Synthtopia » Digidesign

Pro Tools For Mac OS X Snow Leopard

synthhead — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:57:36 +0000

Avid/Digidesign has announced the immediate availability of a prerelease version* of Pro Tools software that provides expanded Mac OS X 10.6.x Snow Leopard compatibility to Pro Tools 8 users.

If you’re a Mac-based Pro Tools 8.0.x user, Pro Tools 8.0.3pr software is provided as a convenience should you wish to begin your transition to Snow Leopard before a fully tested and qualified version of Pro Tools becomes available.

Download the Free Pro Tools 8.0.3pr Prerelease

Pro Tools 8.0.3pr is a free download for Pro Tools HD 8, Pro Tools LE 8, and Pro Tools M-Powered 8 users. Please note that you will need your Pro Tools 8 authorization code (Pro Tools LE) or iLok authorization (Pro Tools|HD or Pro Tools M-Powered) to authorize the software:

Open Labs Offering Pro Tools On NeKO, MiKo & DBeat

synthhead — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 10:47:21 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

Open Labs has announced that it is now offering Digidesign Pro Tools on their NeKo, MiKo, and DBeat instruments.

Description:

The option to have Pro Tools software fully installed, integrated and supported by Open Labs engineers provides producers and musicians with industry-leading studio recording software running seamlessly on Open Labs gear.

You can produce a track in Pro Tools right out of the box!Now, you may choose to purchase Pro Tools LE 8 with an Mbox 2 Mini, Mbox 2 or a 003 Rack at the time an Open Labs Gen 5 product is purchased.

Eligible Open Labs products include NeKo XXL, NeKo LX5, MiKo LXD, NeKo EX5, MiKo EC5, DBeat and DBeatPRO.

Pro Tools M-Powered software is available with the purchase of the Open Labs NeKo XXL, which includes M-Powered hardware natively with no need for additional hardware or audio interface.

All Open Labs instruments come with either Platinum or Gold Support Services , which include technical support for Pro Tools hardware and software, allowing you to receive all your technical support from one source — Open Labs.

via OpenLabsInc

The Top 10 Music Applications In The World

synthhead — Wed, 13 May 2009 00:24:34 +0000

Digital Music Doctor has updated its chart of the top digital music apps, based on recent Internet search activity on Google, Yahoo, AOL & MSN.

Here’s how they rank:

The Top 10 Music Applications

DigiDesign Pro Tools (11.4)

FL Studio (10.1)

Steinberg Cubase (7.3)

Cakewalk Sonar (6.0)

Apple Logic (3.5)

Adobe Audition (3.5)

Apple GarageBand (3.1)

Sony Sound Forge (2.3)

Ableton Live (2.0)

MOTU Digital Performer (1.9)

Do you think this is an accurate reflection of the most popular music applications in the world – or do you think it’s just a sign that you’re going to be seeing a lot more posts about Pro Tools at Synthtopia?

NAMM Update: Digidesign Intros Two Pro Tools LE System Bundles

synthhead — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:40:57 +0000

At the 2009 Winter NAMM Show, Digidesign introduced two new Pro Tools LE system bundles:

003 Factory Complete and
003 Rack Factory Complete

Both bundles combine a Digidesign 003 hardware interface with the new Complete Production Toolkit – the new expansion option for Pro Tools LE systems that combines a variety of plug-ins for both music and post production applications. The bundles offer up to nearly $500 in savings from standalone purchases.

The Complete Production Toolkit, made available with the release of Pro Tools 8 last month, expands the creative and production power of Pro Tools LE 8 by adding full 7.1 surround mixing, and support for up to 128 simultaneous audio tracks to any Pro Tools LE 8 based system.

This bundle includes Digidesign virtual instruments and plug-ins, including:

Eleven LE classic guitar amp emulator
Structure LE advanced sample player
Hybrid 1.5 high-definition synthesizer
Smack! LE compressor
DINR LE noise reduction
TL Space Native Edition convolution reverb
X-Form time compression/expansion and pitch shifter, and
Neyrinck SoundCode Stereo surround-to-stereo down mixer

Additionally, the toolkit unlocks several processing tools in Pro Tools LE, including multi-track Beat Detective rhythm analysis and correction tool, DigiBase Pro file management, DigiTranslator 2.0 for importing/exporting of OMF, AAF, and MXF files, and more.

