Mac and Music News

ATD2 presented at the AES the just finished prototypes of the coming FAR XM 8.D. It is a midfield 3 way active monitor precursor of the forthcoming new XM range. Each monitor features 2 sets of AES/EBU inputs and outputs, D/A converters at 24 bits/96 kHz, DSP running at 24 bits/48 kHz with a 10 bands EQ, delay, filters… Each way has a amplificator of respectively 120 Wms, 40 Wms and 40 Wms. Even with the monitors still in prototype state and uncalibrated the depth and the stereo image is already impressive.

8 series 1800€ per monitor, available in june.

Native Instruments releases an update to version 5.1.1 for its Reaktor. This update features :

- Fixed multichannel AU compatibility with Logic 7.2
- Fixed cross-platform plugin streaming bug
- Fixed a plugin streaming bug occuring when controls are controlling other controls in an ensemble
- Fixed Protools TDM Mac bug (ensembles containing core cells causing Protools error messages)

You can download this update in our software section.

Sagan announced a pre-release version of Metro 6.3.5.4. Thise release adds a new slider in the jukebox window, adds a new plug-in option 'configure to stereo output', and Play Quantize has been implemented for MIDI soft synths. This version also fixes some bugs (Intel-Mac plug-ins errors, program name banks problems, better .ins file support and others). Metro is a fast-operating, easy-to-learn high-powered sequencer for the design of professional audio projects. It stands alone as a complete and integrated MIDI, audio and video production system.

Here are some pictures of the latest AES show, including some beautiful consoles.

Apple announces an update to version 7.2.1 for Logic Express. This new updated of Logic Express 7.2.1 is a maintenance release that addresses isolated reliability and compatibility issues in the following areas:

- Intel Macs: ReWire and ReCycle support
- Standard MIDI file export
- Compatibility with GarageBand 3 projects and Logic 7.1 songs
- Direct playback of MP3 files.

This update is free and is of course available as a download in the MacMusic software section. Please also note that owners of Logic Express 7 can crossgrade to Logic Express 7.2 Universal Binary version for $29.

Universal Audio announces its two new UAD-1e Express PAK and UAD-1e Expert PAK, PCI Express DSP Cards & Powered Plug-Ins.

- The UAD-1e Express PAK will cost $499 (with a plugin voucher of $100)

- Expert PAK will cost $999 (with a plugin voucher of $750)

These two cards will ship Quarter 3 of 2006, with a 15 free plug-in suite, including vintage equalizers & compressors, mastering tools, lush reverbs, guitar FX, and officially licensed classic hardware emulations from Roland and Neve.

IK Multimedia announces that its Ampeg SVX plugin is now shipping worldwide. This Bass Amp modeling plugin includes over 20 Ampeg bass amps, such as SVT Classic, the SVT 5 PRO, the BA500 or the B15R, and of course effects designed for bass : Chorus, Delay, Flanger, Phaser, Octaver, Wah, Auto Filter, Distortion, Graphic EQ and Compressor.

Ampeg SVX plugin costs $399/€329.

A demo version of Renoise 1.5.2 Universal Binary version for Both Intel and PowerPC Macs is now available. Renoise is the next generation of music tracker software, combining studio quality sound and virtually infinite expandability with a clear and concise interface putting every parameter and option literally at your fingertips!

This demo version needs OS X 10.3.9 or higher.

Vienna Symphonic Library has updated its Vienna Instruments to version 1.0.6. This release adds core and graphic improvements, and is available as VST version for Mac OS X. Vienna Instruments include solo strings, chamber strings, orchestral strings I, orchestral strings II, harps, woodwinds I, woodwinds II, brass I , brass II and percussion.

Details on the Vienna Symphonic Library web site.

Arturia announces the upcoming release of Analog Factory. This powerful yet extremely easy to use virtual instrument comes loaded with 2000 legendary synthesizer sounds that have shaped modern music production. From classic phat lead lines to crystalline digital pads, Analog Factory provides the contemporary musician with a broad, versatile and instantly striking sonic palette. The intuitive interface includes a smart Preset Manager that allows in just a few clicks to find desired sounds from within the huge preset collection. But Analog Factory is not only a collection of sounds. Since it is based on synthesis, all sounds are dramatically modifiable. A set of the most essential parameters provides the user with an efficient way to tweak and alter the sonic character of the sound. Presets all carefully selected from the Arturia Classic Synths (minimoog V, Moog Modular V, CS-80V, ARP 2600 V, Prophet V and Prophet VS).

Analog Factory will be available in July 2006 as Stand-alone, VST, Audio Units, RTAS (ProTools 6 and 7) for $249 / €199.

Ohm Force annonces that MacIntel compatible versions of Ohm Force plugins will be available on June 6th. These MacIntel versions will be available as "release candidates", so you may still encounter a few problems with them. Ohm Force also announces that these upcoming versions will also fix several bugs and will add some new features.

IZotope announced the release of iZotope Radius for Logic, iZotope Radius for Logic is a time-stretching and pitch-shifting for Apple's Logic Pro. It integrates directly into Logic Pro's Time Machine and offers a separate application for control of additional parameters. You can easily change the pitch of a single instrument, voice, or entire ensemble while preserving the timing and acoustic space of the original recording. iZotope Radius is designed to preserve natural timbres even with extreme pitch shifts.

iZotope Radius for Logic is available for $399.99 and requires Logic Pro 7.2.1.