Products of Interest

Cycling ’74 Max 8

Cycling ’74 has released a major update to Max, with overall improvements to speed being a key feature of this version. The program itself loads faster now (reported as four to ten times faster), large patches load faster, the user interface is redrawn more quickly, and UI drawing has less impact on the performance of patches.

The console no longer needs to be kept open for the user to keep an eye on messages or errors. A small dot has been added to the sidebar, which is colored white to alert the user to the presence of messages, and red when errors are detected.

Objects can be grouped together so they can be easily moved around or selected simultaneously. A simple shift-drag can be used to add or remove objects to or from the group. The debug function can now be used with events and messages, along with the previously included audio signals and Jitter matrix.

A new multichannel audio feature allows objects and patch cords to be designated as multichannel by simply typing the letters “mc” before the name of the object. This allows complex multichannel patches to be easily created from existing single-channel patches.

A number of changes have been made to Vizzie, the set of modules for video processing using Jitter. It has been updated and uses the processing power of the computer’s graphics hardware to improve speed and frame rates. It also now more easily integrates with other OpenGL graphics within Jitter.

Node for Max now allows users to use Web services from within a patcher. A node.script object can be sent object messages to launch, monitor, and communicate with a Node process. The Node Package Manager (NPM), a large set of Node libraries, can also be accessed from within Max.

Improvements to mappings with a MIDI learn feature allows MIDI controllers to be automatically mapped to hardware controllers. The user simply selects an on-screen slider or controller and moves a hardware knob or slider to create the automatic mapping. A Mappings editor allows for further editing of parameters such as range and threshold. Keys on the computer keyboard can also be mapped to specific buttons and sliders in a patch by selecting the control on the screen and typing the key. Computer keys can also be set to act as triggers and toggles.

A new integrated search function allows the user to search for patches, objects, examples, tutorials, as well as online content like Web forums. New Max objects include a scrolling list display, an object that filters and outputs the content of the Max console within a patch, a multirange graphical editor for functions that can have a range of values, and new frame objects for working with spectral data. The vst∼ object now supports VST3 plug-ins, the line object can work with multisegment ramps, the dial object has been given four new modes and a new large mode, the poly object can now host a different patcher in each of its voices, the arguments of a message box can be changed without triggering an output, and gestalt and Gen objects have been updated. A 30-day demonstration version of the software application is available.

Max 8 is listed for US$ 399 with upgrades for US$ 149. Academic discounts are available. Contact: Cycling ’74, 340 S. Lemon Avenue #4074, Walnut, California 91789, USA; e-mail sales@cycling74.com ; Web www.cycling74.com.

Cubase 10

Steinberg has released Cubase 10, a new and updated version of their music production software. It features a new user interface, improved audio quality, and a range of new tools. Cubase 10, like its predecessors, comes in three versions: Pro, Artist, and Elements. The Pro version of the application incorporates the most changes, though many of the new and improved functions are also available in the other versions. Readers are encouraged to check the Steinberg Web site for full details of the feature sets in each version.

A new Audio Alignment tool allows the user to synchronize stacked vocals and other recordings quickly by matching multiple tracks to a reference track and automatically correcting the timing. The...