Mac and Music News

SPL presents at the Musikmesse a new massive (72 filters) passive EQ, named adequately the Passeq. With 36 passive filters in boost and 36 in cut organised in the interface as 3 bands with 12 frequencies each to choose from, it's a massive contender on the market, not only because it's a 4U rack full of stylish knobs. The Passeq uses SPL SUPRA-OPs on a 120V rail for audio quality: S/N ratio 116 dB, +34 dB of headroom, dynamic range is quoted at 150 dB. All switches and pots are Elma and ALPS, there's a Universal internal power supply and it does look good too.

Available in June 06, price TBA.

The P3 is a sort of a hidden old-timer. it was available in kit form for some time but now, with it's success in electronic circles, it's now a manufactured MIDI sequencer with professional backing support. It gives you 8 tracks, 384 patterns and note, velocity, tie, gate, length, gate delay, and a combo of up to 4 MIDI controllers, extra notes, or other events, per step. Patterns are 1 to 16 steps long, firmware is upgradable by Sysex, and the P3 has already a reputation of his own. and a good one!

Available now! price 499£ including VAT

CME announced its "WIDI X-8" system. This full duplex wireless system for MIDI and USB communication comes with two identical MIDI/USB boxes featuring :

- built-in USB MIDI interface
- Bi-directional MIDI communication (MIDI in/out)
- Up to 64 pairs can be operating at the same time via 64 channels
- Three operating modes (USB/RF, MIDI/RF, USB/MIDI)
- OS X class-compliant for plug-and-play.

The WIDI X-8 will be available in August 2006 and wiil cost $249.99.

Solid State Logic announced Duende, its first entry in the DAW world. Duende is a DSP platform in a rack format, enabling you to have the SSL sound quality directly in your favorite audio software. It connects to your computer via Firewire 400 and the plug-ins are in AU, VST and RTAS so all DAWs are concerned. Each unit handles 32 channels at 96 KHz, and 2 can be daisy chained. Duende will be available in april for about EUR 1600.

Ever dreamed of a SSL?

Behringer has announced at Musikmesse the iAXE393, a 22-fret USB guitar for Mac. It comes with a vintage vibrato bridge, and a stereo headphone output with dedicated level control, The iAXE comes with loads of virtual amps and stomp boxes powered and multi-track recording and editing software. The iAXE393USB is bus-powered and can be plugged directly into the computer.

Behringer USB Guitar will ship 2nd Quarter 2006.

Behringer announces at Musikmesse that two new digital piano are now shipping wordwide. The Eurogrand EG8080-BK features a hand-polished wood cabinet with black lacquer finish and 80-Watt speakers, and the Eurogrand EG540-BK features a wood grain cabinet with black finish and 40-Watt speakers. They both come with an 88-note, weighted hammer-action keyboard and three pedals – Damper, Sostenuto and Soft.

Price : TBA.

CME the new kid on the block in the controller keyboard block, will release in July its VX series of red featured full keyboards. This 4 models range share:

- USB Audio/MIDI interface
- 4 MIDI out, 1 MIDI in
- 2 mic/line input, 2 line output
- 2 headphone outputs
- 2 pedal connectors
- Expandable
- 64 programmable controllers, including 9 motorized 60 mm faders, a ribbon, 12 pads, 8 pots; 8 encoders, switches…
- transport controls
- breath controller input (Yamaha BC3 compatible)
- Initial and after touch, velocity sensitive keyboard
- multi scale support for any scaling system (including non occidental)


VX5 (49 keys), $899.99, VX6 (61 keys) $999.99, VX7 (76 keys) $1199.99 US, VX8 (88 keys) $1299.99.

Behringer announced the C-3, a multipattern (cardio, omni, figure of 8) dual diaphragm condenser microphone. It comes with its transport case, shock mount and integrates a LED that indicates Phantom power is on. Behringer announced too a new mixer in the Eurorack family, the RX1202FX. This is a 8 mono, 2 stereo mixer with 8 mic preamps with a stereo FX processor holding 100 presets to go.

Both available second quarter '06
C-3 $79.99 - EUR 83
RX1202FX $229,99 - EUR 238

Alesis unveiled two new podcasting kits. The "USB kit" contains the Alesis MultiMix 8 USB mixer (2 channels) and the "FireWire kit" contains the Alesis MultiMix 8 FireWire mixer (8 channels). Both kits feature a dynamic microphone, a desktop stand, a mic cable, headphones, Steinberg's Cubase LE and a comprehensive podcasting application.

