PC and Music News

API is now shipping the 527 compressor, a single channel module based on API's 225L discreet channel compressor.

The 527 features comprehensive controls including variable attack, release, ratio, and output gain controls. The unit also includes API's patented 'Thrust' circuit, first offered on the 2500 stereo bus compressor. A ten segment LED meter is switchable between gain reduction and output level.

"Anyone who has used the 225L compressor found in API consoles has expressed a longing for the same kind of flexibility and control in the 500 Series for some time," said Larry Droppa, president of API. "We're delighted to now offer the 527 to complement our vintage 525 compressor, which has been many engineers' favorite compressor over the years."

MSRP: $995.00.

Visit API at NAMM, booth #6411.

Avid has announced that Pro Tools 8 now supports the new Snow Leopard OS X.

This added support enables customers to upgrade to the latest operating system without worrying about Pro Tools compatibility. Furthermore, those purchasing a new Mac system for faster processing, reliability and ease-of-use (shipping with Snow Leopard) will now have support for Pro Tools as well.

On top of that, if you're a Windows user looking to upgrade to Windows 7, Pro Tools 8.0.3 provides public beta compatibility with 32- and 64-bit versions of Microsoft's latest OS. This public beta release is provided as a convenience should you wish to begin your transition to Windows 7 before a fully tested and qualified version of Pro Tools becomes available. If you're using Pro Tools M-Powered Essential 8.x, Pro Tools 8.0.3 provides full Windows 7 support.

Current Avid customers (version 8.0 and higher) can access the version updates online at no additional cost.

Information and downloads available at :

Clavia, the manufacturers of the popular Nord Lead keyboard, will introduce the Nord Piano at the upcoming Winter NAMM Show.

The Nord Piano is a dedicated stage piano with 88 keys and a weighted hammer action. It is designed with the performing musician in mind and very lightweight at approx. 18 kg (39.6 lbs), without compromising build quality, sound quality or means of expression. The user panel offers quick access to sound settings and adjustable parameters, and a number of memory locations are provided in a bank / program configuration. The Nord Piano includes six selectable categories of pianos (Grand, Upright, EP Tines, EP Reeds, Clavinet, and Harpsichord); a full effects section controlled by the Effect 1 Rate knob and the Drive knob; and accessories (piano pedal and power cord) ...

Mathew Lane has announced the release of version 3.0 of the spatial processor plug-in DrMS.

Version 3 of the DrMS spatial processor plug-in was re-coded from the ground up in a partnership with Mu Technologies. DrMS is now a true native VST/AU/RTAS plug-in for OS X and Windows that no longer requires the Pluggo Runtime shell.

It also includes numerous improvements and new features over version 2, such as the newly implemented mastering grade filters, the addition of the Feedback circuit for reverb creation and special effects, the improved GUI with value displays and the inclusion of example preset settings.

Features:

• Native VST/AU/RTAS plug-in for OS X & Windows, supports all major DAWs
• MS encoding & decoding
• Spatial audio processing: Zoom in, add Depth ...

Here is a great news from Ohm Force :

"Two months ago we announced our pricing changes in our "it's still business, but let's keep it reasonable" disclaimer, and we listened to all kind of reactions.

Some guys from the audio/plug-in industry might have said that we're naïve or anti-corporate, while the music press has warmly reacted and dozens of individual music producers have written to us to comment on how much they share the same point of view about it all. No need to say that, among the industry, the press and music producers, we'll mostly listen to - and work for - the latter. We love music and music making, and will always do our part to support the scene.

The pricing changes were only the beginning: from today, we invite all music producers in the world to download and use for free the Performer Edition of our Symptohm:Melohman powersynth. That's it: Symptohm:Melohman is now freeware, joining our rock solid stinky Frohmage filter.

That's our Christmas gift for the music production scene. Exploring new sounds is priceless! And when we say priceless, we really mean it :-)"

This great virtual synth is available now for free in VST, AU and RTAS formats for both Mac and PC.

Blue Cat Audio has announced the release of a 64 bits version of Blue Cat's Freeware Pack, its free audio plugins bundle. This version is dedicated to 64 bits applications running under Windows x64. The existing 32 bits and new 64 bits versions of the plugins can be installed on the same machine and will share settings. 64 bits support is in final beta stage, so the company welcomes feedback about the usage of these free plugins.

With winter holiday season approaching, Blue Cat Audio also announces 15 to 25% discount on their entire catalog of professional audio plugins until December 31st. Existing customers are granted an even higher discount (40% off) on all plugins as well for the same period.