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.

Gigasampler revolutionized the music industry when it was introduced in 1999 and its importance in the music world cannot be overstated. Giga products enjoy exclusive rights to Endless Wave technology, a patented system which allows large samples to be streamed directly from the hard drive with low latency. Giga became the professional’s sampler of choice for many film, game and television composers, including many high-profile musicians.

The technology looked like it was stuck in a dead-end, though, when Tascam announced it was ceasing development.

“After reviewing over twenty companies, we believe that Garritan is the best candidate to carry on development of the Giga platform”, stated Derek Davis, EVP/COO of TEAC America, Inc. “Garritan has demonstrated a sincere interest in building on the present Giga technology and taking it to the next level.”

“We’re very excited about this opportunity and proud to own some of the very best sampling technologies on the planet,” said Gary Garritan, CEO of Garritan Corporation. “Acquiring the Giga technology helps us achieve our vision of providing the best tools to make great music available to all musicians.”

Garritan will be announcing its plan for the assets in the coming months.

Musikmesse 2009

The free software update, version 1.10, is being quality tested and will be available for download from the TASCAM website at the end of April. The DR-100 now supports sampling rates from 44.1k to 96kHz, 24-bit or 16-bit WAV recording and MP3 recording.

The TASCAM DR-100 has a pair of XLR mic ins with phantom power for adding pro condenser microphones. In addition, the DR-100 has four built-in electret condenser mics – two cardioid and two omni – and a built-in speaker for playback.

It’s powered either through an included Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery or AA batteries. aAnalog line inputs and outputs are also available, as well as a mic stand mounting hole for recording flexibility.

If you’ve used the TASCAM DR-100, leave a comment with your thoughts!

TASCAM’s hitting several different price points, to appeal to different budgets and meet different requirements:

• The Track Pack T1 combines the US-122L audio interface with a dynamic microphone, headphones and Cubase LE4 recording software. Track Pack T1 sells for $299 MSRP/$179 street.
• The Track Pack T2 matches the US-144 interface with TASCAM’s new TM-78 condenser microphone. Track Pack T2 sells for $369 MSRP/ $199 street.
• The Field Pack pairs TASCAM’s DR-1 portable recorder with the TM-ST1 stereo microphone. Field Pack sells for $498 MSRP/$349 street.

“The Track Pack and Field Pack bundles give musicians everything they’ll need, even cables and stands, so they can start making music right away,” according to TASCAM’s Paul Jenkins. The bundles are scheduled to ship this month.

TASCAM

I haven’t seen an official announcement on this yet, but a post at Virtual Instruments Composers Forum quotes TASCAM:

“Notice:  TEAC America, Inc. will cease further development of GIGASTUDIO and GIGASTUDIO related products as of July 21, 2008.  Product sales and technical support will continue through the end of the year.”

It looks like TASCAM is getting out of the software business completely. If you check TASCAM’s site, the product category for software is completely empty, and everything Giga-related is now in the legacy software category.

My guess is that the growing popularity of the Mac, combined with solid competition, made further development of GigaStudio impossible. This is unfortunate, because it not only leaves a lot of users high and dry, but many dedicated developers, too.

Over at Create Digital Music, Peter Kirn says “Earth to Tascam: please make some kind of statement to your customers, even if it means a series of messages if the situation is evolving.” I’ll second that.

A new site, Open GigaStudio, has been created to petition TASCAM to open source GigaStudio. I’ll second that idea, too.

“Please consider making GS4 open source. The GS community is more than happy to support itself and GS developers can then at least continue to offer their products while maintaining their livlihood. GS is one of the last bastions of freedom for the user to customize and enjoy their sample content to the fullest in a world of locked samplers.” forum member “Freedom”

I’ve signed the petition, and I’d encourage readers to do the same.

TASCAM

New features include the QuickSound database tool, additions to the QuickEdit interface and user interface improvements.

GigaStudio 4 features:

• Supports 64-bit operating systems like XP64 and Windows Vista 64 (32-bit version also available).
• Unlimited polyphony.
• 96kHz/24-bit sample support.
• 128 MIDI channel playback.
• embedded GigaPulse convolution reverb.
• iMIDI rule programming includes legato mode, round-robin, alternation, portamento, dynamic expression filters and more to add realism to sampled performances.
• Sound Libraries from SONiVOX, Larry Seyer Digital, Project SAM, Wavelore.

