Mac and Music News

MacPips are pleased to announce the beta release of Loopifier, their latest Garageband utility. MacPips Loopifier for Garageband allows you to interactively set an audio file's gain and fade-in/fade-out settings to create seamless Real Instrument Apple Loops, every time. Previously, creating your own Apple Loops using Garageband involved exporting the trimmed recording from Garageband, then opening the audio file in a sound editor to experiment with different fade in/out settings, undo-ing or redo-ing each time, until the loop played seamlessly without clicks or pops.

Loopifier requires Mac OS X 10.2.6 or later and Java 1.4.2 or later. At present, Loopifier does not support 24-bit audio files. The beta version is available for download from Macpips website.

Steven Massey just announces that its full range of plugins (VT3 3band EQ, CT4 compressor, Tape Head Saturation/Distortion, L2007 mastering limiter) has been updated. Now all these plugins are available as new versions and add compatibility with new Intel-based Macs.

Updated and demo versions are available on the Masseyplugins web site.

Universal Audio released the new Neve 33609 compressor plugin. This plugin is the digital re-creation of Neve's 33609 bus compressor and is released with version 4.4 of the UAD drivers and software. The 33609 is unique among the UAD's collection of vintage compressors, as it is the first model of a diode-bridge type compressor, as well as the first UA dedicated bus compressor model.

A light (SE) version of this plugin is also available.

M-Audio is offering Izotope Spectron free when you purchase the ProjectMix I/O or Firewire 18|14 before September 30th. Spectron is a spectral processing plugin. It uses the Spectron Engine to split audio into thousands of frequency bands, apply effects independently to each band, and then resynthesize the audio to create entirely new sounds. It can provide delay effects, but it adds the ability to selectively delay, feedback and modulate specific ranges of frequencies. It can sound like a flanger or chorus, but with additional spectral complexity and richness. It can filter signals, but unlike an EQ it has the unique ability to morph, modulate and harmonically filter sounds.

More information here :

Sweetwater is moving out! They must empty their warehouse by the end of the month, so they are extremely motivated to offer unheard-of deals on thousands of new, demo, and clearance items.

Digidesign just announces the release of the Mbox2 Pro. The Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro is a Firewire portable, high-definition audio/MIDI production system that delivers truly professional sound quality. Packing an impressive variety of connection options into a compact interface, Mbox 2 Pro puts powerful multitrack recording and mixing capabilities into your hands, so you can create wherever inspiration strikes. Mbox 2 Pro also includes Pro Tools LE software, over 50 effects and instrument plug-ins, and the Pro Tools Ignition Pack. MBox 2 PRO features :

- Powered by FireWire or included power supply
- Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution
- 4 analog inputs (2 XLR/1/4" TRS combo jacks & 2 1/4" TRS jacks)
- 6 analog outputs (1/4" jacks)
- 2 instrument DI inputs on the front panel
- 2 channels of S/PDIF digital I/O (RCA)
- Built-in phono preamp input (RCA) for direct turntable connection
- 1 MIDI input and output (16 channels in/16 channels out)
- MIDI Time Stamping (MTS) support for superior timing and accuracy
- BNC Word Clock I/O
- Low-latency monitoring
- Dedicated studio monitor outputs with volume control
- 2 stereo headphone outputs with independent volume controls
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones

Mbox 2 Pro list price: $799, and Mbox 2 Pro Factory list price: $899.

Apple today announced that its entire iMac line now features the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor in every model, delivering up to 50 percent faster performance than the previous iMac. A new 24-inch iMac with a brilliant 24-inch widescreen display joins the 17- and 20-inch models. The new 24-inch iMac also features Firewire 800 port. iMac prices now start at just $999. Every new iMac includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing out-of-the-box; Apple's Front Row media experience; and iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications. The new iMac range now features four models :

- iMac 17-inch 1,83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ($999)
- iMac 17-inch 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo pour ($1199)
- iMac 20-inch 2,16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo pour ($1499)
- iMac 24-inch 2,16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo pour ($1999)

The 4 iMac models are available on the Apple Store .

Line6 announces that its new hardware and software bundle Guitarport XT is now shipping. GuitarPort gives you everything you need at your fingertips to get the most out of your guitar, from jamming along to your favorite songs to building your soloing skills, or just playing for fun : 16 amp and cabinet models based on POD XT, 19 must-have Stompbox and Studio effects, Effects can be routed Pre- or Post- Amp, MP3, WAV and Audio CD playback, Looping and real-time half-speed without changing pitch, 24-bit converters & 32-bit processing, Line level and headphone outputs, Ideal guitar front end for other recording software, Metronome for practicing, Built-in chromatic tuner, and preset tone library.

GuitarPort XT ($139.99) also introduces the GearBox software ($99.99), for Mac OS X (Universal Binary version included).