PC and Music News

SoundToys has announced availability of the new SoundToys 3.01 software version adding Windows XP and Vista support for Pro Tools TDM, LE, and M-Powered systems.

SoundToys Native Effects ($495) contains :

- EchoBoy - Pro analog echo/delay modeler. Must have for lead vocal. 30 vintage and modern models, MIDI sync.
- FilterFreak - Fat analog sound. Flexible modulation, MIDI sync'd rhythm.
- PhaseMistress - Lush analog sounding phase-shift, 6 mod modes, MIDI sync'd rhythms.
- Speed - Advanced pitch and time compression expansion tool.
- Tremolator - Classic tremolo plus, programmable auto-gate with MIDI sync.

SoundToys TDM Effects ($1195) contains all six of the above, plus :

- SoundBlender - Powerful multi-effects plus Intelligent Pitch-Shifting. Industry standard.
- PitchDoctor - Smooth, easy, auto vocal pitch correction without chipmunks.
- PurePitch - Formant and pitch shifter. Harmony and voice manipulation.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Shuriken has released Shredder, a sampler designed to be easy to use and fun to play with. It has 12 slots for samples that are controllable via MIDI notes or automatable parameters.

Shredder is free / donationware and is available as a VST plug-in for Windows and Mac OS X (UB).

KeyToSound has announced the Production Pack, a collection of four new signal processor plug-ins : Dynamic EQ, Essential Compressor, Precision EQ and Vintage EQ.

The Dynamic EQ is a 64 bit, zero latency signal processor that combines the functions of a compressor with the results of an equalizer. The Essential Compressor is a versatile and transparent compressor, designed for the discerning engineer who does not want any coloration or character added to the signal. The Precision EQ offers precise equalization, featuring an FFT representation of either the input or output signal, you can see your equalization results, even if your ears deceive you. The Vintage EQ gets its name from the warmth and character you hear when passing a signal through this EQ.

The Production Pack will be av ...

TC-Helicon is pleased to announce the immediate availability of their professional rackmount voice processor, VoiceWorksPlus. It features a complete suite of vocal processing from EQ, intelligent harmony, voice modeling, and TC-engineered studio effects to megaphone and distortions. The fourth generation intelligent harmony processing boasts more flexible and natural MIDI control, as well as new humanization technology.

VoiceWorksPlus is available for € 740 excl. VAT from TC-Helicon dealers. Note that video examples of presets can be found online at :

Rayzoon is pleased to announce that Jamstix 2, the long awaited successor to the original virtual drummer Jamstix, will be released on august 8th, 2007.

Features :

- real-time groove composition using dedicated style and drummer modeling (not static patterns!)
- in-depth drummer limb simulation, including triangulation of hand movements, ensures that the grooves are always humanly playable (no ten-armed drummer here)
- advanced feel modeling includes sound-specific pocket delays, power and timing variations and can play ahead, on or behind the beat
- real-time fill generator produces unique fills (no static patterns used!) that match the style and drummer in use
- streamlined interface with visual drum kit for editing as well as just watching the drums play
- part-based arranger ...

Cue 5 with Binary Drive by Hosa Technology is an affordable, all-digital monitor system featuring true class-D amplification. The Cue 5 system accepts 24-bit/96 kHz signals directly via optical or coaxial S/PDIF inputs. Bundled control software for Macintosh and PC enables users to tailor the unique sound stage of the Cue 5 system for critical listening in any environment. This lightweight, cool-running monitoring system is the ideal choice for desktop recordists, mobile DJs, and digital music enthusiasts.

Features :

• True-to-life sound stage for "visual" mixing
• Zero intermodulation distortion
• Zero noise in Toslink and S/PDIF modes
• Expansive analog and digital connectivity options enhance portability
• Source digital signals up to 96kHz directly vi ...