Software News Round-Up

In contrast to some music websites, Attack’s news policy is to avoid reporting every insubstantial press release we receive. But the slew of major software announcements and summer sale offers over the last week justifies a round-up.

First up, Cakewalk has announced a “sneak preview” of the new version of Sonar. The company’s Windows-based flagship DAW has never really been a favourite of dance music producers, but 2010’s X1 update improved the experience with a GUI overhaul and numerous new features including the excellent ProChannel channel strips with SSL- and 1176-inspired dynamics. We doubt Sonar X2 will attract huge numbers of dance music producers when it’s released later this year, but we like the look of the new modular ProChannels and the Console Emulator.

The company’s Z3ta waveshaping synth plugin is also finally available as a Mac VST/AU plugin after a decade of Windows-only availability.

Elsewhere, Universal Audio announced the release of the Sonnox Oxford EQ plugin for their UAD-2 DSP platform. OK, EQ plugins rarely set the pulse racing, but the 5-band parametric design derived from the Sony OXF-R3 console is one of the best around. At $299 it’s not cheap, but the Sonnox EQ really offers four sounds in one thanks to the four distinct EQ types on offer, each modelled on classic circuits. If you’ve got UAD hardware and you’re in the market for a top quality all-round EQ solution, it’s a great option.

Finally, a couple of special offers to report.

Native Instruments announced that, until the end of September, Komplete 8 buyers will also receive copies of the Razor additive synth, Session Strings ROMpler and The Mouth sound-controlled synth thanks to the Komplete Plus 3 offer.

Secondly, iZotope have announced a $99 discount on Stutter Edit, bringing the price of their excellent BT-endorsed effect plugin down to $149 (around £122 after conversion and UK taxes). Strike while the iron’s hot on this one: you’ve got until August 10th to take advantage of the deal.