Keyboard magazine reviews Cakewalk Project5 Version 2 and gives it a big thumbs up. “P5-2 provides a toolset that’s optimized for recording loop-based music, but also allows it to serve as a live performance instrument.” They give a really good step-by-step description of remixing a track using the various features of Project5.

They like the fact that Project5 has a lot of instruments and filters: “One of P5’s selling points is the complement of software synths. These include the Psyn II subtractive synth, Velocity multilayer sample-based drum module, nPulse “analog” drum synthesizer, DS864 digital sampler, Cyclone DXi groove sampler, Roland GrooveSynth (general purpose sample playback), and the Dimension “sampling synthesizer.” The roster of signal processors includes Alias Factor lo-fi, phaser, compressor, high frequency exciter, modfilter, multivoice chorus/flanger, 2-band parametric EQ, spectral transformer, reverb, and tempo delay — all with automatable parameters.”

They also approve of the GrooveMatrix, which enables quick rearrangement of loops and samples in a track, and the Track Freeze feature, which greatly reduces CPU usage when you’re using all those fancy VST instruments.

Overall they really like this new version — they even award it a qualified “Key Buy”rating. They write: “P5’s second coming is a major update. There’s no question that incrementing the most significant digit is more than justified. It’s gotten smoother, more capable, more intuitive, and more exciting, thanks to new features like Dimension and the GrooveMatrix. … It deserves a Key Buy, but with a condition: This applies only if you make the pattern-based style of music for which P5-2 is intended.”

Project5 version 2 is a major new version of Cakewalk’s all-in-one music production suite. This new version adds a number of new features, notably the Groove Matrix. This is a graphical matrix overview where you can drop loops or samples and have them play repeatedly. This would be useful for improvisation or live performance. It’s like Ableton Live’s Session View.

Other improvements are in the overall organisation and “workflow” of the program. Cakewalk say they have tried to make music production as intuitive as possible: “Blur the boundary between studio and stage, and capture the moment as it happens with Project5 Version 2.”

There’s already an update to version 2 — the Project5 2.0.1 update is now available on Cakewalk’s website. There are also more details of the new version. They say: Project5 is simply everything you need to create and perform today’s music. Straight out of the box, you get a complete set of superb quality instruments and effects; powerful recording, looping, sequencing, and arranging; dynamic creation tools; and the ultimate open synth host.

Project5 Version 2 has been streamlined to put the features you need most—and larger than life sounds—easily in view and right at your fingertips. Project5 delivers the solid real-time performance, stability, and ease of use of traditional hardware music workstations—but, with the additional power, flexibility, and portability of PC software.

And Project5 is expandable—you have the freedom to use hundreds of DirectX and VST plug-ins and instruments, and industry standard sample formats. Now as both a ReWire Host and Client, there are even more possibilities to expand Project5 and extend your music world.

Bring your inspiration to life, whenever and wherever the passion strikes, with Project5 Version 2.

Features

Inspiring Sounds

Dynamic Creation Tools

Powerful Sequencing and Recording

Open Host Environment

Bias Peak Pro 5 is out. This new version of the Mac sound editor has the expected raft of features, including a convolving reverb. This is turning up everywhere these days — I fully expect the next version of Microsoft Word to have a convolution reverb function too.

The Bias website has more details. They say: BIAS Peak — the industry standard stereo audio editing, processing, and mastering application for the Macintosh — is now better than ever.

From serious sound design for film, video, or multimedia, to rapid-fire broadcast editing, to music production and mastering limited only by your imagination, Peak Pro 5 does it better than anything else. Create unique dance loops and remixes. Optimize audio for Podcasting and Internet streaming. Dust off that pile of vinyl records or analog tapes and convert them to CDs, ultra-portable AAC (MP4) or MP3 files, or to just about any audio file format on Earth. Craft soundtracks or fix audio problems for digital video. Maximize your music’s sonic quality — and then burn your final masters directly to CD — with 100% Redbook compatibility.

Here’s a full list of features of this new version of Peak Pro.

