Mac and Music News

Ableton is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership in the UK with Focusrite Audio Engineering. This partnership is a logical development of the already strong business relationship between the two companies. It reflects the obvious synergies between Focusrite/Novation's hardware products and the Ableton Live software.

Effective from April 15th 2008, Focusrite will be handling all of Ableton's distribution activities in the UK.

SAE London move from it's current location at Caledonian Road to a much more modern 7-storey campus – and in doing so SAE Institute will be expanding the campus to accommodate more students with even more resources. Planners at the SAE Institute are still finalising the details, but early indications suggest the Kingsland Road site will house 11 audio studios, a film mixing theatre (featuring the industry-standard Neve DFC PS/1), 4 video editing studios, 'green screen' capabilities and generally improved facilities throughout.

Yamaha introduces the new RH10MS professional monitor headphones with S-Logic Technology.

S-Logic takes advantage of the natural acoustics of the listener's ear by sending sound around the listener's head and off the surface of the ear canal. This delivers a more spacious sound without relying on tricks like artificial echo or digital processing, ensuring the monitor's accuracy.

Features Include :

- S-logic 3 Dimensional Surround Sound
- Ergonomic design for extended wear
- Accurate reproduction of digital music
- White plating on the outer cuffs is reminiscent of Yamaha's signature white-cone studio monitors
- 1/8" plug with 1/4" adaptor included
- Velour storage pouch included

The RH10MS professional monitor headphones are available at an MSRP of $159.

Neumann will present the TLM 103 D digital microphone at NAB. When used in conjunction with digital workstations, digital Solution-D microphone technology makes life easier for users. The integrated, extremely fast peak limiter guarantees optimal recording levels at all times. Likewise, the Neumann A/D converter built into the microphone eliminates the necessity of tedious experimentation with external converters and preamps.

The TLM 103 D will be available in a choice of satin nickel or matte black finish, with a SG 1 swivel mount. Starter sets are also available, consisting of the microphone, an EA 1 elastic suspension and a connection kit for direct connection to an AES/EBU or S/PDIF input.

The TLM 103 D is expected to be available this spring with price to be announced. For more information follow this link.

VirSyn has just released Reflect v1.4. This new version includes a new algorithm for position sensitive early reflection patterns which improves the localization of separately positioned sound sources. The new built in channel mixer improves REFLECT's usability in the production workflow.

Reflect runs on Mac or PC as a VST, AudioUnit or RTAS plug-in and it costs €169. Of course this update is free for registered users. Note that a full functional/time limited Demo version is also available (a Syncrosoft Dongle is needed).

For their 20th Anniversary and till April 24, EastWest our proud to announce a special "Buy One get One FREE" promotion. This promotion only applies to certain Quantum Leap products listed on their site.

Since the launch of their new website in April 2007, MotionSamples.com has grown a rapid reputation among the online resources for audio samples and loops. Their site offers downloadable sample libraries in various urban and electronic genres and also features an online sampler/mixer to demo products.

Today they announces 6 new sample libraries :

- Hip Hop Pianos & Organs ($30) : over 200 loops of Hip Hop piano and organ melodies recorded live and from outboard keyboards.
- Proggy House Drum Fills ($40) : 450 drum fills for creating various styles of progressive house music.
- R&B Guitar Loops ($40) : Over 300 multi-loops of funky and glamorous melodies for producing R&B/Pop beats.
- Minimal Electro Loops ($25) : Over 200 micro-groove loops designed for creating that swinging rhythm found in minimal and electro music.
- Groove Theory Drum Loops ($35) : 400 groovn' drum loops recorded from 30 live drum sessions.
- Synergy Trance Loops ($40) : 350 multi-loops layered numerous times with harmonies and automated ambience.

To preview demos or for more information visit their website at :

Swiss sound designer Christian Meyer has released a new collection of presets for the famous Albino 3 from LinPlug. Those presets are specifically designed for "Electro to House". As always, there are examples of the Presets and a short video demonstrating how to use them at his company's website :

Yamaha announces its rollout of six upgraded MG Series analog mixers, adding to the four models introduced earlier this year.

The new MG166C and MG206C mixers' deep feature sets include Neutrik XLR connectors, redesigned faders, an environmentally friendly finish and high-output LED metering that is legible even in daylight. They also include EQ, advanced circuit design and high-quality microphone preamplifiers.

The MG166CX and the MG166CX-USB mixers incorporate Yamaha's digital SPX multi-effect processor. As the USB suffixes on their model numbers imply, the MG16/6CX-USB, MG166C-USB and MG206C-USB include USB ports and are specifically included to simplify and enhance live recording. The three USB models come with Steinberg Cubase AI4.

The MG Series Mixers are shipping now. Prices are as follows : the MG166C at $449, the MG166CX at $499, the MG166C-USB at $529, the MG166CX-USB at $599, the MG206C at $729 and the MG206C-USB at $799. For more information, please visit their web site.

Waves announce the GTR Solo, the latest addition to their GTR Series of guitar and bass processing solutions. Featuring a number of "realistically modeled" amps, cabinets and stomp boxes, GTR Solo offers the GTR family's studio-quality sounds in an intuitive, highly affordable software package.

GTR Solo includes 10 amp models from Fender®, Marshall®, Vox® and more. It also features 10 cabinet models and 13 stomp boxes (OverDrive, Distortion, Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Delay, Wah Wah, Spring, Pitcher, Vibrolo, GateComp, EQ and Volume).

GTR Solo is available now for Mac OS X and Windows XP / Vista in VST, AU, RTAS and standalone versions at a price of $140.

Apple has just released Plugin Manager 1.7.3. This update improves reliability for Apple's professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Express, Aperture, Logic Studio and related SDKs.

Brauner has announced the Phanthera V microphone which looks like the Phanthera microphone released in the past year but with more features.

As common for all Brauner microphones, all components are of highest available quality and all microphones are entirely manufactured in Germany. The Phanthera V not only provides cardioid directivity but it also is capable of recording in omni or bidirectional mode with a simple switch and thus adapting it to different recording situations. An additional switchable attenuator reduces the output level of the microphone by 10 dB, providing further valuable dynamic range where necessary.

For more information, please visit their web site.

112dB has announced that its virtual vintage sampler Morgana has been updated to version 1.2. This version introduces VST and Audio Units versions for Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and 10.5 (Leopard).

The update includes both the retail and demo versions of Morgana and is available immediately. Of course this is a free update for all registered users. Note that an RTAS version for both Windows and Mac OS X is scheduled for Q1 2008 and will be made available free to all registered users.

Applied Acoustics Systems has updated the Mac OS X Technology Update for its product line, bringing support for Mac OS X Leopard (10.5). The Technology Update applies to the following Professional and Session Series instruments : Tassman 4, Lounge Lizard EP-3, Ultra Analog VA-1, String Studio VS-1, Lounge Lizard Session and Ultra Analog Session.

For more information, please visit the link below :