Price/availability : TBA

Announced at last NAMM, the Line 6 LowDown amplifiers is a powerful range of enhanced amps for bass guitars. it features fast and resourceful amplification (1x12,150W with Tilt Back monitor design; 1x15 w/horn, 175W and 1x15 w/horn, 300W) with Line 6 quality models: 5 Bass Amp (Clean, R&B, Rock, Brit and Grind), 5 Essential Bass Effects (Synth, Compressor, Envelope Filter, Octaver, and Chorus), a Deep switch for "supreme fatness", XLR out with Bass pod modelling, 4 channel memories, headphone out, audio in on 1/8" for cd/mp3 jamming, built-in tuner, Foot Switch Jack for FBV Express or FBV Shortboard.

Shipping now. LowDown LD150 $399.99, LowDown LD175 $499.99, LowDown LD300 Pro $599.99. As a side note, Line 6 updates for free the Vetta I and II software to 2.5 with better models, better tuner stability, tap tempo sync to MIDI clock, additional footswitch assignments…

SM Pro Audio presents at the Musikmesse a festival of new products available now, prices are TBA:
The EP84: 8 independent microphone preamplifiers based on the PR8E circuitry in a 2U rack.
The OC8E: 8 optical compressors (soft-knee design) with individual compression ratio, Class A transformer-less high voltage signal path and individual attack and release controls, Bypass, Output level control per channel; tri-state LED indicator and Output (bluuuue) VU level indicator in a 2 U rack.
The TC01 and TC02: single (desktop unit) and dual channel (1U rack) tube microphone preamp/DI and optical compressor with (bluuuuue) Vu meter.
The VU8: multi-channel passive (bluuuue) VU meter and headphone monitor.
The M-Patch 2: new version of the M-Patch passive volume control/switch box.

At Frankfurt, Sonicbytes announces Phrazor, a rack/sequencer new plugin. Phrazor has 64 Tracks, each providing up to 8 Plugin-Slots. You can see Phrazor as a Rack for all your software Synthesizers. The Basic usage is combining instruments and effects in order to simplify everyday's work. In Phrazor the term Track is used instead of Rack because a Track contains Mixer-States, Programs and optional Clips and Playlist information. Tracks can easily be used in any host, since the file format is independent. But also Projects, Slots, Grooves and Clips can be reused at any time.

The final release is scheduled for April/May '06.

Metric Halo announced that the Universal Binary version of ChannelStrip AU is now shipping. Version 2.2 of ChannelStrip AU is supported for operation with systems running Mac OS X 10.4.3 or later, and Audio Unit compliant host applications. Version 2.2 is available at all Metric Halo authorized dealers, and upgrades are available from the Metric Halo website at www.mhlabs.com.

For the MPC nurtured, pas are almost a second nature, Akai brings back a new pad controller the MPD24. It's a 16 pad MPC style controller with 4 selectable pad banks, 6 assignable Faders, 8 assignable encoders, transport functions (REW, FF, STOP PLAY and REC with MMC). It works in MIDI and USB and can be USB powered if needed. A librarian editor is included as an Akai Sample library of classic drum machines. You can go bang the drums now!

Price and availability TBA.

ADAM announced a new monitor, the A7, along with two subwoofers the Sub8 and Sub10 mkII. The A7 is a small, low price tag (yet unknown) monitor. It features the acclaimed A.R.T. tweeter and a 6.5" Rohacell/Kevlar cone fed by dedicated 50w rms amps. It is housed in a 18 x 33 x 28 cm unshielded box weighting 8 kg (so beware with CRT computer screens). The frequency response is quoted 46 Hz-35 KHz, which can be trimmed by high and low shelving filters in the back as the tweeter level. Front is housing power and general level controls. Connection is in XLR and unbalanced 1/4" jacks.

AMS NEVE announced 3 new modules at the Musikmesse: the 8803, a dual channel EQ; the 8804, a fader pack; and the 9001, their first ever Valve module, a dual channel. All three units share the 88 range characteristics of recallable setting and USB interfacing with your computer. The 8803 is a 1U rack, featuring a dual channel EQ based on the 8108 design with enhancements (frequency and Q ranges) and filter. Balanced inputs with +/- 20dB trims, 12 dB HP filter (25Hz-300Hz corner frequency), 12dB LP filter (3kHz to 15kHz corner frequency). The EQ: selectable shelving, switchable Q on high and low bands, continuously variable Q on the mids. The selection of the frequencies are continuous in the ranges 33Hz to 440Hz, 120Hz to 2kHz, 0.8kHz to 9kHz and 1.5kHz to 18kHz.