Bundles are available combining the Complete Production Toolkit with the Digidesign 003 Factory or 003 Rack Factory. The 003 Factory is a portable, FireWire-based Pro Tools LE interface that offers extensive audio and MIDI I/O, along with hands-on control of Pro Tools via an integrated control surface. The 003 Rack Factory offers the same audio and MIDI I/O as the 003 Factory in a compact, 2U rack mountable package.

The 003 Factory Complete and 003 Rack Factory Complete are designed for advanced home and project studio owners looking for a powerful Pro Tools LE system, as well as professionals looking for a second system for home or portable use.

The Complete Production Toolkit software option for Pro Tools LE systems can also be purchased stand alone for $1,995.

What’s New In Pro Tools 8

synthhead — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:05:02 +0000

Digidesign has announced that it’s now shipping Pro Tools 8.

Here’s what’s new:

Pro Tools 8 features an updated interface, dozens of new plug-ins and virtual instruments, new scoring and MIDI features and expanded editing and mixing capabilities.

New Music Creation Features:

Fully integrated MIDI and Score Editor windows for enhanced MIDI editing functionality and professional score editing and printing
20 new effects and five new virtual instruments—Mini Grand piano, Boom drum machine, DB-33 tonewheel organ, Vacuum tube-modeled synthesizer, and Xpand!2 sample player
High-quality amplifiers simulation via Digidesign’s guitar amp emulator Eleven Free as well as Tech21 SansAmp amplifier emulator
An 8 GB bundle of high-quality loops

New Production Features:

Elastic Pitch, which makes it easy to transpose music in real time right in the Edit window
10 inserts per channel
Enhanced controller integration with Digidesign and M-Audio control surfaces
ICON integration enhancements that dramatically increase speed and efficiency
HD QuickTime support on Mac OS X for increased versatility

If you’re a Pro Tools user, let us know what you think about the update in the comments!

Pricing and Compatibility

Pro Tools 8 software is available for Windows Vista- (32-bit Business or Ultimate with Service Pack 1), Windows XP- (Home and Professional with XP Service Pack 3), and Mac OS X 10.5.5 (Leopard)-based Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools M-Powered systems.

Pro Tools HD 8 Upgrade: $249 US
Pro Tools LE/M-Powered Upgrade: $149 US
Pro Tools M-Powered Full Version: $299 US (available through authorized dealers only)

Customers who have purchased a new Pro Tools system or upgrade since October 3, 2008, are eligible for a free software upgrade. Customers purchasing new systems with old software are also be eligible for the free upgrade.

Inside The Dr Who Sound Effects Studio

synthhead — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 17:38:49 +0000

These Sonic State videos take a look at the Dr. Who sound effect studio:

Doctor Who’s head honcho Russell T. Davies introduces this behind-the-scenes peak into the sound design secrets of Britain’s favourite sci fi series.

All the audio for the show is now put together at the BANG Studios in Cardiff where they not only do all the sound design, SFX and audio post for BBC’s Doctor Who but also Torchwood and other major film and TV projects.

They recently unveiled their Dolby licensed room, featuring a Digidesign D-Control ES desk driving ProTools HD6. There’s also a dialogue, FX and music mixing room featuring HD2, PMCs and a Command 8 mixer. The Foley studio includes yet more Digidesign gear, Dynaudio monitors and a vast array of props demonstrated for us by BANG director Paul McFadden.

Part II features a more in-depth look at the Digidesign Icon desk with BANG’s other director and co-founder Doug Sinclair. Doug also gives the lowdown on how BANG received their Dolby License and how Munro stripped their control room bare in order to bring it up to spec.

There’s also more commentary from Doctor Who’s top banana, Russell T. Davies and some slightly unnerving interruptions from a stray Cyberman.

Pro Tools 8 Overview

synthhead — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 23:24:43 +0000

Click here to view the embedded video.

