PC and Music News

WaveMachine Labs has reduced the price of Drumagog Basic to $99 through the end of the year. Previously $199, this downloadable version of Drumagog can only be purchased through their online store and is not available in retail outlets.

Drumagog Basic is an entry-level version of Drumagog, a drum replacement software. Drumagog Basic now includes Auto Align and Advanced Triggering Mode, both features that were previously only included with more expensive versions of Drumagog. Auto Align is a phase alignment tool, and Advanced Triggering Mode provides the best triggering performance Drumagog has to offer. It features a smart algorithm which minimizes false triggering and maximizes sensitivity, making it particularly useful on difficult tracks.

Drumagog Basic is available in VST, AU and RTAS formats for Mac and Pc. Note that a 14-day demo version is also available.

Native Instruments has launched a special Kontakt 3 crossgrade offer for owners of GigaStudio.

From now until December 31st 2008, owners of any version of Tascam GigaStudio can get the Kontakt 3 software sampler for a reduced price of $279 / €249, a saving of nearly 40% off the regular price.

Here's a picture I've found on the web, it seems that Wade Goeke (the man behind Chandler Ltd) is working on a beautiful new console !

But there is more, he 's also working on several new products that should be released shortly... more or less... As far as I know those new units should be :

- a full Germanium Channel Strip
- a "super TG" Channel Strip
- new 500 series modules
- a Mini Mixer Mark II
- mkII versions of all the Germanium family

So wait and see !

Tascam has announced the DP-004 Digital Pocketstudio, a new portable four-track digital recorder. The DP-004 records to SD Card media, and a 1GB card is included. It features autopunch recording, track editing and an undo function. A metronome and tuner are built-in, and the Input A jack accepts a guitar-level signal for direct recording.

According to Tascam :

"Based on 30 years of Portastudio experience, the DP-004 retains the legendary ease-of-use of cassette-based four-track recorders but updates it with CD-quality digital recording. Instead of confounding menus and windows, the recorder uses a set of dedicated knobs and buttons for easy operation. A pair of unbalanced 1/4" inputs accept mic or line signals, or musicians can employ the built-in stereo microphone. A stereo mixdown track is also included, and tracks or mixes can be transferred to a computer using USB 2.0. Smaller than a paperback book, the DP-004 is portable enough to bring anywhere."

The DP-004 is shipping in November 2008 with an estimated street price of $199.

Vital Arts is pleased to announce Plectrum V2, the new cross-platform version of their critically acclaimed virtual instrument collection. This new version is powered by Native Instruments' Kontakt 2 Player.

Overview :

• 187 original instruments
• 45 combination "Multis"
• Round robin playback, with multiple articulations under every key
• Nine easy access categories
• Fast instrument loading and selection
• Fully multitimbral, allowing custom split and layer "Multis"
• High performance audio engine, powered by Native Instruments Konatkt 2 Player
• AU, VST, RTAS, and Standalone for Mac and Pc
• Thousands of full length high resolution samples, voiced for making music

The 12 GB library which includes the Kontakt 2 Player will be available starting on November 10, 2008 for $299. Existing registered Plectrum users will be offered a $59 crossgrade price for a limited time.

Described by its manufacturer as "the jedi knight of microphones fighting against forces of the dark side and their poor clone warriors", the Vertigo VS47 is a "new" microphone which aims to be the king instead of the king : the classic Neumann U47.

The VS 47 is equipped with :

- Original Neumann M7 capsule
- Telefunken VF14 tube
- Original Haufe BV-8 transformer

The ultimate set is completed with :

- Replica PSU
- High quality leads
- OEM elastic suspension.

Pricing :

- VS 47 with VF14 and FET14 : €5990
- VS 47 with FET14 : €4990