MOTU Unveils MachFive Universal Sampler Plug-InSupports major plug-in formats on both Mac and Windows
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January 22, 2003
At Winter NAMM, MOTU announced MachFive ($395), a universal sampler plug-in for
Macintosh and Windows. MachFive supports all major plug-in formats on both
platforms (MAS, VST, RTAS, HTDM, Audio Units and DXi) and imports all major
audio file, sample and soundbank formats including Akai, Kurzweil, Roland,
Emu, Giga, SampleCell, EXS24, HALion, Creamware, WAV, ACID, AIFF, SDII, REX
and more. MachFive also offers many advanced sampling features, including
support for sample rates up to 192kHz and the ability to import and playback
multi-channel samples in surround.
A universal plug-in
MachFive operates as a plug-in inside a host audio application such as
Digital Performer, Pro Tools, Logic Audio, Cubase, Sonar and virtually any
major audio software program for Macintosh and Windows. This allows users to
employ MachFive as a flexible, state-of-the-art sound source directly within
their projects and then save all MachFive settings with the project for
instant and total recall. Since all MachFive settings are saved with their
host application session, users enjoy the highest degree of convenience and
speed because there is no separate application or associated documents to
manage.
As a plug-in, MachFive displays all editing and performance parameters in
one window, showing users everything in one glance, without the need to flip
through different pages or dig through menus.
Collaborate across platforms
With unprecedented compatibility and interoperability, MachFive is the first
truly universal software sampler. Because MachFive supports every major
audio production platform on both Macintosh and Windows (MAS, VST, Audio
Units, HTDM, RTAS and DXi), users can effortlessly move from one platform to
another -- or collaborate with colleagues who use different audio software.
For example, a user might compose and track a project in Digital Performer
or Logic and then move to Pro Tools for mixing. The user would simply save a
MachFive performance (a snapshot of all MachFive settings) in DP or Logic
and then load it into MachFive running in Pro Tools. All settings are
exactly preserved, and MachFive is ready to go.
Intelligent file management and compatibility with all sample libraries
The most critical feature users need from a sampler is easy access to their
sounds. MachFive offers unprecedented sound bank management, helping users
concentrate on their music -- not file handling chores on their hard disk.
MachFive always remembers where sounds are located, and it has been
optimized for browsing and loading libraries. Even multi-gigabyte libraries
are quickly and efficiently scanned.
MachFive includes UVI-Xtract, an import utility that allows users to
audition and load programs and samples from every major sampler format,
including Akai, Roland, Kurzweil, SampleCell, HALion, EXS24, Gigasampler and
others. UVI-Extract even allows users to insert sample content CD-ROMs from
Roland, Emu, Akai and other formats into their computer -- discs that
otherwise cannot be mounted on their computer desktop -- and then convert
programs (or even the entire disc) in just a few clicks. MachFive helps
users consolidate their current sound libraries into a unified MachFive
library, instantly accessible from within their host application.
Flexible multi-timbral performance
Users can open as many MachFive plug-ins inside their software as their host
CPU resources permit. Each plug-in instance of MachFive provides 16 parts
(separate instruments). Each part has its own unique audio output
assignment, volume, pan, etc. Each part can receive MIDI data from any
channel and send its output to unique audio outputs (depending on the host
audio software). Simple stacks can be created by assigning two or more parts
to the same MIDI channel. However, MachFive also provides Expert Mode, which
allows users to create complex layers and splits that can be dynamically
triggered and modified on the fly. For example, the left hand could change
samples via key-switching -- or even gradually crossfade between layers with
a mod wheel or other controller -- while the right hand plays the samples.
Expert Mode was designed for demanding live performance situations.
Powerful synthesis engine
The central section of the MachFive window shows the filter, three envelopes
and every modulation tool. Six filter algorithms are provided and everything
can be controlled and automated by MIDI. Modulation options are provided at
every stage of the synth section. The award-winning UVI-Engine that powers
MachFive delivers unlimited polyphony and ultra-low latency.
Built-in multichannel waveform editor
MachFive accepts audio samples in all formats from mono to 5.1 surround. The
waveform display allows truncating, normalizing, fading and many other
destructive DSP audio manipulations -- all in real time. Users can even set
the crossfade of a loop in real time while listening to their full mix.
Support for 24-bit 192kHz audio from mono to 5.1 surround
MachFive takes advantage of high definition audio interfaces like the MOTU
HD192, allowing users to build their sound libraries at any sample rate up
to 192kHz. MachFive also provides on-the-fly downsampling, allowing users to
build a high-resolution sample library and use it at any sample rate that
their current project calls for, without the need for lengthy sample rate
conversion operations.
MachFive is a true surround sampler. Users can play and transpose 5.1 audio
files in real time, add multi-channel effects and route multi-channel
presets to their host software's mixer with multiple outputs (if the host
software supports these surround features).
Analyze and tune
MachFive is a one-stop sound design factory, with tools such as a graphic
spectrum analyzer and a built-in tuner with graphic display. When importing
samples, users can even ask MachFive to analyze the sample, determine its
pitch and assign it to the appropriate keymap pitch.
Drag & drop import of samples
MachFive supports easy drag-and-drop importing of samples. Users can simply
drag samples from their computer desktop or host application to the MachFive
keyboard. Users can even drag multiple samples in one step to map into
layers or splits, chromatically, on white keys only, according to their
name, or even according to their pitch, which MachFive can determine
automatically. Users can also audition samples when importing them,
listening to each note as they stretch the sample over a range of keys.
Modulation and tempo sync
Four LFOs are available per preset: two that can be applied across a
preset's entire keygroup, plus two additional LFOs that can be applied
individually to each sample. Each LFO can be routed to an assortment of
destinations including filter frequency, filter resonance, drive, pitch, pan
and amplitude. MachFive can sync both the LFO and effects parameters to
sequence tempo.
Integrated multi-effects
Each multi-timbral part can have up to four unique effects, for up to 64
effects per performance with instant recall, including reverb, tempo-synced
delay, tremolo, chorus (and other modulation effects), filter, BitCrusher,
and others. All effects settings are saved for total recall. Users can also
save effects with each preset for permanent storage in their sound library.
The effect section allows users to leave a part's effects in place while
they audition other parts.
Availability
MachFive is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2003 for all plug-in
formats on Mac OS 9 and OS X, with a Windows version soon to follow. Disk
streaming (the ability to stream very large samples from hard disk) will be
offered as a free update soon thereafter. The list price for MachFive is
$395.
For more information, visit their web site at www.motu.com. | 