GigaStudio 4 is available now with an MSRP of $599 USD. The GigaStudio 3 Orchestra to GigaStudio 4 Upgrade is $199 USD.

Winter NAMM Show Update: TASCAM announced a couple of serious rack-mount Compact Flash recorders, the SS-R1 and SS-CDR1.

Designed for applications that previously used a cassette or MiniDisc recorder, the SS-R1 records in .wav or .MP3 formats. The SS-CDR1 adds a slot-loading CD recorder for additional recording and audio transfer functions. Each recorder includes balanced and unbalanced audio inputs and outputs, RS-232 and parallel control and a wired remote control.

“The SS-R1 and SS-CDR1 provide a whole range of recording and playback solutions for the entire installation community.” said Patti Gunnell, Sales Manager for Installed Sound/Broadcast Products for TASCAM. “Solid State technology provides hours of recording to affordable Compact Flash media, and recordings can be transferred quickly to computers for editing or uploading. With fewer moving parts to break down, these products should provide years of trouble free use.”

Features:

• Solid state recoding to Compact Flash media
• CD-RW recording and playback (SS-CDR1 only)
• One-rack-space compact design
• Records in WAVE or MP3 format to CF Card
• Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA line input and output
• S/PDIF coaxial digital in and out with sample rate converter
• Power on play
• Auto track increment (level or time)
• PS/2 keyboard input for folder/file naming and remote control
• RS-232C serial control
• DB-25 parallel control port

A pair of microphones is mounted on a variable angle mechanism, which allows the recorder to record from almost anywhere. The unit includes a generous 1GB SD card for hours of recording at MP3 or WAVE file formats. The DR-1 also includes auto gain control and analog limiting for easy setup and a low-frequency cutoff to eliminate handling or wind noise.

“The DR-1 is the portable recorder that everyone’s been waiting for,” said Paul Jenkins, Director of Sales and Marketing for TASCAM. “It’s the first to include a card big enough for serious recording, and the price point is a wake-up call for the entire industry.”

The DR-1 packs a mobile truck full of equipment into a recorder compact enough to fit in your pocket:

• Portable, Handheld Recording
• Included 1GB SD card media
• Built-in High-quality Stereo Condenser Microphone
• Variable Angle Microphone Mechanism with A/B Configuration
• 48 or 44.1kHz / 24-bit Recording Resolution
• MP3 and WAVE file Recording and Playback
• Switchable Low Cut Filter
• Analog Auto Gain Control
• Analog Limiter
• Rechargable Lithium-Ion Battery
• USB 2.0 Connection to Computer
• Built-in Tuner and Vocal Cancel Features
• Overdub Feature to record narration, singing or instruments over an existing recording

The DR-1 has a MAP price of $299.

The new POWERkits Volumes 1, 2 and 3 libraries from Larry Seyer Digital, focus on providing high quality musical instrument drum sounds with very low computer processing power requirements. POWERkits is the first plug-in library to be released in a new series of plug-ins from Larry Seyer Digital’s POWER line.
Packaged in groups of 10 drum kits per library, the POWERkits instrument series offers the same sound quality as the original Larry Seyer Acoustic Drums library which used to require a dedicated computer and GigaStudio 3.

“Now in a stand alone software product and Powered by GVI to function, POWERkits drum libraries provide the musician and producer with a sound palette of uncompromising quality while requiring very little processing power,” said Johnny DeLeon Tascam’s Musical Instrument Channel Manager.

POWERkits are priced at $99.00 each, and will be released this month.

“Tascam’s family of MP3 trainers is the world’s first music player for musicians, and we’ve completely designed it to fit your instrument,” said Johnny DeLeon, TascamProduct Channel Manager. “The new MP-BT1 for bass players and MP-VT1 for vocalists and other instruments gives musicians, students, and teachers, the ability to play and learn their favorite songs by slowing down the song without changing the pitch.”

With an aluminum enclosure available in 3 versions, Guitar, Bass, Music/Vocal, there’s an MP3 trainer to match everyone’s individual style. The Intuitive design give musicians the features they look for. The MP-BT1 Bass trainer comes with a Hi-Z Bass input, multi effect for Bass, 7 bands Graphic EQ, Bass cut on MP3 Playback, and Bass range Booster & Enhancer on MP3 playback and more. The MP-VT1 Music/Vocal trainer features a Microphone input, Built-in reverb & echo on input, Input for mic volume and more.

