Last year SPL has launched the RackPack modular system and started with two different preamps and the Transient Designer as the first modules. This year the RackPack is extended with six new modules, so that studio and live engineers can choose from a wide variety of processors to configure individual RackPacks.

New modules :

1. Full Ranger – Graphic EQ with passive coil filters for the whole frequency spectrum
2. Bass Ranger - Graphic EQ with passive coil filters for the bass range
3. Vox Ranger - Graphic EQ with passive coil filters for the vocal range
4. TwinTube – Combined saturation and presence tube effects
5. DeEsser – Works with phase cancellation instead of traditional compression
6. DynaMaxx – set & forget compressor, updated for the RackPack-Version

For more information about each module please visit the link below :

Do you remember this funny soft made by AQ Interactive for Nintendo DS ? Korg DS-10 was planned to be released only in Japan. Well, guess what, I've got a good news for you found on the DS-10 blog :

"Hi there! my name is Tomi from AQI Inc.and I'll be in charge of this product for international territories. For those of you out there wondering the release of DS-10 other than Japan, well, here's a good news. YES, we will release DS-10 worlwide and currently we're making an adjustment with each territory. So please be patient. Your support means a lot to us and we'll keep you all with the latest update of the international release as soon as possible."

First shown at this year Winter NAMM, Allen & Heath has just announced that the ZED-24 small format, USB-equipped mixers for live performance, recording, and production is now shipping and widely available.

More information available here.

SPL has announced a new recording channel and compact analog processing rack : the Frontliner.

This new channel strip combines Preamp, De-Esser, Compressor, EQ and Tube Output for a fully featured recording channel. But often the particular stages would also be a great addition to an engineers mixing tools arsenal – and that is why SPL has spent dedicated I/Os to each section of this unit.

Each stage can be used separately and for example be routed via a patchbay to insert the whole toolbox into a studio environment. The Frontliner features a hybrid, Class A preamp design with discrete solid state stage and a tube section with switchable drive settings.

Availability of the Frontliner is scheduled for October 2008.

Line 6 has announced the expansion of its online presence with the launch of its localized French and German websites.

"We strive to set the standard for websites by providing in-depth video, audio and interactive demos that enable musicians to explore and understand the depth and functionality of our products," stated Erik Tarkiainen, vice president, marketing communications, Line 6, Inc. "With the launch of our French and German sites, we are pleased to be able to deliver this experience to an even greater number of musicians around the world."

EKS unveils Otus, a 2-in-1 DJ controller. The virtual audio technology enables the use of multichannel soundcard inside Otus with different DJ software. This makes it possible for a DJ to play two audio channels simultaneously with just one controller.

Otus is equipped with a big, configurable 7.5" jog wheel and new features for effects control, including touchpad and two motion sensors. It also brings you an innovative switch key which enables the DJ to flexibly use two layers of controls. To add more show into the mix, the effect controls are placed to make performing more visual. With the advanced MIDI support and MIDI mappers it will be easy to configure Otus with just about any software application imaginable, be it audio, video or something else altogether.

Otus is expected to be released on June 2008 with a price around €700.