PC and Music News

The Edirol R-44 is a compact and lightweight recorder that offers quiet and reliable SD/SDHC recordings. It has up to four channels of uncompressed audio available at selectable 16- or 24-bit depths and between 44.1kHz and 192kHz (stereo mode only). Broadcast wave is also supported and two R-44s can be synced together to offer up to 8-channel recording for surround sound applications.

The latest update takes the R-44's software to v1.05 and enables users to add effects in Pre Record mode, and also includes updates for the BWF (Broadcast Wave File) marker format, notable with previously recorded data. Other improvements include quicker shutdown times in some modes with SD cards, and a smoother overall workflow helped by minor bug fixes.

Db audioware, in partnership with ENTTEC, has released DMXIS - a revolutionary new lighting control system for artists and performers.

Operating as a VST or AU plug-in, DMXIS allows artists to add stunning light shows to their musical performance - from within their favourite Mac or PC host application - with perfect synchronisation.

Lighting controllers are usually designed by lighting professionals for theatrical use. In contrast, DMXIS has been designed by audio experts for use by performers, bands and DJs. The DMXIS software is as easy to operate as any regular audio plug-in, and the light show now becomes a natural extension to the audio project.

DMXIS can also run as a standalone application, effectively turning a Mac or PC into a highly flexible and cost-effective lighting ...

Ueberschall has released a new Elastik Soundbank called Pop Music. Here is an excerpt from the official description :

"Pop Music offers music creators access to an extensive pop production workstation. Offering essential tools that make it easier than ever to assemble and fuse polished grooves. Pop Music assets include supremely recorded Pop music arrangements, hundreds of flawless loops and samples inspired by modern and classic Pop trends. An all new construction kit experience which offers 13 complete songs, with styles ranging from slow ballads up to fast rocking pop songs.

A deeper probe into Pop Music's 3.6 GB Sample Library finds

After three years of intensive research and development, AudioMulch 2.0 is finally here. The user interface has been re-coded from the ground up and a number of enhancements have been made along the way. The full impact of these changes will be seen as new versions are released, since it is now easier to add new features and enhancements going forward. The list below summarises new features in version 2.0.

• A new Patcher with advanced drag-and-drop patching and MIDI routing.
• MIDI and automation control for Clock transport (tempo, stop, start) and Metasurface interpolation.
• Enhanced Drums contraption with 8 channels and a new pattern editor supporting arbitrary length high-resolution patterns.
• New "Startup Actions" settings allow you to enable audio, MIDI, transport, sync, and to load documents when AudioMulch starts.
• Expanded multichannel audio I/O capability to support up to 256 channels in each direction and improved compatibility with consumer multichannel audio interfaces using DirectSound and Windows Multimedia drivers.
• Increased audio processing efficiency.
• Various work-flow improvements.

Windows and Mac OS X versions of AudioMulch 2.0 can be downloaded from the AudioMulch website, and trialled free for up to 60 days. A version 2.0 license can be purchased for $189, or as an $89 upgrade for version 1.0 users.

Audio Damage has released Eos, a new reverb plug-in.

Features :

• Three custom-designed algorithms: Plate 1 (mono in, stereo out), Plate 2 (true stereo), and Superhall (true stereo) built with modern production in mind.
• All standard reverb controls, including modulation rate and depth, attack, diffusion, and full control over the EQ and multipliers of the reverb tail.
• Infinite control for "freeze" effects.
• Unique visual controls designed for quick and easy programming.
• Low CPU usage compared to other algorithmic reverb plug-ins, and far lower than the average convolution 'verb.
• Full MIDI learn for hardware control of most parameters (VST only).

Eos is available for both Mac (VST/AU) and PC (VST) with price of $49.

Steinberg has announced the release of its Cubase iC remote controller application, which runs on Apple iPhone and iPod Touch products.

Running on both Mac OS X and Windows platforms, Cubase iC* provides comprehensive control for Steinberg's Cubase and Cubase Studio 5.0.1 Music Production Systems and is now available free of charge exclusively through the Apple iTunes Store.

*The pre-release version of Cubase iC was known as Cubase RC.