Vir2 Instruments has just released syntAX, a Kontakt Player 2 based virtual instrument synth plug-in. The core of syntAX is a 2000+ patch synth library covering an immense amount of synth territory, including soaring leads, evolving pads, thick basses, harsh distortions, unusual textures, other-worldly atmospheres, FX, hits, blips, and more. Then syntAX blazes into new territory with its custom scatterFX engine which allows real-time manipulation and interaction with the syntAX core library. scatterFX is made up of two components :

- scatFX gives you control over rhythmic stuttering, allowing you to program, play, and command rhythmic patterns of syntAX.
- stepFX functions as an advanced step modulator allowing you to melodically animate pattern-based arpeggiations.

Bo ...

PreSonus Audio Electronics is proud to announce that the FireStudio Project will be shipping this week. The FireStudio Project is a complete professional recording system combining eight XMAX microphone preamplifiers, 24-bit/96kHz sample rate conversion, zero-latency matrix router mixer, and the PreSonus ProPak Software Suite featuring Steinberg's Cubase LE 4 48 track recording and production software, over 25 real-time plug-in effects, and more than 2 GB of drum loops and samples.

Based on the award-winning FP10(FirePod) the FireStudio Project features the following upgrades and improvements :

- Improved analog to digital converters (114dB dynamic range)
- Synchronization with JetPLL for improved clarity and stereo imaging
- FireControl Mixer/Router to send up to five mixes to musicians
- LED input metering on all channels
- Internal IEC-based power supply
- Updated ProPak software bundle

The FireStudio Project will be available at an estimated street price of $499.

Jonathan Schmid-Burgk has released VisualVox VST, a free intonation correction VST Plugin for Windows. With it you can :

- shift notes of a voice recording to perfect intonation
- fit a voice recording into rythm by stretching, cutting and moving parts of it
- fit a voice recording to another key with minimal pitch changes
- produce a perfect vibrato
- visualize how right or wrong you are singing
- create artificial polyphony from single voice recording
- draw frequency curves freely with your mouse
- let the VST plugin improve intonation automatically

Note that VisualVox VST is still in a developmental stage so every feedback is welcome !

Steinberg is proud to present a new member of the WaveLab product family. WaveLab Essential 6 combines a streamlined audio editing, mastering and CD burning features with a complete podcasting module. Professional 96kHz/32-bit audio quality, Audio CD Montage environment and a range of studio-grade effect processors make WaveLab Essential an ideal editing application for anyone on a budget.

Features :

- Podcast creation and publishing
- Redbook compatible CD burning with CD-Text
- Stereo non-destructive editing with versatile clip grouping over multiple lanes
- Powerful real-time engine with integration of clip-based and global effect plug-ins
- Superior audio processors
- Video track for sample accurate alignment of audio and video
- Sample accurate audio editor with crystal clear audio processing at up to 96 kHz and 32 bit floating point resolution

WaveLab Essential 6 is priced at €99.00. WaveLab Essential 1 customers can upgrade to the new version for €59.00.

De la Mancha has released Sumo, an effect plugin to make any sound as fat as you like. It's good for fattening up leads and basses, adding some weight to pads, making your vocals chubby and your drums obese.

Sumo is free and is available as a VST effect plug-in for Windows.

RME has announced the new OctaMic II Preamp, a completely new electronic design with increased features based on the highly acclaimed OctaMic and OctaMic D devices. The new OctaMic II features 8-channel 192 kHz/24 bit hi-class microphone and line pre-amplification and includes some significant enhancements compared to his predecessors.

New Features :

- The balanced TRS inputs of the Neutrik Combo XLR jacks are phantom power-free and can be operated as real line inputs
- The improved design of the input circuits allows for a maximum input level of +21 dBu with a convenient gain range from 0 dB up to 50 dB
- Improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) ADC 107.5 dB
- Improved THD, especially at high gains
- Optimised heat dissipation by a new and larger housing with improved convection
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