NAMM News: Cakewalk Project5

(Cakewalk | Posted 2003-01-16)

Today at Winter NAMM, Cakewalk announced Project5, the complete software synthesizer workstation that places no limits on your music. Project5 offers a flexible, expandable studio environment that inspires creativity through its integrated instruments and tools.

Project5 goes beyond stand-alone soft-synth "rack" software by providing a complete, flexible production environment. It gives electronic musicians everything they need to experiment, create, and perform music using integrated sequencers; software synths; samplers; audio and MIDI effects; audio looping tools; all integrated in one workstation. In addition, Project5 provides advanced capabilities for synth layering, real-time pattern genesis and triggering, and a seamless live-performance audio engine.

And Project5 doesn't put a limit on your creativity. It lets you customize and expand your studio with additional plug-ins, and it supports any Windows-compatible audio hardware.

Key features

Studio quality instruments and effects Pattern-based sequencers and processors ACID™-compatible audio looping tools Real-time, live-performance features Open environment (ASIO, DX, DXi, MFX, ReWire client, WDM, VST*, VSTi*) And more

EQ magazine got a sneak peek at Project5 earlier this month and had this to say.

"Project5 applies some serious signal generating and processing horsepower, along with ReWire compatibility to the virtual studio concept—but also stakes out new ground as a highly open system." —EQ, January 2003

Project5 will be shipping in March 2003.

Tight integration with SONAR

You can integrate Project5 with a ReWire-compatible host like SONAR 2.x for advanced recording, editing, and mixing. In addition, Project5’s synths and effects will also appear directly within SONAR. Registered SONAR 2.x customers will be eligible for a special introductory offer upon its release.

MORE!...from the Cakewalk Web Site:

Imagine a complete software synthesizer workstation that places no limits on your music. A flexible, expandable studio environment that engages your creativity, inspiring new musical ideas through its seamless integration of instruments and tools.

It's time to experience Project5.

Project5 goes beyond stand-alone soft-synth "rack" software by providing a complete studio environment. It gives electronic musicians everything they need to experiment, create, and perform music using integrated sequencers, software synths, samplers, audio and MIDI effects, and audio looping tools — all integrated in one workstation. In addition Project5 provides advanced capabilities for synth layering, real-time pattern genesis and triggering, and a seamless live-performance audio engine.

And Project5 doesn't put a limit on your creativity. It lets you customize and expand your studio with additional plug-ins, and it supports any Windows-compatible audio hardware.

Key features

Studio-quality instruments and effects Pattern-based sequencers and processors ACID™-compatible audio looping tools Real-time, live-performance features Open environment (ASIO, DX, DXi, MFX, ReWire client, WDM, VST*, VSTi*) Click on the links in the left navigation bar to find out more about the features of Project5, or click next for a complete overview.

* VST plug-in support provided by VST/DX adapter.

Project5 Instruments

PSYN™ — Virtual Analog Synthesizer

Ushering in a new renaissance of software synthesis, PSYN (pronounced "sine") models a full-featured subtractive synthesizer, giving you access to classic analog sounds of the 70s and the evocative new sounds of today. Includes multiple filters, oscillators, envelope generators, and LFOs. Features a modulation matrix for tempo sync; ring modulation and FM synthesis; 64-note polyphony; parameter automation; more.

DS-864™ — Digital Sampler

A flexible, easy-to-use, multi-format digital sampler with ample manipulation capabilities and pristine audio fidelity. Features 8 layer / 64 voice polyphony; sample editing with effects; multiple resonant filters and envelope generators; 8 audio outputs for effects processing; parameter automation; key mapping; velocity zones; support for Akai S5000/6000, Kurzweil, Sound Fonts 2, WAV, AIF, and proprietary sample formats.

Velocity™ — Drum Sampler (LM4, WAV, AIF)

This multi-timbral drum sampler provides 18 polyphonic voices with up to 32 velocity-layered samples. Offers precise sample editing with effects; 5 stereo outputs; and full parameter automation. Supports WAV, AIF, LM4, and proprietary format sample formats.

nPulse™ — Analog Modular Drum Synthesizer

Get that punchy tone characteristic of classic drum machines, but with the extended tweakability of modern day soft synths. nPulse provides a convenient way to trigger and synthesize vintage-style electronic drum voices. A 12-voice multi-timbral synthesizer with per-voice oscillators; 5 assignable outputs; multiple presets; sync effects; key-mapping; parameter automation; more.

Cyclone™ DXi —Groove Sampler

A 16-part, ACID™-compatible groove sampler, composition tool, and loop editor. Trigger loops in real-time following the tempo and pitch changes of your project. Tweak individual slices of loops, and even combine parts of multiple loops.

Automatable effects

Project5 includes an arsenal of automatable effects including:

Envelope/LFO Filter

Stereo Delay/Echo with tempo sync

High Frequency Exciter
Classic Phaser with feedback
Studio Reverb
Stereo Chorus/Flanger with feedback
Stereo 7-band Graphic EQ
Stereo 2-band Parametric EQ
Compressor/Gate

Pattern & loop-based creation tools

P-SEQ™ — Pattern Sequencer

A flexible pattern sequencer with "piano roll" style editing that superimposes track automation with note data. Offers step- and real-time recording. Click a pattern and the synth and related parameters for the pattern appear. Having everything at your fingertips makes creating, editing, and mixing faster than ever.

Synchron32™ — Analog Style Step Sequencer

Accurately models and expands upon analog hardware step-sequencing. Quickly generate patterns and trigger synths, and trigger patterns in real-time from MIDI devices. Provides control over pitch; rhythmic duration with shuffle; tempo sync; per-step flam, legato, bends; polyphonic mode; multiple-banks for pattern presets; more.

ACID™-compatible loop integration

Click and drag to roll out tracks using ACID™-format loops that match your project tempo and pitch changes. Features automatic beat matching, flexible time stretching/pitch shifting, and support for multiple loops per track.

Expand and customize your Project5 studio

Use included synths or add DXi or VSTi* synths to expand your studio Edit and mix using Project5's included audio and MIDI FX, and additional MFX, DX, or VST* effects Integrate Project5 with a ReWire-compatible host like SONAR for advanced audio recording, editing, and mixing Project5 instruments and effects integrate directly into SONAR Works with any WDM, MME, or ASIO-compatible Windows hardware, and also sends MIDI Sync to outboard sequencers

Advanced synth layering and keyboard mapping

Perform and record using multiple MIDI controllers routed to multiple instruments, or use multiple layered instruments or split synths from one MIDI controller.

Live-performance audio engine

Project5's seamless audio engine won't create gaps in your workflow. Make changes on the fly and Project5 never compromises your playback — perfect for live performance.

NAMM News: Cakewalk Project5

$310

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