Steinberg has just announced that it has acquired the eLicenser technology of crypto and security solutions provider Syncrosoft Hard- und Software GmbH for an undisclosed sum.

The assets acquired from Syncrosoft include the development team and know-how behind the successful USB and Soft-eLicenser products used by Steinberg and several other companies. Steinberg will offer the eLicenser solutions to third parties, which will continue to utilize the MCFACT technology.

"We're very pleased to open up a new area of business for Steinberg, namely to offer an outstanding eLicensing solution to the audio industry and beyond," says Andreas Stelling, Steinberg's General Manager. "We want to add further services to the existing solution, and in doing so to offer more benefits for end customers. We're looking forward to working with all current Syncrosoft eLicenser customers, and to expanding this platform over the long term.

Steinberg software customers will also benefit from this acquisition, as it will improve the integration of the eLicenser solution within our software products," Stelling continues.

Universal Audio has announced that the next update of the UAD software will bring the long-awaited RTAS compatibility. So finally Pro Tools LE users will be able to enjoy the fantastic sound of UA plugs, what a great news !

As a good news never comes alone, the Harrison 32C and Little Labs IBP plug-ins will also be released with the new OS v5.2.

No release date for now but if you read between the line on this web page, new OS will certainly be out before the end of the year !

Smart Loops has released MIDI Drum Loops Vol. 4, an all-new collection of real-feel, live drum grooves. Volume 4 includes 100 unique drum grooves and fills, inspired by artists including Stevie Ray Vaughan, and rock drumming legends Jeff Porcaro, Bernard Purdie and John Bonham. These loops are great for blues, country, jazz, shuffle-rock, and other musical styles.

Compatible with GM note mappings, loops are provided in three formats: Standard MIDI File Type 0, Standard MIDI File Type 1, and MIDI Groove Clip (for Session Drummer 2). All drum grooves are un-quantized to retain the live feel of each performance.

MIDI Drum Loops Vol. 4 is available now for $19.

FabFilter has just just launched a holiday sale : until December 31, there is a 25% discount on all FabFilter bundles. So if you don't already know their plug-ins such as FabFilter Timeless (God I love this delay !), well maybe it's time for you to discover something great !

Rayzoon has just released Jamcussion, an hand percussion add-on for Jamstix 2. Not only does it add a wide range of percussive sounds and new style and player models but it also expands the interface of Jamstix 2 to allow the simulation of three dedicated percussionists, complete with separate bar, song and kit editing.

Features :

- expands the Jamstix interface and A.I. with 3 new percussionists
- features its own kit editor, bar editor and brain elements
- 35 percussion instruments covering a wide range of styles and locales
- adds 12 new instrument slots to the Jamstix kit concept
- 26 styles modeling West-African, Latin, Modern and even Middle-Eastern rhythms
- two percussionist player models
- 11 percussion kits, including African, Latin, Darbuka and Udu kits
- 7 quickstart songs
- can be used with the Jamstix A.I., e-drumkits or traditionally via MIDI by the host

Jamcussion is available now at the Rayzoon online store for the holiday discount price of $59.

Moog has announced the return of their Taurus Bass Pedals in a limited edition of 1000. Here's an excerpt from their website :

"Perhaps you have heard of the legendary Moog Taurus Bass Pedals? Perhaps this is your first introduction? Regardless, listen to the sound samples associated with the synth many have called the "Fattest Synth Ever" and you will know why we are bringing them back.

We are only producing 1000 of these pedals. And the first 250 customers will receive a discounted purchase price of $1695 with an initial deposit of $500. Regardless of quantity ordered, this offer ends February 15, 2009. All Taurus pedals ordered after the first 250 will sell for $1995.

We anticipate shipping towards the end of 2009.

Preliminary Specifications :

- the most important aspect of the design is to reproduce the original TAURUS I sound-engine as faithfully as possible.
- 100% Analog Sound Engine based entirely on original TAURUS I circuits
- "Taurus I" style (one and half octaves on the floor)
- 2 VCO Oscillators, ADS Contour Generator, 1 VCF Filter, Output VCA
- PRESETS: 16 Banks x 4 presets = 48 Total Programmable Bass Sounds
- BANK 0 will contains the Original Taurus I Presets: VAR, TAURUS, TUBA, BASS
- MIDI: DIN and USB, Merging and Routing
- ARPEGGIATOR: MIDI Sync, TAP TEMPO, Internal
- CV Inputs: VOLUME, FILTER, PITCH, GATE "