The Institute for Research and Coordination in Acoustics and Music (IRCAM) has announced the launch of IRCAM Lab "TS" - the TS standing for "Transpose/Stretching". They say that "TS" is a very impressive time stretch, pitch shifter, remix, formant, noise tweaker that will blow creatives minds with its powerful algorithms based on the unique phase vocoder engine (SuperVP). IRCAM Lab tells us that they are a new company dedicated to the development of IRCAM's applications and plug-ins based on decades of pure research and technological innovation. Here's info on the new product in their own words...

Unlike other time stretching applications, "TS" uses an advanced phase vocoder engine (SuperVP) as for the analysis/synthesis functionalities of "AudioSculpt". Phase vocoder technology provides high-quality sound processing in real-time and offers amazing results even when used to transpose or stretch audio waveforms radically. It is able to transpose and/or pitch a WAV or AIFF audio file with extremely accurate results and minimal artefacts making it possible to process professional recordings with transparent results. A life saver for audio engineers and broadcast technicians !

But "TS" is much more than a simple time shifting tool. the application can transform an audio signal at extreme settings making it a totally new sound ! Simply drag a WAV or AIFF file into "TS" and stretch it down by 100%. That will give you a quick idea of how powerful it is. Now use the formant, transient, sinus or noise sliders to sculpt your sound and create totally original audio textures. Sound designers, DJ's and musicians will be amazed by the unlimited possibilities offered by "TS" to create totally new sounds. From a basic drum loop to pianos, voices or any other audio signal, "TS" can make something totally wild and original out of it...

IRCAM Lab "TS" also includes real time Midi remote control and a live editing export feature. That enables users to export totally original sounds created in "TS" as easily as clicking the mouse. A DJ's dream come true !

Pricing and Availability:

IRCAM Lab TS is available through-out September at the introductory price of ONLY $99 (MSRP $249).

*At this time, IRCAM Lab TS is only available for Mac OS X. Windows versions will be released very shortly as a FREE upgrade to all users.

More information:

• TS