PC and Music News

Mackie adds 2 ultra-compact models to its VLZ3 Series mixers with the release of the 402-VLZ3 and the 802-VLZ3 Premium Mic/Line Mixers.

Incorporating the same technology as their big brothers in the series, the 402-VLZ3 and 802-VLZ3 feature the studio-grade XDR2 (Extended Dynamic Range) mic preamps, proprietary Active EQ, and modern summing bus architecture to ensure high-headroom, low-noise performance. The impressive ultra-compact, rugged, all-steel chassis houses switchable line/Hi-Z instrument inputs, phantom power for use with condenser microphones, and bright stereo LED meters.

The 402-VLZ3 features 2 mono mic/line channels, a dedicated stereo line channel and an assignable stereo RCA input channel. Mono channels each include an XDR2 preamp, switchable high-pass filter, 2-band EQ and a channel overload LED, and can be hard-panned for stereo applications.

The 802-VLZ3 includes 5 channel strips with 3 XDR2 mic preamps, the Alt 3-4 bus, a pre-/post-switchable aux send, a dedicated stereo aux return, plus a comprehensive control room section.

The 402-VLZ3 and 802-VLZ3 are now available world-wide. The 402-VLZ3 has a U.S. MSRP of $129.99. The 802-VLZ3 has a U.S. MSRP of $259.99.

Univers-Sons introduces UVI Workstation: a FREE, advanced universal software instrument workstation, and UVISoundsource.com: a NEW sound download website dedicated to the UVI community.

"The UVI Workstation and UVISoundsource.com are an unique powerful sound production combination, and mark the most advanced development by the UVI Engine team" said Alain Etchart, Founder and Director of Marketing at Univers Sons. "Years of experience have allowed us to redesign and consolidate our best engine ever. The new UVI Engine XT is stronger, more powerful, and now utilizes an enhanced redesigned audio engine, as well as a new graphic system for greater software compatibility. The UVI Workstation is also a first on the business side: it's FREE. But free doesn't mean limited features, this is one ...

Eiosis today releases 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 is available now in TDM/AU/RTAS formats for Mac (Pace iLok required) and VST/RTAS/AU formats for Mac and PC (Syncrosoft eLicenser required). Native version costs €170 while TDM costs €340.

Future Audio Workshop (FAW) has updated its wonderful semi-modular virtual synth Circle to v1.0.2.

Changes :

- Added a CPU economy mode in the setting pane. This allows Circle to use less CPU for a minimal reduction in audio quality.
- There have been some updates to the OSC messaging.
- A bug related to the mouth filter clicking during modulation has been fixed.

Circle is availabe now for $199.00 / €149.00 in VST, AU, RTAS and Standalone versions for both Mac OS X and Windows. A demo version is also available. Of course this update is free for all registered users.

Applied Acoustics System has finally released Strum Acoustic GS-1, their new acoustic guitar software synthesizer designed to bring "a fresh solution for the creation of acoustic guitar tracks".

Based on the latest AAS physical modeling technology, Strum ships with an impressive collection of steel and nylon acoustic guitars. It includes an elaborate voicing module which automatically voices chords played on the keyboard as a guitar player would on the fretboard. Strumming and picking actions are reproduced by an auto-strum function, special strumming keys, or MIDI loops. An EQ, a multi-effect, and a reverb module complete the package.

Strum Acoustic GS-1 is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU, RTAS and Standalone versions at a retail price of $229. Note that audio examples and demo versions are also available.

The Audix Micros Series, the world's smallest condenser microphones with integrated preamp and detachable cable now include a new member : the M1255.

With a stylishly machined brass housing and modular threaded capsule, the M1255 is designed to handle a wide variety of live, studio and fixed install applications. Features include a smooth frequency response of 80 Hz - 20 kHz, 12 mm gold vapor diaphragm, a selection of 4 capsules, and complete immunity from RF caused by cell phones and GSM devices.

The M1255 is available from authorized Audix dealers in a matte black finish at a suggested retail price of $419 or a white finish at a suggested retail price of $439. Supplied accessories include a 25' cable, hanging mic clip, mic stand adapter, external windscreen and a pouch.