PC and Music News

Now, for a limited time, Focusrite is offering purchasers of any ISA product a copy of Forté Suite worth £250.

Utilizing virtual vintage modules, Forté Suite continues where D2/D3 left off, bringing Focusrite's classic ISA sonic signature to every Pro Tools platform (HD, LE and M-Powered) through sophisticated modeling of the ISA110 EQ and ISA130 dynamics processors (including compressor, de-esser, and noise gate), the key modules from the Focusrite Forté analogue console.

The 'Forté4free' campaign runs until 31st August 2009. Forté Suite authorization code is claimed directly with the local exclusive Focusrite distributor upon proof of purchase of any ISA hardware unit.

Focusrite is proud to announce that the Liquid Saffire 56 is shipping and widely available in stores across the USA.

The Liquid Saffire 56 features 2 Liquid mic-pre's evolved from the original Liquid Channel. Each Liquid Pre-amp lets you choose from ten different classic pre-amp emulations including the API 3124+, Neve 1073, Pultec MB-1, Telefunken V72, Focusrite's own Red 1, and more.

In addition to 8 mic pre's, Liquid Saffire 56 includes 10 analogue outputs, 16 channels of ADAT i/o, stereo S/PDIF or AES i/o (on RCA phono), MIDI i/o, 2 virtual 'loopback' inputs, for routing digital audio between software applications, and BNC wordclock i/o. The Saffire Mix Control software provides ultra flexible control over routing and monitoring, which includes presets for immediate set up of commonly used mixing situations, and full metering across all inputs, outputs and submixes. This is just a few of the Liquid Saffire 56's many features, see product pages for full details.

The Liquid Saffire 56 is available now at a retail price of $1,299.99 / €819 (street price $999.99 / €719).

Sterling Audio unveils the ST69, a new tube condenser microphone.

At the heart of the ST69's Class-A tube triode design is a Groove Tubes GT6205 low noise, low heat, subminiature tube which combines classic tube tone with increased transparency and reliability. The 1" double-sided multi-pattern capsule, (hand assembled and oven baked for stable long term operation), features a gold-evaporated Mylar diaphragm that is only 3 microns thick. Combined with its Disk Resonator system, this provides the ST69 with exceptionally accurate transient response and sonic detail — extending mid through high frequencies naturally in a smooth sweep. This advanced technology makes it the ideal mic for recording vocals, acoustic instruments and drums.

A sleek brushed stainless steel body complements its technical brilliance with stunning looks. Other features include Omni, Cardioid and Figure-8 patterns, selectable -10dB pad and 75Hz,12dB/octave high-pass filter, as well as a custom-wound nickel-core output transformer specifically optimized for the ST69.

The ST69 is available now and priced at $599.

XILS-lab announces XILS 3, a new matrix-style virtual synth based on the architecture of a classic matrix based modular synthesizer (the legendary EMS VCS3).

Features :

• Three aliasing-free oscillators: sine, ramp, square, triangle.
• One 2/4 poles low pass filter (a 3 pole self-oscillating mode is also planned).
• One envelope, based on two different designs, trapezoid and ADSR.
• One spring reverb.
• One ring modulator.
• One 128 steps sequencer.
• Two output static filters.
• One joy-stick.
• Three connection matrix.
• One input gate.
• One input envelope follower.
• One pitch tracker.
• One transient tracker.
• Mono/Unison/Polyphonic playing mode, up to 18 voices of polyphony.
• All paramete ...

AcousticsampleS announces the releases of AcademicGrand Steinway D Grand, a piano sample library.

The AcademicGrand is a 1963 Steinway D concert grand which has seen countless recitals and concerts over the years where it served as the University of Arkansas' primary concert instrument. The piano has been an inspiration to hundreds of students and visitors, and with being well-maintained and cared for, it's a wonderful instrument with a unique history and classic American Steinway sound.

- This Library is the result of a collaboration with Lance Herring
- 2,82Go sample bank, no loops
- Recorded at 24Bits/48Khz
- 4 Velocity layers for the sustain
- 4 Velocities for the release.
- Pedal Up and Pedal Down samples
- 3 release types, notes, thumps, on pedal down (3d one only in Kontakt)
- Additionnal pedal noise (up and down), automatic in kontakt version
- Advanced scripting (Kontakt)
- Really easy to play, just like a real piano, no more and no less.
- Kontakt 2 and 3 (GIGA coming soon). Easy to use Kontakt interface
- priced at €59

Visit the website for screenshots, audio and videos demos of the library.

Spectrasonics has announced that the release of Trilian has now been moved to 26th October 2009.

The launch, which was previously planned for 29th June, has been delayed due to the sad loss of Barbara Klinger, Spectrasonics' longtime warehouse manager and launch coordinator.