Mac and Music News

SonicBirth is an Audio Units plugins designing application which allows you to build your own AudioUnit plug-ins. You can work with existing circuits or by creating circuits completely from scratch. SonicBirth is also an AudioUnits package which comes bundled with a set of plug-ins designed for standalone use as plug-ins as well as pre-constructed circuits to modify or build upon for creating new plug-ins. SonicBirth is based on a powerful, flexible engine. Every plug-in can be used in 32 bits or 64 bits for added precision.

This preview version costs $99 and the final price will be $129

Digidesign's Beta Program is looking for users who use Pro Tools with any of the following operating systems on Mac OS X or Windows XP:

Japanese
Chinese Simplified
Spanish
Italian

The candidate must be using a supported Pro Tools TDM system (HD or HD Accel) or Pro Tools LE system (Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, Mbox). If you use Pro Tools in any of the languages mentioned above and are using a supported PT system (as specified) you could become part of this beta program. If you are interested in becoming a beta tester for Digidesign, please contact Digidesign at the following e-mail only: Digi_beta@Digidesign.com

Digidesign updated again Pro Tools TDM and LE to version 6.7.cs8 in order to fix the OS X Keyboard Shortcuts feature that would not work with Pro Tools 6.7cs7 version. This "old" (January 19 !) ProTools 6.7sc7 version already tried to fix keyboard shortcuts problems for European versions.

More info in the MM softs section.

TC Electronic introduced the VSS3 Stereo Source Reverb for PowerCore, a direct port of the legendary reverb algorithm from TC's System 6000, the first truly high-end VST/AU reverb for digital audio workstations. The VSS3 algorithm is made up of nearly 800 parameters, all of which have been condensed into a simple user interface with clear choices at all levels. Industry-standard presets and customizable focus fields from System 6000 are included to facilitate easy start-up. VSS3 Stereo Source Reverb will be shipping in February at 495 EUR retail ex. VAT.

Until now TC Electronic reverbs based on this approach have only been available in hardware form - M3000, Reverb 4000 and System 6000. VSS3 defines TC Electronic reverb, and it is now available to DAW users via the PowerCore platform.

Cycling '74 will distribute JazzMutant's Lemur multitouch control surface within the United States. The Lemur is a sleek portable controller for live performance computer music applications featuring a 12" LCD display and a proprietary touch screen interface that can simultaneously track multiple fingers.

The Lemur communicates with a host computer over 100-baseT Ethernet using the Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol developed at UC Berkeley's Center for New Music and Audio Technologies (CNMAT). OSC is an emerging standard for synthesis control that supports simple configuration, 32-bit data resolution, and low latency. Applications that currently feature OSC support include Cycling '74's Max/MSP, Native Instruments' Reaktor, and Pd, a popular open-source sound synthesis application.

Muse Research, Inc. announced the Version 1.2 software upgrade for Receptor, the ground-breaking hardware VST plug-in player. This software update for Receptor adds significant new features, including ADAT output support that increases the number of outputs to a total of ten. Also new in version 1.2 is Z-Load (patent-pending), which dramatically reduces the amount of time required to load a plug-in, as well as new MIDI mapping features with full support for keyboard zones and layers, improving Receptor's functionality as a synth, sampler, and sound module. Version 1.2 software for Receptor is slated to ship in the first quarter of this year.

Muse Research, also announced that it completed testing for compatibility with hundreds of freeware plug-ins. The company reports that Receptor customers are finding new plug-ins that work with Receptor almost daily and the list is growing fast. The web is full of compatible plug-ins and a Receptor customer can install them using the "Unsupported Plug-ins" installation feature.

MR also announced UniWire, a single cable solution for connecting Receptor to a computer (Mac or PC) using standard Ethernet protocol and standard, off-the-shelf network peripherals to carry all audio, midi, and control data over a single wire. UniWire technology makes it possible to seamlessly integrate Receptor into a VST host on a Mac or PC by simply installing the UniWire VST onto the host, and then connecting the Receptor to the computer over a standard Ethernet cable. The company has announced that it will create UniWire plug-ins in other formats as well.

FD: Please Muse, do a RTAS version to emancipate the large ProTools users community deprived of VST compatibility. I'm sure we would rather buy a Receptor than a windows PC to run VST plugins that we miss ;-)

Urs Heckmann has released the Filterscape AU plug-in bundle for MacOS X. Filterscape is a flexible sound bending plug-in, a parametric equalizer and a virtual analog filter. It comes with Filterscape VA (virtual analog synthesizer) and Filterscape Q6 (dynamic morphing 6-band equalizer).

The Filterscape bundle is available for Mac OS X (AU) for US$129.

During Namm, Korg released the KONTROL49 MIDI Studio Controller, which combines 49 full-size keys with a unique array of pads, encoders, sliders and multiple displays. An abundant 40 assignable performance elements include traditional Pitch and Mod wheels, a Vector Joystick for simultaneous control of two separate parameters, plus a pair of assignable switches. Eight pairs of assignable sliders and rotary encoders feature individual color-coded backlit LCD displays that show each controller's user-defined function name and parameter value.

