PC and Music News

Ableton is pleased to announce a new distribution partnership in the UK with Focusrite Audio Engineering. This partnership is a logical development of the already strong business relationship between the two companies. It reflects the obvious synergies between Focusrite/Novation's hardware products and the Ableton Live software.

Effective from April 15th 2008, Focusrite will be handling all of Ableton's distribution activities in the UK.

Neumann will present the TLM 103 D digital microphone at NAB. When used in conjunction with digital workstations, digital Solution-D microphone technology makes life easier for users. The integrated, extremely fast peak limiter guarantees optimal recording levels at all times. Likewise, the Neumann A/D converter built into the microphone eliminates the necessity of tedious experimentation with external converters and preamps.

The TLM 103 D will be available in a choice of satin nickel or matte black finish, with a SG 1 swivel mount. Starter sets are also available, consisting of the microphone, an EA 1 elastic suspension and a connection kit for direct connection to an AES/EBU or S/PDIF input.

The TLM 103 D is expected to be available this spring with price to be announced. For more information follow this link.

For their 20th Anniversary and till April 24, EastWest our proud to announce a special "Buy One get One FREE" promotion. This promotion only applies to certain Quantum Leap products listed on their site.

Swiss sound designer Christian Meyer has released a new collection of presets for the famous Albino 3 from LinPlug. Those presets are specifically designed for "Electro to House". As always, there are examples of the Presets and a short video demonstrating how to use them at his company's website :

Yamaha announces its rollout of six upgraded MG Series analog mixers, adding to the four models introduced earlier this year.

The new MG166C and MG206C mixers' deep feature sets include Neutrik XLR connectors, redesigned faders, an environmentally friendly finish and high-output LED metering that is legible even in daylight. They also include EQ, advanced circuit design and high-quality microphone preamplifiers.

The MG166CX and the MG166CX-USB mixers incorporate Yamaha's digital SPX multi-effect processor. As the USB suffixes on their model numbers imply, the MG16/6CX-USB, MG166C-USB and MG206C-USB include USB ports and are specifically included to simplify and enhance live recording. The three USB models come with Steinberg Cubase AI4.

The MG Series Mixers are shipping now. Prices are as follows : the MG166C at $449, the MG166CX at $499, the MG166C-USB at $529, the MG166CX-USB at $599, the MG206C at $729 and the MG206C-USB at $799. For more information, please visit their web site.

Since the launch of their new website in April 2007, MotionSamples.com has grown a rapid reputation among the online resources for audio samples and loops. Their site offers downloadable sample libraries in various urban and electronic genres and also features an online sampler/mixer to demo products.

Today they announces 6 new sample libraries :

- Hip Hop Pianos & Organs ($30) : over 200 loops of Hip Hop piano and organ melodies recorded live and from outboard keyboards.
- Proggy House Drum Fills ($40) : 450 drum fills for creating various styles of progressive house music.
- R&B Guitar Loops ($40) : Over 300 multi-loops of funky and glamorous melodies for producing R&B/Pop beats.
- Minimal Electro Loops ($25) : Over 200 micro-groove loops designed for creating that swinging rhythm found in minimal and electro music.
- Groove Theory Drum Loops ($35) : 400 groovn' drum loops recorded from 30 live drum sessions.
- Synergy Trance Loops ($40) : 350 multi-loops layered numerous times with harmonies and automated ambience.

To preview demos or for more information visit their website at :