Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH today released Sequel 3. Designed to meet the needs of entry-level computer music enthusiasts, Sequel 3 is an easy-to-use music application for recording, editing and mixing. Its instruments and effects, plus the included arranging and performance features, turn your Mac into a streamlined production studio without breaking the bank.

For anyone interested in getting to know the ropes of computer music production, Sequel 3 is the ideal tool. Providing versatility through its feature set and high-quality content, as well as the intuitive one-window design, makes Sequel 3 the all-in-one solution for songwriters, composers and producers of different music styles.

“With Sequel 3, we’re providing a powerful audio and MIDI sequencer that makes creating music an intuitive and enjoyable experience. Offered at a price point affordable for everyone, Sequel 3 adds many editing tools, effects and content to both its timeline-based recording and pattern- based performance modes. Plugging into Sequel with your keyboard, mic or guitar lets you start jamming within minutes,” commented Matthias Quellmann, Steinberg’s product marketing manager for Sequel.

Sequel 3 includes more than 5,000 high-quality loops and sounds of various music styles, which are easily accessible through Steinberg’s acclaimed MediaBay media management tool. With an additional 500+ workstation sounds, the HALion Sonic SE plug-in nicely rounds out the quality content included in Sequel.

Sequel’s one-click tempo detection is a great tool when it comes to working with rhythms of varying tempos. In Performance Mode, this feature can be used for creating remixes. Sequel’s Beat Page is a dedicated area for creating intricate rhythmical patterns. Here the users find Groove Agent ONE, a powerful drum sampler with over 60 drum kits, and the step sequencing Beat Designer tool.

AudioWarp includes the acclaimed élastique Pro engine by zplane for high-quality time- stretching and pitch-shifting to adjust tempo and tone in stunning audio quality.

Another highlight is the VST Amp Rack SE virtual effect board in Sequel 3. Its more than 120 presets comprise combinations of amps, speaker cabinets and effects pedals, delivering a collection of various guitar sounds.

Sequel 3 supports VST 3, the third version of Steinberg’s Virtual Studio Technology. This allows third-party effect and instrument plug-ins to be integrated easily into Sequel 3.

The Performance Mode turns Sequel 3 into a live tool for creating impromptu arrangements and live mixes by triggering the 24 live performance pads with song sections and variations. With the enhanced Controller Learn feature, it’s possible to connect virtually any MIDI controller to Sequel 3, making MIDI setups easier and less time consuming.

In its third incarnation, Sequel is now featuring multi-take recording. MIDI and audio can be recorded over and over again. The best take is picked from the list of recorded takes when in Take Mode. Another new feature is the Step Envelopes Editor which allows the user to add effects to selected parts of the audio material. Reverse, decay or pitch effects are only a few of the many adjustments users can easily make to their productions.

On the Mac, Sequel 3 requires OS X Version 10.6 or higher, an Intel dual core CPU, 2 GB of RAM, 9 GB of free HD space, CoreAudio compatible audio hardware, a DVD-ROM drive and an Internet connection for license activation. A minimum display resolution of 1280 x 800 is recommended.

Sequel 3 is available immediately as a download or box via the Steinberg Online Shop for $79.99. The exact time of availability of Sequel 3 at certified Steinberg dealers is subject to regional variations. A trial version of Sequel 3 is available through the Steinberg website.

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/sequel.html

Propellerhead Software today announced Reason 6, a major update to the award winning music software, Balance, its first audio interface and foray into hardware, and Reason Essentials, the successor to Record that packs all the recording, editing, effects, instruments, mixing and mastering necessary to sound great in a streamlined package. Now all Reason products have complete audio recording and editing.

Combining all the features from Record, Reason 6 adds audio recording and editing, along with Propellerhead’s acclaimed mixing console with masterfully modeled EQ and dynamics on every channel, multiple parallel racks, Line 6 amp models, new effect devices plus additional features. New creative effects designed for inserting directly into instruments and tracks include: Pulveriser, sound crushing effect with crunchy compression, dirty distortion and flexible modulation; The Echo, advanced stereo echo with modern delay and analog tape echo emulation: and Alligator, a three band pattern gate for complex rhythmic texturing. Interface enhancements, high definition audio transpose and true 64-bit compatibility highlight other new feature improvements.

Balance, a two-in by two-out audio interface, is designed for the single person operated home/project studio. Fully USB 2 powered with separate volume controls for monitors and headphones, it contains 8 input connections to keep all instruments, mics and devices connected and ready to record with the press of a button—without software pop-ups or control panels. The included Reason Essentials packs in all the recording, editing, effects, instruments and mixing tools needed to create great sounding tracks.

