27th September 2011
Merging Technologies has released new versions of Pyramix (7.1), VCube (3.1) and Ovation (3.0).
Pyramix 7.1 - New Features & Improvements
Windows 64Bit for Native Versions: Pyramix is now working for 64bit. Installation on Window7 64bit is now approved for NATIVE PACKS ONLY. We are still working on getting MassCore there, but this is a great first step.
New Advanced Audio Codec key option and new DSD format support: We have been working long and hard to make sure that the "any FILETYPE" feature of Pyramix remains a great selling point for al Pyramix systems. To that end, we have now introduced a new option which allows for using compressed files on the Pyramix timeline, without having to decompress them for use.
Files supported in this mode:
We also have added these DSD formats – enabled with DSD option key:
New Jog-Pitch Mode: A new mode for using your jog/shuttle wheel. In Jog-Pitch mode, you can now enter into 100% playback (normal play) and then use the jog wheel to slow or speed up the playback by 25% either way (75% - 125%). A very useful feature when listening to parts and trying to determine pitch changes.
VCube Essentials: We are now offering Pyramix users an opportunity to use our industry acclaimed VCubeHD software, in the same computer as your Pyramix. Get all the power and flexibility of video playback using VCubeLE pack and run it along side your Pyramix Post-Production system to get things like Picture in Picture, basic editing and multi-codec support (up to HD resolutions) from our video tool.
Faster saving with Automation: Huge optimizations have now been completed, allowing even the largest of mix projects to be saved in the blink of an eye. Also, we will now see vast memory reductions when saving as well. Way to go team.
Stereo playback in Trimmer window: Now, when looking through your vast global libraries, all of the audition functions in the trimmer will now playback in stereo through the monitor section. Multichannel (above stereo) will still sum to mono, but all of you FX libraries will now sound as they are meant to, straight from your media manger or library window.
Updated Search Function: Users can now search a file name contents by using the asterix (*) in front of the part of the word to create the search. So, searching for "*atmos" will find "atmosphere" etc. Also, it is now possible to use the search tool in the media browser, making the need to mount before searching a thing of the past. There is more to come with all of this so stay tuned.
Updated Timeline Vertical Scroll: Ever had a big project where you constantly needed to scroll up and down? Ever had a time like that where you started to get really frustrated at the jerkiness of the timeline and the lag in doing this? Well, frustrate no more. The fix is in. Now, Pyramix timelines of any size will be much more smooth to scroll, with no stopping over collapsed track groups or any of the other visual issues that Pyramix used to suffer from.
New Authoring (CD as Files) features: Now with an added "CD Character set" and "Genre" fields as well as an Album Publishing Metadata Export function and new tagging formats, The Pyramix Album Publishing feature in the CD Mastering tool is more powerful than ever. Take a look through the updated user manual to see how to use all the new toys.
Multiple Controllers support: With the release of Version7.1 it is now a possibility to add multiple Eucon, Oasis, and HUI controllers to a single system. So, add a USB record light alongside your Ramses desk, or add an ISIS and a Eucon Artist series for even speedier work. For a list of the supported and verified control surfaces, please check out the controllers webpage.
DMA Load improvements: Problems have been experienced with some users trying to use our I/O towards the upper reaches of what is capable with it. So, we have implemented some DMA load optimizations and configurations that should help. In the VS3 control panel, you can now choose which card has its monitor jack enabled. As well, Live Outs that aren't being used will now not pass through the DMA and save more room for audio that needs to be processed.
And more: There is much more in the way of bug fixes and feature enhancements in this version. Make sure that you check out the release notes to see the full list.
Ovation 3.0 - New Features & Improvements
Windows 64Bit for Native Versions: Ovation is now working for 64bit. Installation on Window7 64bit is now approved for NATIVE PACKS ONLY. We are still working on getting MassCore there, but this is a great first step.
New Advanced Audio Codec key option and new DSD format support: We have been working long and hard to make sure that the "any FILETYPE" feature of Pyramix remains a great selling point for al Pyramix systems. To that end, we have now introduced a new option which allows for using compressed files on the Pyramix timeline, without having to decompress them for use.
Files supported in this mode:
We also have added these DSD formats – enabled with DSD option key:
New Audio Gain Matrix: It is now possible to use a gain matrix to send each track of a multichannel cue to a multitude of mixer strips. This is a standard way of distributing audio, which is used by competitive products to send audio information to mixer strips of a conventional console for theatre applications. Find it by looking in the VIEW menu and open the Audio Gain Matrix.
Automation Snapshots: This is a new, key activated feature available by default in the Platinum package of the Ovation software. This allows scene snapshots of any part or even the entire mixer (level/pan/eq/plugins/mute/absolutely everything) to be saved to a cue. Once the cue is then fired, the mixer will set itself to the configuration saved in the snapshot either instantly, or with a user definable glide time.
Sony P2 Protocol support: With a standard Sony9pin controller, it is now possible to fire cues by using timecodes or track arm commands. This will hopefully allow automation systems employing Sony9pin to be able to take advantage of this to control firing cues in Ovation.
Sony P2 Over IP support: It is now possible to chase a VCube or Pyramix system using 9pin over Ethernet/IP. Fire a cue and set a Pyramix Recorder in motion, or use 9pin Timecode to start playback of video from a VCube timeline.
New Active Cue Window with Markers Support: Exciting stuff this. A completely reworked active cue window. Now it is easier to edit, easier to audition and easier to plan your show with the active cue window available in the VIEW menu.
ASCII support for COM-232: ASCII strings can now be written in the command box of the COM-232 area. Before this, only Hexadecimal was possible.
VCube 3.1 - New Features
Support for P2XML: It is now possible to open audio and/or video sequences from a Panasonic P2 as though they were a single file
DolbyE Encode Wrapping: In the new VCube, users can now encode the audio being wrapped into a file, using DolbyE. From our export and wrapping window, simply select "Enable SurCode for DolbyE Encoding". This option requires users to have purchased the DolbyE key for the system.
New Wrapping options: This is huge news for all existing as well as all potential VCube users. It is now possible to wrap a final MXF broadcast master with DolbyE encoded audio, which has been run through the industry acclaimed Jünger Level Magic algorithm in faster than real time. Also, the Final Check meter has been incorporated.
Our wrapping tool can now do ALL of the following:
KVR Audio, Inc.
www.kvraudio.com