Thursday, September 30, 2004
SampleTank Free
SampleTank. SampleTank 2 Free has all the functions of the full version except that it can only open a limited number of sounds, only one instance is available, user presets are not available, and the Import function is disabled. Sounds for SampleTank 2 Free are released every month, so check IK's site regularly for more sounds! Currently, there are samples for drums, vocals, electric piano, bass, and guitar.
If you've never used samples before, and would like to give it a try but don't want to commit to a full sample workstation right away, SampleTank 2 Free is a great way to start. It gives you all the tools you need to get started using SampleTank's powerful sampling engine. If you're still unsure how it works, IK has developed several tutorials that can help you get started with SampleTank.
- Kristin
Posted at 10:44 AM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Monday, September 27, 2004
Sonar 4
Cakewalk has recently announced Sonar 4, scheduled to start shipping next week.
Sonar 4 boasts a variety of powerful new recording, editing and navigation tools that aim to optimize workflow for your studio. One of the major new features introduced in version 4 is support for surround sound (Producer Edition only). Keeping up with Cubase SX, which introduced surround support in SX 2, Sonar 4 includes support for over 30 different surround configurations, including 5.1, 7.1 and LCRS.
Sonar 4 includes a new DXi soft synth - the TTS-1. This is a high quality GM2 synth, featuring genuine Roland sounds. It includes 256 instrument sounds and 9 drum sets with 128-voice polyphony, and up to 16 part multi-instrument playback
As in Cubase SX 3, Sonar 4 includes improved "freeze" function which includes tracks, effects, and synths. Sonar's Freeze implementation features the ability to move and edit frozen data - you can even convert your frozen data into groove clips.
Sonar 4 Studio Edition uses the Producer Edition's core engine and streamlined user interface, but does not include the Producer Edition's surround mixing and editing, MPEX time scaling, POW-r dithering, Sonitus fx Suite, or numerous other features.
Upgrades are available from all other Cakewalk programs and Sonar editions, and a competitive upgrade is available if you're ready to make the switch.
- Kristin
Posted at 7:50 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
PCR-A30 - the ideal controller for your classroom.
Edirol's PCR-A30 is an excellent keyboard to use in a classroom setting. It includes an audio interface and MIDI keyboard all in one - so you're all set to do audio recordings and MIDI sequences with one little device. The PCR-A30 includes 32 keys, so it won't take up too much space in your lab, plus it includes 27 full-assignable controllers - great for controlling parameters in a program such as Cakewalk Home Studio. With this ideal setup of the PCR-A30 and Cakewalk Home Studio, we've created an excellent bundle for the classroom - the Music Education Studio Pack. With 5 copies of Cakewalk Home Studio Version 2, 5 PCR-A30's, and 5 RH-50 Headphone Repacks, this package includes everything you need to get started recording and sequencing music in your classroom. This bundle is an amazing value, as it saves you $900 US / $1380 CAD over the cost of purchasing these items separately!
- Kristin
Posted at 5:11 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Thursday, September 16, 2004
GPO Host 1.2 - now with capture to audio!
Garritan Personal Orchestra Users - be sure to download the latest version of the GPO Studio host program. With support for "Capture to Audio", you can now create wave or aiff files of your music to burn to CD or post on the Internet!
- Kelly
Posted at 11:25 AM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
Cubase SX 3... coming soon.
Steinberg has officially announced the details of Cubase SX 3, which should be available in late September.
Looking at the new features, it is clear they are trying to keep up with the huge popularity of Abelton's Live. Included in the list is Audio Warp, a real-time time stretching and pitch shifting tool, offers new audio and processing capabilities, including ACID file support. Combined with the new Play Order Track, a new tool for pattern-style composition, Cubase SX3 is trying to offer the loop-based composing and arranging that Live has become famous for. As well, the new Inplace Editing system allows convenient editing of MIDI data directly within the Project Window in context with audio and video data - this has been a long awaited feature.
These features make it an upgrade worth having, along with support for user-definable workspaces, and the extension of the "Freeze" feature to include audio tracks and insert effects.
A big marketing coup, Cubase SX 3 will also support Microsoft's upcoming Windows XP 64-bit Edition and the ability to address up to 4 GB of RAM. Reading the press release more carefully reveals that this is not a 64 bit app - is remains a 32 bit program, but has been written to be compatible with a 64 bit environment and processor, such as AMD's new Opteron.
As usual, upgrades have to be purchased directly from Steinberg (let them know you would rather buy from your dealer when you call!) If you don't have Cubase SX yet, this is a good time to jump on the bandwagon!
- Kelly
Posted at 12:37 PM by Kelly's Music :: Archived :: TrackBack (0) ::