This video introduces the new user interface of Pro Tools 8 and provides a brief overview of the Pro Tool’s new features.

Digidesign has introduced Pro Tools 8 — advanced audio creation and production software, featuring:

a new interface;
dozens of new plug-ins;
five new virtual instruments;
new scoring, MIDI, editing, and mixing capabilities;
deeper controller integration; and
improved ease of installation and use; and enhanced performance.

Pro Tools 8 is coming soon for Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, and Pro Tools M-Powered systems.

Here’s what’s new.

Digidesign Announces Massive Plug-in Bundles

synthhead — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 01:42:05 +0000

Digidesign has announced several mixing and sound processing plug-in bundles.

The new MassivePack 7 and MassivePack Pro 7 bundles offer Pro Tools|HD owners savings on eight plug-ins from Eventide, TC Electronic, Abbey Road, Brainworx, and more, as well as a choice of eight more plug-ins from Digidesign’s own collection, including Eleven, Digidesign’s new guitar amp emulation plug-in, ReVibe, Reel Tape Suite, and more.

In addition, the upgraded MassivePack Pro 7 includes an HD Accel card (in PCI or PCIe format) and two additional plug-ins from TC Electronic. Both bundles are Windows XP- and Mac- compatible; many of the plug-ins are also compatible with Digidesign VENUE live sound systems.

MassivePack 7 and Massive Pack Pro 7 are available through authorized Digidesign Pro Tools|HD dealers.

Pricing:

MassivePack 7 MSRP (USD): $1,295
MassivePack Pro 7 (PCI) MSRP (USD): $3,495
MassivePack Pro 7 (PCIe) MSRP (USD): $3,495

Digidesign Transfuser Now Available

synthhead — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 04:24:03 +0000

Digidesign has announced the immediate availability of its Transfuser virtual instrument for Pro Tools.

Transfuser comes with nearly 2 GB of loops and phrases to get users started quickly. By combining a series of modular drum machine/sound generators, dedicated sequencers, loop manipulation tools, and effects with an intuitive drag-and-drop composition/editing interface, users can easily create, manipulate and perform loop- and rhythm-based music on the fly.

“Transfuser is an incredibly fun and creative way to quickly make and manipulate music right in Pro Tools,” says Digidesign’s Dusty DiMercurio. “Many people today rely on audio loops and phrases to create music. Transfuser offers user-friendly tools and a simple workflow that enables anyone to easily remix grooves and create original music from these building blockss.”

Transfuser is available now in RTAS format for both Mac OS X and Windows at a price of $295 / €282.

Crystal Method Remix Contest

synthhead — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 02:37:54 +0000

Digidesign has teamed with The Crystal Method, artist community Fuzz.com, and Remix magazine on a remix contest using a new track from The Crystal Method’s upcoming studio album, due in stores this fall.

By visiting www.fuzz.com/remixingprotools, you can download The Crystal Method song session, create a remix, and then upload an MP3, by September 30, 2008.

The Fuzz.com user community will vote for their favorite remixes, with The Crystal Method, Digidesign, Remix, and Fuzz.com staff reviewing the top voted remixes and selecting one winner and one runner-up to each receive a studio prize package.

“We are so excited to be a part of this remix contest. This will be the first time anyone has heard anything from our new album and now you have the opportunity to remix it,” said The Crystal Method’s Ken Jordan in a statement.

Grand Prize

Digidesign 003 Factory
Digidesign Transfuser
M-Audio Studiophile BX8a
M-Audio Axiom 49
1 Year Subscription to Remix Magazine

Runner-Up Prize

Digidesign Mbox 2 Micro
Digidesign Transfuser
M-Audio KeyRig 25
M-Audio IE 20 XB In-ear Monitors
iLok USB Smart Key
1 Year Subscription to Remix Magazine

Free Updates For Digidesign Hybrid and Strike Virtual Instruments

synthhead — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:20:32 +0000

Winter NAMM Show: Digidesign announced updates Hybrid, its high-definition synthesizer, and Strike, its virtual drummer plug-in.

