Be, Incorporated Builds Momentum in Audio and Music Markets by Gaining Support of Leading Audio Software Developers

RELEASED February 3, 1999

For more information contact:

Be, Inc.
Sylvie Pelaprat sylvie@be.com
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Be, Incorporated Builds Momentum in Audio and Music Markets by Gaining Support of Leading Audio Software Developers

MENLO PARK, CA, February 4, 1999 -- Be, Incorporated today announced that 26 music and audio developers, including market leaders Steinberg, Emagic, Arboretum Systems, and E-MU Systems, have announced plans to bring to market audio applications for the Be Operating System (BeOS^®). The applications will begin shipping within the next three months and range from programs that will offer basic sequencing and playback functions to high-end post production capabilities. The BeOS is designed to meet the unique needs of digital content creators using professional multimedia tools where speed, performance, and stability are critical.

"We're pleased that many of the premier audio software vendors are creating applications for the BeOS," said Tim Self, vice president of developer relations at Be, Incorporated. "The level of support from these development partners points to a growing market of high-end consumers with performance needs that aren't being met with existing operating systems. The BeOS allows users of sophisticated audio technology tools to manipulate high-bandwidth data in real-time on a standard off-the-shelf PC in a home studio environment."

The BeOS audio developers include:

Aardvark–Michigan-based makers of professional PC audio workstations. Aardvark is bringing its line of audio cards to the BeOS, including Aark 20/20 and Aark TDIF audio cards.

Adamation–a California-based company specializing in media tools for the BeOS. Audio Images is a graphic tool for creating custom effects and audio processing by connecting "elements" together into networks.

Arboretum Systems– based in California, Arboretum Systems are the creators of Hyperprism and Ray-Gun. Arboretum's unique interface design controls applications and plug-ins that allow real-time processing of audio for effects, sound shaping, clean-up, and filtering.

Blachford Technologies–a U.K.-based audio software developer. Aural Illusion provides more than 200 effects and techniques to design sounds by manipulating audio in creative ways.

CreamWare–based in Germany, the company develops SHARC based Pulsar and Scope audio processing cards. Scope allows users to utilize their existing audio and sequencing software while integrating it into a complete synthesis, mixing, effects and bussing system.

Cycling 74 - developer of the award-winning MSP (copyright David Zicarelli) and MAX (copyright Opcode/IRCAM). Users can graphically create their own media and audio manipulation programs using MAX and its signal processing add-ons, MSP.

Echo Audio–a California-based developer of audio hardware and software products. Echo created the Darla, Gina and Layla multichannel digital audio cards.

Emagic–a premier provider of music software located in Germany, emagic is developing four versions of its Logic Audio professional production application for various end-user skill levels, along with its Audiowerk audio card. The applications will allow users to integrate the recording, playback, and real-time manipulation of digital audio, scoring, DSP and MIDI sequencing.

E-MU Systems–based in California, E-MU is a leading audio hardware developer that markets Audio Production Studio (APS). The APS suite is designed for users who need a high-quality system for creating digital audio and MIDI-based music.

Harrison–a Tennessee-based manufacturer of professional mixing consoles for television and theater uses. The LPC (Live Performance Console) is a groundbreaking new mixing console specifically designed to provide a comprehensive solution for theater and fixed-venue sound reinforcement applications.

IK Multimedia–developer of T-RackS and Groovemaker software. This Italian company is quickly growing a range of applications for remixing, effects, and in-sound content.

Level Control Systems (LCS)–based in California, LCS develops SuperNova software and hardware for live multiple matrix and sound mixing. LCS installations are used in such venues as the Bellagio's Cirque du Soleil's "O", Niketown, and the Hollywood Bowl.

Lucid Technology–a Washington-based digital audio hardware manufacturer. Lucid has created the PCI 24 for a direct digital connection to DATs and other digital audio devices. In addition, they've created a line of ultra clean analog audio converter boxes.

Mytek Digital– high end recording studio equipment manufacturer based in New York. Mytek specializes in 24bit/96kHz analog converters for professional audio applications.

N₂IT–a Netherlands-based developer of FinalScratch, a tool designed to allow disc jockeys to map digital media to spinning vinyl. Using FinalScratch, DJs can use turntables to synchronize various media types.

Objekt–a Michigan-based software synthesis company. ObjektSynth is a modular software synthesizer that can produce everything from cold, clean digital samples to warm, fat analog sounds that can be controlled internally or by MIDI.

Opcode Systems–a major California-based supplier of MIDI interfaces and synchronizers. Opcode is readying drivers for the "X series" of interfaces to provide multiport MIDI capabilities with rock solid timing reference for synchronizing all elements in the music studio.

RBF Software–an innovative audio software startup. RBF develops and publishes Octamed, an acclaimed multitrack audio recorder and editor.

RME Audio–the German makers of the DIGI series of audio cards. The DIGI series offers unsurpassed reliability along with absolute data integrity, minimal system load and tremendous performance.

Sonorus, Inc. —a New York-based manufacturer of professional digital audio cards. The Studio audio card offers a reliable connection to ADAT litepipe (8 channel optical) devices.

Steinberg–based in Germany, this market leader is developing NUENDO, a real-time audio processing application. The program will take full advantage of host-based processing for real-time effects using its VST plug-in architecture.

Studio Capitale–an innovative French audio software company. Studio Capitale develops Studio Son and V-tracks software for multitrack audio recording, editing, and mixing.

Terratec Promedia–a German manufacturer of high quality, low cost audio cards. The EWS64 series of cards offer high quality audio input and output as well as superior general MIDI playback.

Voyetra Turtle Beach Inc.– a New York-based manufacturer of audio cards and software. The Daytona audio card is an inexpensive PCI audio card.

Yamaha–California-based leading supplier of musical instruments and audio equipment. Yamaha manufactures the DS1 and DS1L audio chips that are used on many PC motherboards and audio cards.

4Front Technology–based in the U.K., 4Front is the largest supplier of Linux audio card drivers. 4Front is working with Be to create a support layer for their Open Sound System audio driver layer.

The BeOS Release 4

BeOS Release 4 runs on PCs (Intel Architecture or PowerPC) with a minimum of 16 MB of RAM; 150 MB hard disk or hard disk partition; CD-ROM drive; keyboard and mouse; built-in or bundled compatible video adapter; multisync monitor strongly recommended; and network connection via Ethernet or PPP.

BeOS Release 4 began shipping in December 1998 and is available over the Internet via Be's online e-commerce store at www.BeDepot.com.