PC and Music News

Avid has identified an incompatibility with the early 2011 17" MacBook Pro (model MC725LL/A with Thunderbolt port) when used with a Magma ExpressBox1 expansion chassis and a Pro Tools HD Native Card.

The following error message, "Unable to find an Audio Interface attached to the first HD card", is seen when launching Pro Tools HD 9 with an Apple MacBook Pro (early 2011 model) and Pro Tools HD Native hardware.

There is currently no workaround with this configuration. Avid is currently investigating this issue, and will update this article when more information is available.

DirectEMX is a VST plugin that makes it possible to use your Korg Electribe MX in your host. It is now available on Mac OSX.

The DirectEMX features are:
- Control and automation of all the EMX parameters from your DAW. That includes Synth, drum and common/fx parts.
- Pattern import/export in fxb/fxp standard format.
- Reception of pattern bank sysex dumps, that makes it possible to import all the internal patterns of the EMX in DirectEMX.

With DirectEMX you can use your EMX like a Virtual instrument in Cubase, live, fl studio...

- Save/Load your project without worrying about the state of the EMX, the plugin will ensure the sync.
- Automate all the parameters to create new evolving sounds easily. Why not simulating an LFO on your filter cutoff for example?
- Copy/paste parts or patterns
- Use a clean interface that shows the "real" knob values. That includes the mix view and oscillator model shape, while keeping the same approach as the original hardware.
- See the knobs movements in real time, for the host automation but also for the EMX internal motion sequences.
- Edit and reverse-engineer patch more easily.

DirectEMX is available now on OSX and Windows for 25€.

The Hammond SK1 is the first "Ultra-Portable" organ in its history, weighing in at just 15 pounds, and the first Hammond portable to feature a wide range of Extra Voices.

The "Drawbar" section is a complete Hammond Organ with all the traditional features: Real Mechanical Drawbars, Chorus Vibrato, Touch-Response Percussion, and the most authentic Digital Leslie we have ever offered.

"Vx" and "Farf" combo organ models are also available, as well as an assortment of fine classical Pipe Organ voices derived from our 935 Church Organ. Acoustic and Electric Pianos, Clavs, Accordions, Vintage String Synth, Wind Instruments and Tuned Percussion round out the specification.

The SK2 model adds a second 61 note keyboard for added convenience-you may play the SK2 as a two-manual organ, or assign the Drawbar/Extravoice divisions to your choice of keyboard.

The Lexicon 224 plug-in for UAD-2 precisely captures all eight reverb programs available in original 224 firmware version 4.4, including every tunable parameter, with unique fader-style controls — inviting easy experimentation and sonic exploration. In UA's exhaustive modeling tradition, the Lexicon 224 emulation also incorporates the original unit's input transformers and early AD/DA converters — nailing the entire signal path right down to the last detail.

Additionally, the Lexicon 224 emulation for UAD-2 features direct input and presets from famous Lexicon 224 users, including Chuck Zwicky (Prince, Jeff Beck), Eli Janney (Jet, Ryan Adams), David Isaac (Eric Clapton, Luther Vandross), E.T. Thorngren (Talking Heads, Bob Marley), and Kevin Killen (U2, Peter Gabriel).

The Alesis 3630 Compressor is the most popular dynamics processor ever made. Its successor, the 3632 Compressor, builds on the 3630's popular design and features. The single rack-space unit provides two independent, fully featured compressor and limiter units with excellent sonic quality for any application from studio recording to live sound or broadcast.

- Stereo compressor/expander/limiter/gate.
- Minimized signal path for optimal sound quality.
- Intelligent Knee for musical performance with soft and hard-knee envelopes.
- Intelligent Ratio adjusts expansion based on input signal.
- Intelligent Gain auto-adjusts output.
- Adjustable attack and release time.
- Couple switch for true stereo operation.
- Auto attack and release times based on signal analysis, plus full manual control.
- Couple Switch engages enables Channel One controls to affect both channels.
- Sidechain send and return
- Switchable low-cut filter minimizes audio-program pumping triggered by kick drum.
- Gain-reduction LEDs.
- Switchable input/output-level LED meters.
- Bypass switches on both channels.

The new travel-friendly FP-4F takes Roland's popular FP-4 piano concept and injects exciting new components into the top-selling design, most notably the acclaimed SuperNATURAL Piano engine and a deluxe Ivory Feel-G Keyboard with Escapement. Thanks to its built-in, 12w x 2 stereo speaker system, the FP-4F can be used anywhere, instantly, with no extra cables or amplification necessary.

Some features
- SuperNATURAL Piano engine onboard
- Ivory Feel-G keyboard with Escapement
- Built-in stereo speaker system
- Session Partner feature provides rhythm and accompaniment patterns
- USB storage and audio-file playback capabilities
- Available in black (FP-4F-BK) or white (FP-4F-WH) finishes
- Compatible with DP-10 pedal (included) or RPU-3 triple pedal (optional)
- Ideal for stage use with KS-18Z stand (optional), and home use with KSC-44 stand (optional).