PC and Music News

Sensomusic has just released a stable beta version of Usine v4.0 which is an universal audio software application designed for live or studio utilization. This new version features more than 100 improvements, including :

- Touch screen management.
- 16 audio in/out.
- Clear/save/open current track command in the main menu.
- New possible location for Interfaces builder windows: patch or parent patch.
- New rack mode : 'grid', 'rack' or 'play all'.
- Customizable layouts for all displayed controls (set the colors you want to all controls).
- Reset + reset values in steps modules (step, step-midi, lines, switches, points, array).
- No more auxiliary busses order limitations.
- etc...

For more information, please visit Sensomusic website.

McDSP celebrates 10 year Anniversary with a great special on the HD and Native Classic Pack Bundle. Classic Pack HD will be offered for $995 and Classic Pack Native will be offered for $495.

The Classic Pack Bundle includes Analog Channel, CompressorBank, FilterBank and MC2000. The McDSP Native product line supports RTAS and AudioSuite formats and the HD product line supports TDM, RTAS and AudioSuite formats. Both bundles operate on Pro Tools HD, LE, and M-Powered. Special available only via electronic delivery.

Hurry and make your purchase today, this offer ends October 31, 2008.

Sonalksis has announced the release of its mastering plug-in series : the Sonalksis Mastering Suite. This bundle includes :

- MultiLimit - Multiband Mastering Limiter
- Maxlimit - Maximizing Mastering Limiter
- StereoTools - Stereo Imaging Processor
- Ultimate-D - Ultimate Dithering

The Sonalksis Mastering Suite is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU, DirectX and RTAS versions for a fee of $599.99 / €479.99. Demo versions are available.

This month VirSyn has a special offer for you : from now till October, 31st, 2008 you can get a total discount of 25% if you buy two or more plugins from their FX series. This includes the following plugins: Bark, Matrix, Prism, Reflect, TDesign and VTape.

In the meantime VirSyn has also released bugfix updates for Cube 2 (Mac only), Matrix (Mac only) and Tera 3.

For more information, please visit their website.

KRK Systems is releasing a Limited Edition Rokit Studio Monitors. The concept and color design is part of a joint collaboration with Guitar Center. Available only in the 5-inch model and at Guitar Center's in the U.S., the Rokit5 G2CB will feature a high-gloss yellow cabinet along with the traditional yellow Kevlar cone.

The Rokit5 G2CB will be built to the same strict specifications as the Rokit G2 and deliver the same high quality sound. Recently, the Rokit was upgraded with superior curved design elements that virtually eliminate diffraction distortion caused by standard flat baffles. As with the Rokit G2, the CB will incorporate several technologies from the company's flagship VXT and E8B lines, including the radically radiused edges along the front of the cabinet.

The Special Edition Rokit Studio Monitors are available now at Guitar Center and have a MAP of $149, $199 and $249 for the 5, 6 and 8 inch versions, respectively.

Digidesign has unveiled the third and newest member of its Digidesign 003 family : the 003 Rack+ Factory. Featuring 8 high-quality microphone preamps, the 003 Rack+ Factory is a powerful option for those needing additional mic inputs to handle more complex recording projects.

With 18 simultaneous channels of I/O, 003 boasts the most extensive array of analog and digital audio I/O ever available from a Pro Tools LE system. Topping the I/O list are eight studio-quality mic preamps, which each feature switchable 48V phantom power and 20 dB pads, high-quality analog high-pass filters, and front-panel trim controls. For instruments and line-level connections, it offers eight analog DI/line inputs and outputs, including one DI/line input on the front panel for quick and easy plug-and-play recording. Digital connections include eight channels of ADAT optical I/O and two channels of S/PDIF digital I/O, along with 16 channels of MIDI I/O.

Dedicated studio monitor outputs and alternate control room outputs allow for connecting two sets of speakers, and dual discrete headphone outputs are ideal for providing separate mixes for the artist and recording engineer. Also included are a host of professional features, including BNC Word Clock I/O and alternate source input for external device monitoring.

003 Rack+ Factory comes bundled with Pro Tools LE 7.4 software ; initial purchasers will be eligible to receive a free software upgrade to Pro Tools LE 8 when it becomes available. 003 Rack+ Factory also includes over 80 professional effects and virtual instrument plug-ins (valued at over $3,000), supports a wide variety of third-party plug-ins and software options, and allows for powerful expandability through Digidesign toolkit software options.

003 Rack+ Factory is available for pre-order, with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $1,695. Digidesign has also reduced the price of the 003 Rack Factory to $1,495 (reflecting a $200 price drop). In addition, Digidesign offers a unique hardware exchange program, allowing legacy Pro Tools LE and select competitive product owners to trade in their hardware for a discount toward the purchase of a new 003 system; the program will be extended to include the new 003 Rack+ Factory as well.