AKG Acoustics recently announced the acquisition of the worldwide distribution rights for the Crown family of microphones. The integration of Crown microphones into AKG Acoustics' product portfolio adds to AKG's global position as one of the world's leading sources of high-quality microphones. As a result of the partnership, AKG distributors now handle the worldwide distribution for two of the industry's leading microphone brands.

Celemony has announced that its long-awaited Direct Note Acess technology will not be available until the end of the first quarter of 2009.

In their own words :

"For Direct Note Access, we have had to reprogram virtually all Melodyne leaving scarcely two consecutive lines of code intact. We are nearly there; the software runs; but there are still a few things that require work and some road works that are causing delays. We expect therefore that it will be some time yet before all the features have been fully implemented and the program assumes its final form.

At the moment, we are planning to commence shipping towards the end of the first quarter of 2009. Shortly before that, we will inaugurate the Public Beta phase, in which all registered Melodyne users – whether of Melodyne essential, Melodyne uno, Melodyne plugin, Melodyne cre8 or Melodyne studio – are warmly invited to participate and put the beta version through its paces in their own studios. All registered Melodyne users will receive notification by e-mail of the Public Beta phase."

Meanwhile, you can still take a look at what this amazing technology promises you on 440tv !

Image Line has just released Hardcore, a collection of 10 classic effects designed with Guitarists in mind. It includes : Distortion, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, Delay, Noise Gate, Equalizer, Compression and Modulator.

Five stomp-box simulations can be arranged in any order on the Hardcore pedal board. The output then passes through an 8-band graphic EQ and Cabinet Simulator, tying it all together into one massive sound.

Hardcore is available now for both Mac (VST/AU) and PC (VST) at a price of $79. Note that until the end of October every order of Image Line Software products comes with a free copy of Hardcore.

Audio Engineering Associates (AEA) have announced the RPQ, a new dual-channel mic preamp that's specially designed for use with ribbon microphones.

Each channel has two controls for gain: a notched step knob that sets the gain range, and a trim pot that allows the user to make fine adjustements to the level. There are also low-frequency filter and high-frequency boost controls for shaping the tone, so the user can tame the results of the proximity effect at the low end and regain some brightness at the top end. Both tone controls can be bypassed. The RPQ can also supply 48V for "active" ribbons mics which require a phantom power supply to operate.

The legendary Alan Parsons, renowned for his work with The Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Hollies, Al Stewart, Paul McCartney, the Alan Parsons project and so much more, is coming to visit SAE Institute London. Alan will present a masterclass to SAE students and members of the SAE Alumni association on Thursday 6th November at SAE Institute in Kingsland Road. He will talk about his past and current work and techniques, enriched with examples. There will also be the unique opportunity to interact with Alan Parsons in a Q&A session.

Only a limited number of places are available for members of the public for £50.

Virtuasonic has just released Choir Breath, a new sample library consisting exclusively of choral breath samples, produced for composers that already own a choir library and are in search of tools for improving the impact of their MIDI mock-ups with additional details.

Specifications :

- Mixed Choir, Women, Men, Young Choir.
- Close/Far presets.
- Sampling rate: 24-bit / 44.1 KHz.
- Total size: 190 MBytes (over 420 samples).
- Formats: KONTAKT 2 / 3, WAV 24bit.

Pricing : €17.95 (excl. VAT), $24.95