Mac and Music News

AudioEase has released a version 5.4 of Altiverb. This update features : problems with "load as Aux" and "load resets...", improved PT interface, improved MAS interface, improved VST interface, and several bugfixes and minor improvements. Altiverb is a sampled acoustics processor that offers realistic one-, two- and four-channel sampled acoustics of real halls, cathedrals, bathrooms — and virtually any acoustic environment.

Bonneville announced the release of a full and free version of CPS. CPS is a realtime interactive programming environment for audio, MIDI and other media & I/O. Patches are build by placing objects and making wires between them. Areas of interest are sound design, algorithmic composition, DSP, electronic/computer music and education. CPS can be used in any realtime situation where sound plays a role.

CPS is available as download for free (it previously costs $150).

Soundhack announces :

- a public beta version of the Freesound Bundle, which contains five plugins in Audio Units versions, now for both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs.

- the Universal Binary version 1.1 of Spectral Shapers collection of plug-ins in both AU and VST formats. SSH is a collection of 4 plugins based on processes from the program SoundHack.

The Paris AES show was a great opportunity to discover the real faces that hides behind the MacMusicians nicknames and other pro audio geeks that were around. We now have the proof that these guys ARE aliens (as if we didn't know)...

Garritan announces free online orchestration courses. The free Interactive Edition of "Principles of Orchestration" is based upon Nicolay Rimsky-Korsakov's celebrated text. In this Interactive Edition you will be able to simultaneously hear and see examples from Rimsk'y-Korsakov's own works realized with Personal Orchestra.

This course will be offered free of charge at the Garritan web site.

ApulSoft announced the version 2.3 Audio Units and VST for apTrigga, the first Universal Binary version for both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs. This new version also features :

– Now uses pop-up menus for trigger mode and multi mode selection
– AU compatibility improvements
– Serial entry now included in plug-in
- Bufixes

apTrigga is an audio sample trigger plugin (shareware) available in the MacMusic software section.

Sagan has updated its Metro sequencer to version 6.3.5.5. This pre-release version adds new sub-menus for plug-ins by category, and fixes several bugs : offline effects now work, or panning automation problem fixed. Metro is s 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. Metro's audio system supports up to 64 audio tracks. Each track can have its own effect chain. Eight aux busses are also supported. Each with their own chain.

This update is free and is available for download.

Dash Signature released an updated version 2.00.05 for its EVE (stands for 'Electronic Vintage Ensemble'). This release adds new synthesis features, several enhancements and is still compatible with Eve 1.0 presets. EVE was made to recreate in the virtual world of softsynths the exciting and immediate experience of the early age of electronics in pop, rock and jazz music from the 1960's and 1970's.

EVE 2 is the first version of EVE to be available for Mac OS X (VST, Audio Units), and costs $75.

Studio Electronics is on the way to launch a new analogue rack synth the CODE, it'll be declined as CODE 2, 4 and 8 (regarding the number of voices and the number of filterbanks). All share SEM and diode filters, MIDI control and sound much like cut down/twisted version of the Omega family. Price and availability TBA. If the only available information on the code is on the site of Nova Music, this shop sells a limited edition of the SE-1X too, the SE-1x ne, featuring an amp overdrive, an ultra fast enveloppe, modified extended range filters, sine waves generator and a special soundbank and two new looks.

Available now for $1699.

Applied Acoustics Systems announced its new Lounge Lizard Session, a new virtual electric piano based on the Lounge Lizard EP-3 sound engine. Offering four different types of pianos and a great selection of effects, Lounge Lizard Session is the perfect solution for anyone in need of the legendary Rhodes and Wurlitzer sounds in their sonic arsenal. It also features tremolo, distortion, chorus, flanger, phaser, vibrato, wah, delays, and reverb.

Lounge Lizard Session (standalone, VST, AU, RTAS) ships for $99.

On the Audio Addict booth at the AES, Olivier Bolling ex-technical director of the studios Plus XXX was showing two compressors under the new brand AL SO. Both are high end transparent designs in 2U racks of rugged and solid metal. The DYNAX has 4 modes: limiter, compressor, brickwall and antidyna (parabolic curve). There's a bass drive function, a low frequency filter in the side chain preventing these frequencies to start up the compressor action. The EZAX is a subtler/less heavy handed DYNAX for easier tweaking or slight touch operation. If there was a buzz on compressors at the AES, it was on these beauties, some top heads came in to have a hear or two of them…

MOTU has updated its Digital Performer software to version 5.0.1. This updated version features :

- Improved MIDI playback performance
- Optimized overall performance in very large DP projects
- Optimized QuickTime movie playback
- Improved the display of text under some international systems
- Added optimizations to new instruments (BassLine, Model12, Modulo, nanosampler, PolySynth, Proton)
- Updated Help files.

This free update is available in the MacMusic software section.

Violet Design was showing the brand new Black Hole, a new condenser microphone in its final tuning stages. If the name is rather obvious in origin, the main points of this mic are not there -the hole may be handy to manipulate it but that's all-. First, it uses 2 new paired capsules in a special opposite to one another positioning. Second, it introduces a practical shockmount/stand holder (the rubber beads you may see thru the hole) which can be unmounted in 2 seconds. If it's not enough to draw in your interest, it has 3 switchable polar patterns (omni, cardio and figure of 8), a max SPL of 136 dB and low THD, and a transformerless Class A discrete amp circuit.

Price TBA, available later this year.

BoomBuzzSoftware released groovetool 1.12. Now includes the option to create multiple quantize templates at once- an attempt to make the auditioning process easier. Update also includes a reset button. All customers recieve two years of free updates, and there is a ton of stuff in the works for this little app. groovetool is already becoming an indespensible tool for artists around the world.

More info on the BoomBuzzSoftware web site.

Microtech Gefell was showing for the first time the UM 930 a large diaphragm dual capsule mic with switchable characteristics aimed at broadcast and sound studio uses. The UM 930 has omni, wide cardioid, cardioid, hyper cardioid, figure of 8, polar patterns. The frequency responses (40-18000Hz) shows an up to 5 dBs emphase after 10 kHz, and depending of the pattern, a slight lift from 2 kHz on. Other characteristics include: dynamic range 135 dB, max SPL 142 dB, s/n ratio 87 dB A-weighted, noise level 13 dB. The UM 930 is available with various finishes (including 24 carat gold) but more importantly with 3 types of mounting. The Twin version available on demand gives access to 2 polar patterns of choice only but both at the same time thru a 5 pins XLR.

Price and availability TBA (but this year)