Two New Virtual Instruments from Wizoo

Darbuka and Latigo are Wizoo's latest virtual instruments, available for both PC and Mac, that focus on bringing authentic percussion experiences to user tracks. Darbuka delivers Arabic and Middle Eastern styles where Latigo embodies Latin American traditions. Breaking from the traditional model of sample libraries and players, these plug-ins deliver real performances played by world-renowned percussionists. Wizoo's proprietary FlexGroove engine gives the user full real-time control over arrangement, performance, sound and integrated surround ambience.

Darbuka features 2GB of performances by world-renowned percussionists Suat Borazan and Mohamed Zaki playing authentic instruments such as darbuka, douhola, bendir, riqq, sagat, tura, bongos and shaker. These original multitrack groove performances are derived from the cultures of Algeria, Arabian Gulf, Egypt, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nubia, Sudan, Tunisia and Turkey. Styles include Ayoub/Zar, Baio, Chiftetelli, Churchuna, Dabkkah, Darig, Daza, Dishka, Fallahi, Fazani, Karachi, Jirk, Laz Havasi, Libi, Maghrebi, Maksum, Malfuf, Mambo Sudani, Masmoudy Kebir, Nubian Reggae, Nubian Samba, Rai, Roman Havasi, Rumba Khaligi, Rumba Masri, Saidi, Samai Thakil, Sufi, Sudasi, Tom Tom, Wahda, Wahrani, Wals, Zafa and Zorofat.

Latigo features 1GB of original multitrack groove performances from Grammy-award winner Clay Ostwald, Edwin Bonilla and Olbin Burgos of the Miami Sound Machine. The variety of instruments includes full drum kit, bongos, congas, quinta, djembe, cuica, surdo, timbales, repenique, pandeiros, cowbell, agogos, triangle, claves, guiro, samba whistle, shekere, caxixi, cabasa, maracas, shaker, clap, ganza, reco, wataki, bombo and tambora. Styles from Brazil, the Caribbean, Columbia, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela include Abacua, Afro-Cuban, Bembe, Bolero, Bomba, Bossa Nova, Caballo, Calypso, Cha Cha Cha, Charanga, Columbia, Columbian, Comparsa, Cucuye, Danza, Gaita, Guaguanco Timba, Guaguanco Mozambique, Mambo, Merengue, Mongo, Salsa, Palo, Pello Mozambique, Pilon, Plena, Samba, Songo, Son Montuno.

Both Darbuka and Latigo share the same virtual instrument technology that allows users to customize the performances. Real-time performance controls include tempo, tempo scale, variance, timing effects (tight/loose, quantize, swing), instrument groups, pattern complexity, mute/solo, level, positioning and more. The integrated mixer includes independent EQ, punch, and ambience adjustment for each instrument. Users can place instruments freely in one of 15 different surround stages, as well as play patterns, fills, solos, variations and mutes via MIDI keys. Instrument combinations can be stored in 61 scene memories. Outputs are provided main stereo/surround plus 14 individual instruments.

Both Darbuka and Latigo are compatible with Mac Audio Units, VST Win/Mac and Mac RTAS. Windows minimum requirements are Windows XP on a Pentium III 500 MHz or AMD7 (Pentium III / Athlon 1 GHz or faster recommended) with 256 MB RAM, 2GB free hard disk space and VST 2.0-compatible host software. Macintosh minimum requirements are OS X 10.3 or higher on a G3 500 MHz (G4 or faster recommended) with 256 MB RAM, 2GB free hard disk space. And VST 2.0-, AU- or RTAS-compatible host software. Both platforms require a MIDI Interface, DVD-ROM drive for installation, and Internet connection (on any computer) for software certification.

Wizoo Darbuka and Latigo are currently shipping and carry an MSRP of $299.95 USD each. M-Audio is the exclusive worldwide distributor for these new products.