Scooty updated to v1.0n

Scooty targets the entry-level hobbyist with a midi hardware keyboard who wants to explore the VST world but doesn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars for a commercial host sequencer sporting features designed for the professional. Scooty is an unlimited track, stereo midi/audio ASIO sequencer supporting up to 32 VST instruments/effects. Scooty manages all compositions in a tree view, uses splitter panes and panels to maximize workspace, and has features such as creating speech using Windows’ built-in SAPI 4 and 5 speech APIs, and singing using your singing application (one is available on the author’s website).

 New features:

  • Added option to run a post-process program when creating singing clips. This was needed because FestivalFlinger creates 16000Hz files, and Scooty needs 11025, 22050, or 44100 Hz format.
  • Runs your audio conversion program for wave files that are not in 11025, 22050, or 44100 Hz format.
  • Track groups, increases total number of tracks to unlimited.
  • Create separate files for each VST during export.
  • VSTs that fail to load will blink red in the VST listbox, instead of automatically removing them.
  • These features have been removed for various reasons: throttle, overdub, export to record, set to memory, button decals.
  • Playback sound now cuts out (instead of gramaphone skipping) when computer can’t keep up.
  • Snapins, to move some of the code into on-demand DLLs and to provide a way for others to add their own simple functionality to Scooty.
  • Removed PNG support. Scooty now uses only the BMP graphics format.
  • Very limited support for more than two channels (multichannel).
  • Organize VSTs by user-defined categories.
  • Small clip view.

 Scooty is a freeware.

Visit: tgomj.webs.com

MOTU Audio Express

The Audio Express features studio-grade sound, hands-on mixing, MIDI connectivity, and all the audio I/O needed for a well-equipped personal studio. Advanced features include front-panel control of four stereo mix busses, stand-alone mixing, digitally controlled analog trim, DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) audio clocking for exceptionally low jitter performance, and an instrument tuner.

Audio Express features

  • 6-input, 6-output audio interface for Mac and Windows.
  • 6 x 8 physical input/output channels — all channels are available simultaneously and operate independently.
  • Hybrid FireWire/USB 2.0 connectivity — connect to your Mac or PC via either bus-powered Firewire or hi-speed USB2.
  • 8-bus digital mixer — routes and mixes all six inputs to any output pair.
  • Four separate mixes — each output pair (main outs, line outs, S/PDIF out, and phones) can have a completely different mix of all six inputs, with or without computer tracks.
  • Two mic/guitar combo jacks — provide hi-Z 1/4” guitar input or XLR mic input with phantom power, 20 dB pad, Precision Digital Trim™, and plenty of gain.
  • Stereo analog inputs — on line-level, balanced TRS quarter-inch jacks. Connect to synth or or other line-level input signal.
  • Stereo main outs — on balanced TRS quarter-inch jacks. Connect directly to powered speakers (or other line-level analog destination).
  • Stereo 24-bit 96kHz S/PDIF digital in/out.
  • Stereo headphone output on quarter-inch jack with independent volume control.
  • Support for standard sample rates up to 96 kHz.
  • Precision Digital Trim™ — digitally controlled analog trim on all inputs provides adjustments in approximately 1 dB increments. Fine-tune the balance of all inputs and then save/recall trim configurations.
  • Front-panel mixing and control — each input has its own dedicated volume knob. Control multiple mixes with clear feedback from front panel LEDs and metering.
  • CueMix FX cross-platform mixing software — attractive on-screen graphic mixing with a tuner and audio analysis tools including real-time FFT display, spectrogram “waterfall” display, oscilloscope, X-Y plot and linear or polar phase analysis.
  • Stand-alone operation — bring the Audio Express to a gig, with or without a computer. Just plug in the included power adapter and you are ready to go. Need to tweak the mix? Just turn the front-panel knobs.
  • Front panel volume control of main outs and headphone jack.
  • Expandable — add additional interfaces for more I/O as your needs grow.
  • Time code support — directly resolves to (or generates) time code via any quarter-inch input or output, without the need for an extra synchronizer.
  • Direct Digital Synthesis™ (DDS) — a DSP-driven phase lock engine and internal clock source that produces imperceptibly low jitter characteristics (below the noise floor), even when the Audio Express is resolved to an external clock source via SMPTE time code.
  • Sample-accurate MIDI — connect a MIDI controller and/or sound module with no separate interface needed. MIDI I/O is sample-accurate with supporting software.
  • Foot switch input — connect a standard foot pedal switch (sold separately) for hands-free punch-in and punch-out while recording. Or map the pedal to any keystroke function in your host software.
  • DC-coupled TRS outputs — can be used with Volta™ (sold separately) to manipulate and sequence voltage-controlled modular synthesizers from a host DAW.
  • Plug-and-play operation with your Mac or PC via FireWire or USB2 — compatible with all current and recent generation Macs and PCs.
  • Includes native 32- and 64-bit drivers for Mac OS X and Windows 7/Vista, including ASIO, WDM, Wave, Core Audio, and Core MIDI. Supports all popular Mac and Windows audio software.
  • 100% compatible with all host-based effects processing in today’s popular audio programs.
  • Includes AudioDesk full-featured sample-accurate workstation software for the Mac with recording, editing, mixing, real-time 32-bit effects processing & sample-accurate sync.
  • Bus-powered FireWire operation. No need for external power when operating as a FireWire interface connected to a computer. A power supply is included for stand-alone operation.
  • Half-rack form factor with removable rack brackets (included) for portable desktop operation or rack-mount installation.

