Studio Vision Pro, Vision DSP 4.2.1 Ready

Opcode Systems today announced that new versions of Vision DSP and Studio Vision Pro are being released allowing musicians to use the iMac and the new G3 for music. Complete compatibility will be achieved using PACE Software's proven "Challenge/ Response", a new version of OMS, and new USB MIDI and audio interfaces from Opcode. Other Opcode music applications including Galaxy Plus Editors and MAX are planned to follow soon. The new iMac and G3 computers lack two important features of earlier models: a floppy disk drive, needed for copy protection of high-end music software, and serial ports, used to connect MIDI and synchronization interfaces. The new computers do have the new industry standard USB (Universal Serial Bus) however, and Opcode is leading the music industry with seven new USB audio and MIDI hardware releases over the next few months.

"The new Macs are so powerful and affordable, musicians are anxious to use them for their music projects!" says Jonnie Gillham, Opcode's Software Products Manager. "The copy protection solution ships first, then we'll follow it with a whole family of USB MIDI and audio devices. Musicians will then have the most integrated music production system ever made."

The new versions of Opcode's software will function for 30 days without the need for copy protection, then the user will contact Opcode or the international distributor to obtain a special code to authorize the hard disk for use. Opcode will be using PACE Software's "Challenge / Response" system for users who don't have a floppy drive. This essentially is a system of creating a personalized serial number and matching key number from each specific hard disk. Opcode has been successfully using this system for several years in its software testing process. The first releases of these are Vision DSP 4.2.1 and Studio Vision Pro 4.2.1. If a user buys a USB floppy drive they can use the same floppy-based disk authorization that Opcode has been using.

To adapt for the absence of serial ports on the new Macs, Opcode is introducing the MIDIport series of interfaces to connect computers to the world of MIDI through USB. A new version of Opcode's Open Music System (OMS) allows any OMS compatible software to use the new MIDIport series on a Mac. (The MIDI port series also works with all Windows 98 compatible MIDI software.) The MIDIport series takes advantage of USB, which is hundreds of times faster than the MIDI spec, and offers rock-solid MIDI timing.

Opcode has also announced the DATport, SONICport and SONICport Optical USB audio devices and the hybrid STUDIOport AMX that has both audio and MIDI capabilities. Apple compatibility for USB audio is due in Spring 1999.