Cakewalk's Guitar Studio Now Shipping

(click for a close-up)

"Until now, guitar players like myself had to record MIDI and digital audio using software designed for keyboard players," said Michael Hoover, product manager, Cakewalk. "Guitar Studio is different because it is specialized. It provides a software interface and tools specifically designed for recording, mixing, and arranging guitar tracks. So it is easy to learn and use, and a great way to capture ideas fast."

Cakewalk Guitar Studio is a key component of the Guitar Technology Alliance between Cakewalk, Fender, and Roland - also announced today. The alliance was formed to bridge the gap between guitar players and music software.

The first solution from the alliance is the combination of three distinct products optimized to work together; Cakewalk Guitar Studio; the Roland GR-30 Guitar Synthesizer and the Fender Roland-Ready Stratocaster®, a classic Strat® with built-in Roland divided pickup.

KEY FEATURES

Multi-track recorder

For many guitar players, the multi-track cassette recorder is a familiar tool. That's why Guitar Studio provides an on-screen multi-track recording and mixing console that works like a hardware-based, multi-track recorder. From this Console view, users can record as many as 8 tracks of audio and 256 tracks of MIDI; add real-time effects processing like chorus, reverb and delay; and perform final mix-downs. Plus, users can modify MIDI tracks in real-time.

With 8 tracks of digital audio a guitarist can easily record other instruments or vocalists, or use the additional audio tracks to record and mix a project from multiple "takes." Support for 256 MIDI tracks allows the user to compose and arrange any music project with complete orchestration for piano, percussion, strings, or any other instrument.

Global track editor

For global MIDI and audio track editing, Guitar Studio provides an intuitive Track Edit view. Users can cut, copy, and paste sections of music with a mouse using familiar drag-and-drop techniques.

Virtual Fretboard

For composing MIDI tracks, Guitar Studio provides the Virtual Fretboard - an on- screen representation of a guitar neck that enables users to create and edit guitar chords plus write melody or bass lines. To step-record MIDI notes, users just click on the fretboard or type on the QWERTY keyboard. To learn a new song, users can follow the Virtual Fretboard during playback of MIDI tracks as it displays notes and chords in synchronization with the music.

Synchronized Notation

Guitar Studio also features a Staff view that displays notation instantly as users "play" the fretboard. It enables users to quickly create lead sheets incorporating guitar chord grids, lyrics, and dynamic markings; then print as many as 24 staves per page.

During playback, Guitar Studio displays notes on the fretboard in synchronization with the accompanying staff. Displaying finger positioning and notation simultaneously is ideal for learning and teaching guitar.

Song Wizard

To help users capture an otherwise fleeting musical inspiration, Guitar Studio features a Song Wizard for creating backing rhythm tracks fast. Users can preview and select from a full library of drum loops, grooves, bass lines, and other MIDI/audio content; then simply choose the desired number of bars; and set the tempo.

Song Wizard eliminates the need for an external drum machine or MIDI keyboard so guitarists can focus on playing. In addition to the collection of content provided with Guitar Studio, users can download files from the Internet and other sources.

Roland GR-30 Control Panel

Guitar Studio is seamlessly integrated with the Roland GR-30 guitar synthesizer via an on-screen control panel for accessing the GR-30's wide range of sounds and effects. With the control panel displayed during playback, users can change instrument patches and other MIDI-based settings in real-time.

Other Guitar Features

Guitar Studio also features a scrolling Lyrics view; a MIDI Guitar Setup window for controlling recorded MIDI notes and controller data; and an on-screen Guitar Tuner.

Pricing and Availability

The estimated street price of Cakewalk Guitar Studio is $199 (U.S.) and it will be available in the Fall of 1998.