Free Music Software: Cakewalk has dropped the price on its SFZ+ Professional SoundFont Player for Windows from $60 to $0.

Description:

rgc:audio’s revolutionary SoundFont player sample-playback engine, packed in a professional VST/DXi instrument.

Outstanding sound quality, stereo built-in effects, adjustable CPU/quality settings to adjust it to your hardware, fully multitimbral operation, multiple stereo outputs, several loading modes including direct-from-disk streaming and a beautiful interface make sfz+ the perfect choice for SoundFont users and professional composers.

Note: The download is currently missing in action. See comments below.

Ready to make some sick beats and stuttered vocals with Cakewalk Sonar 8.5?

You’d better check out this video, first…..

via Cakewalk

Cakewalk

Q: In what ways has Windows 7 been optimized, in terms of performance, for audio production?

A: Windows 7 on the surface is very similar to Windows Vista. It has the same audio driver support and same audio system infrastructure as Vista. However it’s some of the under hood improvements that are more significant for audio production. There are some interesting innovations and optimizations in the Windows kernel, making the OS more scalable for concurrent processing. This makes it attractive for highly multithreaded applications like SONAR. Additionally there are various new API’s/SDK’s that may be of significance to developers.

The article goes into exquisitely geeky detail, so it’s worth a read if you’re running Windows.

See, too, Peter Kirn’s equally geektacular Window 7 OS-porn at CDM.

In this official Cakewalk video, Robin Kelly gives a presentation on using Sonar 8 for creating a soundtrack to a video.

This is an overview of the Fantom VS Synthesizer built into the SONAR V-Studio 700R interface.

The Fantom VS includes 1400 patches suited for all kinds of productions and accepts Roland’s specialized ARX expansion cards for piano, drums, brass and more.

More info at the Sonar V-Studio site.

Create Music Fast with Music Creator 5

via CakewalkSoftware:

No previous recording experience is required when you launch Cakewalks Music Creator 5! Its video tutorials and getting started guide assists you through installation and setup, making it easier for you to plug in your microphone, MIDI controller, guitar or any other instrument and immediately start recording. MC 5 features a brand new, simplified user interface with drag and drop editing options, new track templates and assistant tools. Don’t have a band? Add your own backing tracks with MC 5s pre-loaded loops or create your own with the hundreds of virtual instruments and effects, included in the software. When youre finished with your project, burn it to CD or upload it to your website, blog and MySpace page to share with friends.

This is the official Cakewalk overview of Music Creator LE, an entry level digital audio workstation for Windows.

via CakewalkSoftware:

Just plug in your USB microphone or instrument to your PC and start recording with Cakewalk’s Music Creator LE. Create your own mixes, record your band’s performances, and add music to your home videos without the hassle. Don’t have a band? Add your own backing tracks with MC LE’s pre-loaded loops. Spice up your tracks with the many virtual instruments and effects, included in the software. When you’re finished with your project, print your own sheet music or publish your songs to your website, blog and MySpace page.

MC LE offers full support for computers running Windows XP & Vista. Music Creator LE is now available with Belkin’s Tune Studio (the first 4-channel audio mixer that lets you create high-quality recordings directly onto your iPod) and Samson’s CO1U Recording & Podcasting Pack.

CDM’s Peter Kirn has put together a very nice look at the new Cakewalk V-Studio 100, an example of a new class of all-in-one computer music devices. .

The Cakewalk V-Studio 100 features:

• High Speed USB 2.0 Audio Interface
• Universal DAW Controller
• Personal Digital Mixer
• SD WAV Recorder
• VS Production Pack suite of virtual instruments and effects (Mac/Win)
• SONAR VS digital audio workstation (Win)

About the V-Studio 100, Kirn says:

At US$699 street, there are cheaper options around, but by the time you add a control surface, a mobile recorder, a mixer, and an audio interface together, it’s a different picture. There are also other control surface-mixer-interfaces out there, but some skimp on audio quality while others lack the VS’ elegant compactness.

