PC and Music News

Sugar Bytes has just released Consequence - The Chord Synquencer, a new plug-in described as a "chord groovebox".

Consequence is a composition tool which can create chord-lines or whole songs on the fly, but also chords which are played via MIDI can be super-sized using the innovative sound and sequencing engine.

Features :

- 3 sample-based oscillators with independent envelopes and gate selection for overlaying chords with arpeggios.
- 32-step sequencers for chord selection, gate, performance (arp, tie, multi-trigger, octave, glide) and modulation.
- New sound design features like polyphonic frequency-dependent sample rate reduction and oscillator aging.
- Included kick 4/4 kick drum for easy groove orientation.
- Multi-effect with 5 effects (reverse, chorus, phaser, delay, reverb).
- Master compressor (can be driven by 4/4 kick via sidechain).
- Monophonic and polyphonic 5-mode filter (lp, bp, hp, br, comp) with independent gate selection.
- Pattern change via MIDI note.
- MIDI input for sequencing chords in realtime.
- Easy chord creation via chordmaker, chord-recording and manual chord drawing.
- Audio recorder for session recording or for creating loops.
- 100 first class sounds available.
- Split preset system can combine sound-, sequence- and chord-presets.

Consequence is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats with a price of €149 / $199.

Radial Engineering is pleased to announce it will be launching a series of lunchbox modules to fit the popular API 500 series format.

Radial JDV-LB Class-A direct box

The Radial JDV-LB is a class-A direct box with a feed-forward circuit topology. By eliminating all negative feedback loops, the audio remains absolutely pristine. The result is a natural open sound. To further dial-in the tone, Radial's unique Drag Control load correction allows the user to replicate the effect of amplifiers and cables on the instrument and when disengaged, introduces a 4meg-Ohm input to properly mate with piezo pickups. This makes the JDV-LB an ideal interface for bass guitar and acoustic instruments.

Radial PHZ-LB phase adjustment tool

Following the success of the Radial Phazer, this 'studio tool' will also be ported over to the lunchbox format to allow multiple Phazers to be assembled into a recording kit. The PHZ-LB is a class-A analogue phase adjustment tool that allows the engineer to combine the sound of two sources such as microphones or direct boxes to create fuller more natural tones or introduce weird effects. Variable from 0° to 180° and equipped with a polarity reverse to capture the 181° to 360° cycle, the Radial PHZ-LB is more fun than a barrel full of lizards!

Pricing and Availability TBA.

For the month of December, Wave Arts is taking 15% off all prices. Existing Wave Arts customers can also get additional upgrade discounts this month :

* Version 4 customers: get $100 (per plug-in) towards the purchase of the version 5 equivalent or version 5 bundle containing the plug-in(s) - Custom Duo, Custom Trio, or Power Suite (applies to Power Suite plug-ins only).

* Version 5 customers: get $150 (per plug-in) towards the purchase of a custom bundle containing the plug-in(s) or Power Suite (applies to Power Suite plug-ins only). For Master Restoration, get $100 off the whole Master Restoration Suite for MR Click, MR Hum, and MR Gate, and $275 off for MR Noise.

For more information, please visit their website.

Two Notes Audio Engeneering is about to release the Torpedo VB-101 modelisation loadbox for guitars and basses. In studio, on stage or at home, the VB-101 is the ultimate solution for quick, easy and silent mikingof your bass and guitar amplifiers.

Just plug your amplifier to the VB-101 instead of a speaker cabinet, directly at the power output. You catch this way all that makes your tube or transistor amplifier's sound.

The Torpedo VB-101 replaces the usual miking process by a powerful simulation of the speaker cabinet, the microphone, the microphone preamplifier, and the studio acoustic environment. The miking process then takes place silently, with perfect control over the most important parameters : choice of speaker cabinet among many models, choice of microphone, placement of the microphone around the cabinet.

Features :

- 2U 19" rack format loadbox/DI with a maximum admissible power of 150W RMS
- Mono input, dual mono output
- DI output without AD/DA conversion (Pre Sim Out)
- Loaded from factory with 16 speaker simulations (guitar and bass, 8+8), internal memory capable of containing more than 32 different speakers.
- 8 microphones amongst the most used in studio
- One free speaker available to download on the website each month
- 5ms latency
- 24 bits, 192 kHz AD and DA converters
- 32 bits floating point, 96 kHz internal processing
- AES/EBU and S/PDIF input / output up to 96 kHz.
- Internal, AES/SPDIF or Wordclock sync
- Torpedo Remote software, PC and MAC compatible, driverless USB connexion to the VB-101
- MIDI handling (real time Program Change and Control Change)
- Optionnal Ethernet communication
- Optimised cooling system to guarantee total safety

The Torpedo VB-101 will be available this month at a retail price of 1499€.

Lexicon has released a new update for the PCM96 software. Not only this version 3.0.0.7 improves the stability and reliability of the unit, but it also brings a set of algorithms that give the user new pitch-based effects.

According to Lexicon, the new effects can be used for anything from pitch-shifting spoken voices and doubling vocals, to re-tuning choirs and vocal ensembles, and creating wacky effects. There are also useful presets for correcting the pitch of audio after common video conversions, such as when the sample rate is changed from 44.1kHz to 48kHz.

The software v3.0.0.7 is available for free on the Lexicon website.

The Vienna Symphonic Library team invites existing and future customers to celebrate the season with many special offers and new products. Promotions include free download instruments for users of the Vienna Special Editions, the Woodwind collections, the Brass collections, and the Vienna Konzerthaus Organ.

Special Offers :

- Free Fanfare Trumpets for Special Edition Users
- 15% Off on all Special Edition Extended Libraries
- New Download Instruments and Special Offer: Bassoon 2 and Trumpet in Bb
- Lower Prices for Keyboard Vienna Instruments
- Free Registers of the Vienna Konzerthaus Organ
- Free Jazz Drums for Vienna Suite Customers

The complete information can also be found online at :