Mash 2.0 for Maya
http://mash.marquee.by/about-mash/New nodes, more streamlined
Version 2.0 adds three new nodes, which – if we’ve done the sums correctly – brings the total to 15, including a Maths node for manipulating objects with simple one-line equations.
However, the focus of the new release is on streamlining the tool for a commercial release: originally built in Python, Mash has been rewritten in C++, increasing speed “between 30x and 100x … depending on the node”.
The software now plugs directly into the Maya Instancer, avoiding the need to bake animations before rendering, and meaning there is no longer any need to install the separate SoUP collection of nodes.
There is also a new helper script to set up MASH with nParticles.
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http://www.cgchannel.com/2013/06/mainfr ... -for-maya/
ATK -Animator Toolskit
http://www.cgchannel.com/2013/06/animat ... ff-faster/Ingenuity Engine CG supervisor John Martini and animator Andru Phoenix have released ATK: a “compact suite of modular tools to rig, copy and manipulate animation” in 3ds Max.
ATK (it’s short for ‘Animators’ Toolkit’) comprises 27 modular ‘devices’ for automating common tasks – such as copying keys and randomising the animation of the copies – or enabling new workflows.
The devices may be combined to create more complex results via ATK’s built-in sequencer. According to the website: “Each tool can be instanced, so you never have to play memory games with your settings.”
Prism, ATK’s parametric curve editor, enables artists to use curves to control weights, timings and transforms, picking the order of distribution or using automatic sorting methods, including distance, volume and hierarchy.
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http://animatorstoolkit.com/atk/index.html