PC and Music News

Avid has announced that new versions of its M-Audio Axiom USB MIDI keyboard controller series are now shipping. Designed for live performance and software-based music production, the Axiom 25, Axiom 49, and Axiom 61 have some interesting new features :

• DirectLink technology: Provides dedicated control surface functionality that automatically maps keyboard controls to common mixer and virtual instrument parameters, giving users hands-on control over their mix and their music, without any complicated set up or user configuration required. DirectLink works with popular DAWs, including Pro Tools®, Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro and Steinberg Cubase.

• Enhanced keybed: An updated semi-weighted piano-style keyboard delivers a musically satisfying playing experience—ideal for pla ...

Audiocation has released Compressor AC1, a free compressor effect plug-in.

The Audiocation Compressor is a dynamic processor VST plugin for Windows optimized for low CPU usage maintaining the highest precision in signal processing. With a free adjustable knee it is unique in this class.

Features :

• Time Constants: Attack and Release parameters.
• Characteristic: Threshold, Ratio, Soft Knee, and Output Gain parameters.
• Extremely fast control times (Attack time 10 ms – 500 ms, Release 50μs – 2 s).
• Coded by Christian-W. Budde.

Audiocation Compressor AC1 is available as a freeware VST effect plug-in for Windows PC. Mac OSX and Windows 64-bit versions are in development.

MeldaProduction has released three new ones: MMultiBandFreqShifter (included in MTotalBundle and MCreativeBundle, introductory price €10), MFreqShifter (free) and MFreeformAnalogEq (included in MTotalBundle and MMasteringBundle, introductory price €20).

MMultiBandFreqShifter is a frequency shifting plug-in which breaks down the harmonic content of the audio. Use it to fatten the sound, produce mild stereo expansion, or even provide complete sound destruction.

MFreqShifter is a versatile frequency shifter, which unlike pitch-shifters doesn't keep harmonic relationships and can provide everything from mild stereo expansion to complete destruction.

MFreeformAnalogEq is a unique equalizer that allows you to draw any frequency response you wish and then attempts to match the response by applying analog filters using the MeldaProduction Filter Adaption technology (MFA). If the response you draw can be achieved using analog filters, then MFreeformAnalogEq will create it for you so now there's no need to worry about complicated parametric equalizer settings anymore.

Custom-engineered by Waves and multi-Platinum mixer Tony Maserati (Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, Usher) unveils the brand new Maserati GRP Group Processor plug-in as part of the Tony Maserati Artist Signature Collection. It was designed especially for group tracks, to put the finishing touches and sheen on background vocals, drums, master outs, and more.

Featuring:

• Complete all-in-one processing chains
• Mono and stereo components
• Optimized control ranges
• 24bit/96kHz resolution
• Double precision bit resolution processing
• Supports RTAS, Audio Suite, VST, AU
• PC and Mac compatible

The Tony Maserati Artist Signature Collection is Native only, and requires iLok authorization. Available separately and in Waves Mercury. Maserati Collection V7 & Mercury V7 owners covered by Waves Update Plan receive the new edition of Tony Maserati Artist Signature Collection at no additional charge.

Sonnox has introduced two new bundles for Broadcast and Post production, both containing carefully selected Oxford plug-ins for relevant workflow.

• Post Production Super Bundle (inc. Sonnox Restore)
Sonnox Post is an uncompromising plug-in solution for audio post-production. It includes the Sonnox Restore suite which features the DeClicker, DeBuzzer and DeNoiser audio restoration plug-ins, along with the classic Oxford EQ and Dynamics algorithms from the OXF-R3 digital console. Also included are the versatile Oxford Reverb, Limiter and SuprEsser dynamic EQ.

• Broadcast Production Collection
Sonnox Broadcast is a collection of powerful Oxford plug-ins which provide high-quality processing and precision control for broadcast production. Including the renowned Oxford EQ an ...

AudioSpillage has updated its DrumSpillage percussion synth plug-in to version 1.1.

New Features :

• Improved support for automation recording and editing.
• Choke groups (12 groups available).
• Solo buttons for each pad.
• Pad selector in model editor now displays pad triggers in realtime.
• Added copy/paste pad menu items in pad editor.
• Added user preference to view MIDI note ranges as absolute MIDI values (0..127).
• Pads can now transmit 'velocity'.
• Global velocity sensitivity on/off switch.
• Velocity sensitivity can also be toggled on/off on a per pad basis.
• Improved meter sensitivity and accuracy.
• Master meter colour coding.