Όλα τα τελευταία νέα για τη Μουσική Τεχνολογία και την Ακουστική, κατευθείαν από τις επίσημες ιστοσελίδες των εταιρειών, συγκεντρωμένα σε ένα blog!

Product Presentation - Elektron Analog Four

Four mono-voices, CV, effects and complex sequencer


We've been hearing a lot about Elektron's new analog four voice - the Analog Four.
From the stylish but somewhat obscure introduction movie which piqued our interest, to the sound audition pieces coming online as people get hold of their very own units.

The Analog Four is a new type of instrument from Elektron as it has 100% analog VCOs and Filters which are digitally controlled. Their Machine Drum and MonoMachine have been Virtual Analog and sample based.

Elektron came over from their Gothenburg HQ to give us a closeup look at the Analog Four.
Jon is the product manager doing the talking, Jenk the guy making all the sounds.

i make no apologies for the length of the video, its just that there seemed to be so many things to talk about...

The Elektron Analog Four is available now via selected retailers and direct from the Elektron Website.

Thanks to all those who sent in questions via Facebook and Twitter.

Analog Four is available now

More Information
elektron.se

JoeCo Updates BlackBox Family

Latest software update adds more features to the live audio recorder/player series


JoeCo's latest software update for the BlackBox brings several new features and enhancements to the multi-channel live audio recorder/player series. With version 2.2.7x, both the BlackBox Recorder and theBlackBox Player now support the replay of polyphonic wav files, from multiple stereo files up to 24 or even 64 channel PolyWAV files. Mono, stereo and multichannel files can even be used together in the same song massively enhancing the system's flexibility.

JoeCo's iXML plug-in also enables PolyWAV files to be recorded – a feature aimed at TV and film location recordists to better serve the needs of post production facilities, or systems where audio material is ingested in single large files.

The ability to import polyphonic wav files from a DAW has also brought BlackBox Player capability to JoeCo's 64-channel MADI and Dante systems. Previously available as a dedicated 24-channel playback option for the BlackBox BBR1 series, BlackBox Player software can now be installed on BBR64-MADI and BBR64-Dante systems enabling 64 channels of 24bit/48kHz audio to be simultaneously replayed and triggered via footswitch, QWERTY keyboard, time code, MIDI and SONY 9-pin. The soon to be released JoeCo BlackBox app for iPad will provide a further control option for triggering backing tracks and multiple surround stems for live shows and themed entertainment.

Further BlackBox Player enhancements resulting from the recent software update include the implementation of a "Chase" mode enabling the unit to commence playback in sync when it receives incoming time code. This option can either be controlled from the front panel or via newly extended SONY 9-pin support. The extended 9-pin commands also allow the user to rehearse shows that are normally locked to time code via remote control and are compatible with most edit suites and show controllers. On the BlackBox Player and Recorder, time code can now be shown on the main time display in both record and playback modes.

Other new BlackBox features include more accurate metering and smoother headphone monitor output, especially when changing levels. An additional "mix" feature has also been added to the headphone output on the 64-channel MADI and Dante systems.

Pricing and Availability:
The latest software update can be downloaded free of charge from the End User area of the JoeCo website

More information:
www.joeco.co.uk

3 Days Left In Remix Contest

Win iZotope plug-ins: Remix Hired Gun and DJ Boo


macProVideo.com has been in touch to remind us that there are only 3 days left to win a bundle of iZotopeplug-ins, like Alloy 2, Trash 2 & Stutter Edit in the MPV SongCraft Remix Contest. Simply log-in / sign-up for free, download stems, remix & submit before the end of Jan 13, 2013.

Pricing and Availability:
Free entry

More information:
MPV SongCraft Remix Contest

Advanced Compact Looper Pedal Ships

DigiTech JamMan Solo XT is now available


Sound Technology Ltd has announced immediate UK shipping of the new DigiTech JamMan Solo XTadvanced compact looper pedal. Here's what they have to say about it...

