New VST-Compatible Hardware System from CreamWare

At Musikmesse 2001 in Frankfurt, CreamWare will disclose Pulsar XTC, a DSP accelerator for VST-compatible software systems under Windows and MacOS.

With Pulsar XTC, users of VST-compatible recording software can expand their system with massive additional processing power. Available directly within the familiar working environment (e.g. Cubase VST, Logic, Nuendo), Pulsar XTC provides the power of six 32-bit SHARC DSPs and an extensive software package with effects and virtual instruments. Thanks to the seamless integration of massive DSP power with native systems, the host CPU is unburdened and the audio computer is transformed into a highly professional music production system.

Included in the software package is a collection of high-quality virtual synthesizers and sample-players, as well as a multitude of professional 32-bit effects (compressor, limiter, gate, delays, chorus, flanger, phaser, equalizer). Furthermore, Pulsar XTC can easily be expanded with additional plug-ins from the Pulsar /SCOPE platform. There are already more than 100 DSP plug-ins available from CreamWare, 3rd party developers and users of the SCOPE development system. All Pulsar XTC plug-ins are computed by the DSPs on the hardware. Hence, the processing power of the host CPU stays free for VST effects and other tasks which can be performed simultaneously. If required, the Pulsar XTC PCI-card can be expanded with audio inputs and outputs, so that no additional sound card is required. Three options are available, each of which features anywhere from 20 to 24 I/Os and 24-bit / 96 kHz support. Furthermore, the processing power is freely scalable via the addition of further DSP cards to the system.

Pulsar XTC is the ideal addition to any VST-compatible recording program. An upgrade to Pulsar II with its additional features, such as unrestricted and latency-free signal routing or "live" mixing functionality, is possible at any time.

Pulsar is expected to be available in April 2001 at a recommended sales price of 999 US$ for Mac and PC.