Archive notice: This article was originally published on November 18, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The software is distinguished particularly by its precise control over the creative process. Its new mixing environment includes improvements to MIDI track freeze, tempo curves and beatmapping, along with new import and export options.
According to the manufacturer, the product also offers powerful, intuitive DAW functions including multitrack recording, 5.1 surround-sound mixing, a robust MIDI sequencer and industry-leading loop-based music production, and is now compatible with Microsoft Vista.
Highlights of ACID Pro 7 include:
ACID Pro 7 expands the application’s DAW capabilities with new features designed to make music production smoother. It uses Transparent Technology™, for which Sony’s professional music applications are known, and provides a comprehensive collection of digital-audio-production tools supporting many different workflows. Interactive tutorials are now included to help new users get started.
New functions:
Audio and MIDI mixing console
The new audio and MIDI mixing console provides additional routing options, creating a significantly more efficient studio recording environment. Similar to a traditional hardware mixing desk, it offers an integrated view of every track and bus in an ACID project. The display can also be customized so users retain an overview even during the most complex sessions.
MIDI track freeze
ACID Pro 7 can freeze MIDI tracks created with multiple software synthesizers and render them as .wav files for streaming and audio playback. When mixing with several software synthesizers, MIDI track freeze can therefore improve CPU efficiency.
Real-time rendering
Real-time rendering allows users to incorporate live material from external sources such as an instrument, microphone or MIDI controller in real time. Audio can also be routed to external hardware and effects processors.
Input buses
Input buses provide greater control over input-signal routing. This includes recording external devices with effects, mixing external audio sources with projects, applying external effects processors to tracks and buses, and monitoring input signals in real time.
Improved time stretching and pitch shifting with Zplane élastique Pro
Compositions produced with ACID Pro 7 sound better than ever thanks to the integration of Zplane’s new élastique time-stretching technology. The advanced processing supplies new algorithms for nearly artifact-free time stretching and pitch shifting. Beatmapped tracks can now be stretched and pitch-shifted with even better results at maximum sound quality.
Improved beatmapping for tracks with changing tempos
The enhanced beatmapping function allows users to map songs with varying tempos and different time signatures, providing greater flexibility when composing pieces and producing remixes.
Tempo curves
New tempo curves offer a more efficient way to align a piece’s tempo linearly, allowing users to implement both dramatic and subtle tempo variations in ACID Pro projects.
Support for FLAC, AAC, AC-3 Studio and MPEG-2 formats
The software supports the import and export of additional file formats, offering further options for integrating streaming media and hardware devices such as the Apple iPod.
Additional benefits
ACID Pro 7 includes a software package valued at more than €230, including Garritan Aria for ACID Pro Players, a special sample library assembled in cooperation with Plogue Art et Technologie Inc.; ACID Pro Effects Rack powered by iZotope; Submersible Music KitCore; and Native Instruments Guitar Combos. The product also offers more than 3,000 loops and 1,000 MIDI files. Users can upload songs directly from the ACID Pro interface to the ACIDplanet.com online music community. Sony Creative Software further expands its music-creation content with more than 130 high-quality loop libraries optimized for the ACID product line, described as the industry’s largest content collection.
Price and availability
The product is available from November through German retailers and at http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/acidpro. The manufacturer’s recommended retail price is €291.95.
Further Links:
- More information and download
