PC and Music News

Multiple connectivity options are available on the new AES16e-50 PCI Express Card from Lynx Studio Technology. In addition to offering 16 channels of 192 kHz AES/EBU digital I/O via its two d-sub ports, the AES16e-50 has 32 digital I/O channels using AES50 technology.

AES50 provides a bi-directional, point-to-point connection for multi-channel audio and system control over a single CAT5e or CAT6 cable. The benefits include reliable high-bandwidth data transfers, low latency, and low clock jitter. Complete networks can be built using routers with multiple AES50 ports.

The AES50 port on the AES16e-50 provides up to 32 channels at 48 kHz, 24 channels at 96 kHz and 12 channels at 192 kHz. The single network cable also transmits sample clock and control data, making the AES16e-50 ideal for permanent installations, broadcast and live sound applications. Sixteen channels of sample rate conversion is also included on the AES16e-50.

The Lynx AES16e-50 will have a US suggested retail price of $995 and will be available in the first quarter of 2009.

Future Retro has just announced the release of the Orb sequencer.

The Orb is an easy to use, single track, step-based digital sequencer, ideal for controlling Future Retro's XS semi-modular synthesizer as well as other analog CV/Gate or MIDI synthesizers. The Orb is also a perfect solution for controlling 303 clones which often lack the essential sequencer.

Housed in a rugged aluminum chassis, the Orb continues Future Retro's tradition of hand-building quality products renowned for their unique sound, innovative design, and modern style. Unlike linear-style step sequencers, the Orb's circular interface makes it easy to divide a measure of music into equal parts, as well as intuitively display patterns as cyclic loops playing forward, in reverse, or remixed.

There are 256 recordable patterns available, each recording note duration, pitch, accent , glide, loop point, time signature, and swing amount. Pattern editing features include copy/paste, pattern shifting, pattern transposing, multiple pattern cueing for chaining patterns together live, and LED chase. In addition, all pattern editing and recording can be done while the sequencer is running, and it will automatically save all your edits so you don't have to stop creating !

The Orb is available now for $550 USD.

Nugen Audio has just updated Visualizer, its audio analysis tool.

Changes in v1.6 :

- Secondary level meter margins added to the level meters (RMS/Peak/K) when the secondary level meter option is active.
- A minor graphical refresh problem in Ableton Live has been fixed.
- The licensing system on Pro Tools within VST to RTAS wrappers has been improved.

Expanding its line of Aurora 192 kHz AD/DA converters, Lynx Studio Technology has announced the Aurora 16-VT model. Aurora 16-VT allows users to manually set the analog input and output levels within a range of +8.5 dBu to +24 dBu. 32 miniature trim pots are mounted on the primary circuit board to allow the adjustments.

The Aurora 16-VT model is identical in every way to the standard Aurora16, but adds variable trim pots internally, per channel, to allow you to calibrate the Aurora to your studio's specifications. The Aurora16-VT ships calibrated identically to the Digi 192 i/o as this was the most requested calibration for people switching to the Aurora in their existing PT|HD studios. This makes it easy to get up and running quickly without the need for additional calibration measures, unless you have already re-calibrated your 192 i/o. Even then, just use the variable trim pots and calibrate away.

Features of the Aurora converters include :

· Simultaneous 16 Channel Analog I/O and 16 Channel AES/EBU I/O
· 24 Bit / 192 kHz Mastering Quality A/D and D/A conversion
· 192 kHz AES/EBU I/O Supporting Single and Dual Wire Modes
· Single Rack Space Configuration
· Extensive Remote Control Capability via Lynx AES16, IrDA, FireWire and MIDI
· On-board 32 Channel Digital Mixer Provides Flexible I/O Routing
· Word clock I/O with Lynx SynchroLock Sample Clock Technology
· Connectivity via PCI, PCI Express with AES16 cards, ADAT, ProToolsHD, FireWire and MADI

The Aurora16-VT is available now at a list price of $3595.

Cluster Sound launches Minimalogic, a multi-format library designed for Minimal productions: 500 Mb of worldclass loops & samples, throbbing basslines, fluid percussion loops, micro breaks, incisive construction loops, electro rithms and much more. In addition to the loops the library contains also their sliced versions (Rex2 / Live Drum Racks), unusual sets of stylish multi-sample synthesizers and amazing drumkits that will allow users to create customized sequences.

Specification :

- Size: 490 Mb (Zip: 375 Mb)
- Content: 510 Wav — 220 Rex2 — 440 DRacks — 400 instruments
- 60 MLog Kicks loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 MLog Snare loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 MLog HHat loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Fluid Perc loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Low Synth Perc loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Micron Beat loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Cycled Synth loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Electric loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 90 Minimalogic loops A (30 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 90 Minimalogic loops B (30 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 288 One shot WAV Samples
- Impulse: 100 Devices & Clips
- Simpler: 90 Synth Instruments
- Sampler: 90 Synth Instruments
- Kontakt: 30 Compatibility Synths / 47 Drumkits
- NN-XT: 30 Compatibility Synths
- ReDrum: 20 Drumkits

Minimalogic is available now for €24.95. For more info and demo samples please visit the link below :

AuraPlug has released Whamdrive, a free VST plug-in for Windows to shift the pitch of an incoming audio signal. It allows you to pitch an incoming audio stream in realtime with an external MIDI foot controller or with the GUI controls. Whamdrive features 14 different pitch modes. The effect also includes a distortion unit with cabinet simulation. It has a special equalization method (uses only one knob) which gives you wide, strong, EQ control.

Features :

- Stompbox design.
- Real-time, low latency processing for live performances.
- Pitch Shifter unit with 14 different pitch modes.
- Distortion unit with cabinet simulation.
- Tone control.
- All parameters are MIDI controllable.
- Easy to use.

Whamdrive is available now for Windows as a VST effect plug-in and it is free.