Mac and Music News

Over the last several months, Digidesign has been working closely with Apple on fine tuning Pro Tools for OS X Leopard 10.5.3. Now that Apple has released version 10.5.3 they can enter the final stages of performance testing and quality assurance before making fully qualified versions of Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered software available to their customers.

Pro Tools 7.4.2pr software is provided as a convenience for Mac-based Pro Tools 7.4 users who may wish to begin their transition to Leopard before a fully tested and qualified version of Pro Tools becomes available.

Pro Tools 7.4.2pr software is available as a download only, and requires Mac OS X 10.5.3. Pro Tools 7.4.2pr is not compatible with earlier versions of Leopard.

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Apple has updated Logic Express to v8.0.2. This update addresses specific customer and compatibility issues of Logic Express 8.0. Note that Logic Pro has also been updated to v8.0.2 last week.

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Neumann launches the TLM 67, a new large-diaphragm condenser microphone.

Based upon the legendary U 67, a classic of the 60's, the TLM 67 incorporates the K 67 capsule. On top of that the special new circuit design closely reproduces the sound characteristics of the U 67, without the use of tubes. Similar Neumann circuit technology has already proved very successful in the TLM 49.

Designed to be versatile, its three switchable directional characteristics (omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8), selectable 10 dB pre-attenuation, and high-pass filter permit detailed adjustments to be made depending upon the specific recording situation.

Puremagnetik has announced the release of the AmpPak and the Model-C Micropaks.

AmpPak :

AmpPak for Ableton Live is a collection of 17 amplifier and speaker effects designed for use on anything from drums, to guitars, to vocals and synthesizers. Each rack contains an expertly programmed selection of effects from overdriven metal to crunchy glitch percussion processors. AmpPak integrates directly into Ableton Live 7 and extensively utilizes Ableton Live Racks.

Model-C :

Model-C rounds off Puremagnetik's electronic piano line with a multi-sampled Hohner Clavinet. Model-C comes with multi-pickup selection and mechanical noise sample groups. The Ableton Live version contains a feature laden user interface complete with key release samples, customized amp and tonal controls. The Kontakt version of Model-C is specially programmed to make use of Kontakt 3's powerful KSP scripting engine. Also included are 50 high quality loops recorded by professional New York studio keyboardists. All loops are in Live Clip, Apple Loops and Kontakt format.

For more information, please visit their website.

ASK Video Interactive Media announces the imminent release of a new 4-part tutorial DVD series for Logic Pro 8 music production software.

In Level 1 of this 4-part series, musician and Apple expert Tony Wallace returns to provide all the knowledge needed to start using Logic. Everything from basic setup to editing and looping regions is covered, giving newcomers a great starting point. Long time Logic users will find this DVD perfect for quickly learning any layout changes and where all of their favorite features have been moved to.

Logic Pro 8 Tutorial DVD Level 1 will be available June 13, 2008 for $49.99 (pre-order before June 13 for $39.99). Note that video examples are available at the Ask Video website.

FabFilter has just announced the release of FabFilter Volcano 2, the successor of the Volcano filter effect plug-in. More filters and routings and practically unlimited modulation possibilities make FabFilter Volcano 2 much more powerful. Yet at the same time, the "revolutionary" new 'what-you-use-is-what-you-see' interface makes it also far easier to use.

Features :

- Four multi-mode filters, with panning, delay and more than 10 unique characteristics
- Ultra-flexible filter routing, including per-channel and mid/side modes
- New interface, using FabFilter's innovative 'what-you-use-is-what-you-see' concept
- Endless modulation options, with all the 16-step XLFOs, envelope generators, envelope followers and MIDI sources you will ever need
- Easy drag-and-drop modulation with 24-slot modulation matrix
- Large interactive filter display
- Modulation source signal visualization
- Stereo and mono plug-ins available
- Side chain input
- Highly improved MIDI Learn
- Almost 300 presets
- Unique per-component presets
- Undo, redo and A/B switch features
- Extensive help file with interactive help hints

Volcano 2 is available now in RTAS, VST, VST 3 and AU formats for Mac OS X and Windows at a price of €119 / $179 / £94. Bundles with FabFilter Volcano 2 and other FabFilter plug-ins are also available.

Note that existing Volcano users can upgrade to Volcano 2 for €39 / $59 / £29. All other FabFilter customers that own Timeless, Pro-C, Twin, Simplon or One can crossgrade to FabFilter Volcano 2 for €79 / $119 / £59. These upgrade and crossgrade offers last until July 31, 2008.

Last but not least, a fully fonctional 30-day trial version is also available.

Tellini has announced the release of Tablatures v1.7. Tablatures is the first and only Mac OS X editor for PowerTab tablatures. PowerTab is a well-known and widely adopted tablature editor for Windows systems and thousands of transcriptions in this format are available on the net.

Version 1.7 expands the configuration of the application with a couple of options requested by users.

Other general features of Tablatures include :

- Export tablatures in MIDI format for playback or use in other applications (e.g. GarageBand).
- Advanced playback of the tablature: follow the playback on screen, loop over selected parts, slow the tempo down for practice sessions.
- Create beautiful prints of the tablature.
- Share your music even with those members of your band that don't own a Mac: Tablatures and PowerTabEditor share the same file format.

Tablatures is available for a fee of €39. Registered users are free to upgrade to any 1.x version of the product. The trial version is available on the website.

Apple has just released the much-anticipated Mac OS X 10.5.3 major bugfix update, which is available via Software Update or as a standalone installer from Apple's Software Download site.

As usual this update is recommended for all Leopard user, and includes general operating system improvements that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.

AudioWarrior has just announced the release of the Studio Rhodes Plug-in. Basically this is a 24-bit stereo sample library of a vintage Rhodes piano powered by Steinberg HALion Player. Note that a Steinberg Key is required.

The Studio Rhodes Plug-in is available now in VST, AU and Standalone versions for both Mac OS X and Windows at a price of $49.

TC Electronic announces immediate shipping of Desktop Konnekt 6, an easy-to-use desktop FireWire audio interface with dedicated monitor control features including a tracking reverb, an ergonomic volume knob and a 3-mode high resolution meter for intuitive and instant control while recording. The IMPACT mic preamp and the true Hi-Z inputs should ensure top-notch sound quality recordings of vocals and guitar.

Desktop Konnekt 6 is available at a suggested retail price of €249.