Pro Audio, Music & Mac Blog

The audio software geniuses at AudioEase (Altiverb, VSTWrapper, BarbaBatch) have been working on the mother of all (why didn’t Apple think of this) audio file auditioning utilities for the Mac. They had been calling this tool SoundAbout and it provides a really cool, fluid method for previewing and audtioning audio and sound files of all types: samples, song files, mixes, tracks, whatever… It’s totally cool.

Check out the AudioEase SoundAbout preview movie

But what really caught my eye was this:

We are looking for a new name. If you come up with a good one please drop it in the subject line of an email, and if we choose it you get a free copy, an early beta as soon as we have it, and a mention in the about box.

Sweet… Think up the new name and become an instant DAW-MAC legend…

Here’s what you need to know about running the new Universal Binary version of Digital Performer – DP 5.1, on IntelMacs and PowerPC Macs, straight from MOTU:

Using Plug-ins in Digital Performer 5.1

Digital Performer 5.1 is a universal binary application, meaning that it runs natively on either PowerPC or Intel Macs. Per OSX’s design all applications & any plug-ins they use must run entirely natively or non-natively. This means that with DP 5.1 you must use plug-ins that are also universal binaries or that are specific to the type of Mac you have (i.e., PowerPC plug-ins on a PowerPC Mac).

If you’re running DP 5.1 on a PowerPC Mac, you can use universal binary and PowerPC-only plug-ins. You cannot use Intel-only plug-ins.

If you’re running DP 5.1 on an Intel Mac, you can use universal binary and Intel-only plug-ins. You cannot use PowerPC-only plug-ins.

All of the plug-ins included with Digital Performer 5.1 are universal binaries.

Altiverb, VST Wrapper, and other Audio Ease products require updates for DP 5.1 compatibility

For both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs running Digital Performer 5.1, be sure to download and install the very latest versions of VST Wrapper, Altiverb and any other Audio Ease software products before you attempt to run them with Digital Performer 5.1. Audio Ease has recently updated these products to ensure compatibility with Digital Performer 5.1. Visit the Audio Ease website to download updates.

MachFive users require an update for DP 5.1 compatibility

MachFive users should make sure to update to MachFive 1.2.3 before using Digital Performer 5.1. This update is necessary for DP 5.1 compatibility. Click here for the MachFive 1.2.3 update.

Digital Performer 5.1 and Symphonic Instrument, Ethno Instrument, & MX4

Forthcoming updates will provide MAS universal binary plug-ins for these instruments

The current versions of the Symphonic Instrument and Ethno Instrument (1.1.2 and 1.0, respectively) are universal binaries in the AU, RTAS, VST, and standalone formats. Updates which provide universal binary MAS plug-ins for Symphonic Instrument, Ethno Instrument, and MX4 are expected shortly, as well as AU and RTAS universal binary updates for MX4

Also, we’ve been watching threads closely on MOTU-MAC and Unicornation following user experiences with other third-party plug-ins and DP 5.1 Universal Binary compatibility:

Antares Autotune Compatibility Problems With Digital Performer Universal Binary

There have been many reports of immediate crashes with Antares Autotune and DP 5.1. Click here to visit Antare’s website for updates and the latest information.

PSP Audioware – VintageWarmer and others not Intel-Ready yet

WaveArts plug-ins, PowerSuite, TrackPlug, MasterVerb, and others ARE Intel-Ready!

Visit WaveArts download page for the latest updates. Naturally, WaveArts seem to be one of the first companies to be on the ball with this issue. They rock.

Focusrite announced July 7th that Liquid Mix is now shipping worldwide for Mac OSX. The LiquidMix is a new multi-channel Firewire Mix Processor.

Liquid Mix’s onboard DSP hosts 32 classic EQs and 32 vintage compressors simultaneously in the mix. Each of Liquid Mix’s 32 channels provides Compressor and EQ emulations selected from a huge pool of high-quality vintage and modern day classics. 40 Compressors and 20 EQs are available straight out of the box, with an expanding library online. Even cooler, a totally unique hybrid 7-band ’super EQ’ can be built out of separate classic EQ sections in every one of the 32 channels.

Each channel appears as a separate VST/AU/RTAS effect within the sequencer and will work within all major applications, including Digital Performer, Pro Tools, and Logic.

Liquid Mix’s DSP is housed within a desktop control solution and connects to the computer via Firewire, which also provides bus-powering. An optional expansion card is available for Liquid Mix, allowing users to increase the number of available channels at higher sample rates. Liquid Mix is bundled with a VST to RTAS wrapper, allowing it to work with Pro Tools HD and Pro Tools LE.

Focusrite Liquid Mix ships for $799.

Check out the Liquid Mix Video at Focusrite’s site.

Or view these photos of the unit and the interface below:

Digidesign has released their Universal Binary update for ProTools 7.

Valid PT7 license is required to install and this update is ONLY for MacIntel machines…

Pro Tools 7.1.1 Updates for Intel-Based Macs

James Steele posted this link recently on the MOTU-MAC list.

Some cool little applets or audio utilities from Rogue Amoeba:

http://www.rogueamoeba.com/freebies/