Mac and Music News

Dear guitarists, Peavey has just announced the release of ReValver Mk III at Summer NAMM 2008.

Features :

- 64-bit amplifier modeling software
- 15 amp models, including Peavey 6505, JSX, Classic, ValveKing and Triple XXX.
- Modules in amp head, preamp and power amp formats.
- Two operation modes, with 64-bit and oversampling in HQ mode for hi-fi fanatics.
- FFT based convolution reverb, including sampled spring reverb.
- More than 150 speaker samples using real-time convolution and membrane modeling.
- Algorithm improvements from Mk II to enhance realism, especially in the tube and transformer simulation.
- Standard Tuner and Simul-Tuner with six independent tuners for tuning to presets.

ReValver Mk III is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU and Standalone versions at a price of 299.99$. Note that a demo version is also available.

Mackie adds 2 ultra-compact models to its VLZ3 Series mixers with the release of the 402-VLZ3 and the 802-VLZ3 Premium Mic/Line Mixers.

Incorporating the same technology as their big brothers in the series, the 402-VLZ3 and 802-VLZ3 feature the studio-grade XDR2 (Extended Dynamic Range) mic preamps, proprietary Active EQ, and modern summing bus architecture to ensure high-headroom, low-noise performance. The impressive ultra-compact, rugged, all-steel chassis houses switchable line/Hi-Z instrument inputs, phantom power for use with condenser microphones, and bright stereo LED meters.

The 402-VLZ3 features 2 mono mic/line channels, a dedicated stereo line channel and an assignable stereo RCA input channel. Mono channels each include an XDR2 preamp, switchable high-pass filter, 2-band EQ and a channel overload LED, and can be hard-panned for stereo applications.

The 802-VLZ3 includes 5 channel strips with 3 XDR2 mic preamps, the Alt 3-4 bus, a pre-/post-switchable aux send, a dedicated stereo aux return, plus a comprehensive control room section.

The 402-VLZ3 and 802-VLZ3 are now available world-wide. The 402-VLZ3 has a U.S. MSRP of $129.99. The 802-VLZ3 has a U.S. MSRP of $259.99.

Wouldn't it be cool to have two recording systems? One set up permanently and one that you could throw in a backpack or gig bag for mixing and recording on the road?

PreSonus is pleased to announce the 'One for the Road Rebate' during the summer months of 2008. Buy any FireStudio Recording System (FireStudio, FireStudio Tube, FireStudio Project, FireStudio LightPipe), and receive a FREE Inspire 1394 mobile recording system ($229.95 value).

This rebate is offered world-wide on sales from June 1, 2008 – August 31, 2008.

Digidesign is pleased to announce the availability of Pro Tools® 7.4.2 software, which provides Mac OS X 10.5.3* (Leopard) compatibility to Pro Tools|HD®, Pro Tools LE®, and Pro Tools M-Powered users.

Please be aware that some currently shipping plug-ins and virtual instruments are not yet compatible with Pro Tools 7.4.2 software running on Mac OS X 10.5.3, and some plug-ins require an update if one is available. Before updating to Pro Tools 7.4.2, please review the Pro Tools Plug-in Compatibility with Leopard page, which is updated regularly with the latest info...

* Please note that Pro Tools 7.4.2 is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5.3, and not earlier versions of Leopard.

Eiosis today releases the E²Transienter, a new plug-in designed to bring a unique, simple and powerful approach to transient processing.

The E²Transienter is based on a patented architecture and parameter combination, which allows detecting and processing transients independently. You can quickly get a wide range of settings, from simple attack enhancement, to complex mix adjustments thanks to the advanced parameters. The numerous included presets let you easily and immediately get the settings suited to your needs. You can then adjust the parameters to get exactly the sound you are searching for.