After inventing looping nearly three decades ago, DigiTech's JamMan Solo XT brings you the definitive stereo looping experience in a single compact pedal. Seamless transitions between virtually unlimited looped phrases, unique JamSync technology to link multiple loopers, Micro SD card expansion, and flexible hands-free control, all make the JamMan Solo XT the most powerful compact looper to date and an invaluable tool for composing and performing.

The JamMan Solo XT features a unique pedal-linking capability called JamSync. For multi-phrase looping, a guitarist can link together multiple JamMan Solo XTs and record different length phrases in each while staying in perfect sync. Link together three JamMans and the JamSync will provide three synced phrases, and so on. Loopers can now use as many phrases as they need to create intricate loop layering. Bands can now use looping by linking together individual looper pedals and having each member control their own loop contributions giving the looping market a whole new meaning.

The new JamManager™ XT loop librarian works with the JamMan Solo XT for synchronizing loops, creating JamLists, and building your loop library. JamManager XT is used for transferring loops between the JamMan Solo XT and your computer via the USB port. It is available as a free download and will run on both Windows and Intel Mac computers.

The pedal's new Auto Record feature makes recording a loop easier. Simply arm the JamMan for record and it waits for you to start playing before recording begins, giving you a precise loop start point every time.

The JamMan Solo XT features a metronome plus useful drum tracks and samples created by King Crimson's drummer Pat Mastelotto.

Key Features

  • Store over 35 minutes of stereo, CD-Quality loops in 200 internal memories
  • Optional micro SDHC card can store over 16 hours of CD-quality audio in 200 additional memories
  • Record rhythm loops and solo over them on the fly, completely Hands-Free™
  • Sync multiple JamMan Solo XT pedals together to create a multi-track looper or loop with other musicians.
  • Connect to your computer via USB and use the JamManager™ XT Loop Librarian software to organize and archive your loops.
  • Aux Input lets you import music from CD and MP3 players
  • Load up the JamMan with bass lines, drums, harmonies, and more; create an entire backup band, take it with you, and perform anywhere!
  • Slow down or speed up any loop without changing pitch
  • Metronome with multiple rhythm sounds and time signatures
  • Rugged metal chassis
  • Power supply included
  • Optional footswitch adds additional Hands-Free™ functionality

Pricing and Availability:
Available now at £179 RRP inc VAT (power supply included).

More information:
Digitech
www.soundtech.co.uk/digitech

More Alan Parsons Recording Master Classes

Producer continues workshop series events in the USA


Alan Parsons has announced two new Master Class Training Sessions to be held at top studios in Las Vegas (Studio At The Palms on Feb 1st and 2nd) and Nashville (Ocean Way on Feb 11th and 12th).

In keeping with the tradition of these popular training workshops--previous events have been held in Los Angeles, Toronto, Bogota, and Buenos Aires--Alan Parsons has given each event its own unique theme: Vegas is titled "Iconic Instrumentals" and looks at the creation of music suitable for live music productions or international sporting events. The Vegas event also features a special section on Surround 5.1 mixing, for which Alan is rightly renowned, and for which he was GRAMMY-Nominated in 2007.

The Nashville event is titled "The Art Of The Song" and takes Alan back to his roots working with some of the greatest pop songwriters of the twentieth century: The Beatles, Pink Floyd, and of course his own acclaimed recording career with The Alan Parsons Project.

Both events offer a "life-changing" (as one recent attendee put it) chance to make a new record in a great studio with an award-winning recording professional, looking at everything from mic'ing techniques and studio etiquette to processing and mixing.

Tickets are offered at the Platinum level--actually working with Alan in the control room--and the Gold "Video Village," where blow-by-blow live video is fed to Attendees seated in the studio green room. All ticket holders get Q&A time and the chance to mingle with Alan during breaks and at the Champagne Reception at the end of Day 1.

