Seigburg, Germany, December 27, 2000 -- Both Windows and Macintosh users benefit from various minor improvements and bug fixes which increase the overall performance and stability of the systems. For the first time, the smaller PowerSampler, Elektra and Luna systems can now also be used as expansion units for Pulsar or SCOPE /SP systems.

The sampler plug-ins STS-3000 and STS-4000 have also been updated and are now capable of handling 24/32-bit & 96 kHz files.

Some improvements in detail:

• SCOPE /SP: There are two additional mixers with dynamic DSP allocation, i.e. only channels that are connected require DSP power.
• Pulsar: Safety backups of the current project can now be created automatically.
• PowerSampler: Record and playback of samples with 24-bit or even 32-bit resolution is now possible.
• Elektra: The systems now comprises more than 80 pre-built synthesizer patches with over 500 sounds.

The new software versions 2.04 of Pulsar, PowerSampler, Elektra and Luna 2496 DSP are available as free downloads at www.creamware.com. Authorized CreamWare dealers can also provide update CD-ROMs. The new SCOPE /SP software v2.05 is available on CD-ROM via the CreamWare SCOPE partners.

Registered users can download the updated STS-3000 and STS-4000 sampler plug-ins from the CreamWare Online Shop free of charge.

Vectron - Advanced Vector Synthesizer

With the Vectron, CreamWare now makes a new type of synthesizer plug-in available for the Pulsar/SCOPE DSP platform. The inspiration for the design of the Vectron was drawn in large part from the Sequential Circuits Prophet VS. The Vectron encompasses essentially all of the capabilities of the original VS - it even incorporates a set of wavetables which are equivalent to the VS factory wavetable set.

However, the Vectron doesn't stop there. Its capabilities extend well beyond those of the original instrument from years ago. In addition to its advanced implementation of vector synthesis, the Vectron includes functions which would have been unrealizable at the time that the VS appeared. The Vectron's wide variety of unique features make it one of the most sophisticated virtual instruments ever made.

The Vectron produces its sounds using four wavetable oscillators per voice. Each oscillator plays back a separately selectable static wavetable. The oscillators are mixed and passed through an analog synthesizer voicing structure (filter, amplifier and pan control) followed by an integrated chorus and stereo delay. The oscillator mix is varied dynamically via a two-dimensional "vector" multi-point envelope and a great many other modulation sources, both internal and external. Furthermore, each oscillator can be individually tuned and pitch-modulated. The dynamic mixing possibilities, along with the wavetables themselves, are responsible for much of the animated character and tonal complexity of a Vectron sound.

Extensive modulation options are also provided in the rest of the Vectron. Not only the vector mix, but most other adjustable parameters as well, can be modulated in real time. The complete list of modulation sources is a long one, and all of these sources are available at all times, without restrictions.

In addition to the 127 waves which are built right into the synthesizer, users can easily create new wavetables in various ways. Waves can be extracted from any sample in WAV-format, they can be mixed together from other wavetables and they can also be drawn "freehand" using the mouse. A graphical waveform display supports these editing features.

The Vectron is an extremely powerful, versatile and professional synthesizer designed for today's electronic musician. The vector synthesis technique ensures that the Vectron will deliver fresh, new sounds - sounds which put it in a completely different class from the omnipresent virtual analog synths. The Vectron is ideally suited for animated pad sounds and bizarre, spacey-dreamy or extremely heavy effects but also excellent for typical synth sounds, punchy basses, sparkling e-pianos and much more.

The Vectron is available via authorized CreamWare dealers and via the CreamWare Online Shop at www.creamware.com. The suggested retail price is 298,- Euro (approx. 265,- US$).

Two new mixer plug-ins for Pulsar available

The range of products offered in the CreamWare Online Shop is continually growing. Two new mixers are now available as plug-ins for Pulsar systems.

The 16-channel Surround Mixer SMM 166 was especially designed for Pulsar users who produce for multimedia, video or DVD. It supports the 5.1 format - today's most common surround standard. With a graphical X/Y matrix and a separate control for the LFE (Low Frequency Effects) channel in each of the 16 channel strips, all signals can be conveniently mixed to the six surround channels.

Pulsar DSP plug-ins as well as external effects can be integrated into the mix via three inserts and four aux send/return paths. The mixer can completely be remote-controlled and automated via MIDI controllers.

The new 24-channel Recording Mixer RMR 242 is an interesting alternative to the standard Pulsar mixers. Thanks to very low DSP loading it is also useful as an additional submixer.

Three effects inserts per channel and four aux sends and stereo aux returns let you conveniently integrate Pulsar plug-ins or external effects into the mix. Channel pairs can be coupled and direct outs for each channel open up further application possibilities. And naturally, like the SMM 166, the RMR 242 can be remote-controlled and automated via standard MIDI controllers.

The new mixer plug-ins are now available in the CreamWare Online Shop at www.creamware.com for 89 Euro (SMM 166) and 49 Euro (RMR 242).


Source: Creamware
Web: www.creamware.com