Hybrid Version 1.5 offers a number of important new features, as well as a vast increase in the program’s already wide sonic palette. Boasting an entirely new VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) vintage filter, this plug-in update makes it easier than ever to achieve the classic, retro analog synthesizer sounds of the ’70s and ’80s.

Hybrid 1.5 also features five new filter saturation modes (Distort, Hard Clip, Rectify, Bit Crush, and Resample), providing additional tone-shaping flexibility. Along with more than 330 all-new patches, all of the original 256 Hybrid 1.0 patches have been reprogrammed to take advantage of the new vintage filter and saturation modes.

Also new is Strike Content Expansion, a software add-on that expands the capacity of Digidesign’s immensely popular Strike virtual drummer plug-in, opening it to an even broader range of musical styles.

Strike Content Expansion adds over 300 MB of classic drum machine samples to Strike, all recorded in high definition and making full use of the instrument’s unique control parameters, such as Complexity, Intensity, and microphone placement options. Also included are 100 new “Style” settings, all expertly programmed by artists representing a wide variety of musical genres, expanding the instrument’s functionality to encompass a broader range of drum sounds and rhythm styles.

Pricing and Availability

Both Hybrid Version 1.5 upgrade and the Strike Content Expansion package will be available as a free download for registered Hybrid users from January 22 through March 22, 2008. After January 22nd both upgrades will cost $19.95 (USD).

Digidesign Intros Structure LE and Structure Free Samplers

synthhead — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 00:46:14 +0000

Digidesign has extended the Structure sampler family with the introduction of two new versions that will allow even more users access to the plug-in’s capabilities.

Structure LE provides many of the same powerful and creative features as its big brother for a fraction of the price, while Structure Free offers a great introduction to Structure sample playback at no charge.

Structure LE is an advanced RTAS sample player that provides many of the same key features as Structure, allowing users to quickly and easily integrate a wide range of sounds into their Pro Tools sessions and tweak them for sound customization. Structure LE comes with a professional 3 GB sound library from the A.I.R. group, offering a wide variety of acoustic and electronic instruments and sounds.

Structure Free is a free RTAS sample player that provides a great way for users to get a taste of Structure, and offers a simplified feature set for sample playback and patch adjustment. Structure Free comes with a high quality 600 MB sound library* from the A.I.R. group, which offers an assortment of instruments and loops, including drums and percussion, bass, acoustic guitar, piano and organs, and various synth sounds.

Structure LE and Structure Free both support playback of native Structure files (all versions of Structure can play any file created with any version of Structure). Both also support playback of unencrypted SampleCell (1 and 2), Kontakt (1 and 2), and EXS24 sound libraries, and feature an integrated REX player that plays REX 1 and 2 files. Like Structure, Structure LE and Structure Free work on all Pro Tools platforms—Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, Pro Tools M-Powered, and Pro Tools Academic.

Features:

Structure: Premium factory sound libraries from A.I.R. and EastWest (nearly 20 GB), plus a 30-day trial of EastWest’s 40 GB Goliath—Structure Edition library; integrated database and browser, 128 channels multitimbral support; unlimited maximum polyphony per structure resistance; stereo/surround main outputs; 31 stereo auxiliary outputs; integrated fully resizable sample and mapping editor; $499.
Structure LE: Professional sound library from A.I.R. (3 GB); integrated database and browser; 8 channels multitimbral support; 256 maximum polyphony per structure instance; stereo/surround main outputs; 3 stereo auxiliary outputs; $149.
Structure Free: Starter sound library from A.I.R. (600 MB); integrated browser; 4 channels multitimbral support; 64 maximum polyphony per structure instance; stereo main output; free.

*Only the Structure Free sample player is available for download. To get the Structure Free sound library, customers must visit their local Digidesign dealer to pick up the completely free Structure Free installation disc, or order the free disc online at the DigiStore.

Sweetwater Launches Pro Tools Resource Center

synthhead — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 13:58:06 +0000

Sweetwater has launched a new Pro Tools Resource Center to provide comprehensive online technical support for Pro Tools users.

