Voxengo has upgraded Crunchessor, their compressor plug-in for Mac and PC, to version 2.0.
Crunchessor is known for its valve-type processing, which is applied in parallel to compression. This makes Crunchessor an ideal choice for musicians and producers who are fond of the warmth delivered via analog compression.

Crunchessor offers the user a selection of compression coloration styles based on analog modeling for distinctive sonic signatures. The user can also disable both coloration and valve warming processing to get a neutral and clean compression sound.

Enhancements:
» Multi-channel support
» Multi-platform support
» Wet/dry mix
» Custom key filter adjustments
» Undo/redo
» Routing matrix
» Mid/side processing
» Preset manager
» User interface coloration
» User interface re-scaling
» Channel grouping
» Plug-in instance naming
» Selectable oversampling level
» Bypass switch
» In Gain control removed (it is superfluous)
» Better metering

Being a general-purpose compressor, Crunchessor can be used for any kind of program material: drums, vocals, bass, guitars, synth sounds, etc. Crunchessor can be suitable both for single track and whole mix processing. Crunchessor also accepts external side-chain source signals and allows you to filter key signal sources before they are used for compression. Full multi-channel operation is supported.

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’s Crunchessor 2.0 costs $49.95 and is available now. More information on Voxengo Crunchessor 2.0.

Bias, Inc. has released Peak Pro XT 6, their audio editing, batch file processing, mastering, and delivery software for Mac OS X. Peak Pro XT 6 includes all the new features in Peak Pro 6 plus the entire suite of audio mastering, processing and restoration plug-ins from Bias. Peak Pro XT 6 also includes DDP (Disc Description Protocol) Export — allowing users to create 100% compliant DDP 2.0 file sets complete with CD-TEXT.

Features:
Advanced Playlist Editing, Mastering & Delivery:
Peak Pro & XT 6 offers many improvements over previous editions including: customizable volume envelopes; improved cross-fade editing optimized for “classical” take-style editing as well as overlapping tracks for mastering compilations; PQ sheet export of custom playlist reports (including track durations, index points, CD-TEXT, notes, etc.); Metadata editing; Podcast publishing; FLAC and MP2 file format support; iTunes integration; many user interface improvements and more.

Editing, Processing & Sound Design Power:
Editing in Peak Pro and XT 6 is faster than ever when using the new “Cache In RAM” feature - effectively eliminating disk access bottlenecks by loading files into RAM. For sound design, Peak Pro and XT 6 includes many new features such as: Change Pitch and Convolve envelopes; Vbox plug-in matrix cross-synthesis (featuring mix, vocode, modulate and more); algorithmic selection for Change Duration (music or voice); Voiceover Ducking (automatically lowers music volume during voiceover); and more.

Perpetual Looper DSP:
Partial Harmonic Audio Technology (PHAT) from BIAS, provides the algorithm for Perpetual Looper - a new frequency domain approach to creating “beat-free” sustained loops of monophonic material. Using proprietary additive synthesis, partials are separated from residuals and morphing may be adjusted to smooth transitions between loop points - ideal for creating or perfecting sampled instrument libraries.

Dither Cloning Audio Technology (DCAT):
Since version 5, Peak Pro has offered one of the very best sample rate conversion algorithms available - USRC (Ultimate Sample Rate Conversion), which helped re-define standards for final stage processing and real time audio playback quality. New for Peak Pro XT 6 is an advanced dither modeling system from BIAS known as DCAT. When performing bit-depth reduction (e.g. 32-bits to 24-bits), a process known as dithering is employed in professional audio applications to avoid audio distortion as a result of truncation. There are currently several popular dithering technologies from various developers — all with their own adherents. DCAT features real time preview and offers precision modeling of the most popular dithering systems available while also allowing users control over the noise shape frequency and attenuation.

