Binary Interface

August 2006

Welcome to the August edition of the Binary Interface newsletter, providing news and updates on what's new in our corner of the world of music technology. As always, we welcome any comments, suggestions or contributions.

Sony has recently released Cinescore, a software product that makes creating professional soundtracks for film or multimedia an absolute breeze!

MakeMusic have also announced the eagerly anticipated update Finale 2007, which boasts a series of sought-after new features. Put together, they catch up with and in some areas surpass the competition.

Join us for the Brisbane and Gold Coast launches of Groovy Music & O-Generator, two software programs which are wonderful teaching tools for Primary and Middle School Music Educators.

In this issue we begin a series of Tech Tips discussing a number of relevant topics. This issue includes what to do when your old MIDI player finally gives up and heads to the big teaching studio in the sky.

The similarities between the Roland CD2 and Superscope PSD CD-recorders prompted us to design a brief comparison chart to help inform you which recorder has the features you need most.

Finally, we provide information on our Binary Designs on-site training service, and scheduled Courses and Workshops in our on-going PD Series.

Sony Cinescore

Cinescore is a new software title from Sony which makes creating professional soundtracks for media as simple as three clicks of a mouse button. Featuring a base library of 20 customisable music themes (which can be expanded with 'Theme Packs'), Cinescore can automatically generate multi-genre soundtracks that can be easily modified to synchronize with on-screen action.

Features include:

Precise Control, Profound Results
Automatically generate an unlimited number of musical compositions using royalty-free Theme Packs in a wide array of popular styles. Discover the true potential of your video by taking full control over your soundtrack.
Unlimited Results
Adjust parameters such as mood, tempo, and intensity to create anything from complex songs to short and sweet stinger tracks. Cinescore software gives you the tools and flexibility to create highly customizable songs every time for full control over your soundtrack.
Royalty-Free Themes
No loops to stack up and no complicated licensing fees to drain your budget. Multigenre, royalty-free production music is just minutes away. Cinescore software includes one DVD featuring 20 complete Themes perfect for action sequences, weddings, corporate presentations, family vacations, and much more. Each Theme automatically generates an unlimited number of different arrangements and variations.
Multiple Editing Capabilities
You can gain full control over your media and create a custom fit for your soundtrack with precise adjustments to volume, panning, pitch, and tempo.

Prices (inc GST)

Cinescore (Windows) Single User $359

Cinescore (Education) $249

Cinescore 5+ Users (per user) $179

Be sure to attend our 'Introduction to Cinescore' Workshop on August 26!

Finale 2007

Music Notation Software

MakeMusic have announced the next edition of their premier notation software, Finale 2007. Hosting an array of new features such as linked parts, bundled Garritan sounds, and video support, Finale is now better than ever.

Features:

Linked Parts
Managing a score and individual parts is effortless with Finale 2007. Create a score and Finale generates and formats all the parts – automatically. Change something in a part and Finale updates the full score simultaneously.
Video Support
Import digital video and Finale automatically synchronizes it with your music. View the resizable Movie Window as you compose, edit, and play back your score, enjoying new video features like "Fit to Time".
Integrated Kontakt Player 2
The most respected name in playback technology now comes included with Finale 2007 – absolutely free! Listen to your music played with stunning realism thanks to the integrated KONTAKT™ Player 2. Expand your sound library base and use any sample libary that is Native Instruments-powered!
Mac Intel Support
Finale 2007 runs natively on both Intel and PowerPC-based Macintosh computers (Universal binary). Finale is the first notation software to take full advantage of today’s most powerful computing platforms.

info@binarydesigns.com.au

3822 4884

1800 BINARY

Prices (inc GST)
Finale (Retail Win/Mac)	$895
Finale (Education)	$349
Finale Crossgrade from Sibelius	$299
Finale Upgrade from 2006	$169
Finale Upgrade from earlier	$299

Groovy Music Launch

Come and discover Groovy Music and O-Generator with Sibelius Australia's education specialists

Primary and Middle School teachers, don't miss your chance to see free demonstrations and workshops on these exciting new software applications which provide teachers fun and easy tools to teach music.

