PC and Music News

CME has announced latest version 2.0 firmware for their VX series MIDI keyboards.

Features :

- F1-F8 knobs can be used to store 8 different preset parameters. This makes live shows easier and slicker.
- User can rename the F1- F8 functions, making it easier to recall them.
- Adds User Bank automatic memory function.
- Adjusts the MIDI Route, making it easier to control external devices.
- Octave and transpose buttons can be used for automatic confirmation mode.
- Holding down the Dec/Inc button will continue the data change.
- Adds turn off function for program change (MSB/LSB/Program Change).
- Adds manually save User bank function (Shift＋Enter).
- Adds manually switch User bank function (Shift＋Page).
- 16 control knob lights can be selected individually.

The full update is free of charge. Users can download it from CME website and select relevant model to upgrade.

Eventide unveiled a new plug-in for Pro Tools that provides real-time control of its H8000 series, H7600, and Eclipse multi-effects processors. E-Control provides multiple parameter control automation, and program change capability, which is saved with the session for easy recall from within ProTools.

The E-Control plug-in for ProTools will be available in December for $199. E-Control will be available at no charge for a limited time with the H8000FW, H7600, and Eclipse hardware processors purchased after September 1, 2007.

IK Multimedia unveils the third version of T-RackS, their mastering and mixing suite.

T-RackS 3 is a modular mastering/mixing suite of Dynamics and EQ processors, including:

- 9 processors comprised of 3 new analog and vintage emulations (including models based on the Fairchild 670 and the Pultec EQP-1A), 2 new digital processors as well as the 4 classic T-RackS processors
- New configurable mastering/mixing chain — run up to 12 parallel/series processors
- New complete built-in metering section with Peak, Perceived Loudness, Phase, and RMS meters, plus a Spectrum analyzer with Peak, RMS and Averaging indicators
- New standalone and plug-in versions available in the same package
- New high-fidelity oversampling with crystal clear transparency, for high quality audio processing throughout the entire signal path
- Extremely easy to use, with style-based presets, full chain visualization, one-click single module or chain bypass, "compare" function, multiple audio processing in standalone mode, and much more

T-RackS 3 comes in 2 versions :

- T-RackS 3 Deluxe ($499/€379.99) which comes with 9 processors
- T-RackS 3 Standard ($199.99/€149.99) which comes with the 4 classic T-RackS processors in the new application framework.

All versions will be available worldwide in stores and in the IK Multimedia online shop by November 10th, 2008. All prices exclude taxes.

Sony Creative Software has announced that ACID Pro 7 will be available in early November.

New ACID Pro 7 features include :

- Audio and MIDI mixing console with additional routing options
- MIDI Track Freeze
- Real-time rendering
- Input busses which provide greater control over routing input signals
- Enhanced timestretch and pitch shifting with Zplane élastique Pro
- Enhanced Beatmapping for tracks with multiple tempos
- Tempo curves
- FLAC, AAC, AC-3 Studio, and MPEG-2 format support
- etc...

ACID Pro 7 software comes with a software bundle valued at $500, which includes the Garritan Aria for ACID Pro player and custom sample library developed in conjunction with Plogue Art et Technologie Inc., the Effects Rack powered by iZotope, Submersible Music KitCore and Native Instruments Guitar Combos. It also includes over 3,000 music loops and 1,000 MIDI files. Additionally, ACID Pro 7 enables users to upload songs to the ACIDplanet.com online music community directly from the interface.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for ACID Pro 7 software is U.S. $399.95.

Ueberschall has just released Minimal Electro Vibes, a new Elastik Player-based loop module developed for Ueberschall's total fidelity Nouvelle Series.

Minimal Electro Vibes covers progressive electro techniques used by "top trend innovators from the dance floor". This set includes 20 Construction Kits (1.5 GB of new material) which have been embedded into the included Elastik Player for instant access. Each kit includes all solo parts and drum shots used in the mix for extended individualization.

Features :

- 1.5 GB / 20 Construction Kits / 750 Loops and Samples.
- Elastik Soundbank for Mac / Windows in VST, AU and RTAS formats (Elastik Player included).
- The DVD also includes an Ableton Live set.

Minimal Electro Vibes is available now and has an MSRP of $119 / €99.

Expert Sleepers has released a public beta of Augustus Loop v2.0 which is a major update to the tape echo/looping plug-in.

Features :

- Augustus Loop's GUI is now fully skinnable and scriptable.
- MIDI behaviour is now scriptable.
- VST version now receives MIDI.
- Added Record Offset feature.
- Added waveform display.
- The 'Max Delay Time' parameter now has a smaller minimum value (1.0 seconds) and is not rounded to the nearest 10 seconds.
- Added Tape Read Mode parameter.
- The Freeze Loop function is much improved.
- A small crossfade is now applied when activating Clear Loop, and when Clear Loop ends.
- The Input Level parameter is now protected against sudden changes, which previously could result in audio artefacts. In particular this makes the Punch In/Out f ...