The new online resource features a step-by-step pictorial guide on how to register Pro Tools, including a tutorial on setting up an iLok account. It also includes a comprehensive list of the most frequently ask Pro Tools questions, information about hardware compatibility, a thorough and detailed troubleshooting section, and a Pro Tools Forum visited daily by other Pro Tools users.

The resource center’s searchable Knowledge Base of more than 6,000 articles is a joint effort of Sweetwater’s tech support team and the writers at Digidesign support.

Also featured on the new site are “learn as you go” videos produced by Groovebox.com for the Pro Tools beginner.

McDSP Products Now Compatible With Digidesign 003

synthhead — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 13:04:24 +0000

McDSP has anounced that all its products are fully functional with the new Digidesign 003 family of interfaces.

Users currently owning McDSP product will be able to continue using those products on the new 003 systems without having to purchase an upgrade.

The latest McDSP products not only support the new 003 family of interfaces, but also have support for Power PC and Intel based Apple computers, XP, and Venue live sound systems.

Digidesign Intros Ignition Pack 2 Bundles For Pro Tools

synthhead — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 13:31:11 +0000

Digidesign has announced the Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 and Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro — powerful bundles of creative software and tools available free with all Digidesign Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools LE systems.

“We worked diligently to compile the best software from some of the world’s top audio companies. Whether virtual instruments or creative effects, top-of-the-line sound libraries or valuable artist promotion services, we believe that the Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 provides the best tools to allow our users to create the music that lives in their imagination,” said Ed Gray, Digidesign’s director of partnering programs.

Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 and the premium Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro offer an unprecedented collection of professional effects and signal processing plug-ins, amazing virtual instruments, high-quality sounds, and creative applications — all fully compatible with Pro Tools. Both packs also include the Pro Tools Method One instructional DVD for getting up to speed quickly as well as special artist promotion services from Broadjam.com, Sonicbids.com, and GarageBand.com.

Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 bundles include:

Ableton Live Lite 6 Digidesign Edition
Propellerhead Software Reason Adapted 3
IK Multimedia AmpliTube LE
FXpansion BFD Lite
Celemony Melodyne uno essential
Digidesign Xpand! by Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.)
Digidesign Synchronic™ (Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro only)
M-Audio ProSessions™ SE sound library
Sound libraries from Big Fish Audio, Cycling ’74, Sonic Reality, and Zero-G (Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro only)
Way Out Ware TimewARP 2600 Lite
Arturia Analog Factory SE
iZotope effects: Ozone 3 Lite, Trash Lite, and Spectron Lite
Trillium Lane Labs® TL EveryPhase™ (Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro only)
Trillium Lane Labs TL Utilities™ (Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro only)
Pro Tools Method One instructional DVD
One-year membership to Broadjam.com
One-year subscription to Sonicbids.com
Free GarageBand.com contest entries (one free entry with Ignition Pack 2, three free entries with Ignition Pack 2 Pro)
Free Digidesign plug-in with Pro Tools education

For customers who purchased a Pro Tools LE or Pro Tools|HD system between February 1, 2007 through March 1, 2007, Digidesign is offering a chance to purchase an upgrade to Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 or Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro (depending on the system purchased) for $25, plus shipping and handling.

Digidesign Unveils 003 Home Studio Gear

synthhead — Mon, 12 Mar 2007 13:25:09 +0000

The new Digidesign 003 family, which includes 003 Factory and 003 Rack, offers professional-grade I/O, high-definition audio resolution, the compatibility and performance of industry-standard Pro Tools software, and an bundle of up to 80+ professional instrument and effects plug-ins, compatible applications, and sound libraries, including the new Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 software collection.

“Since the launch of the Digi 001 nearly seven years ago, more and more users are realizing the advantages that come from having seamless integration between the home and professional studio, as well as the benefits of having access to our extensive library of effects and virtual instrument plug-ins,” explained Dusty DiMercurio, marketing manager for Digidesign’s personal studio products. “The new 003 family takes its place as the flagship of our Pro Tools LE product line, delivering high-end hardware specs, features, software and tools, as well as a high level of compatibility with professional studios.”

