Products of Interest

Akai EIE and EIE Pro USB Audio Suite 201, Cumberland, Rhode Island The display is used for metering and Interfaces 02864, USA; telephone (+1) 401-658- also indicates the assignment of the 4032; Web www.akaipro.com/. control knob. The EIE audio interface is a four- The Forte interface is bundled with channel USB interface, with a rugged a software application that is used aluminum casing (see Figure 1). Focusrite Forte Portable USB to set monitoring, pre-amplifier gain, The compact interface is designed Audio Interface and other settings. Focusrite’s Mid- for tabletop use. It features four night plug-in suite is also included. 1 The interface can be powered via the combination XLR/ /4-in. jacks, with The Forte audio interface from Fo- USB bus or using an included power phantom power and gain, on the front cusrite is a two-input, four-output, supply. The latter is required if using panel. The rear panel features four portable audio interface (see Figure 2). 1 phantom power with microphones. nickel-plated /4-in. jacks used for It features two microphone pre- The Forte interface is compatible channel inserts for external audio amplifiers, which can be remote- 1 with Mac OS X and Windows operat- processing. Four nickel-plated /4-in. controlled. The output connections ing systems. It measures 170 × 116 × outputs are also provided here for are located on the body of the inter- 36 mm and weighs 476 g. use with two separate monitoring face and the input connections are The Forte interface is listed for systems. The interface also has four available on a locking breakout cable. US$ 749.99. Contact: Focusrite Audio USB connections, three of which can Two balanced 1/ -in. analog outputs 4 Engineering, Windsor House, Turn- be used as USB hub outputs, and a and a USB port are provided on the pike Road, High Wycombe, Bucks main USB port for connecting the rear panel, and a stereo headphone HP12 3FX, UK; telephone (+44) 149- interface to a computer. A MIDI output is on the front panel. The 446-2246; fax (+44) 149-445-9920; input/output is also built in. A breakout cable features two XLR con- electronic mail [email protected]; headphone jack is located on the front nections for microphones, and two Web www.focusrite.com/. panel, along with two classic VU level combination line/instrument inputs 1 meters with switchable sources. The on /4-in. TRS jacks. The interface interface does not require any driver supports sampling rate up to 192 kHz, installation and is a plug-and-play with 24-bit resolution, and uses 24-bit Nu Desine AlphaSphere MIDI device. It supports 44.1 kHz sampling A–D and D–A convertors. Controller at 16-bit resolution. The aluminium case features a The professional version of this single large control knob on the The AlphaSphere from UK com- interface, the EIE Pro, is a similar top panel, along with an organic pany nu desine is a sphere-shaped tabletop interface with four input and LED display and touch control. programmable MIDI controller that output channels and supports up to A set of touch-sensitive icons are features 48 tactile, pressure-sensitive 96 kHz sampling at 24-bit resolution. used to switch the function of the pads and full polyphonic aftertouch The Akai EIE is listed for US$ 299 large control knob between monitor, (see Figure 3). The pads are arranged and the Pro version for US$ 449. headphone, input, and DAW controls. in six rows, with eight pads per row. Contact: Akai, 200 Scenic View Drive, The AlphaSphere can be connected to a computer or other hardware devices via USB and can transmit OSC as well as MIDI messages. A number of different modes are available for programming and play- ing the AlphaSphere. In MIDI Mode it functions as a multi-channel MIDI controller, with the pads triggering MIDI note and MIDI control data. In- dividual MIDI notes can be mapped to pads, or chromatic or diatonic scales Figure 1. The Akai EIE can be mapped to the entire sphere, or portable audio interface. to groups of pads. In Looper Mode the Figure 2. Focusrite’s Forte AlphaSphere pads can trigger, loop, doi:10.1162/COMJ r 00154 portable audio interface. and control audio files. An audio

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Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 Figure 3. The AlphaSphere MIDI Figure 4. The Soundplane A music controller. controller from Madrona Labs.