Extended Technology:
Peak Pro XT 6 includes full editions of the highly acclaimed SoundSoap and SoundSoap Pro plug-ins for audio noise reduction and restoration, Master Perfection Suite 7 mdash; a collection of 6 AU, RTAS & VST plug-ins for analysis (Reveal), linear-phase multi-band dynamics (Sqweez-3 & -5), linear-phase spectral matching (Repli-Q), pitch correction/transposition (PitchCraft), 4,6,8 & 10-band paragraphic EQ (SuperFreq), and a gate with downward expander (GateEx) - plus DDP 2.0 Export making Peak Pro XT 6 the ultimate comprehensive solution for stereo sample editing, mastering, restoration and delivery on the Mac.

Bias Peak Pro XT 6 is available now for $1199. Registered users of previous pro editions of Peak may cross-grade to Peak Pro XT 6 for $499. More information on Bias Peak Pro XT 6.

U.S. District Court Judge Michael Davis who presided over the only file sharing case to actually go to a jury stated that he might have erred with one of his instructions to the jury, and is considering granting a new trial. The case centers around the Recording Industry Association of America’s lawsuit against Jammie Thomas. Judge Davis noted that, under federal case law, infringing a copyright likely requires actual dissemination of the pirated content, not merely making copyrighted works available.

Last October, Davis instructed jurors that infringement occurs the moment a Kazaa user makes copyrighted music available to others from their share folder. Now he is dismissing this instruction and stating that it is a “manifest error of the law.” Now this could be monumental. Davis has scheduled a July 1 hearing on wether or not to try the case.

The jury eventually found Thomas liable for infringement and awarded the music industry plaintiffs $222,000 for 24 songs. In fact, it took jurors only five minutes to conclude that Thomas was liable after three days of testimony.

In response, an RIAA spokeswoman said, “if we have to re-try the case, we will do so without hesitation.”

Sound Devices has released the 788T 8-track digital audio recorder. The 788T is a powerful eight input, eight-track digital audio recorder designed for production sound. Building on the success of the proven 7-Series architecture, the 788T offers greatly expanded input and output connectivity while continuing the 7-Series heritage of extensive control in a compact package.

Features:
» Eight recording tracks
» Eight mic/line inputs, each controlled with front panel, pop-out gain controls
» Each input has solo headphone monitoring, 48 V phantom, limiter, polarity reverse, high-pass, and selectable delay
» 8 x 2 mix assignment
» Backlit LCD display viewable in any environment
» 8 x 13-segment Peak/VU meters with arm LED
» Word clock in and out with tri-level video sync support
» Time code generator supports all data rates; holds time code for four hours with no power sources attached
» Internal 160 GB, 2.5-inch SATA hard drive
» CompactFlash slot with UDMA support
» Powered by removable Li-ion rechargeable batteries
» External DC power input operates unit and charges Li-ion battery
» Back panel multi-pin connector for one-cable connection to digital mixing board (AES input/output, power, switch closure in/out)
» FireWire 400/800 and USB 2.0 for ultra-fast connection of CF and HDD to computer
» USB keyboard input for control
» Aluminum & stainless-steel chassis for exceptional durability and light weight
» Designed for the same operational environmental extremes as Sound Devices field mixers

Its eight inputs accept either microphone- or line-level signals, provide 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones, offer peak limiters for microphone inputs and fully adjustable high-pass filters. Routing flexibility allows each input to be routed to mixed tracks or to isolated tracks.

The 788T has three options for recording media–internal 160 GB SATA hard drive, CompactFlash media with UDMA support, or an external FireWire hard drive or DVD-RAM (with bus powering). Any or all of these can be used simultaneously. Additionally, when connected to Mac OS or Windows computers with high-speed USB or FireWire 400/800, the 788T functions as a high-speed mass storage device.

For interconnection with mixers and cameras with AES3 connectivity, the 788T has eight channels of balanced AES3 digital input and six channels of balanced AES3 output. The 788T can be clocked from external word clock or from video sync. The 788T has a time code reader/generator on board. It includes auto-record features to chase external rec-run video sources. To simplify metadata entry, the 788T directly accepts USB keyboards. Keyboard shortcuts can be programmed to control menu items and machine transport.

More information on Sound Devices’ 788T.

