PC and Music News

Following the highly successful 50th International Conference in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, which focused on audio education, the Audio Engineering Society (AES) will hold its 51st International Conference in Helsinki, Finland, August 21-24, 2013.

The conference will feature a first-ever program dedicated to Loudspeakers and Headphones and the technologies associated with their design and performance. This event will bring together top names in the industry for four days of in-depth programs, sessions and tutorials, kicking-off with the keynote address given by Genelec Founder and Chairman Ilpo Martikainen on the evolution and history of the loudspeaker as we know it today.

IK Multimedia announced a new version of T-RackS® (version 4.2) for Mac/PC, the full-featured mixing-and-mastering-effects standalone app and plug-in, which adds one of the most revered British compressor/limiters, one that's been used by studios around the globe for over 40 years. This new model is available à-la-carte in the new version of T-RackS through its built-in online Custom Shop - a free download from the IK web site, and the only music-gear shop open 24/7 and providing models of high-end effects gear for mixing and mastering.

The new version also adds 64- and 32-bit AAX (Avid Audio Extension) compatibility. As a result, T-RackS now integrates seamlessly with the latest versions of Avid Pro Tools®. Other supported plug-in formats include AU (Audio Units), VST and RTAS. On 64-bit systems, the plug-in also works in 32-bit compatibility mode.

Native Instruments has released the updated TRAKTOR KONTROL X1, a new version of its compact and highly popular decks and effects controller.

With the same size and robust product design as the original controller, TRAKTOR KONTROL X1's new features include touch-sensitive Browse and Loop encoders, 7-segment displays and LEDs for visual feedback, and an innovative multi-purpose touch strip for added tactile control. When combined with TRAKTOR PRO, the X1 MK2 delivers plug-and-play physical control over 2 track decks and 2 freely assignable TRAKTOR FX units – with or without the use of turntables or CDJs. The TRAKTOR KONTROL X1 MK2 is now available in stores worldwide and at the NI Online Shop.

With the addition of a slick new audio editing mode, BeatCleaver has
become an even better tool of music sampling and slicing. It's a great
alternative to ReCycle and has become the sampling software of choice
for many hip hop producers, thanks to its easy workflow and constant
development.

Here's a brief overview of the main new features in this release:
- Audio Editing, using a new state-of-the-art engine for real-time
audio editing and effects (watch the video).
- Automatic tempo (BPM) detection
- Easier time-stretching controls
- Slice-to-MIDI functionality.

Sample Logic Announces IMPAKT!
IMPAKT – Cinematic & Concert Percussion

BREAKING NEW GROUND
Sample Logic breaks new ground with IMPAKT — A suite of over 850 breathtaking morphed concert percussion instruments and multis that will blow you away. This diverse collection of instruments ranges from dramatically twisted marimbas and xylophones, blissful chimes and bells to massively transfigured timpani, gongs, bass drums, cymbals, and a variety of world percussion instruments. IMPAKT also includes a complimentary set of traditional concert percussion instruments. All sounds were recorded on the Scoring Stage at Skywalker Sound (a Lucasfilm Ltd. Company) under the direction of renowned percussionist Jim Wunderlich and System Blue, the result of which is a comprehensive library that contains both traditional instruments and an evocative collection of morphed cinematic instruments, transitions, atmospheres, leads, impacts, and tempo-synced rhythms.

WHAT'S INCLUDED
Morphed
Atmospheric/Ambient Soundscapes
Melodic Leads and Pads
Percussive tempo-synced rhythmic Loops
Melodic & Percussive Arpeggiated Instruments
Percussive Impacts, Big Hit Ensembles & Kits
Swipes, Scrapes, & Reverse Transitional Effects

Traditional
Marimba, Vibraphone, Xylophone, Glock & Crotales
Bass Drum, Timpani, Gong, Tubular Bells, Suspended Cymbals
World Percussion – Bongos, Cajon, Wood Block, Conguitas, Cow Bell, Water Triangle, Wind Chimes, Hands, Guiro, Tambourine, etc.


