The release of the SDK, a new version of its Virtual Studio Technology interface standard was announced at NAMM. The latest 2.4 version of the world's most popular plug-in standard offers new features for developers of audio applications and plug-ins, including full support for 64-bit audio, double precision floating point capability and complete compatibility with the newest Intel-based Apple Macintosh computers. The VST 2.4 SDK is available now as a download from www.steinberg.net.
VST 2.4 allows developers of third party plug-ins and VST instruments to build products that run natively on 64-bit platforms. Double precision (64-bit) floating point audio samples are also supported to allow even higher resolution audio processing with VST. The included Mini Host example application allows for testing of 64-bit plug-ins in a suitable environment, while the new VST Parameters Structure allows plug-in programmers to make the available parameters even easier for the end customer to find and utilize. The VST SDK has also been given a general overhaul for the 2.4 version, making it clearer and simpler to use.
The Developer SDK for VST 2.4 is available for download at www.steinberg.net.
Steinberg announced its commitment to developing its audio software products such as Cubase and Nuendo for the latest generation of Intel-based Macintosh computers.
"Steinberg's development activity for this exciting new platform is continuing apace," says Steinberg's Director of Engineering, Markus Stehlik. "The latest version of our VST plug-in standard released at the NAMM show already supports the Mac/Intel hardware platform, and future Mac versions of our products will also support the new standard," Stehlik adds.
Steinberg has already engineered test versions of its Cubase and Nuendo host applications for the new platform ahead of a future commercial release for the Mac/Intel versions. "We're very pleased with our progress in the development for Mac/Intel and will be offering full support in later versions of Cubase and Nuendo in 2006," comments Claus Menke, Steinberg's Director of Product Management.
The new version of its renowned Virtual Guitarist was shown at the Winter NAMM show in Anaheim, California. Offering a full 6.8 GB of authentic, editable riffs, parts and licks in 88 musical styles, Virtual Guitarist 2 offers a complete computer-based instrument that creates astoundingly realistic electric and acoustic rhythm guitar parts from scratch. Superseding both predecessor Virtual Guitarist and Virtual Guitarist Electric Edition versions, Virtual Guitarist 2 is shipping February 2006 for Mac OSX and Windows XP. It supports VST, RTAS, DXi and AU.
The Virtual Guitarist 2 ships with an impressive 6.8 GB of high-quality library consisting of meticulously recorded performances by top studio guitarists. Including the entire content of both Virtual Guitarist and Virtual Guitarist Electric Edition and adding a wealth of new top quality content, Virtual Guitarist 2 offers a staggering total of nearly 1100 different parts across 88 styles including pop, rock, metal, reggae, country and more.
The new Part Editor allows full editing control over every single
Virtual Guitarist 2 phrase. Each chord is broken up into slices, which the
user can manipulate as desired. Each slice can be transposed to new note
or moved around rhythmically within the part to provide almost limitless
new possibilities in creating licks and grooves, that move and groove exactly
as desired. GrooveMatch technology allows parts to be moulded to any drum
loop or file, including Steinberg's Groove Agent 2 virtual drummer product.
Virtual Guitarist 2 also ships with an impressive range of virtual stomp
box effects that have been painstakingly modelled to recreate effects like
tube saturation, wah, flanger, distortion and many more. The new amp modelling
section recreates the sound of both modern and vintage guitar amps, as well
as microphone type and positioning.
Watch the demo!
Click here to buy Virtual Guitarist 2!
WaveLab 6 offers a range of exciting new features including the impressive new Spectrum Editor, enhanced editing and signal processing functions, advanced audio I/O handling and much more. WaveLab 6 will ship worldwide for Windows XP in February 2006.
The new WaveLab Spectrum Editor provides exciting new restoration and editing possibilities, including easy removal of disturbances and unwanted noise. This extremely versatile editor offers high-quality linear phase filters and flexible replacement options. The new "Surgical" mode allows "copy/paste" of either a whole region or the background 'ambience' of that region, as well as the application any processes to the selection with full undo and redo functionality.
The wealth of new functions also includes the integration of hardware effect equipment within the mastering process, allowing engineers to combine the next-generation editing facilities in WaveLab 6 with the unmistakeable sound of their favourite analogue gear. The enhanced master section now features SmartBypass, a time-saving new facility for assessing how a plug-in alters sound textures by compensating for volume changes induced by the plug-in. Similarly new are a range of quality audio processors including a new sample rate converter and the advanced Dirac time stretching and pitch-shifting algorithm.
