PC and Music News

Applied Acoustics System has finally released Strum Acoustic GS-1, their new acoustic guitar software synthesizer designed to bring "a fresh solution for the creation of acoustic guitar tracks".

Based on the latest AAS physical modeling technology, Strum ships with an impressive collection of steel and nylon acoustic guitars. It includes an elaborate voicing module which automatically voices chords played on the keyboard as a guitar player would on the fretboard. Strumming and picking actions are reproduced by an auto-strum function, special strumming keys, or MIDI loops. An EQ, a multi-effect, and a reverb module complete the package.

Strum Acoustic GS-1 is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU, RTAS and Standalone versions at a retail price of $229. Note that audio examples and demo versions are also available.

The Audix Micros Series, the world's smallest condenser microphones with integrated preamp and detachable cable now include a new member : the M1255.

With a stylishly machined brass housing and modular threaded capsule, the M1255 is designed to handle a wide variety of live, studio and fixed install applications. Features include a smooth frequency response of 80 Hz - 20 kHz, 12 mm gold vapor diaphragm, a selection of 4 capsules, and complete immunity from RF caused by cell phones and GSM devices.

The M1255 is available from authorized Audix dealers in a matte black finish at a suggested retail price of $419 or a white finish at a suggested retail price of $439. Supplied accessories include a 25' cable, hanging mic clip, mic stand adapter, external windscreen and a pouch.

Voxengo has just released Sound Delay, a free auxiliary multi-channel signal delaying plug-in.

In Sound Delay, you may specify delay time in both milliseconds and samples, with a high level of precision. This plug-in - being technical - provides a basic signal delaying function only, without signal feedback or modulation capabilities. It also features internal mid/side encoding and decoding, and allows you to delay mid and side channels independently.

Features :

- Sample-accurate delaying
- Millisecond-accurate delaying
- Up to 3 seconds overall delay
- Multi-channel processing
- Internal channel routing
- Channel grouping
- Mid/side processing
- Preset manager
- Undo/redo history
- A/B comparisons
- Contextual hint messages

Sound Delay plug-in replaces both Audio Delay and Sample Delay plug-ins previously available from Voxengo.

Sound Delay is available now in VST and AU formats for Mac OS X and Windows.

VirSyn has just updated its Multiband Filter plug-in Bark to version 1.0.1.

Bark takes the approach to match the reception characteristic of the final destination of all sound: the ear. The ear behaves as if it contains a bank of filters, each filter passing frequencies within the critical band. Two tones separated by more than a critical bandwidth are received by the ear independently. For this reason Bark contains a filter bank with 27 bandpass filters matching the critical bandwidth.

In fact, the human ear have also its own built in compression system which are based on the critical bands. Consequently Bark incorporates an independent compression algorithm for each of it's 27 bands.

Unfortunately a very important feature of BARK got lost in the last stages of the release. The Linear phase behaviour, which is important for BARK's sound transparency, was broken. With Version 1.0.1 Linear phase is now guaranteed for all filter settings.

Bark is available in VST, AU and RTAS versions for Mac OS X, VST and RTAS for Windows. From now till June 30st, 2008 you can buy Bark for €99.- instead of €169.- Of Course, the update is free for all registered users. Last but not least, a full functional/time limited demo version is also available (a Syncrosoft Dongle is needed).

AudioWarrior has released the Studio Acoustic 12-String Guitar Plugin.

The 12 String Acoustic Guitar is a special featured virtual rhythm guitar that can be manually strummed, or, will Auto-Strum in any key and any tempo with a wide variety of songwriting chords that can be used to build complete rhythm guitar tracks via AudioWarrior's exclusive iStrum MIDI Patterns and AudioWarrior's Pat Pending G-Mapped chords.

Studio Acoustic 12-String Guitar Plugin is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU and Standalone versions for a fee of $49.

VOX unveils JamVOX, an integrated monitor and software system that extracts the guitar from any MP3 and plugs you into the mix of your favorite bands.

JamVOX gives guitarists instant access to dozens of legendary amps and effects all in one easy to use "drag and drop" software interface. Revolutionary Guitar XTracktion (GXT) technology lets you remove the guitar part of your favorite song with the push of a button. Best of all, you can then take the lead yourself with instant rock star tone! Alternatively, you can extract or isolate the guitar part, slow down the tempo, and practice any style of music without changing the pitch.

Features :

- Revolutionary new GXT (Guitar XTracktion) function lets you cancel or extract the guitar part of an existing song.
- 19 famous guitar amps and 54 effect units ranging from vintage to modern are provided as software.
- Easy-to-use "drag and drop" interface enables guitarists to create their "dream guitar rig" without any advanced knowledge of amps or effects. Sound famous fast!
- A music player feature with convenient functions for jam sessions or practice.
- Import music files to jam along with from your favorite CDs, music library or MP3 player.
- A dedicated USB monitor speaker is included, and there's no need for complex wiring or specialized knowledge of computer music.
- Two guitar play-along CDs containing 28 famous rock classics.

Pricing and avaibility TBA.