“We looked at recording from our musician users’ perspective. They were spending time concerned with issues other than music making—riddled in installing software, managing cables, setting up control panels, setting gain levels, tweaking recording parameters, and more. It frankly wasn’t as easy and straightforward and it should be,” says Ernst Nathorst-Böös, CEO. “So, we were compelled to create Balance with Reason Essentials to let them focus on creativity and not on technology.”

Built for independent minded musicians, Reason Essentials has the feel of a million dollar recording studio with the streamlined simplicity of a tape deck. Distilled from the core of Reason, Reason Essentials contains a great selection of instruments and effects in a virtual rack that builds itself, or can be infinitely customized—drum machine, loop player, sampler, synths, reverb, delay, distortion, mastering effects and more. For guitar players, the built-in virtual guitar and bass PODs from Line 6 bring a wide range of top quality guitar amps, cabinets and effects. The intuitive audio and MIDI sequencer makes recording and arranging music a breeze. Users never have to worry about track counts, latency issues or adding that extra reverb or effect. With an easy to grasp interface, it won’t get in the way of ideas and will inspire users to make more music.

Balance’s class compliant drivers on the Mac ensure hassle free installation and compatibility with all applications from iTunes to Pro Tools. Integration with Propellerhead products goes further. Hardware buttons on Balance bring up a large meter/tuner in Reason and can also enable “Clip Safe,” Propellerhead’s new recording technology that with one click heals clipped recorded audio. Musicians no longer have to worry about losing a great recording because gain levels were too high, and can stay focused on creating that goose bump evoking performance.

On the Mac, Reason 6 will require OS X 10.5.8 or later, an Intel CPU (multiple cores highly recommended), 1 GB of RAM, a DVD drive, 3 GB of free hard disk space (program may use up to 20 GB scratch disk space), an Internet connection for registration, a free USB port for Ignition Key, and a CoreAudio compliant audio interface or built-in audio hardware. A MIDI interface and a MIDI keyboard are also recommended. Balance has similar CPU, RAM and HD requirements, but Mac OS X 10.6.3 or later will be necessary.

Reason 6 and Reason Essentials begin limited public beta testing today and will be available for purchase worldwide on September 30, 2011 at the suggested retail pricing below. Propellerhead will also offer a special grace period for purchasers of Reason, Record and Reason-Record Duo this summer.

Reason Essentials with Balance audio interface will also be available for purchase worldwide on September 30, 2011 at a suggested retail price of $499 / €499. Any current Reason and Record user who purchases Balance can receive the Reason 6 upgrade for free.

www.propellerheads.se/reason6/

www.propellerheads.se/products/reason-essentials/

www.propellerheads.se/products/balance/

Harrison Consoles today released Mixbus 2.0, a new version of their full-featured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) with “True Analog Mixing”, a combination of Harrison’s world-renowned sound and features in a knob-per-function interface. Mixbus provides a solution for engineers and mixers who need a recorder, editor and mixing system with world-class sound and features.

In October of 2009, Harrison launched a product that changed the industry expectations of what a DAW could and should be. Mixbus is a progressive workstation that combines open-source development with Harrison’s 30-year heritage of building world-class mixing systems. Mixbus provides an integrated “analog-style” mixer along with a world-class editor in a very cost-effective package. Version 2.0 represents a dramatic leap forward for mixing and editing in the box.

“Harrison has always prided ourselves on our customer service and our ability to listen to customer needs. Many users wanted Mixbus to act even more like a standalone console and tape machine, with the immediacy that normally only occurs with a piece of hardware. Other customers loved the Mixbus mixer, but needed advanced editing that “felt” like their previous workstation. Luckily these are not incompatible visions, and we were able to meet both of these expectations. It is a real pleasure to take comments from users and then actually implement the things they want in an elegant fashion.” – Ben Loftis, Mixbus Product Manager

“Because Mixbus is based on an open-source framework, it draws back the curtains on our development process. We’ve been compiling our users’ comments and incorporating those ideas into Mixbus; sometimes we incorporate code changes that were sent directly from users. Through this process, we’ve added dozens of features and fixes that were requested by mixers in every genre. Guided by our customers, we’ve refined the operation of Mixbus to make it faster, easier, more stable, more creative and more FUN to use.”

