Mac and Music News

RME has updated the Fireface 400/800 driver to v2.57.

New in 2.57 (for Mac OS X 10.4.8 or higher)

- 64-bit addressing issue with MacPro fixed
- Bugfix related to the PCI dropout detection

Korg has announced the new ZERO4 Live Control Mixer and ZERO8 Live Control Console which they say are designed for the growing number of musicians incorporating real-time mixing, MIDI control and dynamic effects manipulation into their computer-based production and performance.
The ZERO Live Control products act as an all-in-one "core station," integrating a digital mixer, FireWire audio interface with support for up to 24-bit/192 kHz audio, MIDI control surface and effect processor in a single unit. A variety of input types allow the user to integrate their favorite tools with their laptop/computer, or digital/analog instruments via FireWire connection, delivering powerful and flexible performance options. The ZERO mixers are the perfect complement to DJ control software, real-time perfo ...

Steinberg Media Technologies has announced the distribution of a new mixing tutorial DVD-ROM series that supports users of DAW applications in creating powerful, balanced mixes using advanced software tools. Filmed in HD-quality, the two-part Internal Mixing series provides a total of 340 minutes of valuable advice and tips on all aspects of mixing using Steinberg's Cubase and Nuendo applications, and includes English, German, French and Spanish soundtracks.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Debuts the DM-Recorder. This standalone 16-rack audio recorder software is specially designed for live or time-delayed recording with several partners using an Internet broadband connection. Project owners can allocate single tracks to members of a joint project. The project's audio files can be securely swapped and stored on a central server allowing all involved to work with their own files independently. On top of that takes can be recorded in real-time with two instances of the DM-Recorder using DM-Link technology.

A public beta version of the DM-Recorder is immediately available for registered users as a free download. For more information please visit their web site.

After Phoscyon and Drumazon, d16 group has announced Nepheton which is an emulation of the classic 808 drum machine taking its sound a step further with all the original functions and many additional features.

Features :

- 16 fully synthesized instruments
- perfectly scaled knob ranges
- exhanced control of instruments' sounds
- dynamic signal routing from instruments to outputs
- user defined outputs configuration
- mutes/solos for each instrument (affect triggerring not just the signal)
- fully controllable via MidiCC
- quick midiCC assignation with MidiLearn function

- many ways of controlling the device :
+ external mode (note mode)
+ internal sequencer (pattern mode) with 3 submodes

- external mode :
+ user defined midi map (default set equal to General Midi) ...

Sontronics will release at the end of March the Appollo, a new stereo ribbon microphone. It'll be of Blumlein X/Y configuration so aimed mostly at orchestra, choirs and ensembles micing. The Appollo is mono switchable if needed too.

Caracteristics:
- 20Hz - 20kHz, stereo Blumlein figure of 8
- Sensitivity: 18mV/Pa -33dB ±1dB (0dB = 1V/PA 1,000Hz)
- Impedance: ?150 Ohms
- noise level: 12dB (pond. A)
- fantom power: 48V ±4V (x2)
- Connectics: 6 points to 2 XLR-M (furnished)
Price TBA