Pricing and Availability:
See website

More information:
www.artandscienceofsound.com/mcts/nashville
www.artandscienceofsound.com/mcts/las-vegas

Video Tutorials For Propellerhead Reason

Nucleus SoundLab releases Reason Wizardry Season Three video tutorials


Nucleus SoundLab has released Reason Wizardry Season Three. Reason Wizardry is a series of advanced video tutorials for Propellerhead Reason that were originally delivered as a monthly subscription. Season Three is a compilation of the final eleven issues from the Reason Wizardry history, compiled into a comprehensive video tutorial product.

Nucleus SoundLab tells us that, through Reason Wizardry Season Three, you will continue to benefit from the vast sound design experience of their Lead Designer Jeremy Janzen. They say that, since 2005, Jeremy has pushed the boundaries of sound design in Reason - first by implementing 100% unique Combinators in a ReFill; followed by the first commercial effects Refill; and finally by introducing detailed and educational PDF documentation for each patch. Season Three is the biggest ever - it contains 11 issues and over 8.5 hours of invaluable Reason knowledge!

A spokesperson told Sonic State, "Reason Wizardry Season Three isn't meant to rehash the basics. It won't show you how to create a pattern in Redrum or how to connect a Thor to the mixer. Instead, by assuming each user had already read the manual and has a basic knowledge - Reason Wizardry skips directly to the good stuff. Each issue is packed with info on how to get the very most out of Reason devices, how to create your own sounds that step away from the cliches, and the not-so-obvious tricks that will save you time in your productions."

Features

  • 11 full-length video tutorials
  • Consists of over 8.5 hours of video and weighs in at 4gb
  • Captured at crisp 800x600 resolution (some issues are 1280x720 HD)
  • Includes 45 example patches

Pricing and Availability:
Free

More information:
Season 3 tutorials

Panorama Now Works With Cubase

Nektar announces integration of their controller keyboards with Steinberg's DAW


Nektar, the company known for the Panorama P4 and P6 USB controller keyboards that feature deep integration with Propellerhead's Reason, have announced Panorama integration with Cubase.

Panorama is designed with DAW navigation and workflow in mind, making it easy to control Cubase while performing or recording without having to reach for the computer mouse or the QWERTY keyboard. Each control, transport or navigation button is automatically mapped to Cubase with a logical layout that's completely transparent thanks to Panorama's high resolution TFT display.

When changing tracks using the Track -/+ buttons, the track name and the type of track is called out on the TFT display. The Panorama P4/P6 motorized fader automatically adjusts its position according to the volume of the current track selection.

Panorama mainly controls Cubase through 3 dedicated modes; Mixer Mode, Instrument Mode and Transport Mode. Each of which is engaged at the touch of a button. Mixer mode controls the Mix Console with up to 8 channels controllable at the same time. 8 faders are assigned to volume, 8 encoders assigned to either pan or the sends from 1 to 8 and the 8 LED buttons assigned to control channel mute, solo, record arm or select.

Panorama's second group of 8 encoders control the selected track's channel settings including EQ, Inserts (as well as plug-in selection and editing), FX sends and Quick controls.
Instrument Mode addresses the active VST Instrument when an instrument track is selected. Just like Reason Instrument Devices and Rack Extensions, many VST instrument plug-ins are pre-mapped and organized in logical modules and menus that completely reconfigure Panorama assignments as needed. For VST plug-ins that are not pre-mapped by Nektar, users can create their own customized VST maps, store and save for use in future sessions. Parameters are easy to assign using a simple Panorama control learn menu so there is no new software or GUI's to learn.

Transport mode features a big time display, L and R locator positions and control over important functions during song composition like setting pre/post roll, precount, punch in/out, tempo, record mode and click level. Markers and loop cycle positions can also be stored/recalled during a session.

A fourth Internal mode provides access to Panorama's many generic controller keyboard functions for control of outboard MIDI equipment or other MIDI software. The Pads menu in addition makes it easy to create setups for various VST pad instruments with its 20 Pad-Map memory locations.

