Hitman
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Joined: 13 Jan 2005
Posts: 326
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 Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2005 11:34 pm Post subject: 'What's Hot' from Doctor Audio |
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MOTU, Inc. unveiled Version 2.0 for both of their instrument
plug-ins, MachFive and MX4. MachFive Version 2, MOTU's universal
sampler plug-in, includes unlimited parts per instance, a full-screen
preset browser, a new modular synthesis architecture, keygroup
layering with rule-based switching, larger sample and keygroup
editors, a complete built-in mixer, LoopLab groove slice engine,
sample time-stretching, and many other new features. MX4 Version 2,
MOTU's hybrid synth plug-in, will add more effects, more presets, a
built-in pattern gate, a built-in arpeggiator and numerous additional
modulation sources and shapers.
MachFive Version 2
MachFive Version 2 is packed with major new features and virtual
sampling innovations. The list below serves as a preview of what's in
store for MachFive users, while a more complete list of new features
will be announced closer to its release:
* Stand-alone operation-- In addition to supporting all major
plug-in formats on Mac and Windows, MachFive Version 2 operates as a
stand-alone application, allowing it to be used with popular music
applications such as Finale that don't host audio plug-ins. Users can
also build Mac- or PC-based systems designed solely for large-scale
sample playback via MachFive as the software front end for the system.
* Unlimited parts-- Currently, MachFive Version 1 provides 16
parts. Each part can be loaded with a different instrument (preset)
for independent sequencing on up to 16 different MIDI channels per
instance of the plug-in. In Version 2, MachFive lets users add
unlimited parts to one instance of MachFive, eliminating the need to
open multiple instances when more than 16 parts are needed. The
stand-alone version of MachFive can receive on an unlimited number of
MIDI channels, while the plug-in version supports up to 128 separate
MIDI channels per instance.
* Full-screen preset browser-- As just one example of its
entirely new graphics engine, MachFive Version 2's new preset browser
fills the entire window with a semi-transparent, multi-column list
for browsing soundbanks, preset categories and presets, making it
much easier for users to find sounds.
* Unlimited keygroup layers -- In MachFive Version 1, samples can
be conveniently and flexibly mapped as keygroups across the entire
128 MIDI note range and 0-127 velocity depth. MachFive Version 2 adds
a third dimension, allowing users to stack unlimited layers of
keygroups in one preset. Think of Version 1 as providing only one
layer per preset. Now users can build multiple layers per preset and
use sophisticated "rules" for switching between layers in real-time.
For example, a user could load various articulations of an instrument
into several layers and use key switches to instantly change
articulations (layers). Or they could use a modulation wheel to
smoothly crossfade among several articulations (layers).
* Enhanced Giga and EXS24 library support-- The just-mentioned
layering feature allows MachFive Version 2 to provide much better
support for the use of sample libraries in the Giga and EXS24 sample
formats.
* Expanded modular synth engine-- Under the hood, MachFive has a
newly expanded, modularized synthesis engine that provides a host of
new features. Two aggressive filters are supplied per keygroup, as
are more LFO waveforms, pitch processing, time stretching, tempo
synced multi-stage envelopes with unlimited stages and streamlined
performance. Every synth parameter can be individually disabled to
conserve CPU bandwidth.
* Expanded envelope editor-- Fills the MachFive window and allows
users to click anywhere on the envelope graph to create an unlimited
number of envelope stages and then drag them to create any desired
envelope shape.
* Expanded sample and keygroup editors-- Both the sample editor
and keygroup editor can be expanded to fill the MachFive Window for
easier viewing and editing.
* Built-in mixer--MachFive version 1 was designed to give users
access to all of its features in one window. This instant-access
philosophy lives on in Version 2. With one click, users can instantly
view a full-fledged, intuitive, built-in mixer with channel strips,
faders, pan pots, inserts and other customary mixer controls. This
mixer is especially useful for stand-alone operation, where more
sophisticated mixing is needed within MachFive itself.
* LoopLab -- This powerful new groove slice engine lets users
perform Recycle style loop editing directly within MachFive and their
host application sequencing environment. REX files, Apple Loops or
other loop material can be instantly imported into MachFive and then
triggered directly from MachFive. Or they can be split into
individual slices that are automatically mapped to keys in a MachFive
preset. Rendered MIDI data that triggers the slices to faithfully
reproduce the loop can then be dragged and dropped as a MIDI file
directly into the audio sequencer host for further sequencing and
editing of the loop.
* Real-time time stretching-- Mono and stereo samples (keygroups)
can be individually time-stretched to the extreme while maintaining
their rhythmic accuracy and even pitch. Loops and other rhythmic
material can be automatically stretched to sync their tempo with the
host application tempo.
MX4 Version 2
Building on its multi-synthesis design, MX4 Version 2 adds the
following new features:
* More built-in effects -- Version 1 provides chorus and delay.
Version 2 adds a phaser, flanger, and reverb.
* More factory presets -- Hundreds of new presets have been
added, including many that showcase the new features.
* Pattern gate -- The Pattern Gate slices the output of MX4's
synth section into programmable pulses locked to the project's tempo.
Users have graphical control over the attack, sustain and release of
each pulse, as well as a pulse editor where they can set the pattern
length and click each of 16 pulses to enable or disable them.
* Arpeggiator -- Creates elaborate rhythmic, tempo-locked
arpeggiation effects.
* Pattern sequencer/quantizer -- Applies cyclic, fixed steps to
any modulated parameter in MX4, from oscillator sync to wavetable
index to filter resonance. The result produces fixed changes over
time, similar to a sample-and-hold LFO, except that the pattern
repeats, instead of being random. Sixteen steps can be individually
set to one of 128 different values. Length can be set between 1 and
16 steps.
* Envelope follower -- Transforms the amplitude of any audio
input into a control signal for use anywhere in MX4 as a modulator or
shaper.
* Lag processor -- This shaper provides variable attack and
release times. Users can insert the lag processor as a shaper after
any modulator. For example, it can be used to smooth out aftertouch
response.
* Invert -- Inverts the modulation source.
* Transform -- Like invert, but with customizable response.
* Sample and hold -- Quantizes the transition of any modulator to
a specific rate or pulse. For example, if a user wants a stepped LFO
effect, but one that sounds less random than the sample-and-hold LFO
waveform, they can apply the sample and hold shaper to a shaped LFO,
such as a triangle wave.
Availability
MachFive Version 2 will ship in Q2, 2005 at the same current list
price of $395. The cost to upgrade has not yet been announced.
Customers who purchase MachFive anytime after January 20, 2005 will
receive the Version 2 upgrade at no additional charge.
MX4 Version 2 will ship in Q1, 2005 at the same current list price of
$295. All registered MX4 Version 1 users will receive Version 2 as a
free upgrade.
For more information see http://www.motu.com.
'What's Hot' from Doctor Audio is presented by Doc Dosco, Professional
Audio Consultant from Los Angeles, California. The Doctor Audio website
is a dealer for most Mac and PC Midi/audio products, and is located at
http://www.doctoraudio.com |
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