The powerful Audio Montage's clip handling and editing capability has
been further extended to include a range of new functions such as the new
fade editing features which allow for even more flexible editing of fades.
WaveLab 6 also now features remote controller support via MIDI, so that
many WaveLab features can now be used even more intuitively through a tactile
control surface, further speeding up workflow. New metering and monitoring
tools including support for renowned mastering engineer Bob Katz' K-System
as well as the new loudness distribution window.
While not a new software instrument it's an improved version, We checked it out at the show. Like the rest of the software instruments from Steinberg, it supports of VST, DXi, RTAS and AU. A great all around synth. Check out the Demo! To add it to your studio click here!
One of the most packed booths was Steinberg's. Set in the middle of what was once known as the "software ghetto" - now one of the largest and flashiest parts of the show floor - Steinberg's clinicians and guest demonstrators were showing the latest and greatest, including Nuendo 2.0, Cubase SL and SX, HALion String Edition, Virtual Guitarist Electric Edition, the VSL 2020 audio card, and two new VST synthesizers: D'cota and Plex.
In addition to Steinberg's own HALion String Edition Vol. 1, Virtual Guitarist Electric Edition, D'cota and Plex virtual instruments, there also were lots of new VST plug-ins on display from third-party manufacturers it's a brilliant start to the year for Steinberg's VST interface. Native Instruments were showing five new VST products, including Reaktor4 modular sound design tools, the Reaktor Session instrument collection, Kompakt sampler, Intakt loop playback sampler, and Vokator, a virtual vocoder. PSP Audioware unveiled their MixVerb reverb plug-in and PreQursor software preamplifier, and Arturia took synthesizer emulation to new heights with the announcement of their forthcoming Modular System 3C, which will provide a complete Moog Modular inside your computer! Also Tassman 3.0 Sound Synthesis Studio and Lounge Lizard EP-1 Electric Piano (both from Applied Acoustics Systems), the GMEDIA Music ODDITY (Arp Odyssey emulator), impOSCar (OSCar emulator) and MegaTron, and the UltraFocus synthesis anthology collection from ILIO. Completing the list was OpenLabs' OpenSynth eKo, a revolutionary "open platform" keyboard workstation that comes with the processor of your choice, can run Windows XP or Linux, and can import large numbers of VST and VSTi plug-ins.
The day was also marked by a well-attended press conference discussing the recent purchase of Steinberg by digital media solutions company Pinnacle Systems. Steinberg CEO Manfred Ruerup enthused about the new team-up, talking about how both companies share the same "spirit" and how new opportunities for Steinberg, including in the area of video, would now become available. Kim Fennell, President and CEO of Pinnacle described his company's strengths in both the broadcast and consumer/business arenas and explained the thinking behind the acquisition, stating, "Video and audio are naturally complementary; you can't have a great video without great audio. We looked around at who was doing what in the world of audio, and it was clear to us that Steinberg is the very best in this field." Fennell then went on to outline his vision for the future, in which Pinnacle's customers will be able to receive end-to-end solutions incorporating the best technologies of both companies. At last week's CES show, Pinnacle began marketing Steinberg-branded consumer products to great enthusiasm, and everyone involved sees a bright future ahead for both companies.
There was also considerable enthusiasm for the new ultra-low latency Steinberg VSL 2020 audio card - the first ever to offer a word clock input (as well as stereo 24/96 analog I/O and 16 channels of ADAT digital I/O) at its price point.
One of the major trends at NAMM is the proliferation of virtual VST instruments from third-party manufacturers. In addition to those we told you about yesterday, we caught awesome demos of products like Tassman 3.0 Sound Synthesis Studio and Lounge Lizard EP-1 Electric Piano (both from Applied Acoustics Systems), the GMEDIA Music ODDITY (Arp Odyssey emulator), impOSCar (OSCar emulator) and MegaTron, and the UltraFocus synthesis anthology collection from ILIO.
Rhythm Guitarist and Guitar Effect Board for VST Systems
Virtual Guitarist "Electric Edition" is the perfect rhythm guitarist for anyone needing electric guitar tracks. This VST instrument is based on real recordings, yet is as flexible as a synthesizer. Featuring 29 different players from the 50s to the present day, Virtual Guitarist "Electric Edition" oozes authentic sound character whilst offering unrivalled playability and outstanding tempo flexibility. Also included is a fully featured multi-effect board, useable both as a separate plug-in that you can use on any audio signal or integrated in the VSTi.
Select a player, select some chords and it plays perfect tracks. Liven your song up with options like syncopation, phrasing variations or long chords. Change shuffle or dynamics, use track doubling or be creative with the many effects provided.
