Berkley Integrated Audio Software (BIAS) is now shipping Deck 3.5, an update to their multitrack digital audio workstation that now offers full support for Mac OS X, plus key professional features such as OMF file importing and 5.1 channel surround mixing.
The new version, which costs US$399, boasts native Mac OS X compatibility with CoreAudio and CoreMIDI support, OMF import and real-time Surround Mixing capabilities. The addition of OMF import and real-time surround mixing capabilities makes Deck “a powerhouse for the digital video professional and enthusiast,” according to Jason Davies, vice president of worldwide sales for BIAS.
“With this release, Deck becomes the very first surround-capable multitrack DAW available for Mac OS X,” he said. “Along with its existing QuickTime and VST plug-in capabilities, and now with its surround mixing and OMF features, Deck 3.5 is an invaluable tool for professionals working in film, digital video, video games, and other rich media.”
Deck 3.5 is multi-processor aware and optimized for the PowerPC G4 with Velocity Engine. And, of course, Deck 3.5, which runs on both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.x, includes the complete feature set of the preceding version.
Deck now supports importing OMF sessions from video-editing and authoring applications such as Final Cut Pro, Avid and others. Sessions from OMF-capable DAWs — including Pro Tools, Digital Performer and Nuendo — can also be imported. Deck is also ideal for spotting effects, editing dialogue, processing soundtracks, and recording ADR voiceovers, Davies said. Additionally, Deck 3.5 includes the ability to output surround sessions to many popular DVD authoring applications that include AC3 or DTS encoding, such as Apple’s DVD Studio Pro.
The surround interface includes a 360-degree surround mixer, a “virtual joystick” with a choice of three optional panning algorithms: Radius, Variable-Width, and Room Ambiance. Each channel in the mixer displays its own 360-degree panning window. And just like Deck’s conventional stereo channels, each also supports up to four simultaneous VST signal-processing plug-ins. The master output window features a smooth fader for all of the six surround outputs (including the subwoofer/LFE channel), plus individual meters. Additionally, the interface offers complete control over output assignments for each of the six channels (requires ASIO or CoreAudio audio hardware with at least 6 output channels, and drivers).
If you bought BIAS Deck 3.0 after Oct. 1, 2001, you’re eligible for a free upgrade to Deck 3.5. Previous owners of Deck 3.0 can upgrade to Deck 3.5 for $149. Upgrades from versions earlier than 3.0 are $349. Visit the BIAS Web site for complete details on upgrade options and pricing.