The venues and times are:
Gold Coast
Monday 28th August
Gold Coast Arts Centre Club Room 135 Bundall Rd Surfers Paradise
Groovy & O-Gen early session 4:00 to 5:45pm
Groovy & O-Gen late session 6:30 to 8:15pm

Brisbane
Tuesday 29th August
All Hallows Middle School
Cnr Ann & Ivory St Brisbane
Groovy & O-Gen early session 4:00 to 5:45pm
Groovy & O-Gen late session 6:30 to 8:15pm

Reserve your place by RSVP to:
infoAU@sibelius.com or call 1300 652 172

In conjunction with the Groovy launch in Australia, Primary Schools and Primary teachers can now purchase copies of Sibelius 4 for only $345, a saving of $150. This offer expires at the end of August. Click here to take advantage of this offer.

Improving Sibelius Playback Sounds

It is now possible to change the MIDI sounds Sibelius uses so that your music will sound more realistic.
Here are a few ways you can change your MIDI instrument sounds to something more appealing:

Purchase an Add-on Sound Library
Sibelius Software have worked with leading sample instrument makers such as Native Instruments and Sonic Implants to design a number of products which can work directly with Sibelius to produce realistic sounds. The Garritan Personal Orchestra: Sibelius Edition gives you a full orchestral soundset to breathe new life into your orchestrations. The Rock & Pop Collection gives you a wide array of drums, guitars, keyboards and basses to make your pop music sound like a studio recording! The Kontakt Gold library can also be purchased as an add-on to the Kontakt Silver sounds that come free with Sibelius 4, allowing you to playback larger scores.
Use a Virtual MIDI Driver with External Libraries - Although slightly more complicated, this option gives you the ability to use ANY sample library available, by routing MIDI signals via a virtual MIDI Driver such as Maple or MidiYoke (both are free downloads). Realistic top-of-the-range sample libraries like the EastWest Symphonic Orchestra can also be used with Sibelius this way.

Pros and Cons

The first option will enable you to save an audio file DIRECTLY from Sibelius, allowing you to create Audio CD's for assessment or record keeping. The second option will give you a wider choice of sounds, but the audio file save option is not available. This means you will have to find a way of recording the audio while Sibelius plays the score. An easy way to do this is using an external recorder like the Superscope PSD340, a unit whose many features include a 'record direct to CD' function.

Garritan Personal Orchestra: Sibelius Edition

Life After Your MIDI Player

Educators have been using floppy-disk based MIDI players for many years, but the major companies ceased production of these units some time ago. Existing units are starting to fail, so what alternatives are available?
There are a few solutions to this now common problem for many studio & school teachers:

Another MIDI Player
If you currently store all your MIDI files on floppy disk, you could simply put that disk into a computer, transfer your MIDI files to a directory on the computer, and then transfer those files using a USB link cable to one of the current MIDI players, such as the MBlaster.

Convert to MP3 or Audio CD
It is possible to convert your MIDI files into a format that can be burnt to CD! Using a nifty product from Roland called the Virtual Sound Canvas , you can convert your MIDI files to wave format, ready for burning to a CD that can be played in any CD Player.

Note: Usually, the tempo and key of Audio CD's can't be manipulated like a MIDI file can, but you could use a Superscope PSD340, to manipulate tempos and keys of any Audio CD in real-time, similar to a MIDI file player. The PSD340 is one of the few CD players that will also play MP3 files, so you could convert your backings to MP3, burn them to a CD, and have a hundred or more backings on the one CD!

Use a Computer for Playback
If you have a laptop or desktop computer in your studio or classroom, you can use it to play back your MIDI files. Software like the Virtual Sound Canvas can play back MIDI files with its high-quality soundset, and it doesn't require a fast computer to do it. All you need is a soundcard in your computer (every computer ships with one), and a set of speakers to hear the music play back.

