Mac and Music News

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Shuriken has released a new free VST instrument called KerrStinn. Basically it is "just" a slicer, glitcher and loop dissector. KerrStinn changes your loops randomly by moving slices of it around and/or applying effects to the slices according to rules that Shuriken call "generators".

Features :

- Loads WAV files.
- "Random" knob to control what initial value the randomizing has.
- "Slices" knob to control how many slices you want to cut the loop in to.
- "Bisyness" parameter to control the weight of random to be applied; low values equals a small chance of change and larger values more.
- "Bars" parameter to set how many bars the loop originally is (up to 8).
- "Generator" parameter - these are rules on how to dissect your loops. Take "Freaky 4" for example, its rule is simply "if a slice is the 4th in a series perhaps play it backwards and/or apply the fftish effect on the slice".
- On/off switch.

KerrStinn is available now for free so enjoy !

FXpansion has released GURU v1.1.259 for Mac OS X Universal Binary.

Changes :

- Drop-out-free audio engine.
- Improved drag & drop MIDI export (all Graphs are now exported to MIDI).
- Improved loop slicing, score extraction and loop playback.
- More comprehensive MIDI implementation with extensive remote support
- Support for the latest OS versions and plugin technologies:- Pro Tools 7.3, VST 2.4, OS X 10.4.8, etc.
- Volume control for auto-preview.
- Export pad audio files via drag and drop.
- Tighter sync in various hosts.

SoundField has announced the compact and lightweight SoundField SPS200 A-Format microphone for stereo and 5.1 surround recording.
This is the first SoundField microphone to not require an accompanying outboard control unit, the SPS200 A-Format microphone relies on software for all format conversion, decoding and manipulation. The SoundField Conversion Lounge plug-in handles A to B-Format conversion and the SoundField Surround Zone plug-in looks after all aspects associated with stereo and surround sound decoding and manipulation. With its four low-noise, studio grade condenser capsules and weighs-in at less than 8 ounces (220 grams), the SPS200 provides the ability to capture 5.1, 6.1, 7.1-channel audio and simultaneous stereo with variable width and to continuously vary the effective polar pickup pattern and orientation without moving the microphone.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Digidesign looks for beta testers for it's new sampler, Structure.
You need ProTools 7.0 or newer and an iLok and internet acces for the authorisation.

the number of beta-testers is limited.

FracturedSoftware announced today the immediate availability of Rondo 2.5, an update to its MIDI Player for OS X. This latest version of Rondo is now a Universal Binary and includes an updated look, more realistic pianos, note scrubbing, scroll wheel support, playlist folders and drag & drop support in the music library.

Rondo 2.5 is priced at $25, early purchasers will also be eligible for a free upgrade to version 3. Note that Rondo 2.5 is a free upgrade for existing customers.

ReFX has updated quadraSID to v1.6.0 and Slayer to v2.6.0, both are now Universal Binary / Intel-Mac compatible on Mac OS X.

quadraSID v1.6.0 changes :

- Universal Binary for Mac OS X.
- Some internal functions where optimized and fixed.
- The easter(n)-egg now has sound effects.

Slayer v2.6.0 changes :

- Universal Binary for Mac OS X.
- Some internal functions where optimized and fixed.
- "edit"-button removed. The result is that SLAYER2 is now always in edit-mode.
- Updated internal multithreading-protection code.

GForce has announced the release of the M-Tron Universal Binary update for Mac OS X, their first Intel-Mac compatible instrument, and promised that Universal Binary versions of their remaining instruments will be released in a matter of weeks. If you purchased M-Tron before 1st October 2006, the update can be purchased for £13.99 (plus VAT), €19.99 (plus VAT) or $26... The god news is that this update is free to users who purchased and registered M-Tron after the 1st October 2006, the instrument has automatically been allocated to their accounts at the GForce website !

Novation has announced that Automap Universal is now available to download for free from their website. Automap Universal takes on where the original Automap left off, allowing ReMOTE SL users to instantly control absolutely any automatable plug-in, in any sequencer, automatically without ever having to refer to a manual or worry about complex MIDI data and assigning. Parameters can be 'learned' and saved at the touch of a button.

For more information, please visit their web site.

After the announcement on january, Rob Papen has now released Predator, a new synthesizer that combines inspiring presets and first class features with a user interface designed so that almost all controls are visible on screen.

Features :

- Phat sound
- Spread in the oscillators for multiple osc. sound
- Intelligent preset variation (no random generator)
- Preset morphing (building a new preset using two others)
- Arpeggiator that can work also as a mono sequencer
- Vocoder build in
- 3Fx that can be modulated by midi or synth parts
- PredatorFX, so use the synth as FX (Filter and FX's)
- Unison with detuning function
- Fast Envelopes
- Great filter with "smooth" and "edgy" distortion
- "Free modulation" section for the ones…that want deeper and more complex p ...

Cakewalk has released a free update to their Rapture wavetable synthesizer.

New features and enhancements in Version 1.1 :

- Universal Binary support for Audio Units, VSTi, and RTAS (Pro Tools 7.3 compatible)
- Stand-alone mode
- Engine optimization for faster load times and reduced memory usage
- New DSP and Filter routings, (6 new DSP Transforms, 14 different serial and parallel DSP/Filter routings)
- Mouse Wheel scrolling added to Wavetable Selection
- Improved Program browsing with Previous/Next buttons
- Updated dropdown menus for all SYNC Rate selections within Envelope
- Generators, LFOs, STEPGENs, and Global STEPGENs
- Comprehensive MIDI Modulation Matrix with new enhancements
- 50 new Rapture programs by ProSounds and B Rock designed to highlight the new features in Version 1.1

The Rapture 1.1 Update is available free as a download for registered customers. For more information, please visit their web site.

Wave Arts has released Universal Binary versions of TrackPlug 4, MasterVerb 4 and WaveSurround in VST and Audio Unit formats for Mac OS X allowing them to be used on PPC- and Intel-based Macintosh computers. Note that the "current" major versions TrackPlug and MasterVerb are 5.x but due to popular demand Wave Arts has released free Universal Binary updates for existing v4 customers who enjoy the simplicity of the older version 4 counterparts to the more fully-featured version 5 lineup.

M-Audio is pleased to announce that all X-Session Pro owners are now eligible to receive a FREE copy of Torq LE! Torq LE is a light version of the revolutionary Torq DJ software that is taking the digital DJ world by storm.

If a customer has an X-Session Pro, they can simply visit the X-Session Pro page on m-audio.com, register and...

CharterOak Acoustic Devices, manufacturers of hi-quality, hand assembled audio equipment announced a partnership with The Hook Studios of Los Angeles, CA, to manufacture its PF-1 high performance pop filter.