Music software company XILS-lab has announced the availability Oxium 1.5, an Avid Pro Tools 11 AAX format-ready major update to its popular performance soft synth plug-in.
The Oxium 1.5 update includes a GUI makeover, with ergonomic enhancements like a redesigned Double Filter Block (that is easier to locate and identify), relocated KEYB/FX/INFO toggle buttons (to the right of the keyboard), and a third skin. Continue reading
Musikmesse 2013 - the ‘international fair for musical instruments, sheet music, music production and music business connections’ – is happening this week, April 10-13, in Frankfurt.
There have already been a lot of announcements for electronic music gear being introduced at Musikmesse, including:
And the show hasn’t even started yet – so expect a flurry of gear announcements this week.
With that in mind, what gear would you like to see companies introduce at Musikmesse?
This week, audio recording equipment manufacturer Apogee Electronics unveiled a new desktop audio interface and control center for the Mac, called Quartet.
The first USB MIDI interface from Apogee, the Quartet features a signature single controller knob, four inputs, eight outputs, MIDI, and top panel display and control.
Quartet connects to any Mac via USB 2.0 high-speed for extremely low-latency and stellar performance. Quartet connects at high-speeds no matter the machine or sample rate; 44.1-192kHz.
Quartet?s four combination inputs offer microphone, instrument and line input with a gain range of up to 75 dB, leaving headroom for microphones and sound sources. For additional channels, Quartet?s eight digital inputs create the option of connecting an external interface, like the Apogee Ensemble.
The Quartet?s six balanced outputs deliver options for the video producer to mix in surround, for the live performer to send multiple mixes to monitors and front-of-house and for the mixer to send a mix to outboard compressors and EQs. Using Apogee?s Maestro software, the outputs will also split into three stereo pairs for connecting three speaker sets for auditioning mixes across various types of studio monitors.
The Quartet’s USB MIDI connection consolidates all gear connections away from the Mac, making Quartet the control center for any studio.
Quartet works with any Core Audio-compatible application including Logic, Pro Tools 9 and 10, Final Cut, and Ableton Live.
What’s the best DAW in the world?
We asked and readers weighed in, with 10,152 votes and more than 190 comments.
Readers made clear that they are passionate about their digital audio workstation, debating the merits of polls like this as passionately as they defended their DAW of choice.
There is no ‘perfect DAW’ – because different people have different needs. And there’s no perfect way to compare them.
But the outpouring of votes and the quality of discussion suggest that, not only are today’s DAWs more powerful than ever, but that they are worth getting excited about.
Here’s how the votes stacked up……
Avid has introduced a series of hardware and software solutions designed to enhance the quality and performance of Pro Tools|HD:
The official intro video, above, offers an overview of the new interfaces.
HD OMNI, HD MADI and HD I/O converters and HEAT software are available today worldwide. Pricing begins at $3995 USMSRP for HD I/O; HD OMNI is available for $2995 USMSRP; HD MADI is available for $4995; and HEAT software is available for $495 USMSRP in the box or via download on the Avid eStore. For more information on pricing and features visit: www.avid.com
Details on the Pro Tools HD series below. Continue reading
Ableton Live has been voted “Best DAW In The World” by readers of Synthtopia.com, one of the leading Internet destinations for electronic music information.
Over 5,000 votes from around the world were cast in Synthtopia’s Best DAW In The World Poll. This poll is thought to be the largest poll of its kind.
The top position was hotly contested by FL Studio, which garnered 24% of the votes, compared to the 25% of Ableton Live.
Other popular DAW’s included Apple Logic, Cockos Reaper, Cubase, Propellerhead Reason/Record & Cakewalk Sonar.
The Top 10 DAW’s In The World
Other options, including Steinberg Nuendo, Renoise, PresSonus Studio One, MOTU Digital Performer, Ardour, Adobe Audition, Dr T’s Keyboard Controlled Sequencer, Nanoloop, Mackie Tracktion, got 1% or less of the votes.
Write-ins were also allowed. (See the complete list below.) Some of the stranger write-in options were “iDunno”, “the one you use” and “mama’s cake.”
The Best DAW poll results are sure to be controversial – so weigh in with your thoughts on the results.
And if you’ve got ideas on how we could improve future polls, let us know!