• Fastest and most powerful nondestructive & destructive sample accurate mono and stereo editing, processing, and CD mastering application for OS X
• Simultaneous document viewing with window tiling
• Multithreaded processing and MP optimized
• Unlimited Undo/Redo with graphic edit histories
• Customizable display, key commands, tool bar
• Reads/Writes AIFF, SDII, QuickTime, MP3, MP4, WAVE, AU, Sonic AIFF, JAM Image, Raw, DDP (optional), and more
• Supports built-in Mac I/O and Core Audio compatible hardware
• Read & write region, loop & reference markers
• Integrated DSP Toolset, including Fade In/Out, Normalize, Gain Envelope, Reverse, Invert, Harmonic Rotate, ultra-accurate POW-r dithering, Convolve, Mix, Change Pitch, Panner, Find Peak, Invert, Strip Silence & more
• Professional 100% Red-Book CD Mastering playlist featuring advanced waveform views, crossfades, real-time effects, PQ sub-codes, ISRC, CD Text and more.
• Ultra high quality real-time and of-fline SRC (Sample Rate Conversion)
• Up to 32-bit 10MHz, including 24 bit 96KHz (HD)
• Advanced looping tools— including the highly acclaimed Loop Surfer, LoopTuner, Crossfade Loop & Guess Tempo
• AU and VST effects & instrument support with ALC (Automatic Latency Compensation)
• Dozens of high quality VST audioeffects plug-ins free and AU effects from OS X
• Includes BIAS Sqweez compressor/limiter plug-in and BIAS Freq 4-band paragraphic EQ
• Includes SFX Machine LT plug-in with 21 real-time special effects
• Advanced VST/AU plug-in routing matrix via integrated Vbox SE
• Automated Repair Clicks & Remove DC Offset
• ImpulseVerb — applies real room ambiance to any audio file — includes over 150 spaces (requires a G4 processor or faster )
• Supports all SMDI hardware samplers
• Integrated Batch Processor
• Change Duration DSP with Tempo Envelope and Transient mode — high-quality time compression/expansion without affecting pitch or smearing attacks
• Recording notepad & timer
• Threshold function automatically divides files by amplitude
• Trigger playback & cueing of up to 10 audio documents using Mac keyboard
• Advanced QuickTime/DV support with sample accurate synchronization
• Auto-Define Tracks — divides LP/Tape recordings into single tracks for easy CD burning, export to iTunes and more
• Use stand alone or integrated as an external editor launched from Deck, DP, Live, FCP, and more
• Over 300 MB of high quality loops from PowerFX and Sound-FX-Design

Steinberg have released Studio Case II, their all-in-one music suite. They’ve just bundled together cut-down versions of their other products — the Cubase sequencer and six VST instruments. This is one more instrument than the original Studio Case — they’ve added their new Virtual Bassist to the mix.

It all looks like a decent deal, especially if you’ve already used Cubase and want a complete studio package. However, everything in Studio Case II is a “special” (i.e. simplified) version, so you might outgrow it after a while. The appeal of an “all-in-one” package is pretty strong though — it’s nice to have everything in one box.

The full description on Steinberg’s websitegoes like this: Studio Case II is a complete music production package, which includes a high-performance sequencer and six fantastic-sounding VST instruments: Cubase SE3 (the new music production software based on award-winning Cubase SX3 technology, featuring 48 audio tracks as well as full VSTi support), and SE versions of 6 great VST instruments: HALion, The Grand, Virtual Guitarist Electric Edition, D’cota, Groove Agent and Virtual Bassist. This software collection is available for Mac and PC users at an unbelievable price.

Cubase SE
The complete music production suite for your studio! Cubase SE3 is based on the latest VST 2.3 audio engine (32-bit floating point) and offers full delay compensation. SE3 combines powerful audio and MIDI features with professional editing and effects. Start creating your own music with a system that is fully compatible with the Cubase family of products that are used in high-class studios around the world.

Groove Agent SE
Forget about tedious drum programming. Groove Agent is your personal virtual drummer, providing you with ready-to go drum tracks, live feel and extraordinary real-time control.

HALion SE
The backing part specialist. This 4-way timbral version of Steinberg’s HALion Sampler includes the Wizoo Composer Library and features HALion and Soundfont import, letting you play literally millions of sampled instruments.

The Grand SE
The Grand SE is a great-sounding acoustic grand piano with 4 characters (Natural, Soft, Bright and Hard) to suit any musical style.

D’cota SE
Steinberg’s next-generation multiple synthesis VST instrument supplies punchy basses, biting leads and massive pad sounds.

