These instruments were crafted with a non-purist, hybrid approach to sound design. In creating the samples, not only were synthesizers purpose-chosen to create each drum component, some of the sounds were constructed modularly, where the attack and tail portions originate from different sources and mixed. At the instrument level, the sample manipulation capabilities of Ultrabeat were also used to add a further layer of sound shaping.

In addition to bass drums (2), snare drums (2), hi-hats (closed, pedal, and open), toms (low, low-mid, high-mid, and high), a crash cymbal, a ride cymbal, a side stick, and a hand clap, each kit also includes one of four sets of percussion sounds. Each set includes a shaker, a scraper, a reversed cymbal, drumsticks, and 3 types of closed hi-hats (an auto-panned 16th note sequence, LFO-based simulations of repeated 32nd and 64th notes). These sounds are generated by the synthesis component of Ultrabeat and are not based on samples.

The 95 MB download includes 20 .pst files and 300 WAV files.

Drum Key is available now for $29.99 at www.9soundware.com.

Upgrade to the new 6.0.6 version is free for existing v6 users.

n-Track Software announces today the release of version 6.0.6 of the n-Track Studio music recording and editing software www.ntrack.com

The update, free to existing v6.x users, adds support for the latest version of the VST plugin standard, developed by Steinberg and widely used by 3rd party plugin manufacturers. Version 3 of the VST standard has been rewritten from the ground up and promises better compatibility between plug-ins and hosts such as n-Track.

n-Track takes advantage of the explicit support found in the VST3 standard for plug-ins side-chaining, a mechanism by which an effect plug-in can process the signal of an audio track based on the characteristics of the signal of a different track. A typical use of side- chaining is when the dynamics (i.e. compression) of a bass track is altered based on the dynamics of a kick drum track, or when a radio speaker talks over music being played, with the music automatically decreasing in volume when the speaker talks (“ducking”).

n-Track Studio 6.0.6 works on Windows XP, Vista, 7, and 2000 operating systems. It supports VST and DirectX plug-ins and instruments, ReWire connections and Asio, WaveRT, WDM or MME multichannel audio drivers. The program’s ease of use makes it perfect for small studios and for music recording enthusiasts who want to record their own home made music.

For more information, press material or to request an evaluation version please visit http://www.ntrack.com/press

Third Generation Intelligent Spectral Audio Vitalizer | Enhancer

Adelaide SA (September, 18, 2009) – Crysonic today announced the release of SPECTRALIVE NXT V3 and availability in Native Mac OSX AU,VST (PPC /Intel Mac) and PC VST formats. Spectralive NXT V3 is Crysonics third Generation Professional Spectral Audio Vitality and Enhancement Processor. The SPECTRALIVE process is Crysonics proprietary approach for imparting Vitality and warmth to all audio material without inducing audio artifacts. Adding for the first time native Mac OS X support and many new features and improvements together with a brand new gorgeous GUI and at the same time keeping the CPU utilization to an absolute minimum by utilizing highly efficient assembly DSP code while every new feature is enabled. Utilizing a completely new engine Spectralive NXT V3 is a completely re-coded new product with everything using 64-bit internal precision designed for high end professional use.

Some new features amongst many others include an 11 Band Look-ahead ‘Soft Peak limiter /EQ /Maximizer’ with intelligent clip warning assistant. Final Master Clipping prevention also ensures audio does not distort and this can be switched on or off. The New multi-band effects Mix Palette section which provides an almost infinite combination of algorithms and processes to enable better targeting the source audio.

Another important and welcome addition is Spectralive NXT V3 can now be used with Mono sources with exceptional and outstanding results ! Convert any Mono audio source such as guitars, vocals, bass to stereo with a combination of three choices (MTS1, MTS2, ATMOSPHERICS) in any combination or all at once before applying the Spectralive effect. The all new ATMOSPHERICS section can be used as an additional enhancement process which can be applied to either stereo or mono signals on top of the Spectralive effect to further impart balance, clarity, definition and stereo coherence.

Spectralive NXT V3 now provides 64-combiations of algorithms and processors together with A-B comparison which can be used in conjunction with the Mix palette providing an insane amount of combinations. The new Level meters also provide invaluable information during tweaking while mastering /mixing /tracking and audio restoration or re-mastering. Further more, Spectralive NXT V3 now incorporates a smooth high-resolution Real-Time FFT Spectrum and a Spectrogram display enabling precise monitoring of the effected audio plus many other new features and improvements.

The main VITALITY Dial controls the final Spectralive effect for easy adjustment to taste, input/output gain dials can further be used to control the final audio output. As with all professional crysonic audio plug-ins, Every parameter is fully automatable via the host including algorithm and process selection, Mix Palettes, Atmospherics and everything else.

Taking the lead from the very popular previous Spectralive plug-in, SPECTRALIVE has now over 20000+ users worldwide and is now available to purchase on-line from the crysonic website for Mac OSX Universal Binary AU, VST and PC VST formats.