Cakewalk announced the world wide availability of Rapture. A free Rapture 1.1 update, available as Universal Binary version for new Intel-based Macs, will be also available in 2nd Quarter 2006. Rapture is a wavetable synthesizer designed to produce pop, dance and electronic sounds, is now shipping worldwide. Rapture combines an advanced modulation system with an non-aliasing wavetable resampling engine. It features 40 Envelope Generators, LFOs, and Step Generators per patch, and comes with more than 500 programs including Basses, Leads, Pads, Arpeggios, Textures, Electronic Percussion and Sequences.

Rapture ships (AU, RTAS, VST) for $259,00.

Pump Up the Volume ? Apple says no ! Apple today announced a software update for the iPod nano and fifth generation iPod, allowing customers to easily set their own personal maximum volume limit. The software update also gives parents the ability to set a maximum volume limit on their child's iPod and lock it with a combination code. The new software update 1.1.1 is available immediately as a free download for the iPod nano and the fifth generation iPod from the Apple web site.

All is so quiet in Cupertino...

TC announced 2 new effect and treatment, the C300 and M350 racks. The C300 is a dual engine dynamics processor (compressor/limiter/gate/expander) in 1U metal rack. Both engine are independent but can be linked either in series or parallel, a stereo link mode enables you to treat a composite stereo signal thru both engines simultaneously. The unit has analogue (jacks 1/4" balanced/unbalanced) and digital I/O (S/PDIF), uses 24 bit A/D-D/A converters, MIDI I/O, and is centered around its 32 presets interface (16 compression/limiter and 16 expander/gate). Universal power supply included in the rack! C 300 available in May, EUR 210.

TC Electronic announced the famous TC Powercore card will be available this summer in PCIe (PCI express) format. The latest G5 owners will be pleased to know it and use it. it'll retail at Euro 1140.

Presonus released the Faderport control interface previewed at last NAMM show. It's both a single fader, transport and MIDI box, hooked up via USB:
- One loooong quality motorized fader
- single channel or group operation
- all the transport controls you want
- all operation in 3 windows: Edit, Mix and Transport
- Pan control, mute, solo, record enable
- Footswitch in for quick punch in/out hands free

The Faderport is supported in Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Cubase and Nuendo, more to come. Price tag should be round $179.

Tc Electronic announced the Konnekt family of Audio interfaces. The Konnekt 24D and Konnekt 8 are firewire interfaces, working with Core Audio drivers even on macintels, aren't' that great? They are bus powered. Feature wise, the 24D is DSP driven so:

- 2 IMPACT Pre
- True Hi-Z guitar in
- 14/14 I/O: 2 mic/inst/line, 2 line inputs and 4 line outputs (all available as balanced too), 8 ADAT and 2 S/PDIF (optical and coaxial) inputs and outputs
- 2 headphones out, one with auto speaker muting function
- Full feature direct monitoring, effected and also between networked units
- up to 24-bit/192kHz, based on the Finalizer and the System 6000 research
- Use DICE anti-jitter, latest TC technology
- DSP Effects: Fabrik C channel strip and Fabrik R reverb,
- MIDI i/o
- Stand alone mode
- stackable, up to 4 Konnekt interfaces
The Konnekt 8 is a less featured DSP-less (no DSP effects, less I/O) declination of the 24D. Specifications still to be known in full.

Price EUR 470 ex. VAT for Konnekt 24D and EUR 320 ex. VAT for Konnekt 8, Avaible summer '06 !

RME has a thing for MADI interfaces and converters and will release shortly two new MADI products, the MADI Converter and the ADI-6432 MADI to AES Converter. The MADI Converter is a 1U rack featuring 6 independent bidirectional converters, each 12 Ins have status LEDs. It supports all MADI formats: 56-channel, 64-channel, any sample rate even out of specifications, and will transfer "invisible" control bits too. Range covers 100 meters using coaxial cables and up to 2000 by using optical cables. A MIDI distributor send a MIDI In to 3 MIDI Out. Available in April.