Virtuel Guitarist EE SE
Virtual Guitarist Electric Edition SE is a professional electric guitarist ready to play perfect funk, pop and rock styles with unbelievable sound and playing technique. Best of all – he’ll never argue…

Virtual Bassist SE
With version 2 of Studio Case you also get a special SE Version of Steinberg’s new virtual bass player, the latest addition to the virtual band. Virtual Bassist SE provides real bass parts with authentic sound character.

MetaSynth Pro 4 has received a review in Keyboard Magazine. They really like it, but they emphasize that it’s a completely new way of making sounds, not just another slight variation on a waveform editor: “MetaSynth is all about transforming your entire approach to music and sound with tools that are as mind-altering as they are useful.”

The review gives a very useful explanation of the major features of MetaSynth, including the almost indescribable Spectrum Synth, the “mindboggling” Image Filter, and the very unusual Sequencer (what, no MIDI?)

The bottom line: “Despite a few bugs and eccentric design oddities, MetaSynth Pro is a one-of-a-kind sound design tool. With a bit of practice, you can create textures and patterns that would be impossible without a serious investment in a high-end system like Symbolic Sound’s legendary Kyma environment. If you’ve conquered the universe of soft synths and are ready to create textures that will amaze and astound even seasoned vets, MetaSynth is a wormhole into an alternate dimension of sound.”

Sound Forge Audio Studio 8 has been released. This is the cut-down version of the full Sound Forge 8 audio editor — fortunately the price is cut down too. This new version has a few new features, but nothing really amazing. Probably the best is support for VST effects and ASIO drivers, so you can take advantage of all those third-party plugins out there. This new version also has built-in “Show Me How” interactive tutorials — looks as if they’ve taken a leaf out of Ableton’s book here.

There are a bunch of other new features in Sound Forge Audio Studio 8. This version can import Flash files, and also has a number of user interface tweaks. And it still has the same extras as before, such asAcid loop creation and support for video soundtracks. Here’s an overview from Sony’s Sound Forge Audio Studio 8 website.

Sound Forge Audio Studio software is an easy-to-use home version of our Sound Forge professional software — the industry standard for audio editing and mastering on the PC platform. Built on award-winning technology used by recording studios and musicians worldwide, Sound Forge Audio Studio software brings the editing power of the pros to your home computer.

Learn as You Go with Amazing Tutorials
Sony Show Me How tutorials go beyond the booklets and basic tutorials that other solutions provide. These extraordinary helpers are built right into the software — just click Show Me How to access simple, interactive help on 15 topics.

Capture Audio from Any Source
Plug a microphone or instrument into your computer’s sound card and start recording directly into Sound Forge Audio Studio software — capture instruments, vocals, keyboards, and more. You can also import music from your own CDs and MP3s for immediate mixing and editing.

Powerful Editing Tools
Enjoy pro-level control over audio editing, EQ, volume, and effects processing. Mix audio tracks, balance sound levels, and create custom fades. Perform precise, real-time editing of audio files with simple drag-and-drop operations. Expertly balance sound levels, trim unwanted sections, and synchronize audio with video.

Unmatched Effects Processing
Customize your creations with studio-quality effects such as EQ, delay, chorus, and reverb. Liven up presentations, recordings, and music using the included 1,001 Sound Effects. Sound Forge Audio Studio software also includes support for DirectX and VST audio effects to further enhance your mix.

More Ways to Share
Powerful encoding tools let you save audio in popular formats including .mp3, .wav, and .wma. Burn your own CDs, export to your MP3 player, or upload songs to the Web.

Platinum Pro 6.0 is the latest version of this virtual studio from Synapse. This has the expected sequencer, effects, plugin support, audio editing and so on, but the big new feature is a built-in impulse response processor — the trendy convolution reverb. As they say, this lets you “apply the sound of real rooms, halls, cathedrals etc on your mix — in realtime.” There’s also automatic plugin delay compensation, new effects and a bunch of other improvements.

The website has all the details. Their description says: Orion Platinum is a complete virtual studio, including multitrack audio recording, a mixing desk with sub busses and effect returns, as well as powerful sequencers, generators and effects. All common interfaces, ReWire2, VST and DirectX are fully supported. Orion Platinum ships on CD with a 600 MB library of more than 800 royalty-free presets and high quality multisamples. Demo songs and tutorials are included as well.

