Digital Performer for Mac OS X shown @ NAMM (AU Support)

At NAMM MOTU demonstrated Digital Performer for Mac OS X, a state-of-the-art audio production environment that features universal MIDI and audio compatibility via Mac OS X's CoreMIDI and CoreAudio services. MOTU also announced support for Apple's Audio Units plug-in standard and demonstrated new features and program enhancements.

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"We've taken full advantage of Mac OS X's modern architecture," said Jim Cooper. "We believe that Digital Performer for Mac OS X sets a new standard for desktop music and audio."

The message about Digital Performer for Mac OS X was clear: universal compatibility. Digital Performer fully supports Mac OS X's CoreMIDI and CoreAudio technology, which supply Digital Performer users with standard audio and MIDI management features, along with plug-and-play compatibility with third-party audio and MIDI hardware, software applications, plug-ins, virtual instruments and other products.

In particular, Apple has established a new audio plug-in standard for Mac OS X called Audio Units (AU). Digital Performer users will enjoy direct, 100% compatibility with a rapidly growing universe of AU plug-ins and virtual instruments, without the need for plug-in "wrappers" or other complications.

MOTU also demonstrated Apple's Audio MIDI Setup utility, which provides Mac OS X users with system-wide MIDI device management. For example, MOTU MIDI interfaces immediately appear in the Audio MIDI Setup window when they are plugged into the Mac's USB port. Users can make MIDI device connections and settings with photo-realistic icons of hardware devices.

MIDI device patch lists (instrument sounds) are supplied by Mac OS X, and MOTU demonstrated them in Digital Performer. MOTU is converting its entire patch list library, which includes sound lists from hundreds of current and vintage synthesizers and other instruments, to Mac OS X to ensure that Digital Performer users experience a smooth transition to the new OS. All Mac OS X MIDI applications can take advantage of MOTU's patch lists as well.

MOTU demonstrated several new features and enhancements in Digital Performer for Mac OS X. Rewire 2.0 support gives Digital Performer users full MIDI and audio I/O compatibility with Propellerhead Reason and other Rewire-compatible virtual instruments. In addition, numerous enhancements have been added to Digital Performer's QuickScribe notation window, including score arrangement features such as repeat bar lines, endings, codas, and others.

The Mac OS X version of Digital Performer is expected to ship early in 2003.