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.

Free Mac Music Software: GWS RanPan is a free random pan effect for OS X, which can be synced to tempo:

I couldn’t find an effect that did this when I wanted to apply it to my own music project, so I whipped it up myself. Now any audio application that hosts Audio Units can take advantage of this plugin to randomly pan sound around in sync with the beat!

Version 2.8 adds 64-bit to the Universal Binary, and fixes a problem with the number formatting in the text fields of the user interface. This version requires Mac OS X 10.5 or greater. For more information, see “GWS RanPan Read Me” in the zipped disk image file.

Universal GWS RanPan is a Universal Binary, includes a 64-bit binary, and is compatible with Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard and 10.6 Snow Leopard.

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:

• Download the Pro Tools 8.0.3pr prerelease
• Download updated M-Audio device drivers

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.

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.

WiiToMidi is a free application that lets you convert signals from a Nintendo Wii controller to MIDI signals.

It is a Cocoa application for Mac OS X and uses the DarwiinRemote WiiRemote framework to decode Wii controller signals. It also supports the Nunchuk controller.

It adds a fully programmable virtual analog synthesizer filter with resonance, envelope follower and an integrated post-filter digital delay to your audio production environment.

This product at a glimpse:

• Platforms: MacOS X
• Formats: AudioUnit Latest version: 1.0.1
• Free

You can send any of your audio tracks through this ‘virtual analog’ effects device to either create spezial effects or to simulate the behaviour of an analog 4-pole synthesizer filter.

New in 1.01:

Clicking on the “Dly Time” text area directly above the delay time slider will set the delay time to the click interval. This is a handy way to adjust the tempo of the delay without figuring out the millisecond value

Specifications:

• 24dB/Octave (4 pole)
• variable Cutoff + Resonance
• Lowpass/Bandpass switchable
• Envelope Follower with adjustable sensitivity
• Envelope attack/release times
• Adjustable analog distortion
• Adjustable digital delay after filter with time, mix and feedback

Minimum system requirements:

MacOS X 10.4.11 or newer. AU compatible host software. Tested with:

• Apple Logic 8.02
• MotU Digital Performer 6.02
• Ableton Live 7.07
• RogueAmoeba AudioHijack Pro 2.9.0
• Apple AU Lab 2.0.1
• TwistedWave 1.0.0
• Apple GarageBand 4.1.2

Five12 has announced the release of Numerology 2 for Mac OS X.

Numerology is a modular music sequencing and audio plugin environment. It uses an approach to electronic music composition based on the techniques of step sequencing and pattern sequencing, augmented by a modular environment that encourages improvisation and experimentation.

Numerology 2’s module library is centered around a core set of sequencing modules, each targeted for a specific task: The MonoNote sequencer for monophonic lead and bass melodies, the PolyNote and MatrixSeq modules for polyphonic sequencing and the eight-track DrumSeq for drum programming.

There are also a pair of ‘component’ sequencers, the CV (control value) and Gate sequencer modules, which can be used for a technique called Discrete Sequencing, whereby users can create melodic lines by independently sequencing the individual components of notes: pitches, rhythms and dynamics. This modular approach to step sequencing maintains the immediacy that step sequencing is known for, while greatly increasing the range of compositional techniques the composer can employ.

A full suite of companion modules can be mixed and matched with the sequencers to expand their capabilities, including LFO’s, Envelopes, CV Mixers, and MIDI generators and processors. Another key feature of Numerology is the ability of the user to quickly and easily apply modulation to almost any parameter with just a few mouse clicks. Application of this type of automation to musical parameters such as tempo, pitch intervals and pattern length opens up many new opportunities for creative composition.

In order to provide structure for this environment, Numerology’s modules live within a series of virtual equipment racks, called stacks. Typically there is one stack for each musical part in a composition. Each stack maintains an independent set of presets for its modules, which enables a very flexible way of building pattern-based compositions.

