Game changer perhaps – Audiobus Inter-App Audio on iOS Approved
“This morning, Apple finished reviewing the first version of Audiobus, and it has been approved.
We’ve been working with a small group of third party developers that we already have a close connection with because we want to make sure that those apps can serve as examples for all the other developers (currently more than 400) for how to implement Audiobus.
Once our initial community of developers have finished the Audiobus integration, we’ll be all launching together and opening up the SDK to the public.”
So what is it?
Audiobus will allow the audio of one app to be process by another. You will be able to process your iOS synths with other synths and effects. Until now you could only run them in parallel and you could only sync or control them via virtual MIDI. Audiobus will fix this going forward.
Apogee introduces Quartet for desktop recording
Apogee Electronics has unveiled Quartet, which they describe as “The ultimate desktop audio interface and control center for Mac.” They say that, featuring four inputs, eight outputs, MIDI, top panel display and control, Quartet sets a new standard in performance and connectivity for the modern studio. Here’s the full details in Apogee’s own words…
With ample input and output connections, the signature single controller knob, QuickTouch pads, and Apogee’s conversion technology, Quartet delivers where it counts; sound, functionality and usability.
Quartet connects to any Mac via USB 2.0 high-speed for extremely low-latency and stellar performance. From MacBook Air to Mac Pro, Quartet easily connects at amazingly high-speeds no matter the machine or sample rate; 44.1-192kHz.
Quartet’s four combination inputs offer microphone, instrument and line input with an exceptional gain range of up to 75 dB, leaving plenty of headroom for demanding microphones and sound sources. For additional channels, Quartet’s eight digital inputs create the option of connecting an external interface, like the Apogee Ensemble.
Quartet’s six balanced outputs deliver options for the video producer to mix in surround, the live performer to send multiple mixes to monitors and front-of-house and the mixer to send a mix to outboard compressors and EQs. Using Apogee’s Maestro software, the outputs will also split into three stereo pairs for connecting three speaker sets for auditioning mixes across various types of studio monitors.
A first for an Apogee audio interface, Quartet includes a USB MIDI connection for connecting a keyboard, synth or DJ controller. This feature consolidates all gear connections away from the Mac, making Quartet the control center for any studio.
Apogee CEO and Co-Founder Betty Bennett, told SBC, “We are excited to announce Quartet. Quartet offers a highly requested I/O configuration, award-winning sound and sleek design, all at an affordable price. We have listened to our customers and have designed Quartet with their requests in mind. At Apogee, we are all about delivering the absolutely best in sound, design and functionality and believe Quartet is a winner on every front.”
Quartet Highlights:
- Best-in-class sound quality with Apogee AD/DA converters
- 4 Analog inputs with world-class mic preamps
- Monitor control – up to 3 speaker sets
- USB 2.0 High-speed Mac audio interface
- ADAT/SMUX digital inputs
- MIDI input (USB-A type connector)
- 8 Analog Outputs: 6 Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level 1 independent 1/4″ stereo headphone output
- 2 top panel high-resolution OLED displays
- Controller knob
- 6 touchpads for direct selection of inputs and outputs
- 3 assignable touchpads
- Quartet works with any Core Audio compatible application including: Logic, Pro Tools 9 and 10, Final Cut, Ableton Live
- Made in the U.S.A.
Features & Specifications:
- 4 Analog Inputs: Combination line (balanced +20dBu max), Mic/Instrument (+20dBu/+14dBu max)
- 4 Microphone preamps with up to 75dB of gain
- 8 Digital Inputs: ADAT/SMUX Input, 2 Toslink connectors, 44.1kHz to 96kHz
- 8 Analog Outputs: 6 Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level, 1 Independent 1/4″ stereo headphone output
- MIDI I/O (USB-A type connector)
- Word clock output
- USB 2.0 High-speed Mac audio interface
- A/D and D/A conversion: 24 bit/192kHz
- 2 top panel high resolution OLED displays
- Controller knob
- 6 touchpads for direct selection of inputs and outputs
- 3 assignable touchpads to control:
- Mute Outputs
- Dim Outputs
- Sum to Mono
- Clear Meters
- Engage Speaker Set (allows monitoring of up to 3 pairs of speakers)
Pricing and Availability:
Price: $1,295 US, €1,295 EUR
Worldwide Availability: September 2012
More information:
Video description:
Apogee Quartet
The ultimate desktop studio interface and control center for Mac
Apogee Quartet is a professional USB audio interface designed to deliver the ultimate desktop recording experience to the Mac-based studio. Featuring 4 inputs and 8 outputs of Apogee’s industry-leading AD/DA conversion technology as well as 4 world-class mic preamps, Quartet bridges the gap between the 2-channel Apogee Duet and the 8-channel Apogee Ensemble.
