IK Multimedia has announced that AmpliTube X-GEAR has been made available as a free download for all AmpliTube 2 Live users and StealthPlug users.

AmpliTube X-GEAR is an expandable guitar amp and effects modeling software system, available as a plug-in and standalone for Windows / Mac OS X. It allows you to mix and match all the gear models from all current and future "Powered by AmpliTube" products in a single host interface, providing seamless control over every parameter directly from StompIO, or any generic MIDI controller.

Eligible users are able to download X-GEAR for free from their IK user area. X-GEAR is also available to purchase as a download for €74.99/$99.99 (excluding taxes) in the IK Multimedia online store.

Universal Audio has announced the 1176AE Anniversary Edition, celebrating a decade since UA refounding by Bill Putnam Junior to revive the classic UA products made famous by his father, Bill Putnam in the 1960s.

The 1176AE combines the best of the A "Bluestripe" and E revisions while adding the lower 2 to 1 compression ratio found on the 176. A new "Slo" attack mode gives the 1176AE the potential for both classic and uniquely individual compression effects.

Features :

- Unique rev.A/E "hot-rod-mod" features, cosmetics and sonic signature
- Program dependency of legendary "Bluestripe" Rev.A 1176
- Vintage UA 176 compression ratio array - 2:1, 4:1, 8:1 with 20:1 for limiting
- Expanded range of "multi-button" compression and classic "all-button" mode
- "Slo" 15ms Attack setting adds increased versatility for new uses
- Hand-built in the USA, Limited-Edition of only 500 units worldwide

The 1176AE will have an MSRP of US$2999, an estimated street price of US$2499, and will ship as a 500 limited-edition product beginning in June 2008.

Wusik has announced that Wusik VM - VST Manager and Organizer is now FREE and Open-Source (using a BSD license).

Wusik VM is a VST Plug-in Manager / Organizer. The idea behind it is very simple - load WVM and inside it load your VST plug-ins. Then extract the presets to FXP files, you can organize those files in any way you want, or download categorized FXP files from Wusik's planned future library of VST FXP files. When a FXP is loaded, it will load the correct VST plug-in for it and apply the FXP Preset to the loaded VST.

For example, you could have a directory with FXP files of BASS sounds. Those files can be from several different VST plug-ins. When you browse and load each FXP, it will load the correct plug-in making browsing for sounds with multiple plug-ins much easier. You can categorize by mood, style, or any way you want.

On top of that, the Wusik VM download also includes two VST MIDI-Tools: Arpeggiator and Melody. For more information please visit the link below :

Oldschool is a collection of patches for Zebra2, the fabulous virtual synth from U-he. Today Oldskool has been updated, it now features 512 "playable and lush sounding" patches designed by Michael Kastrup that cover decades of synthesizer and keyboard history.

Oldskool is available as a download at a special price of $59 instead of $69 until June 15th.

AKG unveils the brand new C 214, a recording microphone designed as a cost-effective alternative to the high-end C 414 family.

Features :

- AKG's Legendary 1" Edge-Terminated Large Diaphragm Sound'
- Outstanding Dynamic Range (up to 156 dB SPL, Ultra-Low Noise)
- Roadworthy Design
- Integrated Suspension to reduce mechanical Noise
- Switchable 20 dB Attenuation Pad and Low Cut Switch
- Rugged double mesh Grill for high RF immunity but unaffected Acoustics
- All-metal Die-cast body with shock- and scratch-resistant Finish
- Spider-type Shock Mount included
- Metal Carrying Case included
- Designed, Engineered and Build in Vienna, Austria

The C 214 will be available at a list price of €629 (street price is about €460).

Everything happens ! Stillwell Audio has finally released Mac OS X Universal Binary VST and AU versions of all its beautiful plug-ins. It includes :

- 1973
- Bad Buss Mojo
- Event Horizon
- Major Tom
- Transient Monster
- Verbiage
- Vide-EQ

For more information, please visit