Bristol BS1 5TX, UK; telephone planned. User forums are available (+44) 795-154-7613; electronic on the company Web site, which also mail [email protected]; Web hosts a demonstration video. www.alphasphere.com/. Soundplane A is listed for US$ 1,695. Contact: Madrona Labs; electronic mail info@madronalabs Madrona Labs Soundplane A .com/. sample can be assigned to each of the Wooden Music Controller pads along with a pressure-controlled effect. The sphere can also function The Soundplane A is a music con- as a 32-step sequencer with up to troller with a wooden surface that Fyrd Instruments MIDI Control eight programmable sequences for provides the user with the feel of an Platform each pad. A built-in bank of drum acoustic musical instrument. The sounds is available and the sequencer playing surface of the Soundplane The MIDI Control Platform has been can also be used to trigger audio files A is made of a fibre-backed sheet designed to be a portable but strong and MIDI notes. of articulated walnut veneer (see MIDI device for use in live perfor- The AlphaSphere can control vari- Figure 4). It can be used as a 150-note mance and home studios. The stylish ous devices and software applications pressure-sensitive keyboard or as a 150 × 200 mm enclosure is con- via OSC, with the pads sending mes- continuous surface. It can be played structed from poplar wood and laser- sages with dedicated IP addresses and on the x-, y-, and z-axis, and up to cut aluminum. The device is powered port numbers. In dual-output mode, ten simultaneous touches can be de- by USB and supports MIDI over USB it can simultaneously send MIDI and tected. The controller can be played and MIDI DIN input/output. Drivers OSC messages. Twenty presets are with fingers, mallets, or other objects are not required for use. available for each project and the user and has a sampling rate of 975 Hz. The top panel of the MIDI Control can switch between presets in real- The controller case is constructed Platform features four encoders with time. Each of the pads has integrated from alder. It measures 28 × 8 × integrated switches, two buttons, and LEDs that change color when struck 1 in. and weighs 4.6 lbs. A single a 128 × 64 pixel LCD display. The and when the pressure level of a pad USB bus is provided and is used to company has two software modules changes. The LED functioning can be transmit data to a computer and to currently available for use with the programmed by the user. supply power. The controller requires device and will be developing further At the time of writing the Alpha- a computer running a translator modules. Sphere was available for Macintosh program for operation. This software The Harmonic Music Generator computers only, with Windows and application translates the raw USB is a sequencing and harmonizing Linux versions planned. The sphere stream to MIDI or OSC messages for module designed for the MIDI weights approximately 2.5 kg and use with other software applications Control Platform. Three independent measures 26 × 26 × 32 cm. or hardware devices. A patchable, 16-step sequencers are available A limited edition model of the signal-based software synthesizer is with user control of the sequence of AlphaSphere is listed for approxi- included with purchase. notes, the velocity profile, and the mately US$ 1,580. Contact: Alpha- The Soundplane software is cur- length and speed of the sequence. A Sphere, nu desine, PMStudio, Water- rently only available for Mac OS X bass-line sequencer offers a choice shed, 1 Canons Road, Harbourside, but Windows and Linux versions are of three pitches, a chord sequencer

Products of Interest 81

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 Figure 5. The Line 6 StageScape M20d live mixer.

