PC and Music News

Audioloop is a new online community dedicated to computer based music production. They're building a growing archive of samples, midi's, tips, tutorials plus lots more. But Audioloop is about music - not just a place to download cool stuff.

To celebrate the launch of Audioloop they teamed up with Steinberg to bring you the first Audioloop remix competition.

The track to remix is 'Reason' by Ian van Dahl. Your entry must be based on the track, but don't play copy cat - you're advised to move away from the original arrangement. Be original, the files in the remix pack are merely for guidance. The style is entirely up to you, but since Audioloop is an electronic music orientated website - a dance track with an commercial edge would be the best shot.

The competition ends Sunday 13th July. The winner will receive a free copy of Steinberg Cubase 4, a free Audioloop VIP Membership and maximum promotion of the tune.

Mackie unveils 3 new powered mixers : the PPM608, PPM1008 and PPM1012.

Ultra-light and completely self-contained, every PPM mixer features two ridiculously robust power amps for Mains and Monitors (500W + 500W in the PPM608; 800W + 800W in the PPM1008/1012). With up to 1600 watts of system power, these mixers provide all the raw power that you need.

Features Highlights :

- Dual powerful internal class-D Fast Recovery power amps
- Premium Mackie preamplifiers
- Mackie 3-band EQ straight from VLZ3 line
- Individual channel inserts
- Dedicated in-line compressors bring simple but sweet dynamics to our PPM mixers
- Dual graphic EQs with tight, constant-Q filters
- High-resolution 12-segment LED metering with super-quick response time
- 32-bit RMFX+ processor featuring 24 "Gig Ready", useable reverbs, choruses, and tap delay for live applications

For more information, please visit their website.

Edirol announced a new version of its UA-25 24bit/96kHz USB audio interface. The UA-25EX succeeds the UA-25, and adds pro-grade microphone preamps, a newly developed analog compressor/limiter, and ground-lift functionality for studio and stage.

Features :

- High-resolution 24-bit/96kHz performance with newly developed mic preamps and analog compressor/limiter
- USB bus powered, low-noise, wide-range power supply
- Two mic preamps and XLR/TRS combo jacks with 48V phantom power, Hi-Z port for guitar-direct connection, S/PDIF optical I/O, MIDI in/out
- Ground lift for studio and live stage use
- Bundled with Production Plus Pack from Cakewalk By Roland

The UA-25EX is Mac/PC cross-platform compatible. It supports WDM, ASIO 2.0, and Mac OS X Core formats. For more information, please visit their web site.

HowAudio.com has just released a new tutorial video called "Cubase 4: Essential Training". It features 8 hours of instruction with long-time Cubase user and Steinberg product specialist, Matthew Loel. T. Hepworth. Not only will it help beginners learn the basic fundamentals of Cubase with the HA! QuickSTART Overview, but more experienced power-users will benefit from Matthew's invaluable real-world tips and coverage of advanced topics. Chapters include integration of external audio and MIDI hardware, real multi-channel surround sound, VST3 instruments and effects, Cubase's Universal Sound Manager and Score Editor, notation and score printing, and more!

"Cubase 4: Essential Training" is available as a standalone DVD ($34.95), or become a HowAudio.com member for $199/annually or $19/monthly and get complete access 24/7 to every tutorial in their library—over 1100 movies on 40 topics—presented by working music professionals who are experts in their respective fields.

Roland has announced the GW-8 which is the next generation of Roland's GW-series workstations with intelligent backing-track functionality.

Features :

- Contemporary music workstation with high-quality 128-voice sound engine derived from Roland's renowned sound-module lineup
- Wide variety of contemporary sounds and intelligent backing styles, plus additional banks of ethnic sounds and styles from around the world
- USB Memory Player feature allows direct playback of MP3, WAV, AIFF, and SMF files from USB key; Centre Cancel feature for audio files enables karaoke-style sing-along
- Newly designed graphical display, plus Style Select button, Analogue Modify knob, and D-BEAM
- Style Converter and Playlist Editor software included
- Onboard 16-track sequencer for saving your interactive performances

Native Instruments has just released Deep Transformations and FM8 Transient Attacks, two new Kore Soundpacks for Kore 2 and the free Kore Player. FM8 Transient Attacks delivers 200 newly created FM8 sounds with a raw, edgy style while Deep Transformations represents the first multi-effect Kore Soundpack.

These release confirm NI determination to firmly establish the Kore Soundpacks line as the most valuable, diverse and inspiring range of sound material for studio and stage.

Deep Transformations and FM8 Transient Attacks are available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for a suggested retail price of $79 / €69 and $59 / €49 respectively.