Results for Pro Tools

Universal Audio has unveiled numerous future enhancements for its award-winning Apollo High-Resolution Interface — turning the popular unit into a scalable system capable of recording larger music projects on both Mac and Windows 7 machines.

Among the new Apollo interface features slated for delivery in the first half of 2013 is multi-unit cascading, which combines two Apollo interfaces into a single elegant system via FireWire or Thunderbolt. Multi-unit cascading provides simultaneous use of 16 analog inputs / outputs, including eight Apollo mic preamps, plus 12 digital inputs and outputs — perfect for tracking a full band.

New Apollo Software to Deliver Multi-Unit Cascading & Numerous Console Software Enhancements; Separate UAD / Apollo Software Updates Bring Softube Amp Room, New LA-2A Collection, and API 500 Series EQ Plug-Ins.

The boost in Apollo connectivity is navigated via a redesigned Console application, offering better visual feedback, a new Mix-Merge mode, and a Pro Tools mode which greatly simplifies integration with Pro Tools systems.

“A year after its introduction, Apollo has become the top-selling audio interface in its class,” says UA CEO and Founder, Bill Putnam Jr. “We’re committed to enhancing its creative possibilities, through ongoing software improvements and a growing roster of new plug-in titles from UA and Direct Developer partners like Softube.”

Apollo owners will soon be able to play and record in real time through some of the world’s finest guitar amp emulations, courtesy of the acclaimed Softube Amp Room plug-ins — including Vintage Amp Room, Metal Amp Room, and Bass Amp Room. Softube Amp Room plug-ins will be available as part of an upcoming UAD/Apollo software update, along with the brand new LA-2A Classic Leveler Collection and API 500 Series EQ Collection plug-ins.

Apollo is a high-resolution 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt-ready audio interface that delivers the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording. Using Apollo, music producers and performers can track audio through a range of classic UAD analog emulation plug-ins — from Neve, Studer, Manley, Lexicon and more — in real time, and with a sleek, elegant workflow on both Mac and Windows 7 systems.

More information: Universal Audio / Apollo

AIR Music Technology has announced the Vacuum Pro and Loom virtual synthesizer instruments.

Vacuum Pro is a polyphonic analog tube synthesizer that “travels light-years beyond” the original monophonic Vacuum, first developed by the AIR team as part of the Pro Tools Creative Collection from Avid. The new Vacuum Pro is polyphonic, offering up to 160 oscillators plus substantial improvements in both horsepower and features.

Loom is an entirely new modular additive synthesizer. While both of these new synthesizers offer detailed control, each also provides programming aids and shortcuts to create custom user-created sounds quickly. Each contains 250 presets created by the AIR team. The Eco (economy) mode reduces the draw on the host processor, with minimal effect on the final sound.

AIR Vacuum Pro Polyphonic Analog Tube Synthesizer.

Vacuum Pro features

• Super-wide, fat, and organic analog sound.
• Two individual parts, expandable to four.
• 250 presets.
• Smart Sound Randomizer to quickly design unique sounds.
• 11 Smart Knobs for macro control over parameters.
• Economy mode reduces load on the host processor.
• VST, AU, RTAS, and AAX.
• 32- and 64-bit.

AIR Loom Modular Additive Synthesizer.

Loom features

• 30 distinct sound modules, freely combinable in 10 cells.
• Point-and-click sound morphing with powerful control.
• 250 presets.
• Smart Sound Randomizer to quickly design unique sounds.
• Economy mode reduces load on the host processor.
• VST, AU, RTAS, and AAX.
• 32- and 64-bit.

Air Music Technology will be exhibiting at Booth 6700 at the 2013 Winter NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

More information: AIR Music Technology

M-Audio has added three new Axiom AIR models to the upper echelons of their popular Axiom USB/MIDI keyboard and pad controller lineup: the Axiom AIR 61, Axiom AIR 49, and Axiom AIR 25.

Created in conjunction with AIR Music Technology, these keyboards were designed to deliver a high level of integration with a broad array of music software titles. These new models join the previously released and compact Axiom AIR Mini 32.

Unlike other keyboard controllers that include trial and demo versions of music software, M-Audio’s strong partnerships with AIR Music Technology and Avid® allow each Axiom AIR 61, 49 and 25 model to come complete with two exclusive and complementary music creation applications: Ignite by AIR and Pro Tools® Express from Avid.

By removing many of the hurdles associated with computer-based music-making, Ignite delivers the most streamlined means to quickly capture your best musical ideas. According to AIR Product Manager Samara Winterfeld, “Ignite was designed from the ground up to provide instant integration and controller mapping with Axiom AIR and every M-Audio keyboard. This is one less thing a musician has to worry about when inspiration strikes.”

From Ignite, musical ideas can be easily migrated to the included copy of Avid Pro Tools Express, providing customers with access to the production capabilities of the industryleading DAW software. Avid Pro Tools Express includes the required iLok USB key—a $49.99 retail value.

The bold white and brushed metal design of the Axiom AIR series features many aesthetic and ergonomic enhancements not found in previous generations of controllers. These features include illuminated knob and pad controls, angled backlit display, longerthrow faders, and clearance under the body providing a path for cabling, keeping studio and workspace tidy.

Pitch bend and modulation wheels allow for spontaneous expression, while octave/transpose buttons allow the keyboard to cover the entire note range, in any key. In addition to measuring how hard you strike, the pads also respond to pressure for enhanced control. Both keys and pads feature a wide range of touch curves to match any playing style.

