Emagic's EXS24 Comes to ProTools|24 Systems
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| EXS24 TDM For ProTools|24 Systems |
January 23, 2001 Emagic is proud to announce the EXS24 TDM,a new 24 Bit software sampler for
TDM systems running under Logic Audio Platinum Macintosh.
In addition to its powerful sound editing and management tools, EXS24 TDM
users will also benefit from the efficient use of available resources. By utilizing
the Mac computers' native processing power and RAM, only a minimal amount of the
TDM DSP resources are required. In comparison with conventional hardware samplers,
the EXS24 TDM introduces a new dimension in sample-accurate timing precision.
The EXS24 TDM features compatibility with existing sampler data formats. In
addition to the EXS24's native file, the EXS24 TDM can read AIFF, SDII, WAV and
can convert Akai S1000 and S3000, Sample Cell (across platforms) and Soundfont2
(across platforms) for. Internal 32 Bit signal processing guarantees pristine
sound quality. Using the EXS24 TDM is straightforward. Simply insert the EXS24
TDM into an auxiliary track of the TDM mixer. A maximum of 32 EXS24 TDM "units"can
be used simultaneously. As the EXS24 TDM is processed natively by the CPU of the
host computer, the number and size of the samples is limited only by the amount
of available RAM on the host computer. The number of sample instruments which
can be stored is limited solely by hard disk capacity.
EXS24 TDM structure
An EXS24 TDM sound can be as complex,or simple, as required. This can range
from a single sample, played over the entire keyboard, to a 127 note multilayer
with different samples mapped to each key and velocity switched. WAV, AIFF and
SDII format data can be read in 8 to 24 bit depths (plus the Akai S1000/S3000,
SampleCell and Soundfont2 formats mentioned above). Within an EXS24 TDM instrument,samples
are organized into "zones".
Each zone features individual parameters for volume, tuning, key note, keyboard
and velocity range plus non-destructive crossfade looping and non-destructive
reverse modes. Zones can be further assigned to "groups". Each group
has offsets for synthesizer parameters, output assignment and again, separate
keyboard and velocity zones. This facility guarantees maximum compatibility with
third party data formats. Thanks to its logically laid out editor,even the most
complex sample assignments remain transparent.
Organizing sounds with the EXS24 TDM
Clearly structured hierarchical menus makes sound organisation simple, reflecting
the folder structure of EXS24 instruments stored on hard disk. Files can be organized
in any way--by instrument type: strings, brass, pianos etc, alphabetically or
on a per project basis. To assist in keeping the most complex sample libraries
organized, the EXS24 TDM can search for samples and sampler instruments on any
network volume. In order to minimize the number of sounds displayed in the search
results, you can make use of the "instrument filter"which will limit
the files displayed to those which contain the word "piano"or "bass",
as an example.
The EXS24 TDM can save all sampler instruments used in a song, along with
related audio files in a separate folder. This feature allows projects to be saved
completely and independently from the main sampler library. The "delete instrument"
function allows the safe deletion of EXS24 TDM instruments as the EXS 24 automatically,
and intelligently, checks whether the audio files are used by other sampler instruments.
Direct from Disc Streaming
The new Direct from Disc Streaming option allows samples to also be played
directly from the hard drive. This means that the sample instrument size is only
limited by the capability of the hard drive. An intelligent use of the cache permits
a level of performance that was previously the preserve of RAM based computers--not
only extremly short latency, but even Direct from Disc Streaming for looped samples
and samples in reverse mode.
The use of the Direct from Disc Streaming is optional. Preset parameters can
be modi oed to best suit the current hard drive conditions. Direct from Disc Streaming
is possible with all EXS24 compatible file formats--8/16/24 Bit, mono and stereo,
SDII/AIFF/WAV.
