SM Pro Audio

SM Pro Audio has released a beta version of VFX – an application that will let you run Windows audio plugins on your Mac.

This is an interesting development. Since both Macs and PCs are Intel-based, the long term viability of having four or more plugin formats is questionable.

At the very least, VFX could give new life to a broad range of free plugins developed for the PC.

Suggested Minimum Requirements: 1.66 GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 1 GB of RAM, Mac OS X 10.5.x or later

Cool developement, or are all the plugins you need already available on the Mac?

Leave a comment with your thoughts.

SM Pro Audio has announced that the V-Machine hardware VST player is now shipping in the US.

The V-Machine is a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module designed to take plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them directly without a computer.

Multiple plug-ins can be loaded into bank/preset memories of the V-Machine for immediate access and combined into chains, splits, and layer. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders.

Audio is handled by stereo inputs and outputs and a headphone output with dedicated volume control. Three USB connections handle computer transfers of VST applications, streaming of sample content from external hard drives, connection of USB controllers, and copy protection dongles. A MIDI-in jack is also included for the connection of standard MIDI controllers.

V-Machine is available now with an MSRP of $599. Read more…

SM Pro Audio has anounced the V-Machine, a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module that you can load up with VST instrument and effect plug-ins to use without a computer. 

Description:

The V-Machine is a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module built for performance keyboard players and DJ’s. It is one little beast that can’t be underestimated once loaded up with your favorite VST instrument and effect plug-ins. Take your plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them live without a computer.

Multiple plug-ins can be pre-loaded into bank/preset memories for immediate access. Combine VST and VSTi plug-ins into chains, splits, and layers to create extremely rich and unique sounds. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders.

Pricing and availability haven’t been announced yet. Read more…

SM Pro Audio is now shipping the M-Patch 2, a passive volume control/switcher unit in the US market through their distributor, Kaysound Imports.

The M-Patch 2 is a compact desktop/rack-mountable passive volume attenuator and patch control device. Building on the success of the original M-Patch, the new M-Patch 2 is a feature packed passive problem solver for nearly all production environments. The M-Patch 2 provides an ideal stereo level control solution for any monitoring or distributed sound application and is a great way to attenuate passively stereo signals from soundcards, CD players, pre-amps, and mixers. The MPatch 2 front panel rotary controls allow precise level adjustments for two input sources. The unit features balanced combo XLR/TRS input jacks and XLR outputs, RCA & 3.5mm jack inputs, mono/stereo summing switch, mute switch, A/B output pairs, and a built in stereo headphone amplifier.

One of the benefits of passive volume attenuation is that you no longer have to control volumes with your software master volume fader. Reducing audio levels from software reduces your bit depth and can lead to signal quality loss. It is much more appropriate to keep your software masters at unity and passively attenuate the audio to your active monitors.

“Passive devices have become the only truly accepted method for adjusting levels to active monitors,” said John Fuller, Product Manager for SM Pro Audio. “Our M-Patch 2 delivers in regards to passive switching and volume control, and adds the benefit of a handy headphone amplifier”.

2006 NAMM Update: SM Pro Audio has introduced the PM8 Passive Mixer, designed for use with software multi-tracking and hardware synth users.

The PM8 is an 8 x 4 passive mixer/summing unit designed to help users of digital audio workstations achieve higher quality audio mixdown results. The summing and mixing features built into the PM8 allow users to avoid unnecessary A/D & D/A conversions commonly found in digital studios and thus attain extremely detailed mixes with superb stereo imaging and punch. Read more…