Price: USD 449.00

Visit: MOTU

Rane introduces MP25 Classic DJ Mixer with USB

The MP25 satisfies the audio and ergonomic demands of performing DJs, in a 19” rack format preferred by nightclubs, with a compact 4U design that drops easily into a mobile rig. Sporting two microphone inputs, four studio-grade phono preamps, four analog aux inputs, four low-latency stereo USB inputs, analog and USB effects insert loops, and a variety of analog and digital outputs; the MP25 remains rooted in analog tradition while reaching new heights of digital connectivity.

Integrating a twenty-two channel USB audio interface, the MP25 enables simultaneous playback of four stereo sources, recording five stereo channels, and inserting computer-based VST effects. Reliable, low-latency, multi-client ASIO and Core Audio drivers interface the MP25’s twenty-two USB audio channels directly to your favorite multi-track mixing, beat-making, looping, effects, and recording applications. Additionally, the MP25’s front panel controls are MIDI enabled, allowing manipulation of software parameters directly from the mixer’s control surface.

The MP25 also features Rane’s powerful FlexFX architecture, allowing DJs to apply a variety of effects to any combination of mic and program inputs. Insert effects into individual channels, a sub-mix of channels, or the entire main mix. Combine outboard effects processors with VST effects running on your computer. FlexFX makes it easy to create unique, compelling mixes in a variety of mixing styles.

Two microphone inputs put the DJ and entertainer in direct contact with the audience. Each microphone includes independent Talkover control. Engage a mic to put it into the mix, or engage Talkover to put the mic in the mix and duck all other sources. Talkover makes it easy to jump into the mix for quick, intelligible announcements.

The Rane MP25 ships March 2011.

Visit: Rane Corporation

MusicDevelopments releases RapidComposer LE

MusicDevelopments has announced the release of RapidComposer LE, a Light Edition of the rapid music prototyping software designed for composers, song-writers and musicians of all musical styles.

The new RapidComposer LE is aimed to serious hobbyist musicians and composers.

RapidComposer LE features

  • Core functionality: creating, editing, generating phrases, phrase and rhythm generators, variations…
  • VSTi 2.4 and soundfont (.SF2) support.
  • Sophisticated MIDI CC editing and recording.
  • Audio tracks.

MusicDevelopments has also released version 1.4 of RapidComposer.

The latest major update with fully customizable user interface, and rewritten VSTi plug-in handling that fixes all stability problems and made VSTi support rock solid! Other changes: improved loop playback and recording, tap tempo, fractional tempo can be specified for any structural unit, ASIO configuration improvements.

Price: RapidComposer LE for Windows PC is now available to purchase for USD 99.00, RapidComposer is USD 295.00.

Visit: MusicDevelopments

Bram Bos releases Monostudio

Bram Bos has released Monostudio, a realtime effects processor with built-in vintage drumcomputer.

Monostudio enriches the sonic palette of the already extremely versatile Korg Monotron analogue ribbon synthesizer. It allows you to easily record your jamming to wave-files, adds a classic drumcomputer (inspired by the vintage Korg Minipops) and spices up the sound with tempo-synced digital effects.

Monostudio uses ASIO and highly optimized signal processing to give you realtime, ultra low-latency effects processing.

Whether you’re sound designing or just noodling around, Monostudio adds to the funfactor of your Korg Monotron.

Monostudio is available as a free download for Windows PC, donations are much appreciated.

Visit: Bram Bos

eaReckon releases BloXpander

BloXpander combines the power of a computer and the efficiency of a dedicated device.eareckon_bloxpander

Its interface has been designed to match this basic specification. It is visually attractive and clear, the construction of projects and the access to prepared instruments and effects is very fast. The plugins manipulation is direct (especially when BloXpander is coupled to an external MIDI controller).

BloXpander features

  • ASIO Host for VST plugins (Windows only)
    • 24 channels
    • 4 Auxiliary bus + 1 Master bus
    • 6 inserts per channels (theoretical 174 Instrumetns / FX slots)
  • Advanced support for external MIDI controllers (lets you control the mixer and plugins)
    • Control up to 8 plugins (8 parameters each) with just 8 potentiometers + 8 buttons
    • Displays the controlled targets names on screen
    • Lightning fast configuration procedure
    • Mackie Control protocol supported
  • Advanced routing
    • Global management of MIDI and Audio streams (MIDI VST Fx supported)
    • Assign the same MIDI input port to several channels (MIDI Split)
    • Assign the same Audio inputs to several channels (Audio Split)
    • Assign any available audio and/or MIDI output or the Master bus to any channel
    • Pre/Post fader selector (aux sends)
    • Specific routing solutions for “multi out” and “sidechain capable” plugins
    • Audio inputs monitoring
    • Outputs Solo and Mute functions
    • Inserts Bypass function
  • Full screen friendly and fast interface
    • Designed as the panel of a hardware unit
    • Touchscreen friendly (for critical functionalities)
    • No main menu and no massive amount of overlapping windows
    • Auto-created visual representation of your plugins (GUI screenshots)
    • “Drag ‘n Drop” your plugins and their states from insert to insert (copy / move)
    • Supports multi-screens
    • Netbook friendly
  • “Libraries” system
    • Store and callback a plugin and its state from one double-click on a large zone
    • Custom management of your favorite plugins and presets
  • “Sets” and ”scenes”
    • Store and callback the complete state of BloXpander (“Scene”) from one double-click
    • Organize your scenes as “sets” (easy and fast access to what you need during a show)
  • Categorized Plugins library (“The Case”)
  • Optimized and secured operations
    • Analyze your plugins compatibility from a stand-alone tool (limits the eventuality of the main application malfunctioning)
    • Fast launching
  • And more…
    • Tempo adjustment (« Tap tempo » feature)
    • MIDI panic
    • Plugins transparency
    • “Shell” plugins compliance

Price: EUR 69.00

Visit: eaReckon