PC and Music News

Antares Audio Technologies and Guitar Center have announced the availability of Auto-Tune EFX. Developed through a partnership between the two companies, Auto-Tune EFX is described as an affordable and easy-to-use tool for real-time pitch correction and for creating the "Auto-Tune Vocal Effect" (i.e. the T-Pain / Cher-style effect).

Through the end of 2008, Auto-Tune EFX is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU and RTAS formats exclusively at Guitar Center for $99.99. Additionally, for a limited time, all boxed copies of Auto-Tune EFX include a free iLok USB Smart Key (a $39.00 value).

Owners of GigaStudio, Kontakt, Structure, SampleTank, etc, this one is for you !

Motu offers upgrade to MachFive 2 for $295, a savings of $200. If you own an eligible product listed at Motu's website, you can purchase the MachFive 2 upgrade from any participating Motu authorized reseller. You can also purchase the upgrade directly from the motu.com web store.

Following the announcement about the new PowerCore 6000 and a software update version 3.2, TC Electronic also announced that both PowerCore FireWire and PowerCore X8 will be henceforth delivered with a $500 voucher to be used for buying optional plug-ins. PowerCore PCI Express also comes with a similar voucher.

The Sound Guy, Inc. is holding a Happy Days Are Here Again (Maybe) Extreme Group Buy (formerly the Scary Economy Halloween Extreme Group Buy).

From now until November 15, customers can get SFX Machine RT (normally US $75) and ReSpatializer (normally $50) together for less than half the cost of SFX Machine RT alone.

SFX Machine RT is a multi-effects and sound design plug-in for VST and Audio Unit. It includes hundreds of presets and is streamlined for quick and easy use in audio production environments. It has been used to do sound design for radio production, TV shows, feature films, CDs and video games. While SFX Machine RT has an unparalleled collection of effects, from the conventional to the bizarre, it also serves in everyday use as a "swiss army knife" of audio utilities.

ReSpatializer is an advanced panning, surround sound and spatialization plug-in. It supports up to eight input channels, each of which can be individually panned.

Eiosis announces the release of AirEQ 5.1 Native.

Features :

- Multichannel 5.1 plugin : allows equalizing 5.1 busses with unprecedented ease of use. Dedicated LR, LsRs, Center and LFE channels are directly accessible in a mouse click.
- 5.1 Options : you can link the different channels, configure the 5.1 busses, and use the numerous display options of AirEQ…
- Musical Adjustement : The AirEQ sound is made not only by its accurate analog matched curves: when you adjust the AirEQ parameters, the variation follows your hearing sensation. The result is more natural, and you obtain the right sound and equalization setting quicker.

The AirEQ 5.1 Native is available in the Eiosis' store for €200, the TDM version is available for €400.

Note that Eiosis has also announced a price drop for the standard AirEQ : €180 instead of €200.

CEntrance, Inc., the manufacturer of MicPort(r) Pro, has started shipping its second product - the AxePort Pro USB Direct Box. Though more tubular than a traditional direct box, AxePort Pro offers 24-bit/96kHz performance and a USB interface for guitar and bass players. AxePort Pro is the complete package for recording with almost any DAW on Windows VP/Vista and Mac OSX.

AxePort Pro comes with a 1GB CEntrance USB flash drive, containing Reaper multitrack recording software from Cockos, Oligarc guitar effects plug-ins from Stillwell Audio, and the CEntrance ASIO/GSIF Universal Driver(tm). The AxePort Pro package also includes a handy clip for the belt or guitar strap, a 6 ft. (3m) USB cable, and a velvet carrying pouch.

AxePort Pro has a suggested US retail price of $199.95, and MAP of $149.95.