Jumat, 30 Januari 2009

Ease MIDI Converter 1.40

License: Shareware
OS: Windows 98/XP/Vista (?)
File size: 1559K
Developer: Audiotool.NET
Price: $24.95


5 stars award from rbytes.net

Ease MIDI Converter 1.40 is audio encoders/decoders software developed by Audiotool.NET.
EASE Midi Converter can convert midi to mp3, mid to wav and midi to ogg ,wma, aac , Flac, APE in batch. It copies the audio digitally-not through the soundcard-which enables you to make perfect copies of the originals.`
This audio & multimedia software is shareware, which means you can download and use Ease MIDI Converter 1.40 for free during the trial period (usually for 30 days). At the expiration of the period you will have to buy the audio encoders/decoders product for $24.95. Ease MIDI Converter 1.40 is available at regnow and Audiotool.NET website. Ease MIDI Converter 1.40 supports different languages (including English). It works with Windows 98/XP/Vista.
We have tested Ease MIDI Converter 1.40 for spyware and adware modules. The software is absolutely safe to install.
We has completely tested audio encoders/decoders software Ease MIDI Converter 1.40 many times, written and published the interesting article and uploaded installation file (1559K) to our fast server.
Downloading Ease MIDI Converter 1.40 will take minute if you use fast ADSL connection.

Ease MIDI Converter related software

Software Name Date License Size
Ease MIDI Converter 1.40
EASE Midi Converter can convert midi to mp3, mid to wav and midi to ogg ,wma, aa
18 Dec 2008 Shareware 1559K
Ease MP3 to WAV 1.0
MP3 to WAV converter convert MP3 to WAV, WMA, OGG,.
18 Dec 2008 Shareware 3736K
Ease RM Converter 2.70
Ease RM Converter Support batch directly convert between RM, MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG.
18 Dec 2008 Shareware 5968K
CD to Mp3 Maker 2.60
A tool integrated with cd ripper and MP3 to WAV decoder and WAV to MP3 encoder.
18 Dec 2008 Shareware 1598K
MIDI to WAV 1.0.
MIDI to WAV Converter (Recorder). Batch mode, Built-in Sequencer Mode available.
18 Dec 2008 Shareware 525K
MIDI to OGG 1.0.
MIDI to OGG Converter (Recorder). Batch mode, Built-in Sequencer Mode available.
18 Dec 2008 Shareware 648K
CD to MP3 WAV Maker 2.00.3
digitally convert audio cd to mp3, rm, wav, wma, ogg. audio converter.
18 Dec 2008 Shareware 5344K