Toontrack Music has released EZplayer Pro, the follow-up to the popular percussive MIDI engine EZplayer FREE.

EZplayer pro is a VST, AU and RTAS plug-in for Mac and PC with extended Map Wrapping capabilities between major drum sampler formats in the market. (FXpansion´s BFD 1 and 2, Digidesign´s Strike, NIs Battery, EZdrummer and Superior Drummer in addition to others).

The new multi track MIDI clip arranger offers time stretching, editing and multi layer arranging of MIDI files. EZplayer pro also has hardware learn features enabling live triggering of MIDI arrangements. The MIDI content in EZplayer pro is recorded by drummers David “Fingers” Haynes and Per Mikaelsson.

With the release of EZplayer pro Toontrack also starts working more closely with 3rd party MIDI content creators. First out is Groovemonkee that can be easily reached through the help menu in EZplayer pro.

In conjunction with releasing EZplayer pro Toontrack also releases a new version of Toontrack solo, which allows the user to run EZplayer pro together with any of the Toontrack samplers. The combination of Toontrack solo, EZplayer pro and EZdrummer or Superior Drummer gives the user an independent workstation that allows the shaping of new MIDI grooves within the EZplayer pro arranger which can later be exported to any sequencer.

The new version of Toontrack solo also has, upon request, improved support for Yamaha drum modules and Roland Virtual Hats. To download the new version of Toontrack solo compatible with EZplayer pro visit the Free Downloads area in your Toontrack Music user account.

Toontrack Music’s EZplayer pro costs $49 and is available now. EZplayer pro will also be included as the MIDI engine in the upcoming Toontrack sampler Superior Drummer 2.0. More information on Toontrack Music EZplayer Pro and Toontrack Solo.

Humanoid Sound Systems has updated Scanned Synth Pro to Version 2.0. Version 2 features a new GUI design, new presets, an audio input that can be used to feed Scanned Synth Pro’s hammer and mass shapes, an envelope follower that follows the level of the audio input and can be used to modulate the synth’s parameters, a Danger Switch for extra nastiness, context-sensitive help and many other improvements.

Scanned Synth uses a unique new form of synthesis inspired by advances in digital music theory. It is designed to create rich complex digital tones and wild sound effects, while using simplifed controls and traditional synths techniques such as filters, LFO’s and effects.

Perfect for biting metallic growls, movement filled pads, and weird modular-like sound effects, ScannedSynth Pro provides a unique sound that is constantly changing and new every time you press a key. Featuring a revolutionary synthesis engine, combining the powers of both Physical Modelling and Wavetable synthesis, with simplified controls and full MIDI automation, ScannedSynth Pro is both simple and complex, powerful and easy to use.

Humanoid Sound Systems Scanned Synth Pro V2.0 costs $99.99/ €59.99 and is available now. The Version 2 update is free to all registered Scanned Synth Pro 1.0 users. More information on Scanned Synth Pro V2.

Tonium, creators of the Pacemaker pocket-size DJ system, has launched a Mix Contest to pimp their new online community. It’s simple: create a summer mix, upload it to the Pacemaker Community site and hope that Ola Sars actually listens to it. To win the Grand Prize, a contestant must simply blow away Tonium by sending them a batch of the best Swedish meatballs making the best summer mix. The 2nd - 5th prizes will be awarded to the four mixes that get the most airtime over any 24 hour period during the contest. (We don’t know exactly what that means either, so don’t ask… –Ed.)

Prizes:
Grand Prize: 2 Pacemakers, 2 exclusive Pacemaker kits and a three day VIP trip for 2 to Barcelona for the Sonar Festival.
2nd - 5th Prizes: 1 Pacemaker and 1 exclusive Pacemaker kit each

Enter anytime between May 16th and May 30th.

More information on Tonium’s Summer Mix Contest.

Samsung has premiered the F400, a dual slider music cell phone that we first reported on in February. Equipped with ICEpower technology by Bang & Olufsen, the F400 is designed for music lover’s who desire a quality music phone. Smart Bass provides rich, deep and powerful sound, and Smart Limiter ensures an audio signal to not exceed the amplitude of the threshold.

