PC and Music News

Universal Audio has just announced the availability of a new version of UAD Powered Plug-Ins Software.

Changes in Version 5.5.0

• New EQ plug-in: UAD Trident A-Range Classic Console EQ
• (EMT 250) New Noise parameter optionally eliminates modeled noise floor
• (EMT 250) Improved Wet/Dry slider mouse tracking
• (1176LN/SE) Added output dB labels for controls view and automation
• (RTAS) Mellowmuse ATA plug-in and manual are updated to version 1.4
• (Mac) UAD-2 SOLO/Laptop now supports "Higher Performance" graphics mode
• (Mac) Resolved Err -50, Not Responding, and Kernel Panic errors with UAD-2 Duo & Quad
• (Mac) Resolved excessive UAD-2 unload times when quitting Logic Pro
• (Mac) Resolved UAD-1e wake from sleep issue on some Mac Pro systems
• (Mac) Fixed scrolling of horizontal controls which were previously reversed

The Trident A-Range Classic Console EQ Powered Plug-In is available for purchase via UA's Online Store for $249.

NOTE: UAD Software v5.5.0 is the final plug-in release for the legacy UAD-1 platform. Universal Audio will of course continue to provide software updates and support for UAD-1 users into the foreseeable future.

Modartt is proud to announce the release of the eagerly awaited Pianoteq Pro.

Announced in June 2007 on the Pianoteq forum and awaited by many customers, Pianoteq Pro is the advanced version of Pianoteq. Its major novelty is the note per note adjustment for physical parameters which gives you the ultimate tool for sound shaping and instrument creation.

Pianoteq Pro offers note per note adjustment for no less than 22 physical parameters, such as tuning, unison width, hammer hardness, strike point, string length, spectrum profile, soundboard impedance, damper position... In fact there are thousands since each overtone of each note can be controlled separately with the spectrum profile parameter !

Pianoteq Pro is available now for both Mac and PC in VST, AU and RTAS formats. It is priced at €399 and the upgrade from the standard version costs €150.

To find out more and listen to audio demos, please visit the link below :

Dangerous Music plunges into the signal processing arena with the Dangerous BAX EQ. Built in response to demand from a professional studio community searching for unique sonic signatures, the Dangerous design team took inspiration from the classic Baxandall shelving curves of the 60's and 70's and created a unique equalizer with a 21st century mastering aesthetic. The result is pure emotive expression with audiophile accuracy.

Features :

• Stepped controls for repeatability and identical stereo tracking
• Broad Q shelving with a Baxandall character
• 7-position High Pass and Low Pass Filters--2-pole Butterworth configuration (12 dB/oct)
• 8-position High and Low Frequency Select
• +/- 5dB Cut and Boost controls in 1/2 dB steps

Pricing and availability TBA.

Elysia has announced the release of the plug-in version of its fantastic hardware compressor, the mPressor. It is the first result of a cooperation with Brainworx. According to Elysia, the guys did a tremendous job on translating Ruben's discrete analog circuits into software. This plug-in gives you all the functions and all the character of the famous hardware.

Features :

• True Emulation: The compression behavior and the sound character of the hardware have been recreated in a complex process to match the hardware as close as possible.
• Oversampling: In order to achieve the best results also on lower sample rates, the mpressor plug-in uses an increased internal resolution in these cases.
• Mousewheel Support: Setting parameters with the mouse can be annoying - fo ...

Novation has announced the immediate release of Automap v3.3, the mapping software that enables the company's MIDI control surfaces to smoothly integrate with digital audio workstations (DAWs). The new version 3.3 revision takes advantage of Apple's Logic 9 integration, enabling Novation hardware to control Logic's native plug-ins and software instruments. Pro tools native plug-ins are also fully supported. In addition, Automap v3.3 is also the first DAW software to fully support the new Novation Launchpad controller.

Because Apple's Logic 9 music software has Novation Automap technology built in, users of Novation controllers will find it easier than ever to interface their devices seamlessly. The initial device mappings are bundled with the Automap v3.3 installer, with more to follo ...

Block is a compact and programmable MIDI control surface designed for interactive audio performance. Built on the same bi-directional and adaptable platform as the Ohm64, Block provides a powerful interface for creating and interacting with sound in a small easy-to-transport body. Sixty four backlight led buttons provide endless possibilities for visual feedback with the instrument by connecting it to Ableton Live, Max/Msp, our open source sounds apps, or any other software that supports MIDI. The open source blockEditor application lets you reprogram any of the controller's sixty four clip buttons, eight knobs, two faders, and seven function buttons. Block is hand crafted from lightweight wood and aluminum for easy portability.

Block has bi-directional talkback communication allowing the controller to talk to your software, and software to your device. MIDI messages can be sent to the Block to light up the buttons for an interactive performance. Completely programable and mappable, block provides a flexible control surface that be used with any software or setup. Completely USB powered means you don't have to worry about adapters and and power strips, and it is plug and play so no drivers are required.

Block will be available November 1st 2009 at a price of $399.