Mac and Music News

AudioEase updated again the AudioUnit version of Altiverb to version 4.2. because AudioUnit version 4.1.9 failed Logic 7's AU Validation. This is now fixed and the latency compensation scheme has been slightly modified to allow better CPU performance.

M-Audio announced Ozonic, a new FireWire audio interface and keyboard MIDI controler. The Ozonic includes audio and MIDI interfaces with a full-featured MIDI controller which features a 37-note, velocity-sensitive, synth-action keyboard with three zones and assignable aftertouch. It also includes a 4 x 4 analog audio interface working up to 24-bit/96kHz fidelity and includes XLR mic input with phantom power, 1/4" instrument input and stereo 1/4" TRS line ins. The Ozonic also feature two pairs of 1/4" outputs.

The Ozonic will ship in December 2004 and will cost $599.95.

Plogue have updated again Bidule to version 0.7001. This new update features : added speed parameter to Midi buffer, shown/not shown state is now remembered in the Palette, only clicking is needed to delete notes in the Step Sequencer and bugfixes.

Ultimate Sound Bank announces that demo versions of Charlie, Ultra Focus and X-treme FX are available in Audio Units, MAS, VST, RTAS plug-in formats. Plug-in demo versions include between 90 and 130 MB of sounds.

Each demo is valid for a 15 day period.

Jean Piché from the Montreal University annouces a new version of Cecilia, a graphic user interface for the sound synthesis and sound processing package Csound. This new version 2.5.2 features : all modules revised and streamlined to offer a consistent interface, and a myriad of module bugs fixed.

WayOutWare announced that the demo version of TimewARP 2600 is now available. TimeWarp is the software synth version of the ARP 2600. All of the original control features from the ARP 2600 are there, but this plugin version features : 8 voice polyphony, extensive patch manager, real-time performance, and more...

The full version costs $249,00.

Massenburg DesignWorks has updated High Resolution Parametric EQ to version 1.4. The Massenburg DesignWorks High Resolution Parametric EQ for Pro Tools|HD is the result of countless hours of design and critical listening by George Massenburg, the creator of the parametric EQ. This new release fixes a bug where support for control surfaces was lost when using Pro Tools 6.3 or lower.

More info and download in the MacMusic softwares section.

Propellerhead Software today announced version 3.0 of their software system Reason. This update focuses on live playing and this new version will take Reason from the studio realm to the stage. Reason 3 introduces a new module, the Combinator, which allows users to build elaborate chains of Reason devices-instruments, effects, pattern sequencer etc and save as a Combi patch. Additional new features include : Remote (instant out of the box integration with most major control surfaces), new soundbank, new browser, and MClass (a mastering suite comparable with any hard or software units).

Reason 3 is expected to ship early 2005. An upgrade discount will be available for Reason owners.

PG Music announced an update to v12b22 for Band In a Box. This update is a general maintenance release. Band-in-a-Box automatically generates a complete professional quality arrangement of piano, bass, drums, guitar and strings in a wide variety of popular styles.

More info in the MM softwares section.

RME posted an update for its driver for Hammerfall DSP System which supports PCI card, CardBus, Digiface, Multiface, HDSP 9652 and HDSP 9632. This update fixes bugs in Hammerfall DSP Settings, fixes MIDI error for HDSP9632/52 (repeated MIDI note at the MIDI output).