The new version incorporates more of the mixing features that made Mixbus special. Mixbus now includes 8 stereo mixbuses, on-screen plugin effect controls, and more flexible mixer layout options. By bringing some previously-hidden controls to the mixer surface, Mixbus feels even more like a dedicated mixing console. Version 2.0 also includes a wide range of editing features that will make it more comfortable for editors using other pro audio software. New features such as “Smart” and “Ripple” editing modes will be familiar to professional editors. And dramatic improvements to editing, crossfades, and automation were made that combine the best-in-class features of other workstations into the Mixbus workflow.

Mixbus Features:

• Straightforward “knob per function” mixer layout based on Harrison’s renowned 32-series and MR-series music consoles.
• Precision DSP algorithms for EQ, Filter, Compression, Analog Tape Saturation, and Summing based on Harrison’s world-renowned large format analog and digital mixing consoles.
• Unlimited stereo or mono input channels (based on available CPU power) featuring High-pass Filter, EQ, Compression, and 8 Mix Bus sends on every channel.
• 8 Stereo Mix Buses (can be used for groups or auxes) featuring Tone controls, Compression, Sidechaining, and Analog Tape Saturation.
• Stereo Master Bus that features Tone controls, Analog Tape Saturation, K-meter, Stereo Correlation Meter, and Limiting to help you make polished mixes.
• Plugin delay compensation to support effects such as parallel compression.
• Comprehensive “at-a-glance” metering with peak, peak hold, and compressor gain reduction visible on every track and bus.
• Extensive DAW features via the Ardour Digital Audio Workstation.
• Supports AudioUnit plugins and any CoreAudio interface. (Mac OS X)
• Supports LADSPA plugins and any JACK-capable interface. (Linux)

On the Mac, Mixbus 2.0 requires OS X 10.4.11 or later, a PowerPC or Intel processor with 2 or more cores, a 3-button mouse with scrollwheel and 100 MB of available hard disk space. A minimum of 1 GB RAM is recommended.

Mixbus 2.0 is available via direct download from Harrison Consoles for $219. Existing Mixbus customers should watch their email for a special upgrade offer of $99.00.

http://mixbus.harrisonconsoles.com/

Discuss Mixbus 2.0 on our Applications forum.

Steinberg today is proud to announce the release of Cubase 6 and Cubase Artist 6, two new versions of the highly acclaimed Cubase music production system for recording, editing, mixing and producing music to the highest standards. Encompassing refinements and new capabilities, such as extended composing features available in VST Expression 2, phase-accurate multitrack drum editing, plus a wealth of effects and instruments, Cubase 6 and Cubase Artist 6 are available today.

“The sixth version marks a significant release for Cubase,” comments Helge Vogt, Steinberg’s product marketing manager for Cubase. “With over 25 years of experience in creating the very best in music creation software, we at Steinberg are elated to unveil the latest incarnation of Cubase at this leviathan event early in the year. By funneling our entire engineering expertise into Cubase 6 to give our customers better production solutions than ever before, we’ve been able to solidify the position of Cubase as the world’s most popular music production system today. It looks better, feels better and works easier than ever before — Cubase is simply the perfect go-to audio workstation for all styles of music,” Vogt continues.

Cubase 6 offers enhanced workflow features within the Project window. The newly introduced Track Edit Groups option refines the work with multitrack recordings, allowing related events on multiple tracks to be grouped and edited simultaneously, while the new Lane Track offers convenient multitake comping for selecting and consolidating audio parts to form the perfect take. The redesigned transient and automatic tempo detection, phase-accurate audio quantization and drum replacement functions incorporated in Cubase 6 help to smooth out any glitches in live- recorded drum tracks. The Key Editor has further been enhanced with an Inspector panel and the groundbreaking Note Expression feature for creating and editing multiple controller values on a single-note level. Also included is the new Dynamics Lane, which allows real-time listening of dynamic changes while automatically in sync with dynamic notations from the Score Editor.

Cubase 6 - click to zoom

“With the concurrent release of VST 3.5, we’re taking VST to the next level, introducing a revolutionary new approach to controlling musical articulations note by note. It’s called Note Expression and is part of VST Expression 2 which radically simplifies work with large orchestral libraries for symphonic or film scoring. There’s also our virtual guitar amplifier and effects suite, VST Amp Rack, ready to infuse guitar tracks with the right tone in both Cubase and Cubase Artist. So many quality effects, virtual instruments and cool content right out of the box permit Cubase to scale beautifully between the needs of bedroom music producers and chart-topping studio professionals,” remarks product marketing coordinator Carlos Mendoza Rohde on the new features.

