ENSONIQ Introduces ASR-X Pro With 4.0 Software

Free Upgrade Introduces Major New Features

January 28, 1999 -- ENSONIQ introduces 4.0 software for the ASR-X Pro Resampling Production Studio. The new software adds Direct Audio Sampling, SoundFont® bank importing, Xplode-a process that automatically splits parts of a sampled beat into separate samples-as well as other system enhancements. Version 4.0 will be standard on all new ASR-X Pros upon its release and it will be available as a free download at www.ensoniq.com.

New features dramatically enhance fuctionality
With Direct Audio Sampling, ASR-X Pro can now extract audio directly from any standard audio CD using a CD-ROM drive that is capable of CD audio extraction. Users can specify start and end times, and a new sample is created without any loss of sound quality. Version 4.0 introduces the ability to import sounds in Creative Labs' SoundFont format. Customers can now take advantage of CD-ROM libraries like E-MU SYSTEMS Module Mania Series, which contains sounds from the popular Proteus®, Vintage Keys, and Planet Phatt modules. In addition, countless sounds are available in this format on the internet. Xplode accurately splits up parts of an audio loop, into separate samples, a function that previously required an expensive computer and software system.

"New features like Xplode, Direct Audio Sampling, and SoundFont bank importing represent ENSONIQ's understanding of the ways musicians, producers, and sound designers are using ENSONIQ samplers today, " says Scott Peer, ENSONIQ director of product development and software engineering manager. "Combine these new features with resampling (through effects and the internal synth) and the ASR-X Pro is clearly in a class by itself."

Upgrade reinforces ENSONIQ's commitment to product support
Version 4.0 will ship in all new ASRA Pro's, adding significant value to the product with no change to the US$1695 suggested retail price. Current ASR-X Pro owners may take advantage of the free download at the ENSONIQ Website. For owners of the original ASR-X, many of the Version 4.0 system enhancements, including a new Disk/Global system preference that allows smoother sequence-to-sequence transitions during playback, faster SCSI operations, and improved EPS/ASR-10 importing, are available in Version 2.67 for the ASR-X. Chips for ASR-X Version 2.67 are available from ENSONIQ Customer Service.

For more information, visit www.ensoniq.com.