PC and Music News

In order to commemorate its 25th anniversary, Clavia has created an Anniversary Model Limited Edition of the Nord Lead synthesizer. This collectible model will be made in a limited production run that will consist of only 299 units.

The Nord Lead Anniversary Model Ltd. Edition shares the internal specifications with the Nord Lead 2x and will be easily recognizable with a custom printed front panel and the inverted color scheme on the keyboard. These individually numbered units will be delivered with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Mr Nordelius.

Virsyn has just released TDesign - The Transient Designer, a new plug-in that aims to shape the transient of an audio signal.

The idea behind the TDesign is to give the user direct control over the attack and sustain characteristics of natural sounds. Take a recording of an unremarkable drum kit and dial in some really hard-hitting attack or take a very percussive sound and soften the attack. You can also use the sustain control to work on the decay portion of sounds, and with drums you can tighten up the sound to give a fast, dry decay or you can make them ring as though you'd taken the dampers off the kit.

Unique to TDesign is the ability to shape the transient not only amplitude wise but also with a dynamically controlled 24 dB lowpass filter with resonance control. This gives you the opportunity to change the sound in a way which normally is only possible if you recreate it with a synthesizer.

Features :

- Attack amplification/attenuation.
- Sustain amplification/attenuation.
- Dynamic Transient filtering.
- 24 dB Lowpass with resonance.
- Multi channel capability.
- Easy user interface.

TDesign is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST 3, VST 2.4, AudioUnit and RTAS plug-in formats. A fully functional/time-limited demo version is available. From now until March 31st, 2008, you can buy it for €99 instead of €169. By taking this offer you also have the option to get VirSyn's other effects, Matrix, Reflect and VTAPE, for 20% off.

Building on the success of the popular A7, ADAM Audio announces the expansion of the A Series with the new A5 Powered Monitor.

Designed using the same technologies as the existing ADAM monitors, the A5 is a smaller version of the A7, and can be used either in stereo or to fill out a 5.1 surround system. Powered by 2X25W on-board amplifiers, the A5 combines ADAM's ART (Accelerated Ribbon Technology) folded ribbon tweeter with a 5" woofer constructed of a carbon fiber and Rohacell® sandwich. The front of the A5 sports dual ports for low frequency response down to 55Hz, metal grills for added durability, as well as power and gain controls. The rear panel includes balanced XLR jacks, unbalanced RCA jacks, and a new development by ADAM called Stereolink®. This new technology connects speakers with input and output jacks allowing the user to control the overall volume of the system from any one speaker's gain control, making the A5 a great match for desktop recording systems.

The A5 comes in a choice of traditional ADAM matte black ($699 pr) or new glossy "piano" finishes in black or white ($769 pr). Optional wedge-like stands enhance desktop recording by allowing the A5 to be positioned at an upward angle.

ADAM Audio is also introducing the Sub7 ($479 matte black, $529 glossy black/white), a new compact subwoofer designed to compliment the A5. Despite its small footprint, it is capable of extending the frequency reproduction of the A5 down to 30Hz. Multiple inputs (both XLR and RCA) and controls allow the system to be fine-tuned to any listening environment. A wireless remote control for adjusting the volume and crossover frequency from the listening position is also provided.

API presents a new model of lunchbox : the API Model 500-6B Lunchbox. Basically it is a six position rack designed to accept all API standard 5.25 X 1.5 modules. This allows an engineer the flexibility to bring along specialized EQ effects to any situation: 550A, 550B or 560. The Lunchbox is self-powered, with a rear panel selected AC voltage switch, and a removable power cord. The input/output jacks are XLR.

The Lunchbox comes standard with a +48 volt internal phantom power supply, bussed to pin 15 for interface with the API 512C.

Future Audio Workshop (FAW) introduces Circle, a new semi-modular software synthesizer, designed to be easy to use, allowing you to concentrate fully on sound design and performance.

Features :

- Ease of Use :

o Designed to be easy to use and intuitive through simple work flows.
o Large easy to see knobs and sliders.
o Connect up modulations via color coded circles in a simple and visual fashion. To preview a modulation, simple place a circle under a knob, and hear its effect.
o See all your connections at a glance, without the clutter of virtual cables.

- Interactive Control :

o Visually interactive MIDI learn. Assign your MIDI controllers in a simple, fast and familiar way.
o Attach multiple Circle controls to a single knob. Speed up an LFO, while closing a filt ...

Yamaha introduces the Audiogram Interface Series. Coming as a complete kit, the Audiogram6 and Audiogram3 each bundle together a hardware interface that adds audio inputs and outputs to your computer, software for recording and producing music, and a USB cable for connecting the audio interface.

The Audiogram Series will be available in August, 2008 for $139.99 retail (Audiogram3) and $199.99 retail (Audiogram6).