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AudioUnit Support Added to Spark XL

(Click for a close-up)

TC Works' audio processing application Spark XL receives yet another expansion of its already extensive feature set.

In February 2003, Spark XL 2.7 gained its direct CD-Burning features from inside Spark XL's Play List, fulfilling one of the major user requests. This release already was the second feature enhancement within less than six months. In November 2002 a new high-end Dithering and Noise Shaping technology named MegaBitMax, AAC/MP4 support, W64 file format were added.

The new Version 2.8 delivers the previously announced Audio Units support. Apple Audio Units is a new Plug-In format exclusive to Mac OS X, and Spark XL is amongst the first applications to provide this feature.

Aside from providing Audio Units compatibility for all included VST FX-Plug-Ins like Spark's unique FXmachine processing matrix, Spark will also host Audio Units Plug-Ins. What's more, a new Loop Window provides Crossfade Looping, Loop Edit tools, a Set-tempo feature and key mapping information for samplers.

The workflow has once again been improved by a new Overview File management and improved database handling in Spark's Browser View. The Batch Converter is now ideal for processing complex libraries with nested folders by maintaining the original folder structure for the target files.

Last but not least, another major feature request has been fulfilled by providing completely user assignable key commands and support for long file names.

Spark XL 2.8 exclusively supports OS X. Mac OS 9 is no longer supported.

Pricing & Availability

SPARK XL 2.8 for Mac OS X is available in May 2003 from local TC Electronic distributors.

Spark XL 2.8 Full Version: $ 599 US. Updates are available on the Website. Users of Spark XL 2.7 update to version 2.8 free of charge on the web (www.tcelectronic.com). Users of earlier versions from 2.0 to 2.6 can upgrade directly on the web for $99.00.

Overview of Features added since November 2002

Spark XL 2.8

• All included VST FX-Plug-Ins Audio Units compatible,
• SPARK hosts Audio Units plug-ins
• Loop Window with Crossfade looping, Loop Edit tools and Set Tempo
• Instrument Information like Key Mapping (AIFF) and Tempo is stored with the project file.
• Hierarchical Folder structure in Batch Processor plus drag and drop support.
• FXmachine will now sync internally to set tempo in audio file.
• Overview Files may now be stored into one dedicated Folder
• Contextual Menu in Wave Editor
• Fully Assignable Keyboard Shortcuts
• Support for Bars | Beats Time base
• Save Options improved and extended.
• "Create Backup" added, which will backup your entire project in a new folder. The files will maintain the source project?s hierarchical folder structure
• Improved Data Base Structure in File View (Files may be moved around after loading)
• Long File Name support
• File Attributes pop up as roll-over ?stickies? over regions, audio files and folders
• Dedicated support for two-button mice with wheels
• Control Clicking the background of some windows will change time line.
• Cut Editor overviews accelerated

SPARK XL 2.7.1

• Hosting of Mach-O VST Plug-Ins.
• Support for Input only devices such as USB Microphones while using the system's default I/O Device for playback.
• Enabled recording with Edirol UA-1D at all supported input sample rates.

SPARK XL 2.7

• Only available on Mac OS X.
• CD Burning from SPARK XL
• Support for CD Frames Time base in Overview Ruler
• New Recording Dialog: Auto Region / Duration Record / Record to Wav 64 & MP3
• AAC (MP4) Support (Requires QT6)
• Better Admin handling
• Block (Mono) Mode I/O support for multi-channel sound cards such as RME, MOTU and Metric Halo
• Much Lower CPU requirements for all application / plug-in functions.

SPARK XL 2.6

• MegaBitMax word length reduction (Noise Shaping/Dithering)
• Open Multiple Edit Windows
• Disable Overview Creation after record
• Akai CD import and TDM Plug-In hosting discontinued
• Dramatically enhanced playback engine
• OS X: We have greatly improved how the application handles access privileges
• Improved network behavior
• Improved USB I/O Device support.
• New Editing features
• New behavior for Marker creation during recording.

For more information, visit their web site at http://www.tcworks.de/.

Recent TC Works headlines

• TC Releases Minor Update to Spark XL (2003-09-10)
• TC Tools Ready for Pro Tools HD (2003-06-02)
• AudioUnit Support Added to Spark XL (2003-05-08)
• TC Now Shipping Assimilator for PowerCore (2003-01-17)
• Spark XL 2.7 Now Shipping (2003-01-16)
• NAMM: TC PowerCore Comes to Mac OS X (2003-01-16)
• New Plug-In Added to TC PowerCore (2002-12-01)
• TC Works Debuts Assimilator for PowerCore (2002-10-07)
• ClassicVerb for TC PowerCore Ships October 10 (2002-10-06)
• TC Native Bundle 3.0 Adds Two New Plug-Ins (2002-09-12)

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