PC and Music News

Alien Skies - Cinematic Ambiences 2 is a 2 DVD set from Zero-G and the sequel to our critically acclaimed library Dark Skies: Cinematic Ambiences. Alien Skies is a vast collection of ambient soundscapes, textures, drones, hits, and special FX designed to suit the needs of professional media producers such as TV, cinema & game score composers, music producers and web designers.

The creative aesthetic behind Alien Skies required considerable musical artistry as well as amazing virtuosity behind the mixing desk. Many of these samples were created through exhaustive processing and mixing of live instrumental and field recordings.

One of the many innovations within the SM9 are the two independent monitoring systems housed within the same speaker cabinet: a 3-way monitor equipped with a 1" pure Beryllium inverted dome tweeter, a 6.5" midrange driver, 8" bass driver and an 11" passive radiator; and the same cabinet includes a 2-way monitor utilizing the same inverted dome tweeter and a 6.5" midbass driver. By engaging the "FOCUS" mode switch on the side panel of each speaker, the 3-way system becomes a 2-way monitor with different crossover electronics. The unique Focal SM9 studio monitor system is set for release in Q1 2011, independent left and right speakers are offered at a suggested retail price of $3995. US each, (estimated street price $3595. each).

GEORGE DUKE SOUL TREASURES captures the unique musical style of a living legend of the American jazz and soul scene, whose distinctive funky and soulful licks have been sampled relentlessly in recent and contemporary urban and dance music. Together with his sound engineer Erik Zobler, George Duke has recorded over 500 original keyboard phrases on his personal grand piano, electric piano, Wurlitzer and clavinet models exclusively for his signature software instrument.

119$

This new version includes:
Jupiter 8 template: The Origin 1.3 firmware embeds the new Jupiter 8 template which recreates the unique voice architecture and design of this legendary analog synthesizer.
- New play modes: o POLY_UNISON: emulates the Jupiter8 "UNISON" mode, that shares up to 8 voices...
- Sequencer switch automation: Actions on the Sequencer "LOOP" and "PATTERNS" switches can be recorded as MIDI CONTROL CHANGE messages and replayed.
- Compressor module: The Origin sounds can now be processed through a brand new compressor FX module. The compressor allows adding dynamics to the sound, from smooth attacks to huge pumping effects.
- Sample & Hold module: Derived from the ARP S&H. Takes any modulation (LFO, Env...) signal at its inputs and provides a sample and hold modulation signal at its outputs.
- User Interface enhancements: o In a number of dialogs possibility to navigate between the controls and change
their value without pre-selecting them. o Possibility to select the slot preset to load using the keypad + the edit switch.
Previously it was necessary to use the browser to load a slot preset. o A new layout of the dialog makes configuration of the "live" macros easier. o The user can now define a set of favorite presets and navigate thru them with the
Preset Browser or with the +/- keys.

Now, with the introduction of Pro Tools 9, Focusrite interfaces are once again the best choice for Pro Tools users.

Our unique RTAS MixControl plug-in will bring the flexible monitoring of Saffire MixControl, right inside the Pro Tools 9 environment.
Combining a sound philosophy with a unique Pro Tools integration, Focusrite's Saffire Range seems like a good choice of interface for Pro Tools 9.

For over 60 years, the AES has been the largest gathering of audio professionals and enthusiasts on the globe, attracting delegates from over 100 countries worldwide.

Workshops, tutorials, technical papers and the exhibition floor provide attendees with a wealth of learning, networking and business opportunities. Keynote Presentations. Convention Co-Chair Valerie Tyler reports that, "Lunchtime Keynotes provide an opportunity for attendees to take a break from the hectic Exhibition Hall and concentration-intensive Workshops, Master Classes, Platinum and Educational programs and relax as acknowledged industry leaders provide the benefit of their years of experience in a quiet and informal environment.