Each TascamMP3 trainer supports 1GB memory (up to 240 songs), Key control, Seamless IN-OUT Loop, Instrument cancellation with selectable pan point and frequency band range, chromatic tuner, and more. By connecting to any Mac or Windows computer using the USB port the MP-BT1 and MP-VT1 features a drag and drop song folder to import your songs and a Lithium Ion rechargeable battery (8 hours of playback time).

SONiVOX has released their new line of DVI Products (downloadable virtual instruments). The DVI series products feature a large selection of affordably priced instruments and collections of instruments.

Description:

Designed for users’ instant gratification and ease of use, SONiVOX DVI’s are made in collaboration with the TASCAM Giga development team, melding SONiVOX’s instrument content with TASCAM’s GVI sample playback technology. As a result of this partnership each DVI product is downloadable and instantly playable as a plug-in or as a standalone instrument.

The initial rollout of DVI products include, Steel String and Nylon String Acoustic Guitars, multiple Drumkits, Basses, Electric Guitars, Harpsichord, Electric Pianos, Vintage Synths, Harp, Bagpipes, String Ensembles, Brass Ensembles, and more, all affordably priced from $11.95 to $79.95 USD.

SONiVOX DVI’s are available now directly from SONiVOX’s webshop and are PC, Standalone, VSTi, RTAS-compatible, with MAC compatibility following in the fall.

At the 2007 Winter NAMM show, TASCAM introduced the 2488mkII, a follow-up to its best-selling 24-track recording and mixing workstation for home studios.

Like its predecessor, eight inputs can be simultaneously recorded into the XLR and 1/4″ inputs. 19 physical faders control the mixdown channels, and each channel has 3-band EQ and access to three built-in effects processors.

The built-in CD-RW drive can record the master mix in addition to backing up the hard drive and importing WAV files. New features include a larger hard drive, new LCD display, new guitar effects and improved CD mastering capabilities.

The 2488mkII adds an 80GB hard drive, double the size of the previous version. Improved guitar overdrive effects have been added, and the “Slow-Speed Audition” feature from TASCAM’s line of CD Trainers is included for learning new music.

A large, bright display makes the unit even easier to use, and new CD mastering features include defining tracks in a live recording and a faster CD burner.

The MP-GT1 includes enough memory for storing over 200 songs, each of which can be slowed down, looped and processed to help you learn new music. A guitar input lets guitarists play along with thick overdrive and multi-effects, including a guitar canceller so you can play along with the Zeppelin.

A tuner, metronome, and built-in rechargeable battery are also included.

The MP-GT1 loads up MP3s and charges its built-in battery through a high-speed USB connector. MP3s can be played at slower speed without changing the pitch, and sections can be seamlessly looped while practicing tricky passages.

Song playback can be pitched up or down to match the tuning of an instrument, and a Guitar Cancel function nukes the recorded guitar part so the musician can play along.

A rechargeable 9-hour lithium ion battery is built into the unit, and an optional power supply is also available.

The most unique feature of the unit is its large, weighted, backlit jog wheel, which lets you zip through a song, while the backlight provides useful feedback such as a visual metronome. The FireOne is also the first stereo audio interface in its class that records two mic ins and two outs over FireWire at 192kHz/24-bit audio resolution.

The FireOne features a pair of mic inputs with phantom power, pad and line switches. A guitar input switch for recording direct and MIDI input and output are also provided. It’s the first FireWire interface in its class to record and play at up to 192kHz/24-bit resolution.

In addition to its weighted jog wheel, the FireOne has transport keys and nine programmable function keys to control audio applications like Logic Pro, SONAR, Cubase, Nuendo, Digital Performer, Live and Pro Tools. The edit control interface makes it a perfect choice for video editing applications like Final Cut Pro and Premiere.

US MSRP $399

“The HD-P2 includes the features that professionals rely upon, such as timecode sync, built-in analog limiting and dependable performance,” says Rick McClendon, Division Manager for TASCAM. “We prepared the HD-P2 for grueling professional use while keeping it affordable and simple enough for anyone to use. It’s the least-expensive recorder to ever feature timecode lock for recording and playback, and the 192kHz/24-bit audio specs are nothing short of phenomenal. The HD-P2 records to Compact Flash media – constantly saving the audio to prevent against data loss – and the time-stamped Broadcast WAVE files are available for instant use in any DAW.”