Both Cubase 6 and Cubase Artist 6 feature the VST Amp Rack plug-in, which comes with seven amp models, sixteen stomp boxes, six speaker cabinets and two microphone types. A great benefit is added by the HALion Sonic SE virtual instrument, which comes with more than 900 production-ready sounds in Cubase and 550 sounds in Cubase Artist, and the second edition of LoopMash, now boasting more than 20 MIDI- controllable live and slice-based effects. The significantly redesigned graphical user interface minimizes eye strain, which is customizable in its intensity, brightness and tone color settings. Both new Cubase versions offer 64-bit support for Mac operating systems, enabling a performance boost for using more tracks and bigger sample libraries. A few of the enhancements that round out Cubase 6 and Cubase Artist 6 are global project compatibility between Cubase 6 derivates, the new time- stretching algorithms and more than two hours of in-depth video tutorials in high- definition quality.

On the Mac, Cubase 6 requires OS X 10.6 or later (native 32-bit and 64-bit versions included), an Intel dual core CPU, 2 GB RAM, a USB port for USB-eLicenser (license management), and an Internet connection for license activation.

Cubase 6 and Cubase Artist 6 are now shipping and will be available at dealers and in the Steinberg Online Shop for $499 / €599 / £508 and $249 / €299 / £253, respectively.

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/cubase1/cubase6_start.html

Discuss Cubase 6 on our Cubase forum.

Avid today announced Pro Tools 9—an impressive evolution of the industry’s most popular music creation and audio production solution. Version 9 of Pro Tools offers customers the unprecedented choice to work with Avid audio interfaces, third-party audio interfaces, or no hardware at all when using the built-in audio capabilities of your computer. New support for the Avid EUCON open Ethernet protocol now enables customers to expand control surface options to include Avid’s Artist Series and Pro Series audio consoles and controllers.

Pro Tools customers—from the aspiring enthusiast to the professional—can now create sophisticated, great sounding mixes, whether they’re at home, on the road, or working in a large facility using an open, flexible workflow for enhanced collaboration and creativity.

Customers can design their workflow of choice using the new Pro Tools 9 software-only configuration with their favorite Avid or third-party audio interface—or standalone—and with Avid Artist and Pro Series controllers. The benefits to users include:

• Versatile workflow design options—Enables customers to work the way they want using Pro Tools as a software only tool, or with hardware options that include either a variety of Avid audio interfaces for an Avid-advantaged workflow, or third-party audio interfaces as a result of new Core Audio and ASIO driver support.
• EUCON support—Delivers more hands-on mixing options to customers using the new Pro Tools 9 software offering or Pro Tools|HD systems with the ability to deeply control Pro Tools through EUCON integration using any Artist Series or Pro Series audio controller or console (formerly known as Euphonix consoles and controllers), in addition to Avid and third-party audio control surfaces.

As a result of customer requests, many high value features formerly available as add-ons are now available right out-of-the-box, including:

• Automatic Delay Compensation—Equips customers using Pro Tools 9 with the ability to create better sounding mixes faster. Users can now mix and record with increased alignment and phase accuracy, without the need to manually compensate for latencies from hardware I/Os, internal and external routing, and plug-in algorithm processing—the number one request on the Pro Tools IdeaScale User Forum.
• More audio tracks and busses—Allows customers to create more elaborate music and audio productions, with support for 96 mono or stereo voices in the new software-only version of Pro Tools (192 voices with Pro Tools HD systems), 256 internal busses, and 160 aux tracks.
• Advanced production toolset—Gives customers access to standard professional tools in Pro Tools 9 to create more polished mixes out-of-the-box. Users can analyze and adjust timing across multiple tracks for tighter rhythm with the built-in multi-track Beat Detective module, improve organization and asset sharing with the DigiBase Pro file management tool, and save time with full Import Session Data dialog.

A series of audio for picture enhancements provides customers with the ability to easily collaborate with other audio and video software users, including:

• OMF/AAF/MXF interchange and MP3 export—Provides customers with simplified session and file exchange between applications.
• Built-in Time Code Ruler—Enables customers to achieve greater accuracy when syncing audio to video in post production (software only configuration of Pro Tools).
• Updated 7.1 surround panner—Allows customers to more easily mix multichannel surround for full film sound production.
• New variable stereo pan depths—Equips customers with authentic and precise track panning capabilities to achieve analog-console feel.

