Mac and Music News

Drumagog has been updated to version 4.0.3 for both Audio Units, VST and RTAS formats. This new release adds a new "Fixed Latency" plugin, full MIDI support for all platforms and fixes some minor bugs. Drumagog is a plug-in that automatically replaces drum tracks with a vast array of other samples.

This updated version is available in the MacMusic software section.

Arturia announced the upcoming release of the Prophet V, a perfect hybrid of two synthesizers that changed the face of music during the 70's and 80's. The warmth of the Prophet 5, one first programmable polyphonic analogue synthesizer, meets the digital features of the Prophet VS in a new unison called the Prophet V.

Arturia also reduced prices for all of its virtual instruments range :

- Minimoog V, Moog Modular V, CS-80V, ARP-2600V and new Prophet V ship at a unique price of $249,00 each.
- Brass is not affected by these new prices, and costs $349,00.

Ueberschall release "60s a GoGo" and "THE RESOURCE". Both products use a new highspeed timestretching and pitchshifting engine called "ELASTIK" which is the latest software development from Ueberschall. "60s a GoGo" contains authentic retro music arrangements, samples & loops inspired by beat-, surf-, twist-, pulp-, rock-, lounge-, easy listening, french and italian film music from the faboulus sixties. "The RESOURCE" contains 10 GB beats, licks, chords and percussion, 16370 loops and single sounds (11843 loops and 4527 single sounds) and includes Ueberschall's new ELASTIK loop player.

60s a GoGo is shipping at $119.00 and The Resource costs $299.00

Cycling '74 has redesigned its web site, which now features a new interface and a lot of useful tools for both beginners and advanced users : a dedicated new forum for all novices, interviews with musicians, easy-to-understand new tutorials, and also users pages, where they can share teir work.

Good visit...

SonicBirth is an AudioUnit designing application which allows users to build their own AudioUnit plugins, either by working with existing circuits or by creating circuits completely from scratch. SonicBirth is also an AudioUnits package, as it comes bundled with a set of plugins designed for standalone use as plugins as well as pre-constructed circuits to modify or build. A new version 1.1.2 is available in the MacMusic software section, and now adds two new modules (Notch filter and Peak filter), a new 'Hum remover' plugin, and fixes MIDI channel related bug in VST plugins.

At last, SonicBirth is now available at a reduced price of $49.

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.