The VS still counts as the most control, mixing, and audio functionality I’ve seen in any backpack-friendly box. And as such, for the laptop music production warrior wanting to maximize space and power, it’s part of a handful of essential gear to consider.

If you’re a Sonar user, checking out the Cakewalk V-Studio is a no-brainer. The V-Studio offers Mackie Control support, though, so it’s an option to consider for use with other apps, too.

See CDM’s coverage here.

Digital Music Doctor has published an updated version of their Music Software Internet Popularity chart.

The chart ranks the top 10 music programs, using search engine requests as a gauge of interest.

The Top 10 Music Applications
Q2, 2009, based on search requests

1. Pro Tools
2. Cubase
3. FL Studio
4. Cakewalk Sonar
5. Apple Logic
6. Adobe Audition
7. Ableton Live
8. Apple Garageband
9. Sound Forge
10. Sony Acid

Obviously, there are a lot of other ways you could rank music applications – by sales dollar, by sales units or by registered users, for example. Garageband would probably top the list by those measures.

Leave a comment with your thoughts on this ranking!

Igor Len demos the ARX-03 SuperNATURAL Brass Expansion Board during NAMM 2009.

Description:

Roland’s ARX-03 series is filled with brass instruments under the control of a custom graphic-editing interface. The card is loaded with solo instruments and ensembles, including trumpets, flugelhorns, trombones, saxophones, and more.

The ARX SuperNATURAL Expansion Boards including the ARX-03 are compatible with the Roland Fantom-G workstation synthesizers and the Cakewalk SONAR V-Studio 700.

Musikmesse 2009: Sound On Sound takes a look at the Cakewalk V-Studio 100.

via soundonsoundvideo

The free Rapture 1.2 Update will include:

• New Envelope Generator functionality including the ability to retrigger envelopes using the Step Generator, Saving and Loading EG presets, Drag and Drop EG presets, an alternate Zoom mode, and auto-scroll when programming, a useful feature when working with extended or zoomed in waveforms
• New Internal Tempo option, with a built-in Tap Tempo—use this option to create syncopated rhythmic effects when using Rapture in a host DAW, or use it in stand-alone mode to ensure that Rapture’s tempo-based effects and modulations are in time with the music you are performing
• DC offset blocker to remove unwanted DC offset distortion that can occur when loading some waveforms
• Extended Vista x64 support including the ability for both the 64-bit and 32-bit versions of Rapture to be installed on the Windows Vista x64 operating system ensuring access within 32-bit DAWs that may be running on the 64-bit OS
• Selectors added to multiple parameters for quicker access to desired settings
• Knobs Focus Indicator to help the user identify which knob is currently in focus

Musikmesse 2009: Cakewalk announced that its new line of cable-based audio & MIDI interfaces is now shipping. The UA-1G USB audio interface, and UM-1G, UM-2G, and UM-3G MIDI interfaces are Mac and PC compatible and USB-bus powered.

UA-1G Audio Interface

The UA-1G is a compact Stereo In/Stereo Out USB Audio Interface that offers excellent sound quality via multiple connection options and a simple, user-friendly design.

• 24-bit/96kHz audio quality
• Low latency ASIO 2.0 performance (PC); UA-1G is also WDM (Windows Vista, Windows XP) and Core Audio (Mac OS X) compatible
• Large Input Level knob for easy control while recording
• Includes Cakewalk’s SONAR LE digital audio workstation for high-quality music recording, mixing, editing, and publishing
• Contains high-end A-D and D-A converters for accurate recording and playback
• An electric condenser microphone input that’s similar to, but higher quality than, the ‘MIC-IN’ on most internal soundcard
• Headphone output with volume control to quickly and easily listen to audio from your computer
• A _” jack with Hi-Z switch option, which is ideal for recording high-impedance instruments like electric guitar or bass
• S/PDIF optical I/O

Three MIDI Interfaces

The new UM-1G, UM-2G, and UM-3G MIDI interfaces are designed to be affordable solutions to easily connect MIDI devices with a computer through a USB connection.

