PC and Music News

Akai Professional announces the release of MPC5000 OS 2.0, a new operating system for its flagship MPC5000 music production workstation. It includes more than 25 improvements to the functionality and workflow of the MPC5000. Many of the new capabilities have been developed to accommodate the specific requests of MPC5000 user feedback.

MPC5000 OS 2.0 introduces Keygroup Programs to the MPC5000. Users can create chromatic instrument key-mapped sample programs taking a single sample and turning it into a pitched piano, string or other instrument sound. Users can now import S1000, S3000, S5000/S6000, Z4/Z8 and MPC4000-format sample libraries from Akai Professional and third party developers.

MPC5000 OS 2.0 enables automation recording for any of the parameters in the effects set, an MPC first. A new Controller Grid Edit window added to Grid Edit Mode enables users to see a graphic view of controller automation and edit events.

A new MultiEdit function enables users to edit parameters for multiple pads all at once. The ability to edit tuning, envelope filters, or most any parameter across all of the pads in a Drum or Keygroup Program saves users considerable time and effort.

The MPC5000's Chopshop technology, which slices samples into smaller pieces, has a new Zoom function in MPC5000 OS 2.0 that lets users to zoom in on individual slices for finer editing of their beat slicing.

The newly added ability to quantize Track Mutes is a useful feature for performers who trigger clips and tracks from their MPC5000. It eliminates worries about compensating for latency because the MPC5000 perfectly aligns mute punches in real time.

The new system is available now as a free download from the company's Website.

Purchase a pair of Dynaudio Acoustics BM5A Compact studio monitors from any authorized Dynaudio Acoustics dealer between March 1, 2009 and April 31, 2009 and receive a TC Electronic Level Pilot volume control for free !

Please note that this offer is valid only to residents of US and Canada.

Waldorf has just released a new version of the Blofeld firmware.

Improvements :

- MIDI Clock reception fixed
- Program change reception fixed
- Convenient category selection in Multimode
- Storing in Multimode improved
- Upgrade Terminal application for OS X added

Musicrow is proud to announce the release of Vintage Strings MkIII, a virtual string machine that replicates the sound of analog string ensemble keyboards from the 70's, like the arp solina and the crumar multiman.

Vintage Strings MkIII can produce a wide range of rich warm string pads, and other beautiful atmospheric sounds. It make no use samples, so any of its presets can be tweaked, and new ones can be easily created.

Main Features :

- Super realistic emulation of vintage string machines.
- Two separate string sections with beautiful string sound.
- Chorus section that accurately emulates the chorus effect on vintage string machines.
- Advanced reverb section with a smooth studio reverb and authentic spring reverb.
- Analog and regular envelope modes.

Vintage Strings MkIII is now available as a VST instrument for Windows and costs €59. Existing users of Vintage Strings MkII can upgrade to the new MkIII version for €19. A trial version and demo sounds are available on Musicrow site.

Do you remenber Reactable, the tangible modular synthesizer from Barcelona ?

Well it seems that this incredible instrument from Universitat Pompeu Fabra is about to be released as a commercial product !! After 2 years of development, it is now in the hands of a dedicated company, Reactable Systems, with the same people working on it.

Watch this space, it's worth keeping an eye on...

Discover Reactable on 440tv !!

Blue Cat Audio has released its audio analysis plugins for the Mac platform in Audio Unit format. The DirectX and VST for PC and VST for Mac versions of the six plugins have also been updated for this occasion, including several fixes and improvements.

These audio analysis plugins offering original interaction capabilities are available as a single bundle (Blue Cat's Analysis Pack) or separately. The bundle consists in a versatile audio level meter, spectrum and stereo field analyzers as well as a multiple tracks oscilloscope. While the "Multi" series propose simultaneous multiple tracks analysis with multiple instances linking support, the "Pro" series let you extract parameters from the incoming audio signal and record them as automation curves or send them as MIDI CC messages. Typical applications are the creation of unique side chaining effects or external signal based hardware control.

Plug-ins List :

- Blue Cat's Digital Peak Meter Pro (peak and RMS meter).
- Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Pro (spectrum analyzer)
- Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Multi (multiple instances spectrum analyzer)
- Blue Cat's StereoScope Pro (stereo field analyzer)
- Blue Cat's StereoScope Multi (multiple instances stereo field analyzer)

To celebrate the support of this new format, the company proposes a 15% price reduction on the Blue Cat's Analysis Pack bundle, and the upgrade is free for existing customers. Demo versions and available for download, and the site offers many tutorials to get started with these plugins.


Pricing :
Blue Cat's Analysis Pack: 196.94 EUR (instead of 229 EUR) or $257.14 (instead of $299)