PC and Music News

Voxengo has released an updated version of SPAN, its real-time fast Fourier transform audio spectrum analyzer plug-in for Windows and Mac.

List of changes in version 2.2:

• Correlation meter values around -1 are now displayed correctly in the "density" mode.
• Statistics "reset" function now resets statistics of all channels correctly.
• K-metering modes now use fixed 600ms RMS and release time constants.
• Additional visual look variation settings added.
• Underlay color selection was removed - group's defined color is used now.
• "Hide Meters and Stats" switch added.
• Spectrum display is now more precise in high-frequency region.

SPAN is available now as a free plug-in for Windows and Mac (VST/AU).

Telefunken Elektroakustik needs a name for its newest large diaphragm condenser microphone, which will be introduced at AES 2010 in San Francisco. In development for 18 months, the latest mic in the company's acclaimed R-F-T line was designed by Telefunken's in-house engineering team, with outside consultation from some of the world's top amplifier designers.

The microphone will be based around a unique circuit that features a NOS (New Old Stock) Telefunken vacuum tube, custom audio transformer and a fixed cardioid large diaphragm capsule. Sonically, the microphone carries similar characteristics found in its R-F-T line counter parts, the AR-51 and the AK-47 MkII.

Featuring a custom antique copper finish, the new microphone has a silky, open top end, smooth midrange, and a detailed ...

EastWest presents Hollywood Strings Gold Edition, bringing the sounds from Hollywood Strings Diamond Edition within the reach of any composer.

Designed for film, television, and video game scoring, Hollywood Strings was recorded in EastWest's Studio 1 by their team of Doug Rogers, Nick Phoenix, Thomas Bergersen and engineered by Hollywood veteran Shawn Murphy.

Hollywood String Gold Edition provides all of the sounds from the Diamond Edition in 16-bit resolution and includes a single, mid-tree mic position, all articulations with the exception of bow-change legato, and does not include Divisi mics. The Gold Edition ships on multiple DVDs.

Hollywood Strings Gold Edition is scheduled to ship September 27, 2010 for $795 (€599).

Amp is an Ableton audio effect that adds warmth and drive without hassles. Co-developed with Softube, Amp accurately delivers the sound and simplicity of legendary amplifiers and cabinets.

Ableton has focused on the essentials — tone, vibe and character — so musicians can focus on making music instead of searching for the right knob, allowing them to get good dirt, fast.

Amp comes with Cabinet, a separate effect that provides a selection of classic guitar cabs, with optimized mics and mic positioning. Ableton has also included a wide range of sounds that transform Ableton's instruments and effects with Amp's new sonic character. These include Instrument and Effect Racks, Live Clips and over 400 presets.


Amp is included with Ableton Suite 8 and is available separately for €99/$129 from the Ableton web shop. Live 8 users can also take advantage of a free collection of new Instrument and Audio Effect Racks that use Amp's technology when they download the latest Live update, 8.2.

Universal Audio has released the UAD Software v5.7.0. As usual this update comes with at least one new plug-in and this time it's the EP-34 Tape Echo Plug-In. Here's what they say about it :

"Universal Audio's EP-34 Tape Echo plug-in gives guitar players and mix engineers the rich, warm tape delay effects of vintage Echoplex units, now on the UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform for Mac and PC. One need only listen to classic recordings from Jimmy Page, Brian May, Chick Corea, Eddie Van Halen, Eric Johnson and Andy Summers to hear the Echoplex sound in action. Unlike other Echoplex emulations, the EP-34 is the first plug-in that targets specific behaviors of both the EP-3 and EP-4 Echoplexes.

• Highly desirable sound of original EP-3 and EP-4 Echoplex tape delay units, now available as a UAD-2 plug-in for Mac or PC
• Tape echo effects virtually indistinguishable from those used on countless classic recordings of the past six decades
• Unique movable record head design creates warm, rich sound unlike any other delay unit
• Provides a range of tones, from simple slap effects to self-oscillation chaos
• Amalgam of features from EP-3 and EP-4 hardware units, plus "digital only" extras for modern mix use
• Requires a UAD-2 DSP Accelerator Card"

The EP-34 Tape Echo Plug-In is available now at a price of $199.


On top of that, the UAD VCA VU is now officially licensed and renamed to UAD dbx® 160.

Last but not least, there's a 7-day introdutory offer : buy the EP-34 Tape Echo or dbx® 160 plus a second plug-in and you'll save 20% on the additional plug-in, or add 2 or more plug-ins with your purchase and you'll save 30% on the additional plug-ins. This offer expires on October 1st.

FabFilter has just released two more sound sets for FabFilter Twin 2 : Dirty House and Ambient.

The Dirty House sound set by Thomas Koot contains more than hundred raw and heavy house-oriented presets, instantly injecting a dirty edge into every production.

The Ambient sound set contains 130 beautiful ambient-oriented presets, programmed by rsmus7 (Stephan Muesch). Many of these spacious and spherical sounds use the synthesizer in new and until now unheard ways.

They are both available now for €19/$24/£17 each (excl. VAT).

In addition, a Sound Set Bundle with all five sound sets (Rob Lee, Electro, Synth Classics, Dirty House and Ambient) is now available for €59, $74 or £49 (excl. VAT).