Jamstix 2 released

Yup, got the email this morning:

Rayzoon is pleased to announce that Jamstix 2, the long awaited successor to the original virtual drummer Jamstix, has been released today.

Jamstix 2 is an advanced virtual drummer VSTi and takes the innovative real-time groove modeling approach introduced by Jamstix 1 in 2005 to new heights. Jamstix 2 boasts in-depth style and drummer modeling, along with visual kit editing as well as a part-based arranger and limb-centric bar editor. All of this technology drives a high quality sample player with multiple velocity layers, controllable ambience and alternate hits that can also seamlessly integrate other drum modules via sub-hosting.

More information on Jamstix 2 can be found here:
http://www.rayzoon.com/jamstix2.html

Jamstix 1 users who are eligible for a free uprade to Jamstix 2 will automatically receive a separate mail with download links and their Jamstix 2 license within the next 24 hours. All other Jamstix 1 users can purchase an upgrade for as low as $40 until 9/3/2007 ($49 after that).

The major changes from version 1.81 to 2 are as follows:

• streamlined GUI that’s easier to use and has improved graphics
  
• dedicated style and drummer modeling
  
• real-time fill generator
  
• enhanced limb control including exact triangulating of drum distances and speed calculations, same-drum transition times as well as look-ahead priority filtering
  
• redesigned kit editor with group editing functionality and visual kit representation with hit indicators as the drums are playing
  
• part-based arranger instead of bar-based enforces song structure
  
• limb-centric bar editor allows fine-tuning of events without need for MIDI export/editing in host.
  
• supports hihat opening control (CC4)
  
• MIDI drag-&-drop to host/Windows for song, part and bar.
  
• extensive MIDI controller mapping allows extensive remote-control. This includes assigning multiple functions to one controller and the ability to inverse the control range
  
• ‘Freeze’ mode for easy bouncing/freezing in the host with all real-time controller changes being recalled and internal sounds being compacted to reduce RAM footprint
  
• added 3-band EQs to mixer
  
• improved sample management (smart purging, single load/multi reference)
  
• internal samples can be cached for less RAM usage (load on demand)
  
• internal sounds and external sounds can be mixed into a single kit
  
• On/Off switch for each audio output
  
• flexible host data storage system
  
• velocity slider replaced by ‘Power’ Knob ranging from 10 to 127% and JS now considers 100% normal groove hit power
  
• kits are now saved with mixer settings
  
• smart mapping automatically redirects sounds if they are not loaded
  
• editable cymbal choking
  
• shuffle now applies to song/part or bar and shuffle degree is adjustable
  
• global timing (Drive/Laid-Back) for song/part or bar
  
• groove timing (small offsets) for each note.
  
• ‘Freeze’ function to unload unused samples and ‘disable’ brain before mixdown for optimal RAM and CPU savings as well as ensuring that real-time controller changes stay consistent.
  
• MIDI Jam data and MIDI control data can now be split by channel
  

I'm pretty pumped (got in on the group buy a little while back). I only wish I wasn't so swamped with other stuff so that I could really dig in to it. I'll just watch for reactions from others, and look forward to when I can join the fun. This looks pretty freakin' awesome.