EDIROL announced the newest addition to their line of audio interfaces, the FA-66. The FA-66 is a 6-channel version of the FA-101 FireWire interface. The EDIROL FA-66 allows simultaneous recording of up to 6 channels of audio at 24-bit, 96kHz, or up to 4 channels of audio at 24-bit/192kHz. Record two microphones directly into the FA-66 via the included phantom power mic preamps. These two XLR/TRS combo jacks can record from either microphone or line level devices directly into the computer – including Hi-Z capability for guitarists.

George Yohng aka, 4Front, has released W1 Limiter, a limiter that he claims to be a clone of the famous Waves L1-Ultramaximizer, with an "identical output". This result was obtained by tweaking the 4Front YLimiter. W1 Limiter is available as a free VST effect plug-in for MacOS X.

While we did not compare to the original L1, you VST compatible macmusicians should take an ear on it and submit your comments, specially for this price ;-)

During Namm, IK Multimedia announced T-RackS TDM, supporting the TDM platform for the Pro Tools HD environment. T-RackS TDM includes five sound processors, an analog-modeled Equalizer, Compressor, Limiter and a Soft-Clipping.

T-RackS TDM, now also includes the new iLok® support, for more convenience in working with the software in multiple facilities. Sold as a separate package including both TDM and RTAS support, T-RackS TDM is expected to be released in the spring of 2005, at an MSRP of $/

During NAMM, Genelec launched its new 8130A Digital Monitoring System. Featuring a 192 kHz/24-bit digital audio interface, AES/EBU digital and analog audio inputs, as well as automatic detection of word length and sampling frequency, plus Genelec's Minimum Diffraction Enclosure design, the 8130A is the latest addition to Genelec's 8000 MDE Series of Bi-amplified Active Monitors.

The 8130A supports single and dual-wire digital input mode, is compatible with Genelec's 7050A subwoofer, and up to eight 8130A's can be daisy-chained together in digital or analog mode.

The new Genelec 8130A will be available March '05 at an MSRP of $995.00 per monitor.

The webradio broadcast software Nicecast by Rogue Amoeba is now updated to version 1.7, and now features : new advanced Hijacking and Advanced Device options for more powerful audio control, new Public URL field for External Servers, new retryTimeInterval hidden preference and everal bug fixes, included two crashing bugs.

More info and download in the MM Softs section.

Beta Monkey Music has released several of their most popular drum loop and sample libraries in Apple Loops format for use in GarageBand, Soundtrack, Logic Express 7, Logic Pro 7 and Final Cut Pro 4. Nearly 3000 brand new Apple Loops and song starters in total.

New Apple Loop releases is $29.99. More info on BetaMonkey web site.

Easy Sounds starts the new series „Content Software for MIDI-/Audio Sequenzer" combining MIDI-sequences, audio-loops, phrases, sounds, Plug-In Settings, Channel Strips and other contents for Apple Logic, Garage Band, Ableton Live and Cubase SX. "Quick Phrase - Construction Kit", "Arpeggio Kit" and "Mega Loopz" are now available for 25 or 29 euros each.

Apple today unveiled the new PowerBooks line featuring PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.67 GHz, faster hard drives and a faster 8X SuperDrive :

- the 1.67 GHz, 17-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $2,699 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 100GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, optical digital audio input and output; a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.67 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $2,299 includes 512MB SDRAM, 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive (DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.5 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 with 512MB of SDRAM, a 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW), AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,699 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad.

- the 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 60GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load Combo optical drive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth and a scrolling TrackPad.

More info on the AppleStore

Behringer announces two new digital desktop monitors MS20 & MS40 available in 2x20 or 2x40 W, with both analog and digital inputs. They feature 24-bit/192 kHz D/A converters, optical and coaxial inputs, two stereo analog inputs featuring 1/8'' TRS and stereo RCA, and headphone connector.

They will cost $129.99 and $169.99 for the MS40, and should ship in second quarter 2005.

VSamp is a software sample player by Malcolm Haylock. This 3.5 update adds support for WAVE files and support for 32-bit samples, imports SoundFont banks, minor interface changes and minor bug fixes.

More info and download in the MM Softs section.

Prosonus has released an update for the AudioUnit version of The Orchestral Collection which improves Apple's Logic 7 compatibility. This update is available as a free download.

Full version of Orchestral Collection costs $249.

It looks like a Mickey who would have lost its 2 ears on windy day. This head has 8 microphones which allow you to record a multicanal signal. As usual, you have classical right canal, left, center, right and left surround, LFE, but also center rear and top (for IMAX for example).

One canal for $750, so go and get your roaring boat !

SFX Machine RT is a real-time version of the company's award-winning SFX Machine audio effects plug-in, and is now updated to v1.0.4 in both Audio Units and VST formats. This new version features mono to mono processing, parameter values in the Audio Unit version are now expressed with meaningful values in "generic" views, and several presets are more stable.

More details and download in the MM softs section.

Clavia announces that a demo version of its Nord Modular G2 software is now available for mac OS X. In this demo version, polyphony is limited to one voice while the hardware has a maximum of 32 voices per sound, the demo can only play one sound at the time while the hardware is 4 part multitimbral, a couple of modules are disabled and the demo does not support audio in and MIDI out.