MOTU debuts Digital Performer 6, Electric Keys

Audio and video specialist MOTU has debuted Digital Performer 6, the next version of its audio sequencing software. The interface of the program has been completely redesigned, and includes a variety of other enhancements as well, such as XML exchange with Final Cut Pro, and generally improved support for film scoring. Users can now work with interleaved broadcast WAVE files, pre-render virtual instruments, and "bounce and burn" to audio CDs. Finally, there is better support for AU plug-ins, and operating as a front end for Pro Tools HD systems. DP6 should ship later this quarter for $795.

Coming in February is Electric Keys, a virtual instrument whose main feature is a 40GB sound library, containing over 20,000 samples of pianos, organs, clavinets and Wurlitzers, along with tape samplers, string machines, keyboard basses and yet more obscure instruments. Some manufacturers represented include Fender, Korg, Hammond, Mellotron and Moog. "Most" samples are recorded at a 24-bit 96kHz resolution, but can be played at other rates as needed. Each instrument has its own skin, and lets users tweak settings such as pan, tone, tremolo and presets.

Users can assign items to a MIDI controller simply by right-clicking, and the FX-Rack feature lets users select and combine effects such as filters, flangers, reverb and amp simulations. Supported plug-ins go beyond AU and VST types to include DXi, MAS and RTAS. Electric Keys will cost $295.