Developer Dan Nigrin has announced that his software Klee Sequencer is now available. The app, available for Mac and Windows, is a software version of the Klee step sequencer.

Features:

• MIDI output to any hardware or software synths
• Internal or MIDI clock control
• 10 preset slots for instant recall of parameters
• Presets can be saved to and loaded from disk
• Built-in clock divide capability
• Synchronous load – loading of pattern happens on clock pulses, and not in between
• Load on Play feature to allow for loading of pattern each time clock started
• MIDI-controllable baseline note
• Custom definable note range allows for alternative scales

Klee Sequencer retails for $40. 15% of the net proceeds go to support electro-music.com. A demo version is available.

The effect features adjustable shape, depth and speed. Chorus and phaser type effects can also be achieved by using the dry/wet knob.

The developer notes, “If there is interest in this plugin then I might update it with a couple more features (tempo syncing, custom LFO shapes).”

via rekkerd

Modartt has released Pianoteq Pro – the advanced version of Pianoteq. Its major feature over Pianoteq is per note adjustment for physical parameters.

Features:

• Note per note adjustment for 22 physical parameters: detune, unison width, direct sound duration, hammer hardness piano, hammer hardness mezzo, hammer hardness forte, spectrum profile, hammer noise, strike point, pickup symmetry, pickup distance, impedance, cutoff, Q factor, string length, note resonance, quadratic effect, damper position, damper duration, damper noise, key release noise, volume. Restricted to detune and volume in the Standard version.
• Internal sample rate available up to 192 kHz. Restricted to 48 kHz in the Standard version.

Pianoteq Pro is available now for windows, Mac OS X and Linux for 399€.

Description:

For the first time in the history of pianos, complete control of physical parameters of the piano is made available to the user. In the real world, reshaping a soundboard would require several weeks of work in the factory. With Pianoteq Pro, you have a new soundboard only one mouse click away!

Pianoteq Pro offers note per note adjustment for no less than 22 physical parameters, such as tuning, unison width, hammer hardness, strike point, string length, spectrum profile, soundboard impedance, damper position… In fact there are thousands since each overtone of each note can be controlled separately with the spectrum profile parameter!

In 1977, Gabriel Weinreich concluded his grounding article “Coupled piano strings” with “In any case, one could expect to build a better piano if the aftersound could be more deliberately controlled through an appropriate understanding of the soundboard”. Thirty-two years later, Weinreich’s dream is becoming reality with Pianoteq Pro.

This video is a demonstration of video being generated using Quartz Composer and Ableton Live:

The song is a performance of the song Now Now Now. All is done live.

There will be a tutorial showing how to set something like this up shortly.

via ThePurestData

The following actions are supported:

• Full editing of all Little Phatty preset parameters via MIDI CC messages
• Automation of all LP parameters in real time through the VST host application
• Save/Load presets to and from the Little Phatty
• Presets can be saved in VST Editor format

Supported VST Hosts:

PC – Windows – VST 2.4

• Steinberg Cubase SX 1-3, Nuendo 1-2
• Mackie Tracktion 3
• Imageline FL Studio (Fruity Loops) *see issues below
• Energy XT
• Cockos Reaper 3.11
• Presonus Studio-One
• Plogue Bidule
• Tobybears’ MiniHost
• Hermann Sieb’s VST Host

Mac – VST 2.4 (OSX)

• Steinberg Cubase SX, Nuendo
• Plogue Bidule
• Mackie Tracktion
• Cockos Reaper 3.11
• Presonus Studio-One

VST Little Phatty Editor for PC and Mac is available now for $69 USD.

OT: OG Ice T shows how to disassemble a Mac that is giving you problems.

I don’t know about you – but there have been a couple of days where I’ve wanted to do this.

TASCAM has announced the US-2000, a new one rackspace 16-input audio interface that’s expected to sell for under $500.

US-2000 features

• 16-in / 4-out USB 2.0 audio interface.
• 96kHz / 24-bit audio resolution.
• (8) XLR microphone inputs with phantom power.
• (6) 1/4? balanced line inputs.
• (4) 1/4? balanced line outputs.
• (2) 1/4? instrument inputs (chan. 7 & 8 on front panel “combi “jacks).
• Stereo S/PDIF digital in and out.
• 100-LED meter bridge (5 segments for each input and output).
• Zero-latency direct monitoring with mono/stereo switch for each pair of inputs.
• 1/4? balanced stereo monitor output with its own volume control.
• 1/4? stereo high-powered headphone output.
• Mac and Windows compatible.
• Steinberg Cubase LE4 48-track recording software included.
• High-tech, attractive aluminum case design.