Send us an email at info@binarydesigns.com.au, or call us on 1800 BINARY, and we can advise you of the best alternative for your situation.

Superscope PSD and Roland CD2 Compared

CD Recorder Comparison Table

Both Superscope and Roland have released CD Recorders, each with similar features and accessories. Below is a table comparing the Roland CD2 to two Superscope CD Recorders, the PSD340 and the PSD300.

PSD340 PSD300 Roland CD2

Music Practice Tools

Tempo Controls X X X

Key Control X X X

A-B Looping (except MP3) X X X

Vocal Reduction X X X

Plays CD-MP3 X

CD+G for Vocal Practice X

Metronome X X

Tuner X X

Inputs/Outputs

Stereo MIC/Line IN (1/4" & XLR) X
X
X

RCA OUT X X X

RCA Digital IN/OUT X X

Built-In Condensor Mic X X X

Headphone Out X X X

Built-In Speaker X X X

Optional Foot Pedal X X X

Remote Control Included X X

Recording Features

Dual CD Drives X X

48V Switchable Phantom Power X (300P) X

Reverb/Delay X X

CompactFlash Support X

Recommended Retail Pricing $1995 $1495 $1395

Click on the links below for more details for:

Loop 2 the Max: Entries close 25th August

Entries for the 'Loop 2 the Max' Competition close on 25th August. If you use any of the Sony Acid products, including Super Duper Music Looper, or Jam Trax, and you haven't entered, now is the time to do so! You can win fabulous Sony prizes for you and your school.

Click here for details about the competition, and to download the entry forms.

On-Site Training and Appraisal

Did you know that Binary Designs are able to provide on-site custom training on virtually any music software and hardware you have at your school or studio?

Many of our clients appreciate the convenience of being able to have us come to their workplace and present training in a more relaxed one-on-one or small group situation, at a time that suits them in their busy schedule. Why not call us to discuss your needs, we'd be most happy to oblige.

We can also give you a free appraisal to help you find a use for all your existing musical equipment, which may just need some special cable to connect it and make it useful again.

Phone us on (07) 3822 4884 or email info@binarydesigns.com.au

Professional Development Courses
Upcoming courses August/September 2006:

Part of our Binary Designs Basics series for
Vocational Education Training:

Vital
Effective
Today

Date Course Comment/Cost Time

Sat 26th August Introduction to Sony Cinescore Learn how to create film soundtracks in 3 easy clicks!
Hands-on $40 1:30pm-3:00pm Includes a/tea, handout & your CD

Sat 26th August Introduction to Vegas Movie Studio Learn how to create professional videos with Vegas Movie Studio
Hands-on $40 3:30-5:00pm Includes a/tea & your CD

Sat 2nd September Audio Recording 101 Learn how to record audio using a range of techniques and products
Hands-on $40 1:30pm-3:00pm Includes a/tea, workbook & CD

Sat 2nd September Introduction to MIDI Sequencing Learn how to use a MIDI sequencer to compose music
Hands-on $40 3:30pm-5:00pm Includes a/tea, workbook & CD

Sat 23rd September Sibelius 4 - The Basics Getting Started with Sibelius 4
Hands-on $40 1:30pm-3:00pm Includes a/tea, free software pack, & discount offers

Sat 23rd September Sibelius 4 - Level 2 (Advanced) Move beyond the basics and harness the power of Sibelius 4
Hands-on $40 3:30pm-5:00pm Includes a/tea, free software pack, & discount offers

As numbers are limited, we require payment/deposit with booking
Prices listed include GST
Location for all training courses is at Binary Designs Studio Birkdale
Attendees are eligible for special offers on software & hardware products used in the courses

Phone (07) 3822 4884 or email info@binarydesigns.com.au to reserve your place.

For enquiries or comments about any articles in this newsletter, please contact us via email: info@binarydesigns.com.au
Ph: 07 3822 4884
Fax: 07 3822 4636
ABN 37 009 820 366

Binary Designs
Linking Music & Technology

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