Mac and Music News

DigiTech is now shipping its new RP500 Integrated Effect Switching System.

The RP500 two special modes : Pedalboard and Amp/Cabinet Bypass. In Pedalboard mode, the unit is designed to turn on and off 5 separate effects with separate footswitches. When in Amp/Cabinet Bypass mode the internal amplifiers and cabinets can also be defeated with just the touch of a single button allowing the RP500 to keep the tonal characteristics of your external amplifiers and rig. When in both Pedalboard mode and Amp/Cabinet Bypass mode, the RP500 is a set of stompboxes and effects which can be altered from program to program, like an Effect Switching System.

The RP500 also includes Cubase LE4. Via the RP500's USB connection, guitars can be recorded directly to PC or Mac, then captured and edited using Cubase LE4's 48-track DAW.

The RP500 is now available with an MSRP of $429.95.

After RX from iZotope, our reviewer sleepless has just published a new article upon the Wave Arts Master Restoration Suite which is a bundle of plug-ins dedicated to the audio restoration and cleaning.

"The editor has made a name for himself with its precedent plug-ins, like MasterVerb or TrackPlug, kind of swiss army knives in their respective fields, whose sonic quality is only equalled by their very low CPU consumption [...] Let's see if the qualities you can find in other Wave Arts plug-ins are included in this new bundle."

In April, McDSP offers a great special on the Project Studio Bundle to any and all users for $295, which means $200 off ! The Project Studio Bundle includes LE versions of FilterBank, CompressorBank, Synthesizer One, Chrome Tone, Analog Channel and Revolver. This bundle is RTAS and AudioSuite compatible.

Note that this offer ends April 30, 2008.

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.