Here are some news from SampleModeling :

"Dear friends,

We are proud to present the result of our collaboration with Stefano Lucato. Stefano was the developer, along with Dr. Giorgio Tommasini, of the Stradivari Violin and the Gofriller Cello.

Stefano Lucato & Samplemodeling created the next groundbreaking virtual instrument : the Tenor Saxophone ! It's extremely expressive, enjoyable, and intuitively playable - simply a real sample-modelled instrument !"

The Tenor Saxophone will be available "in a few weeks", till then you can download the video demo on their website. It was composed, performed and recorded in realtime by Stefano Lucato, using just the Expression Pedal (dynamics), the Modwheel (vibrato intensity), the Pitchbend, and the Sustain Pedal.

SM Pro Audio announces the V-Machine, a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module built for performance keyboard players and DJ's. It is one little beast that cannot be underestimated once loaded up with your favorite VST instrument and effect plug-ins.

Take your plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them live without a computer. Multiple plug-ins can be pre-loaded into bank/preset memories for immediate access. Combine VST and VSTi plug-ins into chains, splits, and layers to create extremely rich and unique sounds. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders.

Features :

- External hardware host for Windows plugins (VST instruments and effects)
- Banks, presets (incl. chaining, layering, splitting) can be edited with the V-Machine or the host software
- Create synth layers and chain them with effects
- Connect nearly every MIDI-Controller to the V-Machine
- Multiple VSTi's can be combined
- MIDI learn functions included
- All effect and synth chains can be switched latency free
- USB-Ports for copy protection dongles
- Use software samplers and stream its content from any USB drive
- sensor to adjust the display's contrast automatically
- control configuration software compatible with Windows, Mac OS X and Linux (future support)

Pricing and availability TBA.

Native Instruments just released Massive Expansion Vol. 2, a new Kore Soundpack based on the Massive engine. The library features 200 synthesizer sounds for use in Kore 2 and the free Kore Player as well as the individual Massive synthesizer, providing producers with a practical creative resource for a wide range of electronic music styles.

Massive Expansion Vol. 2 covers the whole sonic spectrum from leads and basses to pads and sequenced sounds. All sounds are equipped with eight morphing-capable Sound Variations per preset, with crucial sound parameters also conveniently assigned to the unified Kore user interface.

Massive Expansion Vol. 2 is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for a suggested retail price of $59 / €49.

Mickael Kastrup, who has designed the famous Oldskool Soundsets for Zebra 2, has just released a new VST plug-in called ST Chorus.

ST Chorus is a vintage stereo chorus plug-in capable of chorus, mild phaser and flanger effects.

Features :

- True stereo modulation effect.
- Low CPU usage.
- Chorus I and II mode.
- Wet signal monitoring.

ST CHorus is available now for Windows in VST format and costs €19. Note that a demo version and audio examples are available on Mickael Kastrup's website.

Future Audio Workshop, a.k.a. FAW, has just released the second volume of their free sound packs for Circle, a great semi-modular software synthesizer by the way. Dajan Izzo designs over 30 for this Circle Sounds 2 which you can start using in your music straight away.

You can download the latest Circle Sounds and previous releases at :

I've always dreamt of a way to discover the sound of a specific mic on a specific source. Today my dream becomes reality...

Well almost 'cause Schoeps has open an online Showroom where you can listen to their beautiful microphones in different kind of situation. A very cool site and a great idea that should spread over the web for our greatest joy !