PC and Music News

Nomad Factory and BBE Sound announce the release of the high-resolution D82 Sonic Maximizer multi-formats plug-in that includes the original processing technology and proprietary BBE Sound's algorithms that can be found on the original BBE 882i Sonic Maximizer hardware.

Features :

- High quality signal processing algorithms
- Stereo Low Contour control (0 to 10)
- Stereo Process control (0 to 10)
- Output Level control variable from -12dB to +12dB
- Bypass control (BBE Process)
- Full Automation for all parameters
- Easy-to-use modern interface.
- Windows XP / Vista32 and Mac OS X (Intel & PPC) supported
- VST, AU and RTAS supported
- 24 bit / 192 kHz supported

The D82 Sonic Maximizer is available now at a price of $129. Note that demo versions are also available. For more information, please visit their web site.

IK Multimedia has announced that AmpliTube Metal is now shipping. Based on IK's AmpliTube 2 software, AmpliTube Metal is a guitar amp and FX modeling software dedicated entirely to heavy metal gear, with an arsenal of 48 models of modern and vintage amps, cabinets, stompboxes and rack effects.

Features :

- 5 separate modules: tuner, configurable Stomp pedal board, Amp head, Cabinet + Mic, and Rack Effects
- 14 Stomp effects
- 5 classic high-gain Amps
- 13 cabinet and 6 microphone models
- 9 post-amp FX Racks
- 2 fully configurable rigs with up to 32 simultaneous effects
- Digital tuner
- Stand-alone and VST/AU/RTAS plug-in for all popular DAWs
- Includes SpeedTrainer for playing along with or your favorite recordings
- Includes AmpliTube X-GEAR for seamless integration with all the other "Powered by AmpliTube" products, MIDI control and StompIO integration
- Mac OS X (including Leopard) and XP/Vista compatible

AmpliTube Metal is available now and costs $269 / €199.

Blue Cat Audio has announced the enlargement of its audio analysis plugins offer with the release of the Blue Cat's Oscilloscope Multi plug-in, a multiple tracks real time waveform renderer and comparator.

Blue Cat's Oscilloscope Multi is able to display, measure and compare waveforms from multiple tracks on a single screen. It includes both a multiple waveforms display and an XY phase scope view to compare the waveforms of several instances in real time.

Features :

- Multiple tracks real time oscilloscope.
- Unique data sharing technology with multi-core processors support.
- Zoomable display with precise measurement capabilities.
- Easy phase cancelation and mono compatibility issues detection on multiple tracks or within an effect chain thanks to the XY phasescope view.
- Save the curves for easy A/B comparison.
- Opacity control for the user interface.
- Undo/Redo.
- Import/Export presets and share them between the directX and VST versions.
- Skinnable user interface.
- Full automation support (all parameters can be automated, with smooth and continuous update)
- Real time MIDI control with advanced settings (MIDI channel and CC numbers, with complete response curve control) and MIDI learn.
- Any sample rate supported.

Blue Cat's Oscilloscope Multi is available for Windows in VST and directX formats as a separate product or within the new "Blue Cat's Multi Pack" Bundle as well as the larger "Blue Cat's Analysis Pack". Demo versions can be downloaded on the Blue Cat Audio website. Note that a special introduction price is available for one month, and special offers are available for registered customers.

To celebrate the release of Authorized Steinway Virtual Concert Grand, the latest Garritan's sample-based product which is the world's first sampled piano to be authorised and endorsed by Steinway & Sons, Time+Space has three Professional versions of it to giveaway.

To participate you just have to answer a really simple question by e-mail. The closing date for entries is the 31st May so good luck !

To enter the competition, please visit :

Time+Space Competition

TC Electronic today announces immediate availability of the limited PowerCore X8 Sonnox Edition, a PowerCore X8 bundled with the Sonnox Oxford EQ and Sonnox Oxford Dynamics plug-ins.

This exclusive PowerCore Sonnox Edition is available at authorized TC Electronic dealers for a suggested retail price of €1599.

Once again, de la Mancha has a released a new free VST effect plug-in for Windows... I wonder if this guy ever sleeps !

Anyway, sfilter creates a stepped filtered sequence, to create gating, sweeps or rhythmic modulation of filter cut-off. It uses a variable state filter, varying between 2 adjustable cut-off values according to a tempo-sync'd step sequencer. An LFO can also modulate the filter for extra movement.

features :

- tempo-sync step sequencer, with 2 to 32 steps over a sequence length of 2 to 32 beats
- resonant variable filter, LP, HP, BP and notch
- filter cut-off varies between upper and lower cut-off values, in either direction
- tempo sync LFO, with 6 waveforms and settings from 1/16 beat to 96 beats
- random swing for step sequencer
- wet/dry mix control
- midi CC and midi learn