Each MIDI interface:

• is Mac and PC compatible
• is a compact, cable-style interface with a sleek form factor
• conveniently incorporates an independent MIDI Out/Thru hardware selection switch for each output, providing functionality even if your computer is turned off
• provides FPT (Fast Processing Technology) for fast, stable MIDI data transmission, as well as lower latency performance through FPT’s Advance Driver mode
• offers standard OS-based driver mode for instant connection to computers, even when drivers are not available

UM-1G in detail:

• 1-In/1-Out MIDI port with LED indicators for MIDI I/O signal monitoring
• MIDI Check switch for quick troubleshooting of MIDI connections
• MIDI cables are engraved with ‘Connect to MIDI In’ and ‘Connect to MIDI Out’ labels for no confusion when connecting devices
• Perfect for hobbyists who want to connect a MIDI keyboard to a computer, or musicians who need MIDI connectivity to control or record music with a computer
• Ideal for small studios or academic settings where only one MIDI device will be connected in close proximity to the computer
• In live performance settings, use the UM-1G to control a synth, drum machine, MIDI light set-up, or master recording console

UM-2G in detail:

• Features 2-In/2-Out MIDI ports for 32 channels of MIDI to control hardware and software
• Provides ability to connect multiple MIDI keyboards, sound modules, control surfaces, and other devices to a computer
• Ideal for musicians, producers or recording engineers with more than one MIDI device in a small studio or portable MIDI configuration

UM-3G in detail:

• 3-In/3-Out MIDI Ports
• Control up to 48 channels of MIDI equipment
• Expandable design allows you to daisy-chain up to three UM-3G interfaces, providing nine total MIDI inputs and outputs without the need for additional USB Ports
• Advanced Driver mode uses FPT (Fast Processing Technology) to ensure low-latency, even with three UM-3G interfaces daisy-chained together
• Up to 3 units can be rack-mounted via Roland RAF-70 kit, available separately
• Ideal MIDI interface for the mid- to larger-sized studio
• Out or Thru selectable switches built-in; select between MIDI Out and MIDI Thru for each output port
• Great for live settings using multiple MIDI applications, including traditional instruments, synths, sequencers and live sound, lighting, and special effects

Pricing and Availability:

Recommended UK retail prices for the UM-1G, UM-2G and UM-3G MIDI interfaces will be £44.99, £54.99 and £84.99 respectively. The UA-1G USB Audio interface is available at a RRP of £94.99.

Musikmesse 2009: Cakewalk announced the VS-700C V-Studio Console as a standalone control surface for SONAR 8 Producer.

The VS-700C was designed jointly by Cakewalk and Roland, and offers control over all aspects of SONAR 8 Producer’s creative, editing, and mixing capabilities. The VS-700C’s dedicated implementation of ACT (Active Controller Technology) dynamically remaps controls based on how the user is working in SONAR. Also, with the press of a button, the VS-700C provides instant control over any V-Link compatible video and imaging hardware, including the Edirol DV-7 line of direct linear video editing systems.

Details below.

VS-700C Highlights:
Channel Section

• Nine 100mm touch sensitive, motorized faders arranged in a bank of eight channel strips with a master channel
• Users can tab between fader banks and lock/unlock tracks and buses to faders for maximum efficiency when mixing large projects
• Channel Branch Mode is an innovative new mixing mode, where channel strip 1 will control the volume of a selected track while the remaining channels control the associated sends for that track
• One-level undo for all faders and encoders, using the “Revert to” feature
• Total control over SONAR 8 mute and solo functionality including Dim Solo, Exclusive Solo, and Layer Mute/Solo

