Rs-met has released beta versions of three free VST effect plug-ins for Windows - Func Shaper v0.5, Track Meter v0.5 and Signal Analyzer v0.5.

Func Shaper is a waveshaping distortion plugin based on a mathematical expression evaluator. You can enter an expression to create the function which will be used as waveshaping transfer function.

Track Meter is a plugin to display the current level of a stereo input signal separately for the left, right, mid and side channels and also to display the cross-correlation between the two channels.

Signal Analyzer is a combined oscilloscope / spectrum-analyzer plugin for inspecting signals in real-time in the time- and frequency domain.

Commercial plug-ins, including Mac OS X versions (VST/AU), are expected to be released later this year.

First Fx Plugin from d16 group "Silver Collection", Devastor is a simple but remarkable Multiband Distortion Unit. It is an enhanced version of the distortion unit from their synth Phoscyon.

Devastor consists of three blocks: dynamic-gain module, diode-clipper distortion and three filter sections. Each of the filters can process the signal before or after the diode-clipper. The filters are not the peaking EQ type which are used in classic multiband distortion They are like those found in analogue synthesizers (low pass, high pass, band pass and band reject)- with adjustable resonance and cutoff.

Features :

- analogue-like filters
- dynamics flattener
- presets organised into groups
- midi learn function
- pre/post processing mode for each filter
- 64bit internal processing
- low aliasing output

Devastor is available in VST and AU formats for Windows and Mac OS X (UB) at a retail price of €29. Note that audio examples and demo versions are also available.

Steinberg Media Technologies is pleased to announce that its unique new product for the English-language education market, Classroom Resource Pack, is now shipping. Written by teachers for teachers, the Classroom Resource Pack integrates up-to-the-minute software technology into a comprehensive music teaching package, and provides all necessary elements for educators to deliver a wide range of innovative, modern music lessons.

Classroom Resource Pack is available now through Steinberg's regional distribution network for $399.

Syntheway has released Percussion Kit, a collection of percussion instruments designed for creating Orchestral Percussion, Auxiliary Percussion, Mallet Percussion, Latin Percussion and African Percussion.

Features :

- Selector switch on GUI.
- Percussion instruments kit includes :

- Orchestral Percussion: Snare Roll, Triple Roll, Bass Drum, Timpani, Gong (Tam-Tam), Suspended Cymbal, Temple Block and Triangle.
- Auxiliary Percussion: Triangle, Woodblock, Ride Cymbal, Cymbals, Tambourine and Sleigh Bells.
- Mallet Percussion: Vibraphone, Xylophone, Glockenspiel, Marimba and Tubular Bells.
- Latin Percussion: Conga, Timbale, Bongo and Castanets.
- African Percussion Kit.

- Variable room simulation.

Syntheway Percussion Kit is available as a VSTi for Windows at a price of $29.90.

Today Audio Damage releases a new multi-tap delay plug-in : Ricochet. Featuring a 16-step grid for programming tap time, Ricochet is right at home in modern electronic music production, designed specifically for that context, and is much quicker to program than the run-of-the-mill multi-tap.

Features :

- Five independently controllable taps with individual multi-mode filter, panning, level, sync, mute, solo, and time.
- Unique dual-filter model for overall tone control.
- Two feedback modes (master and tap).
- A specially designed chorus that affects only the taps, for feedback smearing effects.
- Tempo-sync or free time operation per tap and overall.
- Full MIDI learn for CC control of every parameter (VST only)

Ricochet is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST and AU formats for a fee of $49.

NuGen Audio has updated their freeware track adjustment utility tool Line-up to v2.2 on all platforms (Win/OSX/VST/AU). This latest version now includes DC offset scanning and removal, acting upon the source audio prior to the phase, delay and I/O functions.

Line-up is available now as a free download for all registered users (registration is free). For more information, please visit their web site.