PC and Music News

Blue Cat Audio has updated FreqAnalyst Pro (v1.4), FreqAnalyst Multi (v1.2), StereoScope Pro (v1.2) and StereoScope Multi (v1.2). The new versions include minor improvements and a fix for a bug that could cause a crash when opening the settings window under particular conditions. This update is free for registered customers.

Improvements :

- Fixed a crash on certain configurations while opening the global settings window.
- Settings window is now faster to open.
- [FreqAnalyst Pro] Minor skin changes.

AtomSplitter Audio has released Clip-R, a stereo effect which allows you to trim/clip the ceiling (top) and floor (bottom) of any audio you put through it. It also features a boost control which happens before the clipping and can be used to distort the signal in combination with clipping. The left channel is shown in green and the right in red, the clipping level is show in black and this lets you see exactly what is happening to the signal. The effect works well on basses and basic waveforms like a saw etc and can change the shape.

Clip-R is available now for free as a VST effect for Windows.

DSK Music has recently released DSK DrumZ BeatVoiZe, a free human beat-box VSTi for Windows.

Features :

- 8 sound slots (C3 to C4 white keys).
- Level and pan control.
- 8 stereo outs.
- 26 samples.
- 3 kits.
- MIDI automation.
- Preset selector.

DSK DrumZ BeatVoiZe is available now as a VSTi for Windows and it's free.

Marantz introduces the PMD580 Solid State Recorder, the newest addition to its family of rackmount digital recorders.

The PMD580 brings many of the same features found in the PMD Series recorders but adds a crucial new dimension: network connectivity. Via its Ethernet port, this unit can be positioned as a network device, allowing users to set menu parameters, schedule recording events, and transfer and archive audio files, all by using a web-based GUI interface from any PC or Mac in the network.

The new unit also adds balanced XLR inputs and outputs, SPDIF as well as AES/EBU digital interfaces and RS232 control. It offers MP3 and WAV Recording formats, and users can select between 16-bit and 24-bit resolution.

Highlights :

- Choice of 24-bit or 16-bit Recording onto Compact Flash (CF) Card
- Ethernet Connectivity and Internal Web Browser
- Automatic Archiving of Recorded Files
- Easy Recording
- MP3 and WAV File Formats
- Menu-selectable Quality Settings
- Balanced XLR Inputs and Outputs
- AES/EBU and S/PDIF Digital Inputs and Outputs
- RS232 Control Port
- No Moving Parts
- FAT32 File Structure
- Contact Closures with Menu-driven Control

Schwa has just released Olga, a virtual analog synthesizer unlike any other, designed from first principles to be distinctive.

Schwa has developed 2 new algorithms called BADASS/GROOVE in order to create this virtual synth in the "vintage-style" spirit.

Bezier Antialiased Dynamic Analog Synthesis System (BADASS): Olga uses a truly new approach to DSP waveform generation to emulate glorious analog imperfection. Olga's free running oscillators are in a constant state of structured variability, a deeply musical instability, free of aliasing artifacts and light on your CPU.

Gaussian Reactive Oscillator Overdrive Virtual Engine (GROOVE): Throughout Olga's signal path, levels can be pushed through saturation and into full overdrive, with a thickness that develops organically, breathing life and character into your music.

Olga is available now as a VSTi for Windows and it costs $80. Audio examples and demo version are available at :

Voxengo releases VariSaturator, an audio effect plug-in designed to apply saturation effects over audio material. It can be used both to boost the loudness of the audio tracks without increasing their peak levels proportionally, and to apply subtle harmonic coloration that makes tracks sound more pronounced and polished.

Features :

- Two-band processing
- Valve and digital saturation
- Multi-channel processing
- Internal channel routing
- Channel grouping
- Mid/side processing
- 64-bit floating point processing
- Preset manager
- Undo/redo history
- A/B comparisons
- Contextual hint messages

VariSaturator is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU formats at an introductary price of $55.96 (regular price $69.95).