EQ, Send, ACT Section

• Dedicated section of 12 continuous push-button rotary encoders which can be used for EQ, Sends, or ACT control
• When controlling EQ, the rotary encoders edit four stages of parametric EQ gain, frequency, and Q for whichever channel has the focus
• In ACT mode, encoders automatically remap to control effect, instrument, or mix parameters of whatever view or plug-in has focus within SONAR

Surround and Video Implementation

• Full surround implementation with Joystick Panner, F/R Balance, LFE Send, and Width controls
• Multifunction T-bar for surround F/R balance and video hardware control
• Automate multiple surround parameters simultaneously
• Control video mixers/editors/presenters that support V-LINK protocol

Access, Project Navigation, Editing

• Control plug-in for SONAR provides user-definable presets that change the functionality of the VS-700C depending on tasks or workflow preferences
• Access Panel provides one-button functionality to call up different views and utilities; allows custom assignments from over 45 SONAR commands
• Joystick can move plug-in windows around your screen
• In addition to F/R balance and Video hardware control, the T-Bar offers: X-Ray option to fade plug-in windows in/out to allow access to the views below and the T-Bar can also be used as a dedicated ACT controller
• Complete SONAR transport functionality not available from any other control surface, including Audition, Rewind, Fast Forward, RTZ/GTE, and Pause
• Jog and shuttle wheels and Free Edit cursors for project navigation, scrubbing and zoom; provides c omplete scroll and zoom functionality, including flyover mode which lets you navigate around a project
• Use jog wheel to move, crop and fade clip(s), as well as time-stretch
• Select clips and time ranges, even across tracks and layers
• Split and mute clips with the touch of a button
• Insert, delete, bypass and control any VST effect from the control surface
• Mackie Control protocol support, provides basic compatibility (transport, faders, jog/shuttle, etc.) with other Windows DAWs

Display

• A 2×13 LCD display for track names, parameter values, and markers
• 7 Segment LCD display for time code and now time position
• Responsive metering for each channel

SONAR V-Studio 700 and the VS-700C

The release of the SONAR V-Studio 700 system marked a new era of inspired, Cakewalk branded hardware and software music production solutions. SONAR V-Studio 700 addresses the gap between under-powered “budget” solutions and over-priced competitive solutions by offering a compelling, feature-rich music production system that is accessible to a broad range of users. SONAR customers who purchase the VS-700C can later purchase the VS-700R I/O to experience the full benefits offered by the complete SONAR V-Studio 700 system, which includes hardware control of the VS-700R from the VS-700C, 19 input channels, 8 digitally-controlled mic pres with compression on each channel, and onboard Fantom VS synthesizer featuring 1,400 patches with ARX expansion board capability, among many other features.

Pricing and availability

VS-700C console for SONAR 8 Producer will be available Summer, 2009 through Roland and Edirol distribution partners and select retailers worldwide. Local prices may vary, please check with your local Roland or Edirol distributor, or to find availability in your area using the dealer locator, please visit www.sonarvstudio.com.

Musikmesse 2009: Introducing: SONAR V-Studio 100

This is a quick overview, via CakewalkSoftware, that shows the key features of the new Sonar V-Studio 100, which combines 4 essential tools for musicians, plus music production software in one portable solution.

Musikmesse 2009: This official video, via Cakewalk Software, shows you how to record basic tracks with the V-Studio 100 without the need to connect your computer.

You can then see how to import those tracks on your Mac or PC into your favorite DAW, like the included SONAR VS, to use as the basis for a new song.

Musikemsse 2009: This is a video overview of the new Cakewalk Sonar V-Studio 100.

via musicradartv

At the 2009 Frankfurt Musikmesse, Cakewalk introduced the SONAR V-Studio 100 portable music production studio.

V-Studio 100  combines the most essential tools needed by music producers and performing musicians in a compact package.

