PC and Music News

Focusrite's new Midnight plug-in suite takes two of the most iconic Focusrite modules of all time – the ISA110 equaliser and ISA130 compressor; models their sound exactly with powerful DSP technology; and gives them elegant, functional on-screen front panels that make them simplicity itself to use. Now you can add that authentic, classic Focusrite sound to your own tracks at a price you can afford.
The ISA110 and 130 modules, created for the legendary Forté console in the 1980s, represent the epitome of Focusrite analogue audio processing, and performed a vital role in the making of literally thousands of hit records – they still change hands for thousands today. Their new digital incarnation in the Midnight suite for AU, VST and RTAS gives them stunning new hi-def on-screen front panels.

Hypersynth has released a major update for Miniak-editor. Version 2.0 includes many user requested features and fixes for several long standing issues. It is available now for an upgrade fee of $9.99. It costs $38 for new customers.

Some additions & fixes:

- Added numerical and graphical readout for all envelopes.
- Now mod matrix can be displayed in front panel using new panel switch.
- Added intelligent randomizer.
- Added graphical readout for EX-input balance.
- Added readout for mod matrix level and offset.
- Added readout for filter freq (range 0-10 KHz).
- Added readout for portamento time and "FX1 LFO rate".
- Added X, Y, Z knobs "mapped to".
- Added option to set "category" via NRPN.
- Added option to set tracking generator preset.
- Now it is possible to set "FX1 LFO synced rate" via NRPN.
- Now "Load sysex" does not show pop-up screen after opening file and it can be accessible via new "Sysex tools" menu, "Load and Send" acts like the old behavior of "Load sysex" button
Etc.

The new AAS Player plug-in embeds the String Studio VS-1 string modeling synthesizer engine allowing one to play and use sounds from the Journeys sound bank in AAS' simplest and most affordable plug-in to date. AAS Player focuses on immediacy, ease of use, and sound quality to provide a truly immersive sonic experience.

The AAS Player plug-in will soon embed the Ultra Analog VA-1 analog synthesizer engine which will bring Analog Essentials, Ultra FX, and Starlight to its list of compatible sound banks.
Price: $39

This effect can inject sterile audio with the warmth and character of classic tube circuitry and analog tape saturation. The plug-in features pure analog reel-to-reel tape speeds, tape/tube saturation and tape color effects, as well as a dedicated vintage style EQ and a built in Boost mastering section. The result is a creamy, warm sound that can only be achieved by MAGNETIC.
Never before has such a great sounding plug-in effect been so easy to use! At first touch, the plug-in's interface is modern, simple, and extremely user-friendly which instantly allows you to dial in usable sounds.

MAGNETIC can be used in many different musical ways. Try using it on individual tracks to add subtle warmth and tape color to your drums or use it to create a filtered cassette AM-radio effect on a voca ...

MOTU's currently shipping Core Audio and ASIO drivers for Mac OS X and Windows 7 are already compatible with Pro Tools 9. So if you already have them installed, you are ready to go. If you are just getting started with a current MOTU audio interface product, simply install the latest MOTU FireWire/USB or PCI audio driver package and follow the instructions for operation with a standard Core Audio or ASIO host application.
As always, be sure to consult the Avid web site for Pro Tools 9 Mac and Windows system requirements. All MOTU audio interfaces are fully compatible with the systems recommended by Avid for Pro Tools 9.
Pro Tools 9 is offered in several different packages. As of this writing, every available Pro Tools 9 offering supports MOTU interfaces via Core Audio and ASIO driver support.

Steinberg released the free 5.5.2 maintenance update for Cubase 5.5 and Cubase Studio 5.5. Featuring over 20 bug fixes and enhancements, this update addresses problems involving the VST Bridge, VariAudio and the MediaBay among others. This update went through Steinberg's entire quality assurance process, therefore we recommend this update when running Cubase 5 or Cubase Studio 5.

Whether you are a hobby musician or a full-time professional relying heavily on Cubase, Steinberg is committed to presenting you with the best product and service.
The update is available as a free download for all registered customers of Cubase 5 and Cubase Studio 5.

The patch is for all 5, 5.5 or 5.5.1 versions of Cubase and Cubase Studio.