Yowstar Releases "G" Interactive Audio/Video EnvironmentCombines a range of electronic music possibilities with video sampling on Windows XP and OS X
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(Click for a close-up) |
July 8, 2004
Yowstar has released a new product, simply titled "G," based on a
combination of ideas from former products Girl and Cosmetic.
With an emphasis on instant, interactive control over sound and video
playback, G unifies digital sound sources and controls. Separate
sources can be treated as one, or as a collection of sounds. Sound
designers will appreciate the control over each source and the ability
to pan effects treatments in the stereo field. Live performers will enjoy
the MIDI assignments, the immediacy of control, the infusion
of random elements, and integrated video sampling. For studio
musicians, there's also the ability to sculpt sound. G offers the ability to mix
sound on up to 24 speakers, and DJ's can attach multiple turntables equipped with MsPinky vinyl
(www.mspinky.com), creating an impressive audio/visual
virtual turntable application.
G is constructed of up to 16 modules, with each module created from a mix of
up to five stereo sources fed into a variety of effects. Individual
elements, such as small segments of sound or notes to a VST instrument can
be dragged to the probability-based sequencer for organizing melodies and
grooves.
The vast array of effects for each module include pitch, volume, granulator,
ringmod, distortion, downsample, delay, two multi-mode filters, and up to
four VST effects. These can all be easily configured to be controlled with
MIDI or one of eight multi-mode LFO's synchronized to a central tempo.
Extensive computer keyboard mappings provide a control surface
for the mobile musician.
MsPinky vinyl links the DJ's hands to the computer's bits. A standard
turntable and pre-amp plays the special audio signal from the MsPinky vinyl
and is interpreted by G to control pitch and scrub location on loops and mp3
files. Record scratching can now be part of a larger audio collage and live
performance, extending the creativity of the adventurous DJ.
G even plays video. A simple video sampler provides a bin of 30
readily-available Quicktime movies for playback and looping.
It can even play movies over FireWire.
A functionality-limited, free demo is available for download from Yowstar's web site. The commercial version is available at the same
site for US$111, or bundled with four platters of MsPinky vinyl for US$170.
For more information, visit their web site at www.yowstar.com. | 