Features:

• High Speed USB 2.0 Audio Interface
• Universal DAW Controller
• Personal Digital Mixer
• SD WAV Recorder
• VS Production Pack suite of virtual instruments and effects (Mac/Win)
• SONAR VS digital audio workstation (Win)

Details below. If you’ve used the Sonar V-Studio 100, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Description:

Customers can take control of their music productions by using the VS-100 as a 24-bit/96 kHz high speed USB 2.0 audio, MIDI interface and universal DAW controller. SONAR V-Studio 100 also includes the VS Production Pack, a powerful suite of high quality instruments and effects. The VS-100 hardware and VS Production Pack have been designed to enhance productions on both Mac and Windows in conjunction with popular DAW software including SONAR, Cubase, Logic, Ableton Live, and others. For PC customers just getting started with digital recording, SONAR V-Studio 100 includes the SONAR VS digital audio workstation.

When inspiration strikes, the VS-100 is the ideal tool to get ideas down fast, without the need to boot up a computer. In standalone mode, the VS-100 hardware functions as a personal digital mixer and SD Wave recorder. Customers can use the VS-100 to record and mix rehearsals and live gigs and can also use it to play backing tracks (even while recording). Customers can then simply transfer the stereo recordings to their favorite DAW software to use as the basis for new tracks or for further editing and sweetening, to upload to the Internet, and more.

Second product in the next generation SONAR V-Studio line

SONAR V-Studio 100 is the second product in the next generation V-Studio line of Cakewalk branded hardware and software solutions from Cakewalk and Roland. Following the release of the flagship SONAR V-Studio 700, two great music technology leaders have again combined the best in hardware and software engineering to address the varied needs of today’s modern music producers and performing musicians.

SONAR V-Studio 100 Hardware Features

High Speed USB 2.0 Interface

SONAR V-Studio 100 is a high quality USB 2.0 audio and MIDI interface utilizing world-class Roland engineering design and component technology.

• 8 in + mix / 6 out, 24-bit/96 kHz quality
• 2 mic pre-amps w/phantom Power, hi-z guitar input; MIDI I/O
• ASIO, WDM, WASAPI, Core Audio support
• Compatible with DAWs such as SONAR, Logic, Live, Cubase, and Digital Performer

Universal DAW Controller

SONAR V-Studio 100 is a universal DAW controller that supports all popular digital recording software for Mac/PC via Mackie control protocol, including Logic, Live, Cubase, and Digital Performer. Additionally, V-Studio 100 provides extended control capabilities over SONAR through the implementation of Cakewalk’s Active Controller Technology (ACT).

• 100 mm motorized, touch-sensitive fader
• 5 rotary encoders, 11 buttons and transport control
• Use with any DAW through Mackie Control protocol
• Advanced control of SONAR through Active Controller Technology

Personal Digital Mixer

SONAR V-Studio 100 is an ideal digital mixer for small groups or solo performers who need easy control of few instruments and vocals mics; DJs, MCs, and any electronic musician who needs to mix multiple sound sources. All users can enhance their live sound with the pro-quality on-board effects which offer easy routing and accessibility.

• Ideal for mixing small bands, solo musicians, DJs, home studios
• 8 inputs, 6 outputs plus headphones
• 4 types of reverb and 6 channels of EQ and Compression

Mobile SD Recorder Live Player

SONAR V-Studio 100 can capture that creative moment whenever inspiration strikes by providing high quality digital recording that can be used without being connected to computer. Record directly to the VS-100’s SD-card to capture song ideas, rehearsals, or live performances. Create backing tracks on your DAW of choice and transfer them to the VS-100’s SD-card for playback during live performance (even while recording). Likewise, recorded performances can be easily transferred from the VS-100’s SD-card for additional editing, tracking, and sweetening.

