07/10/06

The Ideal Stereo Editing, Processing, and Mastering Companion to Mac-based Pro Tools Systems

(July 10, 2006) — BIAS Inc. today announced it has begun shipping Peak Pro 5.2, the Universal version of the industry standard Peak Pro audio editing software for Mac OS X version 10.4 “Tiger” on both PowerPC and Intel-based Macs.

“We're excited to be shipping our first Universal release,” said Christine Berkley, vice president and chief MARCOM officer at BIAS, Inc. “Many audio professionals were impressed by Peak's power running on an Intel-based iMac when it was demonstrated earlier this year. Now those who depend on Peak every single day can experience for themselves the increased processing speed when running Peak Pro on an Intel-based Mac.”

Peak Pro delivers the ultimate in stereo editing, sample rate conversion, batch processing, and Red-Book audio CD mastering – making it the perfect companion to Mac-based Pro Tools systems. “Pro Tools users will surely benefit from this new version of Peak Pro, which offers significant enhancements to users on both Intel-based and PowerPC Macs,” said Jason Davies, BIAS’ VP of Sales & Marketing. “Users in search of a modern alternative to the classic Sound Designer II and Masterlist CD applications from Digidesign, should seriously consider adding Peak Pro 5.2 to their audio software toolset.”

A leading Mac audio developer for the past 10 years, BIAS has consistently embraced cutting-edge technology, from its early adoption of Mac OS X to the rapid development of its support for the incredibly powerful Intel-based Macs. BIAS' DSP processes are currently among the fastest and highest-quality in the industry. The Universal version of Peak demonstrates significant performance increases on some of the most computationally-intensive audio processes.

For example, testing Sample Rate Conversion in Peak Pro 5.2 showed a nearly 130% performance increase running on an Intel-based MacBook Pro versus a 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4. When using Peak Pro 5.2's acclaimed RMS Normalization DSP, a 66% performance increase was realized. In addition, the process of bouncing or rendering effects was also substantially faster using the Intel-based MacBook Pro. Rendering two instances of Apple's Matrix Reverb Audio Units plug-in run in parallel within Peak Pro 5's powerful Vbox effects routing environment, was nearly twice as fast on the Intel-based MacBook Pro than the 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4.

New Software-based Authorization System
While Peak Pro 5 required an included USB key in order to operate, version 5.2 now utilizes a non-hardware based method of copy protection, offering greater flexibility for customers interested in retaining the use of their USB ports for other peripherals. For Peak Pro 5 customers who prefer the USB key, version 5.2 retains this compatibility. Although Peak Pro 5.2 no longer requires or includes a USB key, customers may order it on request from BIAS should they desire a hardware alternative to the new software based authorization system.

Availability and Pricing
Peak Pro 5 and Peak LE 5 customers may download the update to version 5.2 directly from the BIAS website at no charge. Peak Pro XT 5 users may also update their license of Peak Pro 5 to version 5.2 at no charge via the BIAS website. New retail editions of Peak LE 5.2 (SRP $129 US), Peak Pro 5.2 (SRP $599 US), and Peak Pro XT 5 (SRP $1199) are available through the worldwide network of authorized BIAS resellers and directly from BIAS. Free trial versions of Peak Pro 5.2 and Peak LE 5.2 are available now for download at the BIAS website. Upgrades from previous versions of Peak, special cross-grades, single academic editions, and academic lab packs are also available for purchase — please visit the BIAS web site for more information.

About BIAS
BIAS, Inc., a privately held corporation based in Petaluma, California, is an established leader in cutting-edge audio software technology. BIAS' award-winning product line — which currently includes Peak Pro XT, Peak Pro, Peak LE, Deck, Deck LE, Master Perfection Suite, SoundSoap, and SoundSoap Pro — can be heard on numerous hit recordings, Hollywood and independent feature films, television productions, websites, video games, and other productions. BIAS, founded in 1994 as Berkley Integrated Audio Software Inc, is dedicated to crafting powerful, innovative tools for audio, video, and film professionals, as well as musicians, composers, multimedia developers, and Internet authors.

Visit the BIAS Web site at: http://www.bias-inc.com