Mac and Music News

FabFIlter has released two new products: FabFilter Timeless and
FabFilter Simplon. FabFilter Timeless is a stereo tape delay plug-in with
flexible feedback routing, optional time stretching, two high-quality
filters and unique drag-and-drop modulation slots. FabFilter Simplon is
a simple filter plug-in especially suitable for live performance with
the same high-quality filters. These two plug-ins are available on Mac OS X (10.3 or higher) in VST 2 and AU formats. FabFilter Timeless costs $129 and FabFilter Simplon $79. Note that demo versions are available.

Korg announces the newest member of its K-series USB-MIDI Studio Controller keyboards, the K61P. It combines powerful controller functions with 24 onboard keyboard sounds, bridging computer music and stand-alone performance needs.
A price and delivery date have not been announced. More information available on Korg's website.

Sugar Bytes has released a Universal Binary version of their 32-band vocoder plug-in Robotronic, allowing it to run on both PPC- and Intel-Macs.

Features:

* Stereo and mono signal can be vocoded with internal synth (4 Waveforms, 24db multi-mode Filter, Noise) / internal sampler (WAV/AIFF) or mono inputs can be vocoded with each other.
* Each audio input has a channel-strip with Gate, Compressor and Gain.
* The master signal passes through a 3-band EQ and a Compressor.
* A multi-effect is included with Phaser, Delay, Reverb and Retro (Bitcrusher, Samplerater and Overdrive).

Robotronic costs €99; demo version are available.

Wave Arts has released version 5.22 of the PowerSuite bundle of plug-ins for Mac OS X - FinalPlug, MasterVerb, MultiDynamics, Panorama and TrackPlug.

Changes:

* Fixed Cubase 4 display problem on Intel Macs (Mac Universal Binary).
* Fixed registration problems with Intel Mac versions (very important - Intel Mac users read installation instructions).

Teragon Audio has released the third alpha version of DualComp v1.0 which is a compressor utility plugin logarithmically calculated that gives a "unique and warm sound". In addition, DualComp has sidechaining capabilities, allowing an input signal (such as a kick drum) to "punch" through.
This third alpha version features :
* Much smoother sidechain curve; static only occurs now under "extreme" parameter settings.
* Editor disabled until graphics ready.
* Other cleanups and minor optimizations.

More informaton on their website.

[CodeOperator] has released the Universal Binary version of DelayPack v1.3 for Mac OS X, so this package of very usefull delay plugins made with Pluggo-MAX/MSP can now be used on Intel Macs !
Note that this version is compatible with Pluggo Runtime 3.6.x.

Apple has announced that its entire MacBook Pro line of notebooks now runs exclusively on the Intel Core 2 Duo processor, which delivers performance that's up to 39 percent faster than the previous generation of Mac laptops. All MacBook Pro models now offer double the memory and more hard disk storage capacity than the previous models, as well as a FireWire 800 port for connecting to high-speed peripherals.
For more details see Apple's website.

MacBookPro

Telefunken has introduced the company's first ribbon microphone, the RM-5C, designed by Jerry Silvia and David Browning of Silvia Classics Microphones. Utilizing "cutting-edge magnetic materials" and innovative acoustic design, the output characteristics of the RM-5C are better suited to modern recording techniques than previous ribbon mics. A highly directional cardioid pickup pattern, elevated output levels and wider frequency response results in an advanced ribbon microphone that matches well with any high quality mic preamp. The Telefunken RM-5C is physically inspired by the classic RCA BK5, but is not a copy of the well-known microphone. Using the original mid-20th Century design as a starting point, Telefunken has updated the older ribbon design utilizing advanced materials and modern technological developments.
Pricing and availability have not been announced. More info on their website.

FXpansion is pleased to announce the release of the free mono synth ORCA an experimental monosynth built to showcase some exciting new technology that they have been developing. Anyone can download the synth by creating a free user account at the FXpansion web page. This account also gives access to the company's forum for discussion, tips and support.
ORCA is available as a VST 2.3 plug-in for Windows (XP) and OS X (10.4 PPC and Intel), and can be used in other hosts (Audio Units, RTAS) via FXpansion VST-RTAS or VST-AU Adapters. Note that Ableton Live does not support VST 2.3 on Mac Intel.
The latest version supports disabling of animation which helps some users who have been experiencing large cpu usage due to graphics. The filter algorithm has also been updated for improved resonance drive.

TC Electronic today announced the final release and shipping of the new PowerCore Express, the PCIe version of PowerCore. PowerCore Express was designed for the new fast PCIe-equipped PCs and Macs and ships with the same 14 plug-ins as PowerCore PCI mkII, including two types of reverb, multiple compressors, chorus/delay, parametric EQ, a synth and a guitar amp simulator.
TC Electronic will continue to offer the existing PowerCore PCI mkII and PowerCore Unplugged versions, ensuring the utmost compatibility with all PCI, PCI-X and PCI Express-equipped computers.