Mac and Music News

Waves Audio has added its Z-Noise noise reduction processor to its Restoration, Broadcast & Production and Diamond bundles. Z-Noise is a noise removal processor which reduces a wide variety of unwanted sonic artifacts from all kinds of content.

The new Restoration bundle lists for $1,800 Native, $3,000 for the TDM version. Diamond, Broadcast & Production and Restoration owners with Waves Update Plan coverage can add Z-Noise for $400 through their user accounts.

Flux has just released Alchemist, a new plug-in primarily designed for mastering and re-mastering applications. However, it can also be used as a regular dynamic processor.

Based on the Flux dynamic processing algorithms, Alchemist features a state-of-the-art IIR cross-over with selectable slopes from 18 dB per octave to 54 dB per octave, with variable corner frequencies. Every band owns a complete dynamic processing section including compressor, expander, de-compressor, de-expander working in parallel with independent Angel's Share and Hysteresis parameters. A transient processor and a MS controller are also available for each frequency band. The sound can be processed from single broadband to five bands. The whole processing is completed by an adjustable soft knee brick-wall clipper.

An Auto Delay function allows producing a zero attack by introducing a delay line on the processed signal. Angel's Share is the parameter controlling the mix of an auto-ratio determined by the signal dynamic and, the manual ratio setting. Hysteresis is the parameter controlling the mix of an auto-threshold determined by the signal dynamic and, the manual threshold value. Angel's Share and Hysteresis are the key features of all Flux dynamic processors because they depend on on the dynamic range content of the signal, and not only on signal levels as standard processors do.

Alchemist is available now in VST, AU and RTAS formats for both Mac / PC and is priced at €800. Note that a demo version is also available.

Abbey Road Plugins has announced the release of the VST and AU versions of their TG Mastering Pack. This bundle comprises authentic emulations of the Tone Control and Presence/Filter modules from the TG12410 console. Built in the early 1970s, the TG12410 console was custom developed by EMI technicians for use in EMI's disk cutting rooms, and was not commercially available outside of EMI's studios. The features and design of these consoles is considered so good that they are still used today in Abbey Road's transfer and remastering rooms.

The TG12412 plug-in is a four-band, semi-parametric EQ with selectable frequencies and curve shapes on each band. The Shape control provides the shelving and variable bell curves from the original module.

The TG12414 plug-in provides a presence section and low- and high-pass filters. The presence section is the same as the presence EQ on the legendary TG12345 mixing console.

Key Features :
- Four band semi-parametric EQ.
- Selectable curve shapes on each band.
- Presence band and variable low- and high-pass filters.
- Exact replication of original TG controls.
- Automation and control surface support.

The TG Mastering Pack is available now in VST, AU and RTAS formats for Windows and Mac OS X, it costs $335. Note that a TDM version is also available at a price of $560. The AU/VST versions are compatible with the existing LE license, so customers who already own the RTAS license can simply download and install the new AU / VST software. 10-day demo versions are available (iLok required).

Today JazzMutant has announced the upcoming release of a new firmware for their Lemur multitouch-screen controller.

With the new version 2 firmware update Jazzmutant are taking the Lemur to another level of control, flexibility and intuitive operation. A host of new object features allows users to really interact with sound and manipulate it in real time like never before. Workflow improvements, scripting additions and other features allow the controller to be used better, faster and more in tune with some of the most popular software applications around with Ableton Live users, in particular, benefiting from some of the new features.

What's new :

Breakpoint object : offers total control of synthesiser or sampler envelopes with a multi-segment envelope editor to allow you to reall ...

Precision Sound has released Angelic Vocal Pads 4.

Angelic Vocal Pads 4 has been recorded with two female singers in multiple takes and mixed in stereo. The recordings have been treated and looped to get that airy lush sound in the same style as the other Angelic Vocal Pads libraries, but with a different tone, and this library will complement the other AVP libraries very well.

The SampleSet contains :

- 417 WAV files (387 MB)
- 29 programs for the HALion, Kontakt versions (24 bit 44.1 KHZ Stereo)
- 5 programs for the SoundFont version (16 bit 44.1 KHZ Stereo)

The SoundFont versions are 100% compatible with all virtual samplers supporting the SoundFont format, like Gigastudio, HALion, Kontakt, EXS24, V-Sampler, NN-XT, Dimension, Sfz, Audigy , Emulator X and more.

All formats are included when you buy Angelic Vocal Pads 4 so you can download whatever format you like or all of them. Angelic Vocal Pads 4 costs $39 (+$11 if you want it on CD).

Native Instruments should unveil shortly some new Reaktor stuff as they have just released a teaser video upon the upcoming Spiral sequencing instrument.

Check it out on 440tv !

SSL's modular X-Rack/Mynx SuperAnalogue mixing and processing system receives two new additions to the range of modules available. The new modules lovingly reproduce the legendary sonic signature of the early 80's classic, the SSL 4000 E console channel strip that featured so heavily on countless 1980's recordings.

The E Series EQ Module features both of the EQ characteristics found on the classic 4000 E; the uniquely smooth 'Brown' EQ response characteristics and the sharper 'Black' response curves. The 'Brown' EQ sound was featured on the recently discontinued SSL E-Signature Channel Strip so is now uniquely available on the E Series EQ Module.

The E Series Dynamics Module features a Compressor/Limiter and an Expander/Gate, both of which return faithfully to the circuitry and key components which defined the sound of the original SL 611E Series channel strip. A true RMS converter is used in the side chain whilst the gain element is an all discrete design identical to the Class A VCA chip used in the original unit. The compressor contains additional switching options to defeat the over-easy curve and to use a linear release instead of the more usual logarithmic curve. The result is a compressor with three distinct voices, each with its own musical character.

Fundamental Acoustic Research, aka FAR, will be demonstrating their XM range digitally controlled active monitors for the first time in North America at the AES Convention in San Francisco on Oct. 3-5 (Booth # 839, Moscone Center).

The XM range is a real 3-way active system which incorporates FAR's Center Acoustic Coherence (CAC) medium-tweeter assembly for amazingly stable and accurate sound stage. An LCD display plus a keyboard provides outstanding functionality such as the ability to network the speaker in 7.1 Surround Sound.

SPL of Germany, well-known manufacturer of analog hardware processors, will present their first software plug-ins on the 125th AES Convention in San Francisco. The Transient Designer and a series of EQs mark the start for a new era in SPL's company history.

The Transient Designer and a set of three EQs (Vox Ranger, Bass Ranger and Full Ranger, based on the passive graphic equalizers of the SPL RackPack) will be available as RTAS, VST and AU versions. TDM versions are soon to follow. The new SPL Analog Code plug-ins debut at the Digidesign 3rd party booth POD 1810.

Elysia unveils its third product which will be a fully discrete and 100% class-A mode EQ called Museq. According to Elysia, the prototype already sounds killer... and that's all we know for now, you can only find images on their website.

The Elysia crew expect to be able to show a completely running already during the AES show in San Francisco.