About Samplitude Opus --------------------- Samplitude is obviously not the first sampling program for Amiga, but it differs from the other programs by the possibility of editing different samples with different sampling resolutions. Any number of Projects can be administered simultaneously in windows of optional size. This is an easy way to exchange data between several samples. Samplitude offers another option: zooming with any depth desired is not only possible along the time axis (horizontal) but also in the amplitude range (vertical), an urgent need for higher sampling resolutions in particular. Mono, stereo, and quadro samples can be used and converted into each other. Up to three different Sections per sample can be displayed and edited at the same time, and any number of ranges (loops) and locator points per sample can be defined and called in real time mode. The majority of functions can be executed in real time mode, i.e. while playing. Samplitude supports quite different screen resolutions (such as PAL, NTSC, Interlace, ECS, AGA, and A2024) as well as graphic cards. User defined color settings are being saved with the prefs file. Samplitude contains a comfortable time-line-editor, which makes it possible to edit your multi-track samples non-destructive like in a DTP program. Since the question about support for third party soundcards arises from time to time we should state once and for all: ALL soundcards can be supported from Samplitude at no cost for the manufacturors. Required are well defined functions for STOP, PLAY, RECORD and some control tasks along with clear definitions what the hardware is able to do and what not. A.C.T. will work closely with all manufacturors being interested in serious support of their products. A.C.T. will not download any obscure and propietary documentation of each and every new soundcard available to implement it into Samplitude. Samplitude has originally been written and programmed by the people of SEK'D. When in 1996 it became clear the the Amiga port of this software would not pay the costs evolving from a pure software company SEKD decided to concentrate on the PC port of Samplitude in order to improve the already good quality of that product. V3.0 (SMPTE) was released to the public, offering many new functions - and some bugs. Still Samplitude (on the Amiga) was a powerful application that could even be used in high end professional surroundings. Being Samplitude users for some time and already having written some routines before A.C.T. asked whether SEKD was interested in cooperating to continue work on Samplitude Amiga. In July 1997 a contract was made between SEKD and A.C.T. in order to guarantee continued support, improvement and bug fixing of one of the few remaining larger applications on the Amiga platform. Samplitude was and is (C) by SEK'D Software Dresden (Germany). Samplitude Opus is maintained, majorly rewritten and partly (C) by A.C.T. Albrecht Computer Technik (Lamstedt, Germany). Support for all Samplitude versions starting with 3.5 (Samplitude Opus initial release) is done by A.C.T. Support for older versions is still given by SEK'D but A.C.T. people will be happy to help wherever they can. No part of the software or its accompaning documentation may be changed, redistributed or reproduced without written permission by A.C.T. Why use this instead of that? ----------------------------- Using Samplitude Opus is a question of taste of course. There are technical reasons to prefer this software to other (or do vice versa). One should consider the VIP technique (non destructive editing), the HDPs (samples can last as long as your HDs can cope), the support for common soundcards (which will improve), the ongoing support, the already in beta state PPC versions or the use Samplitude has to professionals all over the world. But you could also simply say: I like the name, I like the GUI or I like the taste. So... it IS a question of taste, isn't it? What does it cost? ------------------ Well, as you can see from this demo: the demo doesn't cost you anything but online time to download it from somewhere, time to test it out - and nerves to realize that you should buy the product to really use it. There are updates available for SMPTE users. A.C.T. has agreed to offer an update price drop for soundcard users (so called MS versions, bundled with Toccata, Maestro or Prelude soundcards). There is also an update price available for users of the latest PRO version (Samplitude Pro-II). Distributors are welcome to apply for quantity pending prices. Sales prices can be asked from your local reseller or directly from A.C.T. Germany. http://www.act-net.com/Samplitude A.C.T. Seth 2 21769 Lamstedt Tel. +49-4773-8910-73 Fax. +49-4773-8910-72 EMail: info@act-net.com