PC and Music News

The human auditory system is sensitive to a wide range of sounds, both in terms of frequency pitch and intensity loudness.The lowest sound in pitch we can typically hear is about 20 Hz, and the highest sound 20kHz. However, we are not all equally sensitive with all differing frequencies...

Find out just how far your ears can hear ranging frequencies with Audiometry, an iPhone app which is a must have for all audio enthusiast.

With Audiometry, you will test your frequency threshold, using static volume tones. Using the iPhone headphones, you will be asked to adjust the iPhone volume, for clear and effective playback tones. Your left and right ear will be tested alternately with every frequency, from the above frequency ranges. After the test has been completed, you will get a report of your hearing frequency response.

Audiometry costs $0.99 / €0.79 and is available through

Cytomic unveils "The Glue" Bus Compressor effect plug-in.

Features :

- 4 in / 2 out stereo compressor (second stereo input for external side-chain processing)
- Accurate analog model of famous British mix bus compressor of the 80's
- Ultra-fast attack time of up to 0.01 mS
- Range knob to naturally control the maximum compression applied
- Peak Clip to optionally hard limit transients
- DSP coded using C++ and assembler, Interface coded using the Juce framework (C++)
- VST, AU and RTAS plug-in formats for Mac OS X and Windows

This plug-in is expected to be released Q1 2009 at a price of $99 (+VAT where applicable).

About Cytomic
Cytomic was formed in December 2007 by Andrew Simper as a company dedicated to producing DSP plugins using analog modelling based on quality algorithms, with a focus on ease of use and reasonable pricing. Andrew has been Head DSP Developer for FXpansion for the past 4 years, where he coded the effects for Guru and BFD2, and created the D-CAM: Synth Squad (to be released Q2 2009). Cytomic software is currently in use by top musicians and has already featured on number one singles on Beatport.

Last year AKG has launched the C 214, a recording microphone designed as a cost-effective alternative to the high-end C 414 family. Today AKG launches the C 214 Stereo Set which provides users with a complete solution that delivers "outstanding performance and excellent quality".

C 214 Features :

- AKG's Legendary 1" Edge-Terminated Large Diaphragm Sound'
- Outstanding Dynamic Range (up to 156 dB SPL, Ultra-Low Noise)
- Roadworthy Design
- Integrated Suspension to reduce mechanical Noise
- Switchable 20 dB Attenuation Pad and Low Cut Switch
- Rugged double mesh Grill for high RF immunity but unaffected Acoustics
- All-metal Die-cast body with shock- and scratch-resistant Finish
- Designed, Engineered and Build in Vienna, Austria

Accompanying a pair of C 214's, the Stereo Set includes spider-type shock mounts, stand adapters, windscreens, and a stereo pair certificate for authenticity.

Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH is pleased to announce that leading sample content and instrument manufacturers have committed to support for its new VST Expression technology. Already integrated into the new Cubase 5, VST Expression is a new system which aims to simplify composing with large sample libraries within Cubase, streamlining the way today's massive virtual orchestras and highly detailed instrument libraries are used in the context of creative composition for scores and songs.

"With virtual and hardware instruments becoming more and more expressive it has been time to provide a more flexible and more elegant solution for recording and editing sounds with multiple articulations," comments Arnd Kaiser, Steinberg's Product Planning Manager for Music Technology. "This is what VST Expression is all about. But it's not only a great way to record, edit and score orchestral instrument sounds. It's a powerful tool for any sound generator and a new creative platform for more expressive instruments we might see in the future," Kaiser adds.

VST Expression simplifies handling of articulations and expressions for advanced virtual instruments, large sample libraries and hardware sound generators. The new technology makes recording and editing articulation commands much easier, with all articulation data displayed separately in both track inspector and editor windows. VST Expression is part of the new Cubase 5, the latest version of Steinberg's Advanced Music Production System and is compatible with any VST or MIDI instrument. Steinberg's premium orchestral sample instrument HALion Symphonic Orchestra also supports VST Expression.

Shure is expanding the SM microphones line with the introduction of the SM27 and SM137.

The SM27 is a rugged and versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed to pick up the nuances of vocals and instruments with clarity. This microphone has a one-inch ultra-thin Mylar diaphragm for superior transient response, exceptional low frequency reproduction, and a low self-noise (9.5 dB SPL) to reveal fine detail when recording or during live performance. The SM27 offers lower self-noise and improved dynamic range specifications over the KSM27 model that it replaces.

The SM137 is a cardioid probe microphone for instrument recording applications. The SM137 employs an ultra-thin diaphragm for smooth high end and tight, controlled low end. Its 15 dB attenuator enables it to handle sound pressure levels as high as 154 dB SPL, for consistent reproduction of delicate acoustic as well as high-volume amplified instruments. The SM137 replaces the KSM109 model.

The SM27 ($299 retail / $460 MSRP) and SM137 ($179 retail / $236 MSRP) microphones will be available in March 2009 and will carry a two-year limited warranty.

Tonehammer has released a new Kontakt-based instrument : Didgeridoo.

The Didgeridoo (aka Didge) is an Australian Aboriginal wind instrument dating back over approx.1500-2000 years. The instrument is made from Eucalyptus blogs hollowed out by termites and is widely regarded as one of the oldest woodwind (aerophone) instruments in existence. Tonehammer recorded two different Didges for maximum user flexibility. The first one is an original Eucalyptus log and the second one is a modern version made from PVC pipes.

The library contains over 400MB of samples and the programs contain modwheel controlled timestretching and sample offset options allowing users to get more flexibility out of the samples. The Didges come at two different mic (close/medium) distances and a far mic for the dual-didge FX group. Didge 1 is close mic and Didge 2 is medium mic.

Didgeridoo is available now with an MSRP of $39 and requires Native Instruments Kontakt 2.2.4+. Note that audio examples are also available at :