gives seven different combinations A quick capture feature is avail- of one to three pitches, and a melody able to record a 20-sec snapshot to the sequencer provides seven different devices internal memory. The mixer pitches. Each of the three sequencers can be used with Line 6 StageSource produces MIDI notes on a dedicated speaker systems and will automat- MIDI channel. MIDI clock can ically identify monitors and route be sent for synchronizing with feeds to them, configure stereo pan DAW applications on computer. settings, adjust speaker modes, and The harmonization can be edited optimize the system. using its own 16-step sequencer The user can operate an x−y and the user can choose from 120 multi-parameter Tweak Pad con- different harmonic structures and can troller or can choose Deep Edit create harmonic variations. Musical single touch. The stage is populated Mode for detailed control of all pa- examples created with the Harmonic automatically as each input is con- rameters. The Tweak Pad allows Music Generator are available on the nected to the mixer. The user can less-experienced users to use simple Fyrd Instruments Web site. choose from a gallery of icons that finger-drags, with common sound de- The second module created for include male and female vocals, key- scriptors such as “bright” or “dark.” the MIDI Control Platform is a boards, drum kits, and guitars. The A number of channel parameters low frequency oscillator. It features channel strip settings are automati- will then be automatically edited four oscillators, with a choice of cally configured to match the input simultaneously. The Deep Edit Mode sine, square, triangle, sawtooth, and type. Similarly, when loudspeakers or provides plug-in-like interfaces for random waveshapes. The speed of monitors are connected, the output more experienced users. An unlim- each oscillator can be adjusted and signal is automatically routed and ited number of stage setups, scenes, each oscillator can control up to four icons appear on the touchscreen. and DSP presets can be saved. Four MIDI parameters. An optional USB Wi-Fi adaptor master stereo effects engines are also The MIDI Control Platform is can be used to connected to multiple included, with a stereo reverberation listed for approximately US$ 300. iPads to remotely control the device. effect, a vocal doubler, and choice of Contact: Fyrd Instruments; electronic A set of dynamics, equalization, and delay effects. mail [email protected]; effects processors are built in and use The input and output connections Web www.fyrd-instruments.com/. 32-bit floating point processing. More are located at the high end of the top than 100 processors are available in- panel of the mixer for easy connec- cluding fully parametric and dynamic tion. There are twelve combination equalizers, filters, compressors, lim- microphone/line inputs, four line Line 6 StageScape M20d Live iters, gates, and delays. Processors are inputs, a stereo line input for digital Mixer with Touchscreen automatically selected based on the media players, four monitor outputs type of input, for example DeEssers and two main outputs on balanced The StageScape M20d is described by are assigned to vocals. The StageScape XLR connectors, an L6 LINK, the USB manufacturer, Live 6, as the world’s M20d can record 24-bit audio in WAV ports, and an SD card slot found here. first smart mixing system for live format to an SD card or the USB port The StageScape M20d is listed for sound. The device incorporates a can be used for recording to external US$ 2,800. Contact: Line 6, 26580 touch screen and 16-channel visual drives or software applications on a Agoura Road, Calabasas, California + mixing environment, provides DSP computer. 91302-1921, USA; telephone ( 1) + processing on each channel, and can Multi-band feedback suppression 818-575-3600; fax ( 1) 818-575-3601; be controlled remotely (see Figure 5). is featured on each channel. The Web line6.com/. The touchscreen on the StageScape audio signal is continuously analyzed M20d is a 7-in. full-color resistive for frequencies that could cause interface. It displays icons that rep- feedback and a narrow notch filter Behringer X32 Digital Mixer resent each performer or input on is then used to remove the feedback a stage. These icons give the user frequencies. Up to twelve separate The X32 Digital Mixer from Behringer access to the levels, effects, and other feedback frequencies can be tracked is a 32-channel digital mixer, with parameters for each channel with a and eliminated. 16 mix buses and a range of signal

82 Computer Music Journal

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 Figure 6. The X32 32-channel digital Figure 7. ADK’s variable-pattern mixer from Behringer. Thor microphone.

processing features (see Figure 6). with an LED value indicator. A 800 Thirty-two microphone inputs with × 480, 7-in., high-contrast color TFT MIDAS design pre-amplifiers are display is used for control settings and available with the mixer. These parameter display, and has dedicated are coupled with six balanced line rotary/push encoders. The mixer also 1 inputs/outputs on /4-in. jacks, 16 has a section of controls reserved for balanced XLR outputs, and dual user-customized functions. allows it to be used with sources headphone and balanced control Eight stereo multi-effects proces- up to 150 dB SPL (at 0.5 percent 1 room outputs on XLR and /4-in. jack sors are included in the mixer and THD). The signal-to-noise ratio of connectors. In addition, an AES50 40-point floating point resolution is the microphone is 79 dB and the CAT5 cable can be used to transmit used in the DSP. A scene management equivalent noise level 15 dB (both A- up to 48 channels bi-directionally. feature allows settings to be captured weighted). A built-in high-pass filter A stereo AES/EBU output, Ultranet and recalled. A talkback function is can be switched between flat, 100 Hz, P16, Ethernet, and MIDI connections also built in. An iPad application is and 150 Hz, and a low-pass filter are included. A USB port on the top available for remote control of the between flat, 12 kHz, and 15 kHz. panel of the mixer is provided for mixer. The microphone offers a cardioid recording uncompressed stereo to The X32 is listed for US$ 3,769.99. polar pattern. USB thumb drives. The X32 also Contact: Behringer, 18912 North The company’s Thor microphone includes an XUF FireWire/USB audio Creek Parkway #200, Bothell, provides the same high SPL, low noise interface card and can transmit low Washington 98011, USA; tele- floor, and three-way high-frequency latency 32-channel, 24-bit audio to phone (+1) 425-939-3200; Web switch as the Odin (see Figure 7). In Macintosh or Windows computers. www.behringer.com/. addition to these features it offers Each channel strip has a color the user three different polar patterns: backlit 128 × 64 LCD display which omni-directional, cardioid, and figure- shows channel-specific information. of-eight. The faders are 100 mm, fully auto- ADK Microphones Odin and Thor A shockmount with a heavy-duty mated, and motorized. A channel- elastic suspension system and a strip section has 17 backlit buttons The Odin microphone from ADK is a professional kit with shockmount, and 13 rotary controls for setting the high-SPL condenser microphone with pop-filter, Neutrik XLR cable, foam dynamics and equalization parame- a switchable three-way frequency windscreen, and flight-case are avail- ters. Each rotary control is encircled response. It has a two-way pad that able as optional extras.

