Adaptec Announces SoundStream CD Recording
Software for WindowsCreate custom CDs of your favorite songs from MP3 tracks, WAV files, and digital audio CDs
 June 28, 1999
With Adaptec's new SoundStream CD recording software
for Windows 95/98 and NT, users can create their own "greatest hits"
CDs by compiling tracks of their favorite songs they download from the Internet,
or by taking tracks off existing music CDs. This user- friendly application includes
links to popular Internet music web sites, access to CDDB, the online Disc Recognition
Service, Jewel Case Creator, for creating custom CD labels and inserts, and special
effects for enhancing sound quality.
"While MP3 has become tremendously popular, most people can only listen
to MP3s on their computer, said Tom Seaman, group marketing manager for Adaptec's
Software Products Group. "We want to give customers an easy way to listen
to their favorite MP3s anywhere. SoundStream combines an user-friendly interface
with access to Internet music and market-leading reliability of Adaptec's CD recording
technology."
How It Works
SoundStream makes burning custom CDs a simple and fun experience for even
novice computer users. SoundStream's user interface is similar to a standard audio
player, allowing users to create a play list by selecting one or more songs from
their hard drive or CD. Seventy-four minutes of music can be burned to CD by simply
clicking the record button. MP3 and WAV files are seamlessly converted to CD audio,
allowing users to create CDs that can be played in any standard home, car or portable
CD player. The sound quality of MP3 and other audio formats, including standard
audio CDs, can be enhanced using built-in digital signal processing technology
from Arboretum Systems that come packaged with SoundStream. Arboretum's
Realizer process creates bigger bass, better separation and sizzling high
end. The Concert Hall effect adds fullness to the sound, Reverb provides ambience
and Time Warp adds either a nostalgic Victrola sound or a futuristic electronic
sound. All sound effects can be previewed before burning to CD. SoundStream also
includes a Balance Loudness feature, which eliminates the need for continual adjustment
to the volume control. Turning this feature on automatically ensures that all
tracks are recorded at a consistent volume level, even if the original sources
were recorded at different levels.
Other features include support for CDDB (www.cddb.com),
the online Disc Recognition Service, which automatically displays the artist name,
CD title, and song information of popular CDs (eliminating the need to manually
enter this information). The CDDB information can be used to create custom CD
labels with Adaptec's Jewel Case Creator application. This utility makes it easy
for users to design customized CD labels and jewel case inserts, with features
such as curved text, in-place editing, professionally-designed themes, and support
for popular brands of CD label paper.
Pricing and Availability
SoundStream will be available in the U.S. & Canada in early fall 1999
and has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $49 with a $10 mail-in rebate
coupon. Customers can sign up at cdr.adaptec.com/signup
to be notified via email when SoundStream becomes available.
Visit their web site at www.adaptec.com |
