Opcode Announces 4.5 Upgrade to Vision DSP and Studio Vision Pro

July 23, 1999 -- Opcode Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Gibson, has announced version 4.5 of their Macintosh audio and MIDI recording music software Vision DSP and Studio Vision Pro. The upgrade includes several highly requested features including compatibility with the new ReWire™ software-based synthesizer spec, VST™ plug-in automation and mix console automation among many others.

"Our users have asked for better automated mixing and deeper integration with software synthesizers," said Jonnie Gillham, Opcode’s Software Product Manager. "With over 30 user-requested features, version 4.5 puts amazing power, with unprecedented ease of use, into the hands of desktop musicians. Combined with today’s high-speed Macintoshes, Vision DSP becomes a dream recording studio. And to think you can get it for only $59 on the web!"

ReWire for Soft-synths

ReWire integration allows musicians to use software-based synthesizers and samplers within Opcode’s mixing environment. VST plug-ins, EQ, bussing, etc can now be applied to individual or mixed outputs of software synthesizers such as ReBirth, Bitheadz Retro AS-1 and Unity DS-1, and more. This integration brings musicians ever closer to a studio-in-a-box with recording, editing, mixing, CD mastering, and now, on-board sound creation.

Total Mix Automation

Mix automation has been greatly improved to include control of VST plug-ins, EQ, console solo and mute, and AUX send amount. Editing of the automation data is available in all Opcode editing windows including the List window, Strip Chart, Select and Modify, etc. In addition, the Mix Consoles have been rewritten to increase the number of consoles from 4 to 16, and include dragging of console strips to easily rearrange setups, vertical dragging of plug-in assignments within a console strip and console template files. Audio volume in the Console is now displayed in decibels and a "masking tape" area is provided at he bottom of each strip for labeling. The new comprehensive mixing capabilities give musicians ever more control over their music.

Ease of Use Enhancements

There are also several other enhancements in 4.5 that make the program easier to use. For the film and TV composer, SMPTE based tracks allow events to stay locked to a location in time regardless of tempo. The Strip Silence command now has a "Separate Only" mode that inserts cut points in the audio, similar to ReCycle, to help edit rhythm tracks. The Audio File Management window has been updated to allow file playback, renaming, waveform display, Copy to another folder, and Move within HD volume. The Strip Chart features such as vertical zoom and oscillator shape tools have been added to the Graphic Editing Strip Chart.

Free Software

Both Vision DSP and Studio Vision Pro 4.5 include a free copy of Bias Peak SE v2.0 sample editing and sampler transfer software, Galaxy Patch Librarian for sound storage and a host of demo software and free samples.

Vision DSP and Studio Vision Pro are Macintosh audio and MIDI sequencers for composing, arranging and recording music. They are compatible with real-time audio VST plug-ins and ASIO™ audio hardware, and Opcode’s new MIDIport 32™ and MIDIport 96™ USB MIDI interfaces. Studio Vision Pro includes compatibility for the powerful Digidesign Pro Tools TDM™ hardware system and Opcode’s patented Audio-to-MIDI™ and MIDI-to-Audio™ capability.

The upgrade cost will be $99.95 for either Vision DSP or Studio Vision Pro. However, Vision users can also download the $59.95 version directly from Opcode’s web site. Vision DSP has a suggested retail price of $199.95 (US) and Studio Vision Pro has a suggested retail price of $399.95 (US). Vision DSP is also available as a $59.95 download from Opcode web site. This download version does not include technical support of any kind and comes with PDF soft copy manuals. Estimated ship date of version 4.5 is Q3 1999.

For more information, visit Opcode at www.opcode.com.