Multis
Over 80 custom crafted multi-instruments that include Construction Beds, Instrument Stacks & One Note Glory Multis
Performance-ready with up to 6 customizable Multi Script Macros


STUNNING USER INTERFACE
IMPAKT's spectacular user interface was designed with the composer and sound designer in mind, providing effortless control for complete customization. IMPAKT is all about user experience with the freedom to infinitely transform samples into awesome evolving instruments with endless possibilities. The interface includes:
"Multi-core Effect Sequencers" for real-time effect automation
"Triggers" – 48 unique effect chains
"Arpeggigater" – sequencer based gate effect
"LFO" section to make things wobble
"Wave" – additive/subtractive synthesis engine
"Pitch" sequencer for quick and easy real-time pattern based transpositions
"Space" – a 3D sound mixer for traditional instruments that can dramatically change the listening perspective in realtime.
"Loop" – audio sliced based effect engine that can bypass and turn effects and parameters on in realtime that is included on all tempo-synced loop instruments.
"Multi Script Macros" for real-time sequencing of instrument parameter controls


RE-ENGINEER THE SOUND
All of the traditional instruments in IMPAKT were recorded and programmed so the end user has total control of the multiple microphone mix (Close, Mid, Far, Rear, Sub, Wavetables), using a newly designed mixer section. Additionally, the entire listening perspective of any traditional instrument can be manipulated, using a new 3D-sound engine called "Space". Space includes a visual mixing console for easily changing the listening perspective to any location in a theater. From standing behind the stage to sitting all the way in the back row of the theater, each instrument can be moved around for the perfect mix when combining instruments together.


TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Over 850 Instruments and Multis delivered at 44.1k/24-bit.
Just over 20 GB sample library using Kontakt's lossless sample storage compression
NI Kontakt 5 Player with native 64-bit support
Stand-alone, VST, AU, DXi, RTAS (Pro Tools 9 or higher), ASIO, CoreAudio, WASAPI

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Kontakt 5 Player 5.1 or higher (free download) or full version of Kontakt 5.1 or higher (sold separately)
Mac OS X 10.7 or 10.8 (latest update), Intel Core Duo, 2 GB RAM (4GB recommended)
Windows 7 or Windows 8 (latest Service Pack, 32/64 Bit), Intel Core Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2GB RAM (4GB recommended)
1 GB free disk space for Kontakt 5 Player
20 GB free disk space for IMPAKT sample content
Kontkat is continously being updated. For the latest system compatibilities visit the Native Instruments website.
Available on August 15th, 2013 via Direct Download!
MSRP: $399.99.

Native Instruments has released DRUM LAB, a first-of-its-kind instrument combining advanced drum layering techniques with an intuitive workflow designed for fast results. DRUM LAB's combination of acoustic and electronic drum samples is the secret of professionals worldwide – a powerful production technique for creating punchy, present drum tracks. An included groove library provides over 900 patterns for fast groove production with uncompromising sound quality. DRUM LAB is available now from the NI Online Shop for $99 / 99 € / ¥ 9800.

DRUM LAB combines the organic, expressive sound of acoustic drums with the weight and punch of electronic samples. This 'hybrid' layering technique is the secret weapon of countless industry professionals to give drums presence and clarity in sonically dense mixes. DRUM LAB's acoustic layer comprises 38 carefully chosen individual drums. Each was recorded in three different rooms with high-end vintage and modern equipment on analog tape. The drums are pre-processed for instant, professional sound and feature all the warmth and subtly acoustic drums bring to top-quality recordings. What sets DRUM LAB apart from other software-based drum instruments is its electronic component: 380 drum hits were sampled from a range of classic and modern drum machines, then expertly matched, phase aligned, faded, and pitched to perfectly blend with the acoustic samples. This crucial step saves producers hours of time, allowing them to focus on their music.