Unlike consumer MP3 sketchpads, the professional HD-P2 incorporates high-end features like a SMPTE timecode input for synchronization to external devices while in record or playback. When recording, the HD-P2 writes time-stamped Broadcast WAVE audio files that can be loaded into your DAW projects with sample accuracy. Its XLR microphone inputs include phantom power and a limiter to curb distortion during unpredictable live events. The user interface has been designed for fast and intuitive use under stressful one-take-only situations, and its large, angled LCD is perfect for any application from over-the-shoulder location recording to concert recording and commercial use.

Recording features:

• Stereo recording to Compact Flash media
• 44.1kHz to 192kHz recording resolution at 16- or 24-bit
• Time-stamped Broadcast WAVE file format is easily imported into DAW software and spotted into projects with sample accuracy
• Retake button allows user to re-do last recording with a single button press
• Audio files continually re-saved to safeguard against data loss
• Comprehensive system and transport control from the front panel or a PS/2 keyboard

I/O features:

• XLR mic inputs with phantom power and analog peak limiter
• Unbalanced stereo RCA I/O
• S/PDIF digital I/O
• Headphone output
• Built-in mono microphone and speaker for desktop interview applications
• Analog level controls allow easy operation without the need to look at the unit
• FireWire interface for fast data transfer to a computer

Synchronization features:

• SMPTE/LTC timecode input on locking XLR balanced jack
• Timestamps Broadcast WAVE recordings from SMPTE input
• Chase locks to incoming SMPTE timecode
• Video clock input resolves to house clock
• Tri-level sync support for HDTV applications
• Includes Frame Lock, Lock and Release and flexible Freewheel settings for unpredictable timecode sources
• Pull-up and Pull-down sample rates included for video format compatibility

Convenience Features:

• Familiar tape machine-style layout and function
• Angled screen for table-top or shoulder strap use
• Large, uncluttered LCD display
• Shortcut keys and LED indicators for frequently-accessed functions
• Recessed Compact Flash slot
• Runs on (8) readily available AA batteries or DC power adapter
• Approximately 5.5 hours of operating time on battery power

More information is available at the Tascam site.

Tascam

The FW-1082 features 10 inputs, including four balanced XLR mic inputs with phantom power. Two MIDI inputs and outputs are also included, plus S/PDIF digital I/O. Eight channel strips each feature a 60mm touch-sensitive moving fader and select/solo/mute buttons, and a moving master fader is also provided. The FW-1082 includes the latest TASCAM software bundle: Cubasis LE 96kHz/48-track recording software, GigaStudio 3 LE streaming sampler and Nomad Factory plug-in demos.

“The FW-1082 offers many of the same powerful audio, MIDI and control surface features of our FW-1884 interface for well under $1,000,” raves Jim Mack, Division Manager for TASCAM. “But it’s not a ‘budget’ interface by any measure. The FW-1082 has 10 inputs at 96kHz, and the included Cubase LE software records 48 tracks at up to 96k/ 24-bit resolution, better than many ‘pro’ applications. Its nine moving faders feel great, and the encoders and transport controls all feel solid and professional. It’s an incredible value for anyone breaking into home recording.”

The FW-1082’s four microphone inputs, two with analog insert jacks, have phantom power for professional condenser microphones. Four additional line inputs and a S/PDIF stereo input add up to 10 inputs simultaneously, each at 96kHz/24-bit audio resolution. Two MIDI inputs and outputs are provided for 32 channels of MIDI synth playback or control. The control surface has nine 60mm touch-sensitive moving faders for silky-smooth control over channel level, pan or aux settings. Four encoders are also available for mix control, as well as transport and jog/shuttle controls. Stereo monitoring is included, and the FW-1082 even mixes signals internally for stand-alone use.