Requirements:
PC Version
Mac Version
Symphonic String Orchestra Instrument And Library
HALion String Edition from Steinberg/Wizoo features sections of 8 double basses, 10 cellos, 12 violas and 16 violins, and offers fantastic playing feel and a sound character suited to any musical style from classical to contemporary. The top-notch recording techniques used gives the HALion String Edition a warm character, an outstanding sound quality and an unobtrusive, natural ambience. Each section is provided in two versions you can combine freely with other sections. A multitude of presets make arranging and combining sections a breeze.
A specially developed VST- and DXi-compatible HALion String Player allows full control over articulations such as crescendo, bowing or portamento. The additional HALion programs allow creative editing and limitless combination with other sounds in HALion.
FEATURES
Requirements:
PC Version
Mac Version
Multiple Synthesis VST Instrument
Imagine the best synthesizer you can and then multiply that by three. Why? Because the D'cota VST synthesizer combines the power of three types of sound synthesis in the compact editing environment of one synthesizer. All this in an unprecedented sound quality for all three synthesis types, thanks to the aliasing-free sound engine. Each of the three synthesis types offered by D'cota has access to an arsenal of four freely assignable ADSR envelopes and two assignable LFOs. The LFOs can also be synchronized to the song tempo. The effect section adds the simultaneous power of delays, distortion units and modulation effects.
This exceptional synthesizer opens new possibilities to create extraordinary sounds.
FEATURES
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PC Version
Mac Version
Media Production System
Nuendo was created to perform any task within the media industry. The new Nuendo 2.0 version delivers a complete media production system, designed with the needs of the user in mind and meeting the demands of working professionals in all genres of audio production: composition, film, broadcast, music, post production, surround, game sound and multimedia.
Nuendo 2.0 is the culmination of years of expert engineering research and has been developed to take the advantages of flexible, native systems to a new level of versatility.
Nuendo 2.0 lets you set up a project the way you want it. All program menus are user-configurable, enabling you to hide all features you usually do not use or just currently do not need for a specific kind of production. For example, if you don't need MIDI functions for a 10.2 surround mix, you can hide all MIDI menu entries, disable the corresponding key commands and assign these preferences to a template. Do you really need to have video-related menu entries if you are using Nuendo for music production? Simply hide them and design the interface that you need yourself. All hidden features are still waiting in the background in case you will need them in the future.
But Nuendo does not stop here. You can also configure the controls for each track to suit your personal way of working. If, for example, you are engaged in audio recordings, Nuendo can instantly be adapted as a pure audio tracker with only a record and a monitoring button on each track. After finishing your recordings you can "unhide" additional functionality as it is needed or switch to a template which immediately gives you access to all track controls again. Nuendo 2.0 lets you do not just what you want, but also choose how you want to do it.
Features: Networking
With VST System Link and the new option to integrate IP network collaboration, Nuendo 2.0 features a huge range of functions dedicated to maximize computer processing potential and manpower for your project. Using any of the two technologies alone or combining them has can vastly increase efficiency in your project workflow.
Adding processing power to your project can easily be achieved with VST System Link which was introduced with Nuendo 1.6. This technology is based on transmission of sync and transport commands via simple digital audio connections and allows multiple computers to run in sample accurate sync without the need for additional hardware. Not only can CPU intensive tasks of larger projects like effect processing, video or virtual instruments playback be outsourced to selected exclusive computers. Large projects can also be allocated to various computers in order to permit simultaneous playback of hundreds of audio and MIDI tracks from a range of different computers in sample-accurate synchronization.
Adding manpower to your project to enhance the working speed is also part of the new Nuendo 2.0. An array of powerful new networking capabilities allows true networking and team-working on any kind of project, from post-production to music, from multimedia to game sound design. This new networking technology supports the full range of editing tools over a network, on projects, audio, MIDI and even video tracks. It allows users to connect multiple Nuendo workstation computers via standard LAN network cards. The system supports simple and fast connection of several standalone computers. Complete management of access rights and user groups makes it easy to collaborate on large-scale projects. An entire project or just selected tracks can be opened on multiple computers for other members of the network to access and edit.
For example, after the first video copy has been placed in a master project template location, the sound editor and sound designers can start preparing their tracks for mixing even while additional recordings (such as music and dialog) are still being made. Once these are done, additional editors can join the same project template and add their work to it. Throughout the entire course of building the final mix, the project owner has the ability to monitor the work in process and evaluate the quality of the sound. In a bigger production facility, Nuendo 2.0 allows for central data management on a server. This enables multiple Nuendo workstations to access several projects, including all audio and video files and the company sound library. Editors can be freed from the process of data backup, which can instead be initiated by the system administrator. In a world of high-speed Internet connections, Nuendo workstations can even join a project via the Internet.
