Mac and Music News

Mackie has announced the Mackie Control Pro control surface series, the next generation of the Mackie Control Universal line of controllers. Comprising Mackie Control Universal Pro, Mackie Control Extender Pro and Mackie Control C4 Pro, Mackie Control Pro series controllers are designed to seamlessly work together to deliver ultimate hands-on control of mix and plug-in parameters, thereby making the user's music production software complete.

Mackie Control Universal Pro features :

- Proprietary Mackie communication protocol for seamless music production software integration
- nine 100mm touch-sensitive optical Penny + Giles motorized faders
- V-Pot control over software, plug-in effects and virtual instruments
- More than 50 dedicated push-buttons for fine control of software ...

Solid State Logic ships the XLogic Alpha Channel, a new analogue channel strip featuring a mic preamp, filter, EQ and dynamics.

Key features :

- Professional ultra clean mic preamp with line level & Hi Z instrument input switches
- 'Variable Harmonic Drive' circuit; a Time Machine of distortion characteristics
- High Pass Filter with selectable 40Hz, 80Hz or 120Hz cutoff frequency
- Built in professional quality Analogue to Digital conversion - as standard
- Auto sample rate sensing and self adjustment
- Three band SSL parametric EQ with mid freq Q control and dual LF curves
- Intelligent auto compression that maximises recording headroom and avoids DAC clipping

The XLogic Alpha Channel is available at a retail price of $1895.

IK Multimedia has announced Miroslav Philharmonik Classik Edition, an introductory version of the orchestral plug-in based on the classic Miroslav Orchestra sample collection.

Features:

- 16 part multi-timbral sample-based orchestral workstation.
- 250 sounds totaling 1.5GB of samples.
- 20 Classic DSP effects.
- 4 Insert effects instrument.
- 4 Master effects with separate sends.
- High-quality master reverb derived from CSR.
- Multiple synth engines including Stretch and Pitch-Shift/Time-Stretch.
- Zone feature for accurate single sample editing.
- Full MIDI control of performance parameters.
- Part preset and Combi preset customization features.
- 256 notes polyphony.

Miroslav Philharmonik Classik Edition will be available in February 2007 with an MSRP of $249 / €199 (tax excluded) for Mac OS X (UB) in VST, AU, RTAS and stand-alone formats.

GForce has announced Virtual String Machine, a virtual instrument which aims to capture sounds from a small mountain of classic and rare string machines.

Features :

- The sounds from 17 classic and rare string machines
- Over 2.5Gb of data
- 66 individual sample sets
- 49 notes, each individually sampled and looped
- Dual Layer & Split Keyboard capability
- Vintage style Ensemble & Phaser effects
- Filter section with Lowpass, Bandpass & Highpass modes
- Two Envelope Generators
- Pitch LFO
- Dynamic control including filter aftertouch
- 500+ Patch library

Virtual String Machine will be available in March 2007 for Mac OSX (UB) in VST, RTAS and AU formats with a price of $149.99.

Great features to discover on the Korg Site :

3 keyboards are available
• 61-key, 73-key (Korg's new keyboard, semi-weighted),
• 88-key weighted action (RH3: Real Weighted Hammer Action 3 keyboard)

A large Polyphony : 120 voices, 120 oscillators in Single Mode /
and 60 voices, 120 oscillators in Double Mode and
256 Mbyte (when converted to 16-bit linear format) with
• 1,028 Multisamples
• 1,606 Drum Samples

Effects : 5 Insert Effects (stereo in/out), 2 Master Effects (stereo in/out), 1 Total Effect (stereo in/out) are available simultaneously, 2 effect control busses, 2 effect common LFOs
• 170 types (can be used for Insert/Master/Total)

Sampling :
• 1,028 Multisamples and 1,606 Drum Samples
• 16-bit, linear, 48 kHz mono/stereo sa ...

Solid State Logic has announced the newest component to the X-Rack modular rack system: the Eight Input Module.

Key features :

- Eight line level inputs configured as four stereo pairs
- Mono/stereo switching for each stereo pair
- Additional insert points for inputs 1&2 and 3&4
- Independent On/Off switches for each stereo pair

Tapco debuts the Link.FireWire 4x6, an "ultra-portable" audio interface.

Features :

- 4-input/6-output
- Low-latency 24-bit/96kHz operation
- Mackie-designed high-headroom/low-noise mic preamps
- 48V Phantom Power
- Dual combo mic/line/instrument inputs
- Main line outputs
- Stereo headphone output
- Stereo S/PDIF I/O
- Complete front panel control of all I/O
- Ultra-portable with FireWire bus power
- Includes Tracktion Music Production Software
- Mac or PC compatible
- ASIO2, WDM, and Core Audio compatibility
- Kensington Lock Port
- Collapsible swivel-foot for easy transport

Alesis has announced MasterControl, a FireWire audio interface and a control surface.

