PC and Music News

Intelligent Devices releases Marshall Time Modulator plug-in.

Before there was much "digital" anything, and before records were considered something anachronistic and nostalgia evoking, back when "Dark Side of the Moon" was new and Hip-Hop kind of a distant dream, Stephen St. Croix had an idea: What would happen if you took the the longest analog delay line possible, gave it the greatest signal to noise ratio in a piece of outboard gear, and then made the modulation of it possible over such a wide range that it could effect sound in ways sublime AND outrageous. Something so utilitarian and necessary that it could fit in equally well on Stevie Wonder's "Songs in the Key of Life," or as the means of giving extra gravitas to the sound of a bad acid trip. Stephen called it: The Marshall Time Modulator.

Features :

• Two separate delay lines, in a ratio of 1:2 or 1:4., each with their own volume, phase and pan controls and a joint feedback control.
• Once modulation is added, the ratios between the delay lines don't change, but together the delay lines can be continuously swept over the range from minimum to maximum time over the LFO (Low frequency Oscillator) rate. This is a function of the interaction between the Time Delay, Preset, Time Modulation, LFO Shape and LFO Speed parameters working together.
• From subtle thickening, to reverb loving "spin", to the sound of vinyl left out on the hood of an '84 Camaro in the Black Rock Desert in the last week of August, The Marshall Time Modulator has all the bases covered - and then some.

The Marshall Time Modulator is available now for both Mac OS X and Windows in VST format at a price of $149.

Akki Plugs has announced the release of Virtual Bouzouki, a Greek bouzouki sample library virtual instrument. Virtual Bouzouki is a Kontakt Player 2 instrument based on advanced script programming and offers different playing styles and techniques.

Features :

• 2.2 GB 24-bit samples.
• Advanced script programming.
• Choose between Natural or Tuned tuning.
• 12 keyswitches.
• 5 velocity layers of plectrum playing downwards and 5 velocity layers of plectrum playing upwards.
• All four strings sampled and each string got recorded notes throughout the full length of the string.
• Release samples.
• Control the hand position on the fret with the modulation wheel. The position is presented on the layout.
• Polyphonic playing allows you t ...

LiquidSonics has released Reverberate, an efficient convolution audio processor with modulation capabilities offering true zero-latency operation for two separate, stereo impulse responses.

Reverberate seeks to provide a richer and more dynamic sounding reverb from impulse responses by optionally modulating an amalgamation of two, separately controllable IRs using an LFO. Further modulation is possible using the post-processing effects; an all-pass interpolator chorus provides a fuller sound and an over-sampled analogue prototype paragraphic equaliser is provided with dual LFOs. These features make for a livelier sound than typically associated with some convolution reverbs.

Features :

• Stereo convolution reverb.
• Dual IR for true-stereo capability.
• IR mix m ...

The Saffire PRO 24 is the latest in Focusrite's new generation of FireWire audio interfaces.

Features :

• Two High Quality Focusrite Pre-amps
• High Quality 24-bit/96kHz FireWire Interface - Features high quality A-D / D-A conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology
• Total I/O Count of 16 Inputs and 8 Outputs
• Unique Loop-Back facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire Mix Control
• Saffire Mix Control Zero-latency DSP Mixer/Router
• Xcite+ Software Bundle
• Focusrite VST/AU Plug-in Suite
• Front panel 5-LED metering
• Dedicated front-panel headphone bus

Pricing and Availability TBA. However some Online webstores have the Saffire Pro 24 in pre-order for around €300.

Roland unveils the new JUNO-Di Mobile Synthesizer. This latest addition to the JUNO Series is specifically designed for the musician on the go, providing a vast array of professional sounds in a lightweight, portable design.

The user-friendly design of the JUNO-Di will deliver hassle-free live keyboard performances for both the seasoned musician and entry level user. Weighing just under 12 pounds, the battery-powered JUNO-Di can be played anywhere, anytime. Plug the JUNO-Di into a portable amplifier such as the Roland Cube Street or Mobile Cube for instant amplification, or plug in headphones for quiet practice. With eight Ni-MH AA-size rechargeable batteries, the JUNO-Di can go for up to five hours without being plugged in.

The 61-note synth-action JUNO-Di boasts over 1,000 diverse customisable sounds to fit any style of music, including grand and electric pianos, modern synth sounds, lush strings, beautiful guitars, powerful brass, percussion, and banks of exotic instruments. Simple navigation with dedicated category buttons and the large LCD display ensures players can recall and perform their favourite sounds on the fly. In addition to a world-class sound engine and extreme portability, the JUNO-Di offers an array of features for the live performer. Process vocals live through its microphone input, built-in vocoder, and dedicated reverb. And with its USB memory port and song player function, the JUNO-Di enables direct playback and control of MP3, .WAV, AIFF, and SMF sound files with dedicated transport controls on the front panel.

The JUNO-Di is expected to be available in September. Pricing TBA.

Yamaha has announced two new synths designed specifically for players : the S90 XS and S70 XS Music Synthesizer. Here is an excerpt from the official website :

"Designed specifically for players, particularly those who want the highest quality piano sounds and expression, the S90 XS/S70 XS is a performer's dream. Yet, casual players and hobby musicians will appreciate the exquisite sounds, advanced features and superb playability just as much as top professional artists.

Main features :

• Sounds That Satisfy
• Streamline Your Performance
• Ideal for Live Performers
• Recording Direct to USB / Internal Memory
• 76 & 88 Keyboard
• Software Integration"

Pricing & Availability TBA.