Cubase users will also benefit from Panorama's unique QWERTY macro function which allows up to 8 QWERTY shortcut commands to be sent to Cubase with the push of one button or pad.

Pricing and Availability:
Panorama will support Cubase, Cubase Artist and Cubase Elements version 6, 6.5 and 7. Earlier versions may be supported at the time of launch. The Cubase integration will be available as a downloadable update to existing Panorama users free of charge and is expected in March 2013.

More information:
www.nektartech.com/Panorama

Native Instruments Introduces Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass

New KONTAKT instrument features a sampled Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar


Native Instruments has introduced Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass, a new KONTAKT instrument featuring the sound of a Rickenbacker 4003 bass guitar. They tell us that Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass, sampled by bassist and instrument designer Thomas Skarbye, is the first software version of this bass to be approved by Rickenbacker. Here's NI's description of the new instrument

SCARBEE RICKENBACKER® BASS delivers the sound of a Rickenbacker® 4003 bass for the first time in software as a Rickenbacker-approved KONTAKT instrument. Featured on many of history's most important rock and pop recordings, the bass provides deep lows and a detailed midrange response that allow it to remain clear and present in a mix. RICKENBACKER® BASS features two varieties of picked articulations – open and palm-muted. RICKENBACKER® BASS is the first bass from SCARBEE to offer picked articulations. This playing style adds extra punch and attack to the crisp sound of the instrument. The palm-muted articulations recall the sound of popular recordings from the 1960s and 1970s. Another first in the SCARBEE line is the inclusion of the Jump Amp from GUITAR RIG PRO 5, providing all the amplified sounds in RICKENBACKER® BASS. By keeping the sound of the bass and the amplifier separate in this way, users are given an added degree of fine control over the tone.

RICKENBACKER® BASS was sampled by Thomas Skarbye – a highly regarded bassist whose sound design brand has become synonymous with quality and playability. To ensure the highest level of detail, Thomas Skarbye used a top-of-the-line Metric Halo® LIO-8 preamp, Mogami® patch cables, and Rotosound® bass strings to capture this instrument. His attention to detail also extends to playing technique. Avoiding Rickenbacker®'s integrated foam muting system, Skarbye recorded the palm-muted articulations with the pick hand over the bridge to ensure the realism of a true performance, while the open articulations were played between the pickups. All samples were recorded with the unique Rick-O-Sound stereo output for unmistakable Rickenbacker® tone. In recognition of the SCARBEE team's exceptional work, SCARBEE RICKENBACKER® BASS has received Rickenbacker®'s official approval.

The SCARBEE and Native Instruments partnership have released numerous instrument libraries for KONTAKT and the free KONTAKT PLAYER. SCARBEE RICKENBACKER® BASS adds to SCARBEE's reputation for precision and detail in sampled instruments.

Pricing and Availability:
SCARBEE RICKENBACKER BASS is available at the NI Online Shop for $99 / 99 €.

More information:
www.native-instruments.com/scarbeerickenbackerbass

New Focusrite 18-In 20-Out Audio Interface

Scarlett 18i20 USB 2.0 interface unveiled


Focusrite has announced the Scarlett 18i20, the latest in its series of USB 2.0 interfaces. The company says that it's designed to be your complete studio hub, and as such features enough inputs and outputs to record and mix a full band. A spokesperson told Sonic State, "With Focusrite's award-winning mic preamps and outstanding analogue and digital circuit design, it's capable of making pristine, studio-quality recordings. What's more, its contemporary style, with the same graphic identity as Focusrite's best-selling Scarlett 2i2 and 2i4 audio interfaces, makes it the perfect centrepiece of your studio."

Here's the details in Focusrite's own words...

