Sporting an extensive 45GB sound library, a new hybrid synthesis engine, new scripting technology and a completely overhauled interface design, MOTU is now shipping MachFive 3.0, the latest major upgrade to its sampler software. The new version adds universal compatibility with all major third-party sample libraries, unlimited channels for mixing, drag-and-drop importing of audio files, unlimited polyphony, multiple outputs and many other new features and enhancements.
Borrowing a page from Apple’s standard UI design, MachFive 3 now shows a tabbed list of sounds on the left-hand side, main controls on the top and a tabbed main window. Each section can be resized, shown or hidden as needed. Users can pre-set “favorite” volumes, folders, locations and sound banks when loading sounds, or do an instant search. Editing can be done with basic settings, or users can employ additional tabs to call up different editors, views, racks and settings.
Version 3.0 also features LoopLab, an advanced slice loop editor that supports Apple Loops, Acid, UFS, Rex and custom loops, as well as a new Xpander filter based on the Oberheim Xpander and sporting 37 modes, each its own filter. Multiple samples can be dragged in in one operation, users can submix output to 17 stereo pair options, and the software now includes IR Verb, an efficient convolution reverb processor with hundreds of virtual “spaces,” vintage plates and classic studio reverbs, along with an IR editor and importer.
The highlight of the sound library are the seven signature multi-sample instruments, packed with expressive nuance and the ability to play each one in a variety of styles. Instruments include Telematic, a recreation of the Fender Telecaster; Star Drums, a complete drum set with multiple mic, sample cycling and support for General MIDI; J-Bass, an electric bass with both finger and pick (with and without muting), legato, hammer and slide techniques; an upright acoustic bass; F Grand 278, a Fazioli concert grand piano that includes resonance volume as well as release and pedal volume, room ambiance and velocity controls; a classic Fender Rhodes Mark II suitcase piano, and a comprehensive Latin and world music percussion set, again with both General MIDI and default mappings.
The 45GB sample library also includes 8GB of sound effects, foley effects and sound textures — over 5,000 in all — for both music use and stage or video sound design. The software also features a new synth engine that offers 47 different effects with each sound object, on-the-fly upsampling and downsampling, support for HD audio as well as (up to) 7.1 multi-channel surround sound. Almost every setting in the program can be automated, modulated, or both.
MachFive 3.0 supports Mac (OS X 10.5 or later) and Windows (Vista or Windows 7). It can be used as a stand-alone program or as an AU, VST or RTAS plug-in. It supports 64-bit operation on compatible systems. The retail price remains the same at $495, and registered users can upgrade for $179. A competitive upgrade program allows users of other sample software to switch to MachFive 3 for $295 (proof of ownership is required).
