PC and Music News

McDSP is offering this November only its ML4000 Native mastering limiter, an RTAS and AS plug-in for $295 on their webshop.

McDSP is also conducting a user survey with a free Emerald Pack Native for a lucky winner. The survey ends up the 12/15/07 and you must have an ilok account to enter the sweepstake.

VirSyn Reflect is an algorithmic reverberation plug-in which combines the flexibility of vintage algorithmic reverbs with the sonic quality of convolution based reverbs. The forthcoming 1.2 release comes with a completely revised modulation algorithm to simulate the air movement in natural rooms to greatly enhance the liveliness of the reverb tail.

What's new:
- New modulation algorithm simulating the air movement in a room for smoother reverb tails.
- Mouse wheel support for program browser and knobs.
- A few new reverb programs.

Bugfixes:
- Ableton Live/VST: crackles while tweaking EQ removed.
- Apple Logic: multiple instances GUI problem fixed.
- Dry/Wet balance improved.
- IR Import: more than one file dialog could be opened at once.
- Mac: crash with RAX host fixed.

Virsyn reflect is a VST, RTAS or AU plug-in for OS X and Windows. A fully functional/time limited demo version is available, requires a Syncrosoft key/dongle.

Digidesign will soon offer Eleven, a virtual guitar amp for Pro Tools. The guitar amps, the speakers, the microphones are all modeled after the originals, the likes of Vox, Fender, Marshall, Mesa/Boogie, Soldano, plus Digidesign re-creations of others… including the distortion of the amp, the distortion induced by the fall of power in the amp, speaker resonance, ghost notes… The way microphones are disposed and their type. Eleven will be available as Eleven and Eleven LE. Eleven will be in TDM, RTAS and AudioSuite, for the Pro Tools|HD, ICON and VENUE systems. Eleven LE, in RTAS and AudioSuite, will be for Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools M-Powered and Pro Tools Academic systems.

Pre-version compatibility:
For now, Eleven can be tried for 30 days in pre-version directly on Digidesign web ...

Digidesign just unveiled the easiest way to edit sessions on the move: the Mbox 2 Micro. It is of USB key size and provides in an aluminium enclosure, Pro Tools LE and a headphone out only.

Interface:
• Connector: One 1/8" stereo jack (for headphone or speaker monitoring) with volume control
• Maximum Output: +3 dBV into 600 Ohms
• Frequency Response: -2/+0 dB, 20 Hz – 20 kHz
• Dynamic Range: 103 dB A-weighted (THD+N: 0.002%)
• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48 kHz
• Maximum Word Length: 24 bit
• Host Connection: one USB 1.1 type A connector (extension cable included)
• USB powered

Pro tools LE:
• Digidesign-qualified Windows XP- or Mac OS X 10.4-based computer
• 768 MB of RAM (1 GB highly recommended)
• DVD-ROM (or equivalent) drive for software installation
• Available USB port (USB hubs not supported)
• Minimum 1024 x 768 screen resolution

• $ 279, available in the first half of November

Steinberg flagships Cubase and Cubase Studio reach 4.1, a free update for all registered owners from their website. New features include:

• Redesigned Sample Editor
• Sidechaining for VST3 Plug-ins
• MusicXML Import & Export provides exchange of musical scores with specialized score layout applications from Cubase projects.
• Full Sequel Project Import and complete compatibility to Sequel content allows full editing of Sequel projects and instant access to all Sequel content installed on the same system within the advanced MediaBay database.
• Free routing and recording from summing objects enhance recording and routing functionality to offer complete flexibility as well as lightning-fast setup for stem recording
• Advanced MediaBay options enhance speed and efficiency working with the media database system with new user options.
• Track Quick Controls with integrated MIDI Learn provide direct access to any track parameter from the Track Inspector, ideal for easy control of any setting using hardware remote controllers.
• Global Transpose Track allows transposition of all audio and MIDI parts within one track for quick and easy experimentation with key and chord changes.
• Arranger Track replaces the Play Order Track to extend the Cubase system for improvising and trying out new song arrangements and provides new features for using Cubase as a live
performance tool.
• Project Logical Editor is a powerful new project-level editing system that allows automated processing of whole sections and groups of objects within a project, including full mapping to key commands.
And many others…

Native Instruments has just released TRAKTOR 3.3, a free update for its DJ software. The new version includes an extensively refined and more flexible user interface, a reworked effects section, extended MIDI sync options, improved Beatport integration, enhanced iTunes and iPod support, compatibility with Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard", and a revised user manual. Furthermore, it includes performance and stability improvements in every area of the software. It also brings seamless integration with TRAKTOR SCRATCH, extending its versatility and flexibility with up to four simultaneous playback decks and other powerful creative features.

The 3.3 update for Windows and Mac OS X is now available as a free download for all registered users of TRAKTOR 3 from NI website. A demo version of TRAKTOR 3.3 with TRAKTOR SCRATCH integration is also available for download. Owners of TRAKTOR SCRATCH can purchase TRAKTOR 3 at a special price of $99/EUR 119.