Complete Connections
All the I/O you need with room to grow
Connect up to 4 microphones, instruments, keyboards or line inputs. Plug in your MIDI controller or keyboard. Expand with up to 8 digital inputs. Monitor and mix it all in stereo, with up to 3 sets of speakers or in 5.1 surround. Quartet is the center of the modern studio and will help you take the performance and sound quality of your projects to the next level.
Total Creative Control
Simple, powerful and easy to work with
With its ergonomic, angular design and intuitive user interface, Quartet is inspiring, easy to use and in perfect harmony with your workspace. Dual full-color screens for critical input and output details, QuickTouch pads for easy I/O selection, and a single controller knob to conduct it all, make Quartet the perfect studio control center for your Mac.
Legendary Sound Quality
Why Apogee Quartet is the best choice for your studio
Apogee is an award-winning industry leader in digital recording technology with over 25 years of experience. Preferred by recording pros around the world, Apogee products like Duet, Ensemble and Symphony I/O have been instrumental in creating countless GRAMMY® and OSCAR® winning recordings and have set the industry standard in professional recording for over two decades. Quartet is built solidly on this reputation.
Highlights
Best-in-class sound quality with Apogee AD/DA converters
4 Analog Inputs with world-class mic preamps
Monitor control – up to 3 speaker sets
USB 2.0 High-speed Mac audio interface
ADAT/SMUX digital Inputs
MIDI input (USB-A type connector)
8 Analog Outputs: 6 Balanced line outputs, +20 dBu maximum output level
1 Independent 1/4″ stereo headphone output
2 top panel high resolution OLED displays
Controller knob
6 touchpads for direct selection of inputs and outputs
3 assignable touchpads
Quartet works with any Core Audio compatible application including: Logic, Pro Tools 9 and 10, Final Cut. Ableton Live
Hard Soft Synth 3jb – new audio and video synthesizer
Bleep Labs has introduced the new Hard Soft Synth 3jb, a audio + video synthesizer. The HSS3jb features 15 modes of audio/video excellence, each with 4-5 variables of control. There are also 8 video only modes designed for use with the trigger and audio inputs. An adjustable analog filter keeps everything smooth.
Features:
- 15 Audio+Video modes and 8 video only modes.
- RCA, S-video, and VGA video out.
- Audio, IR, and trigger input as well as trigger out. IR with Handmade Music Austin or Gieskes devices,
- Hook it up to a modular via trigger or use the audio input to control the sounds and video of the HSS3i.
- Analog low-pass filter controlled via photocell.
- MIDI input controls device parameters.
- Circuit bending, color switching, fade, and individual color controls for video.
- New enclosure and more compact design (5.5? x 3.5? x 2.5?).
The Hard Soft Synth 3jb is available now for US $285.
Demo:
The new Hard Soft Synth is here. See all the new features at http://bleeplabs.com/hss3j/
Time to mangle and mutate your audio recordings – Permut8 Presentation
http://soniccharge.com/permut8
Sonic Charge Permut8 lets you modulate, manipulate and mangle your audio in countless ways through the combination of some basic but unique building blocks. The sound of Permut8 is is inspired by primitive digital hardware. Raw and complex but noisy and warm at the same time. Permut8 was launched on August 13, 2012.
Description:
Permut8 is an effect plug-in that embraces the sounds of primitive signal processing hardware. At its core is a 12-bit digital delay with variable sample rate from 0 to 352 khz. The delay is controlled by a programmable processor that allows you to change and modulate the delay time with various “operators”. The input and output stages offers virtual analog components for saturation, limiting and filtering. The sound of Permut8 is raw and complex but noisy and warm at the same time. Permut8 is shipped with 11 “program banks” equalling a total of 320 presets covering a wide range of effects from traditional delays and flangers to beat-repeaters, bit-crushers and yet unheard of circuit bent madness. Use the player on the left to try some of the programs on top of a simple MicroTonic beat.
SpectraLayers PRO – new software for audio and video production from Sony
Sony has released SpectraLayers PRO, the newest addition to its line of award-winning software for audio and video production. An intelligent audio editing program, SpectraLayers operates directly on waveform spectra using a wide variety of smart editing tools. Through this application, users can more accurately edit audio by graphically dividing files into discrete, user-defined layers that can be processed independently and reintegrated to achieve flawless master files.
“SpectraLayers introduces an innovative, unique workflow that redefines what can be accomplished in the professional audio editor’s suite,” said Dave Chaimson, vice president of global marketing for Sony Creative Software. “The level of editing precision and advanced capabilities SpectraLayers offers makes it an essential tool for industry professionals who demand the deepest audio analysis tools.”
SpectraLayers Offers the Following Transformational Features:
Extreme Audio Editing:
- Divide audio files into discrete, user-defined layers that can be processed independently and reintegrated to achieve perfect master files.
- Remove unwanted noises and artifacts with ease while leaving surrounding audio data completely intact.
- Separate music and dialogue into individual component layers.