With 18 inputs and 20 outputs in total, Scarlett 18i20 gives you eight critically acclaimed Focusrite microphone preamps with switchable phantom power. Precision 24-bit/96kHz A-D/D-A converters deliver exceptional dynamic range to ensure pristine recordings. The analogue mic/line inputs are fitted with combination XLR/jack input sockets, and connections for channels 1+ 2 are on the front panel and offer additional Hi-Z instrument modes and a switchable 10dB pad. An additional eight channels of digital I/O (four channels at 88.2/96kHz) are provided via ADAT lightpipe, with S/PDIF providing an additional stereo digital input and output. Dual independent headphone outputs let you set up separate mixes for the engineer and the artist, while a dedicated monitor section, with dim and mute buttons, provides comprehensive control over your studio monitors.
Scarlett 18i20 ships with a feature-packed software suite, including Ableton Live Lite music production software. Record audio and MIDI, and run VST audio instruments and effects, such as the compressor, reverb, gate and EQ processors included in the Focusrite Scarlett plug-in bundle. Novation's Bass Station soft synth is also included, plus over 1GB of royalty-free Loopmasters samples.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Key Features

  • Eight award-winning Focusrite mic preamps with front-panel meters With switchable phantom power, up to 60dB of gain, plus pad and instrument switches on channels 1+ 2.
  • Precision 24-bit/96kHz A-D/D-A conversion Professional dynamic range ensures pristine, studio-quality audio recordings.
  • Compatible with Mac, PC and iPad Uses the latest USB 2.0 streaming technology with stable, reliable drivers to provide outstanding performance on both Windows and Macintosh computers, and even iPad® (requires the Apple Camera Connection Kit -- no drivers required!).
  • 18 inputs, 20 outputs Enough inputs and outputs to handle day-to-day studio tasks effortlessly, along with the expandability to cope with an entire band or a complex drums setup.
  • Dual headphone outputs and comprehensive monitor control Send separate, near-zerolatency cue mixes to artist and producer with Scarlett Mix Control, and control the level of your studio monitors quickly and easily from the Scarlett 18i20 front panel.
  • Complete software bundle Including Ableton Live Lite music software, the Focusrite Scarlett plug-in suite, Novation's Bass Station soft synth and 1GB of Loopmasters samples.

Pricing and Availability:
Available worldwide March 2013
(UK) £399.99 inc.vat / (US) MSRP $599.99 and $499.99 at dealers

More information:
www.focusrite.com/scarlett-18i20

Focusrite Red Mic Pre Returns

Now in a 500 series version for your lunchbox


Focusrite has announced the return of the legendary Red Series mic preamp with the introduction of the Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre, a module for the popular 'Lunchbox' format. As with the original Red range, this new module will also be 'Made in England'. Focusrite's Red Range mic preamps, originally released in 1992, became sought-after in the world's top studios, with their unique signature sound and ability to perform faultlessly on a wide range of instruments with almost any microphone. Here's all the details directly from Focusrite:

Key Features

  • Classic Red circuit topology & components: A mono mic preamp that uses the same circuit design and components as the original Red mic pre - the Red 1.
  • 500-series 'Lunchbox' format: For the first time, a Focusrite product is available in this popular portable format.
  • Original input & output transformers: Features the same Lundahl LL1538 input transformer and custom Carnhill output transformer as the original Focusrite Red 1 and Red 8 microphone preamps. The use of these very high quality transformers gives the Red Series its transparent and expensive-sounding character.
  • Grayhill gold-plated military-grade gain switch: The switched gain structure of the Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre means you can accurately recall preamp settings and, with a solid, super-reliable, gold-plated selector switch, you know you'll get repeatable results.
  • Suitable for virtually any microphone: With a gain range of 66dB and a carefully-chosen input impedance, the Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre is perfect for almost any microphone, be it ribbon, dynamic or condenser.
  • Backlit VU meter with switchable calibration: The built-in VU meter helps gain accurate results, with calibration to ensure your levels are always spot-on.

