PC and Music News

Xoxos has just announced the release of Hyperion, a semi-modular scaled algorithmic MIDI note generator suitable for a wide range of applications from live performance to automated composition.

LFOs, sequencers and counters are used to easily create dynamic MIDI sequences and change them on the fly, or to modulate other components of the architecture.

Hyperion produces glissandos or subtly varying sequences for up to three parts on three separate MIDI channels using a simple chord function. It can also be used as a phrase arpeggiator to make sure that you never play out of key or out of sequence.

Hyperion's architecture is semi-modular, meaning that each component can be driven by a selection of other components precedent to it in the modulation hierarchy. Each component has a source that it counts, and a source that resets it, for instance a sequencer might count measures and be reset by MIDI NoteOn ('gate') events. The output is recallable, and translates between scales and tempos.

Hyperion is available now in VST format for Windows at a price of $25.

De la Mancha has just released dirtbox 3 - an update of its compression/distortion/modulation VST plug-in for Windows.

Features :

- Completely new parallel compressor.
- 18 flavours of dirt and 3 dirt slots.
- Improved bit crushing and sample rate reduction control.
- Extended ring modulation, 12 varieties and 11 waveforms.
- 4 way XY pad for modulation of up to 4 parameters.
- 2 tempo sync LFOs to automate XY pad and 2 other parameters.
- All modulation is shown in real-time visual indicators for each parameter, LFO and XY pad.
- Over 50 presets covering subtle to painful.
- A demo version and several audio demos are available.

No longer freeware, dirtbox 3 now costs $15.

Eiosis has just announced the E²Transienter, a new plug-in designed to bring a unique, simple and powerful approach to transient processing.

The E²Transienter is based on a patented architecture and parameter combination, which allows detecting and processing transients independently. You can quickly get a wide range of settings, from simple attack enhancement, to complex mix adjustments thanks to the advanced parameters. The numerous included presets let you easily and immediately get the settings suited to your needs. You can then adjust the parameters to get exactly the sound you are searching for.

Features :

- Separate attack detection and attack processing
- Precise and reactive, level independent attack detection
- Sidechain filter with Low Cut and High Cut filters, or a Bandpass filter
- Numerous presets for easy and efficient instant use

The E²Transienter will be available in May 2008 in the Eiosis online shop, in TDM/AU/RTAS formats for Mac (Pace iLok required) and VST/RTAS/AU formats for Mac and PC (Syncrosoft eLicenser required). Pricing has not yet been announced.

Alesis announced the immediate availability of their SR-18 drum machine with integrated FX engine, battery operation and cutting-edge percussion sounds.

Features :

- Large, 32MB sound set with percussion bank and bass synth
- Built-in Effects - Reverb, EQ and Compression
- Battery Power for maximum portability
- Pattern Play Mode enables different patterns to be triggered from the pads directly
- Mute/Solo Function for parts - Drums, Bass and Percussion and per pad within a bank

The Alesis SR-18 is available now with an MSRP of $399.

Native Instruments has announced an upcoming KORE 2 workshop tour for US and Canada. On 11 dates in different cities, NI product specialists will demonstrate the unique musical workflow of KORE 2, and how to efficiently integrate its versatile functionality in different studio and stage setups.

Workshop topics include: Introduction to KORE 2, efficient usage of the KoreSound database, sound design and preset morphing, host automation and plugin management, as well as live use as a performance instrument. The workshop will be interactive, and specific interests from the audience will be incorporated.

Attendance is free of charge, no prior registration required.

KORE 2 workshop tour dates :

Clear Complex has released its first VST plug-in called Transistor.

Transistor is a slicer/sampler plug-in to create fills from drum parts or to recreate loops or entire mixes and apply various effects to modulate the sound. Transistor has 7 effects with 9 controllers each with 4 patterns and 4 sub-patterns. All in sync with the host and in real-time. You have total control over which MIDI-note to assign to trigger a sub-pattern. You can hold notes for returning later for each effect separately.

Features :

- 16-step sequencer for modulating effects.
- 7 effects with a total of 9 controls.
- Each control has 4 patterns with 4 sub-patterns with separate start positions and lengths.
- Each sub-pattern is triggered by a MIDI-note you choose.
- Automatable global controls for modulating the pattern.

Effects :

- Real-time slicer/sampler.
- Level.
- Pan.
- Distortion.
- Lowpass filter (separate control for cutoff and resonance).
- Highpass filter (separate control for cutoff and resonance).
- Reversing.

Transistor is available now as a VST plug-in for Windows at a price of €89 / $129 / £65. A demo version is available.