• Record away from your computer
• 2 channel wave recording and playback
• Capture rehearsals and live performances
• Play and record along to backing tracks
• Built-in metronome
• Insert markers during record and playback
• Loop a region for practicing parts or jamming
• Easily transfer audio to and from any computer via USB

SONAR V-Studio 100 Software Features

VS-100 Production Pack (Win/Mac) suite of effects and instruments includes:

VX-64 Vocal Strip is a seven-stage processor designed specifically for shaping and sculpting incredible sounding vocal tracks. Each of the VX-64’s stages have been fine-tuned to be vocal-specific, taking the work out of dialing in an entire chain of vocal processors.  The VX-64 features a new Cakewalk technology that employs phase-coherent, multi-band saturation to avoid unwanted distortion; unique filtering to avoid harsh artifacts at extreme high and low frequencies; and an auto-leveling circuit that prevents the tube saturation from sounding too harsh when high gain transients are processed by it. VX-64 also employs a new de-essing algorithm designed with Cakewalk’s LP64 linear phase effect filtering technology to remove sibilance without creating any frequency smearing.

Processing stages include:

• Input — simulates a tube pre amp
• De-esser — removes sibilance without smearing
• Compander — vocal compressor with an expander to reduce unwanted background noise
• Tube EQ — for adding character ranging from subtle warmth to intense heat to the vocal
• Doubler — advanced doubling effect providing the quality of actual re-tracking
• Delay — preset delays useful for vocal tracks with tempo sync
• Output — provide saturation control with a built in soft-clipping filter
• Order of processor stages is user definable with click & drag reordering

Channel Tools — provides easy and powerful control over individual placement of the left and right channels anywhere in the stereo field. Ideal for adjusting L/R channel placement, gain, pan/width, and phase; also provides a widening or narrowing effect to stereo recordings through adjustments to mid-side gain.

Boost 11 Peak Limiter — gives your tracks radio-ready punch through transparent peak limiting and volume maximization without additional coloring of the source material. Boost 11 employs a “look-ahead” limiter and PDR (Program Dependent Release) to provide professional results with a simple interface.

Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 LE — built on the latest award-winning guitar amp modeler from Native Instruments; 3 amps and cabinets, 11 effects, tuner, metronome, and over 50 presets.

Dimension LE — a streamlined version of the acclaimed Dimension Pro instrument from Cakewalk. Dimension LE features over 400 sound programs, ranging from bass, organ, and electric piano samples to cutting-edge synth sounds, rhythmic grooves, and a special edition of Garritan Pocket Orchestra.

Rapture LE — is a special version of the award winning Rapture wavetable synthesizer. It includes over 200 programs and hundreds of oscillator shapes. Rapture LE is perfect for performing the modern synthesized sounds igniting today’s pop, dance, and electronic music.

Cakewalk Studio Instruments — a collection of four virtual instruments that provide a fast and easy way to create backing tracks using a photo-realistic, interactive user interface. Instruments include a Drum Kit, Bass Guitar, Electric Piano, and String Section.

SONAR VS digital recording software (PC only) — a special entry level DAW based on the powerful SONAR 8 audio engine but offering a streamlined user interface.

Availability

SONAR V-Studio 100 will ship with the VS-100 hardware (Mac/Win), the VS Production Pack (Mac/Win) and SONAR VS (Win) software available in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian; Online Help contained in all versions in English, German, French, Spanish, and Italian; printed documentation is in English.

SONAR V-Studio 100 will be available through select music and sound retailers throughout the world beginning in June 2009. For more information on SONAR V-Studio 100,  visit www.sonarvstudio.com.

This is a tutorial on Cakewalk TS 64 Transient Shaper.

This is a reformatted excerpt from the video training course Sonar 8 – Know It All! by Digital Music Doctor.

via digitalmusicdoctor

This video tutorial looks at using Cakewalk Beatscape. Part 2 below.

Click here to view the embedded video.

via orecordings:

This one will show you how to use Cakewalk’s Beatscape with Sonar 8 Producer Edition built in step sequencer.. www.olivier-recordings.com