Features :

- 8 Built-in analog inputs – 2 XLR mic preamp inputs with Phantom Power and channel inserts, 6 TRS 1/4" line inputs
- 192kHz analog recording / playback capability
- 6 analog outputs – configurable as discrete, 5.1 Surround, or Stereo X 3, with dedicated speaker switching
- Nine 100mm motorized faders and eight 360° virtual assignable knobs (three banks each) Provides instant access to 28 different parameters on every DAW channel
- 2 banks of 8 fully-assignable buttons provide 16 different functions per preset (setting markers and loop points, setting automation modes, cut/copy/paste)
- Expandable audio inputs for up to 26 simultaneous inputs. S/PDIF and dual S/MUX ADAT Lightpi ...

More portable and affordable than its M-16DX big brother, the M-10DX packs an amazing amount of high-end features into its small frame, including a 24-bit/96kHz processing engine and a backlit LCD so you can see the effects in operation, as well as a small graphical spectrum analysis.

* 10-channel full digital mixer with M-16DX flagship features with dedicated channel controls for Pan, Aux, Select and Level
* 3-band EQ controls (Q & Freq.) with graphic backlit LCD for precise tone shaping
* Compact and Portable
* "Room Acoustic Control" for instant automatic room compensation
* Built-in pro-quality effects, including COSM® insert effects, reverb/echo, effects and finalize effects
* Flexible analog I/O and digital output, including two high-quality mic preamps
* Scene memories allow instant recall of channel and effect parameters.
* AC adaptor included

Digidesign has announced Structure, a sampler workstation designed and optimized specifically for Pro Tools. Structure includes a premium comprehensive sample library from EastWest, features support for importing SampleCell, EXS24, and Kontakt 2 sample libraries, and many more features.

Main features :

- 128-level multitimbral universal sound engine
- support for an unlimited number of nestable patches and up to 8-channel interleaved samples
- supports all standard bit depths, sample rates, and surround formats (up to 24-bit/192 kHz/7.1 surround)
- integrated file browser, sample editor and multi-effects processing engine including convolution reverb
- samples can be played back via disk streaming or solely from RAM

Digidesign will soon be launching a Structure public beta program open to a limited number of participants. More details and the official beta program kickoff announcement will be soon posted at the Digidesign website.

Korg has debuted the mini-KP, a newcomer in the KAOSS Pad family.

Features :

- Intuitive touch-pad interface gives you fingertip effect control in real-time.
- The smallest body in the KAOSS PAD series.
- Battery operation and a carrying strap make it an ideal choice for any scene.
- One hundred effects including filter, delay, and looper meet the needs of any musical style.
- Numerous BPM effects are provided. You can use the "TAP/BPM button" to synchronize the mini-KP to your song's tempo, and apply a wide range of effects to your music.
- "FX RELEASE" function provides a natural decay when changing effects or removing your finger from the pad.
- Hold function lets you memorize the position at which you touched the touch-pad when you release your finger.
- Use the two memory keys A and B to store your favorite effect program settings, including the effect depth and the Hold on/off status.

The mini-KP will be available March 2007 for $250.

Blue Microphones has announced the Woodpecker, an active ribbon microphone made the old-fashioned way - without compromise. With an exotic wood finish and unique active circuitry, the Woodpecker is a precision-crafted recording tool, combining the low noise and Blue's Class-A discrete handmade electronics with the bold sound of a handmade aluminum ribbon pressure-gradient transducer.

The Woodpecker will be available on Q1 2007 for $1299.

Solid State Logic has announced Drumstrip, a drum processing plug-in for Duende.

Key features:

- Carefully selected collection of five audio processing tools.
- Transient shaper with Transient Invert to bring the attack phase of your drums to life.
- Transient Shaper Audition enables you to isolate and monitor the effect of the Transient Shaper.
- "Over-Easy" soft ratio compression characteristic for smooth transitions.
- Dedicated drum Gate with range and independent open and close threshold con.
- High Frequency Enhancer to invigorate top end.
- Low Frequency Enhancer to improve bass frequencies.
- The classic SSL Listen Mic Compressor with additional bypass function to alter the legendary band-limited compression to full range compression.
- Adjustable processor o ...

Korg has unveiled the successor to their microKORG called Korg R3. The R3 is a compact synthesizer and vocoder that borrows its feature set from the Radias. An R3 program consists of two complete timbres, each with two oscillators, two filters, two LFOs, three ADSR envelopes, and a modulation sequencer. It comes with a built-in microphone, an arpeggiator, and a 37-note, Velocity-sensitive keyboard.