If you’ve used the TASCAM US-2000 USB audio interface, leave a comment with your thoughts on it!Description:

Eight studio-grade microphone preamps welcome condenser microphones, and two of the mic inputs are on the front panel for easy access. An additional six balanced 1/4? line inputs are provided, as well as four balanced line outs and stereo digital I/O. The front panel features a 100-LED meter bridge for setting input and output levels.

The US-2000 connects to a computer through high-speed USB 2.0, and is priced about the same as less-capable 8-channel FireWire interfaces. Included with the TASCAM US-2000 is Cubase LE4, a 48-track workstation for Mac or Windows computers. It includes flexible hardware controls for zero-latency monitoring during recording.

The US-2000 will be available from TASCAM retailers in October at a projected street price under $500 USD.

Last week, we brought you the news of Plogue’s new 8-bit style software synth, Chipsounds.

According to Plogue, Chipsounds emulates more than eight vintage 8bit-era sound chips (on top of their variants), down to their smallest idiosyncrasies.

Now you can decide for yourself:

chipsounds EP by chipsounds

These tracks were made by the chipsounds beta team and show the
variety of styles and sounds that can be achieved with the software.

The only guideline given was that the music’s chip content had to be made using chipsounds.

Check out the demos and let me know what you think!

Lexicon has introduced a set of native reverb plugins for teh Mac & PC, the PCM Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle.

The intro video, above, is a little over the top. They’ve got demo videos on YouTube that offer more specifics.

Details below.

Features at a Glance

PCM Reverb Plug-In 7 Algorithms

• 7 legendary Lexicon Reverbs
• Hundreds of brilliantly crafted studio presets
• Multi-platform compatibility (Windows XP, Vista, and 7; Mac OSX 10.4, 10.5, 10.6, PowerPC and Intel)
• Formats that work seamlessly in any VST, Audio Unit, or RTAS compatible DAW
• Graphical real-time display illustrating the frequency stages of each algorithm
• Visual EQ section for easy adjustment of both early and late reflections
• Presets can be stored in a DAW independent format which allows custom presets to be transferred between any DAWs.
• Full parameter control and automation
• Input and output meters for quick assessment of audio levels going to and from the reverb
• iLok authorized

PCM Reverb Plug-In Multiband Notch Filter

Each algorithm can be run in either mono, stereo, or a combination of the two. We’ve taken the time to add Input and Output Meters in addition to a graphical EQ section for easy adjustment of both early and late reflections. The most noticeable feature, however, is center screen in a multi-dimensional realtime display. There are three screens to choose from, all showing different frequency stages of the algorithm to help you shape your sound.

PCM Reverb Plug-In Frequency LoPass

The user interface displays nine of the most logical parameters for customization, it also enables you to transition deeper into the algorithm to edit the full matrix of parameters. Compare your custom preset to the original and save it off once you have the perfect sound. You’ll also have the ability to load that preset into a different DAW.

PCM Reverb Plug-In Impulse Lopass

The wealth of algorithms and presets will enable you to envelop your vocals and instruments with the musical ambiance of panoramically wonderful spaces. The PCM Native Reverb Bundle is a complete collection of the finest reverbs, now with all the flexibility of a multi-platform native software plug-in.

DiscoDSP

discoDSP Vertigo is a 256 oscillators additive synth with resynthesis and sound morphing.

Vertigo imports WAV audio and PNG images. It has a very accurate recreation of complex musical phrases, drumloops, speech and simple tones.

Full version includes 128 presets and is available for AudioUnits and VST hosts to Macs with Intel processors.

Vertigo can be purchased for 75 EUR / 99 USD at our online shop.

Details and demos are available at the discoDSP site.

Kenaxis has released version 3.1 of Kenaxis, for Mac and Windows -  the namesake product in its line of real-time audio performance software. The update adds OSC (Open Sound Control) compatibility and an FFT Phase Vocoder.

KenaxisOSC enables Kenaxis to communicate with a variety of hardware and software interfaces including consumer devices as familiar as the iPod touch, the iPhone and Wii remotes. Combining OSC with the powerful audio-design tools of Kenaxis opens a whole new range of possibilities for musicians and artists working in live audio performance.

In addition, while Kenaxis 3.1 is loaded with its trademark Granular Synthesis tools, the new FFT Phase Vocoder offers an alternative technique for sonic time stretching and freezing. The Phase Vocoder will appeal to musicians who desire more organic, analog-sounding textures in their performances and compositions, says Kenaxis Creative.

