Cjed Audio News 2007-01 cat121


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01-31-07 / 11:39 PM : eJamming : jam over network (cjed)

A new audio software, eJamming, allows live synchronisation in order to do "jams" sessions over network. Players must have a Midi controller : keyboard, Midi guitar or Midi drums. Moreover received notes informations trigger an included samples set (128 GM sounds).
We can listen to these sounds here (made by the famous Sonic Implants) or see a demonstration video.

The bad news is that the software operates as a monthly fees (14,95$ !), too much expensive despites a 30 days free subscription. We can find freeware in that area, and even Apple provides since Tiger a new Midi network feature (sessions with latency setting in the same way) through the Audio&Midi utility (Network icon in the configuration).

01-30-07 / 10:04 PM : ReFuse Software Lowender (cjed)

ReFuse Software presents Lowender, an audio plugin audio aimed at adding bass by generating new harmonics from original audio content (and not increasing existing bass frequencies as does an equalizer). To achieve a more natural result, it also uses a low-pass filter and an overdrive. It is priced 39$ (promo price until March, 1) and is sold exclusively on the editor site.

01-30-07 / 09:54 PM : Ubuntu Studio : new version soon (cjed)

A new version of Ubuntu Studio, the music/audio oriented Linux distribution, is planned for April. Meanwhile we can look at MAO Libre site, that provides detailed step by step procedure to install the previous version : optimized kernel, sequencer, audio loops manager, virtual instruments, etc.
Still not good looking, far more less intuitive and limited than giant solutions on OSX, and lacking a strong architecture like Core Audio / Core Midi (the freeware Jack, also available on OSX, is included to manage routing between applications), it is however in a good way.

01-25-07 / 09:19 PM : Devine Machine Krishna Synth (cjed)

Devine Machine announced Krishna Synth, a new synth plugin for OSX and Windows that offers various types of synthesis : Frame Oscillator (new synthesis using Frame Analysis, a kind of sampling technology that identifies key audio frames in samples and can then reproduce them by interpoling between these key frames - what we find in recent piano modeling softwares), analog modeling, filters, FM modulation, effects. A video is available on the site. The product is due in Spring.

01-24-07 / 10:01 PM : 4Front TruePianos : demo available (cjed)

Some new precisions have been added to 4Front's TruePianos, the new piano modeling software annouced recently (following PianoTeq) : required resources are low, even in 96 Khz mode, and it takes benefit from multiple core processors to spread the load. A demo is available yet (for Windows) and the OSX version is due for the first quarter. The software is priced 144 euros.

01-24-07 / 09:49 PM : Garritan Gofriller Solo Cello (cjed)

Garritan announced Gofriller Solo Cello, a samples library dedicated to solo cello. It uses a new technology called Sonic Morphing, that allows to align sound samples (and their vibrato) triggered for each velocity range (pp to ff). Moreover the convolution principle is used to simulate resonance of the body. It is bundled with Kontakt 2 Player and will ship in february.

01-24-07 / 09:30 PM : Tascam FireOne (cjed)

Tascam presented the FireOne, a new Firewire audio interface that provides 2 inputs (2 mic and guitar pre-amp) and 2 outputs at 24 bits/192Khz. The new feature is the introduction of a jog wheel (wheighted, with surrounding leds) that allows to zip through the tracks of a sequencer. The interface also manages Midi and includes transport control buttons and 8 assignables buttons. It can be powered through Firewire or thanks to an external power supply. It is priced 225 euros.

01-24-07 / 09:16 PM : CME : new UF master keyboards (cjed)

CME unveiled a new serie of master keyboards, the UF 50, 60, 70 and 80 (respectively 49, 61, 76 and 88 keys). The 76 keys model is semi-weighted with aftertouch, while the 88 keys has hammer-action (with aftertouch). The new feature is the integrated wireless Midi interface besides USB, and added controllers (8 knobs, 9 faders, 6 shortcut knobs, 6 buttons for remoting a sequencer).
As always there is an input for breath controller besides sustain and volume pedals. Velocity curves have also been extended, and the power can be supplied by the USB connection.

