PC and Music News

Puremagnetik has announced the release of the AmpPak and the Model-C Micropaks.

AmpPak :

AmpPak for Ableton Live is a collection of 17 amplifier and speaker effects designed for use on anything from drums, to guitars, to vocals and synthesizers. Each rack contains an expertly programmed selection of effects from overdriven metal to crunchy glitch percussion processors. AmpPak integrates directly into Ableton Live 7 and extensively utilizes Ableton Live Racks.

Model-C :

Model-C rounds off Puremagnetik's electronic piano line with a multi-sampled Hohner Clavinet. Model-C comes with multi-pickup selection and mechanical noise sample groups. The Ableton Live version contains a feature laden user interface complete with key release samples, customized amp and tonal controls. The Kontakt version of Model-C is specially programmed to make use of Kontakt 3's powerful KSP scripting engine. Also included are 50 high quality loops recorded by professional New York studio keyboardists. All loops are in Live Clip, Apple Loops and Kontakt format.

For more information, please visit their website.

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Neumann launches the TLM 67, a new large-diaphragm condenser microphone.

Based upon the legendary U 67, a classic of the 60's, the TLM 67 incorporates the K 67 capsule. On top of that the special new circuit design closely reproduces the sound characteristics of the U 67, without the use of tubes. Similar Neumann circuit technology has already proved very successful in the TLM 49.

Designed to be versatile, its three switchable directional characteristics (omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8), selectable 10 dB pre-attenuation, and high-pass filter permit detailed adjustments to be made depending upon the specific recording situation.

FabFilter has just announced the release of FabFilter Volcano 2, the successor of the Volcano filter effect plug-in. More filters and routings and practically unlimited modulation possibilities make FabFilter Volcano 2 much more powerful. Yet at the same time, the "revolutionary" new 'what-you-use-is-what-you-see' interface makes it also far easier to use.

Features :

- Four multi-mode filters, with panning, delay and more than 10 unique characteristics
- Ultra-flexible filter routing, including per-channel and mid/side modes
- New interface, using FabFilter's innovative 'what-you-use-is-what-you-see' concept
- Endless modulation options, with all the 16-step XLFOs, envelope generators, envelope followers and MIDI sources you will ever need
- Easy drag-and-drop modulation with 24-slot modulation matrix
- Large interactive filter display
- Modulation source signal visualization
- Stereo and mono plug-ins available
- Side chain input
- Highly improved MIDI Learn
- Almost 300 presets
- Unique per-component presets
- Undo, redo and A/B switch features
- Extensive help file with interactive help hints

Volcano 2 is available now in RTAS, VST, VST 3 and AU formats for Mac OS X and Windows at a price of €119 / $179 / £94. Bundles with FabFilter Volcano 2 and other FabFilter plug-ins are also available.

Note that existing Volcano users can upgrade to Volcano 2 for €39 / $59 / £29. All other FabFilter customers that own Timeless, Pro-C, Twin, Simplon or One can crossgrade to FabFilter Volcano 2 for €79 / $119 / £59. These upgrade and crossgrade offers last until July 31, 2008.

Last but not least, a fully fonctional 30-day trial version is also available.

Saltline has just released a new free synth called Ni which is a single oscillator, 16-step, sequencer synthesizer.

The oscillator features 7 selectable waveforms, octave up and down switching, fine tune and phase modulation controls. The sound is then passed through a LP, HP, BP or BR self oscillating filter.

The step sequencer features step start and end positions, a direction selector and step rate parameters. The filter cutoff can also be controlled by an identical independent step sequencer. The synth also has a multi routable, sync to host, LFO.

Ni also includes an effects section. The included delay and reverb modules pass through their own filters. The effect's filters can be controlled by a second LFO as can the delay rate and reverb size.

Ni is available as a VSTi for Windows.

TC Electronic announces immediate shipping of Desktop Konnekt 6, an easy-to-use desktop FireWire audio interface with dedicated monitor control features including a tracking reverb, an ergonomic volume knob and a 3-mode high resolution meter for intuitive and instant control while recording. The IMPACT mic preamp and the true Hi-Z inputs should ensure top-notch sound quality recordings of vocals and guitar.

Desktop Konnekt 6 is available at a suggested retail price of €249.

AudioWarrior has just announced the release of the Studio Rhodes Plug-in. Basically this is a 24-bit stereo sample library of a vintage Rhodes piano powered by Steinberg HALion Player. Note that a Steinberg Key is required.

The Studio Rhodes Plug-in is available now in VST, AU and Standalone versions for both Mac OS X and Windows at a price of $49.