Celemony Software has announced the imminent release of version 1.8 updates for the single-track edition of Melodyne: Melodyne uno and the bundled edition of Melodyne: Melodyne essential. Version 1.8 offers new playback algorithms as well as a number of bug-fixes and improvements of detail.

The most important improvement offered by 1.8 is the new "Percussive2" algorithm for the editing of percussive material. In terms of sound quality, when applied to drum loops and similar material, the results delivered by this algorithm are considerably better than those of its predecessor.

Among the other new features are the combined scroll/zoom bars that were introduced by Melodyne plugin, an alternative grey colour scheme for the user interface, various improvements in the display and handling of percussive material, and a more user-friendly implementation of the copy protection.

The version 1.8 updates will be free of charge to all registered users of uno and essential and will be available for download from the end of April from www.celemony.com.