ALL ABOUT MIDI

MIDI Sequencing Software

  • Anvil Studio
  • Anvil Studio is a MIDI and audio sequencer and is free software for Windows users.
  • Audible Oddities - Twerk's Tools
  • Audible Oddities is an audio mastering business and Shawn Hatfield also provides some free music composition tools for the Mac featuring sequencing control and algorithmic music generation. Burnt Toast even has a beta version available for Win XP.
  • Building Blocks
  • Building Blocks for Windows is a multifunctional MIDI application / modular sequencer, that allows you to build custom controller remapping, LFO's, arpeggiators, autochords, drum and note sequences, echoes etc.
  • Busker
  • A Windows score editor and player that has Yamaha style support. 1000s of Yamaha styles can be downloaded for free. Another great music software tool from Jos Maas.
  • Cakewalk Sonar
  • Windows & Mac sequencer now with integrated midi and audio. Sonar demo available. For other Cakewalk resources see Synth Zone's Cakewalk Page
  • Cubase - Steinberg
  • Featuring integrated midi & audio package Cubase VST For more info & related links see Synth Zone's Cubase Links
  • Cursed Sequencer
  • Open Source sequencer for Windows and Linux.
  • Digital Performer
  • MOTU presents Digital Performer for the Mac, a complete digital audio and MIDI production environment. Competitive upgrades available. See the new Digital Performer mailing list.
  • Easybeat
  • Mac MIDI sequencing software from Uni Software Plus. Features include a software GM wavetable synth.
  • Energy XT
  • Energy XT is Windows sequencer/composer software.
  • FruityLoops
  • FruityLoops and FruityTracks are Windows applications that provide easy to use yet powerful MIDI/digital audio sequencing and looping tools.
  • Intuem
  • Mac OSX MIDI sequencer that provides a variable-tempo system and a simple way to transform a real, human, performance into a sequence where bars and beats actually have meaning. Time restricted version available to download.
  • Jammer - Soundtrek
  • Jammer for Windows provides a 256 Track MIDI sequencer with built in studio musicians. A very useful program for creating arrangements & drum tracks with assistance from the software. Also check the Yahoo Jammer Group.
  • JUMP
  • A highly streamlined Windows MIDI sequencer, designed to help you compose music
  • Jazzware - Jazz++
  • Windows & Linux open source MIDI sequencer with audio support. If you need a MIDI sequencer you really should check it out.
  • Logic Pro Audio
  • Apple's MIDI & audio solution for the Mac. For Emagic product support see the Emagic Legacy pages at Apple. For related information see Emagic Users Page with resources & mailing list for Emagic products, the Logic Users' Net which includes Mac related info, and the Powerkeys "Learning Logic" web site. SwiftKick provides and archive for the Logic Users' Group environments. Editors, MIDI processors etc. are available. Omega Art has Logic info and resources. You can read the History Of Logic at Tweakheadz Lab.
  • Magix
  • Magix Music Studio incorporates a MIDI sequencer with its digital audio sequencer.
  • Massiva
  • An audio/MIDI sequencer for Windows users with undo plus plugin support. This is just an archive of an old site. You can still get it from AudioMelody.com. Massiva has now moved on to become Energy XT
  • MIDI Grasshopper
  • MIDI Grasshopper is a Mac OSX MIDI sequencer. Trial version available to download.
  • Music Master
  • Win sequencing & notation package with a full graphic interface for Roland VS880 control & integration.
  • Music Master Works
  • A shareware Windows sequencing & accompaniment package. Win95 & Win3.1 versions available. From Aspire software
  • MusicPhrase XL
  • MusicPhrase for Windows is a creative tool for composing music. Features phrase sequencing and visual groove editing tools.
  • Music Studio Producer
  • Music Studio Producer is a free Windows MIDI sequencer, DAW which can host VST(i), supports ASIO. From Aspire software
  • Numerology
  • Numerology is a modular sequencing and audio plugin environment for Mac OS X.
  • Onyx
  • Onyx by Jasmine Music provides powerful sequencing, harmonizer and MIDI-2-Audio rendering.
  • Power Chords
  • By Howling Dog Systems - Innovative Windows midi sequencer using onscreen guitar fretboard interface, plus other unique features for creating strum & rhythm patterns. Demo available
  • PowerTracks Pro Audio
  • PG Music's budget priced sequencer for Windows now features up to 48 tracks of digital audio with effects, EQ, panning etc plus 3rd party plugin support.
  • Pro Tools
  • Digidesign provide Pro Tools for Windows and Mac with MIDI, multitrack audio and plugin support.
  • Quartz Audio Master
  • Quartz Audio Master is free Windows multitrack digital recording software and MIDI sequencing software. Provided by DigitalSound Planet
  • Reaper
  • REAPER is a fully featured Windows multitrack audio and MIDI recording, editing, processing, mixing, and mastering environment. Fully functional evaluation available for download.
  • Rosegarden
  • Rosegarden is a free MIDI sequencer and notation editor for Unix, and has binary distributions for Linux PCs and SGI IRIX.
  • SoftStep
  • SoftStep is a Win9x modular step sequencer based on modular analog step sequencers. Features modules, which are math and logic functions that you treat as physical boxes with knobs and sliders.
  • Style Enhancer
  • Windows MIDI sequencer based on Performance Modeling technology with powerful and intelligent MIDI-data generation and transformation.
  • SwarShala
  • Midi sequencer package for Windows software that covers both the melodic and rhythmic aspects of Indian music. Featured instruments include Sitar, Sarod, Tanpura, Guitar, Tabla, Pakhawaj, Dholki and Bells. MIDI files and WAV files can be output.
  • Sweet Sixteen
  • Midi sequencer package for Windows from Roni Music. And check out the Sweet MIDI arpeggiator for Windows, very cool !!
  • TR-x0x
  • Freeware Windows step sequencer based on the Roland TR-808/909 drum machines.
  • Tracktion
  • Tracktion from Mackie provides low cost MIDI and audio sequencing.
  • Tunafish
  • A Windows VSTi MIDI sequencer with sample support. A fully functional ( save disabled ) demo is available to download. Has sample support and provides a built-in sample/drum sequencer.
  • Vocal Writer
  • Shareware music & vocal synthesis software for the Power Mac. Not only playback & edit GM midi files, but it will also sing your lyrics (85 voices to choose from)
  • Xx
  • A multi-track MIDI sequencer for MacOS. It is also an algorithmic compositional tool. Requires OMS.

