BitHeadz Announces Optimizations for Apple's
G4 Processor
September 28, 1999
BitHeadz, Inc. has announced that it is optimizing Unity
DS-1 and Retro AS-1 for the new
G4 processor. BitHeadz has worked with Apple Computer to modify two of their award
winning programs, the Retro AS-1 Software Synthesizer, and the Unity DS-1 Digital
Sampler. The powerful G4 chip incorporates a new execution unit named the Velocity
Engine and is actually capable of performing over one billion floating-point operations
per second (gigaflops), which makes it the first personal computer in history
to offer supercomputer-level performance.
"We are glad to see cutting edge companies like BitHeadz as well as other
developers supporting the new Velocity Engine found in the new G4," said
Clent Richardson, Vice President of Worldwide Developer Relations for Apple Computer,
Inc. "The Unity DS-1 Digital Sampler is actually increasing the already high
demand for the G4 as well as the Macintosh platform as musicians and studios discover
the advantages of having their synthesizer and sampler right inside their computer."
"We have made this project a high priority and are very impressed with
the results so far," says BitHeadz CEO Steve O'Connell, "With the G4
optimization to our code we are expecting at least a 2X improvement in performance,
which translates into twice the polyphony. The new Velocity Engine allows us to
perform four 32 bit operations in parallel which will give us the ability to provide
more sophisticated playback algorithms, higher resolution effects, and lots of
additional voices."
The optimization will be transparent to the user, except for the fact that
now you will not have to worry about running out of CPU clock cycles which is
a problem that plagues those who own older, slower computers. Running a MIDI studio
with mixers, plug-in effects, and software synthesizers all on the same computer
has been becoming very popular over the past two years. New optimized versions
of BitHeadz' software, along with these new processors will take the studio in-thecomputer
to a whole new level. Now if you own a fast laptop, you will be able to carry
your studio on the road with you. BitHeadz also has plans to add G4 optimization
to their other software instruments, Voodoo
MIDI Drums, and Black
& Whites Virtual Piano.
For more information, visit the BitHeadz web site at www.bitheadz.com. |
