PC and Music News

FXpansion has just announced the release of DCAM: Synth Squad, their brand new suite of advanced synthesizer instruments. The advanced DCAM analogue modelling technology carefully reconstructs the sound of vintage hardware on your computer at a fraction of the cost.


At the heart of DCAM: Synth Squad are three modeled synthesizers - Strobe, Amber and Cypher - bulging with the weight and power of old-skool analogue, according to FXpansion. These are no mere emulations stunted by the limitations of the past. Instead, they combine the best features from legendary machines with new and exciting ideas to drag them kicking and screaming into the modern world. Also included is Fusor, a semi-modular layering and performance environment for the DCAM synths with a high-quality FX suite, advanced step-sequencer/arpeggiator and flexible modulation.

Vengeance Sound announces the launch of its new plug-in series dedicated to dance music with the release of the Vengeance Producer Suite - Multiband Sidechain plug-in.

Features :

• High quality 2-band EQ with smooth FFT in the background.
• Total control over 2 independent sidechain channels (Low and Hi).
• Unique GUI (exact display of the audible sidechain effect).
• Freely configurable main display with 8 predefined scenes.
• Free choice: you can trigger the sidechain with Audio signals, MIDI notes or host sync.
• 32 "powerful and pumpin'" dance presets by Manuel Schleis.
• Also includes the "VPS Transmitter" plug-in.

Vengeance Producer Suite - Multiband Sidechain is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU effect plug-in formats. It costs €99. Not that a Syncrosoft Dongle / Steinberg Key is required but of course not supplied.

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 ...