M-Audio has released two new virtual instruments for the Mac, Darbuka and Latigo. The two new instrument packages focus on the percussive, with Darbuka specifically aiming for a "Middle Eastern" sound, and Latigo catering to Latin American sounds. Both products were developed by Wizoo, and are being distributed by M-Audio: From M-Audio:
Darbuka and Latigo are both VI plug-ins for 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 unique software applications 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 high-quality 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 high-quality original multitrack groove performances from Grammy-award winner Clay Ostwald, Edwin Bonilla and Olbin Burgos of the Miami Sound Machine. The amazing 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 endlessly 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 titles are compatible with the Mac Audio Unit format, which means they can also be used in GarageBand. They also conform to VST Win/Mac and Mac RTAS. Both titles are priced at US$299.95 each. As of this writing, neither product has been added to the M-Audio Web site.