    Midi Sequencing Related Sites

  • Atari-MIDI
  • Yahoo Group for Atari computer users to discuss MIDI applications. Also check The Caged Artist Series Page for once commercial MIDI software that is now freeware.
  • Audio Forums
  • Forums for most major sequencing & digital audio software packages.
  • Harmony Central
  • Provide an archive of MIDI sequencer and notation applications to download. There is software for all platforms available.
  • HitSquad
  • Provide links to a number of MIDI sequencers and "tracker" sequencers for Windows, Mac and Linux.
  • MacMusic.org
  • Macmusic.org have lots of links to Mac specific audio and MIDI sequencing resources. .
  • Mac OSX MIDI Apps
  • A very useful list of links to Mac OSX MIDI applications with descriptions and direct links to the websites and apps.
  • Midijoys
  • Freeware Windows program that combines two independent fully programmable joystick controllers, and a Continuous MIDI Controller programmable sliders that can send a wide spectrum of MIDI control parameters.
  • MIDI-OX
  • Win9x/NT midi utility providing sysex handling, diagnostics, filtering & mapping of midi data Streams. All Windows MIDI users should check this out. It is also available from Yamaha UK. Also see MIDI Yoke which allows you to route MIDI between different applications.
  • MidiPlugins.com
  • Links to freeware and commercial MIDI plugins for both Windows and Mac OS9/OSX.
  • Music-X Amiga University
  • Info on the original Amiga sequencer Music-X including writing sysex protocols. Also see Driptomatic Fairytales for Music-X info and resources. AM/FM also provide disk images containing many Amiga MIDI articles and tools.
  • Sonic Control
  • Sonic Control provides information and reviews of sequencers for all platforms as well as MIDI hardware.
  • SourceForge
  • SourceForge provide freeware software for Windows, Mac and Linux platforms and have many MIDI sequencer applications.
  • Sweetwater Sequencer Forum
  • Sweetwater.com provides forums including one dedicated to MIDI sequencers.
  • vanBasco's Karaoke Player
  • vanBasco's Karaoke Player is freeware Windows software that plays Karaoke (.kar) and standard MIDI (.mid, .midi, .rmi) files. Provides a piano keyboard and lyric display.
  • Vintage Sequencers
  • Tweakheadz Lab provides a great rundown on the ancestors of todays sequencers on computers in the 80s. Very interesting and informative reading with screen shots of many sequencers from the early days of MIDI.
  • Zel
  • Zel is an interpretive MIDI programming language for Windows. Version 1.2 includes the Zel Drum Machine, a style based composer and editor which makes it easy to create MIDI drum tracks without having to learn the Zel language. Freeware.

    Akai MPD32 MIDI/USB Software Control Surface Review

    Akai MPD32 MIDI/USB Software Control Surface Review


    Watching a DJ punch buttons on a laptop is boring; no one wants to watch someone who looks as if they're checking their eMail. I've said and written that so many times, but it's the truth. Whether the DJ is playing CDs, records, or mp3s - it's about the show! If you are going to play music off a laptop, get a controller that lets you look like you are doing something.

    In my exploration of the world of visuals and videos, I started with NuVJ, which included the software and the controller all in one. My progression to Grand VJ required my finding a new controller. Then the Akai MPD32 entered my life...

    What is it?

    The Akai MPD32 a is MIDI controller designed for musicians and DJs. The controller features 16 pressure-sensitive pads which function just like the pads on Akai's controllers for producers. The pads send different MIDI codes based on the bank - so with 4 banks, there are virtually 64 pads. At the top of the controller, there are 8 sliders with a toggle button. The lower right hand side houses 8 knobs that turn 360 degrees. Just as there are 4 banks of pads, there are 3 banks for the controls - meaning that there are virtually 24 sliders, buttons, and knobs.