Many other sound enhancing technologies are also embedded within F400, such as Digital Natural Sound engine (DNSe) 2.0 which brings an ideal and customized sonic experience for every genre of music.

When slide up, F400 is ready to make calls with a metallic keypad that is softly brushed with hairline pattern. When slide down, F400 turns into a music player, revealing hidden dual stereo speakers. A silver wheel navigator on top provides users with deejaying experience as they turn the disk to tune their music. (We have no idea if this is really for mixing, or if Samsung just wanted to include the word DJing into their marketing materials. –Ed.)

Shazam, a value-added music recognizing application incorporated within F400, provides users with a connected music experience. By using the application, users can find out the name and artist of an unknown tune by simply pointing their phone at the music. The service is also available when a user is listening to a song on the radio integrated within the handset.

F400 also boasts other great features including a 3-megapixel camera with AF, FM Radio and Bluetooth v2.0 support. Storage for the F400 includes 1GB of internal SD memory and a microSD slot that supports up to 8GB. USB 2.0 HS is also available for an extra mass storage space. A dedicated 3.5 mm earphone jack is also included.

The Samsung F400 will be available in France in May, in two colors, piano gloss black and white, and then rollout to other European countries. No pricing has been announced. More information on the Samsung F400 B&O music cell phone.

KRK Systems has launched the second generation of their Rokit monitor powered monitors. The second generation Rokit incorporates several technologies from the company’s VXT and E8B lines, including radiused edges along the front of the cabinet. The new Rokits replace the current Rokit 5”, 6” and 8” models.

The new Rokit provides a molded front baffle. This design feature reduces diffraction distortion caused by standard flat baffles. The Rokits leverage KRK’s research and development into baffle design and fabrication. The Rokit G2’s curved front baffle was engineered to minimize diffraction of high-frequencies, resulting in a sweet spot that is significantly larger than products with square or lightly rounded baffles. The baffle also houses a molded front-facing bass port that minimizes low-frequency phase distortion and unwanted frequency emphasis typical of rear-facing bass ports. The end result is a harmonious yet accurate blend of low and high-frequency components that result in a more accurate speaker.  Additionally, the Rokit G2’s voicing has been slightly enhanced to provide even better mix clarity and precision.

The KRK Rokit G2’s cost $149, $199 and $249 for the 5, 6 and 8 inch versions, respectively. More information on the KRK Rokit G2.

Native Instruments has released KONTAKT Retro Machines, the latest addition to its KORE Soundpack range of sound libraries for KORE 2 and the free KORE PLAYER. Based on material from the KONTAKT 3 factory library, KONTAKT Retro Machines offers a collection of vintage instruments that were formative for many electronic music genres of the past decades. This includes various classic synthesizers as well as several sought-after drum machines, with their creative potential maximized through the powerful capabilities of the KORE platform.

The sounds in KONTAKT Retro Machines originate from eleven outstanding analog synths, five vintage digital synthesizers and six classic drum machines, all captured in absolute studio-quality and with a dedicated sample set for each of the over 130 included KoreSounds. The sonic arsenal provided is entirely faithful to a range of seminal sound aesthetics that
are still popular today, ranging from pioneering electronic music of the ’70s to the rough electro and hip-hop of the early ’80s.

Like all KORE SOUNDPACKS, KONTAKT Retro Machines makes extensive use of the capabilities of KORE 2 / KORE PLAYER and of its integrated instrument and effect engines. Every instrument sound offers eight distinct variations, organized in a concise scheme that includes optional percussive, pad, solo/lead and arpeggiated flavors of every preset. Authentic “vintage synth” operation is achieved through special performance features like adjustable glide, unison, polyphonic portamento, optional pure tuning mode and much more. All options are provided in an intuitive and immediately accessible way through the unique sound shaping and control features of the KORE platform and the integrated KONTAKT engine.

NI’s KONTAKT Retro Machines costs $59 / €49 and is available now for download. More information on KONTAKT Retro Machines.