01-24-07 / 08:54 PM : Digidesign Structure (cjed)

Digidesign presented this week at NAMM its virtual sampler Structure (another new concurrent to Kontakt 2 following EastWest's Play). However it only operates as a RTAS plugin (requires ProTools). It manages audio up to 24 bits/192 Khz with 7.1 surround, up to 128 instruments, offers 20 types of effects (including convolution reverb), direct from disk. It can import SampleCell, Kontakt 2 and EXS24 patchs. The software is bundled with a special samples library made by EastWest.

01-24-07 / 12:08 AM : Lexicon MX300 and MX500 (cjed)

Lexicon presented two new effects modules, the MX300 and MX500 (they follow the MX100, 110, 200 and 400). They offer 16 reverbs (one more on the MX500, that supports surround mode thanks to its quad processors and multiples outputs), delays and modulation effects. The new feature is the Hardware Plug-In connection, that allows to use the module as an external effects plugin in a sequencer, not using analog inputs/outputs, but through USB (MX300) or Firewire (MX500).
All parameters can be recalled from the software plugin interface, keeping high audio quality from the hardware module and saving computer resources.
They are priced respectively 400$ and 500$.

01-23-07 / 01:15 AM : New Eastwest softwares (cjed)

During the NAMM, EWQL announced new softwares (they were in beta testing) :

Fab-Four : a 8 Go samples library from legendary Beatles's instruments (guitars, bass, drums, keyboards, stringed instruments, recorded with the same microphones, effects and amps).

Quantum Leap Pianos : 150 Go of piano samples (the famous Bechstein D-280, Steinway D, Bösendorfer 290 et Yamaha C7) ! Recorded in 24 bits with 3 mics positions, they provide up to 16 level of velocity, resonance and repetitions management.

Quantum Leap Gypsy : 8 Go of latin instruments (flamenco guitars, trombone, violin, accordion, percussions).

QUANTUM LEAP MINISTRY OF ROCK : 18 Go of rock instruments (guitars, bass, drums) dry or with effects, legato.

QUANTUM LEAP VOICES OF PASSION : 8 Go of sing phrases (1000) from 5 singers (India, Bulgaria, Syria, etc), a phrases generator.

QUANTUM LEAP SD2 - THE NEXT GENERATION : 10 Go of percussions from various orgine. The rhythms can be modified fully as a simple midifile.

These libraries use the new Eastwest player, PLAY (64 bits ready), and will be shipping early march. They are priced 495$ each.

01-20-07 / 01:11 AM : Univers-sons : the NAMM in live (cjed)

The staff from Univers-sons music shop made the trip to Los Angeles for the NAMM. They provide videos taken inside the show. Today (opening) the video presents the Roland, Arturia, TC Electronic and Toontraks exhibitions. That is here and the video quality is great (mpeg4). Very nice initiative !

01-20-07 / 12:58 AM : UVI Soundcard Retro Keyboards (cjed)

USB presented Retro Keyboards, a 6 Go samples library of vintage clav/electric piano (7 instruments). We can watch a video and listen to a demo on the page. The plugin (compatible with AU/VST hosts) is priced 149 euros.

01-20-07 / 12:17 AM : NAMM : M-Audio Virtual String machine (cjed)

M-Audio presented Virtual String machine. After string machines emulations included in Nostalgia (Zero-G) and into the recent String machines from Puremagnetik, M-Audio provides 60 sets of samples (32000 total) made from the reeman String Symphonizer, Eminent 310, ARP Omni II, ARP Quartet, Crumar Multiman, Polymoog, Elka Rhapsody, Korg PE2000, Logan String Melody, Eminent Solina, Roland RS202, Yamaha SS30, etc. The plugin (AU, VST, RTAS) offers 500 presets.
An audio demo is available on the page.

