PC and Music News

Steinberg has just announced the release of Sequel 2, a new version of its entry-level music studio designed for newcomers to music production. This version introduces new features, including a hardware Controller Learn mode, Track Freeze, a virtual keyboard, Track Icons and many more.

Sequel 2 is available now for both Mac OS X and Windows at a retail price of €99. Updates from the previous version are available exclusively from Steinberg's online store for €29.00.

Created by Omer Yosha, the AirPiano is an innovative musical interface which allows playing and controlling software instruments simply by moving hands in the air.

Above the AirPiano is a virtual matrix of keys and faders, each assigned with MIDI messages and ready to be triggered. The length of a triggered note is equivalent to the time a hand is placed on the corresponding virtual key. This is also confirmed by LED feedback. The AirPiano Software allows easy setup, loading/saving presets and transposing notes.

The AirPiano is still in its prototype phase and its concept of a virtual matrix might eventually be used for other applications and purposes. The AirPiano concept is filled as a Provisional U.S. Patent Application (Number: 60/989,986).

Specifications: Polyphonic, MIDI protocol, Up to 24 keys / 8 faders, USB connectivity

Note that video examples are available by following the link below :

TC-Helicon has announced a new version of the Harmony4 plug-in for Pro Tools|HD and TC's PowerCore platform. This new updated version is now Universal Binary compatible and adds an array of doubling presets, including doubling presets that emulate overdub sounds as well as octave doubling.

With TC-Helicon's Harmony4 plug-in, producers, engineers and songwriters can fatten existing harmony tracks and add new 1- to 4-part harmonies after the singer has left the studio.

The update to Harmony4 is available as a free upgrade for existing users. Harmony4 is available for PowerCore at €599, and for Pro Tools|HD at €799.

Blue Cat Audio has just announced the release of Protector, a 0dB stereo brickwall limiter plug-in with adjustable dynamics response. It will typically find its place on the master bus of your DAW to protect your audio output from overshoot, limit the general volume and improve the perceived loudness, thanks to a very transparent frequency response.

Despite its very simple set of controls, it offers a wide range of sounds and it is also suitable as a track limiter for more creative effects such as distortion, pumping or heavy limiting.

Beyond its powerful dynamics processing features it also offers a powerful side chain capability thanks to its MIDI CC output. This unique technique not only lets you do side chain limiting but also parameters modulation: control any parameter of any plugin to create powerful side chain effects in real time.

Blue Cat's Protector is available now for Windows in VST and DirectX formats at an introductory price of $74.76/€49.56. Demo versions are available.

Muse Research and IK Multimedia have teamed up to release the Total Workstation Rack, powered by SampleTank and Receptor.

The Total Workstation Rack is a combination of Muse Research's unique Receptor hardware plug-in player with IK's Total Workstation line of "Powered By SampleTank" instruments: SampleTank 2.5, Sonik Synth 2, Miroslav Philharmonik, SampleMoog and SampleTron. These IK products come pre-installed and authorized within Receptor; allowing immediate access to make music live and in the studio.

The Total Workstation Rack is priced at $1,999.99/€1,599.99 (exc. taxes). For a limited time, IK registered users can get the Total Workstation Rack crossgrade version for a special reduced price of $1,699.99/€1,399.99 (exc. taxes).

M-Audio is pleased to announce the launch of its official user forums. Discuss production techniques, hot tips and favorite gear with fellow technology enthusiasts—and get valuable assistance from other users.

Visit the brand-new forums page to register and start posting right away.