Digital Music Reviews

algoriddim has announced the release of version 3.1 of djay. This update offers a range of new features, enhancements to existing tools and plug-and-play support for some of the most popular DJ controllers on the market. Users can apply a new set of features, including Auto-Saving cue points and automatically aligning cue points and precise beats with Quantized Cue Points. In addition, djay 3.1 includes keyboard shortcuts based on key position instead of letters, making djay's powerful shortcuts more accessible to international users. djay 3.1 also has the ability to integrate with some of the most popular available MIDI controllers. "We've dramatically expanded djay's capabilities by offering new features and integration with existing hardware," said Karim Morsy, CEO of algoriddim. "djay is already known for its precision and ease of use, but with this update we wanted to bring the quality of the user's musical experience to a new level. Fans that prefer...

Semerika has announced the release of FlangerHand, a new free VST effect plug-in for Windows. FlangerHandThe FlangerHand plug-in is based on the idea of the early flanging effect realised on a setup of up to 4 tape machines (1 source, 3 recorders) in the '60s. The playback-head output from two recorders was mixed together onto a third recorder. The "flange" effect originated when an engineer would literally put a finger on the flange, or rim of one of the tape reels so that the machine was slowed down, slipping out of sync by tiny degrees. A listener would hear a "drainpipe" sweeping effect as shifting sum-and-difference harmonics were created. When the operator removed his finger the tape sped up again, making the effect sweep back in the other direction. MORE INFO

T he updates address issues reported when using inTone in Windows 7. Also, new features have been added, especially significantly extended MIDI control - now it is possible to control not only effect parameters and virtual instruments, but all the racks as well. The second important addition to the functionality of inTone is the chain management. Copying whole effect chains between programs and naming them makes organizing your banks and programs even simpler.

Digital 1 DJ has updated PCDJ DEX to v1.0. Build 7228. Changes: Fixed Possible Uniloc Reactivation. Fixed problem with year column not showing up. Initial support for Reloop Digital Jockey 2 controller (fx aren't mapped yet). Fixed audio CD playback which no longer worked in earlier betas.

Novation has announced the release of version 3.4 of its MIDI control application / plug-in, Automap. This new version brings dozens of new mappings for plug-ins and instruments, and also carries firmware updates for Novation keyboards and controllers. When developing Automap v3.4, Novation focused on expanding Automap's on-board library of mappings (collections of assignments that tie knobs, faders and buttons of Novation hardware to software parameters) for Logic, Reason and Pro Tools. To achieve this, the mappings system was fully rebuilt to allow thousands of new mappings across the Novation product range. Now, Logic, Reason and Pro Tools are fully mapped (although Logic's Sculpture and Ultrabeat have inherent limitations). This means all plug-ins and software instruments that ship with the applications now have bespoke Automap mappings, so you can get immediate, hands-on access to the most sensible parameters in your plug-ins and music software. Another big part of the v3....