Companion Engineering & Design today began shipping Intuem 4, a major update to the audio engineering software that brings native compatibility to Intel-based Macs as a Universal Binary. Intuem enables users to record, edit, arrange, mix, and share music via three different interfaces catering to novice, experienced, and pro users. The update greatly improves support for AudioUnits, offering better handling of AudioUnit windows, broad support for AudioUnit presets, and the ability to record automation directly from AudioUnit windows. Intuem 4 supports fast open/save operations in large audio projects, and improves the pencil tool with several new modes for drawing straight lines as well as several types of curves. The software also negates the need to open the Inspector by providing direct access to popular track controls such as current take, output device, play-through, MIDI program, and more in the document window. Intuem 4 is available for $80, and existing users can upgrade for $50 from any previous version. Intuem 4 requires Mac OS X 10.2.8 or later.

The update features a playlist for sequencing on a large scale with compositions, projects, MIDI, and audio files -- each with a start-time offset. Intuem 4 includes full support for the new Apple Remote, allowing users to control the playlist as well as compositions with wireless record punch-in/punch-out. The latest revision ensures auxiliary audio tracks are usable to apply effects to groups of audio tracks, and also to AudioUnit instruments. The application holds no limitation on the number of auxiliary tracks that are usable at once, optionally with outboard MIDI equipment. The update offers step recording, keyboard note input, and an improved method of editing note velocity.

AudioUnit Panel treatment

Each panel receives a tiny toolbar allowing users to instantly discover which preset an AudioUnit is using, choose an AudioUnit from a popup that automatically finds installed presets, or create a preset and choose the automation mode. Intuem 4 records automation directly off AudioUnit panels.



Crash protection, MIDI synchronization

The latest revision of Intuem features crash protection that allows users to restart the application in the event of a crash to recover unsaved work, losing only minimal changes. Intuem 4 also incorporates MIDI synchronization -- powerful note refitters in a variable tempo environment with pro-level mixing capability, a new approach to AudioUnit panel windows, and remote control functionality.