PreSonus unveils Studio One 3 software

PreSonus has revealed that Studio One 3, a significant update to its digital audio workstation, is now shipping.

Available in Artist and Professional editions, v3 introduces new options for song arranging and experimentation, as well as new ways to craft ‘unique and evocative’ sounds. In addition, Studio One 3 enables new methods of controlling and mixing within the application, features a configurable UI for high-resolution displays and is the first DAW to offer a dual platform (Mac and Windows) multi-touch interface, according to the manufacturer.

Studio One 3 Professional introduces the Arranger Track, which makes it easy to build and rearrange songs, letting the user copy or move entire song sections via simple drag-and-drop. It has its own Track Inspector that shows all sections of the song, which also doubles as a quick navigation tool.

Unique Scratch Pads, also in Studio One Professional, provide an independent parallel timeline that lets the user safely experiment on alternate ideas without jeopardising arrangements. Unlimited Scratch Pads can be saved with a project, saving the trouble of numerous alternate song files.

The updated Browser makes it easier to find the right content with tag-based “musical” search. Users can now search for loops, samples, and presets by typing keywords or by filtering content by selecting tags. The Browser also now has an integrated Cloud tab to access additional content online.

Extended FX Chains, new in the Pro version, provide new ways to build complex, multi-dimensional sounds by chaining and combining effects plug-ins in serial, in parallel by channel, or by frequency with up to five splits.

Also new in Professional, Multi Instruments allow the user to combine multiple instruments as layers or splits in a single Instrument Track and play them like one instrument. Further dimensions can be added to a sound by using Note FX on individual Instruments layers within a Multi Instrument.

Note FX is a new plug-in type introduced in Studio One 3 that adds life to Instrument tracks by processing their note data. The four Note FX included with Studio One 3 Professional are Arpeggiator, Chorder, Repeater, and Input Filter.

Each console channel and Multi Instrument in Studio One Professional now offers Macro Controls, which allow individual instrument or plug-in parameters to be assigned to control knobs, switches, and X/Y pads. Multiple parameters can be assigned to the same control with independent settings for range/polarity/curve.

Studio One version 3 features a powerful new instrument engine that drives two new instruments.

Mai Tai is a polyphonic analogue modelling synth for modern electro and bass sounds. Mai Tai’s sounds can change character and produce drastic morphing changes and unique timbres. Its Multimode filter offers sounds ranging from vintage analogue (a la Moog or Oberheim) to state-of-the-art, zero-delay feedback filters. Mai Tai’s oscillators and LFOs have a free-run option, like an analogue synth. Users can also build complex sounds with modular-synth-style operation through Mai Tai’s 16-stage modulation matrix.

Presence XT is an expandable, full-featured sampler with a comprehensive sample library. It offers disk streaming for large samples, and many sounds utilise articulation key-switching, scripting, and custom controls for unique sound parameters. Studio One 3 Professional includes a 14 GB sound library for Presence XT and can read popular sampler formats, including EXS, Kontakt, Giga, and SoundFont without conversion.

In total, there are over 70 new features and updates included in the Studio One version 3 upgrade, which is available in Artist and Professional versions – as both upgrades and full programs – at music retailers worldwide and direct from PreSonus. In June, PreSonus will also introduce Studio One Prime, a fully functioning free version, which will provide a great way to get started with Studio One.

For more information on the update, see the website below.

studioone.presonus.com