This release of Numerology 2 also includes a pair of sample-based synthesis modules, a polyphonic AudioSample module and an eight-part DrumKit module. Although simple in design, their integration with Numerology affords them some unique benefits, including the ability for the user to customize their settings for each preset pattern, the easy application of modulation to any parameter, and individual outputs for each part in the DrumKit.

Numerology 2 requires an Apple Macintosh computer with a CPU speed of 1Ghz or better, and 1GB or more of RAM, running Mac OS X version 10.4.11 or later, and a screen resolution of 1024×768 or better.

Numerology 2 is currently available for purchase from the Five12 Web Store for an introductory price of $99 (USD). After January 4th, the price will be $119 (USD).

Features of Numerology 2:

• A modular step sequencing music composition environment.
• MIDI-based Note Sequencing modules for monophonic, polyphonic and drum sequencing.
• Flexible CV & Gate Sequencer modules for ‘component-based’ sequencing.
• GrooveClock module for building custom grooves.
• A variety of analog-synthesis-style modules for generating and processing streams of control (CV) data, including LFO’s, Envelopes and XY controllers.
• Several MIDI processing and filtering modules.
• Audio Unit hosting.
• An eight-part sample-based DrumKit synthesizer.
• A polyphonic sample-based AudioSample module for audio synthesis.
• A flexible virtual-rack system for organizing modules into musical parts, called Stacks.
• An integrated preset system for coordinating all module settings within a stack.
• An easy to setup parameter modulation system for modulating almost anything from anything else.
• MIDI remote control of almost any parameter.
• A timeline-based playlist arrangement system.
• A dedicated audio mixer with 8 stereo aux sends per stack.
• Custom routing of CV, Audio & MIDI data streams.
• Stereo audio recording of the Master and Alt output busses.
• Flexible synchronization via MIDI Clock, MTC or ReWire.
• Universal binary for Mac OS X, 10.4.11 or later.

Algoriddim’s music player and DJ software djay 2.2 has been updated – now letting you control almost all functions through intuitive Multi-Touch finger gestures on notebook trackpads.

“djay allows users to control almost all aspects of its user interface faster and more precisely than using the keyboard — similar to real physical devices, but much more versatile,” according to algoriddim CEO Karim Morsy.

djay supports a variety of trackpad gestures.

Similar to using the iPod’s click-wheel, users can use rotate gestures on the trackpad to quickly browse djay’s built-in iTunes library and throw a selected song on one of the turntables with an intuitive swipe gesture. Two-finger gestures allow scratching MP3s on the virtual turntables, crossfading between songs and adjusting speed, volume and equalizer sliders just like with a real turntable and mixer setup.

Two-finger gestures are supported on all Mac notebooks featuring two-finger scrolling, making the feature available to most users with iBook, PowerBook, MacBook or MacBook Pro computers. For even more control, users of the MacBook Air and the latest MacBook and MacBook Pro models can use the additional three-finger swipe and rotate gestures.

djay is available for $49.99 or €39.99 as an immediate download from the algoriddim website, or as a product box from the Apple Online Store and Apple Retail Stores worldwide. A demo is available at the Algoriddim site.

This Replicant screencast by Chris Randall demos the latest sound mangling software from Audio Damage.

Here’s the Replicant description:

Replicant is a delay-based effect in the “beat slicer/looper” vein, with some tricks of its own that separate it from the herd. From a simple delay or panning effect, on up to massive random beat mangling, Replicant is a capable plugin well in line with today’s modern electronic music styles. Stuttering buffers and filter drops are easy to program, and the comprehensive randomization features give it a mind of its own, if so desired. If you’re looking to add some chance to your programming, you’ve come to the right place.

Replicant is available as a VST effect for Windows, and as an AudioUnit/VST effect bundle for OSX Universal Binary. Note that you must have OSX 10.3.9 or greater to use the Macintosh version of this plugin.