For more information, visit Korg's web site.

Here is our first Namm 2007 photos gallery.

Dididesign has announced Reel Tape Suite, a set of analog tape emulation plug-ins that re-create the warmth of analog tape recordings and tape effects in digital recordings or live audio. This suite features three plug-ins: Reel Tape Saturation, Reel Tape Delay, and Reel Tape Flanger. Each Reel Tape Suite plug-in offers a full range of controls to fine-tune the character of the effects. Select from the response characteristics of three different tape recorders and two different tape formulations. Alter the tape speed or feedback level and the bass and treble feedback response of the Reel Tape Delay. Adjust the LFO rate and depth, wow and flutter, and delay time of the Reel Tape Flanger. And dial in the drive, noise, tape machine bias, and level calibration of the Reel Tape Saturation for just the right result.

Reel Tape Suite will be available soon as TDM, RTAS and AudioSuite plug-in for USD $495. Reel Tape Saturation will be available soon for USD $295.

Allen & Heath has announced the Xone:S2, a new installation DJ mixer for use in clubs and bars, and by professional mobile DJs. It is a 19" rack-mounted 4U mixer, available with either linear or rotary VCA channel faders, and features 4 stereo dual-input channels, 2 mono mic/stereo line channels, a USB audio interface, and boasts many features to both enhance the DJ's performance and aid the installer.

The Xone:S2 will be shipping in March 2007, with an approximate SRP of £900 (ex VAT). For more information please visit their web site.

MXL Microphones has announced the introduction of the MXL USB.007 stereo mic for direct to computer recording on a PC or Mac. The mic uses dual gold diaphragm capsules in a XY pattern together with low noise electronics and the latest in enhanced digital conversion techniques for "pristine audio quality".

The MXL USB.007 ships with a carry bag, a desktop mic stand, mic stand adaptor, a 10-foot USB cable, wind screen, owners manual and an applications guide. What about the price ? ...$199 ! Note that a demo recording of MXL USB.007 will be available at the NAMM show (Booth 6498) and will be available for downloading from the MXL USB website.

As you can see this is the NAMM time ! Digidesign, Apple, Arturia, Ableton, Korg, etc... they are all present for this new edition of the Winter Namm Show that is about to open in a few hours now in Anheim, California. As usual, it's just the perfect opportunity to come and meet the very numerous musical equipment manufacturers but also to attend the numerous shows (training courses, concerts, demonstrations) organized by the National Association of Music Manufacturers.

And don't worry if you can't go there, the whole MacMusic team is on the starting blocks to get you informed about the latest news in this "Winter NAMM special report", and in the MacMusic Daily News Section. So, as Sgt Pepper said, hope you will enjoy the Show !

Garritan has announced the Gofriller Solo Cello, a Kontakt Player 2 based virtual instrument created by the Italian team of Giorgio Tommasini and Stefano Lucato in collaboration with Gary Garritan. It expands the company's solo instrument series following the release of the Stradivari Solo Violin.

Gofriller Solo Cello is available as a VST, RTAS or Audio Units plug-in and also as a standalone instrument, it is priced at $199 and will be available shortly after the NAMM show. Audio demos are available now.

IK Multimedia has announced the AmpliTube 2 StompIO, a new USB floor controller and audio interface for the AmpliTube 2, guitar and FX modeling software.

Features :

- Controls:
* 4 digit large LED display
* 40×2 character large alphanumeric backlit display
* Volume knob
* 3 LED levels
* 4 navigation buttons
* Instant Tuner recall button
* 6 knobs with rotary encoders
* 10 floor switches
* Ability to connect 6 external controllers, with pedal/switch connections

- Connections:
* Ultra-low latency USB
* High Quality Direct Guitar IN
* Direct OUT
* Low-level STEREO OUT
* Balanced STEREO OUT
* Digital SPDIF OUT
* Headphones OUT
* MIDI IN/OUT
* 6 external controller, pedal/switch

- Audio:
* 24 bit A/D- D/A with High end stages
* 44.1 or 48 ...

Universal Audio today announced the UAD-Xpander, an ExpressCard DSP system for laptops. The UAD-Xpander will be offered in 3 versions: the UAD-Xpander Xpress (Estimated street price $999 including a UAD$500 voucher), the UAD-Xpander Xpert (Estimated street price $1399 including a UAD$1000 voucher), and the UAD-Xpander Xtreme (Estimated street price $2199 including all UAD plug-ins to v4.5 - almost $3000 value). The UAD-Xpander Xtreme will uniquely feature a highly polished chassis with custom Xpander logo. All UAD-Xpander's are expected to ship Q1 2007.

