EastWest Introduces PLAY 64-Bit Advanced Sample Engine

EASTWEST has introduced its PLAY software, a 64-bit advanced sample engine with built-in Network Control. EASTWEST exhibited its full range of PLAY-powered virtual instruments at the Winter NAMM Show, January 18-21.

Included with all new EASTWEST/QUANTUM LEAP virtual instruments (most existing EASTWEST NI-powered virtual instruments will be upgraded early in 2007), PLAY displays custom-designed virtual instruments that look as beautiful as they sound. The interface is designed to eliminate clutter, including only the controls needed for each individual virtual instrument. PLAY was created to be played like an instrument, not programmed like a sampler.

PLAY's 64-bit support (the first in the industry) allows the user to load many more instruments and voices, and is limited only by the host system's RAM (32-bit support is also included). While most high-end computers will support 16 GB (8 times as much memory as is now usable), a very small set of high-performance enterprise computers (with Microsoft Vista Ultimate) can already use 128 GB of RAM. As hardware develops, the theoretical limit of EASTWEST's PLAY software is 17,179,869,184 gigabytes—16 exabytes, or 17 billion gigabytes.

For still more power, EASTWEST's built-in Network Control allows the user to load instruments on other machines controlled from the host computer. No more trips back and forth between computers, no more KVR switching when loading projects, and no need to buy additional software.

"The PLAY system is a professional, fully integrated solution for those with the most demanding production requirements," states Doug Rogers, EASTWEST's founder and producer. "All instruments are listed in one easy-to-use browser, which displays all instruments, and even allows the user to audition other collections before purchase."

Users can access EASTWEST's online server from the PLAY software, audition individual instruments in a track, and purchase the instruments 24/7. Other collections can be auditioned and purchased at any time with an authorization code (or purchase codes from EASTWEST authorized resellers).

PLAY's long list of innovative and powerful features includes:

• Favorites section to group the instruments you use most
• Preview instrument of choice in an easy-to-use column viewer
• Load instruments into one instance to take advantage of a sequencer's "instrument tracks," or many if desired
• Interface automatically changes to display current instrument
• Articulations
• No browsing through complicated patch names: pick the instrument and play
• Turn on/off articulations as desired
• Articulations list also serves as reference for all expressions within the instrument (no need to look up key-switches in charts)
• Save favorite configuration for quick retrieval

Additional features include: Legato Detection, which senses legato and repetitive playing and responds accordingly; Stereo Handling, so users can manipulate stereo samples in useful ways; Stereo Swap provides instantaneous swap-ability between the left and right channels; and Mono from Left, Mono from Right, or Mono Sum enable instant conversion from stereo to mono. The software's built-in Mic Mixer controls all microphone positions for the orchestra, choirs, pianos, and other instruments with multiple mic positions. Taking it a step further, PLAY allows the user to load, unload, adjust, pan and mute mic positions right in the patch as desired.

Advertisement

PLAY's Effects Engine is the best sounding and most powerful effects engine in existence, built from the ground up for the highest possible quality. Space Control includes multiple impulse responses from various concert halls as well as the famous EASTWEST studios and live chambers (boasting more RIAA-certified platinum and gold records than any other studio), all recorded by Prof. Keith O. Johnson and Nick Phoenix.

The advanced sample storage (using lossless compression) and streaming technology in PLAY's high-quality resampling engine saves RAM, speeds up load times, reduces disk

load, and saves hard drive space without reducing sample quality. Samples can be played back at 24-bit or 16-bit.

Using the industry standard iLok security system, users can easily authorize purchased instruments and audition other instruments before purchase. The system offers complete portability: users can take plug-ins anywhere and use on any computer. It is easy to authorize and manage (up to 100 authorizations are allowed on one key).

PLAY is natively supported in all major hosts on all major operating systems and offers native support for more platforms than any other software engine. PLAY is compatible with RTAS, AU, VST, Standalone, Intel Mac, PPC Mac, Windows XP and Vista, 64-bit, 32-bit and it's even multilingual.

"Building PLAY from the ground up allowed EASTWEST to create the most intuitive instruments possible and design instruments every step of the way without compromise," Rogers continues. "Play will support future developments such as QControl, offering the ultimate in playability without requiring any additional performance tool or MIDI interpreter."

For more information, visit their web site at www.soundsonline.com.