Features:

• 10-in/4-out audio interface at 96kHz/24-bit
• Nine 60mm touch-sensitive moving faders
• Four balanced XLR / 1/4″ TRS mic/line inputs with phantom power
• Four balanced 1/4″ TRS line inputs
• 1/4″ TRS insert jacks for channels 1 & 2
• S/PDIF stereo digital input and output
• Balanced 1/4″ TRS monitor outputs
• Headphone output with level control
• Two MIDI inputs and outputs
• Assignable Footswitch jack
• Eight channel strips with solo, mute, select, record arm indicator
• Four assignable encoders control pan, aux level and EQ parameters
• Transport controls, jog/shuttle wheel, and many other surface controls
• Emulates Mackie HUI and Mackie Control in addition to the included native mode control plug ins
• Includes GigaStudio 3 LE
• Includes Steinberg Cubase LE 48-track 96kHz workstation software

For more information, visit the Tascam site.

The DP-01 and DP-01 FX feature the one-knob-per-function design found on TASCAM cassette Portastudios to get rid of the page-shift-menu interface.

The DP-01 has two mic inputs on 1/4″ TRS jacks for dual mono or stereo recording. Its eight tracks record at uncompressed CD quality to an internal 40GB hard drive, and a stereo master track is available for recording a mix. Each channel of the DP-01 has a 45mm volume fader, plus dedicated controls for pan, effects send, high EQ and low EQ. An LCD display shows meters, editing settings and locate points. The DP-01 has a USB 2.0 jack for file backup and transferring mixes to a computer. There are analog RCA line outputs, a headphone out and S/PDIF line output.

The DP-01FX adds XLR microphone inputs with phantom power for connecting professional condenser microphones. It has a multieffects processor for adding effects to an instrument during recording and a reverb processor for adding effects during a mix.

Features:

• * 8-track recording at CD quality 44.1kHz/16-bit
• * 2-track simultaneous recording
• * Dedicated stereo mixdown track
• * Dedicated controls on each channel for volume, pan, effect send, EQ high and EQ low
• * Eight 45mm Faders plus a dedicated Master fader
• * Two-band semi-parametric EQ per track
• * Two 1/4″ TRS mic/line inputs
• * Two phantom powered XLR microphone inputs (DP-01FX only)
• * Guitar level input
• * Built-in reverb processor (DP-01FX only)
• * Built-in multieffects processor (DP-01FX only)
• * Effects send and stereo return
• * RCA line outputs
• * S/PDIF Digital Optical output
• * Headphone output with level control
• * Midi Timecode and MIDI Clock Output
• * USB 2.0 port for computer backup
• * Track editing: copy, paste, move, erase, silence
• * Built-in 40GB hard drive

The DP-01 and DP-01FX are the latest editions to TASCAM’s “Capture Your Art” line of products. These products are designed with a low price and simple user interface to help musicians who are just getting their start with recording. An accompanying “How to Capture Your Art” guide introduces multitrack recording to beginners, and store displays put products near guitars and instruments where musicians are most comfortable.

For more information, visit the Tascam site.

Tascam

The Tascam MD-CD1 has a host of professional features like RS-232 control, digital I/O and an optional I/O board for balanced interfacing. CDs can be played back at up to 12% higher or lower, and can even be played back faster without changing the pitch for a “chipmunk” effect. Discs can be duplicated from CD to MiniDisc at up to 4x speed, and a wireless IR remote is included.

CD Features:

• MP3 file playback / ID3 tag display
• +/-16% pitch control
• Change Tempo without affecting the KEY
• Dedicated Digital & Analog outputs
• Transport control with PS/2 Keyboard

MD Features:

• Supports ST, MONO, LP2, and LP4 mode (REC/PLAY)
• Edit function
• Overwrite recording
• +/-12.5% pitch control
• Dedicated Digital I/O (optical) and analog I/O (RCA)
• PS/2 Keyboard input for title input and external control

Combined Features:

• 4 x speed duplication
• MD-CD continuous playback
• Wireless IR remote controller
• RS-232C serial control
• Optional balanced I/O board (LA-MC1)
• 2U rackmountable form factor

More information is available at the Tascam site.

The new library has been produced at 24-bit resolution and recorded in the Vienna Symphonic Library’s custom-built Silent Stage in Vienna . This new library includes over 4GB of orchestral samples from every instrument family of the orchestra – strings, winds, brass and percussion—including up and down-bow alternations powered by GS3’s new iMIDI rules.