Features :

- Separate attack detection and attack processing
- Precise and reactive, level independent attack detection
- Sidechain filter with Low Cut and High Cut filters, or a Bandpass filter
- Numerous presets for easy and efficient instant use

The E²Transienter is available now in TDM/AU/RTAS formats for Mac (Pace iLok required) and VST/RTAS/AU formats for Mac and PC (Syncrosoft eLicenser required). Native version costs €170 while TDM costs €340.

Univers-Sons introduces UVI Workstation: a FREE, advanced universal software instrument workstation, and UVISoundsource.com: a NEW sound download website dedicated to the UVI community.

"The UVI Workstation and UVISoundsource.com are an unique powerful sound production combination, and mark the most advanced development by the UVI Engine team" said Alain Etchart, Founder and Director of Marketing at Univers Sons. "Years of experience have allowed us to redesign and consolidate our best engine ever. The new UVI Engine XT is stronger, more powerful, and now utilizes an enhanced redesigned audio engine, as well as a new graphic system for greater software compatibility. The UVI Workstation is also a first on the business side: it's FREE. But free doesn't mean limited features, this is one ...

Applied Acoustics System has finally released Strum Acoustic GS-1, their new acoustic guitar software synthesizer designed to bring "a fresh solution for the creation of acoustic guitar tracks".

Based on the latest AAS physical modeling technology, Strum ships with an impressive collection of steel and nylon acoustic guitars. It includes an elaborate voicing module which automatically voices chords played on the keyboard as a guitar player would on the fretboard. Strumming and picking actions are reproduced by an auto-strum function, special strumming keys, or MIDI loops. An EQ, a multi-effect, and a reverb module complete the package.

Strum Acoustic GS-1 is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU, RTAS and Standalone versions at a retail price of $229. Note that audio examples and demo versions are also available.

Future Audio Workshop (FAW) has updated its wonderful semi-modular virtual synth Circle to v1.0.2.

Changes :

- Added a CPU economy mode in the setting pane. This allows Circle to use less CPU for a minimal reduction in audio quality.
- There have been some updates to the OSC messaging.
- A bug related to the mouth filter clicking during modulation has been fixed.

Circle is availabe now for $199.00 / €149.00 in VST, AU, RTAS and Standalone versions for both Mac OS X and Windows. A demo version is also available. Of course this update is free for all registered users.

VirSyn has just updated its Multiband Filter plug-in Bark to version 1.0.1.

Bark takes the approach to match the reception characteristic of the final destination of all sound: the ear. The ear behaves as if it contains a bank of filters, each filter passing frequencies within the critical band. Two tones separated by more than a critical bandwidth are received by the ear independently. For this reason Bark contains a filter bank with 27 bandpass filters matching the critical bandwidth.

In fact, the human ear have also its own built in compression system which are based on the critical bands. Consequently Bark incorporates an independent compression algorithm for each of it's 27 bands.

Unfortunately a very important feature of BARK got lost in the last stages of the release. The Linear phase behaviour, which is important for BARK's sound transparency, was broken. With Version 1.0.1 Linear phase is now guaranteed for all filter settings.

Bark is available in VST, AU and RTAS versions for Mac OS X, VST and RTAS for Windows. From now till June 30st, 2008 you can buy Bark for €99.- instead of €169.- Of Course, the update is free for all registered users. Last but not least, a full functional/time limited demo version is also available (a Syncrosoft Dongle is needed).

The Audix Micros Series, the world's smallest condenser microphones with integrated preamp and detachable cable now include a new member : the M1255.

With a stylishly machined brass housing and modular threaded capsule, the M1255 is designed to handle a wide variety of live, studio and fixed install applications. Features include a smooth frequency response of 80 Hz - 20 kHz, 12 mm gold vapor diaphragm, a selection of 4 capsules, and complete immunity from RF caused by cell phones and GSM devices.

The M1255 is available from authorized Audix dealers in a matte black finish at a suggested retail price of $419 or a white finish at a suggested retail price of $439. Supplied accessories include a 25' cable, hanging mic clip, mic stand adapter, external windscreen and a pouch.

Voxengo has just released Sound Delay, a free auxiliary multi-channel signal delaying plug-in.

