PC and Music News

2CAudio, a sister company of Galbanum, announces the immediate availability of Aether 1.0. Aether is described as "an ultimate fidelity Auto Randomizing Algorithmic Reverb Software plugin".

Specs & Features :

- Extreme precision floating-point engine which rivals the best hardware reverb units available
- Impeccable specifications in Space, Time, and Frequency response
- Unique pervasive Auto-Randomizing scheme throughout the entire algorithm which keeps mixes sounding alive
- Non-Exponential Decay curves for incredibly lush sound
- Discrete Early Reflection and Late Reflection Engines
- 33 Space Type Models
- Over 250 professionally designed factory presets ranging from sublime acoustic emulations to extreme sound-design ambiences
- Reverb Decay Time range from 0.10sec to 120sec plus an Infinite Decay Mode
- Frequency Dependant Decay Time Scaling
- True Stereo and Hybrid Stereo modes
- Coded in assembly and optimized with SSE for extreme efficiency
- Only 4 sample latency! Suitable for use in tracking and performance!
- Supported Sample Rates of up to 192 kHz
- Intuitive futuristic GUI designed for maximum control and ease of use

Aether is available imediately for Windows VST hosts under windows XP and Windows Vista, and for Mas OSX VST and Audio Units hosts, under Leopard (OSX.5.n) and higher. The MSRP of Aether is $349.95. Introductory pricing of $249.95 is available through April 01, 2009. Orders are handled via the Galbanum store during this period.

Note that audio examples are also available at :

Elysia announce the museq — the musical equalizer — as their third major product. The basic idea behind this analog EQ is the combination of premium sound shaping capabilities with optimally matched parameters which enables the user to find the desired results fast and precisely. The provided bands with their ample control ranges as well as some elysia-specific special features make sure that the museq can be flexibly used in any recording and mixing situation, and the stepped controllers are especially dedicated to mastering applications.

Each of the two channels offers three parametric bands with a switchable Q. The additional outer bands are low/high shelf designs which can be separately switched into a low/high cut mode with an extra resonance peak as a special finesse. Each gain controller of the two times five bands can be altered from boost to cut mode which results in a notably well resolution of the control ranges and twice the number of available settings. Both channels have a switchable option for a stronger coloration of the signal to complete the musical master plan.

The circuit design of the museq is completely based on discrete analog technology. The entire signal processing is realized with single transistors in permanent class A mode, and even the power supply is composed of fully discrete circuits. An oversized transformer, selected capsuled conductive plastic potentiometers as well as special current feedback amplifiers are part of the technical refinement. The combination of these elements aims at maximum signal quality and guarantees clean and powerful sound characteristics even when extreme settings are used.

After the presentation of the prototype at the AES in San Francisco, the serial version of the museq will be shown at the Musikmesse in Frankfurt/Main: Hall 5.1 Booth C81.

Nugen Audio has just released an update for Visualizer, its audio analysis tool.

New in Visualizer 1.7 :

. PDC option added.
. Spectrum analysis peak envelope improved in banded modes.
. Level meter clip warning now respects 'number to clip' parameter.
. Level meter margin now respects 'peak hold time' parameter.

Fixes :

. -20dBFS Pink Noise fixed.
. Audio Unit sample rate change in existing projects issue fixed.

Native Instruments has released Maschine, a system which combines an advanced software sequencer and sampler with a seamlessly integrated, highly functional performance controller.


Maschine is available for a suggested retail price of $669 / €599 at authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop.

Spectrasonics has released Stylus RMX version 1.7 featuring an innovative and completely new capability called 'Time Designer' which intelligently transforms RMX audio loops into different time signatures and features the ability to "Groove Lock" the feel of any groove to another - all in real time. Time Designer also lets the user create instant pattern variations with smart algorithms based on musical rules, and to 'simplify' any RMX groove in a musical manner. Version 1.7 is also the first 64-bit native software release from Spectrasonics, includes all the new effects from Omnisphere and useful workflow enhancements to RMX, such as Suite Editing and Host Transport Sync.

The new version is a free download for all registered users of Stylus RMX and is available now.

C-Thru Music has announced that its AXiS 49 MIDI controller is now shipping.

The AXiS 49 is an handy velocity sensitive MIDI input device designed to help you make music with your computer. When you plug it into your computer with USB, the operating system will recognize it as a MIDI keyboard and make it accessible to your applications. Just like the AXiS 64, the AXiS 49 uses an array of hexagonal keys arranged in accordance to the harmonic table instead of piano keys.

There are 98 keys, so it's like having two 49-note keyboards all in one. There is no pitch bend or mod wheel, and no knobs or sockets for pedals, so you can tell the AXiS-49 is not designed to be primarily a live performance instrument, it is mostly designed for composing, arranging, and overdubs.