PC and Music News

Native Instruments has just released TRAKTOR SCRATCH 1.1, a free update for its new high-performance digital DJ system. The update includes additional functionality and a wide range of further refinements to various areas of the software, resulting in increased creative potential and optimized handling of the system.

The 1.1 update for Windows and Mac OS X is now available as a free download for all TRAKTOR SCRATCH users on the NI website.

Neve introduces the 8801 Channel Strip, a combination mic preamp / equaliser / dynamics processing unit based on the Neve 88R console, widely considered among one of the best-sounding analogue music consoles ever developed.

Completely hand-built and hand-wired by Neve in Burnley, England, the groundbreaking 8801 Channel Strip delivers the rich 'analogue' signature synonymous with the Neve name in a convenient 1U rackmount design that's ideal for desktop producers and project studios. Neve's proprietary Recall software (Mac- and PC-compatible) allows the 8801 to be seamlessly integrated with workstations, providing instantaneous recall of all external device settings.

The Neve 8801 including ADC retails for Euro 3099,-/ GBP 2095,-

Following the launch of its new Structure sampler workstation last month, Digidesign extended the Structure family with the introduction of two new versions that will allow even more users to benefit from the plug-in's capabilities. Developed by Digidesign Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.) group and optimized exclusively for Pro Tools software, Structure LE ($149 USD) provides many of the same powerful and creative features as its big brother for a fraction of the price, while Structure Free offers a great introduction to Structure sample playback at no charge.

Structure LE and Structure Free both support playback of native Structure files (all versions of Structure can play any file created with any version of Structure). Both also support playback of unencrypted SampleCell (1 and ...

NuGen Audio has released version 2.6 of Stereoizer in both Mac OS X VST/AU and Windows VST formats, featuring an updated GUI and several control enhancements.

Stereoizer is designed for adding adjustable stereo spread to mono or stereo input signals. Stereoizer can generate the full range of stereo enhancement, from subtle depth control to full dynamic shifting and phase realignment. Great for percussion parts, lifeless pads, static lead sounds - anything that needs that little bit extra.

Originally available for Windows Stereoizer is now also available for Mac OS X in VST and Audio Units formats. It costs $39 and demo versions are available.

New features:
* New GUI.
* Dedicated Bypass control.
* Undo.
* Redo.
* A/B memories.
* A/B memory recall.
* Integrated peak-hold level meter.
* Level margin.
* Numeric parameter readouts.
* Direct numerical parameter entry.
* Mono-collapse feature.
* Primary algorithm on/off control.

From now through September 3, Sweetwater is making unheard-of deals on guitars, keyboards, recording equipment, and more gear! Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for prices too low to advertise on hundreds of items in their huge inventory.

Use your Sweetwater Musician's All Access Platinum Card to make a purchase between now and September 3, 2007 and make no payments until July 2008! Or, if you pay in full by July 2008 there's no interest! Call now for complete details : 1-800-222-4700

Mu Technologies recently released the Windows and Mac OS X Universal Binary VST versions of Mu Voice, a new plug-in that allows you to tune your vocal recordings, apply special effects and add natural sounding harmonies when mixing your track. Mu Technologies has developed proprietary spectral analysis and synthesis techniques for vocal processing providing a unique tool for your recording studio. With an internal delay of 5.8 ms Mu Voice is the ideal vocal processor to perform live on stage.

Mu Voice is currently available for the introductory price of $199 ($259 MSRP); demo versions are available. AU, RTAS and stand-alone versions are expected to be released soon.