- Perform pitch correction on user-selected components of an audio file.
- Employ SpectraLayers in audio mastering, sound design, analysis, and forensics tasks.
- All tools are modifiable using a wide range of user-definable sensitivities and tolerances.
Extraction Tools:
Extract audio into independent layers using intelligent, programmable tools:
- Area — select any audio for transfer from directly within the spectrum graph.
- Frequency — track frequencies and transfer them directly to selected layers.
- Harmonics — seek and select harmonics in user-defined amounts and orders.
Modification Tools:
Operate directly on waveform spectra to perform precise, creative edits:
- Amplify
- Clone
- Erase
Creation Tools:
Create sound directly in the SpectraLayers interface:
- Frequency
- Noise
Fidelity / Flexibility:
- 32-bit 96 kHz capable.
- SpectraLayers provides seamless file transfer to Sound Forge Pro and other audio editing programs.
Dual Platform Support:
SpectraLayers is available for both Mac and Windows platforms.
Price and Availability:
SpectraLayers is now available for purchase worldwide, and online for immediate download at www.sonycreativesoftware.com. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $399 USD.
More information: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/spectralayersp… .
Akai EIE Pro Hi Resolution Audio Interface
The handsome big brother of the EIE – this adds 96kHz 24-bit audio to the USB audio interface. It also has a built in USB hub and MIDI too
Announced today: Polar – old school harmonizer coming to Reason 6.5
Propellerhead today announced Polar, a new Rack Extension audio effect to be available at the launch of the next versions Reason and Reason Essentials later this month.
Polar is an old school harmonizer and pitch-shifter effect with a host of modern tricks up its sleeves. Designed for classic harmonizing, stereo widening, and real-time pitch shifting, Polar also invites users to experiment with buffer looping and audio freezing to create otherworldly effects.
Consisting of selectable dual pitch-shifters with classic, smooth and looping algorithms, Polar is created for singers, producers, guitarists and remixers looking for transparent pitch-shifting as well as creative ways of turning bland recordings into wide, evolving soundscapes. The built-in LFOs, auto-panning, envelope and buffer lock provide further sound sculpting possibilities, while delay and feedback turns single-note recordings into arpeggios.
For more information about Rack Extensions, Polar, and to listen to audio examples, visit www.propellerheads.se/go/74B1DC9D
Pricing and availability
Polar will be released simultaneously with version 6.5 of Reason and version 1.5 of Reason Essentials Q2 2012, at a price of USD $69/EUR €55. Polar will be available for purchase in the Propellerhead Shop.
Octatrack tutorial – The audio editor and loop slicing
The audio editor is a powerful sample editing tool. This video introduces some of the available operations and also demonstrates how to slice a loop.
Audio demo of the new Subsonic Labs Wolfram VST and Audio Units plugin.
Subsonic Labs has released Wolfram, which they describe as an advanced sound manipulation device. Nice retro video BTW 
“This is the device for you who aren’t satisfied with the few options on your average plugin. You wish to take that extra step, to twist that extra knob in order to achieve instant sound processing gratification – Now you can…We took your average plugin, doubled the voltage, drilled (virtual) holes for essential buttons and rewired it beyond recognition.Smoking hot from our Subsonic Laboratories, it can be the subtle, ear tingling touch of Dr. Jekyll…But Wolfram is equally capable being the frequency devastating abomination of Mr. Hyde. All this with a light touch on the well polished user panel.
Get that vintage vibe with a modern twist – Delays, pitch shifting, distortion, chorusing, phasing, panning, filtering, cabinet emulation and all strange combinations in between. Do you need Wolfram today? Well, you will ask yourself why you didn’t buy it yesterday!”
Reactive – new upcoming AudioUnit plugin
Sinevibes has introduced Reactive, its upcoming AudioUnit plugin developed to turn any audio into melodic material.
Unlike conventional keyboard-controlled synthesizers, Reactive detects the input signal’s dynamic envelope and transforms it into pitch information via a note matrix that has eight switchable patterns. The envelope and pitch are then used to drive three distinct synthesizer engines – waveshape modeling, phase modulation, and subtractive with ring modulation – allowing you to come up with interesting motion sounds, from pulsating drones and melodic strums to fat basses and weird glitch lines. Like all Sinevibes products, Reactive will be simple and fun to use, with a color-coded interface and fast response.
- Use any sound source’s dynamics to generate new melodies.
- Instantly transform vocal beat-boxing or simple microphone tapping into bass and synth lines, glitches, and noises.
- Turn rhythmic audio material into interesting strumming or arpeggiating synthesizer sounds.
Reactive will be available late April or early May 2012, and can be pre-ordered now for $19 USD (regular $29 USD). Customers who purchase the Sinevibes Complete AudioUnit pack starting from today will receive Reactive free of charge. Reactive will come as a 32/64 bit AudioUnit plugin for OS X 10.5 or later.
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