01-19-07 / 12:26 AM : NAMM : Korg M3 (cjed)

Korg unveiled the M3, derived from the OASYS and KARMA (it has nothing to do with the old M3-R expander of the M1, a one oscillator per voice version of the M1, while the later and the M1-R expander offered two per voice). The M3 is the response to Yamaha Motif XS (also declined in three keyboards versions) but it only includes 256 Mo of ROM (towards 355 Mo), 64 Mo of RAM (expandable to 320 Mo, 1 Go max on the Motif XS), 120 voices polyphony (128 on the XS), 2 tones max per voice (up to 8 on the XS).
The display is of touch-screen type, and the price is unknown yet, so finally it can't be compared rigth with the Motif XS. No demos available yet.s

01-18-07 / 09:39 PM : Cubase AI4 (cjed)

We can now find a short description of Cubase AI4 on the Steinberg site, the version working (and bundled) with new Motif XS :Cubase 4 audio engine, 48 audio tracks, 64 Midi tracks, HALion One, VST plugins recall on the Motif as with Midi setup recall, integration of Motif as a plugin through Studio Connections Integration, file sharing, 25 VST effects and 15 VST3 effects.

01-18-07 / 09:24 PM : Audio Ease Altiverb 6 (cjed)

Audio Ease presented Altiverb 6, that brings support for Pro Tools (RTAS) and Intel macs (universal binary), and also a brand new user interface. It is declined in two versions : regular (sampling up to 96 Khz, stereo, 595$) and XL (ProTools HD support, surround, sampling up to 384 Khz, 995$).

01-18-07 / 09:04 PM : NAMM : Roland V-Synth GT unveiled (cjed)

Roland now provides on its site the description of the V-Synth GT. It brings AP (Articulative Phrase) synthesis to reproduce nuance of acoustic instruments acoustiques (and others), Vocal Designer and Variphrase, Sound Shaper II and a new color touch-screen display. No demos yet. Price is unknown at this time.

01-18-07 / 08:29 PM : Motifs XS demos, K-Sounds Piano 2 (cjed)

Motifs XS demos are in fact available at Yamaha Europe site. That is here.
We can also look at a Motif fan site to grab samples, programs, songs (for motif ES). We learn that he loves the famous piano samples library K-Sounds Piano 2 (for Motif, Triton and Kurzweil K2xxx), that is derived from the well known Kawai EX concert grand (61 to 150 Mo, 115$).

01-18-07 / 12:10 AM : Miroslav Philharmonik Classik Edition (cjed)

IK Multimédia presented Miroslav Philharmonik Classik Edition, a light version of Miroslav Philharmonik : 1,5 Go only (250 instruments), 16 parts, 256 voices polyphony. It is priced 249$.

01-18-07 / 12:00 AM : NAMM : Arturia Jupiter-8V (cjed)

Arturia a also announced the Jupiter-8V, a virtual instrument that emulates the famous Roland Jupiter 8. It offers 400 presets, up to 32 voices polyphony, 2 oscillators per voice, analog sounding effects, a live oriented step sequencer. It should be shipping soon.

01-17-07 / 11:53 PM : NAMM : Arturia Origin (cjed)

Arturia (whose site has been revamped) presented the Origin, its first hardware synthesizer, based on the combination of various modules, such as ARP2600, Moog Modular, Minimoog, CS80, and Prophet VS. It contains 500 presets, 32 voices polyphony, a step sequencer, 24 bits/96 Khz converters, 2 analog ins and 10 outs, an optical out. More informations are due in march.

01-17-07 / 11:35 PM : NAMM : Yamaha MM6 (cjed)

Yamaha also presented the MM6 a light version of the Motif (fewer features than the previous MO low range models), at only 699$. This workstation offers for that price 70 Mo of rom, only 32 notes polyphony, 16 parts, an arpegiator and a sequencer. Cubase LE is bundled, so considering the basic keyboard (61 keys) and limited integrated sequencer, an expander is probably a better choice (original Motif Rack or Motif ES rack).
The demo songs are online.

