Multimedia: Studio Vision Pro tuned up; Opcode adds editing tools in Version 4.0

MacWeek, March 2, 1998 by John Poultney

Opcode Systems Inc. in mid-March will add a slew of new features to Studio

Vision Pro, its integrated MIDI-sequencing and digital audio editing package.

Studio Vision Pro 4.0, priced at $995, will expand support for hardware from

Avid Technology Inc.'s Digidesign division. The new package will work with Pro

Tools 24's 24-bit audio files, for example, and it will work with files from

eight- to 24-bit resolution when performing digital signal processing

functions.

Version 4.0 will include a new general-purpose edit window that will let users

select data according to variables such as track number or event time. After

such criteria is established, the edit type may be saved as a template for

further operations, Opcode said.

Another new window called Groove Edit will use a time-based grid for

sequencing rhythm tracks. A tool called Magic Drumstick will let users modify

rhythmic elements while the sequence progresses.

Other new functions will include cross-fades, QuickTime 3.0 support and the

capability to "nudge" events with the keyboard arrow keys by preset amounts.

It will also feature nested loops in the main track window; this will let

users construct full songs from several small parts. Users will also be able

to mute solo phrases and blocks. Upgrades from Version 3.5 will cost $149.95.

Opcode Systems Inc. of Palo Alto, Calif., can be reached at (650) 856-3333 or

(800) 557-2633; fax (650) 856-0777; info@opcode.com; http://www.opcode.com.