Key features :

- 44.1-192k Mac/PC DSP Audio Accelerator for laptops
- Noiseless, Fanless, Alumi-Cool chassis design
- Ultra-fast (2.5Gbps) ExpressCard 34 interface
- Includes 14 Powered Plug-ins & UAD$ voucher
- Travel-Case with compartments for all components
- Optional UAD-Xtenda kit with PCIe desktop adapter

Winter NAMM 2007 sees the unveiling of Focusrite's fourth Saffire solution, Saffire PRO 10 i/o. Featuring the same preamps, converters and monitoring control software as its larger sibling, Saffire PRO 10 i/o can allow for larger recording solutions via the option to aggregate multiple units, all controlled via the same control platform.

Main features :

- 8 channels of pre-amplification (derivative of the Green Series)
- high pass filters on every channel
- two channels with DI
- 8 balanced line outputs
- SPDIF i/o
- MIDI I/O
- two independent headphones outputs with volume control
- bus-powered or powered via an external PSU, the unit has also been designed to take full advantage of the external PSU and to maximize performance when powered in this way.
- Saffire ...

Origin is the first Arturia Hardware synthesizer. Loaded with modules extracted from the best synthesizers of all time (Moog Modular, ARP 2600, CS-80, minimoog and Prophet VS) Origin lets you combine these modules and benefit from the additional possibilities put onboard. The result: a new type of sound accessible through an extremely intuitive interface.

MAIN FEATURES:

- More than 500 presets created by talented musicians and synthesizer specialists
- Up to 32 voices of polyphony for a typical patch
- Create your own patch or use an existing audio structures: an Origin patch made by connecting independent modules, or the minimoog V, the ARP 2600, the CS-80, the Moog Modular.
- Superb audio quality with TAE® engine. 24 bits/96 kHz supported.
- Origin lets you open dedicated ...

One more ! Arturia has announced the Jupiter-8V which is a virtual synth based on the famous Roland Jupiter 8... but it also offers modern features such as an advanced step sequencer, a new line of dynamic effects or a module combining LFO's (called Galaxy).

Main Features :

- More than 400 high quality and innovative sounding presets
- Up to 32 voices of polyphony, and a Unison mode
- A unique audio structure featuring 2 oscillators per voice (16 oscillators in total), 2 LFO's, 2 filters and 2 envelopes.
- Keyboard split and layer
- A set of Analog Sounding Effects: Dual Delay, Phaser, Flanger, all three being largely modulable by any audio source in the synth.
- 2 digital effects, X and Y.
- Additional Live-oriented Step-sequencer, additional Galaxy module for advanced modulations
- Set to Control with your external MIDI keyboard in just a few clicks.
- Full compatibility with major formats and hosts on Mac OS X and Windows XP (VST, AU, RTAS)

Synthax Audio AG is shipping RME's ADI-8 QS, a new highly flexible and fully featured 8-channel AD/DA converter.

Features Overview :

- 8-channel AD converter, fully symmetrical design, 120 dBA S/N
- 8-channel DA converter, double balanced output, 120 dBA DA
- Low latency conversion: only 8 samples of delay!
- 2 ADAT optical inputs, 24 bit, with Bitclock PLL, up to 192 kHz
- 2 ADAT optical outputs, 24 bit, fully compatible, up to 192 kHz
- 8 AES/EBU I/Os, full channel count up to 192 kHz, 24 bit, connected via D-sub
- 8-channel Digital Input Trim over a range of 6 dB
- Full remote controllability via MIDI and MIDI via MADI
- All settings are stored permanently
- Included Remote Control for store/recall of presets, volume and dim
- I64 Option slot

The ADI-8 QS ...

PSP Audioware has just updated their equalizer plug-in PSP MasterQ to version 1.5.0, this new version is Mac Intel compatible and is available for Mac OSX in AU, VST and RTAS formats. "Due to the large amount of work required for porting the plug-in to Universal Binary", PSP is charging Mac OSX users a small maintenance fee of USD 19.00.

For more information visit their web site.

Modartt has updated Pianoteq to v1.0.4, launched a Group Buy and announced a forthcoming major upgrade. The Group Buy will begin on January 19th and end on February 11th with €179 the lowest price achievable (MSRP is €249). The number of participants is limited to 100. When this number is reached, the group buy offer will end. The new version, which is in development, will introduce an improved soundboard model, a brand new piano preset and more. The upgrade is due out in March and will be free to all customers.

Version 1.0.4 is out now and includes the following changes:

* Many small bug fixes.
* MIDI controllers pre-assigned to the various sliders of the interface.
* Handle program-change MIDI messages (VST only).