Featuring the same circuit topology and components, the Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre offers the
breathtaking performance of the original Focusrite Red microphone preamplifier in the popular
500-series format. With a Lundahl LL1538 input transformer, and a custom Carnhill output
transformer, just as in the original design, the Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre is perfect for those who
wish to bring the signature sound of the original Focusrite Red range into the modern studio. It's
even got the signature red anodised aluminium front panel, a focal point fixture in studios around
the globe.

The Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre has switchable phantom power, polarity invert, and an easy-toread
illuminated VU meter, making it the perfect preamp choice for a 500-series rack in the studio
or on location. Its stepped gain structure (with a Grayhill gold-plated military-grade switch) in 6dB
steps from -6 to +60dB, provides accurate, precise channel matching and recall. The output stage
of the Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre will easily drive long cable runs without significant loss of quality,
making it ideal for remote recordings.

Focusrite's unique mic preamp topology provides superb common-mode rejection, excellent
overload margin and, with its shared gain structure (20dB from the transformer and up to 40dB
from the amplifier), a very low noise floor combined with the signature extra-wide bandwidth
(10Hz to 140kHz). This exceptional level of performance is maintained over a wide range of
impedances applied to the input, making the Red 1 500 Series Mic Pre perform flawlessly with
almost any microphone: ribbon, dynamic or condenser.


Pricing and Availability:
Available worldwide April 2013
(UK) £799.99 inc.vat / (US) MSRP $1249.99 and $999.99 at dealers

More information:
Red 1 500 Series

Free Cakewalk SONAR X2a Update

Support added for Windows 8 and Touch


Cakewalk has announced the SONAR X2a update which they tell us includes many fixes and enhancements, plus support for an innovative technology allowing artists to create music on multi-touch enabled machines including Intel-inspired Ultrabook devices. All registered SONAR X2 customers can download the free SONAR X2a update.

Cakewalk says that they are committed to ensuring that all SONAR X2 customers receive timely updates and feature enhancements, therefore the X2a update covers a wide variety of improvements.

Michael Hoover, President of Cakewalk, told Sonic State, "Our customers are very intuitive and we take their feedback seriously. Many of the enhancements in SONAR X2a are based on the direct feedback from our users, and we are looking forward to our customers enjoying a more engaging and complete experience with this free software update."

Here's Cakewalk' take on the areas of focus in the update:

Over 250 fixes and enhancements

Various fixes and enhancements based on direct customer feedback. Cakewalk's "customer first" approach ensures highest impact items are given priority. A list of prominent fixes will be available upon release.

Windows 8 support

SONAR X2a adds full functionality support in both Windows 8 32-bit and 64-bit platforms.

Unique Now Time markers

The Now Time marker changes appearance to indicate if playback is stopped, paused, running, or recording.

Playlist View Enhancements

The Playlist includes many new enhancements for the live performance environment.

  • Updated User Interface
  • Sort columns in alphabetical, numerical, or date order
  • New columns: Path, BPM, Key, Meter, Project Length, Date Created, Date Modified, Delay, User Notes

Rich context menu for adding ProChannel modules

When adding a ProChannel module, the context menu shows a visually rich menu with a small thumbnail image of the module, the module name, and a brief description.

Updated Piano Roll View and Staff View track pane user interface

The Track pane in the Piano Roll View and Staff View shows more intuitive buttons, and the current track is highlighted.

Visual feedback when dragging items from the Browser

When dragging items from the Browser, the mouse pointer shows the name of the items.

Accessibility enhancements

SONAR's power is now more accessible to vision impaired users.

SONAR's accessibility features, including Microsoft User Interface Automation, expose rich information about its user Interface elements such as type, state, name, and value.

With reliable access to this information, vision impaired users can implement user Interface automation-capable screen reader programs such as Microsoft Narrator, JAWS, NVDA and Window-Eyes. This will allow users to access, identify, and manipulate SONAR's user Interface elements as the screen readers broadcast aloud what's on the computer.

Scan VST folders from the Browser

The Scan VST Folders command is now available in the Browser's plug-ins tab drop-down menu.

