Spectrasonics has cranked up the bottom end with Trilian, a brand-new virtual instrument based on the same STEAM engine as is found in Omnisphere, but focused on created the ultimate electric and acoustic bass sounds and performances. Also new from Spectrasonics is Stylus RMX 1.7, which adds Time Designer for converting loops into different time signatures and locking loops together.
Live 8 from Ableton offers a new groove engine, revamped warping techniques, a live looper, five new effects, and a reworked MIDI editor. Live 8 Suite adds a massive sound library and Collison (physical modeling mallets and “creative” percussion) and Corpus (resonator effect). Also new in Live-land is Max for Live, a dedicated version of the Cycling ’74 software that lets users create their own synths and effects.
Fender introduced an array of new signature models, including the Dave Murray model (Iron Maiden)and Ritchie Blackmore (Deep Purple, Rainbow) Strats, Steve Bailey Jazz Bass VI (fretted and fretless), and Steve Harris Precision Bass (Iron Maiden). The Tim Armstrong Hellcat acoustic (Rancid) and Eric Johnson Strats (see yesterday’s inSync) round out the collection.
iZotope showed Ozone 4, which offers EQ, dynamics, and exciter mid-side processing; new Intelligent Loudness Maximizer and Intelligent Crossover Mode; True Envelope dynamics processing, and much more.
The new LSR2300 series monitors from JBL sound astounding (we had a thorough demo of both the 5″ and 8″ versions) and come in at even more astoundingly low prices. There’s also a matching 180-watt subwoofer with a 10″ driver.
The Retro series of plug-ins from McDSP includes an EQ, compressor, and limiter, each designed with vintage vibe and sonics. There are versions for both Pro Tools HD and Pro Tools LE.