News: MasterTools Announced for Soundscape

MasterTools offers Apogee's proprietary dithering algorithm, the UV-22 word-length reduction process, for Soundscape DAWs and Mixtreme PCI Card.

The MasterTools plug-in has been redeveloped by the audio research company Spectral Design for Steinberg, who has licensed the Apogee UV-22 algorithm. The end result captures the transparency and usable dynamic range of 24-bit audio for formats that are limited in bit resolution, such as compact discs.

Apogee's UV-22 algorithm takes a high-resolution signal, such as a 24-bit recording, and translates it into the 16-bit signal required for DAT, CD, and other mastering applications. The noise floor remains at the theoretical 16-bit level, yet as with an analog recording, you can hear additional detail "through" the noise floor. A large meter display provides 8 different scales, as well as peak and average values, and keeps a 5 second history visible.

Features Include :

• UV-22 dithering process to capture 24-bit resolution and detail onto standard 16-bit formats
• DC removal for seamless, click-free editing
• 3D historical phase and level metering display
• Individual channel mutes, phase and stereo reverse, plus Nova overprotection
• Compatible with Soundscape DAWs and the Soundscape Mixtreme PCI card

The Apogee's MasterTools plug-in was on show at the recent Paris AES show, and is expected to be shipping this month.