New Gear Alert: Propellerhead’s Reason 10, 2-Channel DI from BAE, Steinberg’s WaveLab 9.5 & More
Propellerhead releases Reason 10 music production software.
This 10th iteration of Reason marks Propellerhead’s biggest content upgrade ever for the wildly popular music production software.
Last month, we covered the announcement of Propellerhead’s Reason 10. The popular music production platform is now available for purchase via the Propellerhead website and authorized resellers worldwide. Users can unlock a wealth of inspiring sounds and breathe new energy into their tracks with two massive new synthesizers—the Europa Shapeshifting Synthesizer and the Grain Sample Manipulator.
Also featured are three new organic instrument devices, a premium acoustic piano, a creative modulation device, and 3GB of cutting-edge drum loops and samples. This marks Reason’s biggest content upgrade ever.
Reason 10 is available as a direct download here or from an authorized dealer at the following suggested retail pricing: Reason 10 for $449/€405; Reason Essentials 10 for $129/€120; Reason 10 Upgrade (from any previous Reason version) for $129/€129.
BAE Audio launches two-channel transformer-based DI.
A shot of BAE’s new PDIS from AES New York 2017.
The PDIS, which is based upon the single channel PDI released earlier this year, made its debut at the 2017 AES conference in New York City.
Like the mono PDI, the PDIS utilizes an OEP/Carnhill transformer to imbue any signal passed through it with a pleasing warmth and analog richness.
The PDIS features sturdy Neutrik connectors, including quarter-inch inputs and low-impedance XLR outputs for each channel on one side, with a pair of through outputs for each channel on the reverse side. This allows unique routing configurations, like sending a keyboard signal both via the Lo-Z outputs to your console as well as via the quad Hi-Z through outputs to two separate amplifiers or effects chains. Dual ground lift switches help navigate any noise issues caused by grounding.
Known for their warmth and clarity in the high end and natural-sounding harmonics in the low end, OEP/Carnhill transformers are one of the premium components that give many of BAE Audio’s hardwire devices their signature sound.
The PDIS will be available soon from authorized BAE Audio dealers and will retail for $200.
Steinberg announces the release of WaveLab 9.5.
Improvements to the Spectral Editing functions are among some of the main updates in Steinberg’s WaveLab 9.5—a comprehensive editing and mastering workstation.
The latest iterations of Steinberg’s audio editing and mastering workstation, WaveLab Pro 9.5 and WaveLab Elements 9.5, are now available.
The main updates of WaveLab focus on spectral editing, offering an overhauled Spectogram with many additional display settings that give a meticulous attention to frequency detail. Both Pro and Elements introduce RestoreRig, a new plugin suite that boasts three modules: the DeNoiser, DeBuzzer and DeClicker.
New spectral features exclusive to WaveLab Pro 9.5 include the brand-new Wavelet display that analyzes and displays musical content based on pitch scaling. The Spectrum Editor comes with many new selection tools, such as Lasso, Brush and Magic Wand.
WaveLab Pro 9.5 also offers an array of many more, very powerful plugins, either new or enhanced. WaveLab’s mastering plugin suite, MasterRig, has been improved so as to include brand-new algorithms, whereas the Tube Compressor, Vintage Compressor, Maximizer, AutoPan and several other plugins have been redesigned from the ground up.
Full retail versions of WaveLab Pro 9.5 and WaveLab Elements 9.5 are available from resellers and through the Steinberg Online Shop. The suggested retail price for WaveLab Pro 9.5 is $579.99, while the suggested retail price for WaveLab Elements 9.5 is $99.99.
Customers who have activated WaveLab 7/8/8.5/Pro 9 and WaveLab Elements 7/8/9 since September 26, 2017, are eligible for free, downloadable grace period updates to the latest versions, respectively.
Plugin Alliance and Unfiltered Audio further their collaboration with Zip, a unique dynamics processing plugin.
Explore a new approach to dynamics with Zip, an exciting new take on compression and expansion made possible by Plugin Alliance and Unfiltered Audio.
Zip uses unique Analysis modes to easily remedy complex dynamics challenges that traditional compressors and expanders aren’t designed to treat. Additionally, built-in modulators create effects impossible to achieve using conventional dynamics processors.
Zip’s six Analysis modes (Amplitude, Quietness, Brightness, Darkness, Noisiness, and Tonalness) spark deeper compression or expansion based on signal level, frequency content, or noise feeding its input. Its four Envelope styles (Classic, Goopy, Quick, and Extreme) modify the processor’s attack and release curves, tailoring them to the engineer’s specific needs.
Zip’s eight different internal modulators, as well as a patch to an external ROLI Lightpad controller, can be used—up to six modulators at once—on most of Zip’s controls. Each modulator can be routed to multiple destinations using a simple drag-and-drop technique, unlocking a wealth of driving rhythmic effects synchronized to the tempo of the host DAW. Zip’s continuously variable Color control provides post-dynamics processing in seven modes, offering phase-modulated distortion, soft saturation, bitcrushing, and four 2-pole cutoff filters.
Zip is available for purchase exclusively from Plugin Alliance at an introductory promo price of $99 through to November 30, 2017, rising to $149 thereafter. Fully-functional, 14-day trials are available to anyone registering for a free Plugin Alliance account here.
BOSS announces the DR-01S Rhythm Partner.
Solo acoustic musicians now have rock-solid accompaniment with the DR-01S Rhythm Partner by BOSS—an exciting new all-in-one solution for percussive backing tracks.
The BOSS DR-01S Rhythm Partner is a fun instrument that provides percussion backing for acoustic guitarists and other acoustic musicians. The DR-01S features a powerful integrated sound system, and comes equipped with ready-to-play rhythm patterns that complement unplugged acoustic instruments. Compact, battery-powered, and simple to use, the go-anywhere DR-01S makes playing acoustic music even more enjoyable and inspiring.
Via an intuitive interface, DR-01S users can access simple patterns and variations that are optimized for acoustic music styles. It’s also possible to add or subtract instruments—for example, shaker, tambourine, bongos, congas and more—on the fly. Dedicated buttons are on hand to quickly adjust volume and tempo, and to add a count-in before the accompaniment starts. The DR-01S also includes a standard metronome for basic music practice.
The DR-01S is equipped with a sophisticated audio system that produces big, full sound from a small footprint. An Aux In jack allows users to play backing music from a smartphone or other device, while a Line Out jack enables connection to a larger sound system. The DR-01S also supports optional footswitches for start/stop, tap tempo, and triggering sounds.
The BOSS DR-01S Rhythm Partner is now available for $229.99.
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