PC and Music News

RØDE introduces the M2, a new condenser mic designed for live performances.

Combining sound quality equal to that of the finest studio microphones, the M2 features a tailored response to reduce feedback, as well as an integrated shock mounting system to minimize handling noise. A locking on/off switch located on the microphone's body provides the switching feature required by singers with self-operated sound systems, and yet can be locked off when used in larger, dedicated operator environments.

Features :

- Live condenser vocal microphone
- Feedback rejecting super-cardioid pick up pattern
- Locking on/off switch
- Heavy duty metal body
- High level of RF rejection
- Low handling noise
- Designed and manufactured in Australia
- 10 year warranty (online registration required)

HowAudio presents a new bundle which offers 12 Hours of Pro Tools training in 2 DVDs. Whether you are new to ProTools, a casual user or a working professional, "ProTools LE: Essential Training" & "What's New In Pro Tools 7.4" will help make learning easy.

The ProTools LE: Essential Training DVD offers insight into all the ins and outs of Digidesign's industry-standard audio production software. In addition, this nearly 10-hour DVD is full of tips and tricks from engineer Jeff Dykhouse that will increase your efficiency and reduce your workflow. Additionally, you'll get What's New In ProTools 7.4, featuring expert training on the time-manipulation tool called Elastic Time or Elastic Audio as it's sometimes referred to.

The ProTools Training Bundle is available now for $63.92.

John Bowen has announced that the first production of its long-awaited Solaris is now planned for late September 2008, with delivery shortly thereafter.

The Solaris is a 5 octaves DSP keyboard, with plenty of knobs to chew on (40), 5 value displays plus a graphic one. The internals are based on SHARC CPU and a 96 kHz audio engine where new algorithms can be feed, as available thru software updates and expansion packs.

Features :

- 4 Oscillators, each with several types available: MultiMode, WaveTable, CEM, WAV (sample playback), VS (single cycle waves), SuperSaw
- 4 Filters, each with a dedicated Mixer. Filter types are: Ladder Lowpass, 24, 12, 6, dB, Highpass 24, 12, 6 dB, Bandpass 24 dB, Comb (2 types), State Variable 12 dB LP, HP, BP, and Notch
- 2 Vector Mixers, 2 Rotors (special 4-step waveshape sequences), 2 AM sections (includes Ring Mod)
- 6 DADSRs, 2 8-stage loopable envelopes
- 4 free LFOs, 1 Vibrato LFO. Each has delayed start, fade in, and fade out times, key sync and Phase control
- Phaser, Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Overdrive, 3-band EQ effects

Pre-orders for the second series of production are available now. For more information, please visit the link below.

Musicrow has released Golden Ensembles 2, a massive collection of 38 cutting-edge ensembles for NI Reaktor 5. Synthesizers, effects and creative sound processors, everything is packed, with hundreds of presets ready to be used.

Golden Ensembles pack includes the following ensembles :

- Synthesizers : Cobra, Orpheus, Oberline, Bass Lab, Trancoid, CX, and Blue Crow
- Other Instruments : Piano Magic, Theremin, Brass Machine, Future Bass, Accordion, and Vinyl
- Sound Generators : Chaos
- Classics Processors : Plate Reverb, Tape Echo, Osmosis Filter, Green Tape, Tube Compressor, Vintage Chorus, Mood Filter, Ultraverb, Ultra Chorus, Tape Flanger, Preamp Emulator, Ultra Phaser, DX3, Graphic Equalizer, and Tremolo
- Sound Design Tools : Executer, Magician, White FX, GrainD lay, Electroverb, Drive, Space Boy, Golden Delay and Vocal Modeler

Golden Ensembles 2 is available for €119 / $159. Registered users of version 1 can upgrade for €20 / $25.

HV Synth Design has just announced the release of the Acoustic Modeled LowBrassCollection which contains a Bass Trombone, Tenor Trombone, F-Horn and WagnerTuba. The instruments are created with SynthMaker and based on a unique modeling method, called Eclectic Acoustic Synthesis.

Features :

- Very realistic low brass sounds.
- All Instruments can play 1-4 voices.
- Like real Brass Instruments, you can 'blow' the models from very soft to very loud with an increment of brightness (the high frequencies become more and more prominent). This is done via modulation wheel or breath controller.
- Low CPU load.

Controls :

- Breath Pressure: ModWheel or Breath Controller.
- Lip tention.
- Breath noise + Instability.
- Vibrato (amplitude and/or pitch).
- Slide (Trombones only).
- EQ.
- Fine tuning.

The Acoustic Modeled LowBrassCollection is available now for Windows in VST and Standalone versions at a price of $179. Note that audio examples are available.

MixMeister Technology announces that MixMeister Scratch, the first DJ program for iPhone and iPod Touch, is available as a free download from the iTunes Store. MixMeister Scratch enables users to scratch anywhere, anytime, regardless of DJ experience or technique. The program is easy-to-use and fun for DJs of all levels.

Users can scratch on top of any song in their iPhone, iPhone 3G or iPod Touch mobile digital devices. A collection of vinyl scratch sounds is included so users can select the ideal scratch to stylistically suit their imagination and creativity. DJs can adjust the volume level of the music in real time using the touch interface.

The application has been fully approved by Apple for use with iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod Touch.