New button : pan/basis (on/off). When switched on every note will invert the panning. When switched off the panning knob will simply set the pan in the stereo field
Two waveforms (dirty-saw and dirty-pulse) had an DC-offset which has now been removed
25th June 2001
neXoft LoopAZoid has been updated to v1.21 for both MacOS and Windows
Now compatible with MIDI controllers CC7 and CC10 for setting master volume & master pan. Allows setting volume & pan from Cubase's MIDI track mixer.
rgcAudio have posted an MP3 demo track created using a TR-909 and their Square I, listen to it here... [Win VSTi]
AudioSynth 006 is a new free Windows VSTi from Jørgen Aase, the creator of Massiva (VSTi Host - see June 18th news). It's actually been around since February but the latest version, released today, adds VSTi support as well as native Massiva support:
Multi-timbral polyphonic sample player
Supports SoundFonts
Can split and layer WAV's in 8 programs
Samples have individual Portamento/Glide
3 filter modes
Distortion
Most parameters can be controlled by 2 envelopes, 1 LFO, a beat generator, a random generator and any control change message
The pre release demo of SamplerChan has been updated to v1.2 fixing two font display problems. Download here... [Win VSTi]
We missed the release of LiveUpdate's LiveSynth Pro SE DXi Demo version a few days ago! Download here... [Win DXi]
Phantom is a new, free, 4-Operator multimode FM VSTi from Smart Electron:x - ArGuru, it's still a GUI-less beta and is included in the ZIP file with the latest version of Aodix, which has been updated to v1.6. More info... [Win VSTi]
Regarding yesterdays announcement of CM-101, we can confirm that the guts of this synth was created by Muon Software, so we should be assured of some quality meatiness. CM Issue 36 will be available from 12th July....
Computer Music, a UK based magazine, are giving away a new free VSTi on the cover CD of their next issue (Issue 36) - CM-101 looks great but who's it made by? Here are the specs:
Added importing of SampleCell 2.x and SoundFont 2 samples and instrument keymaps
Added on screen keyboard for triggering samples by mouse or computer keyboard
Increased samples per instrument to 128
Added controllable amplitude modulation by note-on velocity and MIDI controller #11
Added commands to register VSamp and VSamp VST
Minor interface changes and bug fixes
Native Instruments Absynth demo is now available, Mac only of course, us Windows users are just gonna have to drool...... Grab the demo here
Massiva is a shareware VSTi host, VSTi hosting capability was added to it in February but has just been brought to our attention thanks to Osofaux [Win VSTi Host]
17th June 2001
SamplerChan is a new VSTi sampler for Windows, it's still under development but a pre-release demo version is available for download to try out and suggest improvements to!
Highlights include:
Explorer style access to samples
Quick looping and trimming of samples including crossfades
Full SoundFont, WAV and AIFF compatibility up to 32-bit float
Unlimited pitch and velocity switching and crossfading
Innovative and incredibly flexible synth with over 100 modulation routings - simultaneously!
Fully synched Rhythm controls allow almost unlimited arpeggiators, grooves and loops
Loop slicing allowing accurate sync of loops to host
Incredible possibilities for 'playing' loops
Freely assignable Continuous Controller setup
Configurable links to external wave editors
Demo patches will be available soon
Projected price $99
16th June 2001
reFX have updated QuadraSID 6581 to v1.2 [Win VSTi]
FXpansion's DR-008 has reached Public Beta 3. You can get DR-008 for a reduced price if you sign up for the Public Beta program at FXpansion's site [Win VSTi]
Psycle v1.5b3r5 has been released featuring numerous bug fixes and enhancements [Win VSTi Host]
15th June 2001
Steinberg have released a final version Cubase VST 5.0r5 for Windows, incidentally Cubase VST 5.0r1PB3 for MacOS has been on the Steinberg ftp for a few days now without an official release mentioned, check the ftp here....
Orion Skins have released 5 new skins for Sonic Syndicate's Scorpion VSTi and also a few work in progress Screenshots of various Orion skins...
14th June 2001
Block 4 are a new VSTi developer on the block - Microcomputer is their first release, a Subtractive Digital Synth, initially for Windows with a Mac version planned:
Monophonic
2 oscillators with 10 digital single shot waveforms
2 Ramp generators (Pitch & Amplitude)
Oscillator sync
Unique digital morphing filter
10 different filter types
Ring modulator
Cost €25
Demo available
13th June 2001
Orion Central have posted reviews of several VSTi's including PPG, JX10, & DK1
Aodix Pro has been updated to v1.4, featuring loads of bugfixes and enhancements [Win VSTi Host]
12th June 2001
FXpansion have released the second Public Beta of DR-008, featuring over 40 fixes and enhancements and 2 new synth modules, if you haven't already signed up for the beta head over to FXpansion's site now [Win VSTi]
11th June 2001
Muon have released the Tau Pro Bass/Lead synth, initially for Windows with a Mac version to follow shortly. Don't be fooled by the Tau part of the name, it's much more than a slightly enhanced Tau, this thing squeals!! Check out these features:
Two 64-bit alias-free oscillators, with a choice of eleven waveforms each, plus detune and PWM (available for all waveforms)
Hard Sync and Ring Modulation for extra grit
Switchable 18db/24db/36db per octave resonant lowpass filter with EG modulation. Classic acid bassline sound!
Velocity-controlled Accent Feature and supersmooth Glide mode
Built-in Stereo FX unit with distortion, delay, chorus and flange
Full MIDI control
Before the end of June, Tau Pro will cost $20. Previous Muon Software customers can get an extra $5 discount using their special ordering URL during this time too. The price will go to US$ 30 at the beginning of July for everyone.