Genelec announces the launch of its new 8200 and 7200 DSP Series Monitors. Built on the foundation of Genelec's 8000 MDE and 7000 LSE Series products, the new Genelec 8200 Series Bi-amplified Active Monitors and 7200 Series Active Subwoofers are designed for end-users who want a network speaker system that can be set up, measured, analyzed and calibrated quickly. The new DSP Series is comprised of two Bi-amplified Active Monitors. The 8240A utilizes a 6.5-inch woofer and 3/4-inch tweeter. The free-field frequency response is 48 Hz to 20 kHz (±1.0 db). Peak SPL per pair is 115 dB driven by a pair of 90 Watt amplifiers for each driver. The 8250A has an 8-inch woofer and 1-inch tweeter set into the DCW with a free-field frequency response of 38 Hz to 20 kHz (±1.0 db). Peak SPL per pair is 120 ...

E-MU Systems has announced at MusikMesse its new 0404 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface for Mac with 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters, two pristine XTC mic/line/hi-Z preamps, and ultra-low jitter clock. From its plug-and-play functionality and hands-on ergonomic design to professional features like independent ground lift switches and signal-to-noise specs. It features two 1/4" balanced outputs, one set of MIDI in/out and a stereo headphone output.

The 0404 USB also comes with E-MU's powerful Production Tools Software Bundle and will ship June 2006 at an estimated street price of €199.99.

Our valiant webmaster Soif and the "infamous" Nolot are in Frankfurt and they can't stop taking pictures of all the booth they see. We have already 98 pics of gear and software to look upon and more to come. G.A.S.* garanteed. Enjoy!

(* Gear Addiction Syndrome ;)

CreamWare just adds a new member to its ASB (authentic sound box) family : the Prodyssey ASB synthesizer, a recreation of the legendary ARP Odyssey. It features 12 voice of polyphony, an effects section and USB computer integration. Patches can be edited directly on the hardware panel or via the supplied remote-control software which wiil be available for Mac OS X.

The Prodyssey ASB will ship May 2006 for 999 euros.

Numark in partnership with ArKaos announce the NuVJ Video Controller. The NuVJ is the perfect tool for DJs who want to synchronize video with their musical performance. The NuVJ allows DJs to incorporate images and video clips in much the same way as mixing music. With the NuVJ , the VJ can trigger images and video clips, add effects to them, mix them through an onboard DJ style crossfader and tweak them in order to create unique and spectacular shows. The hardware controller works seamlessly with existing DJ gear and the software is compatible with most computers and laptops.

Celemony Software presents the new 'Melodyne Sound Library' for the multi-track versions of Melodyne, cre8 and studio. The sounds of the libraries are derived from Ueberschall's 'Liquid Instruments' and are being offered specially to Melodyne owners at the end of April. The series begins with 'Saxophone', 'Bass' and 'Guitar', with 'The Voice 1 and 2' and 'Horn Section' to follow in early summer. The first Melodyne Sound Libraries, 'Saxophone', 'Bass' and 'Guitar' will probably be available at the end of April together with Melodyne cre8/studio 3.1.

Melodyne Sound Libraries will cost 139 euros (US$159).

Native Instruments today announced KONTAKT PLAYER 2, the second generation
of its platform for sample-based software instruments. The powerful Kontakt Script Processor (KSP) of KONTAKT 2 plays a central role in KONTAKT PLAYER 2-based instruments. The virtually unlimited flexibility of KSP allows for instruments with unprecedented functionality and musicality, including extremely authentic emulations of acoustic instruments. The first KONTAKT PLAYER 2 instruments to be made available to musicians will be "Stradivari Solo Violin" from Gary Garritan.

KONTAKT PLAYER 2 is based on the latest KONTAKT 2.1 engine, with the
corresponding update for KONTAKT users scheduled for release in April 2006.

Elemental Audio Systems today announced the release of an update to its Mac compatible plug-in analysis suite InspectorXL. This update affects all InspectorXL plug-in formats, VST, RTAS, and Audio Unit, and is recommended for all Mac users. The version 1.0.3 update fixes graphical issues experienced by some users and should be downloaded as soon as possible to ensure reliable graphical performance.

The update is available for download free of charge to registered InspectorXL owners.