Features:

• Tempo-based delay and looping effects, from 1/128th note to an entire measure.
• Six independant randomization controls, for subtle changes or extreme aleatoric madness, including a global randomize button.
• Unique “Hold” feature, to store a random sequence you like.
• Resonant low-pass and high-pass filters that change over time.
• Pan position that changes over time.
• Two separate direction modes, for entire events or individual repeats, with randomization.
• Full MIDI Learn for hardware control of every parameter. (VST only; handled by host in AU version).

Audio demos are available at the site.

Audiofile Engineering has has announced Rax 3 – the latest version of its virtual rack software for OS X, and has published a video to demo the updated software.

New features include new input sources, a completely redesigned user interface, radical routing capabilities, and liberating MIDI mapping opportunities.

New features:

• A new full-screen mode
• Full integration with Nicecast from Rogue Amoeba, to turn DJ-1800 into an internet radio station
• Support for the Hercules DJ Console Rmx
• Many other improvements and fixes

Nicecast and Hercules DJ Controller Rmx support is provided via two new plug-ins, available to download from the Controller Plug-Ins page.

DJ-1800 v3.2 requires Mac OS 10.4.9 or later and QuickTime 7.3 or later. Download v3.2.

DJ-1800, the pro DJ software for Mac, has been updated to let you use music stored on the iPod touch and iPhone.

Features:

• Support for music stored on an iPhone or iPod Touch
• Support for new DJ controllers, including the Denon DN-HC4500, M-Audio X-Session Pro, Numark DMC2, Numark iCDX and Numark Total Control
• A full plug-in API, enabling you to create your own controller plug-ins for any DJ controller
• A new Mid-range EQ control
• User-definable Low, Mid and Hi EQ ranges of up to -20 dB / +12 dB
• Improved audio sync for MP3 files
• Many other improvements and fixes

DJ-1800 v3.1 requires Mac OS 10.4.9 or later and QuickTime 7.3 or later.

The new release, version 3.1, is now available for download. A free upgrade for 3.0 users, DJ-1800 costs $80.

Any consecutive time you play the same note, it plays back the recorded audio with the possibility to vary or trigger:

• Velocity.
• Attack and release.
• The level of the input audio which is passed unaffected while no samples are played.
• Playback speed using the pitchbend control.
• Normal or reversed playback.
• Clearing of the sample memory.

This plugin is especially handy if you want to do some ‘remixing’ (like stuttering or scratch effects) on your mix without having to make a bounce-down of that mix first. You have explicit control over these effects, compared to other glitching “mess things up” plugins that often do things randomly.

Description:

Bitter Sweet II is especially active on loud percussive tracks.

Turning the central button on the sweet side, decreases the transients amplitude. On the bitter side, the transients amplitude is magnified.

Bitter-Sweet also features a control for the signal to be processed. When the main position is engaged, the process affects the stereo signal. If Center is engaged, only the M signal of the internal MS matrix is processed. If stereo is selected, only the S signal from the MS matrix is processed.

As all Flux:: plug-ins it features 64 bit floating point processing, up to 8 channels and up to 8 FS (384 KHz). Center and Stereo Mode are only available in stereo (2 channels) processing.

Sonic Visualizer, a free application designed to make exploring audio data as fun as possible, has been updated.

Sonic Visualiser will be of particular interest to musicologists, archivists, signal-processing researchers and anyone else looking for a friendly way to take a look at what lies inside the audio file.

Sonic Visualiser has powerful annotation capabilities to help you to describe what you find, and the ability to run automated annotation and analysis plugins in the Vamp analysis plugin format – as well as applying standard audio effects.

Sonic Visualiser is Free Software, distributed under the GNU General Public License and available for Linux, OS/X, and Windows. It was developed at the Centre for Digital Music at Queen Mary, University of London, by Chris Cannam (of Rosegarden, Studio to Go!, DSSI etc).

