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posted: July 02, 2008

Yamaha Introduces World's First mLAN Music Production System
Digital mixer, control surface, 96kHz DSP processing power, audio/MIDI interface all in one


The all new YAMAMA 01X delivers power and flexibility never before offered in any computer audio product and represents a dramatic breakthrough in total integration and flexibility. No more expensive interfaces and control surfaces, the 01X combines both functions in one single unit with mLAN compatibility delivering all MIDI and Audio data via a single cable.

01X is the first product to feature Yamaha's new generation mLAN technology and guarantees high-speed audio and MIDI networking between computers, synthesisers and other mLAN compatible devices. Connecting the 01X is simplicity itself thanks to the industry standard IEEE1394 (FireWire) interface.

Featuring low latency audio interfacing over mLAN for both Windows and Macintosh based computers the 01X delivers remote control power never before offered in a multi-function device. 01X boasts DAW support for Cubase SX, Nuendo, Sonar, Logic Audio, Digital Performer and many other software products. Track-arming, transport control, plug-in-editing, mixing, window selection plus much more can all be controlled directly from the 01X. The 01X will also control a wide range of parameters in many popular software synthesisers.

01X also functions as a multi-port MIDI interface, offering hundreds of channels enabling existing MIDI devices to be easily connected directly to the unit guaranteeing it's place at the heart of any computer music studio.

The unit also has digital signal processing power thanks to Yamaha's world renowned 96kHz technology already found in the flagship DM2000, O2R96 and O1V96 consoles.

The 01X is truly multi-functional across a wide range of applications. In addition to its capability as a professional digital mixing interface for computer audio systems the unit is equally at home functioning as a total recall, stand alone digital mixer for live applications.

The product features full dynamics processing in addition to 4-band parametric EQ on every one of the 28 digital mixing channels. Additionally, the incorporation of two comprehensive 32-bit effects processors ensure that 01X will not put undue strain on host computers when mixing or processing audio. Fully motorised faders allow mixes to be instantly and completely recalled at the touch of a button.

Thanks to mLAN networking capability, up to 63 mLAN compatible devices can be linked together. The unit can also easily be expanded allowing more inputs and outputs with optional mLAN products enabling the system to expand as further user requirements are necessary.

Offering driver support for Windows XP and Macintosh (OS9/OSX) the 01X seamlessly integrates into existing working environments and there is no requirement to switch to one specific application to enjoy the full benefits of 01X.

The 01X comes complete with three commercially available VST plug-ins offering enhanced vocal processing, final mastering and format accurate pitch correction.

When used in conjunction with Yamaha's critically acclaimed Studio Manager the 01X enables instant access and control for every parameter directly from a computer screen, it also comes complete with a VST-compatible channel module which mimics the hardware DSP and functions of the mixing console. This allows parameters to be quickly copied from Studio Manager directly into a VST hosting application.

A dedicated web site has been set up for the 01X at www.01xray.com. The site has just launched but will be fleshed out with more information over time.

For more information, visit their web site at www.yamaha.com.



posted: June 28th, 2008

ACID Pro vs. Sound Forge
Craig Anderton

How to decide which application is right for you
ACID Pro and Sound Forge software both deal with digital audio and have several features in common, so perhaps it's not surprising that people just getting into music software wonder why they should choose one over the other. So, let's find out.
The biggest difference is that Sony ACID Pro software is designed to create complete musical productions from the ground up, using any combination of audio, virtual instruments (plug-ins), and MIDI. Sony Sound Forge software is optimized to edit existing pieces of audio, whether narration, sound effects, a finished stereo recording of a band, surround video soundtrack, etc. There is some crossover, as you can record into Sound Forge software and edit in ACID Pro software. But in both cases, they do so with less sophistication than the other program.


Sound Forge software (left) can zoom in on a waveform down to individual samples, and includes several file repair and restoration tools. ACID Pro software (right) lets you build up complete musical compositions, a track at a time, and mix them into a final result.
Consider navigation: With Sound Forge software, it's optimized to get you around a file quickly, and to compare different parts of a file. One of my favorite Sound Forge navigation shortcuts is when cutting part of a file—if you select the region to be cut, then hit Ctrl-K, Sound Forge will play from before the cut part, ignore the cut part, then pick up instantly at the end of the cut. This lets you know how the file will sound when the part is cut "for real." With ACID Pro software, navigation is all about getting around the project fast—moving effortlessly from one verse to the next, or jumping to the solo.

Why not just add features to ACID Pro until it can do what Sound Forge software does? It's not that simple. Sound Forge software provides really precise editing, so a lot of computational effort goes into generating extremely accurate graphic waveform representations. On the other hand ACID Pro software may contain 20, 40, or even more tracks. Multiply the effort to create a highly accurate waveform graphic by 40, and you're spending a lot of computer power on graphics. What's far more important is to spend that power on plug-ins and virtual instruments, as you'll likely be using quite a few of them in a project with so many tracks.

Another difference is file translation. ACID Pro software can import and export several formats, but as it mostly creates music from scratch, the emphasis is on making it easy to record tracks into a project. Sound Forge software may be editing audio generated on a Mac, from an MP3, the soundtrack from a WMV movie, etc. As a result, it can import and export just about every known file format—you can even take a file generated on a 1987 Amiga computer and clean it up in Sound Forge software.

Speaking of cleaning up, Sound Forge software includes Noise Reduction and various analysis tools, and excels at repairing and restoring files. With ACID Pro software, because you're recording tracks into a project, you can "get it right the first time." (If you're recording tracks into ACID Pro software that need to be repaired, then you need to look at your recording process!)

There are other differences too—but if you have any doubts as to which is right for you, there's a definitive answer: Trial versions are available for download so you can experience both, and decide which one best meets your needs.