Mac and Music News

Spectrasonics announced an update for Stylus RMX to version 1.5.1c and for the SAGE Converter too. This new release adds a "Recent Sound Directories" Pop-Up menu, fixes several bugs (edit group menu font in Cubase SX, bug with LFO sync when using non 4/4 time signature, problem with deleting multiple instances of plugin). Stylus RMX is a groove-based virtual instrument plug-in. Stylus RMX is the first product to offer the combined power of Groove Control with Spectrasonics Advanced Groove Engine (S.A.G.E. ) technology giving users dramatic new control over groove production and performance.

LinPlug announced the anticipated Octopus 1.1 update and thanks all of you who helped with the public beta test. The update is available now at the download section of LinPlug web site, and features :

- Status of controller is kept when a new preset is loaded
- Optimized CPU on certain patches with long releases
- Octopus' Bank and Preset displays are now always updated
- Fixed Glide on transposed sounds
- Fixed crashes on a few AMD based systems
- Host Mixer track now named Octopus
- New Mastertune (fine tuning with 1 cent resolution)
- Transpose range bug fixed (AU only)
- French and German PDF manual available.

Apple today unveiled a new 1GB iPod nano for just $149, offering the same features as the 2GB and 4GB iPod nano models and holding up to 240 songs or 15,000 photos. The new 1GB iPod nano's ultra-portable design is thinner than a #2 pencil and features Apple's patent pending Click Wheel and the same color screen as the other iPod nano models.

In addition, Apple announced that the iPod Shuffle is now more affordable than ever with the 512MB and 1GB models priced at $69 and $99 respectively.

Waves just releases its new SSL 4000 version 1.0 plugins pack, available as VST-AU-RTAS and TDM versions. Developed under license from Solid State Logic, the Waves SSL 4000 Collection consists of three meticulously modeled plug-ins: the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, the SSL G-Equalizer, and the SSL E-Channel. Now, the classic sound of the SSL 4000 Series can be your sound.

Native version ships at $800 and TDM version at $1600.

JBL announced that its LSR4300 Control Center Software is now available for Macintosh. This tool allows users to control system volume, input source selection, solo, mute and more from their Mac. The LSR4300 Studio Monitors serie is dedicated to project studios, post-production and broadcast facilities, with two models : LSR4326P (powered six-inch two-way system) and the LSR4328P (powered eight-inch two-way system) . They come with a dedicated system volume control, mute and solo functions and input switching that allows the user to monitor a range of analog and digital playback sources. Each model includes high-resolution 24-bit, 96kHz AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital inputs to interface with computer audio interfaces.

Announced during Winter NAMM, Steinberg Virtual Guitarist 2.0 is now shipping worldwide. Offering a full 6.8 GB of authentic, editable riffs, parts and licks in 88 musical styles, offering a staggering total of nearly 1100 different parts across 88 styles including pop, rock, metal, reggae and country to name but a few. Virtual Guitarist 2 offers a complete computer-based instrument that creates realistic electric and acoustic rhythm guitar parts from scratch. The new Part Editor allows full editing control over every single Virtual Guitarist 2 phrase. Each chord is broken up into slices, which the user can manipulate as desired.

Guitarist 2 is shipping for 239 euros. Existing Virtual Guitarist or Virtual guitarist Electric Edition customers can update to the new Virtual Guitarist 2 version for 79 euros.

Once more ! Alphakanal announcd the release of version 0.3.9ub Audio Units for Automat. This new Universal Binary adds compatibility with new Intel-based iMac and Mac Book Pro. Automat is a substrative virtual synthesizer which features : subtractive synthesis, 3 antialiased oscilators, filters and amplifier, 2 ADSR's for filter and amplifier, 6 modulators with tempo sync and more...

This 'sunday freeware' is available in the MacMusic software section.

Digidesign has updated Pro Tools LE software and Pro-Tolls M-Powered software to version 7.0cs4, in order to fix the following bugs :

- When Recording on a Track with a Long Track Name, Recording Would Stop After 5 Minutes (Item #71869) ;
- Pro Tools Can Freeze When Attempting To Make a Crossfade (Item #72143).

These two new versions are available in the MacMusic software section.

Few weeks after the Pro 12 ASB (Authentic Sound Box) and the Minimax, Creamware announces the upcoming release the B4000 ASB, a Hammond B3 module featuring nine real drawbars. The B4000 also features a built-in Leslie rotary speaker emulation. This new member of the Authentic Sound Box range can be controlled with à stand-alone editor via USB. It will also feature MIDI In/Out/Thru, 2 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs.

The B4000 will cost 950€ and will be available in March.

SMPro a australian/german based company had a lot of new things at the Namm. The PM8 is a passive mixer in 2U format to serve as a front end to digital recording. It has 8 combo TRS/XLR ins and 2 stereo outs on XLR. Mute and Pan on each input channel, a 25 pin DSUB input (Protools/Tascam format), a ground pin connector, and 2 stepped levels on the Masters out. Also from SMPro there's a PR8E, 8 mic preamps in 1U rack format (see specs on the website) ; the DI1, a compact DI (see specs on the website) ; the AI8, an ADAT to analogue converter (1 ADAT input, 8 line ouputs interface, Delta-sigma 24 bit/96 kHz D/A converter in half rack 1U format) and last the CT1, a cable tester (2 Speakon, 2 TRS/TS, 2 XLR, 2 RCA Phono, 2 BNC, 2 MIDI (5-pin DIN), 2 Banana ; it tests also from one type to another).

Price and availability TBA.

Digidesign announces a new version 7.1cs4 for Pro Tools HD. This new release fixes:

- When Recording on a Track with a Long Track Name, Recording Would Stop After 5 Minutes;
- Pro Tools Can Freeze When Attempting To Make a Crossfade;
- RTAS Instrument Plug-Ins on Instrument Tracks Incorrectly Report Delay Compensation Values
- Support For Logic Pro 7.2;
- Pro Tools HD 7.1cs3 Could Not Load the Surround Panner Firmware.

This new version is available in the MacMusic software section.