Changes in Sonic Visualiser 1.3 since the previous version 1.2:

• There is a new spreadsheet-style data viewer and editor for
  viewing and editing the data in some types of annotation layer.
• Alignments are now saved to the session file.
• The spectrogram layer is usually somewhat faster than it was.
• You can now hold Shift while dragging to move an item, in order
  to override the initial drag resistance introduced in 1.2.
• The gross mis-labelling of time lines in the ruler has been fixed.
• There is a new, somewhat provisional PulseAudio output driver.
• Several other bug fixes.

MixMeister has announced MixMeister Fusion and MixMeister Studio 7.2. This release marks the first Mac versions of MixMeister.

Version 7.2 of both packages includes the following:

• Native Mac OSX version is universal binary for PowerPC or Intel processors
• Improved time stretching accurately matches beats with fast or slow tempos
• Enhanced timeline display provides clear division of measures
• Effect automation via MIDI controllers – external hardware can now manipulate effect parameters
• Support for stored EQ settings in transition templates for advanced users
• “Fade and Cue Next” feature fades and pauses a mix then starts at the next track – prefect for voice over announcements (Fusion only)
• New master volume control for preview output – headphone and main out can be controlled independently (Fusion only)

Fusion 7.2 lets musicians maintain up to eight songs beat-matched at all times, enabling improvisation with effects to shape the music in a million ways. Fusion supports harmonic mixing, VST effects, intelligent looping, MIDI hardware controllers and more. Fusion is designed to mix complete DJ sets from full-length songs to achieve the functionality of a loop editor or digital audio workstation.

MixMeister Studio 7.2 is designed for high-end mix production projects. Studio gives DJs the ability to make nanosecond tempo adjustments, shift the key of any song, add beat loops and plug-in special effects and much more. MixMeister’s visual display allows zoom in on individual beats and measures to make precise adjustments until the mix sounds exactly right.

Both MixMeister Fusion and MixMeister Studio offer the ability to manipulate tempo, volume and EQ in real time, on-the-fly. Musicians can also add effects and experiment with looping features. Both also record all actions (not just the resulting audio), so DJs can go back, listen to the mix, and make precise adjustments with studio-style editing capabilities.

MixMeister Fusion has a suggested retail price of $329.95, while MixMeister Studio lists at $169.95.

This driver update is available immediately for the following devices :

• FireWire 1814
• FireWire 410
• FireWire Audiophile
• FireWire Solo
• NRV10
• Ozonic

This driver does not support ProjectMix I/O or ProFire Lightbridge.

OT: This music video, for the song Again and Again by Bird & the Bee, makes really clever use of various features of Mac OS X, creating a constantly changing visual interpretation of the music, despite limited resources. Very cool!

MachineCodex Software has announced the release of AudioCodex v1.0, a Mac media player on steroids:

AudioCodex is made for musicians, DJs, audiophiles and casual listeners alike. AudioCodex tightly integrates your media, iTunes Library, Quartz Compositions and CoreAudio Audio Units effects.

AudioCodex allows users to easily create loops and apply real-time Audio Units effects to tracks from iTunes and elsewhere. It is built around a unique hybrid CoreAudio/QuickTime playback engine which preferentially plays files with CoreAudio.

Check out the feature list:

• Pitch Shifting: -1200 to +1200Hz
• Time Shifting: 1/4x to 4x speed
• Opens most audio files
• Opens most video files
• Unique Core Audio + QuickTime hybrid playback engine
• Real-time Audio Units Effects chain
• 10 band Graphic Equalizer
• Looping controls to isolate one or more sections of a track
• iTunes integration with built-in iTunes media browser, or drag & drop direct from iTunes
• Powerful Audio file conversion, exports to AIFF/ AIFC, WAV, MP4, M4A, AAC, SD2, CAF
• Fullscreen mode
• Create and edit your own Visualizations in Quartz Composer

AudioCodex is available now for Mac OS X at a price of $29.95. A free 30 day trial version is also available.