Products of Interest 83

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 Figure 8. Lauten Audio’s Atlantis Figure 9. The Telefunken C12 tube FC-387 variable-pattern microphone. microphone stereo set.

brightens sources without the use of an equalizer. A –10 dB and +10 dB gain switch is also provided on the microphone body. The microphone offers a maximum SPL of 130 dB (0.5 percent THD at 1 kHz), self-noise of less than 12 dB and a frequency range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. It features a 31.25-mm dual- diaphragm capsule and a solid-state low-noise FET. The microphone is shipped with a shock mount and wooden box. The Atlantis FC-387 is listed for US$ 1,599. Contact: Lauten Audio, 4750 Almaden Expressway #228, San monophonic signals. In safety record- Jose, California 95118, USA; tele- ing mode the microphone records and phone (+1) 408-440-2294; electronic outputs the original audio signal on mail [email protected], Web the right channel but an attenuated − www.lautenaudio.com/. ( 20 dB) signal is recorded on the left channel. A three-level high-pass filter is included. The Odin microphone is listed for RØDE VideoMic HD Digital The body of the microphone is US$ 399 and the Thor for US$ 499. Recorder Video Microphone constructed from lightweight die-cast Contact: ADK Microphones, 4130 aluminum. It has a quick release lever SW 117th Ave #A-442, Beaver- for mounting on cameras. A geodesic The VideoMic HD from RØDE is the ton, Oregon 97005-4631 U.S.A.; structure was used for the body and, first video microphone with digital telephone (+1) 503-296-9400; elec- internally, the capsule and tube are recorder, according to the company. It tronic mail [email protected]; Web suspended. A DeadCat VMHD furry is a condenser super-cardioid shotgun www.adkmic.com/. windshield is included. microphone with an integrated digi- Contact: RØDE Microphones, P.O. tal recorder for use with digital SLR Box 4189, Santa Barbara, California and large-sensor video cameras. The Lauten Audio Atlantis FC-387 93140-4189, USA; telephone (+1) microphone is based on the RØDE + Microphone 805-566-7777; fax ( 1) 805-566-0071; NTG3 professional shotgun micro- Web www.rodemic.com/. phone, sharing the same capsule and The Atlantis FC-387 from Lauten electronic design. The VideoMic HD Audio is a large-diaphragm FET uses radio-frequency (RF) bias tech- condenser microphone with three nology to prevent RF interference. Telefunken C12 Tube distinct polar patterns and three Audio is stored on micro SD cards Microphone Stereo Sets timbre settings (see Figure 8). The and a micro USB port is built in microphone features switches on for transferring files to computer. A Tekefunken has released a new its side and back for polar pattern, headphone jack with level control matched set that features two timbre, and gain. The user can choose is provided and a high-contrast LCD large-diaphragm C12 tube micro- between omni-directional, cardioid, screen on the rear of the microphone phones. A custom-made dual power and figure-of-eight patterns, and displays the metering and recording supply, wooden boxes, and cables for between gentle, neutral, and forward controls. A 3.5-mm line input can each microphone are supplied in a timbres. The gentle timbre setting is provide power to lavalier or headset vintage-styled locking flight case (see used with bright sources that peak microphones. Figure 9). frequently, the neutral setting offers A number of recording modes The microphones are based on the an even response for vocal sibilance are available. In default mode audio classic AKG C12 model but feature and peaks, and the forward setting is recorded and output as two the new AKG CK12 capsule. The

84 Computer Music Journal

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 Figure 10. The variable-pattern sE2200a II condenser microphone from sE Electronics.