    Testing

    On its own, the Akai MPD32 sends out signals and nothing else. When paired with software or a virtual instruments, that's when the controller shines. To test the controller, I installed it on my Windows XP laptop for use with Grand VJ software.

    Installing the MPD32 was a breeze (both in MAC and XP). Plugged into a USB slot, the controller was instantly seen and software was loaded. It was instantly activated. The MPD32 comes with 16 presets for software such as Sonar, Cubase, Reason, and LiveLite, as well as 14 others that are user-customizable.

    GrandVJ comes with a mapped template for the MPD32 so I loaded it. I tried the ArkaosVJ preset first with Grand VJ and it didn't function well. Switching over to the Generic 1 preset provided instant success, because it was instantly working. In mixer mode, controlling 8 levels of visuals, the faders are instantly responsive. The faders are smooth and insanely accurate. The software reacts instantly to every motion - precisely, no matter how minute.

    Then I tried the pads... bam .. GrandVJ crashed. I restarted Grand VJ, reloaded the presets, pressed the pad and Grand VJ crashed again. Time to contact customer support. Based on previous reviews, I've learned that the speed of tech support response bodes well for the success of a product. Since GrandVJ is still not commercially released, I figured this was probably an issue on the Arkaos software side and not the Akai hardware side - but since this review is about the Akai product, I decided to email Akai. An eMail to Akai tech support brought a response within 90 minutes, not bad at all. The tech told me to clear the mapping and remap the functions I wanted to use. The tech communicated that this is a temporary workaround until the final version of the software is released.

    This advice actually was a good test of how accurate the contoller was. I switched Grand VJ into mapping mode and was quickly able to map all the functions I wanted. Each pad, fader, button, and knob sends a unique control code which made mapping a breeze. I was able to customize the software exactly how I wanted. In under 20 minutes, I had Grand VJ working exactly like I wanted. What started as a bug/crash, ended up being a blessing. Rather than try and figure out how things were mapped with a preset, I was able to assign everything how I wanted to.

    Up next was the torture test, a full night of use - which for me is an 12 hour set across 3 clubs. If a piece of gear works reliably for two nights of this - it passes the test. The MPD32 passed with flying colors.

    Critiques

    After a week of use, only one critique came up - but it's hard to decide whether the blame lies with the software or the controller. Every so often, maybe the 6th or 7th startup, the software would not see the controller. The controller was powered and sending signals - but the software was not receiving. This was easily fixed by quitting the software, uplugging the controller, replugging the controller, and restarting the software (You know, the old power on/power off approach). Doing this fixed the problem each time.

    Conclusion

    The Akai MPD32 is a rugged, easy-to-use controller that works well with Grand VJ for mixer mode. It also has presets for several other music software programs. If you are a DJ who is looking for a controller that is not piano/keyboard-based, the MPD32 is a solid unit worth trying out. The pads are a definite strong point of the controller, sensitive to both the pressure and speed of touch, allowing more control of each function.

    Bullet points

    What is it: a MIDI controller for DJ/producer software

    Who is it for: DJs and musicians that want to have better control of music/DJ software

    How long does it take to set up: with presets under five minutes, mapping it yourself can take up to 30 minutes as you explore software features

    What is required for its use: a computer and software

    Difficulty level: 3.5/5 (1 is easy, 5 is difficult)

    Akai MPD32 MIDI/USB Software Control Surface Review

    Akai MPD32 MIDI/USB Software Control Surface Review


    Watching a DJ punch buttons on a laptop is boring; no one wants to watch someone who looks as if they're checking their eMail. I've said and written that so many times, but it's the truth. Whether the DJ is playing CDs, records, or mp3s - it's about the show! If you are going to play music off a laptop, get a controller that lets you look like you are doing something.

    In my exploration of the world of visuals and videos, I started with NuVJ, which included the software and the controller all in one. My progression to Grand VJ required my finding a new controller. Then the Akai MPD32 entered my life...

    What is it?

    The Akai MPD32 a is MIDI controller designed for musicians and DJs. The controller features 16 pressure-sensitive pads which function just like the pads on Akai's controllers for producers. The pads send different MIDI codes based on the bank - so with 4 banks, there are virtually 64 pads. At the top of the controller, there are 8 sliders with a toggle button. The lower right hand side houses 8 knobs that turn 360 degrees. Just as there are 4 banks of pads, there are 3 banks for the controls - meaning that there are virtually 24 sliders, buttons, and knobs.