Features: Mixing
From input to final mix, Nuendo 2.0 is all about surround,
with multichannel architecture through the entire signal path. Every input,
audio track, effect, group and output now offers up to 12 discrete channels,
ready for full-scale 5.1, 7.1, or even 10.2 productions. To make routing
in the project even more transparent, Steinberg has developed a new way
of organizing inputs and outputs, allowing the user to customize multichannel
input/output configurations and switch between them with a single keystroke.
Several input and output busses can also be utilized at the same time, with any type of configuration possible - mono, stereo or any of a wide range of surround formats - and any track can be routed to and from any of these busses. Nuendo 2.0 even allows switching between multiple monitoring configurations (speaker arrangements) and can simulate a wide variety of end user monitoring environments.
Nuendo 2.0 offers the most flexible mixing experience in digital media production. Its 32 Bit floating point mixer has been completely re-engineered and now features multiple multichannel input and output busses. This new architecture allows for recording in either split or interleaved surround audio file formats and makes managing a surround project easier than ever before - Nuendo 2.0 always keeps track of which part of the signal chain is multichannel and which is simply stereo or mono.
The new mixer itself is user-configurable, allowing you to choose between a variety of display options. Above the normal mixer with the fader section you can display either insert effects, effect sends, EQs or an additional view with input and output settings including gain change and phase shift per channel. The mixer is also available in a narrow view for simultaneous display of many channels.
Nowhere are the improvements in mixing more apparent than in signal routing for virtual effect processors. The new version of the world-standard Steinberg VST technology provides complete flexibility in signal routing to and from virtual effects for each and every track. Nuendo 2.0 even adds effect return channels which feature the full parameter set of regular channels and of course the complete mixer has full delay compensation throughout the complete signal path.
Features: Plug-ins
Unlimited processing of audio files is one the greatest advantages of digital audio environments. To support you in getting the best out of your project, Nuendo offers a huge list of audio processes and supplies you with an impressive collection of virtual effect processors. Nuendo 2.0 includes a huge array of virtual effects, ranging from standard dynamic processing and filtering to creative modulation effects or restoration processors. If your project needs anything exotic or special you can choose from a wide range of VST or DirectX plug-ins available from well-known manufacturers like TC, Native Instruments or Waves. Of course, all these plug-ins can be used both online or offline, and as many instances can be loaded as your computer can handle.
If you are using MIDI, Nuendo also offers the latest Steinberg technology to create sounds hitherto unheard of. Arpeggiators, chord processors and many other plug-ins are included that manipulate the dynamics, pitch and time elements of MIDI events, as well as three unique virtual instruments to create warm analogue layers or play back powerful drum samples. The integration of the VST interface opens Nuendo up for additional software samplers like Steinberg's award-winning HALion Sampler, synthesizers like the brand new PLEX by Steinberg and Wolfgang Palm or other virtual instruments by third party manufacturers.
Audio Plug-ins:
Stereo Virtual Effect Processors: Flanger, Phaser, Overdrive ,Chorus, Symphonic, Reverb A, Reverb B, QuadraFuzz, SPL DeEsser, Double Delay, ModDelay, Dynamics, datube, Chopper, Transformer, Metalizer, Rotary, Vocoder, StepFilter, Bitcrusher, Ringmodulator, Grungalizer, MIDI Gate, UV22 HR (Apogee), MultibandCompressor, Scope, Q, Magneto, DeNoiser, DeClicker
Surround Plug-ins: MatrixDecoder, MatrixEncoder, Mix8To2, Mix6To2, SurroundPan, MultiDither, Downmix Manager
MIDI plug-ins: Arpache5, Autopan, Chorder, Compress, Control, Density, MicroTuner, MidiEcho, Note2CC, Quantizer, StepDesigner, TrackControl, TrackFX, Transformer
Virtual Instruments: VB-1, LM-7, A1
MIDI and Scoring
Nuendo now features extensive MIDI
and scoring capabilities. The fully reengineered MIDI device handling makes
it even easier to set up and configure MIDI devices for use with Nuendo.
The large range of MIDI editors (Drum, Logical, SysEx, List and Score) make
editing MIDI information in Nuendo more intuitive than ever before. The
raft of new MIDI plug-ins such as Quantizer, MIDI Echo and Compressor ensure
more creative possibilities and flexibility when working with MIDI, be they
external devices or one of the included virtual instruments. The MIDI plug-ins
are all directly reachable from the Project Window, taking MIDI within Nuendo
to a new level of accessibility.
