June 27
Emagic Ships Polyphonic Sampler for Macintosh
EXS24 offers 24-bit samples and supports third-party sounds

by David Nagel
Executive Producer

Emagic has started shipping the EXS24 (Emagic Xtreme Sampler 24 Bit), a professional polyphonic software sampler for Macintosh (and Windows). The EXS24 runs under Logic Audio and MicroLogic AV from Version 4.0 upwards and is Emagic's second foray into virtual instrument development.

The EXS24 uses an Instrument metaphor that allows for simple and complex structures, from a single sample played across the entire keyboard to densely multi-layered objects made up of numerous individual samples. The raw material for Instruments can be AIFF, WAV and SDII files from 8 bits to 24 bits, as well as sounds from third-party manufacturers.

An editor function allows users to design their own sounds, which, once defined, can be refined further with the built-in toolset. Tools include multi-mode filter; two full-range envelope generators for handling separate filter and volume changes; and polyphonic and monophonic LFOs, which can be applied to pitch, pan, volume and cutoff frequency. Users have the option of dynamically controlling a sample's start time via velocity and its pitch via the pitch envelope.

Other features include:

• Up to 16 (Logic Audio Platinum/Gold) or eight (Silver/MicroLogic) EXS24 with up to 64 voices each (depending on computer power);
• Sample accurate timing;
• Integration into Logic Audio's digital mixer with effects, total recall and full automation;
• Sample memory only limited by computer RAM;
• Reads AIFF, WAV and SDII files;
• Supports 8-bit to 24-bit and up to 96 KHz files;
• Converts AKAI S1000/S3000 format, with support for more under development;
• Multimode filter with resonance and distortion;
• Filter may be switched off to increase polyphony;
• Two ADSR envelopes;
• One polyphonic LFO with decay/delay-envelope;
• One monophonic LFO;
• LFOs can run free or in adjustable note values with sync to tempo;
• Portamento or Pitcher (Auto Bend);
• Volume or pan modulation;
• Poly, mono or legato mode.

Supported audio hardware and drivers include Mac AV, Audiowerk, EASI, Direct I/O, ASIO, Stud I/O (Mac only), 1212 I/O (Mac only). The EXS24 is available for $399 suggested retail. For more information, visit http://www.emagic.de.