With the winter doldrums setting in, nothing could cheer up Boston’s audio engineers like an in-depth demonstration of cutting edge software. On March 13th, New York-based Steinberg representative Fadi Hayek presented Nuendo, a flexible multitracking software package. The PC version is currently available, and the Macintosh version is soon to be released. Both versions can be partnered with Steinberg’s newly developed hardware or existing ASIO hardware.
With the overwhelming increase in CPU power over the past few years we have seen a surge in host based digital signal processing. The digital audio market has responded by offering numerous software-based digital audio workstations that require only the processing power found in the computers many of us already own. But to have any impact in this market, software developers must show a commitment to the hardware that is already on the market and demonstrate full selection of the goodies and surprises we have come expect from new software. Nuendo meets these requirements and presents them in an intuitive interface. Although this is no small feat, Steinberg must still fight to distinguish themselves with unique features that provide superior efficiency and flexibility. For example, Nuendo’s code will fully utilize a computer’s dual processor capabilities, making the program fast and efficient. Also, it’s cross-platform universality will make it easy to move a project from one studio to another, regardless of platform, helping keep the eternal Mac vs. PC argument down to a dull roar.
Fadi gave musical and film demonstrations of Nuendo’s mixing, editing, and sync capabilities. Tracking and mixing windows were well designed and the regular record/edit functions were clear. The 5.1 mix window sparked a lively brainstorming session; interesting problems and suggestions arose while we wrestled with the challenge of representing a three-dimensional product (a surround sound, usually pictured on an X-Y coordinate plane, changing over time) on a two-dimensional computer screen. Fadi moderated the enthusiastic discussion, taking suggestions and applying them to his extensive knowledge of Nuendo’s intricacies. He also fielded questions about virtually every aspect of the software and hardware, from the reliability of the timecode hardware to the editing functions used in the rock demo. And thanks to a healthy sound output paired with Genelec’s none-too-shabby 5.1 dual-subwoofer surround speaker system, there was enough volume to repeatedly jolt an entire roomful of sound engineers.
--Owen Curtin, Sharon Levinson