PC and Music News

Scarlett 6i6 is a 6 in / 6 out audio interface that connects to your PC, Mac or iPad via USB 2.0. It has two award winning Focusrite microphone preamplifiers, which deliver superb quality recordings from microphones and instruments, straight into your computer or iPad (Apple Camera Connection Kit required with iPad).

The new Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18-in/8-out interface extends the Scarlett range of USB 2.0 interfaces from Focusrite, each of which offers a series of high-quality inputs and outputs for different recording requirements. With four Focusrite mic pres, Scarlett 18i8 is designed for producers and recording artists or bands who require the ability to record a significant number of sources at the same time including multiple mics/instruments, with expansion capability enabling it to handle multiple studio recording requirements. Scarlett 18i8 works on Mac, PC and iPad (Apple Camera Connection Kit required for iPad).

If you are an existing DP8 user:
Download the Windows version and use the same keycode you were given at the time you purchased DP8. Your Mac install (if you have one) will remain activated, even after you activate your Windows install with the same keycode. Mac users should download the 8.02 Update for Mac.

If you want to try the 30-day demo (Mac or Windows)...
If you don't own DP8 yet and would like to try it, simply download the Mac version or Windows version of DP8, install it, and click Start Demo to begin your 30-day demo period. All features except MP3 exporting are available, including document saving. When your 30-day trial period ends, click Buy Now to purchase DP online, or you can purchase it from your favorite MOTU reseller.

Vortex SoundWaves is a collection of 20 Kontakt 5 instruments of abstract, atmospheric sound textures and tones.

The sources that were used to create these instruments are genuine analog synthesizers, software synthesizers as well as treated acoustic instruments and physically modeled instruments.

Alchemy Mobile v2 is more powerful than ever, and adds four-track MIDI recording and playback so users can layer different Alchemy parts to build up complete loops and song sections. Onscreen drum pads are available to create beats while the four-track sequencer includes mixer and solo/mute functions for intuitive song creation. Camel Audio has also added Audiobus support so it can integrate with mobile studios.

Additional Alchemy Mobile v2 improvements include 30 new presets — piano, strings, guitar, and drum kits; recording enhancements — overdubbing, song position indicator, and adjustable track length; iCloud backup and song transfer; sharper and clearer graphics; onscreen tutorial for speedy learning; lower latency for snappier performance on iPad 3/ iPhone 5.

KV331 Audio has updated SynthMaster to version 2.6.3 on both Windows and Mac OS X.

This update brings the following important fixes:

- SynthMaster doesnt load presets when the audio engine is stopped.
- SynthMaster generates a CPU spike when a Logic session is played back for the first time.
- SynthMaster doesnt read 8bit WAV files correctly.

Registered users who use Synthmaster inside Logic are especially urged to update SynthMaster to v2.6.3.

Today Toontrack Music released a new EZX expansion focusing on capturing the organic, warm, intimate and ambient sound characteristic of the indie folk genre.

The EZX, aptly titled the Indie Folk EZX, was recorded at the Avast! Recording Co. in Seattle, home to bands such as Fleet Foxes, The Shins and Band Of Horses. It comes with three complete vintage kits: a 1960s Gretsch Round Badge sampled with both sticks and mallets, a Ludwig from the 1950s as well as a Slingerland Rolling Bomber kit dating back to the 1940s. Also included are two tambourines, a hi-hat mounted tambourine jingle, an extra kick and snare as well as a 28" floor tom.