Spectrasonics unveiled their upgraded virtual instrument Trilian, the successor to their Trilogy bass module. The new instrument has a much larger core library and features new acoustic, electric and synth basses, as well as enhanced versions of the classic Trilogy sounds. Sporting a brand new user interface with numerous software innovations, Trilian is the first 64-bit native software based on Spectrasonics STEAM Engine and is the first virtual instrument to feature full library integration with the company’s flagship Omnisphere synthesizer.

Features:
» Larger core library includes multiple NEW Acoustic, Electric & Synth Basses
» Enhanced versions of all the original Trilogy patches
» STEAM Engine technology
» Arpeggiator with Groove Lock for instant bass line syncing to any RMX groove or MIDI Files.
» Omnisphere library integration: use any of the Trilian sounds inside Omnisphere!
» Integrated FX racks, including all effects from Omnisphere
» 8-part multitimbrality allows access to multiple articulations in a single plug-in
» High Definition streaming sample playback with Multi-channel audio architecture allows easy Mic, DI and Release soundsource mixing within a single layer
» Extensive ‘Round-Robin’ sampling for natural sounding bass lines with repeated notes
» Expressive Multisampled dynamic slides — realistically slide from one note down to another
» Live Mode allows 8 dynamic bass articulations loaded at once with instant, seamless key-switching
» Stack Mode allows user configurable key/velocity/controller articulation mapping
» New Custom Controls main page for rapid editing, access to the most useful controls and user interface customization for each patch
» New Browser with Searching, Attributes/Tags, Images
» Edit Page offers very powerful sound manipulation features including Timbre Shifting, FM, Flex Mod, Modultable FX, Dual-voice Harmonia and more
» » Mac Universal Binary VST/AU/RTAS support — Windows VST, RTAS
64-Bit native support

Spectrasonics also announced Stylus RMX 1.7 featuring a completely new innovation called ‘Time Designer’ — which intelligently transforms RMX audio loops in real time to different time signatures and features the ability to instantly “Groove Lock” the feel of any groove to another. RMX v1.7 will be available as a free update for all registered RMX users to download on March 2, 2009.

In addition, a new release of Omnisphere was announced that includes over 2000 brand new patches, across every category. The new Omnisphere update is free to all Omnisphere users and is set to be released January 26, 2009 as a download from the Spectrasonics website.

Spectrasonics Trilian is set to be released May 18, 2009, and costs a very reasonable $299 / €229. All Trilogy customers can upgrade to Trilian for $99. More information on Spectrasonics Trilian.

Ableton has upgraded their beloved Live digital audio production software suite to version 8. In addition to the new version, Ableton also revealed several exciting initiatives for debut in 2009 including the ability for Live users to collaborate remotely on projects.

Live 8 and Suite 8 have been enhanced with a new groove engine, revamped warping techniques, live looping, five new effects (including the Ableton Vocoder), crossfades in the Arrangement View, group tracks and a reworked MIDI editor. Ableton Suite 8 includes all that plus a massive, inspired sound library and all the instruments a musician could hope for, including a wide range of synths, a sampler, electric and acoustic drums (new: Latin percussion), mallets (new: Collision), numerous sampled instruments and a new, even-mightier Operator.

Enhancements & New Features:
» New groove engine: new groove library, extract grooves from audio or MIDI, real time groove quantize
» New warping engine: warp audio events by adjusting the events on the timeline, updated Beats Warp Mode, new Complex Warp Mode, slice audio files to MIDI tracks based on transients
» Looper: classic sound-on-sound looping without the limitations of a hardware device. Record, overdub, undo and more without touching the computer. “First loop sync,” simple loop management
» New effects: Vocoder, Multiband Dynamics, Overdrive, Limiter and Frequency Shifter
» Workflow enhancements: including real-time crossfades in the Arrangement View, enhanced MIDI editing, group tracks, multiple track selection, a screen magnifier and more
» World-class sound library: completely new sound library with real-world “Sound Objects,” presets, grooves, templates and, above all, over 1600 beautiful sounds
» Collision and Corpus: a unique physical-modeling instrument for authentic mallet sounds and creative percussion. Includes Corpus, a separate effect that reproduces Collision’s resonator section
» Latin Percussion: a collection of acoustic percussion instruments from the worlds of Brazilian, Afro-Cuban and African music plus a wide selection of clips and grooves for authentic usage
» Operator, Ableton’s renowned do-it-all synthesizer, has been given a major overhaul. New filter types, more modulation routing options and additive wavetable synthesis with drawable partials make Operator more powerful and flexible than ever.

