Mac and Music News

Db Audioware has updated Quantum FX to version 2.0. This new release now adds : Audio Units and VST support for Mac OS X, full sidechaining (for multi-track hosts), MIDI control and MIDI Learn, completely new ready-to-use plug-ins, and enhanced access to QFX plug-ins. Quantum FX is a software modular effects system that enables musicians and sound engineers to design, build and modify plug-in effects and audio tools.

Elemental Audio Systems announced the immediate availability of InspectorXL, the newest addition to their line of audio plug-ins. InspectorXL is a complete audio analysis suite featuring six individual plugins and tools : FFT Analyzer, Spectragram, Third Octave Analyzer, Multimeter, Digital PPM Meter, Custom Metering and more. InspectorXL is available in the RTAS, VST, and Audio Unit plug-in formats.

InspectorXL has a regular price of $219, but is available now at an introductory price of $89 until September 30, 2005.

Luxonix releases LFX-1310 version 1.1. This new version adds several improvements and bugfixes, and also includes the release of the Mac OS X version, in VST and AU formats. LFX-1310 is a Free plug-in multi-effector including 24 types of algorithm and 3 serial slots

IK Multimedia announces that the Miroslav Philharmonik orchestra and choir sound workstation is now shipping worldwide. Miroslav Philharmonik is an integrated Orchestral Workstation plug-in combining 7GB of samples and over 1,200 sounds of the legendary Miroslav Vitous Orchestra and Choir sample collection masterpieces with dedicated, plug-in instrument. Miroslav Philharmonik is available as VST, Audio Units and RTAS plugin for Mac OS X.

Miroslav Philharmonik has introductory price of $499 (full version) and $349 (cross-grade price for registered SampleTank 2 L/XL users- prices VAT excluded). After the introductory price period is over -September 30th - the price will be $599 (full version) and $399 (cross-grade).

Apple posted an updated version for XSKey. This XSKey Updater is a simple to use tool that upgrades the firmware of your XSKey. This is not generally necessary, but may correct problems with XSKeys that are not being recognized or otherwise behaving erratically. Logic Pro requires you to attach an XSKey, to your computer to use the application.

Native Instruments has updated Guitar Rig to version 1.2.1 in order to improve Audio Units validation, and to fix a crash with Ableton Live 5. Guitar Rig is a software solution and foot controler for guitarist on stage or at home, including emulations of classic and modern amplifiers, speakers and effects.

After three beta-test months, Digitalmusician.net is now online. DMN is web site for musicians and audio professionals that works along with a VST plug-in to allow real-time, distributed music production via the Internet. Musicians can team up for joint music projects or simply help each other out. Music projects, capabilities and preferences together with demo songs and photo material can be presented on an individual Artist & Studios homepage.

The famous granulizor VST plugin Heizenbox has been updated to v2.3. This new version adds : even smaller offsets, new Length/Offset display that shows key or tempo, all Menus changes are saved in automation, offset Jump is now only one parameter, fixed clicking bug in LFO and new Presets.

Heizenbox is a shareware available in MacMusic software section.

Moog Music announces a significant enhancement to the Voyager synthesizer line - version 3.0 (V3.0). This enhancement requires an upgrade to both your Voyager hardware as well as the new V3.0 software. V3.0 extends the current single Bank of 128 Presets to 7 Banks of 128 Presets for a total of 896 user accessible presets. This upgrade is available for all Voyager Editions (Signature, Performer, Anniversary, Electric Blue, and Rack Mount). Additionally, V3.0 adds dual function to external Mixer knob and several MIDI enhancements.

V3.0 is available immediately for USA customers as a return to Factory Upgrade for $325. International customers must contact their local dealer.

Plugorama announced that several plug-ins from Native Instruments, East West and Garritan are now available on Receptor. Absynth 3, Elektrik Piano, Guitar Rig, Guitar Combos from Native Instruments, Garritan's Personal Orchestra, and Colossus, Bösendorfer 290 and EWQL Symphonic Orchestra Gold Edition from East West are now available to install now via the "User Installable" method.

Several other plug-ins - including Kontakt 1.5 and Kontakt 2 - are currently under testing and will be added to the user Installable page at Plugorama over the next few weeks.

Arboretum has released Ray Gun Pro v3.1 in Audio Units version for Mac OS X. Ray Gun Pro is an ideal tool for cleaning up scratchy vinyl, tape hiss, noisy dialog, HVAC noise, and any track with poor sonic quality.

Ray Gun Pro costs $159 and a demo version is available.