Cakewalk Announces Version 7 of SoftwareMakes Real-Time, 32-bit, Floating-Point Audio Processing Effects Available to Every Level of User January 29, 1998Cakewalk has announced
Cakewalk Pro Audio 7, Cakewalk Professional 7 and Cakewalk Home Studio 7, a new generation
of the world's most popular software for recording, editing, and mixing digital audio and
MIDI.
In an unprecedented move, Cakewalk supports real-time audio effects in all three
products, marking the first time that real-time effects are available to users in software
priced less than $99 (U.S.). The new version also includes an on-screen mixing console for
recording and mixing MIDI and digital audio from a single window, plus an updated user
interface with customizable tool bars.
"We're making professional audio effects available to every level of user in a way
that is easy to understand and use," said Greg Hendershott, chairman and chief
technology officer at Cakewalk. "Everyone needs effects like pitch shifting to create
harmonies or fix off-pitch recordings, but these features have only been available in
high-end products, until today."
The new Pro Audio 7, Professional 7 and Home Studio 7 products include enhancements
that apply to the entire product line, offering new capabilities to every level of user at
every price point. These enhancements include:
Real-Time Audio Effects
In a first for the industry, Cakewalk breaks price barriers and redefines the music
software market by providing real-time, 32-bit, floating-point audio processing effects to
every level of user. The effects include reverb, chorus, delay, pitch shifting, and time
stretching.
New Mixing Console
This all-new mixing console enables users to record and mix an entire MIDI and digital
audio project from one convenient window. Smooth, accurate faders; pan and volume
automation; and fader grouping with spot editing provide the user with precise control
over the process. It also includes track arming with full input metering; and patch points
for applying effects to tracks and the final mix. Plus, the user can customize and save
different console layouts, recalling them for future projects.
Enhanced Notation Editing and Printing
New enhancements to notation editing and printing include improved layout, spacing, and
control. The zoom control allows for the adjustment of the on-screen notation display to
show more staves and measures at one time. Flexible assignment of tracks to music staves
and automatic engraver spacing enable parts to be grouped together for higher-quality
printed notation. The new enhancements supplement existing capabilities for standard and
single line percussion clef notation, guitar chord grids, lyrics, expression text, dynamic
markings, pedal marking and composer name and title.
New User Interface
A refined user interface has many aesthetic and ergonomic improvements that allow users
to work more efficiently. Enhancements include improved transport controls, customizable
tool bars, 3-D buttons and sliders, and short-cut icons for opening different editing
windows quickly. In addition, a new Settings property panel consolidates many program
options into one central location.
The ultimate in flexibility, users now have the ability to open several projects at
once and cut, copy and paste material among different projects.
Pricing and Availability
The estimated street prices for these products are: Cakewalk Pro Audio 7 $299 (U.S.); Cakewalk Professional 7 $199 (U.S.); and Cakewalk Home
Studio 7 $99 (U.S.). All three
products will be available in the second quarter of 1998.
Customers who purchase Cakewalk Home Studio 6, Professional 6, and Pro Audio 6 between
January 29th, 1998 and May 1st, 1998 will receive free upgrades to
version 7.
For more information, call 888-CAKEWALK or visit Cakewalk on the World Wide Web at www.cakewalk.com. | 
