Mac and Music News

Music Unfolding has released two new Audio Units plugins for Mac OS X :

- hD 1.0 is a distortion effect. It can also directly add note harmonics — up to two octaves higher — and it contains a sub-octave generator. The harmonic generators are optimized and located to enhance the distortion. They can also be used to generate 12-string guitar effects and as a note doubler. hD ships at $19.99.

- xEQ 1.0 is a straight forward parametric EQ/Tone Control. It consists of Low and High shelf filters and three Peak/Cut filters. It is very useful for placing around distortion effects. Place before as a tone control and after to simulate a speaker cabinet's frequency response curve. xEQ is available as a free download.

FracturedSoftware announced today the immediate availability of Rondo 2.0, an update to its Midi Player for OS X. This latest version of Rondo now includes several larger pianos and a Midi library with playlists to help you store, organize and play your MIDI files. Rondo has been designed specifically to help you follow the music as it plays. Its vertical piano roll with horizontal keyboard located directly over the scrolling notes makes it very easy to see what notes are about to sound. And features such as looping, tempo control and separate audio and visual track filtering help you focus on just a part of the melody so that you can play along.

Rondo 2.0 is priced at US $25. Early purchasers will also be eligible for a free upgrade to version 3. Rondo 2.0 is a free upgrade for existing customers.

MHC announce Universal Binary versions of the Audio Units in the Studio Setup plugin bundle. The Audio Units in the Studio Setup plugin bundle have been updated to version 2.0.4. This is a Universal Binary release making the plugins compatible with Intel Macs. The Studio Setup plugin bundle includes the Space Synth, Voxynth and Fatsondo synthesizers and the Space Effect, Vox FX and 7 effects in the Flex FX package.

Price is still $99, including the 12 plugins in the bundle.

IZotope has updated, in RTAS, Audio Units and VST formats :

- Spectron to version 1.09
- Vinyl to version 1.73
- Ozone to version 3.10
- Trash to version 1.09

These new versions are free and improve processor performance with Pro Tools.

Digidesign is offering "Signal Tools" a new serie of plug-in for free included in the Digirack. Composed of SurroundScope and PhaseScope, it brings you the essential for real time analysis of audio signal , in stéréo or surround (onProtools HD). Theses plug-in are available for free under RTAS and TDM HD format on the Digidesign website

Propellerheads unveils the new Reason Pianos for Reason 3 Refill. The Reason Pianos ReFill gives you three amazing-sounding Hypersampled acoustic pianos with the kind of presence and playability you normally wouldn't associate with sampled pianos. Reason Pianos were recorded from multiple angles, using six different sets of microphones. A large selection of Combinator presets ranging from basic microphone setups to wide multi-mic patches guarantees you absolute sonic control. The featured pianos were chosen for their classic pop and rock friendly sound; The Steinway D is considered to be the world's finest grand piano, the Yamaha C7 is a classic rock and jazz piano with a distinctive sound, and the Steinway K is a well balanced upright known for its deep tone.

Reason Pianos will be available worldwide, starting August 15, at 120€.

Digidesign announces Universal Binary version for Xpand, compatible with both Intel-based and PowerPC Macs. Xpand! is a free RTAS sound factory workstation synthesis/sample playback and effects plug-in that provides fast, efficient ways to access and manipulate thousands of high-quality sounds directly from within Pro Tools. Xpand! offers virtual analog, FM, and wavetable synthesis; sample playback; virtual tonewheels; and effects. Start with any of the more than 1,000 factory patches and then fine-tune the four component sound parts to craft anything from pristine-sounding acoustic instruments to complex synthesized soundscapes.

This update is available as a free download in the MacMusic Software Section.

Cycling '74 released Soundflower v. 1.2 which adds Universal Binary support for Intel-based Macs. Soundflower is a free system extension that allows users to route audio between OS X Core Audio applications. It also lets you monitor any connection with the free Soundflowerbed application.

Cycling '74 originally developed Soundflower as a way to allow applications developed with its Max/MSP audio environment to process audio originating from other programs. However, it can be used for more general audio routing tasks patching either 2- or 16-channel data at 32-bit sample depth between any applications that support standard Core Audio driver selection. Soundflower can be selected as a "default device" in the Audio/MIDI Setup utility for programs (such as iTunes) that do not allow the selection of a specific output device. As a result, Soundflower has found widespread use in the advanced podcasting community.

Ultra Analog Session is a versatile and expressive synthesizer based on the synthesis engine of the acclaimed Ultra Analog VA-1. Ultra Analog Session boasts a comprehensive preset library covering basses, leads, pads, brasses, and strings. In addition, its simple and straightforward interface also lets you sculpt your sound from key synthesis and performance parameters. The container may be small, but Ultra Analog Session packs outstanding sounds, making it the "go-to" synth for your analog needs.

The Ultra Analog Session is available now direct from the AAS web store at a price of $99 for Mac OS X and Windows systems. Ultra Analog Session runs as a standalone application and supports DXi, VST, AudioUnits, and RTAS (Mac OS only) plug-in formats. An update will be available soon to support the new Intel-based Mac systems.

Digidesign is now shipping Pro Tools HD 7.2 software. New mixing and automation enhancements include VCA-style groups, pan grouping, plug-in parameter linking, flexible new automation modes and additional new functionality for ICON users, such as VCA fader spill, two-knob surround panning and much more.

Extended digital video functionality includes the ability to cut video along with audio and create multiple video tracks and playlists within a single session. For fast review and approval, Pro Tools HD 7.2 software allows users to bounce video and audio to a QuickTime movie. Most common QuickTime resolutions – including H.264 – can now be played back through Avid Mojo or AVoption|V10.