IK Unveils SampleTank 2
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(Click for a close-up) |
July 29, 2003IK Multimedia has unveiled SampleTank 2, a major upgrade of the company's software sound module. SampleTank 2 has been completely redesigned and offers a wide range of features that set it apart from other samplers or sound module.
Here's quick list of the features in SampleTank 2:
- 3 synth engines: exclusive STRETCH (SampleTank Time REsynthesys TeCHnology - you can watch a video introduction of the technology from this year's Musimesse show) and pitch-shift/time-stretch synthesis, in addition to traditional resampling synthesis
- Fast access to an extensive range of sounds
- Thousands of native sounds already available, plus the ability to import unlimited WAV, AIFF, SDII, AKAI, and SAMPLECELL files
- 32 built-in effects
- 16 multitimbral layerable parts
- Full synth-sampler engine control
- Single-sample editing, loop sync, portamento, keywords search, and more...
New synth engines
SampleTank 2 offers 3 synth engines that can be switched on the fly to provide more flexibility: traditional resampling, pitch-shift/time-stretch and the new STRETCH engine that gives you total control over Tempo, Tune and Harmonics.
Plenty of sounds to choose from
Thousands of native sounds are already available, and you can import unlimited sounds to take advantage of the synthesis engine. Import your own WAV, AIFF, SDII for loops and multisampled banks, plus read thousands of libraries in AKAI and SampleCell formats directly from the plug-in.
Full control over the Synth-Sampler engine
SampleTank 2 allows full access to more than 50 synth-engine parameters, including filters, envelopes, LFOs, velocity, and the new switchable engines function, for fine tuning and sound tweaking. The traditional "user" controls of SampleTank are still available for immediate tuning of dedicated instrument parameters. The new portamento feature provides monophonic performance.
16 layerable parts, full Mix control
SampleTank 2 provides complete control over 16 multitimbral parts. Instant access to MIDI channel, Solo, Mute, Empty, Polyphony, Volume and Pan allows total control of up to 16-part mixing. The Mix Panel's instrument layering feature makes it easy to build 16-part layered sounds.
Loop Sync feature
This new feature allows you to sync any Loop to the sequencer tempo with a single click and sync various Loops together with extreme ease. Loops can be stretched using one of the 3 available synth engines: resampling, pitch-shift/time-stretch or STRETCH, for everything from rich natural sounds to unique experimental sonic textures.
Zone Control for super accurate single sample editing
The new Zone Control allows you to dedicate SampleTank 2's overall features to edit a single sample with surgical precision. You can even STRETCH a single sample in a traditional resampled bank, and use Zone Control to edit samples with a simple key stroke.
32 DSP effects to choose from -- Use up to 5 effects per instrument
SampleTank 2 is loaded with an arsenal of 32 DSP effects. New effects include IK's Amp and Cabinet simulators, new analog Phaser, Crusher, MultiFilter, Paramatric EQ, Compressor, Limiter and more. With an additional effects slot, SampleTank 2 allows up to 5 effects to be inserted for each instrument.
Enhanced instruments browsing, sound Data Base
Enhanced instruments browsing allows fast access to thousands of sounds with a new collapsable folders structure. The integrated sound database uses factory or user keywords for instant access to sounds.
Convenient Preset and Module Save and Back Up functions
Preset sounds can now be saved and modifications easily stored. Plus, Module Save stores the complete 16 part SampleTank 2 module, for fast and easy recall of customized sounds and entire mixes. You can even back up your session with one click for the fastest file exchange available. SampleTank 2 files can also be transparently swapped among different platforms, independently from sequencer or OS.
Full MIDI integration: MIDI Controls and Program Change
Any of SampleTank2's controls can now be associated to any MIDI source with just one click. You can control all features on the fly, including STRETCH, for amazing live performances. Plus any standard MIDI program change can be associated to any of SampleTank 2 sounds, for instant live recall or for building the ultimate General MIDI set.
Supports just about every platform and OS
SampleTank 2 supports Pro Tools, VST, Audio Unit, DXi, and MAS in MacOS9, MacOSX andWindows XP.
Price and availability
SampleTank 2 will be available in 2 models:
- SampleTank 2 XL, 8CDs of sounds with 1.500 sounds and more than 4.5 GB of samples, 8 CDs, $/€ 499
- SampleTank 2 L, 4CDs of sounds with 500 sounds and more than 2GB of samples, 4 CDs, $/€ 299
There will be 2 upgrades, all to XL (must be a registered ST1 user to be eligible):
- SampleTank 2 DJ, L, XL 1 to XL2 , 8CDs, $/€ 249
- SampleTank 2 SE (002 bundle), LE 1 to XL2 , 8CDs, $/€ 349
Users having registered SampleTank 1 DJ, L and XL it since 1st May 2003 will be able to download a FREE special upgrade to SampleTank 2.
The product is expected to ship by the end of August.
For more information, visit their web site at www.sampletank.com. |
