PC and Music News

After nearly two years of research, Modartt is proud to finally present the long awaited and much improved version 3 of Pianoteq.

Version 3 includes two new beautiful piano instruments, Grand C3 and M3, which are based on a new acoustic model that simulates the sound radiation of the soundboard and cabinet. An advanced microphones setting lets you combine up to 5 microphones into 5 output channels to change the colour and perspective of the piano sound.

Using the newly extended model, Pianoteq 3 is now able to reproduce two new electric pianos with a gorgeous sound - the Rhody and Wurly add-ons.

Features :

- New acoustic model
- Mic position - up to 5 mics
- Multi channel - up to 5 channels
- New grand pianos C3 and M3
- New electric pianos: Rhody and Wurly
- New effects: Tremolo and Limiter
- New parameters: pickup position, sound speed, and more...
- New interface design
- Unlimited perspectives
- Advanced preset and parameter manager
- 64-bit version available for Vista x64


Priced at €249, Pianoteq 3 is available now in VST, AU, RTAS and Standalone versions for both Mac OS X and Windows. Note that this new version is a free upgrade to all registered customers. The Rhody and Wurly add-ons can be purchased for €49. Audio examples are available at :

DSK Music has released the Hispasonic Sampled Series, a collection of free high quality multi-sample instruments in collaboration with Hispasonic.com.

Hispasonic Sampled Series includes :

- HS Vintage Keys: 6 classic keyboards (Clavinet, Dyno Rhodes, DX7 Rhodes, Hohner Pianet, Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer).
- HS Saxotopia: 3 saxophones (tenor, soprano and alto).
- HS Dynamic Guitars: 3 guitars (acoustic, nylon and steel).
- HS Classic Grand Piano: Steinway piano in three variations: standard, bright and damped.

The instruments include multiple velocity zones and are available in four formats: Kontakt, SampleTank, SoundFont and GigaStudio (every format is about 270 Mb in size, ~195 Mb download).

Visit Hispasonic for more information (spanish), audio demos and download links :

Chameleon Labs has also announced the release of the 7602 MKII Mic Pre/EQ.

The 7602 MKII is the sequel to Chameleon Labs' popular 100% discrete, Class 'A', vintage inspired 7602 Mic Pre/EQ. The 7602 MKII employs a classic circuit design, polystyrene capacitors, a gold contact gain selector and custom wound transformers. New features include: selectable mic impedance, LED input metering, and sleek anodized aluminum knobs. A factory installed Carnhill® Mic and Output transformer modification ($249 MSRP) is now offered as an upgrade. The 7602 MKII now includes an inline transformer power supply. The rackmountable CPS-1 can still be ordered separately, but it is no longer required.

The 7602 MKII Mic Pre/EQ carries an MSRP of $739.

Chameleon Labs has announced that the 7802 Opto-Tube Compressor is now shipping.

In the spirit of classic opto compressors, the 7802 is a unique hybrid design of vacuum tube and transformer circuitry combined with modern, high performance components. The 7802 offers smooth, open, full bandwidth compression, while imparting a pleasant, subtle glow to your tracks. The silky attack is achieved via electro-optical circuitry, followed by a robust tube makeup gain stage. Final perfection is presented via the transformer balanced outputs. The 7802 can operate in dual mono or stereo linked mode, features a tube overdrive control, selectable compression (2:1 or 4:1), and a control path HPF for each channel.

The 7802 Opto-Tube Compressor carries an MSRP of $799.

Smart AV today announces that it's latest Tango software now controls Protools.

The powerful large touch screen interface of Tango with its user configurable Virtual Editor, combined with the power of MonARC makes Tango the most impressive third party controller for Protools.

Says Joe Narai, Smart AV CTO, "Like all 3rd party developers we have had to battle the limitations of the HUI/Protools interface, but in the circumstances we are very pleased with what we have achieved. Certainly initial customer feedback is very positive"

Tango has the latest touch screen technology as well as the unique ARC Technology developed for the Smart Console. Tango controls Pyramix, Nuendo, Logic, and Cubase direct as well as Protools through HUI. Discover this incredible control surface through those videos !

Tango is available at a list price of $7500.

Audio Damage is about to release bigseq2, a new version of its effect and gate sequencer.

"bigseq2 takes the concept of the gate sequencer to a whole new realm, with six effect and massive sequencing and randomization options."

bigseq2 will be available for both Mac and PC in VST and AU formats. Note that an audio example is available at :