Multi-touch support in Windows 8

In addition to the computer keyboard and mouse, users can now interact with SONAR X2a via touch using Intel-inspired Ultrabooks, touch-enabled devices, or compatible touch screen displays running Windows 8. This offers touch gestures for:

  • Scrolling and triggering cells in the Matrix View
  • Scrolling and basic multi-touch mixing in the Console View
  • Scrolling and Zooming in the Clips Pane
  • Adjusting loop marker positions in the Track View
  • Auditioning and dragging content from the Browser
  • Expanding/resizing/collapsing of docked views
  • Control Bar Transport module support
  • Toggling steps in the Step Sequencer View
  • Control of plug-in parameters (no multi-touch)

Cakewalk tells us that an evolving trend of music creation on-the-go has encouraged themselves and companies like Intel to develop new, mobile-oriented ways to make music utilizing the "touch" experience. As Ultrabook devices hit the market with stunning graphics, precision, power and control, users can now swipe, pinch, drag and touch their way to a more inspired musical workflow; all with power and portability.

George Persiantsev, product manager for Cakewalk, told us, "We are very excited to work with Intel and be the first to market the touch experience to musicians. It will be interesting to see how artists become more productive, creative, and have more fun when combining music creation with touch in SONAR X2."

Cakewalk believes that, with Microsoft Windows 8 support, the touch experience lends itself perfectly to music composition with instant visual and audio response. They say that thiis transpires into a natural and creative thought process for the artist, while also adding the benefit of increased productivity. Some of the basic features for music production include touch, multi-touch, scrolling, dragging, holding, zooming, swiping and tapping in different musical environments; all within SONAR X2's award-winning Skylight User Interface. Some examples include sliding a fader (or multiple faders) during the mixing process, tapping sample-loaded cells to trigger sounds, or zooming in and out by pinching to re-size the views.

Users of SONAR X2A will now experience a new creative environment on touch enabled devices. Highlights include:

Skylight User Interface

  • Pinch-to-zoom horizontally and vertically on tracks and other data.
  • Swiping gestures to scroll through different components of the project.
  • Arranging the work-space by re-positioning, dragging, docking and un-docking.

Matrix

  • Touch transforms any touch screen into a virtual pad controller for triggering.
  • Preview, and then drag-and-drop loops into cells in the Matrix View.
  • Adjust all settings in the Matrix View.

Mixing

  • Console View fully supports multi-touch.
  • Automate and control faders, plugins, ProChannel parameters, the Inspector and more.
  • Navigate through the views easily by swiping and scrolling tracks vertically and horizontally.

Ultrabook with 3rd generation Intel Core processors, combined with Windows 8 and SONAR X2a, can help music creators utilize familiar smartphone and tablet gestures in many new and creative ways on their PCs. Mobile systems, once difficult for artists to use on the go, are now exceptionally thin, much more efficient on battery life, and come packed with the power of desktop computers. The interactive nature of the touch experience works seamlessly with the musician's mind, and is intended to trigger new avenues in the creation process.

Steve Pitzel, Creativity Software Program Marketing Manager for Intel's Software and Services Group, had this to say, "As someone who works with advanced technology every day, and loves to create music, I'm always impressed at Cakewalk's ability to harness the power and innovations available with Intel-based platforms. Marrying multi-track recording with the mobility and touch capabilities available in the latest Ultrabook devices gives songwriters and recording artists a truly innovative way to create anytime, anywhere."

A Cakewalk spokesperson concluded, "It's simply the best of both worlds. SONAR X2 users on the Windows platform will have more options at their fingertips for a faster and more intuitive musical experience. And now with more device-makers implementing this technology into their designs (such as the Ultrabook™ convertibles) it's possible for artists to find inspiration in ways that were never before possible."

Pricing and Availability:
The free SONAR X2a update for SONAR X2 Essential, SONAR X2 Studio and SONAR X2 Producer is available now as a free download.

More information:
www.cakewalk.com