PC and Music News

FXpansion is proud to introduce the Maple Custom Absolute Expansion Kit for BFD2 which features a high-end Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute drum kit and a bonus Yamaha FHP (fiberglass) snare.

This download-only BFD v2.1 expansion kit includes toms played with sticks, brushes, mallets, and rods. The bass drums were hit with both a wood and felt beater. The snare drum is played with sticks and hot-rods, with the snare wire on and off for both.

New articulations include rim shots and rim clicks on the toms. The snare also offers rim clicks, as well as support for positional sensing for use with electronic drums.

• Maple Custom Absolute 7"x8" Tom
• Maple Custom Absolute 7.5"x10" Tom
• Maple Custom Absolute 8"x12" Tom
• Maple Custom Absolute 14"x14" Floor Tom
...

Univers-Sons/Ultimate Sound Bank introduces Hip Hop Planet.

Hip Hop Planet from the brand new EKOLOOPZ series isn't another Urban sample library... Why ?

• First of all : sound quality

This library was produced the same way the best Hip Hop and R'n B tunes are. From creating and mixing the construction kits - with a unique way to analyse and process the sounds -, to the mastering, done at Sterling Sounds in New York by top mastering engineer Chris Gerhinger. The result is that punchy sound you won't find anywhere else. All recorded at 24-bit 96 kHz resolution.

• Unprecedent flexibility, compatible with MOTU BPM

Even if the library can be used right away with the included UVI Workstation, it also contains datas for the new MOTU BPM format, making the library complet ...

Steinberg has announced the release of Nuendo 4.3.

"The overall goal for Nuendo 4.3 was to further improve the stability of the program. We've not only concentrated on addressing open issues concerned with File Import, Surround, Solo/Mute and Session handling, but have also enabled Cubase 5 projects to be opened in Nuendo 4.3. Our thanks goes out to our valued customers for their input," comments Timo Wildenhain, marketing manager at Steinberg.

In addition, the new update also provides support for the upcoming Nuendo SyncStation, Steinberg's new synchronizer.

"Our new synchronizer will be a benchmarking machine. The overall functionality and integration with Nuendo is absolutely outstanding," Wildenhain continues. The Nuendo SyncStation is a joint-development of Steinberg and engineering legend Colin Broad.

This new version is free for all registered users.

Back In Time Records has just released Presets #1 by kpr, a brand new presets bank for the Arturia Origin modular synthesizer. 64 Program Presets sounds for the typical keyboarder who is looking for cool lead synths, evolving pads, fat bass, vintage classics, smart polysynths. Fine sounddesign art with useful controller programming for stage, studio, filmsound.

Presets #1 by kpr is priced at €19. Details and audio track are available at :

Peter Vogel, Fairlight co-founder, has posted some teaser information on a new, 30th Anniversary Limited Edition of the Fairlight CMI.

Well there's only a pre-production mockup for now but we hope there will be more information soon, so stay tuned !

The Avantone BV-1 Microphone is the first in a new series of high-end microphones to be released by Avant Electronics.

"The BV-1 features premium grade capacitors, a hand selected 6072A tube, plus our own custom-designed 3 micron thick 34mm dual capsule, as well as a custom CINEMAG transformer," stated Glen Heffner, V.P. Global Sales and Market Development. "Final assembly and testing are performed here in Sunny Southern California. We also incorporated "Real World" producers/recording studios to confirm the smooth, airy, top end and the powerful, rich bass response. This was a major part of our litmus test to verify the reliability and integrity of the BV-1. It consistently passed with flying colors."

"The microphone was put into the hands of producers such as Grammy-winner Ray Kenn ...