Mac and Music News

NoNOISE by Sonic Studio is a noise reduction and audio restoration tool. This new 1.61 TDM version fixes : Manual DeClicker would not function properly when Type-E DeClicking files larger than 1 minute, and Manual DeClicker would freeze when trying to cancel processing or display a "Numerical Error" dialog.

This update is available in the MacMusic softwares section.

Steinberg has updated Nuendo to v3.0.2 build 622. Nuendo is a recording, editing and automated mixing tool for film score, post production, creating a musical masterpiece or surround sound design for a new video game, television show, or even a radio play.

This new release is a huge bugfix version.

Steinberg updated Cubase SX and Cubase SL to version 3.0.2 build 622. These new versions fix several bugs, and add two new features : status of the Play Order Track is now saved with the project, and aditional "Appearance" options are now available (including User Meters).

SonicBirth is now available as Preview version 3.0 , which adds new plugins ((Valve Warmer, DC Blocker and Funky repeater), a new element (Trigger) and fixes bugs. Due to requests from users this new version now allows redistribution of exported Audio Units plugins. They work in demo mode, or in normal mode for user who bought the full version ($99). SonicBirth is an Audio Units plugins designing application which allows you to build your own AudioUnit plug-ins.

A new "runtime" version is also available and costs $29.

Announced at NAMM, HALion Player is now available. Tailored to newcomers to virtual sampling, HALion Player works with VST, AU and any Rewire environment. It provides a way of playing any of the hundreds of commercially available HALion libraries as well as Wav / Aif / Rex / Rex2 / Zgr and LM4 instrument files. HALion Player includes the full HALion 3 sound library.

Please note that due to the acquisition of Steinberg by Yamaha Corporation, the Steinberg on-line store for products and upgrades is currently closed.

TC Electronic announces the immediate availability of the DB-4 Broadcast Audio Processor. DB-4 is designed for use within TV and radio stations and their regional centers, serves analog and digital transmission, OB and Linking with Realtime Loudness Control, Format Conversion, Five-Band Processing and advanced Limiting.

DB-4 is now shipping at 8500 euros (ex.VAT).

Yamaha announces SSD (SMAF Sound Decorator). SSD is a tool for converting SMF(.mid) to SMAF/MA-2, 3, 5 files(.mmf). Unlike ordinary converters, SSD allows users to switch voices easily and enhance songs to their liking. You can also download WSD (Wave Sound Decorator, a tool for converting Wave files(.wav/.aif) to SMAF/MA-2, 3, 5 files(.mmf).

Native Instruments announces details on the library of the upcoming Kontakt 2 software sampler. The Kontakt 2 library will include:

- a special version of the Vienna Symphonic Library (VSL). This special VSL orchestra includes 30 instruments and takes advantage of the KSP engine for sophisticated performance effects including "Monophonic Legato" and "Repetition".

- a multi-sampled Steinway D Grand Piano.

- an August Foerster Concert Piano.

- the "Elektrik Guitar", an extensively sampled electric guitar.

- the "Akkord Guitar", an instrument that draws on a library of
more than 3.500 acoustic guitar chord samples.

- a selection of church organs, including a massive cathedral organ sampled
in full 5.1 surround.

- a selection of electric pianos, including the Rhodes MK II.

Apple will be present at next month's National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Conference. Think Secret says "Almost certain at this point is that Apple will deliver new versions of DVD Studio Pro and Shake alongside the new version of Final Cut Pro, along with very likely an upgrade to Motion. Sources continue to point to at least one completely new pro video application, and rumblings have increased recently that a totally new pro audio application will debut as well".

A "HD Keynote adress" will take place (only by registration) on Sunday, April 17 at Las Vegas.

Buffer Synth 2 is a freeze plugin and a wave-table synthesizer. This new 1.0.3 release features : fixed a bug on OS X where some hosts would freeze when you try and open the editor, GUI code improvement, and fixed file dialog bug on Live.

Audio Damage has just released Ronin, a multi-effects VST plugin. Ronin features two delays, two multi-mode filters, two tube saturation stages, and two LFOs. Ronin is capable of tape-style delays, true analog chorus effects, and flanging in to the stratosphere, for everything from basic subtle synced delays to complete audio destruction.

Ronin multi-fx is available at $69, and manual and demo versions are available for download.

Mathematicians would talk of logarithmic curve, economists of exponential growth, as for us at MacMusic, we prefer telling you that you are absolutely exceptional. At present you are already over 50,196 members, the 50,000 mark has been exceeded for a few hours now. That's a perfect opportunity to remind you that this site - one of a kind - is yours above all, and if you want MacMusic to be true to your wildest wishes, then we invite you, as we always do, to post news, to submit articles, or to give a hand to the people in charge of the different sections in MacMusic...

M-Audio unveils Trigger Finger, its new USB controller designed for drum programming. Trigger Finger features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, as well as eight knobs and four sliders. The pads and other controls can be freely assigned to any MIDI parameter and Trigger Finger also features pre-programmed control schemes for Live, Propellerhead Reason, M Audio iDrum and standard GM and XG drum kits.

Trigger Finger will be available in March at $249.95.

Renoise has been updated to version 1.5. this release features a new interface, a new internal code structure, a right-click context-menu, a metronome, and much more. Renoise is the next generation of music tracker software, combining studio quality sound and virtually infinite expandability.

Renoise is available at a new price 50 euros and a demo version is also available.

Available today, Ableton is offering a free update to Live Lite 4 Digidesign Edition. Ableton Live Lite 4 Digidesign Edition features some of the latest enhancements included in Ableton Live 4 software. Compared to the previously bundled Ableton Live Digidesign Edition, Live Lite 4 Digidesign Edition features new MIDI functionality, more precise control of volume, pitch and timing for audio, and offers a variety of audio and MIDI effects as well.

This update is available for all Live 2 Digidesign edition registered users.