Sonalksis has announced the release of version 2.04 of the "Essentials Mk2" plug-in suite which includes SV-315 Mk2, SV-517Mk2 and SV-719 plug-ins.

Changes :

- All Essentials Mk2 :

. Ported to Digidesign Audiosuite format.
. Improved cross-platform session handling.
. Support display of Unicode characters in names.
. Mousewheel handling for plugins via hook added for all hosts.
. Mousewheel functionality added for text boxes.
. Mousewheel sensitivity improved.
. Mousewheel/Drag interaction handling improved.
. Non "Velocity Sensitive" mode now works with Wacom tablets.
. GUI "Off switch" (plug-in bypass) switches off all LEDS.
. Stop signal LED from locking "on" when bypassed.

- RTAS :

. Sample rate problem fixed.
. Shelf bug fixed.
. Added Alt+Ctr ...

Camel Audio's presets for Absynth and Massive have been updated to KORE 2 format including full attributes, thanks to the efforts of Stephan Wey. This update makes finding the presets you require even easier.

In addition, owners of the Biolabs Massive soundset can now download an extra free bank of over 50 presets created by Biomechanoid, Antonio Blanca and Tim Conrardy. The bank features pads, leads, basses and atmospheres - all produced to the exacting standards of these leading sound designers.

For a limited time you can buy any of the preset packs for Absynth or Massive at a reduced price of just $59 / €49 / £39.

KORE users will also be pleased to hear that all the CamelPhat and CamelSpace factory preset banks are now available in KORE 2 format, together with template KORE presets.

Humanoid Sound Systems has released Scanned Synth Pro 2, its virtual instrument designed to create "rich complex digital tones and fantastic sound effects", while using simplifed controls and traditional synths techniques.

What's new :

- New GUI design.
- New presets.
- An audio input that can be used to feed Scanned Synth Pro's hammer and mass shapes making its sound even more dynamic.
- An envelope follower that follows the level of the audio input and can be used to modulate the synth's parameters.
- A Danger Switch for extra nastiness.
- Context-sensitive help.
- The facility to load and save fxp and fxb files from within the plug-in.
- Improved sound quality.
- Improved host support.

Scanned Synth Pro 2 is available now as a VSTi for Windows at a price of €60. Registered users of version 1 can upgrade to version 2 for free by logging into the support system. A demo version is also available.

Stanton DJ proudly introduces the Uberstand, a laptop stand described as "the essential tool for the traveling laptop DJ or musician".

Specification :

- Stable, rugged laptop stand for use by DJs and musicians
- Folds flat into a 12" zippered bag (included)
- Metal — aircraft grade — aluminum and stainless steel
- Lightweight and small form factor when folded
- Adjustable shelf to store Final Scratch ScratchAmp or external hard-drive
- Reusable plastic ties and Velcro

The Uberstand will retail for $99.99.

Universal Audio unveils the 710 Twin-Finity, a radically new UA pre-amp design which uniquely combines both the classic retro warmth of UA tube design and the transient bite of solid-state in a 2U, half-rack, all-metal chassis.

The 710 Twin-Finity design with dual signal paths is centered around the innovative phase-aligned "Tone-Blending" knob which is continually variable from 100% Tube to 100% Solid-State offering easy access to a myriad of unique pre-amp tones.

Features :

• Vacuum Tube(12AX7) & Solid-State Dual-Path Preamp
• UA Sonic Quality, Twin-Finity Phase-aligned Tone-Blending
• Dual Gain Stages: Wire with Gain to Creamy to Crunchy
• Class A, High-Headroom, High Gain (70dB+) Mic Pre & DI
• Metal Chassis, Designed & Made in the USA, Rack-Kit Included

The 710 Twin-Finity will have an MSRP of US$999, an estimated street price of US$799, and will include a single or dual-unit 19" pro rack mount kit. The 710 Twin-Finity will ship worldwide in July 2008.

G-Sonique has just released the XBass4000, a new and unique VST effect plug-in for "maximal kick-up" of the bass frequencies. The virtual circuits of the XBass4000 combine two different algorithms emphasizing the bass spectrum of the track:

- a psychoacoustic algorithm BassEnhancer that emphasize the intensity of hearable bass content
- an analog style saturation unit that enriches bass spectrum of a requested "fat" and "warm" sounds known from tube circuits. It also adds higher harmonic frequencies that expands and enlightens the hearable spectrum as well as sub-bass spectrum

The XBass4000L is available for Windows as a VST effect plug-in at a price of €15. A demo version is also available.