Matt May, product manager for 003 Factory and 003 Rack, elaborates, “The 003 factory brings several new options that improve workflow. For example, the jog/shuttle wheel offers session navigation functions previously only found on high-end consoles. The dedicated automation mode buttons let you quickly select the automation mode on a per-track basis. And the ability to assign plug-ins and sends directly from the control surface is a first for the Pro Tools LE line—a perfect match for the plug-ins in the new Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 software bundles.”

About the Digidesign 003 Factory

The new 003 Factory provides hands-on control of Pro Tools LE through its integrated control surface and offers an extensive array of analog and digital I/O, including MIDI, ADAT optical, and S/PDIF digital. 003 can also be synchronized with other external devices in the studio via its BNC Word Clock I/O. Eight touch-sensitive motorized faders, eight motion-sensitive rotary encoders, and a Jog/Shuttle wheel provide tactile, hands-on control of multiple elements of a mix with speed and precision, including volumes, panning, sends, inserts (plug-ins), automation control, audio and video scrubbing, and more. The 003 provides a variety of essential visual mix feedback via an LCD display and numerous LEDs, and also functions as a standalone MIDI controller, allowing it to be seamlessly switched from controlling Pro Tools to controlling other MIDI-compatible applications. And with its FireWire connectivity, the 003 ensures high-speed data transfers between compatible Windows- or Mac-based computer systems.

In addition to award-winning Pro Tools LE software, the 003 Factory includes the premium Factory software bundle, adding over $3,000 (USD) in professional Digidesign and Bomb Factory plug-ins. 003 Factory also includes the new Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro bundle, offering a comprehensive collection of powerful effects and instrument plug-ins, creative compatible applications, high-quality sounds, training tools, and helpful artist promotion services from companies such as Broadjam.com, Sonicbids.com, and GarageBand.com.

About the Digidesign 003 Rack and 003 Rack Factory

The 003 Rack mirrors all of the same I/O, audio capabilities, and connectivity as 003 Factory, but packages everything together in a streamlined 2U rackmount chassis. Included with the 003 Rack is Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2, which features many of the same creative software and tools found in Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro.

Fraternal twin to the 003 Rack, the 003 Rack Factory features the same professional audio/MIDI interface, but adds the premium Factory software bundle and Pro Tools Ignition Pack 2 Pro.

Turbocharged 003 Exchange Program

Digidesign is celebrating the launch of the 003 family by offering a special program that makes it easy for current LE users, or users of third-party systems, to upgrade to any new 003 system. From now through June 20, 2007, owners of Steinberg Cubase, Steinberg Nuendo, or Cakewalk SONAR software—and any USB, FireWire, or PCI/PCIe hardware audio interface—can exchange up to any 003 system at discounted prices and save on the Music Production Toolkit at participating Digidesign dealers.

The Digidesign 003 Factory will be available soon for $2,495 USD. The 003 Rack and 003 Rack Factory are available now for $1,295 USD and $1,695 USD, respectively.

Digidesign Wants To Delay Your Music….And Saturate It, Too

synthhead — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 21:32:01 +0000

NAMM: Digidesign announced Reel Tape Suite, a set of analog tape emulation plug-ins that re-create the warmth of analog tape recordings and tape effects in digital recordings or live audio. Digidesign Reel Tape Suite, which operates as an AudioSuite, TDM, and RTAS plug-in, brings the vintage sound of analog gear to digital audio while providing all the advantages of today’s state-of-the-art digital effects processors.

“The ICON/Pro Tools product family offers world-class creative options for mix automation, control, editing, and composition,” says Digidesign General Manager Dave Lebolt. “A new challenge that we’re very interested in is technology that enables mixers to achieve convincing and desirable ‘analog coloration’ within our system. The Reel Tape Suite plug-ins embody the warmth and vibe that analog tape imparts to audio signals. They represent an ideal introduction to a new palette of options we’re developing to deliver this sought-after, essential ‘analog character’ in the digital domain.”