Figure 11. NuForce’s Cube portable speaker.

output transformer is based on the sampled audio and 16-bit resolution. original microphone and is built by A rechargeable lithium battery is its manufacturer, Haufe. The tube built in and can be charged using via is a 6072a model—again, as used in USB. The speaker offers an operating the original C12 microphone. Nine time of up to 8 hours. different polar patterns are available The Cube is available in black, for each microphone. The pairs are silver, red, and blue. A 0.6-m mini- hand-selected with transformers and jack cable and 0.7-m USB cable are tubes matched on gain and frequency included, as is a soft carrying pouch. response, and the capsules tuned to The DAC-100 is a high-quality match. D–A convertor and headphone am- The C12 matched pairs are listed plifier made by the same company. for US$ 15,995. Contact: Telefunken It has four digital inputs, on USB, Elektroakustik, 300 Pleasant Valley Toslink, and RCA (two inputs) con- Rd. (Suite E), South Windsor, Con- nections. It supports sampling rates necticut 06074, USA; telephone (+1) up to 192 kHz at 24-bit resolution and 860-882-5919; fax (+1) 860-882-5980; has a sample rate indicator built in. electronic mail [email protected]; A 32-bit digital attenuator is provided Web www.telefunken.com/. for precise volume control. The head- phone amplifier delivers 500 mW of single-ended class-A power. sE Electronics sE2200a II Figure 10 The input stage of the DAC-100 Condenser Microphone runs asynchronously. Stable circuits generate an internally referenced The sE2200a II is a multi-pattern timing signal to which the data is condenser microphone from sE Elec- synchronized to achieve extremely tronics that features dual 1-in. gold- low levels of jitter. Up-sampling is not sputtered diaphragms. This updated used. The frequency response of the ± version of the sE2200a offers the user convertoris20Hzto25kHz, .25 dB. a choice of cardioid, figure-of-eight, The signal-to-noise ratio is reported and omni-directional polar patterns. as 96 dB, at 1 kHz, A-weighted, The microphone also has a new and the THD is 0.005 percent, at black rubber finish that dampens the 1 kHz. Detailed performance plots resonance of the body (see Figure 10). Figure 11 are available on the NuForce Web The microphone has a maximum site. The DAC-100 is available in × SPL of 135 dB (THD 0.5 percent), black and silver. It measures 2 8.5 × an equivalent noise level of 16 dBA, NuForce Cube Portable Speaker 9in.andweighs2.64lbs.A1-m and sensitivity of 20 mV/PA. The fre- and DAC-100 Convertor USB cable is included with purchase. quency response is 20 Hz to 20 kHz. The Cube is listed for US$ 119 and A high-pass filter and 1-dB pad are The Cube, from Californian company the DAC-100 for US$ 1,095. Contact: provided. It weighs 598 g and mea- NuForce, is a portable 3-W speaker NuForce, 382 South Abbott Ave, sures 51 × 215 mm. A rubberized (see Figure 11), headphone amplifier, Milpitas, California 95035, USA; tele- + shock mount and metal pop shield is and USB D–A convertor in a tiny 2-in. phone ( 1) 408-518-0626; electronic included. body (see Figure 12). The rear panel of mail [email protected]; Web The sE 2200a II is listed for US$ the unit features a headphone output, www.nuforce.com/. 499. Contact: sE Electronics, 3 Hunt- a USB type-B mini-port, and a mini- ing Gate, Hitchin Herts, SG4 0TJ, jack connection for cellphones and UK; telephone (+44) 845-500-2500; portable music players. An optional Genelec SpeakerAngle IOS App fax (+44) 158-247-0269; electronic iPod nano connector is available mail [email protected]; Web for direct connection to the Cube. Genelec has released an application www. seelectronics.com/. The D–A convertor supports 48 kHz for iOS devices that can be used to

Products of Interest 85

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 Figure 12. NuForce’s DAC-100 Figure 13. The StudioConnect iPad convertor. interface from Griffin Technology.

