AES: MOTU is demonstrating MX4 ($295), a new virtual instrument plug-in for MOTU DP4 (MAS), Pro Tools (RTAS) and other Mac OS X audio hosts (Audio Units). MX4 features a unique, hybrid synthesis engine that combines several forms of synthesis, including subtractive, wavetable, frequency modulation (FM), amplitude modulation (AM) and analog emulation. MX4's flexible programming and advanced modulation architecture provide the intimacy of a vintage synth, the flexibility of a modular synth, and the innovation of a virtual synth.

As a plug-in, MX4 operates efficiently and provides unlimited voices, polyphony and instantiations (subject to the processing resources of the host computer). Playback is sample-accurate with supporting host applications, such as Digital Performer 4. MX4's 32-bit internal resolution provides wide dynamic range, and it supports all standard sample rates up to 192kHz. Users can work fast and intuitively in a single, efficiently organized window labeled with real-world values like semitones, decibels, etc. All settings are saved with host software projects for instant recall.

MX4's basic synthesis architecture provides 3 oscillators with modulatable waveform symmetry and hard sync, 2 variable topology multimode filters, 4 variable waveshape LFO's and 4 ADSHR envelopes.

MOTU unveiled the 896HD, a double rack-space, FireWire audio interface. The 896HD replaces the 896 at the same price and adds many new features, including more simultaneous outputs (22), 192kHz operation, 8-bus monitor mixing and stand-alone operation.

Like the original 896, the 896HD provides 8 channels of 24-bit analog I/O, 8 channels of ADAT optical digital I/O, 8 built-in mic pre-amps, 96kHz AES/EBU digital I/O with sample rate conversion, word clock sync, and sample-accurate ADAT SYNC. The analog inputs are on Neutrik Combo jacks and the outputs are on XLR jacks. The front panel provides three banks of 10-segment level meters, 8 trim knobs for the analog inputs, and 8 toggle switches for independent 48-volt phantom power for each analog input.

The 896HD adds two additional separate main outputs (on XLRs), plus separately accessed front-panel headphone output, providing 22 separate outputs. All analog inputs and outputs are equipped with latest-generation 192kHz converters. The AES/EBU and optical digital I/O sections support sample rates up to 96kHz. Like the original 896, the AES/EBU I/O provides sample rate conversion on both input and output.

MOTU announced that Digital Performer 4.1 fully supports Digidesign's Pro Tools HD Accel. DP 4.1, which is now available as a free update for registered DP4 users at www.motu.com, takes full advantage of Pro Tools HD Accel's increased maximum track and voice count. In addition, DP 4.1 users can run new Accel-compatible plug-ins such as Impact, Digidesign's new Console-style Mix Bus Compression Plug-in.

The VEMIA, the virtual auction for studio gear, analogue stuff, strange gizmos will be held from November 1 to November 15. For the ones who don't know it already it's a unique place to find rare items and sometimes great prices. The service is under the control of Peter Forrest of "A to Z of analogue Synthesizers" fame and as I've already used the VEMIA, it's top notch I can tell you.

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Independent consultancy and publisher SYPHA, has announced an all-new edition of The DAW Buyers Guide that can be accessed, free of charge, at http://SYPHAonline.com.

The guide has undergone a complete update. Each of the more than 280 product entries has been renewed, and the search facilities have been improved.