Waves have updated their IR-1 parametric convolution reverb to version 2. This new version has tools to capture your own impulse responses, so you can capture the natural reverb of your own bathroom or closet, if you want. It also has a number of other tweaks and a bigger, better library of impulse resp0nses.

As they say on the website, “Simulated reverbs offer great control of individual parameters but can’t accurately reproduce the sound of real acoustic spaces. Convolution reverbs are sample-based, and so capture natural reverb, but haven’t offered the flexible controls of simulated reverb — until now. With the IR-1 V2, you get the actual captured sound of the world’s best venues and unmatched control using the traditional parameters you’re already familiar with.”

Other new features are:

• Convolution Start Control lets you trim the beginning of an impulse response to eliminate unwanted predelay.
• ER (Early Reflections) Buildup Control lets you adjust the buildup slope of the early reflections to control their attack sound, from crisp to smooth.
• Dry Gain Mode gives you more control over the sound by letting you adjust the wet and dry signal gains separately in addition to the option of using the traditional dry/wet control.
• Extensive Library of Improved Impulse Response Samples with Different Micing Options.
• Dynamic Preset Handling. Adding or removing presets is now easier, with the preset menu reflecting the impulse response samples contained in the presets folder.

GarageBand 2.0, Apple’s music-making program for the Mac, has been reviewed by CNET. They quite like it as a comprehensive music creation tool, but say its lack of depth means it’s not for the experienced user. They would recommend it to “Indie bands that want to easily add electronic effects to live instruments; parents and amateur videographers who want to make unique soundtracks for personal movies; novice music enthusiasts with an itch to create their own electronic tunes.”

They give the program 7.5 out of ten and overall are very positive: “Although this creative audio tool takes up a boatload of drive space and won’t satisfy many advanced users, it’s a fantastic starting point for novice music enthusiasts with a desire to experiment with digital tunes. GarageBand 2.0 alone justifies purchasing iLife.”