Ableton’s new initiatives…

Share: effortless remote collaboration
Share Live Sets with others via the Web using this special feature in Live 8. Ableton’s simple and intelligent solution for online musical collaboration streamlines the sharing process with easy sharing and loading, a simple system of setting access permission, speedy transfers and no issues with external plug-ins and instruments. (Very cool!! –Ed.)

Extend: Max for Live
Max for Live is a new product, co-developed by Ableton and Cycling ‘74. Quite simply, it puts the power and potential of Max/MSP inside Live. With Max for Live, it’s possible to create completely new instruments, effects and extensions that go beyond the common and predictable and transcend the limits that conventional tools impose. The possibilities are virtually endless, from completely unique synths and effects, algorithmic composition tools or radical, new music machines fusing Live and controller hardware. Max for Live is a chance to join a society of makers and share ingenuity.

Touch: dedicated controllers for Ableton Live
Ableton and Akai Professional are proud to announce the APC40, a new hardware controller specially designed for Ableton Live. The APC40 features high quality controls for real-time mixing, remixing and production. 109 buttons, 16 endless encoders with LED rings, nine 45mm faders and a replaceable crossfader give musicians and producers complete control of Live’s Session View, effect devices and virtual instruments. For anyone in the studio or on stage, DJing, making beats, running backing tracks, firing MIDI loops or triggering sound effects, it’s time to kiss the mouse goodbye.

Ableton Live 8 and Ableton Suite 8 should be available in the second quarter of 2009, following extensive testing and bugfixing. A public beta version of these products will be available soon.
Prices for Ableton Suite 8 start at $699 / €549 (download version).
Prices for Ableton Live 8 start at $449 / €349 (download version).
Upgrades to Live 8 will be available’ price varies depending on which version you’re upgrading from…
Collision and Latin Percussion will be available individually or as part of Ableton Suite 8. Both instruments will be available with the Live 8 release. Collision will cost $159 / €129, Latin Percussion $99 / €79. Max for Live will be available later this year. More information on Ableton Live 8.

Roland has premiered the VP-770 at NAMM. The successor to the VP-550, this “vocal keyboard” allows a single musician to create realistic backing parts that range from futuristic electronic vocal textures to emulations of large-scale gospel choirs and beyond.

The human voice is the most expressive musical instrument of all, so why not use it as a tool to create ultra-realistic and expressive “virtual vocals” with words generated from your own voice? Whether you need one voice, a full choir, or surreal vocoder-like layers, the VP-770 can deliver the interactive, expressive vocal backing you need. The VP-770 is also equipped with world-class string and brass sounds, which can be blended together with the vocal effects.

One of the attributes of the VP-770 is its SuperNATURAL brass engine, enabling authentic performance never achieved before in a keyboard. Control every sound and element of the performance, including ensemble part levels, pan assignments, and EQ settings for each instrument, plus performance nuance such as Growl, Noise, Stability, and more.

The VP-770 is ideal for musicians who perform alone or in small groups, and who need an interactive, real-time backing chorus. It’s also great for film and TV music composers who are challenged with time and budget can use the VP-770 to generate high-impact choral arrangements on the spot. Churches in need of a choir (or choir enhancer) will love the VP-770. The creative possibilities are vast, as are the time/money savings that this instrument can provide.

Features:
» New patches with significant improvements to the Vocal Designer
» Enhanced expression with SuperNATURAL™-powered Brass
» The latest “Auto Harmony” technology
» High-quality headset microphone (DR-HS5, included) significantly reduces feedback
» Premium mic preamps built in
» Roland’s unique “Audio Key” – “Sound Looper” – and “USB Host”
» High-grade appearance with wood side panels and metal chassis

More information on the Roland VP-770.