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.

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.

Details:

V-Machine ships with control configuration software (downloadable from their web site from 21st November, 2008), which is compatible with Windows and Mac OS X, as well as IK Multimedia’s Sample Tank SE and a set of sound samples. Users can load up their favorite VST/VSTi plug-ins on their computer for auditioning, sound-set creation, and bank/preset memory assignment prior to transferring to the V-Machine for stand-alone use. Transferring (Windows) VST plug-ins to the V-Machine via USB transfer takes care of all required user data and program memories. Once in the main unit, users have instant access to all instrument and effects for the stage or studio with great audio performance, hardware stability, ease of operation, and portability.

Features:

• External hardware host for Windows plug-ins (VST instruments and effects).
• Banks, presets (incl. chaining, layering, splitting) can be edited with the V-Machine or the host software.
• Create synth layers and chain them with effects.
• Connect nearly every MIDI-Controller to the V-Machine.
• Multiple VSTis can be combined.
• MIDI learn functions included.
• All effect and synth chains can be switched latency free.
• USB-Ports for external peripherals.
• Use software samplers and stream its content from any USB drive.
• Sensor to adjust the display’s contrast automatically.

Technical specifications:

• 1 Ghz CPU.
• 1G IDE flash disk.
• 512 MB RAM.
• HD audio codec.

Connections:

• Audio Line Out (2x TS 6.35mm): Line level -10dB.
• 1 x MIDI In (5-pin female DIN).
• 1 audio input (1x mini jack 3.5mm stereo).
• 1 x USB Type-B (Slave) : USB-MIDI Class Compliant.
• Headphone out (3.5mm stereo).
• Kensington style lock aperture.
• 2 x USB Type-A (Host) compatible with USB-MIDI and USB Mass Storage Class compliant devices.
• DC IN : 12V Regulated.

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.

Features: 

• External hardware host for Windows plugins (VST instruments and effects) 
• Banks, presets (incl. chaining, layering, splitting) can be edited with the V-Machine or the host software 
• Create synth layers and chain them with effects 
• Connect nearly every MIDI-Controller to the V-Machine 
• Multiple VSTi’s can be combined 
• MIDI learn functions included 
• All effect and synth chains can be switched latency free 
• USB-Ports for copy protection dongles 
• Use software samplers and stream its content from any USB drive 
• Sensor to adjust the display’s contrast automatically 
• Control configuration software compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux (future support) 

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:

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.

When multi-tracking with software, top studio producers and engineers around the world will almost unanimously opt for using a good hardware console for final mix-downs. This is because of the huge software challenges that are faced when it comes to modifying and merging multiple audio signals into a single stereo stream. Software summing just doesn’t cut it when compared to large format console summing, or passive mixing with units like the PM8.

The PM-8 merges up to eight analog channels into stereo pairs, with all the sonic depth and dynamics intact. Level control, panning, and muting controls give the PM8 the tools to deliver the sonic quality you would expect from a quality analog console. The PM8 also helps users integrate their trusty outboard reverbs, EQ units, vintage synths, and other audio equipment with their DAW projects without compromise. If you need more channels – you can just hook up another PM-8.

Features:

• Creates exceptionally detailed mixes with clarity and punch
• Achieves better stereo imaging
• Sums 8 x channels of audio to two stereo output pairs
• 8 x combo connector inputs
• 25 pin DSUB input connector (compatible with Digidesign’s/Protools hardware pin arrangement format)
• 2 x stereo (4, Master 1 pair, Master 2 pair) XLR balanced outputs
• 2 x stepped attenuator controls for accurate level adjustment
• Internal power supply (110v – 230v switchable)
• Ground pin connector

When Danny Olesh (Product Developer) from SM Pro Audio was asked about the new PM8 release he said, “Engineers have known mixing in software alone has some serious limitations. Our new passive mixer helps users get the best from both worlds. They can continue to get great features from their digital multi-track recording software whilst mixing down without compromise through the PM8″.

More information is available at the SM Pro Audio site.

SM Pro Audio

The A08 is a compact high quality half rack sized 8 channel analog to ADAT format converter. With 8 analog inputs and one ADAT output interface, the A08 is well-suited for use in all kinds of studio setups. Whether you’re working with I/O cards, digital mixers or digital musical instruments – the A08 converts your analog data reliably and professionally to an 8 channel digital ADAT format stream with absolute fidelity.

“The A08 is an easy and inexpensive way to add 8 more high quality inputs to many of the most popular interfaces on the market such as the Digidesign 001 or 002, M-Audio Firewire 1814, or Yamaha digital mixers,” states Mark Kalisky, President of Kaysound Imports. “This is a ‘must have’ for any soundcard, computer IO, or digital mixer owner who has an ADAT input on their device.”

Tailored to suit a wide variety of applications, the A08 is perfectly suited to add additional inputs to any ADAT compatible device. More information on the A08 can be found at http://www.smproaudio.com

• 8 x ¼” analog line inputs
• 1 x ADAT output interface
• Delta-sigma 24-bit / 96 kHz A/D converter
• Ultra-compact construction
• Low noise, wide bandwidth and superior transient response

The A08 is now available for an estimated street price of $149 USD.

For additional information on the full SM Pro Audio product catalog or the new release products on offer, please visit the SM Pro Audio website at http://www.smproaudio.com.

2005 NAMM

Tailored to suit a wide variety of applications, the A08 is well-suited to add additional inputs to any ADAT compatible device.

• 8 x ¼” analog line inputs
• 1 x ADAT output interface
• Delta-sigma 24-bit / 96 kHz A/D converter
• Ultra-compact construction
• Low noise, wide bandwidth and superior transient response

When Danny Olesh (Product Manager) from SM Pro Audio was asked about the new A08 release he said, “We are very excited about the release of our new A08 converter. Many of our customers have been requesting an affordable 8-channel analog to ADAT converter to add extra inputs to their current audio interfaces like Digidesign’s OO2R, and we believe we have delivered an affordable quality product to satisfy their needs”.

The A08 will be available in Q2 2005 for an estimated street price of $149 USD.

More information is available at the SM Pro Audio site.