Mac and Music News

As announced, Digidesign is now offering two versions of its Pro Tools|HD systems, in PCI version and PCI Express version. By continuing to provide the existing PCI version and releasing a PCI Express (PCIe) version, Digidesign is ensuring continued compatibility of its Pro Tools|HD systems with a wide range of PCI, PCI-X, and PCIe-equipped computers. Existing Pro Tools|HD systems are designed to work in PCI and PCI-X slots only and are not compatible with PCIe technology. Regarding the PCIe :

- Digidesign has qualified Pro Tools|HD systems for PCIe with the new range of Apple Power Mac G5 computers;
- initial Digidesign support for PCIe-based Pro Tools|HD systems is limited to a maximum configuration of three cards ( beyond three cards you will need to use the PCI cards with the new HD expansion chassis);

PCIe-compatible Pro Tools|HD systems are the same price as their PCI counterparts and Digidesign is offering a crossgrade program for PCI users who want to transition their Pro Tools|HD system to a host computer with PCIe slots.

Make Music released Finale 2006b. This new version of the famous music notation software now features :

- EPS Export. EPS graphics can now be exported using any Finale-compatible operating system.
- Check for Finale Updates Automatically with the new option Check for Finale Updates under the Help Menu.
- Expanded Documentation. Learn how to get the most out of Garritan Personal Orchestra and Human Playback with the new GPO And HP
- Finale Installation And Tutorials Supplement.
- Dozens of additional improvements.

Finale 2006b is a free, downloadable update available to registered Finale 2006 users. Full version of Finale 2006 costs $600 ($350 for Academic version and $99,95 for upgrade from Finale 2005).

ElectroKraft unveils a new MIDI controller "Sonar*Axe", an experimental and strange looking MIDI controller. The Sonar*Axe uses a sonar sensor to detect hand position (generating notes), and a photocell to generate changes in note octave. This sort of MIDI-Theremin can be used to control any MIDI-compatible device.

Sonar*Axe MIDI controller costs $525.

SoundToys announced that SoundToys TDM Effects for Mac OS X are now shipping. This new bundle replaces the UltraTools and UltraFX bundles and contains all nine SoundToys plug-ins : EchoBoy, FilterFreak, PhaseMistress, Tremolator, Crystallizer, Speed, SoundBlender, PurePitch and PitchDoctor. SoundToys TDM Effects bundle (AudioSuite, TDM, RTAS) costs $1195.

SoundToys also released version 1.2 for its entire line of SoundToys plug-ins. and adds support for Pro Tools 7 software, as well as TDM support for FilterFreak, PhaseMistress, Crystallizer, Tremolator and UltraFX, which had previously been available only as RTAS and HTDM plug-ins.

Wave Arts announces the completion of Power Suite 5. This release features enhanced sound quality, more signal processing power, and new visual interface design. All v5 plug-ins are now available, including the newest release Panorama 5, and they will continue to be sold individually and in various bundle configurations. Power Suite 5 includes: TrackPlug, MultiDynamics, MasterVerb, FinalPlug and the new Panorama, a 3-D virtual acoustics processor with binaural HRTF technology.

Until the end of the year, Power Suite 5 (AU, VST, MAS, RTAS) will be available for the introductory price of $499.95 (regular $599.95) and individual plug-ins for $174.95 (regular $199.95). Free demo versions are available.

Sonalksis announces the release of TBK Creative Filter plugin, an entirely
new generation of filter, using Adaptive Resonance Technology. This new plugin tool automatically adapts filter resonance and saturation characteristics according to a psychoacoustic model, and features four available modes of adaptive resonance, 64bit floating point precision, and zero latency throughput. It supports up to 192kHz
sample rates.

Sonalksis TBK Creative Filter is available as VST-Audio Units and costs $199.99.

Bias has just released a new version 1.1.2 for SoundSoap Pro RTAS and a new version 2.0.2 for SoundSoap RTAS. They are now both compatible with latest version of Digidesign Pro Tools 7. SoundSoap and SoundSoap Pro offer unparalleled noise reduction and audio restoration with a minimum of tweaking, and greatly reduced chances of undesirable sonic artifacts.

These new versions are available as updater to the RTAS plug-in only.

Digidesign announces an update to versions 7.0cs1 for both Pro Tools LE anbd Pro Tools M-Powered softwares. Pro Tools M-Powered and LE 7.0cs1 both contain the following fixes: Problems With Fade Dialog Preview, Track Meters Flicker When Processor Setting Is Dual-RTAS, and Inaccuracies With Groove Quantize. The updated version of Pro-Tools LE also fixes Banking Control|24 Could Result In A Crash.

Please also note that following current Apple computers are now supported with Pro Tools LE 7 with Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, and Mbox 2 systems: PowerBook G4 1.67GHz (Hi Res) 15 Inch Display, PowerBook G4 1.67GHz (Hi Res) 17 Inch Display, iMac G5 1.9GHz 17 Inch Display, iMac G5 2.1GHz 20 Inch Display, Power Mac G5 Dual 2GHz (single dual-core) and Power Mac G5 Dual 2.3GHz (single dual-core).

Remember also that the "pro Tools 7 upgrade plus offer" wiil end December 20, 2005.