SPECTRALIVE NXT V3 main features

• Native PC and Mac Compatibility (Mac OS Universal Binary AU,VST and PC VST Native)
• The third generation Audio Plug-in to utilize the spectral-vitality process
• Completely re-coded new product with a gorgeous new GUI
• Now with 64 Algorithms and Processor Combinations
• 11- Band Look-Ahead smooth Peak limiter /EQ /Maximizer
• Intelligent Clip warning Assistant LED’s
• Automatic Look-ahead Final Master Clipping Prevention
• Multi-Band Effect Mix Palette providing an insane number of combinations
• NOW can be used with Mono Audio signals
• Three methods to convert mono to stereo
• All new ATMOSPHERICS Enhancement process can be used on Stereo or mono signals
• Real-Time smooth FFT Spectrum Analysis
• Hi-Resolution Spectrogram
• Single VITALITY Dial for global tweak
• A-B Comparison of chosen effect
• Increase Stereo coherencel
• Sonically Correct mastering
• Audio Frequency targeting
• Intelligent Phase control
• Highly optimized custom DSP code
• Greatly Improved Audio Quality!
• Double click to set each control to default value!
• Press Ctrl for finer Adjustment
• Very Intuitive and easy to use User Interface
• Full automation for every parameter via the host
• custom and user presets
• Very Low CPU usage
• 64-bit internal precision
• Highly optimized Assembly DSP code with Vectorization on the Mac OS X Platform
• The Spectralive™ process is a novel and proprietary approach for imparting Vitality and warmth to all your audio material
• Master, Mix, Track your music on an even playing field regardless of your monitor speakers setup or quality
• For Mastering, Mixing, Tracking, Vocals, Guitars, Keyboards, Virtual Instruments and Live

Applications

• Impart Vitality and Clarity to any audio material without any artificial harmonics
• Ideal for vitalizing dynamics during tracking
• Film /TV Sound tracks
• Audio Restoration
• Re-Mastering
• Shape Spectral definition
• Increase stereo separation and definition without any artifacts
• Decrease frequency masking effects during mixing and mastering
• Reduce phase and amplitude dependency on the fundamental and Harmonic frequencies that exist between most loudspeakers
• Boost the bottom-end without affecting the midrange frequencies
• Enhance presence during live performances
• Increase dynamics for sound effects for games and other related media

More information visit: www.crysonic.com.

To Purchase:
As a Launch Special Spectralive NXT V3 is Currently available at $99.95 until the 28th of September 2009, RRP $144, all previous Crysonic customer are eligible to purchase /upgrade for $32 until 28th September after which will be $59.95

SPECTRALIVE NXT V3 is now available for purchase on-line from the crysonic website: www.crysonic.com.

Demo download: www.crysonic.com.

Version 2.1 update includes the following changes:

* Ratio can now be entered without the trailing “:1″.
* Loudness bursts on some parameter changes resolved.
* Graphics view position readout added.
* Graphics view “hold” function implemented.
* Input/output graph colors changed for more contrast.
* Zooming scrollers were added to the graphics view.
* Crashes on Mac OS X related to Wave/GR graph switching resolved.

Polysquasher features:

* Transparent compression sound
* Real-time gain reduction graph
* 8 built-in compressor modes
* Compressor mode editor
* Multi-channel processing
* Internal channel routing
* Channel grouping
* Mid/side processing
* Up to 8x linear-phase oversampling
* 64-bit floating point processing
* Preset manager
* Undo/redo history
* A/B comparisons
* Contextual hint messages

Demo version of Voxengo Polysquasher and other pro audio plug-ins can be downloaded at the Voxengo web site: www.voxengo.com.

“With this update to version 5, Cubase Essential becomes one of the most desirable entry-level music production products anywhere, with a price tag to match,” comments Helge Vogt, Steinberg’s Product Marketing Manager for Cubase. “With the same user interface and award-winning audio engine as its bigger brother, which is used by countless professionals around the globe, Cubase Essential 5 includes Cubase 5 features such as automatic intonation control with the PitchCorrect plug-in, ultra-intuitive step sequencing with Beat Designer as well as many enhancements to the previous generation of Cubase Essential in the editing, recording and MIDI areas. We also added the entire HALion ONE Studio Set with almost 240 premium instrument sounds, produced by the top sound developers. The multi-talented Prologue synthesizer, previously found only in bigger Cubase versions, is also now part of Cubase Essential 5. And for mobile setups, capabilities like the Virtual MIDI Keyboard show that this new version is the ideal balance between professional production features and streamlined software developed to offer a sleek, easily portable production solution,” Vogt adds.

More @ www.steinberg.net.

Powered by the industry-leading KONTAKT engine and playable via the free KONTAKT PLAYER or the KONTAKT 3 sampler, SCARBEE PRE-BASS delivers the full sonic spectrum of the most popular bass guitar of all time, suitable for a universal array of musical styles from pop and rock to hip-hop, jazz, funk and beyond. All four strings of the original instrument have been expertly sampled in nine velocities, resulting in over 4,000 individual studio-grade samples. The sample material was recorded through a DI for maximum sonic flexibility, using round-wound strings for a bright and punchy sound. Specific “Player Profiles” for various genres as well as EQ and effect controls allow musicians and producers to further customize the sound and behavior of PRE-BASS to fit the musical context.