Pro Tools 9 and Pro Tools HD 9 software will be available worldwide on November 12, 2010 starting at $599. For regions outside of the U.S., please see your local retailer for pricing.

www.avid.com

Discuss Pro Tools 9 on our Pro Tools forum.

Avid today introduced Pro Tools | HD Native, enabling a growing market of music and post-production professionals to tackle demanding audio projects using the full capabilities of Pro Tools HD software running entirely on computer CPU host-processing power.

Taking advantage of the rapid advancement in the performance of computer processors, this newest member of the Pro Tools family couples the cutting-edge software features, premium sound quality and broad compatibility of Pro Tools | HD systems, with a highly efficient native audio driver. This combination offers customers outstanding performance without the additional dedicated processing hardware included in larger Pro Tools | HD DSP-assisted systems.

The Pro Tools | HD Native system offers customers a completely integrated professional hardware and software solution featuring a new Pro Tools | HD Native PCIe card and running Pro Tools HD software—delivering a new level of price-performance and simplified, open workflows for recording, editing and mixing. Providing the best audio quality, Pro Tools | HD Native uses Pro Tools HD Series interfaces for up to 64 channels of premium audio conversion and I/O.

Support for SYNC HD enables accurate synchronization to picture for post-production workflows. For integrated monitoring and tactile control, the system integrates with Avid ICON and C|24 work surfaces, and features lossless session and project interchange with other Pro Tools and Avid video editing systems for simplified collaboration.

Additional features include:

• Third-party DAW support—Opens up workflows by giving customers the flexibility to work on their DAW of choice with support for Core Audio and ASIO drivers, enabling broad compatibility with third-party audio applications, such as Apple Logic, Steinberg Cubase, and others, while also offering Avid-advantaged integration with our own solutions.
• Integrated low latency mixer—Allows customers to focus on recording high quality audio with near-zero latency, rather than the distraction of managing a separate low latency mixer. The Pro Tools | HD Native PCIe card enables customers to easily establish a low latency monitor path directly in the Pro Tools system with the push of a button for set and forget direct monitoring while tracking.
• Pro Tools HD Series Interface support—Offers customers the ability to achieve premium audio conversion with up to 192 tracks of audio, and up to 64 channels of I/O using HD I/O, HD OMNI and HD MADI. Customers can create flexible configurations that support a variety of analog and open digital formats for seamless integration into any audio environment. Giving customers an even broader selection of I/O, the system is also compatible with legacy Avid Pro Tools HD interfaces.
• Broad compatibility—Provides customers the flexibility to use their platform of choice with the highest performance and stability available on a native platform, supporting both Windows 7 and Mac Snow Leopard 10.6 or higher.

The Pro Tools | HD Native system will be available worldwide November 5 starting at $3,495. Pro Tools | HD Native will also be available bundled with Pro Tools HD OMNI I/O starting at $5,995. For regions outside of the U.S., please see your local retailer for pricing.

www.avid.com/products/Pro-Tools-HD-Native

Discuss Pro Tools | HD Native on our Pro Tools forum.

Avid has introduced a set of tools—including the new Pro Tools Mbox family, the M-Audio MobilePre and Pro Tools SE bundles—for a range of musicians who are seeking to create, record and mix music at home or on the road.

Designed for musicians and audio engineers looking to turn their Mac into a portable professional recording, mixing and production studio, the third generation of the Pro Tools Mbox family—Pro Tools Mbox Pro, Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Mini—offers customers premium sound and open workflows with support for the industry’s most popular DAWs. Based on customer feedback, new features in the Pro Tools Mbox family include:

• Re-designed hardware with pro features delivering best-in-class audio—Delivers best-in-class audio quality, enabling customers to achieve professional results at home or on the road. Redesigned from the ground up leveraging Avid’s expertise in professional studio gear, the new Pro Tools Mbox family also features several workflow enhancements including: A professional-grade soft clip limiter that improves overall audio quality by letting users capture hotter signals while recording; and a multi-function button allowing Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Pro users to control software parameters without using the computer mouse or keyboard.
• Freedom and flexibility to compose using Pro Tools LE or your DAW of choice—Gives customers more options to compose, record, edit and mix with seamless support for the industry’s most popular DAWs, including Pro Tools LE, Ableton Live, Apple Logic, Steinberg Cubase, and more, ensuring sessions are compatible with studios around the world.

For first-time Pro Tools users and emerging artists with an interest in musical composition, editing and production, the new Avid Recording Studio, Avid KeyStudio and Avid Vocal Studio systems provide everything needed to easily create and record music at home, including new Pro Tools SE software and proven M-Audio hardware.

