IK Multimedia is proud to announce the release of the StompIO upgrade, a reduced price, hardware-only version of StompIO available to all registered users of AmpliTube 2, AmpliTube 2 Live, Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix or AmpliTube Metal. Thanks to the included AmpliTube X-GEAR in StompIO upgrade, these "Powered by AmpliTube" users will be able to immediately control their software live and in the studio.

Together with the launch of the StompIO upgrade, an enhanced assortment of software has been bundled in the full version of StompIO that now includes all five IK "Powered by AmpliTube" software packages out of the box : AmpliTube 2, Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, AmpliTube Metal (formerly only for previously registered AmpliTube 2 users) and AmpliTube X-GEAR (for over $1,400/ € 1,000 worth of software included).

The new StompIO upgrade costs €599.99 / $799.99 (exc. taxes). Note that for a limited time only, customers who purchase the StompIO upgrade will also receive a free downloadable version of AmpliTube Metal (worth $269.99/ € 199.99), the newly released metal distortion powerhouse.

Weiss announces the AFI1, a 24 channel FireWire interface with 8 channels of bidirectional AES/EBU interfaces and 16 channels of bidirectional ADAT interfaces.

The AFI1 simultaneously supports the following conversions :

- Firewire to AES/EBU (8 channels)
- AES/EBU to Firewire (8 channels)
- Firewire to ADAT ( 16 channels max.)
- ADAT to Firewire ( 16 channels max.)

Features :

- Inputs : Digital Audio inputs on Firewire (two connectors), XLR (AES/EBU), Toslink (ADAT, two connectors).
- Outputs : Digital Audio outputs on Firewire (two connectors), XLR (AES/EBU), Toslink (ADAT, two connectors).
- Sampling Rates : 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz. Number of ADAT channels at 44.1/48: 16, at 88.2/96: 8, at 176.4/192: 4.
- Software : Drivers for Windows and OSX operating systems.
- Power Supply : Supply range: 100..240V. Power consumption 10VA max.

Kompoz is a social workspace for musicians and songwriters. You can use it to compose new music with other artists around the world. Got an idea for a song? Record a track. Upload it. Then invite others to add drums, bass, vocals or anything else!

Kompoz makes it easy to collaborate with others. You start by creating a project workspace, then add one or more tracks. You can upload MP3, WMA, or WAV files to your project quickly and easily. As new files are added, the previous files are given a version number so that you can easily keep track of the history and progress of the work. Your project workspace will include a discussion forum where you can post your ideas for the song, lyrics, chord charts, and more. Others can post questions and replies.

On the other hand, you can also search for an existing project and lend a hand! You can search for projects by genre, by artist (other members), keywords and tags, and license type.

For more information, please visit the link below :

Kensington unveils its new Dual Monitor Adapter which allows you to add a second computer screen with just a USB connection.

Features :

- Double your visual workspace for multi-tasking ease
- Add up to six monitors to your computer, one for each Kensington Dual Monitor Adapter unit.
- Simple set-up. Connect monitor cable to the Kensington Dual Monitor Adapter, then plug into USB port of your computer
- DVI digital video output for sharpness and clarity
- Works with any monitor - regular or widescreen, with DVI or VGA input. (VGA / DVI cable sold separately)
- Video modes: Mirrored desktop, extended desktop, primary display (Vista only)
- Supports widescreen monitors up to 1440 x 1050 pixels; and standard monitors up to 1280 x 1024 pixels in 32 bit color
- Video output: DVI-I (female connector), VGA (female connector)
- VGA adapter & USB cable included
- Windows XP and Vista compatible; works with Intel based Mac OSX 10.4.11 or later computers via Mac Beta driver

The Kensington Dual Monitor is available now at a retail price of $120.

The Guitar Rig family is growing, Native Instruments has just released Guitar Rig Session and Guitar Rig 3 XE.

Guitar Rig 3 XE :

Guitar Rig 3 XE is a new declination of the Guitar Rig software which offers a selection of five "true-to-life" tube amplifier models and 12 cabinet types, as well as 21 stomp boxes and effect units. All components can be freely combined in the virtual Guitar Rig rack. A library with over 150 instantly playable tones from different musical eras and genres is included, together with several helpful tools including dual tape-decks, metronome, tuner, and a dedicated Live View.

Guitar Rig Session :

Guitar Rig Session is a new recording solution for guitarists, bass players and songwriters which combines the new Guitar Rig 3 XE software with a specially designed audio interface and additional recording software.

The crucial link between the instrument

Following their ongoing Edition Beurmann, German sample manufacturer realsamples brings another piano of the renowned collection of Professor Andreas E. Beurmann, offering 32 velocity layers.

The Early Pianoforte library offers the unique sound of a historical pianoforte by Johann Andreas Stein built in Augsburg in 1793. Clearly showing influences of harpsichords of that time, the instrument sports an uncommon piano sound: Svelte, present and with courtly elegance.

For great dynamics and feel, realsamples captured 32 velocity layers of each note. Furthermore, 8 varitions of each key release sound were recorded to complete the experience of this instrument. The sample library contains more than 2500 single samples. For the challenging task of recording the historical pianoforte, vintage Neumann TLM-170®microphones were used in conjunction with Crane Song Flamingo® preamps and Universal Audio 2192® digital converters.

The virtual Stein Pianoforte is available in 44.1/48 khz, 96 khz and 192 khz resolution, starting at $159.95, and can be used with samplers like HAlion®, Kontakt®, EXS24®, Independence®, MachFive®, VSampler3® and GigaStudio®, amongst others. Note that audio examples are available on the following web page :