Reel Tape Suite features three plug-ins: Reel Tape Saturation, Reel Tape Delay, and Reel Tape Flanger. Reel Tape Saturation, which will also be offered apart from the suite, simulates analog tape saturation effects by modeling analog tape machine and tape formulation characteristics. Reel Tape Delay simulates classic tape echo effects while providing precise control over regenerating echoes. And Reel Tape Flanger simulates tape machine flanging effects.

“Reel Tape Saturation is the ‘missing link’ between analog recording and digital recording,” says Danny Caccavo, Digidesign product manager. “Its tape saturation doesn’t sound like a compressor or a distortion device—it warms up digital recordings in a very familiar and musical way. Reel Tape Delay is great because it just works—you put it on and you’re done. There’s no need to tweak the sound of the delay to make it fit. You can also perform great dub-style tape regenerating feedback while varying the speed. And with Reel Tape Flanger, you can even manually perform flanges or automatic double tracking (ADT) effects on vocals, guitars, or even sections of the entire mix.”

Each Reel Tape Suite plug-in offers a full range of controls to fine-tune the character of the effects. Select from the response characteristics of three different tape recorders and two different tape formulations. Alter the tape speed or feedback level and the bass and treble feedback response of the Reel Tape Delay. Adjust the LFO rate and depth, wow and flutter, and delay time of the Reel Tape Flanger. And dial in the drive, noise, tape machine bias, and level calibration of the Reel Tape Saturation for just the right result.

Digidesign Reel Tape Suite will be available soon for USD $495. Reel Tape Saturation will be available soon for USD $295.

Digidesign Intros Structure Sampler

synthhead — Sat, 24 Feb 2007 15:37:15 +0000

NAMM: Digidesign announced Digidesign Structure, the latest RTAS virtual instrument plug-in developed by the Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.) group. A professional sampler workstation designed and optimized specifically for Pro Tools, Structure includes a premium comprehensive sample library from EastWest, features support for importing SampleCell, EXS24, and Kontakt 2 sample libraries, and many more features.

“With Structure, we feel we’ve designed a real sampling workhorse that runs smoothly in very large sessions and is ready to cope with the most demanding high-end sample libraries,” said Peter Gorges, director of Digidesign’s A.I.R. group. “Of course, seamless integration with the Pro Tools audio engine was a top priority on this project, as it ensures the superior performance and stability of the plug-in. Finally, we wanted to make sure Structure offers the articulation and playability that Pro Tools users expect—all without sacrificing its ease of operation.”

Structure features a 128-level multitimbral universal sound engine and support for an unlimited number of nestable patches and up to 8-channel interleaved samples. Structure offers direct integration with the Pro Tools audio engine, and supports all standard bit depths, sample rates, and surround formats (up to 24-bit/192 kHz/7.1 surround).

With its database and integrated file browser, users can quickly find and load the sound they’re after, or simply drag and drop Pro Tools Regions directly into Structure and tweak them using the plug-ins’ integrated sample editor. Structure also features an integrated multi-effects processing engine including convolution reverb, and samples in Structure can be played back via disk streaming or solely from RAM.

Gorges adds, “Structure, in its first incarnation, already adds yet another substantial element to Pro Tools as a music creation platform. And let’s not forget that this is just the beginning, as Structure is going to grow with Pro Tools, and its core technology is going to provide the foundation for many innovative instruments to come.”

Digidesign Launches Structure Sampler Beta Test

synthhead — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 23:06:29 +0000

Winter NAMM Show: Digidesign announced Digidesign Structure, the latest RTAS virtual instrument plug-in developed by the Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.) group.

A professional sampler workstation designed and optimized specifically for Pro Tools, Structure includes a premium comprehensive sample library from EastWest and features support for importing SampleCell, EXS24, and Kontakt 2 sample libraries.