configure and match the angles Griffin Technology used for stereo and surround-sound StudioConnect iPad Interface speaker systems. It can be used with any speaker models. The interface StudioConnect is an audio and MIDI of the application displays a set of interface and charging dock for the The user can set the input levels speaker icons with numbered boxes 1 for recording in Auria and can mon- iPad (see Figure 13). It features a /4-in. that show the angle of each speaker. 1 itor tracks with or without effects. instrument input, an /8-in. audio To set the angle for a speaker the user input, output line-level stereo audio The unit of time can be switched selects stereo or surround operating output on RCA connectors, and a between minutes and seconds, bars modes and places their iPhone, iPad, five-pin DIN MIDI input/output on and beats, frames, or samples. A snap or iPod Touch on the top of the the rear panel. The front panel houses to grid/bar/events feature is available. speaker. They then rotate the physical a mini-jack headphone output with Audio can be imported from iTunes or speaker towards a listening position. volume control. A 30-pin Apple dock from other DAWs using the Advanced When an angle within industry connector with integral cable is built Authoring Format (AAF) import func- recommendations (20–40 degrees) is in to the StudioConnect and it can tion. Sample-accurate editing of audio reached the associated number box function as a 10-W charging dock for is available. changes color from red to green. A the iPad. A large rotary gain control In portrait orientation, the iPad can further touch of the speaker icon is located on the front panel. display 100-mm long-throw faders for freezes the angle and sets the color The company also sells Guitar- up to 48 tracks. Each track has two to orange. The user then repeat these Connect Pro, a guitar interface for the auxiliary sends, and a vintage-styled steps for a paired speaker. When iPad. PSP ChannelStrip with equalization, setting up surround systems the color The StudioConnect is listed expansion, compression, and gating of the number box will change to for US$ 149.99. Contact: Griffin controls. Meters can be used to green when the speaker reaches the Technology, 2030 Lindell Avenue, display peak signal and RMS. Full same angle as its corresponding paired Nashville, Tennessee 37203, USA; delay compensation is available on speaker. telephone (+1) 800-208-5996; all tracks, including auxiliary sends A tutorial is provided and a re- fax (+1) 615-367-6468; Web and sub-groups. VST effects from set button is available should the www.griffintechnology.com/. developers such as PSPaudioware, user want to start the process over. Overloud, and Fab Filter are included, The application is compatible with and up to four effects can be used iPhone 4, iPad 2, and fourth- per track. Eight sub-groups can be generation iPhone Touches. WaveMachine’s Auria 48-Track used and each of these can also be SpeakerAngle is listed on the DAW for iPad used with four plug-ins. A 64-bit iTunes App Store for US$ 0.99. double-precision summing engine is Contact: Genelec, 7 Tech Cir- The Auria DAW for iPad allows the used processing. cle, Natick, Massachusetts 01760, user to record up to 24 tracks and Audio can be output from Auria USA; telephone (+1) 508-652- to play back 48 tracks simultane- in MP3 of WAV file formats or to 0900; fax (+1) 508-652-0909; email ously. It supports a sampling rates iTunes, Soundcloud, or Dropbox. [email protected]; Web up to 96 kHz, with 24-bit sample AAF sessions can be exported to other www.genelec.com/. resolution. DAWs. An iPad 2 with a compatible

86 Computer Music Journal

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 Figure 14. Steinberg’s Padshop granular synthesizer plug-in.

audio interface is recommended for the application. The synthesizer is use with the application. compatible with VST2, VST3, and Auria is listed for US$ 49.99. AU hosts and is included in Cubase Contact: WaveMachine Labs, 4256 6.5 and Cubase Artist 6.5. N Ravenswood, Suite 111, Chicago, Padshop Pro is an enhanced ver- Illinois 60613, USA; electronic sion of Padshop with sample import, mail [email protected]; Web a three-band parametric equalizer, auriaapp.com/. algorithmic reverberation, and ad- ditional presets and samples. The sample import feature allows the user’s own samples to be used in PPG WaveGenerator Wavetable the granular synthesis engine. Au- Synthesizer for the iPad dio files in WAV and AIFF formats be controlled by MIDI. All pages and are supported and imported samples Wolfgang Palm, the creator of modules have built-in help. can be up to ten minutes long. The wavetable synthesis and former The PPG WaveGenerator is listed parametric equalizer has a frequency owner of Palm Products GmbH on the App Store for US$ 19.99. rangeof20Hzto20kHzanda (PPG), has created a new wavetable Contact: Wolfgang Palm; Web variable Q on the mid-range frequen- synthesizer for the iPad. Based on the wolfgangpalm.com/. cies. This Pro version includes 250 PPG Wave synthesizer, it includes new presets with the Zero Gravity wavetables for many of the original expansion pack and a set of new samples. PPG waves and tools for creating new Steinberg Padshop and Padshop waves. The user can hand draw and The Padshop is listed for US$ 49.99 edit waveforms to create new wave- Pro Granular Synthesizer and the Padshop Pro for US$ 79.99. tables and can create waves by adding Plug-Ins Contact: Steinberg Media Tech- harmonics. A three-dimensional vi- nologies, Frankenstr. 18 b, 20097 + sualization of the wavetables allows Steinberg’s Padshop is a granular Hamburg, Germany; telephone ( 49) + the user to turn the wave around, and synthesizer that features an engine 402-103-50; fax ( 49) 402-103-5300; zoom in and out. Photos can be loaded with two independent layers, each electronic mail [email protected]; into the application and transformed of which has an individual oscillator Web www.steinberg.net/. into wavetables. source generating up to eight different There are 256 waves, organized grain streams (see Figure 14). The into a wave grid, in the PPG layers can be further edited, mixed, Zynaptiq UNVEIL De-Mixing WaveGenerator. Three audio os- and effects applied. An advanced Plug-In cillators with independent controls editing section gives the user access to for the pitch and waveform, and detailed parameter controls. Twelve The UNVEIL plug-in from Zynap- a glide feature are provided. There different types of filter be used on tiq is described as a real-time de- are three noise generators for both each layer, including low-, high-, reverberation, signal-focusing plug- audio synthesis and modulation. A and band-pass, and band-rejection in. It allows the user to attenuate or 24-dB low-pass filter, dual amplifier, filters. The distortion on the filter boost reverberation and other back- thirteen envelopes, four LFOs, an can be set to create tube distortion, ground components in a recording, arpeggiator, delay/reverberation ef- hard-clipping effects, or to reduce or to match reverberation amounts fect are also available. The envelopes the bit depth. Two envelopes, two from recordings across different takes can be used to independently control LFOs, and a step modulator can be or scenes. It can be used with mixed the pitch, waveform, filter gain, noise used to modulate parameters. Note signals of any sample rate, from gain and panning. Expression modulation is supported monophonic sources to surround Customized or traditional scales for use with Cubase editors and delay sound. can be assigned to the keyboard and effects are included. Monophonic and UNVEIL uses Zynaptiq’s Mixed- x−y control after the key press allow polyphonic modes are provided with Signal Audio Processing (MAP) tech- the tone of the note to be modified legato and glide functions for each. nology, which is based on pattern or modulated. Most parameters can Four hundred presets are built in to recognition techniques. A model of

