Mac and Music News

Native Instruments today announced that a demo version of Kore 2 is now available.

The demo version comes with a special demo library that contains 100 KoreSounds with Sound Variations, showcasing the vast range of production-ready sounds available in the Kore 2 factory library.

The Kore 2 demo version is now available as a free download for Windows and
Mac OS X on the NI website.

Here it is : PowerCore software v.3 !
This update is available for PowerCore Element, PCI, PCI mkII, Express, Unplugged, Compact, FireWire and X8.

Mac : plug-ins and drivers are Universal and support both Intel and PowerPC Macs.
Mac & Windows : Support for PowerCore X8 hardware added.
Mac & Windows : Tube-Tech CL 1B added + 4 hours of trial time.
Mac & Windows : Softube Vintage Amp Room PowerCore added + 4 hours of trial time.
Mac & Windows : improved preset handling on all TC Electronic plug-ins, with new preset up/down, a/b and reset buttons for faster preset browsing and comparison of settings.
Mac & Windows : new native Sidechainer plug-in with versatile high/low cut filters.
Mac & Windows : new versions of 24/7-C, ChorusDelay, Dynamic EQ, Filtroid, Master X3, Master X5, Mega ...

This update improves overall stability and addresses issues with file export to iPhone.

Thanks to ferisella, MacMusic member, we know that Logic 8 first update is here !

We hope that the bugs are fixed...
As we have just downloaded it, we can't already say what's fixed or new, except for the secure latency mode (allowing to force a Send to remain active even if Low Latency mode is engaged), a new selection tool, simultaneous edition of mutiple channel strips, new functions on Logic's instruments (exs24, Ultrabeat) and plugs (Delay Designer), improvement of the icon selector (now handles up to 32767 icons), way better graphic handling, etc.

Available from MacOSX Preferences Software Update

Intermorphic releases Noatikl, a generative MIDI music engine. It creates musical information in the form of MIDI notes, and can also generate and send MIDI controller information to control settings of your favourite synths, FX units and samplers.

There are variants available for both Win and Mac OS X, including plug-in versions AU, VSTi, DXi MIDI Effects, MIDI Effects, etc. as well as a stand-alone version.

You can use Noatikl to generate new musical ideas, break composer's block, augment an existing musical work, create ambient tracks, experiment with generative music systems, generatively change synth, FX and sampler settings, etc.

The co-founders of Intermorphic, Pete Cole and Tim Cole, were both co-founders of SSEYO Ltd, the company that developed the famous SSEYO Koan Music Engine (more infos on the SKME here).

Designed for mobile and desktop production, the compact Fast Track Ultra interface utilizes USB 2.0 technology, making suitable for all current PC and Mac computers.

The Fast Track Ultra introduces M-Audio's brand-new MX Core DSP technology. The MX Core mixer employs an array of eight individual DSP cores to deliver near-zero latency, effects (e.g. to apply reverb while tracking vocals) and a matrix for sophisticated channel routing options—accessible via an intuitive control panel that utilizes a separate mixer for each pair of outputs, all without burdening the computer.

The Fast Track Ultra features four preamps with M-Audio Octane technology. Features include +48V phantom power, signal/peak LED indicator lights and a pull-out gain knob that activates a 20dB pad. The first two in ...

Precisionsound announces its winter sales. That means that all its samples and sounds libraries will benefit from a 30% discount.
The winter sales 2007 will be closed 17 January 2008.

Gladiator is here !

Tone2 has just released PC version of its new virtual synthesizer, the very promising Gladiator (Mac version to be available before Christmas, we will announce it asa it's available). Instead of using usual synthesis, Tone2 has created Harmonic Content Morphing (HCM) Synthesis. This new synthesis method is based on a large and expandable repertoire of standard waves like pulse, unique synthetic waveforms as well as resynthesis waves like trumpets, organs, pianos and voice samples. These waves can be modified in real-time, altering its harmonic structure, syncing, waveshaping (see below the incredible variety of synthesis tools, filters, etc.). In total there are more than 30,000 different spectra available for combination and modulation.

Some of the synthesis feat ...

The Stereo Pack bundle includes Stereoizer, Stereoplacer and Monofilter, allowing the user to analyse, enhance control and fine tune audio with a high degree of precision.

These plug-in could be used to :

- Re-adjust the stereo image of individual sounds
- Add stereo depth to mono source files
- Wide/narrow existing stereo images
- Improve bass definition
- Re-focus bass frequencies where stereo FX have been used
- Correct problems in sounds sampled from vinyl
- Correct phase issues
- Make frequency splits
- Re-master old recordings
- Prepare for mastering to vinyl
- Tighten smeared stereo imaging
- Handle live recordings and instruments
-etc.

The bundle is compatible MacOSX and PC, and the plugs are available in VST and AU formats. Demo versions are available and the bundle costs $99.

This week, we present a new review in our Articles section : Ambrosia WireTap Studio.
Our reviewer says all about this useful app, and to quote him : "[Sometimes] you'd like [to have] a small software, very light on CPU and which could be launch immediately. And what about an innovative audio editor, non-destructive and lossless, or the possibility to simultaneously record two audio sources, and manage recordings in a clever library, etc.
That's exactly what is offering Ambrosia with WireTap Studio, the new version of its WireTap Pro. Let's see if it holds all its promises."