“Everybody’s been highly anticipating the Digidesign sampler, so expectations couldn’t be higher,” asserts Peter Gorges, director of Digidesign’s A.I.R. group. “With Structure, we feel we’ve designed a real sampling workhorse that runs smoothly in very large sessions and is ready to cope with the most demanding high-end sample libraries. Of course, seamless integration with the Pro Tools audio engine was a top priority on this project, as it ensures the superior performance and stability of the plug-in. Finally, we wanted to make sure Structure offers the articulation and playability that Pro Tools users expect—all without sacrificing its ease of operation.”
Structure features an 128-level multitimbral universal sound engine and support for an unlimited number of nestable patches and up to 8-channel interleaved samples. Structure delivers superior performance and reliability thanks to its direct integration with the Pro Tools audio engine, and supports all standard bit depths, sample rates, and surround formats (up to 24-bit/192 kHz/7.1 surround). With its powerful database and integrated file browser, users can quickly find and load the sound they’re after, or simply drag and drop Pro Tools Regions directly into Structure and tweak them using the plug-ins’ integrated sample editor. Structure also features an integrated multi-effects processing engine including convolution reverb, and samples in Structure can be played back via disk streaming or solely from RAM.

Gorges adds, “Structure, in its first incarnation, already adds yet another substantial element to Pro Tools as a music creation platform. And let’s not forget that this is just the beginning, as Structure is going to grow with Pro Tools, and its core technology is going to provide the foundation for many innovative instruments to come.”

Digidesign Structure Public Beta Program

Digidesign will soon be launching a Structure public beta program open to a limited number of participants. More details and the official beta program kickoff announcement will be posted at www.digidesign.com/structure.

Digidesign Announces Avid Mojo SDI Support for Pro Tools|HD

synthhead — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 14:04:21 +0000

Digidesign has announced that Avid Mojo SDI video interface now provides extensive Avid video integration with Digidesign Pro Tools|HD systems, and is available through authorized Digidesign Pro Dealers. Avid Mojo SDI allows Pro Tools users to bring projects from any of the leading video-editing systems (including Avid Xpress and Avid Media Composer) directly into their Pro Tools HD sessions.

“Never has the full power of integrated Avid video been so affordable” says Gordon Lyon, Digidesign product manager for Avid Mojo SDI. “The ability to play back Avid video sequences directly in the Pro Tools Timeline has long been a major time and money saver. Now smaller facilities, edit rooms, and independent editors can have the competitive advantage of working with any standard-definition Avid video sequence on PC or Mac.”

With Avid Mojo SDI, Pro Tools users can open OMF, AAF, or MXF files created on any Avid Xpress or Media Composer system in Pro Tools and get sample-accurate playback of all standard-definition Avid video and frame edge-aligned playback of most standard-definition and high-definition QuickTime video. Avid Mojo SDI can also capture DV25-quality video directly to the Pro Tools timeline, offers a full complement of analog and digital video I/O connections — including component, composite, S-Video, and SDI (Serial Digital Interface), and is supported in Digidesign’s new Pro Tools HD 7.3 software release.

Digidesign Market Manager for Professional Products Gannon Kashiwa adds, “With support for the Avid Mojo SDI in Pro Tools HD 7.3, our customers can now take advantage of the serial digital interface as well as all of the video resolutions and file formats that were previously available only on the AVoption|V10. The interface capabilities and additional file support alone are a good step forward, but when you combine those with the recently added video-editing capabilities and the affordable price point of Avid Mojo SDI, it’s a no-brainer for Pro Tools users doing post-production audio.”

Avid Mojo SDI Features

Support for OMF, AAF, and MXF files created with Avid Xpress or Avid Media Composer systems

Provides integrated playback of all standard-definition Avid video, including JFIF (up to 1:1) and AVR resolutions, DV25, DV50, MXF, IMX, multicam, interlaced, and 24p/25p progressive scan

Supports frame edge-aligned playback of most QuickTime SD and HD video resolutions, including H.264

Supports DV25 video capture direct to the Pro Tools Timeline

Serial Digital Interface, component, S-Video, and composite I/O

Integrates with qualified Windows XP- and PowerPC Mac-based Pro Tools|HD systems running Pro Tools HD 7.3 software*

* Avid Mojo SDI is not currently supported with Intel-based Mac laptop and destop computers; support is planned in a future Pro Tools software release. For the latest compatibility information, please visit Digidesign’s website at www.digidesign.com/compato.