, Compressor, Noise Gate, EQ, Reverb, Parametric Equalizer and Drive.

This AU version 1.0 has no automation and is Logic 7 compatible.

IK Multimedia has released six new Sonik Capsules . These sound libraries work with popular samplers (SampleTank 2, HALion, exs24, Kontakt, Battery, Reason NNXT and more). New caspules are : Acoustic Guitar Capsule, Electric Guitar Capsule, Bass Guitar Capsule, Studio Drums Capsule, Eclectic Drums Capsule, and Groove Capsule.

Each Capsule costs 99 euros or 249 euros as 3 packs.

Ultra Analog VA-1 v1.0 by Applied Acoustic Systems is a virtual analog synthesizer. Ultra Analog offers 32 voices of polyphony and its highly adaptable signal path is driven by two super rich, alias free oscillators featuring standard waveforms, sub oscillators, hard sync, and integrated pitch envelopes. Two audacious multimode filters with distortion are then applied to shape its sonic character. Finally, carefully chosen modulation options are provided by two syncable comprehensive LFOs, four loopable velocity sensitive ADSR envelope generators and vibrato.

Info and download available from our Softwares section.

Nomad Factory announces AudioUnits version for Blue Tubes Bundle. The Blue Tubes Bundle gives you warm and vintage-style EQs - Chorus-Phaser-Compressor-Limiter-Oilcan Echo-Delay and Tubes Driver like you've never heard in a software plug-in. This 2.0.1 AudioUnit Version has no automation and is Logic 7 compatible.

Rax by Granted Software lets you create your ideal rack of AudioUnit synthesizers and effects all of which can be controlled by a MIDI keyboard. Flexible audio and MIDI routing help you get the most out of your AudioUnits. This version 1.2.1 adds Audio Units compatibility with Rax including Crystal, Mach Five and Atmosphere that had problems with 1.2.

Rax 1.2.1 is available in MacMusic softwares section.

Apple posted a Logic Node Performance Patch which increases Logic Node performance. The Logic Node application allows distributed audio processing. You can expand the processing capacity of your Logic system by offloading calculations for software instrument and/or effect generation to other, networked Macintosh computers. This update requires that you have already installed Logic Node, which can be found in the Logic Node 7.0.0 Install disk image on your Logic Pro 7 Install disc.

This patch is available on Apple web site.

Apple members can downlowd 300 JamPack loops for GarageBand. You can find them in you iDisk under software --> members only-> GarageBand JamPacks (over 300 Mb !)

New objects for sound spatialization are available on the CICM web site. These objects are developed by Rémi Mignot and Jean-Baptiste Thiébaut. Most of them are available for Macintosh : ambipan (ambisonic techniques for a surround panning up to 16 loudspeakers), ambicube (a 3-dimensional version of ambipan), vbapan (vector based amplitude panning for a surround panning up to 16 loudspeakers) and trajectory (an intuitive abstraction for drawing trajectories.The coordinates may be send to ambipan and vbapan to localise up to 16 independent sounds).

More info and downloads on the CICM web site.

Designed for seamless integration with D-Control, Channel G delivers the big board sound with unprecedented flexibility. Channel G is comprised of four TDM plug-ins featuring separate EQ and Dynamics sections, a Console Strip, and a 5.1 Compressor.

Channel G 1.0 by MacDsp will be available in November. More info in our softwares section.

Guitar Rig by Native Instruments is a complete solution for the modern guitarist. It combines highly advanced software and a sturdy hardware foot controller: "Rig Kontrol". The Guitar Rig software offers first-class emulations of classic and modern amplifiers, cabinets, microphones, and effects. This new version (1.1.2) features : time stretching for the Tapedeck can be globally turned off, minor cosmetic enhancements, new default component templates (name: INIT) and improved Audio Units compatibilty. Since some instabilities may occur in Logic 7 which are not completely isolated yet, Native Instruments is in close contact with Apple/Emagic and is working on further updates to ensure their products run smoothly in Logic 7.

This update is free and is of course available from MacMusic Softwares section.

Basement Arts have released the Mac OS X version of their Beat Slicer plug-in, Reflex, available as a VSTi. Reflex combines intelligent beat slicing with a powerful and easy to use graphical interface. It detects the tempo of your loop, pitches it to the host tempo and maps the slices to your keyboard. The library system allows you to instantly change a loop without annoying open sample dialogs. The online library system enables you to download new loop content via an internet connection.

A demo version is available and Reflex costs 189 euros (CD version and library) or 149 euros (download version, without library).

Princeton Digital has taken the the Reverb 2016 rack-mountable reverb and squished it down to fit inside a Digidesign Pro Tools TDM plugin. It features : three independent reverb plug-in effects in one package, natural, characteristic soundn simple UI, novel position control, decay time, pre delay, EQ and diffusion controls, smooth decay tail and mute button for quick effect audition.

Info and download from the MM Softs section.

ICompositions, a web site for users of Apple's GarageBand, has posted the internet's first complete listing of Jam Pack 3: Rhythm Section's contents including loops and software instruments. This ariticle is a resource for potential buyers of any of the GarageBand Jam Packs.

Sonic Studio announces an update to v1.6 for NoNoise, which includes TDM and AudioSuite plug-ins that perform the following functions: broadband noise (hiss) removal, manual and production declicking, decrackling and High-Resolution Filters. This new version includes bugfixes : DeCrackle was not properly processing audio, Hi-Res Parametric Filer was cutting/boosting signals when set to 0 dB and Hi-Res Filters version 1.6 and higher now provide full support for ICON.

NoNoise needs Pro Tools|HD systems with Pro Tools 6.2 or higher.

The guys from Jazzmutant designed a really new generation of musical interface. It was presented at the Résonance festival of the IRCAM in Paris the 10/08/04. Lemur is a flat panel, responding to touch, to multiple touches in fact. You use a software to design you interface (balls, sliders, faders, keys…).