Key Features:

• Intuitive Performance Interface: 6 loop players, mixer and master mixer. Clear, compact display of all parameters allows the musician to monitor and manipulate every aspect of the performance.
• Powerful Tools: pitch modulation, delay, granular synthesis, convolution, analog synthesis, 12 band parametric EQs, automated envelopes and filters, random file players and VST support – allows for sonic possibilities not possible with hardware components, at a fraction of the cost.
• Adjustable Crossfades and Insert Silence features: allows for maximum real-time loop manipulation – eliminate clicks, create drones or sparse textures.
• Multiple Audio Sources: Drag and drop sound files, synthesize sounds or capture live sound on the fly.
• OSC and MIDI compatible: Faster and with higher resolution than MIDI, OSC (Open Sound Control) allows the musician to ‘play’ Kenaxis with the iPod, iPod Touch, Wii controller, Lemur and other OSC devices and software.
• FFT Phase Vocoder: An organic and “more analog-sounding” time-stretching alternative. Pinpoint sounds in the spectrum analysis tool to stretch, freeze and manipulate.

Kenaxis is available for Windows and Mac OS X, and is priced at $135. Kenaxis Bundle costs $185 (includes Kenaxis, Kenaxis Surround and Kenaxis Visualizer). Site License pricing is available.

Eigenlabs

The Eigenharp Alpha, right, is their professional level instrument. It allows the musician to play and improvise using a limitless range of sounds with virtuoso skill.

It has 120 playing keys, 12 percussion keys, two strip controllers and a breath pipe. It’s available in a variety of custom finishes.

What’s in the box?

• Eigenharp Pico in robust cardboard carry case/box.
• Product Activation card for website support and tutorial materials.
• Breath pipe.
• Two mouthpieces.
• Neck strap.
• 3M Pico to computer USB2 connecting cable.
• Eigenlabs 8GB USB stick with latest install software (Macintosh) and getting started tutorials.

The Eigenlabs Eigenharp Alpha is priced starting at Price £3950.00 (inc vat).

The Eigenharp Pico is designed to be simple to use so anyone can play it.

With 18 playing keys and 4 mode keys, a strip controller and breath pipe, the smaller Pico has the majority of the playing features of the Eigenharp Alpha. It plays an unlimited range of sounds and is available in two finishes.

The Eigenharp Pico, with its ease of playing and transformational approach to learning scales and music theory, represents a new and easier way to learn to play a musical instrument. The Pico gives you freedom to express your creativity through improvisation like no other electronic instrument in existence.

What’s in the box?

• Eigenharp Pico in robust cardboard carry case/box.
• Product Activation card for website support and tutorial materials.
• Breath pipe.
• Two mouthpieces.
• Neck strap.
• 3M Pico to computer USB2 connecting cable.
• Eigenlabs 8GB USB stick with latest install software (Macintosh) and getting started tutorials.

The Eigenlabs Eigenharp Pico retails starting at £349 inc Vat.

CloudPost is a new App for Mac OS X that’s designed to make it easier to upload a set of tracks to SoundCloud.

CloudPost was built in close collaboration with the wonderful SoundCloud team and is maintained by Christian Stropp.

The uploader grew out of Music Hackday Berlin.

However, users involved in professional audio production or live performance should be cautious about upgrading to Mac OS X 10.6 until compatibility with third-party audio software and hardware has been widely confirmed by the relevant manufacturers.

Native Instruments is currently conducting further systematic compatibility and performance tests with Snow Leopard, and will provide additional information on this page as it becomes available.

Please see below for some special notes regarding 64bit aspects of Mac OS X 10.6.

32bit kernel mode vs. 64bit kernel mode
All installations of Mac OS X 10.6 on Apple consumer models start in 32bit kernel mode by default. This kernel mode allows the operation of both 32bit and 64bit Mac OS X applications.

Users can activate an optional 64bit kernel mode through a special key combination during the boot process. However, drivers for NI audio interfaces and controllers are currently not compatible with 64bit kernel mode.

For the time being, Native Instruments does not recommend using 64bit kernel mode with music production software. The development efforts necessary to establish 64bit kernel mode compatibility for NI products are currently being evaluated.

64bit plugin hosts
At this point, there are no 64bit Mac versions of relevant sequencer/DAW applications available on the market. Due to the lack of suitable testing platforms, it is currently unclear whether the 32bit plugin versions of Native Instruments products would exhibit any issues in 64bit host environments.

Native Instruments is in contact with other software manufacturers about 64bit compatibility aspects. Once 64bit versions of relevant plugin hosts become available, Native Instruments will conduct the related compatibility testing and provide further information.

Syntheway has introduced Realistic Virtual Piano v2.5 VSTi, an Acoustic Grand Piano emulation VST instrument for Windows and Linux O.S.

Details and demos below.

If you’ve used Syntheway Realistic Virtual Piano VSTi, leave a comment with your thoughts!

