AudioFinder: audio library and production database software

While wanting to speed up my editing time, I decided that I was going to purchase an audio library database application. Looking for a recommended industry used and affordable sound effects library database I studied the features of SoundMiner and Netmix Pro. These are two of the leading industry database software platforms for sound design in film. In my research however I also came across a lesser known cheaper software application, Audiofinder.  Visiting the website of Iced Audio, Audio Finder it is apparent that this software is not produced by a large company. Theer are not multiple versions of the software at varying prices, it is just one product and one price.

 At only $70US, I decided to download the demo to see if this would suffice my needs. Being time limited to 20 minute blocks I soon became frustrated with the software, so much so that I bought it as I was interested in pushing it. Although appearing to be set up for music libraries, I soon learned that Audiofinder is just as fluent with SFX libraries. A few limitations were annoying with the first version I downloaded, however I have since trialed a new beta version of the next release of the software and these annoyances have been answered. The software works seamlessly with ProTools with the spotting of sounds directly into your sessions. If you work with the ProTools Workspace - STOP. Get Audiofinder as it is incredibly fast for searching and auditioning your sounds. You can audition files, select a snippet right click and instantly the audio is imported into your ProTools timeline. Audiofinder also works the same way with Logic. You can also pitch on the fly, and process using your plugins.

What I also like about Audiofinder is that I can bring in my own sound effects recordings and use the slice tool, and embed meta data for even quicker more precise library searches. This software is quite simply, amazing value for money and a MUST for any sound editor.

Some features include:

• Sophisticated Metadata Database
• Groundbreaking Mac OS X Finder Integration
• Integrated Sample Tool trim/loop/fade editor with beat slicer
• Browser, bookmarks, history, favorites, and navigation tools
• Database Notes for keeping track of things.
• Play multiple sounds at one time and explore layering.
• Instant playback with mouse and MIDI input for pitch control
• Peak analysis and pitch analyzer tools
• Find Duplicate sounds by analyzing the sound content.
• Drag-and-drop integration with Finder and all audio apps
• Direct Pro Tools and Logic support for spotting sounds to the track/cursor location.
• High-quality sample rate, depth, and format conversion
• Most operations available in automated batch processing mode
• AU/VST/MAS/RTAS plugin manager and AU presets management
• Create single sample EXS instruments with one click
• Direct connect with SoundCloud.
• 100% Non-destructive, AudioFinder will not modify your files. Instead it creates new files when processing leaving the originals intact.
• Supports ReCycle/REX playback and export to AIFF
• Apple Loop, BWF and ACID Wav Metadata display
• Formats: Apple Loops, CAF, AIFF, AIFC, SDII, BWF, WAV, REX, RX2, MP3, ACC, M4A, SYX, MID, FLAC and OGG Vorbis

Keep your web browsers in sync

Do you work on multiple computers?
Do you browse the web on a mobile device?
Would you like your bookmarks and web history to be in sync across all devices?

The impending release of Firefox will see the ability to have all of your Firefox browsers and mobile devices synced with Bookmarks, Passwords, History and Tabs. Although not yet released officially, you can already download the Firefox 4 beta version from here. Firefox Sync is the only service with end-to-end encyrption. Sync’s advanced security measures mean you’re never vulnerable to online bad guys or companies that will sell your information.

Although Firefox doesn't run native as an app on the iPhone, it syncs with the Firefox Home app, giving you access to the sync features on your desktop. Only having used this for a couple of days, I am liking the sync functions. Be warned however that if your current version of Firefox is running 3rd party add-ons, these may not yet be compatible with Firefox 4. Zotero for one is not compatible.

Australias CineSync acheives Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences honors

Australia's Tony Clark, Alan Rogers, Neil Wilson and Rory McGregor have been recognised for their software design and continued development of cineSync, a tool for remote collaboration and review of visual effects. Easy to use, cineSync has become a widely accepted solution for remote production collaboration.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences will honor the CineSync  at the Scientific and Technical Awards Presentation at the Beverly Wilshire on Saturday, Feb. 12.

The MPSE present "TRON Legacy - The Sound Show"

Pro Tools 9 -released-

Pro Tools 9 redefines the world’s most popular, most advanced music and audio production platform with a completely re-architected, open version of Pro Tools software.

Work with an audio interface—or without. Create bigger, better-sounding mixes with more tracks, Automatic Delay Compensation, and other pro features included as standard. Open your workflow to projects created in other audio and video software—and to the entire Avid Artist Series and Pro Series (formerly Euphonix) console/controller line.

Features include:

* Work with your favorite Avid audio interface, third-party Core Audio/ASIO interface (up to 32 channels supported), or standalone
* Create bigger mixes with more simultaneous audio tracks—up to 96 or 192* voices
* Get coveted pro features such as multitrack Beat Detective, OMF/AAF/MXF interchange, DigiBase Pro, and full Import Session Data dialog as standard
* Create better-sounding, phase-accurate mixes with Automatic Delay Compensation
* Expand your hands-on control options with EUCON integration for Artist and Pro Series consoles/controllers
* Work with video more easily with the Time Code Ruler and variable stereo pan depths, and mix in surround with the updated 7.1 surround panner*
* Create complex mixes with 256 internal busses, 160 aux tracks, and 512* total audio tracks
* Share your music mixes with anyone with included MP3 Export

* Feature/spec only available in Pro Tools HD 9 software and Pro Tools 9 software with the added Complete Production Toolkit 2 option.

For more information: visit the Pro Tools 9 product page.

No this is not a sound article. But it is still pretty cool...

Here is a cheap HD camera for all you adrenalin junkies... and for only $400 AUD!!!
The GoPro camera range is designed for and already used by many professional film and TV producers, athletes and enthusiasts.  GoPro have now developed the new High Definition HD HERO, a full blown professional-grade wearable camera, at consumer price. 

...it was only a matter of time

Avid have released a new addition to their Pro Tools range - the new HD Native. Many people have been expecting this immanent addition to their range and now it is here. No pricing or upgrade paths are listed on the website yet.