PC and Music News

Ploytec unveils a ready-to-use USB2.0 full-speed USB-MIDI-solution that features up to 5 MIDI inputs and outputs in a single device. With this chip one can easily build a MIDI Interface or covert an existing MIDI keyboard into a USB keyboard.

The GM5 chip works with standard class-compliant drivers and is fully compatible with Windows Vista, XP and Mac OS X. Alternatively, customers can use the GM5 chip with Ploytec's special custom drivers, which feature greatly enhanced performance compared to standard drivers. GM5 Ics support an I2C EEPROM for vendor-specific data and start at €2.50 in quantity.

EKS has just announced that there will be another version of its DJ controller Otus called Otus RAW.

Otus RAW has a more traditional approach to controlling software. Described as "the perfect bridge between the CD players of today and digital possibilities of tomorrow", it will feature 7 1/2 inch jog wheel, high quality physical pitch slider, touchpad for effect/mouse control and 4 velocity pads for effect/sample/cuepoint launch.

Otus RAW will be added to the Otus product line during the autumn 2008.

SampleModeling, a company created by Dr. Giorgio Tommasini (Stradivari Violin, Gofriller Cello) and Peter Siedlaczek (Advanced Orchestra, Classical Choir, Smart Violins, Orchestral Colours, Classical Collection, String Essentials), is pleased to announce the release of its first product : "The Trumpet".

The Trumpet, a new 300 MB Kontakt 2 Player-based instrument, consists of seven instruments belonging to the same family: three different Bb trumpets, suitable for solo or sections, Cornet, Flügelhorn, German and Piccolo Trumpet. The three Bb trumpets may be played with several mutes, including Straight, Bucket, Cup, Harmon (with or without stem). Two different plungers are also available for wah-wah effects.

The Trumpet offers realism and expressiveness by incorporating SampleModeling's proprietary "Harmonic Alignment" and "Modal Resonances" technologies into an "Adaptive Model" based on the physical properties of the instrument, whose aim is to minimize the differences between the real phrases and those played by the virtual instrument. Innovative techniques for sample modulation, along with advanced Artificial Intelligence MIDI processing, are used for real time construction of all articulations and morphing across dynamics, vibrato, legato, portamento, falls.

The Trumpet is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, DX, RTAS and AU formats but also in standalone mode at a price of €149 + VAT (if applicable). Note that video and audio examples are available at :

After the Kontakt 2 version, AudioWarrior today annouces the release of TRON 'Mello-Rack' for Halion 3.1 which is available now for download at a price of $49.

Sennheiser unveils its new MKH 800 Twin at the 2008 NAB Show. Based upon the original MKH 800, the MKH 800 Twin multiplies recordists' abilities by offering polar pattern switching after the recording session !

The MKH 800 Twin can be thought of as a multi-pattern microphone without the pattern switches. So how does it generate the various patterns? The MKH 800 Twin is equipped with both front and back capsule outputs. In a standard multi-pattern mic the pattern of the mic is derived by adding and subtracting the back capsule. Thanks to the MKH 800 Twin's dual outputs, recordists can simply plug both of these capsules into a DAW or recorder and create the pattern desired during mix-down.

The MKH 800 Twin will be available in April 2008 at an MSRP of $3,356.

ToonTrack and Waves are proud to offer great savings on this very hot bundle. Now, you can purchase Waves Renaissance Maxx Native and ToonTrack's EZ Drummer together for only $630 (regular price $779).

Now that's what we call a good deal!