    Testing

    On its own, the Akai MPD32 sends out signals and nothing else. When paired with software or a virtual instruments, that's when the controller shines. To test the controller, I installed it on my Windows XP laptop for use with Grand VJ software.

    Installing the MPD32 was a breeze (both in MAC and XP). Plugged into a USB slot, the controller was instantly seen and software was loaded. It was instantly activated. The MPD32 comes with 16 presets for software such as Sonar, Cubase, Reason, and LiveLite, as well as 14 others that are user-customizable.

    GrandVJ comes with a mapped template for the MPD32 so I loaded it. I tried the ArkaosVJ preset first with Grand VJ and it didn't function well. Switching over to the Generic 1 preset provided instant success, because it was instantly working. In mixer mode, controlling 8 levels of visuals, the faders are instantly responsive. The faders are smooth and insanely accurate. The software reacts instantly to every motion - precisely, no matter how minute.

    Then I tried the pads... bam .. GrandVJ crashed. I restarted Grand VJ, reloaded the presets, pressed the pad and Grand VJ crashed again. Time to contact customer support. Based on previous reviews, I've learned that the speed of tech support response bodes well for the success of a product. Since GrandVJ is still not commercially released, I figured this was probably an issue on the Arkaos software side and not the Akai hardware side - but since this review is about the Akai product, I decided to email Akai. An eMail to Akai tech support brought a response within 90 minutes, not bad at all. The tech told me to clear the mapping and remap the functions I wanted to use. The tech communicated that this is a temporary workaround until the final version of the software is released.

    This advice actually was a good test of how accurate the contoller was. I switched Grand VJ into mapping mode and was quickly able to map all the functions I wanted. Each pad, fader, button, and knob sends a unique control code which made mapping a breeze. I was able to customize the software exactly how I wanted. In under 20 minutes, I had Grand VJ working exactly like I wanted. What started as a bug/crash, ended up being a blessing. Rather than try and figure out how things were mapped with a preset, I was able to assign everything how I wanted to.

    Up next was the torture test, a full night of use - which for me is an 12 hour set across 3 clubs. If a piece of gear works reliably for two nights of this - it passes the test. The MPD32 passed with flying colors.

    Critiques

    After a week of use, only one critique came up - but it's hard to decide whether the blame lies with the software or the controller. Every so often, maybe the 6th or 7th startup, the software would not see the controller. The controller was powered and sending signals - but the software was not receiving. This was easily fixed by quitting the software, uplugging the controller, replugging the controller, and restarting the software (You know, the old power on/power off approach). Doing this fixed the problem each time.

    Conclusion

    The Akai MPD32 is a rugged, easy-to-use controller that works well with Grand VJ for mixer mode. It also has presets for several other music software programs. If you are a DJ who is looking for a controller that is not piano/keyboard-based, the MPD32 is a solid unit worth trying out. The pads are a definite strong point of the controller, sensitive to both the pressure and speed of touch, allowing more control of each function.

    Bullet points

    What is it: a MIDI controller for DJ/producer software

    Who is it for: DJs and musicians that want to have better control of music/DJ software

    How long does it take to set up: with presets under five minutes, mapping it yourself can take up to 30 minutes as you explore software features

    What is required for its use: a computer and software

    Difficulty level: 3.5/5 (1 is easy, 5 is difficult)

    Software MIDI Keyboard Lite 1.9

    Software MIDI Keyboard Lite 1.9





    This software will allow you to operate your sound card MIDI synthesizer by means of an average PC keyboard and a mouse. The software emulates 25-keyed MIDI keyboard with the three functional pedals: Sustain, Accent and Soft. These pedals are used to create different effects as polyphony(Sustain), strenthening(Accent) & softening(Soft). There are also 127 different musical instruments from the standard General MIDI(GM) set. All the instruments of the MIDI set are divided into groups, what makes your choice of the needed one quite simple. With this software you can play any sound of GM MIDI standard set, due to the Controller of 8 octaves. It is also possible to play Drums parties, with all sounds of GM Drums set on channel 10. With the switcher MIDI Output Device you can choose any MIDI synthesizer found in the system, such as Microsoft(R) GS Wavetable Synth or any other GM compatible synthesizer. The software user interface was designed for Windows XP(R). It is quite compact and does not take much room on your desktop. All functional keys are situated in the main window of the program, so that you can play any melody without using the main menu.