In Sound Delay, you may specify delay time in both milliseconds and samples, with a high level of precision. This plug-in - being technical - provides a basic signal delaying function only, without signal feedback or modulation capabilities. It also features internal mid/side encoding and decoding, and allows you to delay mid and side channels independently.

Features :

- Sample-accurate delaying
- Millisecond-accurate delaying
- Up to 3 seconds overall delay
- Multi-channel processing
- Internal channel routing
- Channel grouping
- Mid/side processing
- Preset manager
- Undo/redo history
- A/B comparisons
- Contextual hint messages

Sound Delay plug-in replaces both Audio Delay and Sample Delay plug-ins previously available from Voxengo.

Sound Delay is available now in VST and AU formats for Mac OS X and Windows.

Fielding DSP has just released Reviver, a new versatile, high-quality harmonic distortion plug-in.

Reviver creates harmonic distortion, whose sound is often connected to vintage gear. It does not emulate analog equipment, but instead gives the user full control of overtone generation and volume. Despite this high level of controllability, Reviver's user interface is intuitive and provides the desired result after just a few mouse clicks.

Features :

- add second order harmonics to your sound in a precise way
- control the exact amount of third-order harmonics to give your sound that extra "punch"
- serial mode : in this mode Reviver first adds second order harmonics to the signal before adding third order harmonics. The result is a different harmonic content and stronger saturation.
- anti-alias filter
- low CPU usage

Reviver is available now at an introductory price of $149 (instead of $199) as an AudioUnit effect for Mac OS X. Note that a fully-functional demo version is alos available.

SPL has just announced the release of Phonitor. The name already implies the key feature: SPL announces that with the Phonitor headphones now become a full alternative to monitoring speakers. To allow for control of sound impressions comparable to speakers in a room, the Phonitor offers new parameters such as Crossfeed, Speaker Angle and Center Level.

Based upon SPL's unique 120 V technology which was initially developed for their mastering product series, the Phonitor aims at high-end users to fulfill highest demands in sound quality. It is SPL's flagship of a new sort of headphone amps they call Headphone Monitoring Amplifiers.

The SPL Phonitor is available now at a suggested price of €1599.

AudioWarrior has released the Studio Acoustic 12-String Guitar Plugin.

The 12 String Acoustic Guitar is a special featured virtual rhythm guitar that can be manually strummed, or, will Auto-Strum in any key and any tempo with a wide variety of songwriting chords that can be used to build complete rhythm guitar tracks via AudioWarrior's exclusive iStrum MIDI Patterns and AudioWarrior's Pat Pending G-Mapped chords.

Studio Acoustic 12-String Guitar Plugin is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU and Standalone versions for a fee of $49.

VOX unveils JamVOX, an integrated monitor and software system that extracts the guitar from any MP3 and plugs you into the mix of your favorite bands.

JamVOX gives guitarists instant access to dozens of legendary amps and effects all in one easy to use "drag and drop" software interface. Revolutionary Guitar XTracktion (GXT) technology lets you remove the guitar part of your favorite song with the push of a button. Best of all, you can then take the lead yourself with instant rock star tone! Alternatively, you can extract or isolate the guitar part, slow down the tempo, and practice any style of music without changing the pitch.

Features :

- Revolutionary new GXT (Guitar XTracktion) function lets you cancel or extract the guitar part of an existing song.
- 19 famous guitar amps and 54 effect units ranging from vintage to modern are provided as software.
- Easy-to-use "drag and drop" interface enables guitarists to create their "dream guitar rig" without any advanced knowledge of amps or effects. Sound famous fast!
- A music player feature with convenient functions for jam sessions or practice.
- Import music files to jam along with from your favorite CDs, music library or MP3 player.
- A dedicated USB monitor speaker is included, and there's no need for complex wiring or specialized knowledge of computer music.
- Two guitar play-along CDs containing 28 famous rock classics.

Pricing and avaibility TBA.