A Design Audio introduces new modules of preamps, the P-1 and EM series. The P-1 is based on their Pacifica model (cream panel). The EM (Erickson/Montessi) are "twists" as they say around the P-1, each is sounding slightly different. In order to achieve this, different input and output custom wound transformers are used in each one (grey, blue and red panel). Every EM module features a DI input and a -20dB pad switch, 48V Phantom power with a LED indicator. The EM-Silver is better suited to ribbon microphones. It features a steel wound transformer. The EM-Red and EM-Blue have a darker sound. The EM-Blue features a nickel wound transformer giving more highs in the end. The EM-Red uses a 50/50 output transformer, along with a different input transformer for "more upfront mids".

Each module is listed for $850.

Attention Ableton Live users! Novation announces at Frankfurt that the latest software update for the ReMOTE SL includes compatibility with Ableton Live 5. Now, with an SL keyboard connected, you can have total, hands-on control over a session in Live 5. The Mixer and Transport controls are immediately available, with every effect and plug-in mapped automatically to the ReMOTEís rotaries and buttons.

And, this free software update also includes compatibility for Cubase and Logic as well.

Native Instruments today disclosed full details on KORE, an integrated system consisting of a host software for VST and Audio Units plug-ins, and a tightly integrated hardware controller that includes a professional USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface. It can be used both as a standalone instrument host as well as a plug-in within any Audio Units, VST and RTAS compatible sequencer program. Due to the sophisticated bi-directional integration of the controller with the KORE software, all major functions of the system can be controlled without the need to touch or even see the computer that runs the software.

KORE will be available beginning May 8th 2006 for a suggested retail price
of $ 579 / 499 Euro.

Focusrite just announces Liquid Mix, a new multi-channel Firewire Mix Processor. Liquid Mix's onboard DSP hosts 32 classic EQs and 32 vintage compressors simultaneously in the mix. Each of Liquid Mix's 32 channels provides Compressor and EQ emulations selected from a huge pool of high-quality vintage and modern day classics. 40 Compressors and 20 EQs are available straight out of the box, with an expanding library online. Furthermore, a totally unique hybrid 7-band 'super EQ' can be built out of separate classic EQ sections in every one of the 32 channels. Each channel appears as a separate VST/AU/RTAS effect within the sequencer and will work within all major applications, including Pro Tools. Liquid Mix's DSP is housed within a desktop control solution and connects to the computer via Firewire, which also provides bus-powering. An optional expansion card is available for Liquid Mix, allowing users to increase the number of available channels at higher sample rates.

The Mac version of Liquid Mix is targeted to ship in Q2 of 2006.

E-MU Systems has announced at MusikMesse its new 0202 USB 2.0 portable USB audio interface for Mac, offering pristine 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback, direct monitoring in a compact USB 2.0 bus-powered package. The E-MU 0202 features Ultra-low noise mic/line/hi-Z preamp (-127dBu EIN), Line/hi-Z preamp, 1/8" computer microphone input (doubles mic/line/hi-Z preamp above), Two 1/4" outputs, 1/8" stereo speaker output and stereo headphone output.

It also includes Production Tools software bundle with E-MU's Proteus VX Software Sound Module, as well as software by Cakewalk, Steinberg, Ableton, IK Multimedia, and many others. It will ship June 2006 at an estimated street price of €129.99.

At the Musikmesse, Celemony Software announces the version 1.5 of the audio editing software Melodyne essential. This update of the bundled version of Melodyne offers optimized Pro Tools integration, a clearer menu structure and numerous other improvements in areas such as ReWire integration, scrubbing and saving. Melodyne essential forms part of the Ignition bundle that comes with DigiDesign's Pro Tools and therefore offers all purchasers of Pro Tools entry-level access to the pitch correction, vocal production and melody editing functions of Melodyne.

The update is available on the Celemony web site for download free of charge by all users of essential.

RME just announces the very new Fireface 400 audio inteface. The 400 is not only a compact version of the Fireface 800 but a new designed product in a 19-inch half-rack. Fireface 400 offers active jitter suppression, stand-alone MIDI, direct device, 648-channel matrix router and is operational up to 192 kHz. It features : 2 digitally controlled high-quality mic preamps, 2 balanced universal line/instrument inputs, coaxial S/PDIF I/O fully AES/EBU compatible, optical S/PDIF, and MIDI in/outs.

The RME Fireface 400 will ship in May at 900 euros.