    Product homepage: http://www.midimass.com

    Download: http://www.midimass.com/files/software_midi_keyboard_lite_demo.exe www.midimass.com

    The Soft Synths of NAMM: Round Up, with Trilogy’s Successor and the new D.CAM

    The Soft Synths of NAMM: Round Up, with Trilogy’s Successor and the new D.CAM

    The NAMM show brought a cluster of new soft synths from some beloved synth makers. The interfaces are noticeably conventional, but there are some tasty sonic features in store. Most of these are promised as “coming soon,” not available now, but here’s a quick look at what to expect.

    By the way, if you’re one the people complaining that you’re sick of everyone talking about Ableton and want something else to be excited about, I have one word for you:

    D.CAM.

    Let me sum it up in one line first:

    minimoog V 2.0: Rewired circuitry, automation recording vocal filtering, and weird 3D preset browsing mean if you like minimoog, you’ll like it more.

    Brass 2.0: physically-modeled brass stuff you can play more easily with controllers, now with a sax model and fully spatialized and harmonized.

    Trilian: Even more of the synth that gives you more bass than you need – and now your Intel Mac can run it in place of Trilogy, for free.

    Largo: It’s a Waldorf synthesizer, but it’s software. You can’t afford a Blofeld, but you can afford this, and then use it in a coffee shop.

    D.CAM: Synth wishes granted: thick parallel-waveform performance synth plus vintage-style string synth plus big, modern FM plus and environment to put them all together.

    (added!) impOSCar 2: Features aren’t confirmed yet, but an early look at the OSCar emulation suggest a very big sequel indeed.

    Universal Audio UAD-2 SOLO Will Add DSP Power to Your Laptop for $499

    Universal Audio UAD-2 SOLO Will Add DSP Power to Your Laptop for $499


    I’ve been waiting for the near-ubiquitous ExpressCard slot on laptops to see some audio goodness, so one of the more welcome announcements of NAMM is that there’s now finally an ExpressCard-enabled version of the Universal Audio platform. The UAD is a DSP platform for computers, with an emphasis on high-quality, boutique mastering and effects plug-ins, including some recent, familiar emulations of classic Roland and Moog gear. UA’s stuff really does sound great, and host support has been improving (look for the key words “latency compensation” in your host of choice). So it’s about time that laptop users get in on some of the fun the desktop users have had.

    The surprise is, the UAD-2 SOLO doesn’t cost that much - $500 includes the card plus the “1176SE Compressor/Limiter, Pultec EQP-1A Equalizer, RealVerb Pro Room Modeler, and CS-1 Channel Strip.” That’s a premium over native plug-ins, but then you have access to other UA plugs later on. In other news, Antares and Manley Labs signed onto UA’s platform, so more stuff is coming.

    And by the way, while the forums rip into the choice of DAW, this stuff will work everywhere – even, via RTAS, Pro Tools.

    Universal’s stuff isn’t for everyone, but I’m pleased that laptop users are getting something more out of a slot on their machine. (You’ll find ExpressCard on most PCs and the MacBook Pro, as well.) I hope this is the first of more hardware to come.

    http://www.uaudio.com/

    Mastering – spoiled for choice? This means in mastering choices, you’ve got the UAD, IK’s T-RackS 3 announced at the end of last year, and iZotope’s Ozone 4 announced at NAMM. I’ll be talking to some folks in New York who know something about mastering (i.e., are not me). (One of them is a big Cubase fan, so I expect he’ll also be all over Cubase 5 – and he makes records that make real money, whereas I make records that go nicely with experimental modern dance.)

    Each of these products goes a different direction, but the honest truth is almost any DAW will start you out with a pretty great selection of effects tools, and for a small chunk of change, you can add on with something like the UAD, T-RackS, and iZotope. None of this changes your actual skill level or the quality of your ears, but it does help keep your wallet from being the major barrier.