Using the four-bus Mixer and Master Section, you can build advanced mixes in no-time, and the MultiFX control lets you create complex effect routing. High resolution post-production is made possible by the enhanced WAV exporter, which supports up to 32-bit / 96 kHz resolution and can render instruments or channels to multiple WAV files.

Orion Platinum comes with a selection of 37 internal effects – including reverb, delay and chorus effects, a full parametric equalizer, and more. Additionally, there is full support for third-party VST and DirectX effects, as well as for third-party VSTi and DXi instruments.

Mix magazine has a review of the new Kontakt 2 sampler from Native instruments. They list the new features of this program, then prasie its overall usability. They think the quality of the sound library is excellent, and even better is the responsiveness when playing samples using a keyboard.

Kontakt 2 also scores highly on ease of use: “I was easily able to sequence music, and Kontakt 2’s multitimbrality enabled me to literally put together an entire piece using nothing else. Sometimes, when using a “be-all/end-all” module, I find myself wishing for a slightly better synth sound or maybe a punchier drum kit. Not in this case. For me, Kontakt sounds were pretty much grab-and-go; I didn’t have to do a lot of deep parameter tweaking to put together a piece of music. This is an instrument that is clearly intended for musicians to be able to sit down and compose and play. It’s also satisfying for tweakheads such as myself.”

Overall they rate Kontakt 2 very highly: “Kontakt 2 resides proudly in the very short list of virtual samplers worthy of consideration by serious users.”

U & I Software have released version 4 of the very cool MetaSynth sound design program. (Actually it was released a few months ago, but I wanted to mention it here because it’s so nifty.) This new version moves MetaSynth more towards being a real-time sound creator, rather than something where you design a sound and then push a button to gererate the sound file. The Image Synth is pretty neat — you can turn a sound into a picture, and then edit the picture (using MetaSynth or even something like Photoshop) and then turn the picture back into a sound. Bizarre, but fun.

The U & I website has the details. They say: MetaSynth is a revolutionary electronic music and sound design environment. We have released a major new version: 4.0 and 4.0 Pro. MetaSynth now features full-fidelity preview, realtime editing, and capture-to-disk recording.

MetaSynth 4 features six rooms, each of which is a fully-featured application in its own right. MetaSynth’s rooms are:

Effects Room – envelope-controllable DSP Effects

Image Synth – paint sound using any imaginable-tuning. The new MetaSynth instrument architecture makes the Image Synth more powerful than ever. Paint scores where color is translated to spatial position and brightness is translated to amplitude.

Image Filter Room – use an Image Synth-like interface to create extraordinary dynamic stereo filters. Many users tell us that the Image Filter Room alone is worth the price of admission.

Spectrum Synth – a new paradigm in synthesis: spectral granular sequencing. Analyze sounds into a sequence of events that you can transmogrify in ways you have never imagined.

Sequencer Room – lightweight non-MIDI composition room for composing melodies, phrases and loops.

Montage Room – the mixing room. 16-track audio sequencer. In MetaSynth Pro, you can also record audio in sync with your tracks.

Macworld has reviewed Propellerheads Reason 3. They really like the new Combinator feature, which they say “adds to the creative possibilities of Reason’s already-robust routing. The Combinator lets you combine multiple instruments and effects into a single instrument for more flexible, simple MIDI assignments and signal routing … Once you’ve tried the Combinator, you won’t want to give it up. It’s a big relief from other software and hardware in which each instrument routes MIDI differently and adds audio effects globally instead of allowing precise control over affected sounds.”

They also approve of the improved control hardware detection (while still not that comprehensive) and the new mastering suite. However, they’re disappointed about the deficiencies that still exist from previouis versions. The built-in sequencer is too simplistic and there’s no support for third-party VST or Audio Units plug-ins. The biggest omission, they say, is the inability to record external audio. If only these features were there then Reason would be closer to an all-in-one production suite.

Even so, they give Reason 3 a rating of 4.5 mice (out of five) and conclude: “If you’re already a Reason lover, you’ll want Reason 3. Expanded presets, great mastering effects, and improved integration with newer keyboards and instruments, are great, but the Combinator justifies upgrading. For newcomers to Reason, the choice is a matter of taste.”