Slate Media Technology Release Raven 3.0 Software - Now Supports Most DAWs
Slate Media Technology have just released v3.0 software for the Raven MTi and MTx multi-touch control surfaces. This is a major software update and with this release the Raven is now supported on ALL major DAWs:
Pro Tools 10, 11 and 12
Logic Pro X
Ableton Live 9 & 9.5
Cubase 8
Nuendo 7
Studio One 3
Digital Performer 8 & 9
What is the Slate Raven?
For those of you who have been living under a rock for the last few years, Steven Slate and his team at Slate Media Technology, in collaboration with software & technology guru Paul Neyrinck, have developed two large full HD touch screen specialised control surfaces for audio production, the 28” MTi and the 46” MTx. They started off with Avid’s Pro Tools, successfully integrating their software into the Pro Tools on-screen mixer.
These are no iPads on steroids, rather they are the Rolls Royce of touch screens. Using Neyrinck’s ingenious Neyfi software, they are able to make OSX a multi-touch experience, which the OS is not inclined to be – this is the key to touch screen mixing.
I tried the first Raven version to arrive into the UK, and like producer Rik Simpson fell under its spell and totally got into “the touch screen mixing concept”. Needless to say we bought the first UK units! James Ivey, the Pro Tools Expert Deputy Editor, tried mine, loved it and has bought one too!
Raven Developments
The Slate team have not been resting on their laurels, and have developed a Batch Command macro programming system into the Raven software, that allows you to either use their comprehensive set of macros, or to build your own and create your own custom button layouts too. They have even developed a stand-alone version of the Batch Commands software without the Raven touchscreen bits for those who have conventional consoles but want “a slice of the macro action”. There is also a free ios app that allows you to use buttons on your ios device at the same time as the Batch Command software or the fully integrated Raven software. This is ideal for home producers that need to run remotes in their booth to control a DAW when recording, or who want to listen from the production couch in the comfy zone, or for those who are running out of space on their Ravens and just want even more buttons!
For serious Raven users, there is also a dual screen option, or if you are like WILLiAM, only three will do!
Mk2 27” MTi Raven Price Improvement
With production improvements and developments, the new mk2 27” Raven MTi is now available at RRP of about $999. For barely much more than the cost of a good 27” screen, you get multi touch, the included Batch Control software, the ios app and the ability to control and mix all of your daws (subject to upgrading your software)! No more fader motors to wear out or capacitors to replace in your mixing board, ad no more pot crackle either! The ability to totally customise your working space and to improve it how you see fit is a truly progressive way of working indeed. Bring on the software revolution and ‘go fly the Raven’!
Further Information
Some of the features that are new to v3.0 for existing users are:
• Record your own batch commands (mouse clicks, Key Commands, and menu selections)
• Toolbar Flip (shift Raven tools bars without using additional real estate)
• Updated Multi Touch Driver (for enhanced functionality)
• Neyfi updated to V Control Pro (for enhanced functionality)
• Batch Command Panel Saving System (save entire batch command panels)
• New Console Cursor Buttons
• Two Customisable Floating Toolbars
• Raven Set Up Buttons (for some DAWs-configure console set up automatically)
• Bug Fixes
I have yet to load version 3.0 software on my Pro Tools HDX 12.3 rig, as I have been busy post production mixing for clients today, but it is first on my list tomorrow.
For more specific information on each of the DAWs please there are videos from Slate Media Technology you can watch...