Products of Interest 87

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 Figure 15. Native Instruments’ The Giant upright piano instrument.

the human auditory system is used controls allow further shaping of the to detect the reverberation part of the sound. A convolution engine with signal. The MAP technology is then more than 100 impulse responses used to separate the reverberation are also included. The instrument is component from the signal. The user 3.9 GB in size and runs in Kontakt 5 can choose to attenuate the reverber- or in the Kontakt 5 free player. ation or can edit its parameters. TheMouth,alsofromNative A real-time signal display shows Instruments, is designed to generate a combination of the original, pro- melodies and harmonies from audio cessed signal, and reverberation, using input. It can be used as a synthesizer, different colors for each. The original vocoder, or talkbox effect. The pitch peak amplitude envelope is green, the of the audio signal is detected, then an processed peak amplitude is purple, auto-tune applied before a synthesizer the reverberation decay envelope set is triggered which adds additional with the adaptation parameter is melody and harmony based on a gate light pink, and the stimulus used to parameter. Four generators are used generate the reverberation decay en- to modify the sound: Input, Synth, velope is yellow. This allows the user Bass, and Vocoder. A number of to clearly see the effect parameter different presets are available for each and AAX formats on Macintosh and settings have on the signal. of these generators. A simple mixer Windows platforms planned. There are five large parameter section has five faders and a master UNVEIL is listed for US$ 399. controls located beneath the signal effects section is also included. Eight Contact: Zynaptiq; Sandstr. 12, display. Focus controls the focus of performance control knobs alter 30167 Hannover, Germany; tele- the signal, with high values removing the sound and amplitude envelopes phone (+49) 511-700-0884; elec- reverberation and low values adding simultaneously. In Beats mode, The tronic mail [email protected]; Web reverberation by attenuating the di- Mouth takes drum patterns as input www.zynaptiq.com/. rect signal. The Localize parameter and transforms them into arpeggiated controls the amount of time and melodies. The Mouth is 4–9 MB in frequency domain information that size, features 118 sounds, and can is used in the pattern recognition. Native Instruments Upright be used with Reaktor 5 or the Free High localization values work best Piano and Harmonizing Reaktor 5 Player. with individual frequencies but may Instruments The Giant is listed for US$ 99 cause issues if the signal is noisy. and The Mouth for US$ 69. Contact: Refract is a refractory time control, The Giant, from Native Instruments, Native Instruments, 6725 Sunset with shorter values making the anal- is an upright piano instrument with Boulevard, 5th Floor, Los Angeles, ysis more sensitive to signal changes. samples recorded from a Klavins California 90028, USA; tele- + + Longer times may re-introduce the Model 370i piano. This 3-m high, two phone ( 1) 323-467-5260; fax ( 1) reverberation but makes the sound ton, upright piano has a soundboard 323-372-3676; Web www.native more natural. The Adaptation pa- twice the size of a concert grand. The -instruments.com/. rameter controls the time frame for soundboard of the piano is built into reverberation removal and is usually the wall of the room in which it is set to the reverberation tail length. being installed. The instrument offers Revoice Pro Time-Alignment and A bank of sliders to the left of a wide range of piano sounds, with a Doubler Application the main display allow the user to strong low end and rich overtones. make the Focus parameter frequency The Native Instruments software Revoice Pro, from UK-based company dependent. A transient threshold instrument features range of release Synchro Arts, is a stand-alone audio parameter can be used to ignore very types and extended playing tech- processor designed to automate time- short transient signals. niques including plucked strings, hits, and pitch-alignment, vibrato, and UNVEIL is available as an kicks, and scratches (see Figure 15). loudness. It consists of two auto- AudioUnits plug-in for Mac OSX Forty presets are included as a start- mated processes: Audio Performance 10.5.8 initially, with support for VST ing point for the user and detailed Transfer (APT) and a doubler.

