PC and Music News

Cableguys has released FilterShaper 2, a major upgrade that adds parallel filter routing, pan modulation, free-running LFOs, plus several tweaks. It is also now available for Mac OS X VST too (It was Windows only).

New in FilterShaper 2:
• Now available for both Windows and Mac OS X.
• Unique Parallel Routing: Added parallel routing option for FilterShaper's two filters.
• Filter Panning and Volume Control: Individual controls for both panning and volume in parallel mode for each filter.
• Free-running LFOs: Set the speed of the LFO loop length in hertz or rhythmic units, independent of the host tempo.
• Modulation of Master Pan Control: The new master control can be modulated, just as all the other controls. This powerful feature can add some interesting movement to your sounds.
• Improved User Interface: Clean and uncluttered user-friendly design with a refined waveform editing area. All the controls are available within one single window.

FilterShaper 2 is available now for Windows and Mac OS X as a VST effect plug-in. It costs €49 / $69 but the demo version has minimal restrictions and is "free": No time limitation and just one instance of FilterShaper 2 (and VolumeShaper) per song can be used for free with the built-in presets.

FXpansion has announced the availability of demo versions of its suite of advanced synthesizer instruments, DCAM: Synth Squad.

The limitations of the demo are as follows :

• Can load only a reduced set of factory presets.
• Can SAVE but not LOAD user presets - you'll be able to load your saved patches if you purchase the full version.
• Cannot reload settings saved within DAW/host projects.
• Launches a web nag-screen when any DCAM: Synth Squad plugin is launched.
• Demo expires after 28 days.

Available for Windows and Mac OS X (Intel only).

Ableton has updated Live 7 and Suite 7 to v7.0.18.

Improvements since v7.0.16 :

• Controller surface support for the Novation LaunchPad controller.
• Controller surface support for the AKAI MPD-18, MPK-25, MPK-61 and MPK-88 controllers.
• Controller surface support for OpenLabs devices.
• Several improvements for the AKAI APC.
• Several bug fixes

JBL Professional announced delivery of the MSC1 Monitor System Controller.

The MSC1 Monitor System Controller includes essential "Monitor Strip" features found in large mixing consoles so you can take control of all monitoring functions from your place at the mix position. Since the acoustics of the room can play a big part in what you hear, the MSC1 includes JBL's RMC Room Mode Correction Technology to tune your monitor system to the room. The end-result is a calibrated reference environment in which your speakers work in harmony with your room to take the guesswork out of mixing.

Features :

• Master Volume Control
• A/B Speaker Select
• A/B/C input Source Select
• Subwoofer Output with Level Control and Selectable Cross Over Frequencies
• Adju ...

MUTEC from Germany, manufacturer of professional digital audio and video equipment, now ships the new MC-7, a Word Clock distribution amplifier and audio clock converter.

Features :
• Word Clock, AES/EBU and S/P-DIF interfaces working in one box
• Handles clock rates up to 192.0kHz/768.0kHz
• Extracts and regenerates clock signals out of digital audio signals
• AES11, Grade 1, internal reference clock (0.5ppm)
• Built-in international power supply

Applications :
• Stellate Word Clock distribution
• Audiophil clock recovery and regeneration
• Interconnection of consumer and professional digital audio devices
• Line extension for e.g. theatre or broadcast installations
• Output expansion for MUTEC's iCLOCK, iCLOCKdp, iD, iDdp, MC-3, MC-3.1 and MC-3.2.

The MUTEC MC-7 is available at all MUTEC dealers and distributors worldwide from now on.

Logidy presents the UMI3 which is an USB MIDI foot controller.

The UMI3 features 3 configurable footswitches and an input for an expression pedal, encased in a rugged little steel stomp box. It connects to a Mac or a PC through USB and shows up as a class compliant MIDI device. No driver is required. It is powered through USB which allows for a clean and simple setup. It behaves like a three note keyboard right out of the box, but can be configured to send many other types of messages to take full advantage of the MIDI mapping features included in most of today's DAWs. The configuration happens in a friendly setup panel for Mac or PC available for download at Logidy's website. The panel can also work as a step sequencer where the function of a given footswitch can be changed each time it is pushed, or when another switch is pushed. Elaborate setups can be designed to trigger as many as 24 different MIDI events !

Logidy is a small new venture based in the USA. Its staff has many years of experience designing digital products for major music industry companies. The UMI3 is the company's first independent offering.

The UMI3 is in stock and available for purchase immediately through Logidy's website at the price of $49.95 plus shipping.