With Pro Tools SE software included, the new Pro Tools SE Family serves as an introduction into the world of Pro Tools software by offering the same user interface found in Avid’s professional Pro Tools product line. Now, Pro Tools SE software offers customers groundbreaking music creation capabilities that leverage technology from professional-level Pro Tools products at a fraction of the price with a very intuitive user interface. The Pro Tools SE Family, which offers dedicated solutions for guitarists, keyboard players and vocalists, includes:

• Avid KeyStudio—Makes it easy for keyboard players to turn their inspiration into a professional-quality recording with a 49-note, velocity-sensitive M-Audio KeyStudio keyboard and Pro Tools SE music creation software.
• Avid Recording Studio—Allows customers to capture guitars, instruments and vocals in better than CD quality at 24-bit/48 kHz with Pro Tools SE music creation software and an M-Audio Fast Track audio interface.
• Avid Vocal Studio—Enables customers to record vocals for use in songs, soundtracks, podcasts or voice-overs with Pro Tools SE music creation software and the M-Audio Producer USB microphone.

With Pro Tools SE software, users can:

• Mix up to 24 tracks (16 audio tracks, 8 virtual instrument tracks) and use the included pro-quality effects—reverb, EQ, and guitar amp/distortion effects—to   create richly detailed and polished recordings.
• Use more than 100 different virtual instruments and more than 3 GB of audio loops to quickly construct songs and ideas.
• View integrated, intuitive tutorials that make it easy to learn how to compose, record, edit and mix on the Pro Tools SE platform.
• Record two instruments at once, and take advantage of built-in composing features including MIDI sequencing and score editing, which provide professional-grade creative solutions to users of every ability level.

The second-generation MobilePre delivers musicians an easy-to-use, full-featured studio-quality recording, mixing and production solution.  Customers can easily record anything from guitar, vocals, keyboards and more directly into their computer, and have the option to compose, record, edit and mix with included Pro Tools SE software, or any of the industry’s most popular DAWs, such as Pro Tools M-Powered, GarageBand, Apple Logic, Ableton Live and more.

Pricing and Availability

Pro Tools Mbox family pricing begins at $399 for the Pro Tools Mbox Mini, $679 for Pro Tools Mbox and $899 for the Pro Tools Mbox Pro. Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Mini are available worldwide this month. Pro Tools Mbox Pro will be available worldwide in Q4.

Pro Tools SE bundles begin at $99.99 for Avid Vocal Studio, $119.99 for Avid Recording Studio and $129.99 for Avid KeyStudio and will be available in the US this month.

MobilePre is currently available worldwide for $179.

www.avid.com

Discuss the new Avid lineup on our Pro Tools forum.

Steinberg has launched Nuendo 5, a new state-of-the-art production environment tailored to top-flight studios in post production, live recording and audio production. The wealth of new features includes an ADR toolset, new sound design features such as the unique Clip Packages system, new plug-ins as well as a range of mixing, routing and automation enhancements.

“This is a landmark release for Nuendo, introducing extremely valuable new functionality to what is probably the premiere native production platform for post, live and audio production,” comments Timo Wildenhain, Steinberg’s Product Marketing Manager for Nuendo. “These days, efficiency, stability and speed in everyday tasks are absolutely critical, as is the ability to adapt software to changing needs and situations. These goals are exactly what Nuendo 5 has been designed to achieve, and have contributed to the overwhelmingly enthusiastic feedback from the first shows on the Nuendo 5 World Tour, which has been amazing so far,” Wildenhain adds.

Among the new features presented in Nuendo 5 is a new ADR toolset engineered for audio post, providing new capabilities for spotting including advanced take- and marker handling, EDL import, a new video engine and much more. Clip Packages have been designed specifically for sound editors as a new way of organizing and handling audio as clusters of files across multiple tracks that can be archived, previewed and retrieved almost instantly using the upgraded Nuendo 5 MediaBay.

Enhanced mixing features in Nuendo 5 include further developments on the industry-leading Nuendo automation system as well as direct routing with multiple destinations. A new plug-in set with the next-generation Surround Panner and a surround bus Patch Editor further add to the advanced feature set for surround that have been the hallmark of the Nuendo audio engine since its inception. Numerous other additions in Nuendo 5 include a waveform display in the Nuendo mixer, improved compatibility with Pro Tools audio files and automated Batch Export functions.

