PC and Music News

At the AES RME has presented their new ExpressCard solution for modern PCIe Notebooks. The HDSPe ExpressCard is specified as an ExpressCard/34 and provides the same features as the successful PCMCIA version. The card comes with drivers for Windows XP (multi-client operation of MME, GSIF and ASIO 2.0) and brand new drivers for Windows Vista and Vista 64. Apple users are perfectly served with Power PC and MAC Universal (Intel) drivers providing Core Audio and Core MIDI support.

The HDSPe ExpressCard will be available in December 2007 for an expected retail price of $349. For more information, please visit their web site.

Cycling '74 announced Version 5.0 of its Max/MSP media development tools. This version represents a new era of Max programming, with a completely redesigned multi-processing kernel and a streamlined development environment built on a platform-independent foundation. With a new patcher interface, searchable database of objects and examples, integrated documentation and new tutorials, the new Max user will find a smoother learning curve while experienced users will see improved productivity.

In addition to a modern infrastructure designed to support today's multi-core processors and tomorrow's operating systems, Max 5 features a stylish new UI intended to aid in the expression of complex ideas in a fluid manner. As a result, Max's pioneering concept of interactive graphical programming ha ...

Solid State Logic is showcasing a new plug-in for the Duende DSP powered DAW plug-in platform at the 123rd Audio Engineering Society Convention (Booth #126).

X-EQ is an open and transparent sounding parametric EQ that provides the user with a comprehensive range of EQ tools within an intuitive user interface. X-EQ is exceptionally flexible with the ability to be surgically precise for mastering duties or to smooth and sculpt for everyday audio production and is particularly suited to real time manipulation for dramatic filter sweep effects.

Features :

- 10 band parametric EQ with individually selectable EQ type per band.
- Intuitive user interface with drag and move graphic control, on screen knob layout, mouse wheel (& fine mouse) control and numeric editing.
- Bands one & 10 are High & Low Cut Filters, each with five different selectable topographies.
- Bands two & nine are Shelving EQ's with proportional Q values.
- Bands three to eight are Bell Filters with 20Hz-20kHz range and nine individually selectable EQ types.
- Bands three to eight can be switched between standard series and parallel signal flow for classic graphic EQ style operation.
- Real time FFT signal analysis display.
- Stereo input and output metering with peak hold, separate RMS meter and dynamic range display.
- A/B facility for instant comparison of two different EQ set ups.
- Full parameter automation via any compatible host.

X-EQ costs £295 excluding VAT.

Directly from the AES Digidesign is presenting its' new releases.

Protools 7.4 includes Elastic Time a new time streching tools , video workflows from Avid, compatibility improved with Rewire allowing to receive MIDI informations form Rewire software.

A new Control 24 which including record, editing, routing and mixing functions from Protools.

The icon D-Control ES offers a new look, an improved color code of commands and optimized switch color layout for a better view in low light environment.

Digidesign Virtual Instruments package includes all the 5 virtual instruments A.I.R. for a special price. If you are a user of either Structure, Structure LE or Structure Free, EastWest Symphonic Orchestra Gold Complete or Structure Edition allows you a full control of a complete symphonic orchestra.

Arturia has announced Analog Factory Experience, a combination between a native software application and a dedicated controller-keyboard. Based on the Analog Factory 2.0, a software instrument offering 3500 legendary synthesizer sounds, Analog Factory Experience includes a high quality 32-key MIDI keyboard.

Main Features :

- Hybrid synthesizer based on advanced Software/Hardware combination :

• New Analog Factory 2.0 inside the box
• 32-key Universal MIDI keyboard built by CME
• Plug and play: the Hardware and Software is instantly recognized and offers perfect integration Analog Factory 2.0
• 3500 synthesizer sounds that have shaped modern music production
• All preset are carefully selected from the Arturia Classic Synths: the Minimoog V, ...

Focusrite unveils the Liquid 4PRE at the 123rd AES show in New York. Focusrite's new Liquid 4PRE four-channel microphone pre-amplifier utilizes The Liquid Channel's proven Liquid technology, marrying a hugely flexible analogue front end with cutting-edge dynamic convolution DSP to deliver the sounds of 40 vintage and classic microphone pre-amplifiers across all four channels.

Features :

- 4-channel microphone pre-amplifier
- 40 vintage and classic microphone pre-amplifiers emulations
- fully digital controls and remote software control over Ethernet
- 99 Unit Setup Memories
- 'Harmonics' and 'Session Saver' features from the Liquid Channel
- highpass filter, phantom power and phase reverse for each channel
- large information display screen for each channel
- 'Operator Lock' function
- AES and ADAT optical digital inputs and outputs

Liquid 4PRE will be shipping worldwide in November 2007.