88 Computer Music Journal

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021 The APT includes a new version of Revoice Pro is listed for US$ 599. Padova, Italy: Webster SRL, VocALign, the company’s audio align- Contact: Synchro Arts, 13 Links www.libreriauniversitaria.it/). ment software. The user identifies an Road, Epsom, Surrey KT17 3PP, audio track or section to act as a guide UK; telephone (+44) 137-281-1934; for the APT process. The timing, fax (+44) 137-281-7976; electronic Recordings pitch, vibrato, and level of the signal arts [email protected]; Web are automatically analyzed. The user www.synchroarts.com/. Herbert Deutsch: From Moog to Mac can then adjust the parameters of (CD, Ravello Records RR7846, the transfer features before they are New Releases www.ravellorecords.com/). applied to the track to be adjusted. Erdem Helvacioglu: Freedom to A set of factory presets are built in Publications the Black (CD with booklet and and the user can store an unlimited artwork, ARTER ISBN: 978-975- number of additional presets. Eric Lyon: Designing Objects for 6959-53-4, www.arter.org.tr/). Monophonic or stereo signals Max/MSP and Pd (hardcover, 2012, Elizabeth Hoffman: Interieurs´ can be input into the Doubler. The ISBN: 978-0-89579-715-5, Middle- Hamoniques (CD, Diffusion user can control timing variations, ton, Wisconsin: A-R Editions, Inc., IMedia´ IMED 12115, www formants, and vibrato. Some extreme www.areditions.com/). .empreintesDIGITALes.com/). parameter values are available for Laurent Pott (ed.): La Spa- Christian Marclay, Toshio Kajiwara, creating effects with the Doubler. A tialisation des musiques DJ Olive: djTRIO: 21 September range of factory and user presets are electroacoustiques´ (softcover, 2002 (LP, Cuneiform Records Rune available. 2012, ISBN: 978-2-86272-606-9, 338, www.cuneiformrecords.com/). Revoice Pro has a purpose-built Saint-Etienne,´ France: Publica- Andrew May: Imaginary Friends interface which allows for multiple tions de l’Universite´ de Saint- (CD, Ravello Records RR7861, tracks, processes, sessions, and Etienne,´ www.publications.univ www.ravellorecords.com/). windows. There are no limits on the -st-etienne.fr/). Barry Schrader: The Barnum number of tracks or on timecode posi- Steve Savage: Bytes and Backbeats: Museum (CD, innova 830, tions. Multiple files can be imported Repurposing Music in the Digital www.innova.mu/). into the audio editor of the applica- Age (hardcover, 2012, ISBN: 978- Laurie Spiegel: The Expanding Uni- tion using drag-and-drop. Rewire is 0-472-11785-7, Ann Arbor: The verse (CD, Unseen Worlds Records supported and additional plug-ins are University of Michigan Press, UW09, www.unseenworlds available to allow the application to www.press.umich.edu/). .net/). link to digital audio editors. Revoice Laura Zattra: Studiare la Computer Kari Vakeva: Electro-Acoustic Pro is compatible with Mac OS X Music (softcover, 2011, ISBN: Music (CD, KV2 CD-002, only. 978-88-6292-115-2, www.vakeva.org/).

Products of Interest 89

Downloaded from http://www.mitpressjournals.org/doi/pdf/10.1162/COMJ_r_00154 by guest on 30 September 2021