Izotope Ozone 4 Announced - shipping January 2009

Around Revolution Audio, we have found the Ozone 3 Full-Suite Mastering Plug-in (pictured here) to be an amazing tool for all of us on the front lines. So, we are very excited about the updated version coming this January. Anyone who purchases Ozone 3 after Oct. 1 -in stock and available in our online store here - will be entitled to a free upgrade in January. Check out the full press release below: IZOTOPE ANNOUNCES OZONE 4 October 6, 2008 Ozone 4 builds on the program's reputation for superior sound quality and industry-standard mastering tools with new innovations. iZotope has updated and expanded Ozone's processing algorithms, optimizing them for today's low-latency DAW environments. Ozone 4 features a new Intelligent Loudness Maximizer, Perfect Reconstruction crossovers, mid/side processing for superior control over the sound stage, and a new True Envelope dynamics processing mode. In addition, numerous interface improvements and ease-of-use additions make Ozone even more accessible to musicians and engineers who want to quickly finalize their projects. Key Features:

* Integrated mastering system combining analog warmth and digital precision * New Intelligent Loudness Maximizer mode provides full-sounding masters while handling transients with unprecedented clarity * New Perfect Reconstruction crossovers combine analog character with digital clarity * New mid/side processing adds a whole new dimension of power to Ozone's EQ, dynamics and harmonic exciter by letting you process different parts of the soundstage separately * True Envelope dynamics processing introduces a new alternative to traditional Peak and RMS-based dynamics processing for exceptionally transparent compression, expansion and limiting * Improved and enhanced preset system lets users adjust a few simple parameters to get amazing results * Many more interface and ease-of-use additions

Plug-in formats: Pro Tools 7 (RTAS/AudioSuite), VST, MAS, Audio Units, and DirectX Platforms: Windows Vista, XP Apple OS X (Universal Binary) Pricing and availability: Ozone 4 will be available from Revolution Audio in January of 2009 pricing TBA. Purchase Ozone 3 here and get a free upgrade when Ozone 4 comes out in January

Sonar 8 Recording Software for PC

Sonar 8 Recording Software now Shipping Roland / Cakewalk has announced Sonar 8 software is now shipping. Here is a brief review of what to expect in this new software. The top new features include:

Loop Explorer 2.0 view provides browse and preview of audio and MIDI groove clips and patterns; quickly drag and drop loops and patterns into the track view; MIDI groove clips and patterns can be previewed with the virtual instrument of your choice. Dedicated Instrument Track single track optimized for mono or stereo virtual synths which simplifies the process of working with virtual instruments. In the pursuit of offering users options in how they want to work, the multi-track method of using virtual instruments employed by previous versions of SONAR is still supported. In addition users can split and combine instrument tracks to/from discrete audio/MIDI tracks. SONAR Performance Optimizations with focus on functionality including improved performance at high track counts and low latencies, faster launch time, and the ability to change audio devices without restarting; streamlined communication with VST plug-ins and Improved ASIO performance with output latency compensation. User Interface optimizations smoother display when resizing windows and panes, optimized metering, more responsive zoom and scroll. Channel Tools provides easy and powerful zero-latency channel processing for adjusting L/R channel placement, gain, pan/width, and phase; sample delay for precision timing adjustment of L/R channels in recordings; Automatic Mid-Side decoding of imported Mid-Side recorded material. Channel Tools can also provide a widening or narrowing effect to stereo recordings through adjustments to mid-side gain.

They have also added a number of new instruments included, only in the top Sonar 8 Producer version:

Beatscape loop performance instrument Beatscape, the latest instrument by Cakewalk's premier synthesis architect René Ceballos takes loop manipulation and realtime triggering/performance to new heights. Beatscape provides 16-pads to load and trigger loops or samples for sequencing your productions and beats. Each pad features a full powered REX player, Rapture-style step generator, multiple effect processors, and sophisticated groove slicing and dicing tools powered by Cakewalk's own AudioSnap slicing technology. Dimension Pro SONAR now includes a full version of the acclaimed synthesizer that combines real instruments with advanced synthesis for endless sound possibilities. The underpinnings of Dimension Pro's creative possibilities is the powerful Cakewalk's Expression Engine providing several types of synthesis including multi-sample rendering, wavetable synthesis, waveguide synthesis, and REX playback and manipulation. TruePianos Amber VSTi Module One of four modules that currently ship with the full version of TruePianos VSTi, the TruePianos Amber Module will provide SONAR users with world-class, playable piano sounds through its combination sampling, modeling, and synthesis sound design. TruePianos sounds and feels great, just like a real acoustic piano, with all the important characteristics: sympathetic resonance, inter-string harmonics, repedalling and more.

And a number of new audio processors, also exclusive to Sonar 8 Producer:

TS 64 Transient Shaper a powerful tool for sculpting the transient dynamics of any percussive based source material such as drums or guitars. The TS 64 Transient Shaper employs powerful envelope/transient-detection, linear-phase filtering, and gain-shaping to control the dynamics of individual transients of any sound with amplitude variation over time. TL-64 Tube Leveler a line driver/leveling processor that employs advanced analog vacuum-tube circuit modeling algorithms to add the unique qualities of tube color and warmth found in classic recordings to whatever source material it is applied. Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3 LE S built on the latest award-winning guitar amp modeler from Native Instruments; 3 amps and cabinets, 11 effects, tuner, metronome, and over 50 presets.

In Conclusion: Sonar software, especially the Producer version, has always come packed full of extra instrument and audio plug-ins and Sonar 8 is no exception. Sonar 8 Producer is excellent value for money and has the full capabilities to be the center of any PC based recording studio and is Revolution Audio's current choice for working in the Windows Vista 64 bit environment. The full version of Sonar 8 Studio and Producer and upgrades from previous Sonar versions are available through Revolution Audio.

NEW PRODUCT: Universal Audio LA-610 MKII

In the Revolution Audio studio we love our Universal Audio LA-610, now we can't wait to hear the new LA-610 MKII preamp compressor in the very slick "black on black" that was announced this week at AES 2008. Please call or e-mail for availability. Here are more details from Universal Audio:

The LA-610 defined the affordable, ultimate vintage tone channel strip. So how can UA improve on tonal perfection and what was already a hit product? Enter the sequel... LA-610 Mk II, a second-generation revamp of the original 2005 LA-610 design. While the preamp and compressor are identical to the original LA-610 that users have come to know and love, user-requested features such as true compressor bypass, larger metering, improved output signal, an auto-sensing power supply have been added bringing the end user an enhanced user experience. The LA-610 Mk II also features the highly popular black on black cosmetics of the LA-610 Signature Edition.

• Based on Legendary Bill Putnam 610 Tube Mic Pre and EQ Used on Countless Classic Recordings
• Authentic Teletronix LA-2A-style T4 Opto-Compressor
• Complete vintage channel-strip at groundbreaking price within project studio reach
• Mic Pre with Gain and Level controls, variable impedance switching, and Instrument DI for recording tone color
• Mk II Features such as True Bypass, Larger Metering and Improved Signal Output
• UA build quality and heritage, audiophile components, hand-assembled in the USA

Click here for more information or to buy the Universal Audio LA610 MK II online