Yamaha announces two new Mobile Recording Systems in their new portable GO series. The two models, GO44 and GO46 are FireWire powered and come supplied with Steinberg Cubase LE software. Both models can record at up to 192kHz and also act as MIDI interfaces. The GO44, features two balanced analog jack line level inputs with a stereo digital i/o and analog outputs are handled at the rear by two balanced jack outputs. The GO46 features front panel XLR combi-jacks that can supply switchable +48v phantom power to condenser microphones. The front panel knobs allow for easy input gain control and headphone / master volume control. Around the rear the GO46 offers insert points and optical digital IO ports.

New Yamaha GO Mobile Audio Interfaces will be available in June 2006.

E-MU has announced its new 1616M PCI and 1616 PCI Digital Audio Systems that deliver the same powerful DSP effects, zero-latency monitoring and pristine 24-bit/192kHz A/D and D/A converters of E-MU's PCI Digital Audio Systems with the MicroDock breakout box of its CardBus Digital Audio Systems. The 1616M PCI and 1616 PCI Digital Audio Systems offer a total of 16 inputs and 16 outputs plus 32 channels of MIDI I/O, including two E-MU XTC Class-A ultra-low noise mic/line/hi-Z preamps with 48V phantom power and analog soft limiting circuit for clip protection. The 1616M PCI and 1616 PCI ship with the E-MU Production Tools software bundle that includes E-MU's Proteus X LE, as well as software by Steinberg, Ableton, IK Multimedia, and many more.

The new E-MU 1616M PCI and 1616 PCI Digital Audio Systems will ship in July 2006 with an estimated street price of €449.99 for the 1616M PCI and €349.99 for the 1616 PCI.

At Musikmesse Frankfurt, 80 magazines from all over the world get together to vote for the best products in more than 40 categories. More than 500 international representatives of manufacturers and distributors of musical instruments and audio equipment are attending the MIPA Awards. The awards will be presented to the winners at a special ceremony held during the Musikmesse on Thursday, March 30th 2006...so tomorrow.

You'll find bellow the full list of all the nominees for mipa 2006 in their respective categories.

From Frankfurt, BIAS (Hall 5.1 at Booth 63) today announced Universal versions of its Peak Pro, Peak Pro XT, Peak LE, Master Perfection Suite, SoundSoap and SoundSoap Pro applications for both Power PC and Intel-based Macs. BIAS' Power PC optimized DSP processes are currently among the fastest, and highest-quality, in the industry. The BIAS Intel Core Duo compatible applications will demonstrate significant performance increases on some of the most computationally-intensive audio processes (for example, testing Sample Rate Conversion in Peak Pro 5 showed a nearly 130% performance increase running on an Intel-based MacBook Pro versus a 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4).

Universal versions of Peak Pro, Peak Pro XT, Peak LE, Master Perfection Suite, SoundSoap and SoundSoap Pro will be available Q2 2006 through the authorized network of BIAS dealers and distributors. Upgrades to Universal editions will be free of charge.

At Frankfurt Steinberg announces a new symphonic VST instrument and library: HALion Symphonic Orchestra. A 27GB library, integrated easy-to-use player, RealAmbience adjustable recorded reverb and range of playability features combine to form a new orchestral composition and production tool. Played by a leading European orchestra, the expansive 27GB HSO library encompasses a vast array of articulations for strings, woodwind, brass and percussion including crescendo, decrescendo, accents, half and whole tone thrills, bowing (where applicable), portamento, pizzicato, expressivo and many more. 1250 programs offer solo, ensemble and tutti sounds for almost every instrument, with innovatively programmed facilities like key-switches and crossfades providing easy use of complex sample groups.

Supporting VST, DXi, AU as well as ReWire for easy integration into Pro Tools, HALion Symphonic Orchestra also offers a stand-alone mode. it will be available n Q2 2006 for €499.00.

Frontier Design Group announced the availability of Universal Binary drivers for its Tranzport controller. it is now in version 1.20 and will work on PPC and Intel mac (OS X 10.3.9 or better). Note that this driver is also mandatory for use with Logic 7.2

Little Phatty! You had the specs a little while back but to sum up, it's a 2 VCO, 1 VCF, 2 ADSR, 4 waveforms LFO, full analogue path 37 notes keyboard. There's audio I/O, Midi I/O, CV I/O, and a 100 presets memory. It'll run as a 1200 pieces Bob Moog Tribute Edition first with a price tag of $1475. Beware, it's said to have b…s! ;)

Sound samples will be available next week, meanwhile you have to go in Frankfurt to play it.