Nuendo 5 also integrates seamlessly with Steinberg’s Nuendo SyncStation synchronizer hardware, providing sample-accurate sync in almost any situation requiring rock-solid sync to almost any modern sync standard. Nuendo 5 also features complete support for a range of controller devices such as Euphonix, WK Audio and the Smart AV Tango.

Supporting OS X 10.5.8 and 10.6 or later on Intel Macs, Nuendo 5 will be available from authorized Steinberg dealers in June for €1799.00 / £1531.00 MSRP.

www.steinberg.net/en/products/audiopostproduction_product/nuendo5.html

Discuss Nuendo 5 in our Cubase & Nuendo forum.

Ohm Force today announced Ohm Studio, a standalone real-time collaborative music making application (DAW/sequencer) in addition to a web based collaboration platform and a music driven online “Cohmunity.” Ohm Studio will allow musicians to work with friends while sharing the same tools at the same time, as if they were together in the studio.

With Ohm Studio, it will be possible to set up a productive workspace to make music together and with ease. No more big file transfers, no more endless setup incompatibilities. Collaborators will be able to communicate with each other thanks to the built-in chat system which makes it simple to share any thought, instruction or comment.

When searching for partners, you will now be able to draw from a worldwide pool of musicians. The Ohm Studio Cohmunity will allow users to discover collaborative projects and find new people with whom to make music, searching by style, mood, skill, city, country and more. You may discover that the drummer or the singer you have always been looking for is only a few clicks away.

Ohm Studio will also be an elegant tool to showcase your own work and skills, in order to be discovered and/or be invited into groups or sessions. Could it be that you have just the right profile those Brazilian guys need for their funky nu-soul project?

For those who have a traditional “local” band/project, made up of people from the same town who actually enjoy meeting and playing together, Ohm Studio will be a great way of expanding workflow, as the creation process will no longer be limited by the 2 hours they’re actually able to share the same physical place. Those great ideas which always seem to manifest the second one gets back from the studio will not be lost anymore. And the work will continue, even if Peter’s garage is not available for the next few weeks.

The Cohmunity is the place where all Ohm Studio users will gather to find partners to make music with, view others profiles, create groups with others, share ideas on the forums or post projects mixdowns. Mixdowns can be posted on the group’s profile, as demos. In short, the Cohmunity will be a one stop place for collaborative work. It will be possible to access the Ohm Studio Cohmunity features from the application itself or from any web browser.

Pricing has not yet been announced. Ohm Studio should be available as beta testing wraps up by the end of 2010. You can request a spot in the limited beta via the link below.

www.ohmstudio.com

Discuss Ohm Studio in our Applications forum.

Just in time for a new decade, Renoise gets an upgrade from executive suite to penthouse with a panoramic view. The Renoise Pattern Matrix, both a bird’s eye view and a song editor, is the missing link that pushes Renoise’s unique approach to music composition to the next level. It’s the perfect companion to the “eyes on the details” appearance and capabilities of the Pattern Editor.

Renoise is a complete music production environment for Windows, Macintosh, and Linux. It features full ReWire support, FX and instrument VST/AU plug-in support, automatic plug-in delay compensation, multi-core load balancing, MIDI I/O, audio recording, flexible audio output, graphical & numerical parameter automation, modular parameter routing, and much more.

In Renoise 2.5 meta-devices (FX units that receive and transform parameters and other non-audio data) are now interconnectable across tracks. This opens the door to more modular approaches, like linking LFOs or key/audio signals all throughout your mix. Two new meta-devices round-up this “do anything” experience, giving the sound artist the freedom to connect and modulate all parameters with all others.

That’s just the beginning. Vastly improved MIDI mapping, automated rendering of plugin instruments to samples, a native guitar & bass amp simulator FX, performance optimizations, GUI improvements and much more…

Renoise 2.5 Sneak Preview (click to zoom)

Beta versions are exclusive to registered users. The first public 2.5 versions will be Release Candidates. The final version is expected to be released at the beginning of next year.

The price of Renoise will change from €49 to €59 when the final version is released – This price is for a multi-platform license. That means that a single license is valid for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. To ease the transition, everyone that buys Renoise 2.5 before the final version will get Renoise for the old price of €49. This covers upgrades up until and including version 3.5.

www.renoise.com/about/what-s-new-2-5

Discuss Renoise in our Applications forum.

Harrison, the manufacturer of world-class analog and digital consoles, is proud to announce Mixbus: A virtual “analog console” integrated into a full-featured Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) based on the Ardour open-source workstation project.

