Metro 5.0 for Mac Released

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Cakewalk, the leading provider of music and sound creation software, today announced Metro 5 - a complete multitrack digital audio and MIDI studio for the Macintosh. With new effects automation, an enhanced user interface, and support for ASIO-compatible audio hardware, Metro 5 provides Mac users with a creative alternative for professional music and sound projects.

"Metro is now a complete solution for music and sound production," said Michael Hoover, product manager, Cakewalk. "Metro has always been highly regarded as a creative MIDI sequencer, and loyal customers have praised its unique songwriting tools. These new audio capabilities put Metro on a new level. Metro users now can produce complete audio and MIDI projects while still leveraging Metro's unique, creative toolset."

Metro 5 allows users to record any musical instrument or sound source, arrange music with flexible pattern-based sequencing, work with creative tools like NoteSpray and the Rhythm Explorer, mix in real-time using automated audio effects, edit and print notation, and create sound tracks for film, video and QuickTime movies.

New Features Include:

• Improved user interface for increased musical productivity
• Support for ASIO-compatible audio cards
• Real-time effects processing with automation
• Up to eight stereo auxiliary busses for routing real-time effects
• Audio scrubbing for quick auditioning of tracks
• Improved drag-and-drop editing of audio
• Crossfades with linear and exponential curves
• VU meters for accurate level-monitoring of audio and MIDI
• Wide range of desktop color schemes
• Context-sensitive, searchable Online Help
• Online tutorials

Pricing and Availability

Cakewalk Metro 5 is now shipping; it has a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) of $249 U.S. Metro users can upgrade to Metro 5 for as little $59 (plus shipping and handling).