Real-time Processing Power
The powerful signal processing plug-ins of the Logic Audio product range make
hardware effect and signal processors virtually obsolete. The heart of the EXS24
TDM synthesis engine is a lowpass filter with adjutable slope and a resonance
parameter that can be driven to self-oscillaion. The unique "fatness"
parameter assures fat bass sounds, even with high resonance settings. As an additional
creative choice, the signal can be distorted at the filter input stage. Pitch,
filter cutoff frequency, volume and panorama can be modulated via two LFOs--one
polyphonic and equipped with a dedicated envelope generator, the other monophonic.
The speed parameter of both LFO's can be set in Hertz values or in beat-synchronous
note values. Each of the 64 EXS24 TDM voices features 2 ADSR envelope generators.
The curve type of the attack phase can be set independently. Key-follow envelope
times can be modulated by pitch, making high notes sound shorter than lower notes,
which is ideal for the creation of natural sounding instrument envelopes. The
sample start point plus the attack time of the envelope generators can be modulated
by velocity sensitivity. The glide function can be switched between portamento
and auto-end, allowing its use as a velocity sensitive pitch envelope generator.
The EXS24 TDM can be played in legato mode, featuring fingered poramento with
single trigger,making it ideal for playing solo sounds.
Integration with Logic Audio Platinum Macintosh
The power of the EXS24 TDM bene ots from its intuitive user interface with
controls, specifically designed for the sampler, which allow the simultaneous
adjustment of several parameters. Also, the EXS24 TDM perfectly integrates with
Logic Audio Platinum's digital mixer surface.
The EXS24 TDM provides sample-accurate timing, which is far superir to that
of any external hardware sampler being played via MIDI. As with all Logic Audio
plug-ins,the EXS24 TDM can be fully automaed with "flying faders"and
has true total recall.
With songs, sounds, samples, and audio track data being saved on the same
storage media, the handling of backups and sample library is safe, easy, and efficient--reducing
organizational work and time. Logic's audio files can also be used as EXS24 TDM
samples. This level of integration allows you to quickly and seamlessly jump from
sample editing to mixing tasks, taking full advantage of Logic Audio Platinum's
extensive sample editing,signal processing and digital audio mixer functions.
The EXS24 TDM requires DirectConnect-capable ProTools|24 systems running on
Logic Audio Platinum Macintosh, version 4.7 and higher.
Pricing and availability
Pricing:$499.00 MSRP
The EXS24 TDM will be available in March 2001.
Key Features
- Designed for ProTools|24 MIX and ProTools|24 MIX+ TDM systems with MIXCore
and/or MIXFarm cards running on Logic Audio Platinum 4.7 and higher for MacOS
- Up to 32 EXS24 TDM can be used simultaneously (dependent on the host computer's
processing capabilities)
- Up to 64 voices per EXS24 TDM (dependent on the host computer's processing
capabilities)
- 32 Bit internal signal processing
- Reads SDII,WAV and AIFF audio ole formats with word lengths from 8 to 24 Bits,up
to 96 kHz sampling rate
- Conversion of SampleCell (MacOS and Windows), Akai S1000/S3000 and Soundfont2
(MacOS and Windows) formats
- Ergonomically designed user interface
- Intuitive instrument editor
- Hierarchical menus for oexible organization of even the most complex libraries
spread over several drives in a network
- Sample-accurate playback timing
- Integration into Logic Audio Platinum's mixing console with direct access
to all Logic plug-in effects
- Full automation with "flying faders "and "total recall"
- Direct access to all Logic Audio sample editing tools
- Non-destructive crossfade loops and reverse mode
Per voice:
- Versatile,unique and powerful filter section
- 2 ADSR envelopes for volume and filter cutoff frequency
- 2 LFOs (monophonic/polyphonic with dedicated envelope generator)
- Sample start and envelope attack times can be modulated by velocity sensitivity
- Switchable portamento or pitch envelope feature (velocity-sensitive autobend)
- Versatile modulation features
- Modes: polyphonic or monophonic with single-triggered, fingered portamento
or multi-trigger
For more information, visit their web site at www.emagic.de. | 