Mixbus “True Analog Mixing” provides critical mixing functions in a knob-per-function interface. “True Analog Mixing” is based on Harrison’s renowned 32-Series and MR-Series console designs, plus Harrison’s proprietary digital mixing technology. Mixbus enables you to record, edit, and mix a musical performance in-the-box while getting a sound that harkens back to the golden age of album recordings.

Traditional DAW mixers were designed by companies with no pedigree in music mixing, and they suffer from well-known flaws. Harrison eliminated these flaws in Mixbus by completely replacing the DAW’s internal mixing engine and applying proprietary True Analog processing.

Harrison consoles are known for their great-sounding EQ, filters, dynamics, and bus summing on every track. Now Mixbus offers every engineer a real Harrison music console “in the box”. With a logical knob-per-function interface, the user works with the fluidity of a traditional analog recording studio while retaining the convenience of a DAW. Mixbus enables the user to record, edit, and mix a musical performance “in the box” but get a sound that harkens back to the golden age of album recordings.

Mixbus Features:

• Straightforward “knob per function” mixer layout based on Harrison’s renowned 32-series and MR-series music consoles.
• Precision DSP algorithms for EQ, Filter, Compression, Analog Tape Saturation, and Summing based on Harrison’s world-renowned large format analog and digital mixing consoles.
• Unlimited stereo or mono input channels (based on available CPU power) featuring High-pass Filter, EQ, Compression, and 4 Mix Bus sends on every channel.
• 4 Stereo Mix Buses (can be used for groups or auxes) featuring Tone controls, Compression, Sidechaining, and Analog Tape Saturation.
• Stereo Master Bus that features Tone controls, Analog Tape Saturation, K-meter, and Limiting to help you make polished mixes.
• Plugin delay compensation to support effects such as parallel compression.
• Comprehensive “at-a-glance” metering with peak, peak hold, and compressor gain reduction visible on every track and bus.
• Extensive DAW features via the Ardour Digital Audio Workstation.
• Supports AudioUnit plugins and any CoreAudio interface.

Mixbus requires a dual-processor (or more) Intel or PowerPC Mac running OS X 10.4 or 10.5, a 3-button mouse with scroll wheel, and 100 MB available hard disk space. A minimum 1 GB of RAM is recommended. Mac OS X 10.6 support is coming soon.

An introductory price of $79.99 is available direct from Harrison.

www.harrisonconsoles.com

Discuss Mixbus in our Applications forum.

MOTU has released Digital Performer 7. This update delivers a fresh suite of classic guitar pedal emulations, a guitar amp emulator modeled after classics from Fender and Marshall, a physical modeling speaker cabinet emulator with mixable mic positions (close, near and far), and inline EQ & Dynamics in the Mixing Board.

Digital Performer 7 also offers workflow enhancements like a consolidated V-Racks display alongside your sequence in the Mixing Board, Channel Strip and Info Bar mixer controls that follow the track you’re working on, realtime crossfades, Wave64 support for recording files larger than 4GB, range automation modes, lead-sheet creation with inline lyrics and chord symbol tools, freely resizable Counter window, Marker Counter, and more.

For beginners and experts alike, Digital Performer 7 delivers advanced features in an intuitive, streamlined design, and provides industry-leading support for Mac OS X Core Audio and Core MIDI services. Built from the ground up for Mac users, Digital Performer 7 takes full advantage of the latest advances in Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard’s multi-threading and multi-processor operation, sample-accurate MIDI Time Stamping, Core MIDI patch list support, Audio Units plug-ins and virtual instruments, support for multiple Core Audio interface drivers and more. Whether you’re completing a surround sound DVD, or you just want to write a song and burn a CD or MP3 file, Digital Performer 7 gets you there quickly with elegance and ease.

Digital Performer 7 requires Mac OS X v10.4.7 or later (including Mac OS X v10.6), a PowerPC G4 1 GHz or faster CPU (including PPC G5 CPUs and all Intel processor Macs), 1 GB RAM, a display with minimum 1024 x 768 resolution, and a CD-ROM drive for installation and authorization. MOTU recommends a multi-processor, multi-core PowerMac G5 or Intel processor Mac, 2 GB RAM or more, and a minimum 1280 x 1024 resolution display.

You can purchase Digital Performer 7 direct from MOTU online. Upgrades from previous versions of Digital Performer are $195, while upgrades from Performer are $295. Upgrades from a competing DAW, including MOTU’s own AudioDesk, are $395.

www.motu.com/products/software/dp/

Discuss Digital Performer 7 in our Digital Performer forum.