The pads, buttons, and rotary encoder knobs feature three banks of controller assignments; the current bank is indicated by tri-color illumination. All controller assignments can be freely made from the front panel and easily identified using the dedicated Identify button. The unique Pad Learn function makes it easy to assign instrument sounds to pads. Best yet, each Axiom AIR model features M-Audio’s HyperControl to automatically map the controllers to popular recording software and virtual instrument titles.

Axiom AIR keyboards features

• Axiom AIR 25 — Ideal for the modern beat-making musician, the Axiom AIR 25 offers a generous 16 pads and 25 synth-action keys—with aftertouch. Assignable controls include 8 rotary encoder knobs and 1 long-throw 70mm fader.
• Axiom AIR 49 — Balancing size and features to satisfy a broad range of players and composers, the Axiom AIR 49 features 12 pads and 49 synth-action keys—with aftertouch. Assignable controls include 8 rotary encoder knobs, 9 buttons, and 9 long-throw 70mm faders.
• Axiom AIR 61 — Providing the accomplished keyboardist with an inspiring playing experience, the Axiom Air 61 delivers 61 TruTouch, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch. Assignable controls include 8 rotary encoder knobs, 9 buttons, and 9 long-throw 70mm faders.

M-Audio will be exhibiting at Booth 6700 at the 2013 Winter NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

More information: M-Audio / Axiom AIR

McDSP has announced that the Project Studio bundle of plug-ins is currently on sale for $39 USD.

Project Studio is the most comprehensive LE plug-in bundle ever, featuring award winning equalizers, filters, and compressors, plus a convolution reverb, mastering limiter, and analog tape machine simulator.

Five outstanding McDSP plug-ins. One unbeatable bundle. The perfect addition to any Pro Tools system.
Project Studio includes:

• Analog Channel LE (AC2 – Analog Tape Saturation)
• CompressorBank LE (CB4 – Modeled Compressors)
• FilterBank LE (F1, E4, P4 – Flexible EQ and Filtering)
• ML4000 LE (ML1 – Mastering Limiter)
• Revolver LE (Basic Convolution Reverb and Impulse Response Library)

The Project Studio bundle is available for Windows and Mac in RTAS format. The sale ends December 31st, 2012.

More information: McDSP / Project Studio

Plugin Alliance has announced that it has contributed six multi-format (including AAX DSP/AAX Native) plug-ins to Avid’s recently-released AAX Pack, making it the main contributor to this 18-plug-in-strong bundle.

The AAX (Avid Audio eXtension) plug-in format was launched last year alongside Pro Tools 10 to provide better workflows and sound parity when sharing sessions between DSP-accelerated and native-based Pro Tools systems; AAX Pack offers Pro Tools|HDX and Pro Tools|HD native owners running Pro Tools 10 software a must-have collection of superior-sounding, studio-essential AAX plug-ins from the world’s leading plug-in providers, including six of the best from Plugin Alliance.

Plugin Alliance plugins included in AAX Pack

• Brainworx bx_limiter is a great-sounding, simple, but effective low-latency limiter plug-in designed to help determine how many dB of dynamics to reserve for each and every signal — go louder with more punch, less distortion!
• Brainworx_XL V2 is based upon the M/S technology taken from Brainworx’s bx_digital, a ‘modern classic’ high-end analogue M/S EQ developed in 2006/7 — maximize your loudness with this powerful peak limiter!
• elysia alpha compressor is a software recreation of elysia’s acclaimed mastering compressor, emulating its sound and features to match the analogue hardware as closely as possible — programmed by the coding experts from Brainworx!
• Mäag Audio EQ4 successfully models Mäag Audio’s renowned EQ4® (500 Series) equaliser — retain original sound integrity and enhance ‘airy’ frequencies while shaping sounds to perfection with this studio-coveted six-band EQ!
• Pro Audio DSP Spectrum Mapper V2 was developed by former Sony OXF R3 digital console development team members using groundbreaking adaptive techniques — create great-sounding vocal tracks with this unique compressor/limiter/de-esser!
• SPL TwinTube transfers the warm, transparent, and smooth sound of analogue tube and coil filtering to the digital domain — add the warmth and presence of SPL’s renowned RackPack modular system processor!

Plugin Alliance has also announced major updates for all its currently available plug-ins from global partners Brainworx (Germany), elysia (Germany), Mäag Audio (USA), Noveltech Audio (Finland), Pro Audio DSP (UK), SPL (Germany), and Vertigo Sound (Germany); all are now conveniently grouped in the same menu (named Plugin Alliance) and listed alphabetically — no need to go searching anymore.

The AAX Pack is available to registered Pro Tools|HDX and Pro Tools|HD Native owners for $1,295 USD from all Avid pro audio resellers until December 14, 2012. All six Plugin Alliance plug-in licenses sold as part of the AAX Pack are non-transferrable and must be registered on the Plugin Alliance website to activate them.

More information: Plugin Alliance / AAX Pack

Avid is offering its Pro Tools users a free copy of the Thump percussive subharmonic synth plug-in by Metric Halo.

Our development partners continue to embrace the next-generation Pro Tools 10 AAX format, including Metric Halo. Try a free 30-day demo of its powerful new Production Bundle, featuring seven essential AAX plug-ins, which can all be purchased as a bundle or individually.

Plus, get Thump for free

Metric Halo is also graciously giving away its new Thump plug-in, enabling you to enhance or transform your drum tracks. Add low end to percussive tracks, re-create classic drum synth sounds, and more. Just complete the form to get your free AAX plug-in now.

Thump for Windows and Mac (AAX DSP/Native, no iLok authorization required) is availability from Avid.

More information: Metric Halo Thump