01-17-07 / 09:48 PM : NAMM : Motifs XS6, XS7 and XS8 (cjed)

Yamaha annouces new Motifs XS6, XS7 and XS8. Compared with Motif ES they bring 355 Mo of Rom (and up to 1 Go for samples through DIMMs), 8 elements per voice, 16 multitimbral parts, 4 arpegiators and VCM (Virtual Circuitry Modeling) effects, a vocoder and Cubase AI bundled. They are priced respectively 2799$, 3539$ and 3999$, far more higher than previous models. Audio demos are expected soon on the description page.s

01-16-07 / 09:20 PM : New Roland V-Synth at NAMM (cjed)

Roland should unveil a new V-Synth at NAMM this january, 18. They intentionaly putted this video online.

01-16-07 / 09:16 PM : Ueberschall Scoretrax (cjed)

Ueberschall also announced Scoretrax , a new samples library providing 300 royalty-free loops (7,5 Go, 40 styles). It is priced 599.95$.

01-16-07 / 09:10 PM : Ueberschall Liquid Trumpet (cjed)

Ueberschall presents Liquid Trumpet, a new 1,5 Go library providing trumpet loops in various styles (jazz, funk, pop, soul, afro cuban, buena vista, bebop and electronica). As uasual with this Liquid technology, it allows not only to alter tempo and scale, but also notes (pitch), close to a real midifile. It is priced 199.95$.

01-16-07 / 08:54 PM : Pianoteq group buy (cjed)

Pianoteq will start a group buy for its piano simulation software, starting january, 19 and ending february, 11. The price could fall down to 179 euros (249 euros initial price). The number of participants is however limited to 100. Besides a new verrsion of the software is due in march.

01-16-07 / 08:41 PM : Overloud Breverb (cjed)

Overloud announces Breverb, an high end software reverb (AU and VST) that is requiring low CPU resources and uses an hardware like user interface. The presentation datasheet can be found here (no site nor audio demos at this time).

01-15-07 / 11:16 PM : VirSyn TERA 3.2 UB (cjed)

VirSyn provides an update to its synthesis software TERA 3.2, compatible with Intel macs. We can also listen again to audio demos here.

01-11-07 / 12:16 AM : AF : RME Audio Fireface 400 review (cjed)

Audiofanzine provides a complete review (as usual) of the RME Audio Fireface 400 : Firewire, 8 analog inputs and 8 outputs (24 bits 192 Khz, high end converters mentionned in the test), complexe routing matrix, 2 Midi in / 2 Midi out, formats conversions (optical), standalone mode. At 900$ on average, it isn't overpriced.

01-10-07 / 12:20 AM : Mackie VLZ3 (cjed)

Mackie presents the third version of its analog mixing consoles, the VLZ3. They incude new XDR2 pre-amps, 130 dB dynamic and a rugged steel chassis. That is here.

01-09-07 / 01:34 AM : Zero-G : Degrees of Abstract (cjed)

Zero-G presents Degrees of Abstract, a 1350 esoteric samples library (2 Go) for Kontakt 2, Reason, Stylus RMX, EXS24 and HALion : manic beats, chilled out pads, disturbing SFX, serene vocals, futuristic synths, gentle guitars. We then can expect something similar to Atmosphere. Demos are available on the site.

01-05-07 / 10:02 PM : Garritan Concert & Marching Band (cjed)

Garritan presents Concert & Marching Band, a 2 Go library of marching band samples (trumpets, trombones, saxophones, horns, mellophones, sousaphones, marching percussions, etc.). It is priced 239$.

01-05-07 / 09:32 PM : 112dB Morgana : vintage virtual sampler (cjed)

As reported by audiofanzine, the company 112dB (original name !) presents Morgana, a virtual instrument aimed at reproducing the vintage sampler technology circa 1984 (8 bits resolution, digital quantization artefacts, etc.), however famous for its musicality. A mac version will follow shortly the Windows one.