TECH TOOLS
The Canadian-made Musicology app is designed for music teachers who have struggled with conventional video conference platforms . The developers say they ’ ve solved numerous audio / video problems teachers have faced with traditional conferencing apps . The full-duplex , peer-to-peer audio is designed to significantly reduce lag and audio drops . It also features interactive tools like a polyphonic keyboard , annotatable grand staff , and guitar / ukulele features . The new browser version also includes dedicated , interactive tools specifically designed to make online music lessons more intuitive , engaging , and enjoyable for both teachers and students . A more comprehensive browser version with MIDI keyboard capabilities is also in the works . www . musicology . ca .
Mackie and the SAE Creative Media Institute have partnered to launch a virtual simulator of one of Mackie ’ s most popular mixers for music education . The Mackie 1604VLZ4 Analog Mixer Simulator comes as the second digital console developed by Dr . Mark Bassett as part of SAE Creative Media Institute ’ s Virtual Tools Project . The photo-realistic simulation of the 1604VLZ4 analog mixer allows remote high school and college students to experience life-like functionality and audio signal processing through a free , public download . It is available for use on non-mobile Mac products . With it , students are able to learn and test mixer features including but not limited to a 128.5dB dynamic range , tended frequency response , three-band EQ , and more . www . sae . edu . au / showcase / software .
Fuse Audio Labs has released VREV-666 as a free plug-in based on a rare 1960s-vintage spring reverb originally built for the BBC . It ’ s designed to bring back the typically rich , bouncy , and unpredictable vibes of a true electromechanical reverb in an authentic-sounding way . Though the original hardware features a single effect gain control , VREV-666 adds an Effect Mix stage , a Predelay of up to 150 ms , and a Tone EQ that attenuates the pronounced resonance of the spring system in the bass range , while a musical Effect Limiter built around a light bulb helps to tame peaks that would otherwise cause chirping overloads inside the spring tank . VREV-666 is offered for free , and is also free from any temporal or functional restrictions , and anyone creating a free account on the Fuse Audio Labs website will receive a full license . www . fuseaudiolabs . com .
Adaptr is a click-through music licensing platform open to all startups looking to add popular music to their product . For developers and entrepreneurs looking to create a fitness , dance , gaming , or social app that needs music , Adaptr can remove the traditional hurdles to music licensing and help prevent infringement . Designed for early-stage startups that have raised less than $ 7.5 million and earn less than $ 4.5 million in revenue , Adaptr says it can save companies the significant expense and worry of pursuing direct deals with record labels and publishers . www . adaptr . com .
74 CANADIAN MUSICIAN