Mac and Music News

FLux has released its first series of plug-ins in VST and RTAS formats. Solera offers four primary dynamics functions: Compressor, De-compressor, Expander and De-expander, which can be independently switched on or off as required. For each you can set the threshold, the ratio and a knee. The Pure series takes up exclusive technologies of Solera with specialized plug-ins featuring only one particular dynamic section. The Pure series includes a compressor, a de-compressor, an expander and a de-expander. And last but not least, Epure is a 5-band equalizer that uses a "State-Space" implementation to produce the best possible signal to noise ratio whatever the settings are.

All of them are available for Mac OS X (UB). Solera, the Pure series and Epure carry an MSRP of €470 each. Note that these plug-ins use a dongle as copy protection; demo versions can be obtained by purchasing a "Demo Pack", which includes a dongle, for €70.

Eliosound has announced that it has changed its company name to Eiosis... don't ask why, it's done that's all !

... by the way, the ELS Vocoder v1.0 is out.

Tech 21 brings a fresh perspective to the standard delay pedal. By incorporating a clean Boost function, up to 9dB, your solos will jump out with greater dimension. The Boost D.L.A. is designed with user-tweakable, "lo-fi" analog technology. By manipulating the controls, you can infuse degrees of warmth and life characteristic of vintage delays. The circuitry intentionally injects the inherent imperfections of vintage units, which is what makes them so seductive and nostalgic. A single, continuously-variable Time control provides a full sweep, up to 1000 milliseconds, of delay. The Boost D.L.A. parameters are engineered so that you can explore and custom tailor such delay styles as digital, vintage tape and bucket brigade.

• Uniquely combines delay and clean boost, up to 9dB, in on ...

Muse Research has released version 1.1 of the UniWire plug-ins for both Windows and Mac OS X, including Universal Binary support on the Mac. Available now in VST and Audio Units formats the installers also include the Universal Binary version and a much improved Windows version of the "Receptor Remote" software.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Elysia has announced the mpressor, a new tool for creative dynamics processing. The mpressor provides several special functions that create fat and freaky sounds by employing a punchy control behavior, colorations full of character and extreme settings.
The circuit design of the mpressor is completely based on discrete analog technology. The entire signal processing is realized with single transistors in permanent Class A mode, and even the sidechain and power supply are composed of fully discrete circuits. Each of both linkable channels offers a switchable Auto-Fast function that allows very fast, yet distortion-free compression without any artifacts. The Antilog circuit generates explicit compression effects such as pumping and breathing. The variable area filters impress sonic seals w ...

ExpDigital has announced the launch of the Infinity API, a free cross platform development kit designed for musical software development with specific focus on developing VST plugins. It is written in object oriented C++ with support for Mac OS X (PPC and Intel) and Windows.

For more information, visit their web site.

Mixvibes has announced the U46MK2, an USB mobile recording interface for both laptop and desktop computers. It offers a 4-IN / 6-OUT multi-channel audio interface with a separate Mix output.

Features :

- 4-in 6-out multi purpose USB audio interface
- 2 phono inputs and 4 line inputs
- Microphone inputs with gain control
- +48V phantom power for condenser mic.
- Direct instrument input for Electric guitars
- (Hi-Z) with gain control.
- 6 line analog outputs with separate mix output
- Headphone output with level control
- 4 channel recording and 6 channel playback at the same time; full duplex
- 4-in 6-out at 44.1 kHz / 4-in 4-out at 48 kHz
- WDM, MME, ASIO, and DirectSound support
- Ultimate Audio Tools software package with the full version of MixVibes 3DEX

The U46MK2 will be available in march 2007 for $199.

Quantegy Recording Solutions, THE magnetic tape manufacturer for the professional video, audio, and instrumentation markets, has officially announced the discontinuation of various magnetic tape product lines. A complete listing of discontinued products is available on their web site.

K Multimedia has announced that their "Crossgrade for All" policy is now in effect. So if you are a registered owner of at least one IK product, you are now eligible to crossgrade to any other IK product at the discounted crossgrade price !

For more information, please visit their web site.

VX-323 is a software instrument that plays real-time synthesized speech in response to MIDI commands. The program features an easy-to-use interface, flexible instrument setup, and high-quality audio output. You can use it for recording or live performances.

- Use any Apple Text to Speech (Macintalk) voice on your Mac
- Flexible pitch, voice, phrase, and expression setup
- Robust MIDI implementation
- Record CD-quality, dynamic stereo AIFF files

VX-323 is available for Mac OSX (UB)... and it's free !

DUY has released the native versions of DaD Tape. This plug -in was originally developed for TDM in the mid-90s to satisfy the needs of digital recording technology, and escape the "cold digital recording media". To achieve the desired results, four of the most representative tape machines in the market were physically modelled. DUY also simulated three of the most common noise reduction systems, and even added a proprietary noiseless-tape mode. All these features are integrated into DUY DaD Tape, along with a switch that allows to switch between tape speeds.

DUY DaD Tape for RTAS, AU, VST and MAS is shipping now, and is priced at €299.

JazzMutant has just released Lemur version 1.6. After taking the turn to complete workflow optimization with the last update, the new Version 1.6 does not only include a boost of added functionality, it also brings instant and smooth communication between the Lemur and the host computer providing simplification and out of the box usage.

Features :

- New JazzDaemon background application for seamless integration, immediate communication and smooth network operation.
- New internal storage of modules, interfaces and projects at the Lemur including smart navigation.
- New local browser dialogue with project view and interface pre-view facilitates easy managment and instant availability of projects, templates and modules from the Lemur. Adjustments of default settings and MIDI + OSC ...