SCOPE /SP comprises a PCI card with 15 SHARC DSPs and a comprehensive software package for synthesis, sampling, effects processing, mixing and more. Thanks to its complete set of drivers, the system works flawlessly in conjunction with virtually any sequencer/recording program. As an alternative, SCOPE /SP can also be used as a stand-alone system within its own dedicated computer - and thus be perfectly integrated into any conceivable studio configuration via conven-tional MIDI and audio connections. In its standard configuration, SCOPE /SP comes equipped with two digital ADAT inter-faces, stereo analog and S/PDIF as well as MIDI, Wordclock and ADAT 9-pin I/O interfaces. There are many options avai-lable for increasing the number of DSPs, I/Os and software applications in the system.

"Of course, the experience we've accumulated in the last couple of years with our highly successful Pulsar system - mainly in the area of project studios - has had an impact upon the development of SCOPE /SP. With SCOPE /SP, however, our primary focus was the specific requirements of pro-audio studios", says Michael Ruf, leading developer at CreamWare. "Not only the immense DSP power, but also the new software applications - such as the STS-5000, SP-Mix and VDAT - expressly address the needs of the professional user."

SCOPE /SP is also very equipped for surround mixing. Not only does it offer a standart 5.1 mixer, but also allows you to freely positions speakers, audience and sounds within a user-definable room. This enables you to design surroun-sound experiences for multi-speaker installations, the likes of which have perhaps never been heard before.

Some of the software highlights in overview:

SP-Mix
The first virtual digital mixer which can compete functionally as well as sonically with the big professional consoles. 48 channels, 8 busses, 8 aux paths. Freely configurable 4-band EQ, compressor with sidechain and 4 effects-inserts per channel. Several mixers can be used simultaneously in situations where one mixer is not enough.

STS-5000>
The most powerful software sampler ever. Realtime time stretching and pitch shifting with formant correction. 25 types of filters. Also handles 32-bit / 96 kHz samples. Up to 64 stereo voices. Compatible with the major sample libraries.

VDAT and VRC-128
A virtual multi-track recorder and a virtual control unit which connect to existing Alesis ADATs (and to the Alesis BRC if available) via the 9-pin interface. Supplement or replace the ADAT setup. Up to 128 tracks at 16-bit resolution or 96 tracks at 24/32-bit resolution. Virtual and "real" units can be combined in any desired way.

Furthermore, the SCOPE /SP software package includes more than a dozen different synthesizers (virtual analog, FM, drum synths), a complete modular synthesizer system with over 140 modules, more than 40 high-quality DSP effects, various additional mixers, a 128-channel meter bridge and many other devices. All of these instruments can be combined and interconnected in a "virtual studio space". Thanks to its powerful DSP engine, SCOPE /SP allows the simultaneous usage of a multitude of software plug-ins - without encountering problems such as latencies and "CPU-drag" which are typical with host CPU-based software.

"SCOPE /SP is the first fully-integrated, professional-grade 'virtual studio'", says Michael Ruf. "However, our goal is not to replace the conventional studio environment. SCOPE /SP is conceived rather as a creative and highly useful expansion of the existing setup. And thanks to its unlimited potential for latency-free routing between virtual devices and external studio gear via the hardware I/Os, integration is mere child's play for SCOPE /SP."

Asked what he finds most impressive about SCOPE /SP, synthesizer legend Jean-Michel Jarre answers:
"The sound! The system offers nearly boundless possibilities in sound design and quickens your creativity.

Exploring the beta version of SCOPE /SP was really amazing. Working with the system is fast and intuitive. SCOPE /SP is a fantastic addition to any studio."

SCOPE /SP is available for 4599,- US$ via selected Creamware retailers.