Offnominal

Apple - Logic Studio

Wow. Long overdue update… still trying to absorb this, but here are the salient points:
Logic Pro 8:

• Consolidates all of the old editor windows into a clean new Arrange window. Looks nice - wonder how screensets are implemented, if at all?
• Arrange features 2 channel strips - one for the selected track and another for the aux or output it’s currently routed to.
• Spotlight-enabled file browsers for Plugins, presets, Apple Loops or any file on your system
• Multiple takes grouped into folders for easy comping, similar to new GarageBand feature
• Apple Remote compatability! Didn’t see that coming, but it makes sense.
• Track setup simplified and streamlined - about time.
• Support for CAF format “allows you to record extended-length projects of up to 6 hours at 96kHz”
• Looks like some seriously enhanced editing features - transient selection and an auto-comping feature they call “Quick Swipe Comping.” Automagic xfades, I suppose.
• OMG - NO MORE XSKEY!

Mainstage
A live performance instrument/effects rack device. Lets you use the Logic effects and instruments along with AudioUnits as a performance device, outside of Logic.

Soundtrack Pro 2
Glad they’re finally bundling this. About time

New Instruments? Nope. Looking more closely, it appears that EXS24 has a new editor (thankfully!) and Sculpture and ES2 have True Surround output.

New Effects
Delay Designer - Surround capable multitap with filter, pan and pitch on each tap.
They mention new modeled circuits for the compressors… Hmmm. Lots of Surround Sound capability here too… Space Designer in surround will be incredible.

6 DVDS of Apple Loops, EXS instruments and presets

All of this for $499, or $199 to upgrade from Pro… Wow. I’m still absorbing.

My birthday is next week - if anyone wants to know what to get me and the iPhone is out of your price range, this is a real good start.