What’s new in version 2.5:

• Added new Yamaha Grand Piano module.
• Kawai Grand Piano module have been totally re-sampled.
• Added Piano Selector option in GUI.
• Minor adjustments in GUI as well as in default parameters.
• Fixed a few minor bugs.

Main Features:

• Modeled on mastered Piano samples (normalized and noise-reduced). Based on PCM recordings of a Kawai and Yamaha Grand Pianos after it has been meticulously tuned and adjusted.
• To achieve such a remarkably authentic piano sound, has full length sustain samples, no loops (natural decay), stored in 16 bits and 44.100 KHz.
• ADSR envelope generator with Attack, Sustain, Decay and Release parameters and several modulation targets.
• Optimized CPU and memory usage. Stability: complete. Uses memory efficiently without sacrificing quality. Unlike many other piano modules and samplers, this piano will never overload CPU.
• Good live performances: never stick notes, never break the sound.
• Affordable price and user-friendly attitude are sure to attract many musicians
• Integrated, variable room simulation. Free variation of acoustic ambience thanks to complete separation of piano and room. Small rooms can be modeled just as accurately as larger spaces.
• Customizable with user controls for: size room, width room, damping factor & mixer, used to create psycho-acoustic models in the DSP environment, without having to load up any other plug-ins.
• MIDI Automation: Added complete MIDI CC#.

A demo version of Syntheway Realistic Virtual Piano VSTi is available.

U&I Software has released MetaSynth 5, an electronic music studio for Mac OS X.

MetaSynth is not intended to be a soft-synth or plug-in. It is a complete sound design and electronic music composition environment with six “rooms “that you can use to create and process sounds in a variety of paradigm-smashing ways.

MetaSynth 5 Features:

• MetaSynth 5 is universal binary, multi-threaded and fully Leopard-compatible.
• Recording available in both Sample Editor and Montage Room.
• 32-bit floating point sound buffers and 64-bit floating point math for all audio operations.
• Full support for .caf and .wav files. – MetaSynth 5 can read and write .aif, .sd2, .caf and .wav files in all rooms.
• Add output device selection to Preferences. – MetaSynth no longer uses the default output device chosen in Audio MIDI Setup. MetaSynth now allows the selection of any available output device.
• Files can be saved at up to 32-bit resolution.
• Much longer sounds can be loaded and created than previously.

MetaSynth retails for $599.

If you’ve used MetaSynth, leave a comment with your thoughts!

This is a video demo of Crystal Semi Modular Synth, a free software synth for Mac and PC.

Crystal is a semi-modular software synthesizer featuring both subtractive synthesis and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis. It offers abundant modulation control with over 90 parameters which may be modulated, multi-stage envelopes with graphical editors, extensive tempo sync of envelopes/lforates/delay times, built-in effects for chorus/flanging/comb filtering/echoes, and a band splitter for effects processing by frequency band. Crystal also has wave sequencing, granular synthesis, program morphing, MIDI learn, and imports soundfonts.

Crystal is a plugin, which means it runs within a host, such as Cubase, Orion, Logic, Fruity Loops, etc.

If you’ve used Crystal, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Airwindows’ Pop is a universal binary Audio Unit compressor plugin designed to create “extraordinary pop vocals.”

According to Airwindows:

Inspired by radio-friendly Genesis, Pop puts every detail in your lap- the reason it exists is, I was listening to ‘Mama’ and other songs off the eponymous Genesis album, and couldn’t believe how overwhelming Hugh Padgham had Phil Collins’ vocal sounding. It reached out and grabbed and defined every detail so aggressively- I needed to make a special compressor that could deliver a sound like that, because nothing I had was designed for such aggressive behavior.

Pop retails for $59.99. A non-expiring demo version is available.

Light Guitar is a free Audio Unit for Mac OS X that reproduces the behavior of the light guitar, a musical instrument that uses light to make music, and allows you to easily customize the sound of the instrument by adjusting various parameters.

Plug in your instrument of choice, load the plugin into your digital audio workstation and enjoy.

Options:

• Frequency Multiplier – Increase/Decrease the size of the guitar body, changing the frequency range of the instrument.
• Resonance Type – Two different configurations were measured for the Light guitar, one that excites waves on the outer surface of the instrument and one exciting internal modes – both are included and independently selectable.
• Instrument String – The strings on an acoustic instrument have a large effect on the instrument’s sound and the same effect applies to light instruments. However, a string for a light instrument is a coaxial cable. The real and imaginary impedance of the coaxial cable connected to the light guitar is user selectable.
• Response Time – The impulse slider lets you change how long the light guitar alters music played through the plug-in.

Download here.

This video looks at how you can streamline your Mac for DJing with one click, including quitting out of programs, shutting off Airport, Adjusting your Energy preferences and audio preferences and more.

via eangolden