    Reviewed: Peak Pro, Audio Editor and Sound Bundle for the Mac

    Reviewed: Peak Pro, Audio Editor and Sound Bundle for the Mac


    All you really need to know, sound design lovers: cross-synthesis.

    “Peak” is a long-standing name in audio editing on the Mac. I recently got to review its latest iteration, Peak Pro 6, for Macworld and Macworld.com.

    Macworld Review: Peak Pro 6
    Sample editor and audio suite tweaked for pros, sound designers, and podcasters

    I still believe audio editors are valuable tools, especially for anyone who spends a significant amount of their time on sound design – whether that’s sound effects or building the perfect drum kit. Peak is an unusual tool, in a way, in that it remains a stereo waveform editor only, whereas most of its competitors have added multitrack compatibility. On the other hand, Peak also bundles an unusually rich set of tools in the box, which explains the higher price of the full-blown Pro versions.


    Adobe’s Soundbooth CS4, the Audio Editor Giveaway in Creative Suite

    Adobe’s Soundbooth CS4, the Audio Editor Giveaway in Creative Suite


    Speaking of audio editors for the Mac, Adobe has its own wave-editing tool for Mac and Windows. Soundbooth is different from other entries in the field, in that its aim is really to woo a wide audience and not just those of us who work with sound regularly. Got a Flash project and need to make some quick sound effect adjustments? Making a swooshing noise for After Effects? Transcribing notes from a workshop session? Soundbooth CS4 is aimed at you.

    Now, you can buy Soundbooth on its own for US$199 list, though I expect almost no one would. (For one thing, if you’re spending your hard-earned dollars on an audio editor, you’re likely to choose one of its rivals, like Adobe’s own superior Audition for Windows.) More likely, you’ll get Soundbooth as part of Adobe’s creative suite.

    I actually quite like Soundbooth; because it was built from the ground up, it has a clean, elegant interface, and some unique features. Unfortunately, CS4 was not the step forward I hoped it would be for this fledgling tool. You can read a review by Mac guru Christopher Breen in Macworld; I know that review up and down as I was its tech editor.

    GenAudio Celebrates With 10 Million Free Music Downloads

    GenAudio Celebrates With 10 Million Free Music Downloads


    GenAudio Inc., the makers of AstoundStereo™, is celebrating the launch of its AstoundStereo Expander software by offering 10 million free music downloads (up to 2 free tracks per person). AstoundStereo ExpanderArtists such as Public Enemy and Kan’Nal are involved with the promotion of GenAudio's new baby, with digital music marketing company, Hip Digital Media, providing the digital music distribution. The software is currently available for Mac and PC platforms, and boasts 4D sound localization cue technology for sound systems that have as little as 2 audio channels (2 speakers, headphones, laptop speakers). The basic principle of this new technology is that it generates a 360-degree sphere of sound for the listener. According to GenAudio, their new software enables the listener to hear their digital music library in a deeper, more immersed way.

    The technology has already been used for the hi-definition home theater version of Hellboy II, and select bonus tracks from Robin Thicke’s latest album, Something Else - featured in our review of SanDisk's slotMusic Player.

    AstoundStereo™ Expander can be downloaded from the AstoundStereo Website, priced at $19.95.

    For more free music, check out our recent review of Last.fm.

    GenAudio Celebrates With 10 Million Free Music Downloads


    GenAudio Inc., the makers of AstoundStereo™, is celebrating the launch of its AstoundStereo Expander software by offering 10 million free music downloads (up to 2 free tracks per person). AstoundStereo ExpanderArtists such as Public Enemy and Kan’Nal are involved with the promotion of GenAudio's new baby, with digital music marketing company, Hip Digital Media, providing the digital music distribution. The software is currently available for Mac and PC platforms, and boasts 4D sound localization cue technology for sound systems that have as little as 2 audio channels (2 speakers, headphones, laptop speakers). The basic principle of this new technology is that it generates a 360-degree sphere of sound for the listener. According to GenAudio, their new software enables the listener to hear their digital music library in a deeper, more immersed way.

    The technology has already been used for the hi-definition home theater version of Hellboy II, and select bonus tracks from Robin Thicke’s latest album, Something Else - featured in our review of SanDisk's slotMusic Player.

    AstoundStereo™ Expander can be downloaded from the AstoundStereo Website, priced at $19.95.

    For more free music, check out our recent review of Last.fm.