To preserve all the acoustic intricacies of the real instrument, PRE-BASS takes full advantage of the unique scripting features of KONTAKT, resulting in a performance that is virtually indistinguishable from that of a real professional bassist. Authentic articulations and playing techniques include hammer-ons, pull-offs, grace notes, various trills, mutes, harmonics, pickup hits, fret noises and much more, most of which are automatically triggered based on the incoming note material. The fretboard display in KONTAKT and KONTAKT PLAYER shows the playing position and articulation of each note in real-time, with intelligent string selection and index finger/middle finger alternation as well as dedicated slide and chord modes that contribute to the unparalleled authenticity of the instrument.

SCARBEE PRE-BASS is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for $89 / €79.

More information on SCARBEE PRE-BASS including audio and video demos can be found at: native-instruments.com.

Spinner LLC proudly announces the release of Box Store Kit. 550 drum loops in 4 different formats Recorded in a huge vacant warehouse, these beats are edgy, full and take loops into a new dimension with a wide open sound and versatility. The well rounded Box Store package includes 550 high quality loops in the following formats: WAV, REX, Soundfont2 and Akai(S5000,6000). Grooves range from funky, to ambient to straight up rock. Add unique texture to your music, run the beats through an effects processor or just lay down a drum track to jam along with!

This sample package is organized first by sample format, then by tempo. Browse tempo folders from within your sampler, load em up and change tempo if you like. You will find everything from laid back basic styles to complex and textured grooves. With Box Store Kit we wanted to have a focused but massive sound! We were able to locate a huge empty retail space with angled walls everywhere, high vaulted ceilings and roughed hard floor.

We spent several hours with a floor tom and a high hat checking out all the subdvisions of the space, eventually ending up really enjoying the sound of the main room underneath the high vaulted ceiling. We are especially happy with the amount of space and warmth present in the recordings. Enjoy Box Store Kit !

Box Store Kit is available in REX, WAV, SF2 & Akai(s5000/6000)formats on August 21 2009 for instant download. $19.99 USD

Check Out Box Store Kit at: spinneraudio.com.

Press release Simplosive: After four highly successful percussive sample packs we are entering round five with “Electro Bass”, a huge collection of fat and dirty one-shot bass tone samples.

“Electro Bass” includes 300 sub-shaking one-shot bass sounds including static basses, bass stabs, bass chords and bass sweeps. All recorded in pristine 24 bit and in key of c.

Version 2.5 change log:

* “Radial” knob mode can be now disabled completely.
* “Off-Line Render” indication added.
* Level metering parameters added.
* Knob read-outs now require a single click for keyboard entry.
* Occasional crashes in WaveLab and other hosts fixed.
* Host sample rate switch-related problem fixed.
* Minor visual improvements implemented.
* Plug-in initial loading time reduced.

One of Crunchessor’s main advantages is the ease of tuning, which at the same time instantly delivers an excellent sonic performance. Beside this, Crunchessor offers you a selection of compression coloration styles.  By choosing an appropriate coloration style, you can add the character most suitable for the sound material you are working with. Crunchessor also accepts external side-chain source signals and allows you to filter key signal sources before they are used for compression.

Voxengo Crunchessor Screenshot

Crunchessor features:

* Easy compression tuning
* Valve warmness
* Coloration styles
* External side-chaining
* Key signal filtering
* Multi-channel processing
* Internal channel routing
* Channel grouping
* Mid/side processing
* 64-bit floating point processing
* Preset manager
* Undo/redo history
* A/B comparisons
* Contextual hint messages

Voxengo Crunchessor and other plug-ins can be download at the Voxengo web site: voxengo.com.

Broken Piano:
For some productions, the grand piano sounds too polished and bright… Sometimes the mellow rich sound of an upright piano is desired, or even some broken piano sounds that can add special flavor to your song. Broken Piano brings you just that, with a darker mellow upright piano and plenty of surprising broken piano goodies!

Pianoforte:
The pianoforte designates the early version of the piano from its invention around 1700 up till the early 19th century. This instrument brings back to life the beautiful shining bright sound of the pianoforte!

Main Features:
- Includes three authentic piano VST instruments: Vintage Piano, Broken Piano and Pianoforte.
- Realistic and sonically beautiful acoustic grand piano VST.
- Mellow rich sounding upright piano.
- Wide variety of amazing broken piano sounds.
- Emulation of the pianoforte.
- Extremely dynamic and responsive.
- Based on more then 200MB of high quality samples.
- Uses advanced synthesis and physical modeling techniques.
- High quality studio reverb.
- Adjustable velocity curve.
- Simple user interface.
- Very modest CPU, memory and disk Requirements.

Piano Trilogy is now available for Windows in VST format and costs 59EUR.
You can buy it at the special introductory price of 39EUR until 21th August.

Release date: Aug 6, 2009

More @ Musicrow. | Piano Trilogy Page.