“GigaStudio has been the first choice of composers looking for the most convincing orchestral realizations possible with sampling technology,” says Pete Snell, GigaStudio Sales and Marketing manager for TASCAM. “For our new flagship software sampling workstation, GigaStudio 3 Orchestra, it was an obvious choice to partner with a premiere manufacturer of orchestral samples in our industry. Vienna Symphonic Library has set new standards for realism and dedication to library development with their Pro Edition and Horizon Series, and we’re honored that they’ve created this custom library for GigaStudio users.”

“In the late nineties GigaStudio revolutionized sampling by introducing the disk streaming,” says Herb Tucmandl, CEO and Creative Director for Vienna Symphonic Library, “which allowed users to access and manage vast amounts of sample data on a scale which up to then had been unthinkable. This innovation was an essential premise for the realization of the gigantic Vienna Symphonic Library project. Therefore, I’m especially happy and proud to present the “Vienna Giga Symphony” to all the users of GigaStudio 3 Orchestra exclusively.”

“Over 1.5 million samples later,” Tucmandl continues, “the Pro Edition and the upcoming Symphonic Cube prove that dynamic, lifelike orchestral realizations are a reality, thanks in part to our development systems running GigaStudio. We’re excited by the possibilities offered by the new version, including 24-bit / 96kHz sample support, built-in MIDI rules, unlimited polyphony and GigaPulse Pro convolution processing. The 24-bit Vienna Giga Symphony is just the first library to take advantage of the new features in GigaStudio 3.”

The Vienna Giga Symphony is an exclusive new library included with all copies of TASCAM GigaStudio 3 Orchestra. It includes the following instrument samples:

• Violin ensemble: Staccato (Up and Down bow), sustains, tremolo, pizzicato
• Viola ensemble: Staccato (Up and Down bow), sustains, tremolo, pizzicato
• Cello ensemble: Staccato (Up and Down bow), sustains, tremolo, pizzicato
• Double bass ensemble: Staccato (Up and Down bow), sustains, tremolo, pizzicato
• Harp: normal plugs
• Piccolo: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Flute: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Oboe: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Clarinet: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Bassoon: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Horn solo: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Horn ensemble: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Trumpet solo: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Trumpet ensemble: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Trombone solo: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Trombone ensemble: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Basstuba: staccato (2 variations); sustain
• Timpani: single hits (left/right hand), rolls
• Xylophone: single hits
• Glockenspiel: single hits
• Bass drum: single hits (left/right hand),
• Snare drum: single hits (left/right hand), rolls
• Tamburin: single hits (2 variations), rolls
• Cymbal (pair): single hits
• Cymbal (suspended): single hits, rolls
• Tamtam: single hits
• Triangle: single hits (2 variations)
• Church bells: single hits

GigaStudio 3 adds a list of new features designed to make music production easier while producing the most authentic acoustic simulations ever created.

• Unlimited Polyphony – whatever your system can deliver (GS3 Orchestra)
• VST Plug-In support – use your favorite effects in GigaStudio
• Rewire support – GigaStudio’s outputs now connect directly to a sequencer through software signal routing
• 24-bit sample support – a new dimension of detail, without affecting disk performance
• 96kHz sample support – load 24-bit/96kHz instruments for stunning realism and detail
• Expanded mixer – now supports 128 channels and 32 fader groups
• Quick Edit – by popular demand, edit most parameters without opening the instrument editor
• New User Interface look and feel – a modern overhaul to the look of GigaStudio
• Intelligent MIDI – Legato, Alternation, Random modes and more
• Sample Recording – A true sampler should be able to record samples, not just play them back. New GSIF 2.0-compatible soundcards now support input as well as output for recording directly into GigaStudio
• Kernel-level MIDI – Our new MIDI input technology virtually eliminates latency and reduces jitter on the incoming MIDI data
• Surround placement – using a native version of GigaPulse with extra channels for surround
• GigaPulse – Included with every version of GigaStudio 3, models the resonance of a space, microphone or instrument body for the most realistic sampled instruments ever. A playback-only version, GigaPulse SP, is included with Ensemble and Solo. GigaPulse Pro is included with GigaStudio 3 Orchestra, and offers the ability to create your own reverb impulses and add them to instruments.

