Native software synthesizers were at one time dismissed for pro use due to their latency and poor sound quality. They were considered okay for occasional sound design but were shunned as real-time performance and composition tools. However, super computers—such as the Mac G4 and Pentium III class—have helped rewrite the reputation of software synths. Virtual instruments, as they are also called, now sport incredible synthesis engines and latency that is practically nonexistent with the right setup. Studio9000, Koblo’s software synthesizer bundle, is an excellent example of the state of virtual instruments.

Studio9000 has three modules: the Vibra9000 monophonic synth (pictured), the Stella9000 sample playback instrument and the Gamma9000 drum machine (Click image for larger view).

The Mac-based Studio9000 bundle has three modules—the Vibra9000 monophonic synth, the Stella9000 sample playback instrument and the Gamma9000 drum machine. Two scaled-down versions of the Vibra9000 are also included: the Vibra6000 and the Vibra1000. (The latter is also available as a free download at www.koblo.com.) All the modules share “Tokyo,” a real-time engine that’s put on your computer during the software install. An instrument’s audio output can be routed to your digital audio sequencer’s audio mixer via Steinberg VST2 or ReWire, MOTU MAS, or Digi’s DirectConnect. To route the audio separate from your digital audio sequencer’s audio mixer, Sound Manager and Direct I/O drivers are available. MIDI is handled via OMS or FreeMIDI.

Making Connections
Installing Studio9000 can be routine or complex, depending on your needs. Using the program as a stand-alone application is as simple as installing the program, booting up the Tokyo engine, opening an instrument, and assigning your audio outputs and MIDI inputs. Routing the instruments through your digital audio sequencer’s audio mixer requires assigning Tokyo an interapplication communication bus (IAC). The manual clearly explains setting up an IAC bus for OMS—which I used—but doesn’t mention doing this with FreeMIDI. Third-party audio drivers aren’t automatically installed, but they are available on Studio9000’s CD-ROM.

Koblo suggests a minimum system requirement of a Power Mac 604e, 120 MHz or better with 40 MB of available RAM, and OS 8 or higher. I’d suggest a lot more horsepower. I used a 400MHz G4 with 256 MB of RAM and OS 9.0.4. This setup was fine working with Tokyo by itself, but once I started routing Tokyo’s audio through my digital audio sequencer and inserting effects plug-ins, memory and CPU power were tight. As with most virtual instrument applications, the more powerful your computer, the better the performance. I auditioned Studio9000 using Digide-sign’s Pro Tools Mix card with an 888|24 I/O converter.

Authorizing Studio9000 is accomplished via a key disk or by challenge/response codes. Kudos to Koblo for including a key disk for folks that have floppy drives; it’s nice to avoid the challenge/ response routine if possible. Unfortunately, because the G4 and “blue-and-white” G3 Macs don’t have floppy drives, the key disk isn’t much good. Key disks don’t often work with third-party USB floppy drives; consequently, most users will do the challenge/response anyway, registering a version and challenge code on Koblo’s Web site. A response code is e-mailed back to you (mine came within 24 hours).

Reprinted with permission from Magazine, December, 2000
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