PC and Music News

Expanding its line of Aurora 192 kHz AD/DA converters, Lynx Studio Technology has announced the Aurora 16-VT model. Aurora 16-VT allows users to manually set the analog input and output levels within a range of +8.5 dBu to +24 dBu. 32 miniature trim pots are mounted on the primary circuit board to allow the adjustments.

The Aurora 16-VT model is identical in every way to the standard Aurora16, but adds variable trim pots internally, per channel, to allow you to calibrate the Aurora to your studio's specifications. The Aurora16-VT ships calibrated identically to the Digi 192 i/o as this was the most requested calibration for people switching to the Aurora in their existing PT|HD studios. This makes it easy to get up and running quickly without the need for additional calibration measures, unless you have already re-calibrated your 192 i/o. Even then, just use the variable trim pots and calibrate away.

Features of the Aurora converters include :

· Simultaneous 16 Channel Analog I/O and 16 Channel AES/EBU I/O
· 24 Bit / 192 kHz Mastering Quality A/D and D/A conversion
· 192 kHz AES/EBU I/O Supporting Single and Dual Wire Modes
· Single Rack Space Configuration
· Extensive Remote Control Capability via Lynx AES16, IrDA, FireWire and MIDI
· On-board 32 Channel Digital Mixer Provides Flexible I/O Routing
· Word clock I/O with Lynx SynchroLock Sample Clock Technology
· Connectivity via PCI, PCI Express with AES16 cards, ADAT, ProToolsHD, FireWire and MADI

The Aurora16-VT is available now at a list price of $3595.

Cluster Sound launches Minimalogic, a multi-format library designed for Minimal productions: 500 Mb of worldclass loops & samples, throbbing basslines, fluid percussion loops, micro breaks, incisive construction loops, electro rithms and much more. In addition to the loops the library contains also their sliced versions (Rex2 / Live Drum Racks), unusual sets of stylish multi-sample synthesizers and amazing drumkits that will allow users to create customized sequences.

Specification :

- Size: 490 Mb (Zip: 375 Mb)
- Content: 510 Wav — 220 Rex2 — 440 DRacks — 400 instruments
- 60 MLog Kicks loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 MLog Snare loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 MLog HHat loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Fluid Perc loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Low Synth Perc loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Micron Beat loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Cycled Synth loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 60 Electric loops (20 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 90 Minimalogic loops A (30 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 90 Minimalogic loops B (30 x WAV/REX/Dracks)
- 288 One shot WAV Samples
- Impulse: 100 Devices & Clips
- Simpler: 90 Synth Instruments
- Sampler: 90 Synth Instruments
- Kontakt: 30 Compatibility Synths / 47 Drumkits
- NN-XT: 30 Compatibility Synths
- ReDrum: 20 Drumkits

Minimalogic is available now for €24.95. For more info and demo samples please visit the link below :

AuraPlug has released Whamdrive, a free VST plug-in for Windows to shift the pitch of an incoming audio signal. It allows you to pitch an incoming audio stream in realtime with an external MIDI foot controller or with the GUI controls. Whamdrive features 14 different pitch modes. The effect also includes a distortion unit with cabinet simulation. It has a special equalization method (uses only one knob) which gives you wide, strong, EQ control.

Features :

- Stompbox design.
- Real-time, low latency processing for live performances.
- Pitch Shifter unit with 14 different pitch modes.
- Distortion unit with cabinet simulation.
- Tone control.
- All parameters are MIDI controllable.
- Easy to use.

Whamdrive is available now for Windows as a VST effect plug-in and it is free.

MeldaProduction has announced the release of MDynamics, an advanced dynamics processor with a clear sound designed for mastering. However, due to its very high speed and zero latency it is suitable for any purpose.

Features :

- 2 independent compressor/expander units with ratios from 1:4 to 20:1 and infinity, adjustable range and knee.
- Advanced gate unit with adjustable size and knee.
- Custom processing shape - by enabling this feature MDynamics immediately inherits original processing envelope and you can modify it using the MeldaProduction envelope system (MES) technology, that lets you easily create any dynamic processing shape you like.
- Advanced and easy-to-use user interface.
- Advanced dynamic detector featuring manual and 4 automatic modes with adjustable limits and speed. Besides standard attack and release parameters MDynamics provides peak/RMS settings and peak hold feature.
- Actual source level indication inside the shape graph.
- Adjustable upsampling 1x-16x to minimize aliasing.
- Signal maximization.
- 3 signal shaping modes, dry/wet control and other supportive parameters that ease your work with MDynamics.
- 64-bit processing and unlimited sampling rate, recommended maximum is 384kHz.
- Global preset management - using a title button you can save your settings, which are shared on the computer, so you can easily access them in other songs.
- Very fast, optimized for SSE and SSE2 processors.
- Full automation (except custom shapes).

MDynamics is available for Windows in VST format. It has an MSRP of €149 but is currently available for the introductory price of €50.

MIT grad student David Merrill unveils Siftables, a curious little thing which may have a lot of applications in the audio world... Check out this video !

MoReVoX has released MoReVoX, a new drum sample library created with distorstion in mind.

DriveDrums has been developed by generating distortion through different kind of devices. Vacum Tubes, Analog Tapes, Preamps are been used to create samples with light to aggressive and violent distorsion. Samples have been divided into two categories: Drive Samples and Over Samples. The Drive Samples have been developed starting from the classic hardware harmonic distortion, so all the samples contain a smoother distortion character (Tape compression warmth, subtle valve saturation). The Over Samples instead are based on distortion; the samples have been developed finding their character in conjunction with the hardware distortion (Valve/Console Preamps, Analog Tape Saturation, Heavy Valve Compression, Dedicated distortion outboard).

MoReVoX DriveDrums contains 30 Kicks, 30 Snares, 8 Toms Racks, 30 Cymbals and more for a total of 800 Samples 24Bit|44.1khz. It is available now in Drumagog, Drum Rehab, Battery 3 and Raw WAV formats for $99 (download) / $129 (DVD).