MOTU is now shipping MachFive 3.0, a major update to their universal software sampler for Mac & Windows.

Version 3.0 includes a new user interface design, an extensive 45 GB sound library, seven signature instruments based on new scripting technology, a new hybrid synthesis engine, licensed algorithms from the IRCAM research institute, and many other new features and enhancements.

Here’s a guide to what’s new in MOTU MachFive 3.0.

Features:

• 45 GB sound library (7 DVDs) – Features loops, phrases, sounds, and advanced multi-sample instruments with dynamic performance powered by state-of-the-art scripting technology.
• Simple operation – Unique, unified design provides instruments, loops, phrases, synthesis and FX in one easy-to-use window.
• Scripting engine with unlimited layers – Delivers realistic multi-sample instruments, dynamic performance, and possibilities for programmers and sound designers.
• IRCAM technology – Time-stretching, pitch-shifting & granular synthesis licensed from the IRCAM research institute.
• Universal support – Directly reads all major 3rd-party hardware/software sample formats for consolidated sound library management.
• Complete mixing – Graphic mixer with faders, FX inserts, and unlimited channels.
• Powerful effects – Flexible effects architecture with 47 different effects, including convolution reverb, applied at any level you wish.
• Deep synthesis – Advanced modular synthesis architecture with eleven sound engines and flexible modulation matrix.
• Full-screen editing – Comprehensive automation, modulation and editing.
• Unlimited parts – Combine instruments and tempo-synced loops. Layer synths and sample-based parts.
• 3rd-generation UVI Engine
• Multiple outputs – Submix to 17 stereo output pairs.
• Disk streaming – conserve RAM & quicken load times.
• Unlimited polyphony – with low software latency.

MachFive’s scripted instruments add expressive nuance to help reproduce not only the sound but the playing characteristics of the instrument, including finger picking techniques, string hammer-ons, note-bending, and chord strumming.

The electric guitar and bass instruments play proper fingerings and inversions for guitar chords, regardless of how they are played on a keyboard or other MIDI controller.

MachFive Signature Instruments:

• Telematic — a dynamic recreation of the Fender Telecaster electric guitar with 9500 samples, five velocity layers, four round robin samples per note, separate up and down strokes, hammer on, pull off, slides up and down, mutes, fret noises, chord recognition, strumming engine, chord sequencing, automatic hand position, and solo mode string detection.
• Star Drums — a complete drum set in both acoustic and processed versions with multiple mics, mixing, adjustable sample cycling, and easy setup with support for General MIDI and other industry standard MIDI controller mappings.
• J-Bass — a deeply sampled and scripted electric bass with a variety of playing techniques, including finger and pick (with or without muting from the right hand), legato, hammer, and slide.
• The Upright — acoustic upright bass supplied with multiple miking positions and many playing techniques including hammer, slide, legato, slap, release volume, and sensitivity.
• F Grand 278 —  Fazioli concert grand with release volume, pedal volume, key noises, resonance volume (the sound of the body of the piano), room ambiance (convolution), velocity sensitivity and velocity amplification.
• Mark 79 — Fender Rhodes Mark II suitcase piano from 1979, including 2500 samples across ten velocity layers with time-based release samples for accurate staccato, resonance, effects such as tremolo and spring reverb, and adjustable key and pedal noise.
• Percussiv — a latin/world percussion set with both General MIDI and default mappings.

Other MachFive 3 Highlights:

• LoopLab — An advanced slice loop editor that supports REX, ACID, UFS, Apple Loops, and custom loops.
• Universal 3rd-party sample library support – Directly reads all major 3rd-party hardware/software sample formats and sample discs (Kontakt, Giga, EXS24, HALion, Kurzweil, Akai, Roland, Ensoniq, Sample Cell, and many others) with no conversion, for consolidated sound library management.
• Complete mixing – Graphic mixer with faders, FX inserts, and unlimited channels.
• New Xpander filter — Based on the venerable Oberheim Xpander, this new filter provides 37 modes, each a separate filter in its own right.
• IR Verb — A CPU-efficient convolution reverb processor that provides hundreds of presets for acoustic spaces, classic high-end studio reverbs, vintage plates and spring reverbs, plus eclectic impulse responses for sound design. Drag and drop your own IRs, and you can even edit IR waveforms directly.
• Drag and drop operation — Supports easy drag and drop importing of audio files, loops, and samples to and from the computer desktop or a host software application.
• Multi-sample import — Drag and drop multiple samples in one operation to map them intelligently into layers or splits. With straightforward sample-naming conventions, hundreds of samples can be precisely mapped in seconds with a single drag and drop operation.
• Multiple outputs – Submix to 17 stereo output pairs.

MachFive 3.0 is available now for $495 or $179 to upgrade.

See the MOTU site for details.