When they ran as a headline "Mac mini, maxi success ?" a few days ago, our MacGeneration french colleagues probably answered our existential questions on the future of the Mac mini. Judging by the first weeks in the life of the Apple computer whose price is finally adapted to the market, there seems to be a Mac Mini effect that may be the same as the iPod effect. Indeed, though a "BYODKN" computer (Bring your own display, keyboard & mouse) might initially look complex as a first purchase, it actually had four main assets : the retailers, the switchers, the fans, and...the brokes.
As for the iPod, the manufacturers have displayed much imagination for long to propose accessories. As for the Mac Mini, if we can already plan future accessoiries "designed for Mac Mini" (keyboard, mouse,...), the industry seems to seize this little Mac that is both efficient and affordable not simply to produce accessories but rather to integratee it. We rapidly saw Cyndustries propose a "Cynthia Mac", a sort of modular synthetiser produced around the Mac Mini, and today we see the retailers propose complete configurations that are built in relation with the youngest one by Apple. For a few days, one of the biggest French retailers, Playback, has proposed a "playback mini" configuration composed of a Mac mini 1.42Ghz, a keyboard and an Apple mouse, a TFT 15 inches screen and a digital interface with softwares, that vary according to the three configurations that are under 1,400 € each. The interface is somewhat becoming the accessory, but it's more "pro" than an iPod case!
Convolution reverb TL Space by Trillium Lane Labs has just been updated to version 1.1, in both RTAS and TDM formats. The new version of TL Space features an integrated IR installer for installing new IR sets. In addition, TL Space 1.1 offers a new preferences screen and improved compatibility with large post production sessions and Avid Xpress systems.
Info and download in the MacMusic softwares section.
Native Instruments has updated Absynth to version 3.0.1. This software sampling instrument and synthesizer now features : many fixes, stability improvements, minor cosmetic enhancements, GUI update issues solved, undo waveform edit fixed, Control of sliders in the 3rd row fixed and several other minor bugfixes.
New audio and software crew, Plasq, unleashes Musolomo into the world. Musolomo is a new sampler instrument designed for live use. With Ultra streamlined sampling and playback work flow, you can sample, play and manipulate, all from your MIDI keyboard. Free yourself from the visual tie of the computer screen and mouse clicks. Key features : Sample, copy, and erase without the need to look at a computer screen, Peripheral vision feedback design, Record and play sync before and after play and record, DigiSkip technology, allowing time-jumping, Speedster technology for timestretching to host tempo, re-pitching, Autolooper allowing very easy on-the-fly loop making, Play through modes great for 'break-downs', and much more !
Musolomo is now available as a free OS X AudioUnit.
Tapco unveils two new direct injection boxes, to connect your guitar or bass direct to your mixer - without losing tone due to impedance mismatches, low levels, and 60-cycle hum. The DI-1A model can be powered via 48v phantom power from a mixer or internally via two 9-volt batteries. The DI-1P model features a filter for enhancing bass and guitar sounds. They both feature 1/4" input and thru connections with ground lift.
Reason 3.0 is coming ! Propellerheads announces that Reason 3.0 will start shipping by March 10. This major 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).
MonstaChorus is a true analog style stereo chorus effect with a simple set of controls and fantastic sound quality. It features the usual depth and speed controls, plus a mixture knob to control the ratio of original to effected signal. Astute musicians will also notice that 2 of the knobs go to 13, a clear difference of "3" more points of quality compared to other plugins!
SonicBirth is now available as Preview version 2.0 , which adds two new plugins (Swamp Buffer and Flying Monkey Synth), features many bug fixes and new elements. 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.
Two years ago, MacMusic was victim of its success. More and more visitors, an over loaded and expensive server that couldn't cope with our growing bandwidth, money problems, etc. Clearly we must admit that our site had a foot in the grave. So we decided to call on its members to save it. Though it looked particularly harsh at the time, we are proud to announce that our loyal Active Members won their bet and saved MacMusic!
