Mac and Music News

XO Wave is a new DAW coming to MacOS and Linux, aimed at the mastering/video professional with a -logical- focus on CD mastering and audio for video.

* Red Book CD Mastering and CD burning.
* Video Support: syncing to and encoding in any QuickTime video format: music, audio for video, podcasting, vodcasting. iPod format supported.
* Multi-Track Recording and editing
* Real-Time Cross Fades.
* Unlimited Effects, Tracks, Undos.
* Built-In Effects and Audio Units: including a compressor, reverb, and EQ. Automation is available on most effects' built-in parameters and on all AU parameters that support it.
* Edit while XO Wave works.
* Edit Softening: removes pops and ticks occuring at edit points.
* Double-Precision Math: at least 64-bit double-precision math calculations.
* Intuitive, Non-destructive Interface.
* Versioning

XO Wave is free, upgrade to the pro version costs $85 to access Quicktime exports, AU, Full speed CD burning, 64 bits engine.

Solid State Logic has released Duende v1.5 which is now available for Windows and Intel-Macs in addition to the already available PPC-Mac version.
For more detail visit their web site.

VirSyn has released a time-limited, but fully functional demo version of CANTOR 2. It is limited to 20 hours of usage / 30 days and includes more than a dozen demo projects, including the one used to make VirSyn's audio demos. A short tutorial is available to help you to explore the land of vocal synthesis.

NOTE: The demo version of CANTOR 2 requires a Syncrosoft key/dongle. You can use the Syncrosoft dongle which comes with some of the products from Steinberg, Arturia, Korg, etc. or you can purchase one.

Avlex Corporation has announced that the Superlux D112/C Harmonica Microphone is now shipping. The D112/C is a dynamic microphone expressly designed for use by harmonica players which offers a wide frequency response, fits comfortably in one's hand, and is easy to hold while performing.

The Superlux D112/C Harmonica Microphone carries a MSRP of $150. It is available now.

TC Electronic has set up a PowerCore Express upgrade program which offers either a cash refund or a plug-in refund for customers with older PCI-based PowerCores wanting to purchase a new PCI Express card.

Depending on which card you're upgrading from, this form qualifies for either of the following cash refunds:

• $100 for an Element card (serialnumber starting with 701)
• $150 for a PCI card (serialnumber starting with 700)
• $200 for a PCI mkII card (serialnumber starting with 703)


This form qualifies for either of the following rebates for optional plug-ins:

• $250 for an Element card (serialnumber starting with 701)
• $300 for a PCI card (serialnumber starting with 700)
• $350 for a PCI mkII card (serialnumber starting with 703)

This upgrade offer expires on June 30th 2007. For more info visit TC Electronic's web site.

Expert Sleepers has released the second beta version of Meringue v2.0, a delay effect which can run alternately forwards and backwards.

Changes:

* Fixes crash bug when using host sync and long delay times.

Waldorf has updated the Waldorf Edition to v1.2.4, this update is strongly recommended for all users of the new Waldorf Edition package published by Waldorf. It addresses several issues that only occur in some hosts. It also contains the sound banks of the PPG Wave 2.V in the format of v1.2.2 and higher, because some hosts have difficulties loading banks in the old format into the new version of the PPG Wave 2.V.

Note: This update only works with the Waldorf Edition published by Waldorf. The update does not work with and is not needed for the legacy Waldorf Edition published by Steinberg. Customers of Steinberg's Waldorf Edition can upgrade to the new Waldorf Edition. Contact your local distributor for details.

VertexDSP unveils FaderWorks, an audio plug-in for intelligent gain adjustment. The main idea behind FaderWorks is to provide an additional layer of control and flexibility to a mixing environment. At its simplest, FaderWorks can be placed anywhere in the effect chain of an audio track. This allows you to specifically control the volume behind or before other audio plug-ins... but FaderWorks really comes to life when 2 or more instances are opened, these instances can be connected logically to each other so it is possible to manage complex mix setups with just one volume fader.

FaderWorks is expected to be released in December 2006 with pricing to be announced, it will be available as a plug-in for Windows (VST only) and Mac OS X (VST and AU, both Universal Binary).

Avlex Corporation has announced that the Superlux S241/U3 Condenser Microphone is now shipping. As a true capacitor condenser microphone with a half-inch gold evaporated diaphragm, a 3-position attenuation pad switch, a 3-position lo-cut filter switch, and a slight high-end elevation in frequency response the Superlux S241/U3 is an excellent choice for capturing acoustic guitar, snare drums, hi-hat, and other instruments whose transient frequency characteristics are often difficult to faithfully record.
The new Superlux S241/U3 carries a MSRP of $250 and it ships with the HM-40 shock mount clip, S-09 foam windscreen, and the HM-43 anti-POP screen. For protection and storage, the S241/U3 is housed in a sturdy, foam-lined plastic carrying case.