GigaStudio also retains the features that made it the best software sampler available:

• Streaming samples – only GigaStudio allows you to load samples over 512GB for the most realistic instruments possible
• Sound Libraries – The best sound libraries in the world are developed on GigaStudio. Some samplers attempt to convert load GS instruments, but lose the articulations and big sample sizes that make GigaStudio the leader in its field
• Runs on inexpensive PC hardware, integrates with Mac sequencers with a soundcard and a MIDI jack.
• Quicksound – rapid searching of your hard drive when loading instruments
• Articulations – switch articulations by pressing a key, allows for highly authentic phrasing
• Low latency – kernel-level processing give GigaStudio the lowest latency of any sampler
• Native support for the best sound libraries in the world

Tascam

The new version, a from-the-ground-up rewrite of the original application, adds dozens of new features for composers, sound designers and music producers. Available in three versions – Orchestra, Ensemble and Solo – it offers up to unlimited polyphony, 96kHz/24-bit sample support, ReWire support, VST FX, and GigaPiano 2, real-time convolution and a new look and feel to maintain GigaStudio’s presence at the forefront of the sampling market. And it retains the features that made it the professional choice for sampling, such as disk streaming, the lowest latency of any sampler and the best sound libraries in the world.

“GigaStudio continues to be the best choice for composers looking for the most realistic sampled instruments available,” says Pete Snell, GigaStudio Sales and Marketing manager for TASCAM. “GigaStudio 3 adds GigaPulse SP, which allows library developers to add reverb and instrument resonance convolution to their instruments for a new level of realism. Plus, new features like Quick Edit, VST plug-in support and ReWire routing support make it easier to integrate the power of GigaStudio into virtually any studio.”

GigaStudio 3 adds a list of new features designed to make music production easier while producing the most authentic sampled instruments ever created.

GigaStudio has always been the overwhelming choice of demanding creative professionals such as feature film composers and music producers… but with the major improvements in GS3, we are confident that anyone doing computer based music will want to own this product We have never before seen such a level of excitement from the soundware development community, which means that, in addition to GS3, there will be many new and revolutionary sample libraries available in the coming months that will turn into “must-haves” for the GS3 user.

Key New GS3 Features include:

• A completely redesigned editing and mixing interface – With the addition of the new Quick Edit feature, we’ve greatly enhanced GigaStudio’s creative capabilities: The sound editor now has a quick and intuitive window to the real-time aspects of Giga Instruments; the new DSP Station Giga Mixer has also been completely retooled and now has 4-band parametric EQ and compression on every channel, as well as eight aux sends, 128 channels, and up to 32 stereo groups.
• Unlimited polyphony – With GS2.5, many composers had to use stacks of computers simultaneously running Giga to attain the high polyphony needed for complex orchestrations. In GS3 we have seen polyphonies as high as 600 voices, compared to the previous limit of 160 voices in the top level of version 2.5. In the high-end GS3 Orchestra version, polyphony is only limited by your computer hardware, while the Ensemble version is “limited” to 160 voices, and the entry level Solo version will produce 96 voices.
• 24-bit/96 kHz sampling support – The Gig format is already the format of choice for the most advanced sound library developers. With GS3 they now have the ability to provide new libraries in pristine high sample rate versions. The added dynamic range and detail at even the lowest listening levels will take these already great sound libraries to new heights of realism.
• Support for Rewire and VST Plug-Ins – While most power users are fine with running multiple instances of Giga on a bank of machines, the typical computer music aficionado will appreciate the convenience of routing audio from GS3 into a Rewire-compatible application on a single computer. We’ve also added support for VST plug-ins so you can now use your favorites such as Waves, Nomad Factory or Antares Filter in the GS3 mixer inserts.
• New GigaPulse Technology –GS3 has integrated the power of GigaPulse™ into every version. Not only does GigaPulse let you place Giga instruments into actual sampled room environments, but also allows sound developers to create new instruments from their raw sample data. For instance, the strings and hammer sound of a Steinway D can be combined with the body of a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand or, for something totally unheard of, the body of a Martin D28. In GS3 Orchestra, GigaPulse Pro allows you to place an instrument in a specific location in a given room, using its surround-sampling engine.
• Huge bundled library sample – To take advantage of all this new power, we’re shipping all versions of GS3 with gigabytes of free sound libraries and samples. With a broad range of instruments from our top sound developers, a new user will be able to get started creating immediately. And for the power user who buys GS3 Orchestra, we are including a special version of the acclaimed Vienna Symphony Library. This is a full symphonic orchestra library built specifically for GS3.