The Nuendo automation system also extends to all MIDI parameters, letting you draw MIDI automation data with any of the mathematical shape tools. Multiple controller lanes within the editors give you a clear oversight over your MIDI data, as all data can now be displayed on the same page. The integrated Score editor with Score layout functionality enables you to edit in the world of crotchets and quavers, letting you create professional scores.
Features: Editing
Editing can be considered as the
backbone of any digital workstation. That's why Nuendo 2.0 has a powerful
editing engine, with unlimited undo/redo as a standard asset. Not only can
you undo cuts, fades or other basic edits, but also bouncing, offline processing
and removal of complete tracks can be undone. The Edit History window lists
all actions made on your project down to every single event, ready to undo
or redo by moving a handle to the point where you want to work from. Even
track and event commits from other editors over a TCP/IP network are listed
here.
Every single audio file listed in the pool or used in the project window has its own offline process history. All processing carried out on a file can be removed, changed or replaced by another audio process or plug-in, no matter how much processing has taken place in the meantime. All later processes will be reprocessed automatically for you. These lists of offline processes can be stored as a batch enabling you to apply the exact same process batch to any file you need to process later. Of course the batch allows for adjustments of the parameters and easy storing of the altered batch settings. That the usage of VST and DirectX plug-ins can also be included in these processing lists goes without saying.
Nuendo 2.0 also supports various kinds of editing styles, depending on your work style. Traditional cuts, nudging, trims and fades can be made using a variety of tools: object based, range based or using a jog wheel from any of the supported remote controllers. Mouse, keyboard or remote control can be used separately or combined for optimal workflow speed.
Nuendo 2.0 now allows scrubbing of all audio at the same time as well as scrubbing the video track. Various forward and backward scrubbing speeds are supported, and can be executed from a specific wheel on the Nuendo transport bar or by the jog or shuttle wheel of a supported remote controller or mixing desk like the Yamaha DM 2000 or O2R 96K. Fast locating, trimming and scrubbing of video and audio could not be easier.
All editing of your project can not only be performed in the sample accurate project window which features a set of comfortable zooming features. You can also do all editing within the integrated sample editor. This opens an additional range of features guaranteeing an even faster workflow: easy creation of regions, bouncing these into a library, creating processed regions or tuning sync points by scrubbing the audio with them. Nuendo offers all this plus a smart hitpoint detection feature for fast locating of audio peaks, adapting grooves and creating groove templates in the sample editor which, of course, supports full drag and drop to tie up with the Project Window.
Everything mentioned so far is just a few of the editing options included with Nuendo 2.0. But there is so much more. You are able to replace the event's content by easy drag and drop, slip the content, adjust fades and events while scrubbing the video, trim event levels of multiple events or bounce sections of a track faster than real-time. Nuendo 2.0 assures that your edits can be done faster and more flexibly than ever before.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PC Version
Mac Version
Virtual Instrument Rack for VST System Link
V-STACK is the next step in the ever-expanding world of Steinberg's VST technology. The latest addition to Steinberg's VST product family is an extension rack for VST System Link, that lets you add up to 16 VST Instruments into your VST System Link network, without needing to add another sequencer.
When used in stand-alone mode, V-STACK can also turn your PC into a live virtual instrument station. Because V-STACK supports VST, VST 2.0 and Direct X plug-ins, you can load up to 16 VST instruments in V-STACK, add high-quality effects and then play them live.
All this in the same pristine 32 Bit floating point audio quality users of Cubase SX/SL and Nuendo have become accustomed to.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PC Version
The VST System Link Solution
The VSL 2020 audio card provides 32 ADAT channels for pristine transmission of audio and MIDI data to and from the other computers in your VST System Link network. Flawless support of ASIO 2.0 ensures stable, low-latency multichannel network operation with other computers running Cubase or Nuendo. Let the VSL 2020 card and V-STACK increase the available music-making power in your studio.
VSL 2020 and V-STACK can also turn your PC into a live virtual instrument station. The VSL 2020 Ultra Low Latency architecture guarantees dynamic, live play of VST instruments at latencies as low as 32 samples (less than 1ms). The supplied V-STACK software hosts up to 16 VST instruments, and provides 8 send effects, 5 insert effect slots and 4 master bus effects for your VSTi sounds. All this in immaculate 32 Bit floating point audio quality.
Includes V-STACK VST System Link software
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
PC Version
Software Keyboards
Pro Audio Computers Accessories