Muon have also announced the development of Positron, ideal for creating huge bass, lead and pad sounds. This is scheduled for release in August. Features include:
Two 64-bit alias-free oscillators, with a choice of four waveforms each (saw, square, sine, triangle) plus detune, vibrato and PWM.
Hard sync for great lead sounds
Unison mode with glide and detune - play all 32 of the Positron's oscillators on just one key!
Ultrafat 24db/octave lowpass filter with EG and LFO modulation options
Two fast ADSR envelope generators
Flexible LFO with waveform selection and MIDI modulation of depth and speed via Aftertouch, modwheel and velocity
Built-in Stereo FX unit with distortion, delay, chorus and flange
Lastly, Muon are updating their Atom Pro & Electron synths, adding enhancements and requested features, due late August/September.
Incidentally, the Electron now ships with more than 64 brand new patches.
Bojo have updated both their VSTi's, Impulse and OrganOne, to v1.05 [Win VSTi]
Both: Now fully compatible with FruityLoops 3.11
Both: Pressing Ctrl when turning a knob, will change movement to "relative"
Both: Editor code optimized
Both: Bug-fix: Opening editor window in Cubase while playing, would interrupt audio
OrganOne: FX on/off control changed to a simple toggle
SpeedSoft are running a competition to win a full version of Virtual Sampler Professional plus the 24bit/96kHz multi-channel recording package Hoontech SoundTrack Audio DSP 2000 worth $575 total!
Native Instruments have updated Reaktor for Windows to v3.02 featuring numerous bugfixes and improvements
9th June 2001
SpeedSoft have released v2.65 of Virtual Sampler, check out the extensive version notes and download it HERE [Win VSTi & DXi]
Even quicker than the last one - Steinberg have released another Cubase Public Beta for Windows, only a day after the previous one - v5.0r5PB6 - 10 out of 10 for effort!! [Win VST Host] :
Its competition time again!!! This time we've got 6 copies of SampleTank to give away, that's 1 copy of the top of the range SampleTank XL, and 5 copies of either SampleTank L or SampleTank DJ!
Read more in the column on the left, in case you didn't notice it....
SpeedSoft have quietly released an updated Pre Beta version of VX7, their new VSTi DX-7 emulation, you can now set the number of mixer channels
requested from the VST host, download it here... [Win VSTi]
J.Knocker is putting together a new Reaktor ensemble that "will change your way to make music"
Mechanix-6 is a drum machine with over 180 great quality samples, 6 independent filters, 1 global filter, 1 compressor, 1 EQ, and an assignable Reverb. Read more...
In possibly their quickest move yet Steinberg have released another Cubase Public Beta for Windows, only a couple of days after the previous one - v5.0r5PB5 [Win VST Host] :
Dreamstation DXi has been released, read more about it and listen to MP3 demo's here
Big Tick have posted some preliminary Screenshots and information of version 3 of Rainbow VST, featuring a totally new interface and many new features. Read more here, you can let us know what you think on our forum in this thread...
6th June 2001
Zerodecibel has released a new LM-4 kit - DBK v2.1, it's a conversion from a SoundFont kit originally released by Ken Ardency
Alterex have released a new Reaktor ensemble AX-01 - "with three oscillators, 2 filter sections, a chorus and distortion effect and two boost sections this instrument will give you warm strings to heavy basslines."
Steinberg have released yet another Cubase Public Beta for Windows - v5.0r5PB4 [Win VST Host] :
DSound have released RT Player LE and announced RT Player Pro, a stand alone VSTfx/VSTi host. The LE version is free but can only host DSound's VST Plugins, the Pro version costs $149 and can chain multiple VST2 plugins (fx and instruments). Both are available for Windows and MacOS!
RT Player Pro spec:
100 memory locations for program
Max. 1 VST instrument and 49 plug-ins in program - dependant on CPU power
MIDI control of program, VST instrument and plug-in parameters from any MIDI controller
"FXpansion DR-008 hits Public Beta - The long-awaited DR-008 is finally available (for Windows) as a Public Beta. Buy it now, and participate in the beta programme, and you will save $50.00 on the final cost of the machine. Existing DR-005 users can get DR-008 free by participating in this Public Beta programme!
DR-008 is an advanced 96-channel sampling and synthesizing drum machine, with 24-bit sample support, LM-4 kit compatibility, analog modelling synthesis and much more."
New feature: Now capable of Cross Modulating the Sample Oscillator by the Analogue Oscillator
Now includes 64 presets
Reworked manual
Bitheadz are having a special promotion on Retro AS-1 VST for Windows, save 50% on the normal list price of $199, until 1st August it will be available for only $100! More info...
Project One have released a new demo version of BombThatBeat, which is actually a beta of the next release version (v1.5) [Win VSTi] :
Compatibility problems with some other plugins fixed
Quantize is implemented (Only Shuffle and Rushing work in the demo)
2 mono channels are now 1 stereo channel
Sonic Syndicate have updated Orion Pro to v2.4, including various bug fixes and the following new features [Win VSTi Host] :
Multitimbral VST Instruments can now be played on multiple tracks in the playlist.
Tracks in the playlist can now have different colours.
Sampler has 2 new functions: first its pitch can be controlled via sidechain input (thus allowing FM) and the filter envelope can be inverted now.
Echo/Retrigger effect has an additional de-pan control.
All generators and effects, including VST instruments and VST effects, can now both be automated and controlled via MIDI gear.
A new beta of Psycle is available, v1.5 Beta 3+ includes some new features, bug fixes, and a WinAmp Plugin! More info... [Win VSTi Host]
Steinberg have released another Cubase Public Beta for Windows - v5.0r5PB3 [Win VST Host] :
