MOTU Launches Digital Performer 8 — 64-Bit, 17 New Plugins, Better Video

Devotees of the DAW known as Digital Performer – and there are many – got some welcome news today.

Envision DP8 — now available for Mac, with Windows on the way.

MOTU announced that is now shipping Digital Performer version 8. They  describe it as “a major upgrade” to their audio workstation, which sports a dedicated fan base in many circles of music and audio post production.

Significant new features include 64-bit operation, a new video playback engine, Punch Guard confidence recording, 17 new included plug-ins, 15 new user interface themes, and new plug-in management features.

Currently, Digital Performer 8 is shipping only for Mac OS X. According to MOTU, The Windows version is in final testing and will be available soon to all registered DP8 users.

Pricing has remained the same for DP8. The full version is $795; AudioDesk upgrade, $395; upgrade from previous version is $195, all available at this link.

Users of competing products can purchase the DP8 Competitive Upgrade, for $395 at the same link.

Here’s more information from MOTU on DP8:

“17 new plug-ins

Version 8 ships with 17 new plug-ins, including two new classic guitar amp models, a
bass cabinet model, several classic guitar pedals, modeled analog delay, a
multi-band dynamic equalizer, a precision delay, a de-esser, the Subkick kick drum
enhancer, and Springamabob, a modeled vintage spring reverb processor.

New video engine

DP8’s new video engine allows full-screen viewing of full 720 or 1080 HD video clips
on a primary or secondary computer monitor, or on a conventional HDMI or SDI video
monitor connected to a MOTU video interface such as the HD Express or HDX-SDI. The
movie window can be easily popped in and out of the consolidated window, and the
movie audio track can be routed to aux faders for mixing and processing, without the
need to extract the audio.

15 new themes

Digital Performer’s Themes allow users to change the entire look of the software
with one click. DP8 adds 15 new themes, including “Hi-Fi”, “Arctic”, and “None More
Black”.

Version 8 feature highlights

Cross platform — Supports Windows 7 and Mac OS X.

Native 64-bit operation — Takes full advantage of 64-bit operating systems.

VST / Rewire support — On both Mac and Windows for easy project exchange.

New video engine — Supports full-screen video, 720/1080 HD, and MOTU video hardware
monitoring.

Punch Guard confidence recording — Captures extra time before and after punch points.

17 new plug-ins  — From meticulously modeled guitar tones to world-class mastering
plug-ins…

15 new themes — Artistically crafted UI designs including Hi-Fi, Arctic, and None
More Black.

In-line control panel  — Conserves precious screen real estate.

Multi-format plug-in management — Organize, manage, and quickly search for plug-ins
in multiple formats.”

DP8 plugins

Please note: When you buy products through links on this page, we may earn an affiliate commission.