PC and Music News

Swayzak, UK artisans of compelling electronica, have made an exclusive, free Live Set for you to download. In their own words:

"We take a fairly unstructured path to making a Live Set. Clips are grouped by type (beats, bass, percussion etc) but we don't usually split a track into stems in order to replay it. We assign key commands to mute each track plus key commands which turn the global effects on and off (on the master channel). We have two sends (reverb and delay); this provides some space and, of course, "dubbiness." It's important to really know all the sounds—we usually go through and listen to each one on solo during preparation for a gig (we also delete or transform them if they are boring).

Then it's a process of improvisation, as we build up songs using the clips. The aim ...

As preparations for the 127th AES Convention Committee enter the final phase of a year-long planning process, Convention Chair Agnieszka Roginska has announced that the Preliminary Calendar of Events is now live.

The convention is set for Oct. 9-12 at NY's Javits Center.

Voxengo Crunchessor version 2.5 is now available for download. Crunchessor ($49.95) is a general-purpose track compressor for professional audio production applications. It is available in AudioUnit and VST plug-in formats, for Mac OS X and Windows computers.

Version 2.5 change log :

• "Radial" knob mode can be now disabled completely.
• "Off-Line Render" indication added.
• Level metering parameters added.
• Knob read-outs now require a single click for keyboard entry.
• Occasional crashes in WaveLab and other hosts fixed.
• Host sample rate switch-related problem fixed.
• Minor visual improvements implemented.
• Plug-in initial loading time reduced.

Studio Devil presents its new amp modeling and studio effects plug-in : Amp Modeler Pro.

Features :

• 15 Preamp Models cover every range of playing styles and modeled using Studio Devil's proprietary digital vacuum tube modeling technology
• Authentic Tone Controls: Gain, Bass, Mids, Treble, and Presence controls that interact with your tone just like on real tube amps
• Boost, Deep, and Bright Switches quickly liven up and adjust your tone!
• 3 Power Amp Models with Drive Control: Tube Class AB, Tube Class A, and Solid-State MOSFET to adjust natural power amp compression
• Impulse Modeler / Cabinet Processor imports any WAV or AIFF file and features Zero-Latency switch, adjustable Filter Length, and High-end Sizzle controls
• 32 Studio Devil Cabin ...

Avenson Audio has announced that the IsoDI is now shipping.

Building on the circuitry of Avenson's SmallDI, the IsoDI adds two optional isolation stages.

The main signal path is still a clean, wide bandwidth transformerless FET amplifier, but the power is generated with an isolated DC to DC converter so that you can have true ground isolation and still run the IsoDI on phantom power.

The IsoOut jack can be a buffered, transformer isolated output to feed amplifiers or other inputs that can compromise the performance of the main signal path if connected in parallel. Now there is a way to get a clean DI signal even when there is bad stage power that causes the amp to buzz from light dimmer hash!

The switchable IsoOut / Parallel jack give you the flexibility to configure the jac ...

Last month we told you about the Waves Rental Plan, a new and easy way to access selected Waves bundles on a short-term basis. Well, it seems that this offer has evolved in a much attractive one... check out this email we received :

"Now, you can rent the Waves you need to give your next project that extra edge.

Waves Rental Plan is the new, easy way to use selected Waves bundles. For tracking, mixing, mastering, restoration, or live—whatever your sound field, you require the very best audio signal processing available. For a week or for a month, rent Waves plug-ins, and get the job done—professionally.

Best of all, you can now apply your Waves Rentals fees to the purchase of any product or upgrade!*

Visit our online store or contact your local dealer to rent Waves plug-ins today!

*Please note:
• The Rental period begins once the iLok has been authorized.
• With each Rental, you will receive a Rent-to-Own coupon code.
To redeem the code, contact your dealer.
• Rent-to-Own coupons can be redeemed for up to 50% toward the MSRP, up to 45 days from Rental expiration date.
• Waves Update Plan coupons can be redeemed for up to 50% toward the MSRP, up to 45 days from Update Plan purchase date.
• Rent-to-Own and Waves Update Plan coupons together can be redeemed for up to 50% toward the MSRP."