Both their involvement and motivation have been essential to keep YOUR site alive and ensure a confident existence... by the way they have made possible the total removal of our nasty site reducers, permitting from now on, everyone to have a free and total access to the information we deliver each day.
The entire MacMusic Team would like to express its extreme gratitude and thank with all of it's heart, all of the over 200 Active Members that made possible the continuity of this incredible adventure. From now on, our servers and bandwidth moan with pleasure and gives our visitors a high browsing quality.
We also would like to deeply thank our precious partners Ableton, Apple, Berklee College, Digidesign, Camel audio, Native instruments, Playback, Rogue Amoeba and all the others for supporting our site making it possible to continue give precious informations about their great products in the most professional way possible.
Thanks to all this precious support, the MacMusic Team exclusively devotes itself to working out an ever richer and more dynamic content. By the way, large scale works are in progress, but you'll learn more about that very soon...
FabFilter has released the VST version of FabFilter One synthesizer for Mac OS X, in the addition to the existing Audio Units version. That means that you can now also use it in hosts such as Cubase and Tracktion on your Mac. FabFilter also announces that all future products will support VST on OS X. FabFilter also unveils that FabFilter Volcano, a new filter effect plug-in, is planned for Spring 2005.
FabFilter One VST costs US$59 and a demo version is available.
And now, the real version of Chachacha ! This audio video live mixing tool helps you mix four videos depending on the mix of their sounds. You can control speed, loop points, volume and pan, all parameters can be accessed via MIDI through a MIDI learn function.
This new version is of course available in the MacMusic software section.
Rax by Granted Software is an Audio Unit host which lets you create your ideal rack of AudioUnit synthesizers and effects. Granted Software has updated Rax to version 1.2.3. and fixes several bugs : non-44.1kHz sample rate issues have been resolved, losing audio input when changing buffer size issue has been resolved, compatibility issues with Rax AIFF files have been resolved, missing rack after initial alert dialog has been resolved, and missing instruments due to missing font issue has been resolved.
More info and download in the MacMusic softwares section.
Did you notice that you have the chance to give your opininion on the software section ? This feature is making much sense 'cause it offers to any visitor the chance to have a quick opinion on the quality of the software before to download it. This functionality also allows software editors to have a good feedback about their products and therefore improve them towards customer advices. Since this option has been introduced, the french side of MacMusic is receiving quite many reviews but that's far less the case in the English section.
So please don't be shy, happy or not happy ? go on posting your comments, advices and opinions about software you are using.
Lucky persons that live in Southern California will have the privilege to assist at audioMIDI.com's Apple event on March 1st 2005. At Industry Trade Shows we see manufacturers showing new products and answering general questions. AudioMIDI.com pushes this opportunity a step higher by bringing factory experts to you, answer YOUR questions in an interactive clinic show.
Apple specialists will demonstrate the powerful production tools Logic 7 (Pro and Express) focusing on the numerous new features as well as Garage Band 2 recording, Notation, and host capabilities.
As an extra bonus, audioMIDI.com will be giving away The Loop's Vol 1 to everyone attending the event. That's a $40 value and over 250 free Apple Loops!
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Two years ago, MacMusic was victim of its success. More and more visitors, an over loaded and expensive server that couldn't cope with our growing bandwidth, money problems, etc. Clearly we must admit that our site had a foot in the grave. So we decided to call on its members to save it. Though it looked particularly harsh at the time, we are proud to announce that our loyal Active Members won their bet and saved MacMusic!
Did you notice that you have the chance to give your opininion on the software section ? This feature is making much sense 'cause it offers to any visitor the chance to have a quick opinion on the quality of the software before to download it. This functionality also allows software editors to have a good feedback about their products and therefore improve them towards customer advices. Since this option has been introduced, the french side of MacMusic is receiving quite many reviews but that's far less the case in the English section.
Lucky persons that live in Southern California will have the privilege to assist at audioMIDI.com's Apple event on March 1st 2005. At Industry Trade Shows we see manufacturers showing new products and answering general questions. AudioMIDI.com pushes this opportunity a step higher by bringing factory experts to you, answer YOUR questions in an interactive clinic show.
