PC and Music News

Apogee Electronics announces the availability of iPad, iPhone and iPod touch compatibility for Quartet, a 4 input, 8 output USB audio interface.

Maestro, Apogee's control software for Quartet, is now a free download from the app store and the 30-pin cable for connecting Quartet to any compatible iOS device is available on the Apogee website. A simple firmware update is also required.

An upgrade of the step sequencer "Lauflicht" for the Novation Launchpad to the version 3 has been released. The plugin for Renoise is a moving light, multitrack and multitimbral step sequencer with 8, 16 or 32 steps, turning your Launchpad(s) into a hardware step sequencer. It was especially designed for editing beats, melodies and patterns without the mouse in order to allow an intuitive workflow in the studio or an excellent possibility to perform live.

The version 3 has two new core features: multiple Launchpads support and a new pattern load and mix mode in real time.
If more than one Launchpad is connected to the computer, the plugin will detect all Launchpads automatically and cascade them to one big hardware step sequencer. Two Launchpads will result into a hardware 16 step sequencer and four Launchpads will result into a hardware 32 step sequencer. With the different note resolution modes and unlimited tracks this setup leads to a huge level of granularity and in-depth step sequencing.

FISOUND has announced the immediate availability of 'Universal 120 V2 Bonus Pack' for Cakewalk's Rapture synthesizer.

The Bonus Pack is available as a free download for Universal 120 V2 customers. The U120V2 Bonus Pack includes 225 new Rapture programs that expand on the U120V2 sample and wavetable library.

Included Sound Categories:
- Basses
- Keys
- Leads
- Pads
- Sequences
- Textures
Universal 120 v2.0 is available from FISOUND for $39. FISOUND has partnered with Cakewalk to co-market and distribute its Rapture Expansion products. Universal 120 v2.0 and the Bonus Pack are available now at the Cakewalk webstore.

Stanton® announce Version 4.0 of the SC-IX operating system for its groundbreaking SCS.4DJ Complete Digital DJ System.

New Features:
- Song Preview Path – The update has added the ability to preview a song directly from the song browser.
- Gain Functionality for Each Deck – This allows for user-adjustable gain control, which is stored with each track.
- VU Meter Source – This gives users a visual representation of Master Output or Decks A & B.
- Artist Column Added – Now artists are included in playlist information.
- Resort Active Playlist Capability – Now the active playlist can be sorted by artist, BPM and time.
- Increased Pitch Range Options – Adds +/- 8% and +/- 15% to existing options.
- BeatGrid Editing – Users have the ability to edit a track's beatgrid in realtime, with both "Tap Tempo" and "Dial-In-BPM" functionality, for increased Sync and Loop accuracy and stability.

This soundbank gives you access to various authentic grunge tracks. Using the unique Inspire concept, Grunge becomes the ultimate toolkit for fast rock productions und inspiring songs for every project, be it music, web-design, scoring or any other multimedia project. This library can be used for multiple applications and ideally fits into existing projects.

To create the real sound of Grunge, all instruments have been performed live and authentically edited. The soundbank contains 522 drum-, bass- and guitar-loops, which are further divided into „crunch" and „distorted" sections. The Elastik Inspire format allows free instrument combinations leading to infinite possible results. In addition, the content has been prepared in a way that it can ideally be combined with other „Elastik Inspire" products such as „Rock".

From February 12-28, McDSP offers Emerald Pack Native for just $999, that's a $500 savings! Emerald Pack Native contains the 6030 Ultimate Compressor, Analog Channel, Channel G, Channel G Compact, CompressorBank, DE555, FilterBank, FutzBox, MC2000, ML4000, NF575 and Revolver.

HD and HDX users can purchase Emerald Pack HD for just $1995(!).