Oct 12, 2004 3:10 PM, By Mix Editors

M-Audio announced the release of two new virtual instruments by Wizoo: Darbuka and Latigo. M-Audio is the exclusive worldwide distributor for these new products. Wizoo Darbuka and Latigo are currently shipping and are $299.95 MSRP USD each.

Darbuka (pictured) 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 previous models of sample libraries and players, these software applications deliver real performances played by percussionists. Wizoo’s proprietary FlexGroove engine gives the user full real-time control over arrangement, performance, sound and integrated surround ambience.

Darbuka features 2 GB of performances by renowned percussionists Suat Borazan and Mohamed Zaki who play authentic instruments such as darbuka, douhola, bendir, riqq, sagat, tura, bongos and shaker.

Latigo features 1 GB of original multitrack 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, bombo and tambora, just to name a few.

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.

“Darbuka and Latigo are incredible examples of Wizoo’s incredibly realistic virtual instrument technology in action,” says Adam Castillo, marketing director at M-Audio. “Their output is extremely organic because they are based on real performances of amazing players. Wizoo’s FlexGroove technology lets users endlessly personalize these performances to fit their tracks. It’s like being a producer hiring and directing world-class virtual session players.”

Both Darbuka and Latigo are compatible with Mac Audio Units, VST Win/Mac and Mac RTAS. Windows minimum requirements are Windows XP on a Pentium III 500 MHz or AMD7 (Pentium III/Athlon 1 GHz or faster recommended) with 256 MB RAM, 2GB free hard disk space and VST 2.0-compatible host software. Mac minimum requirements are OS X 10.3 or higher on a G3 500 MHz (G4 or faster recommended) with 256 MB RAM, 2GB free hard disk space. Both platforms require a MIDI Interface, DVD-ROM drive for installation, and Internet connection (on any computer) for software certification. For more information, please go to the M-Audio Website at www.m-audio.com.

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