PC and Music News

Arturia announces that Minimoog V 2.0 will be shipping from April 20. This new version of the Minimoog synthesizer emulation includes :

- Advanced automation mode
- A revolutionary preset navigation system called the SoundMap
- New formant-analysis-based FX called the Vocal Filter
- Various improvements to the sound structure
- A fresh bunch of presets
- Bug fixes.

The upgrade is free for all registered users.

Solid State Logic is proud to announce the release of Duende V3 and new X-Verb plug-in.


Duende V3 doubles the power that the Duende platform can be upgraded to with the introduction of an entirely new audio engine. Duende's new Hybrid Core Processing engine combines all of the advantages of dedicated DSP with use of your computers CPU processing power. V3 enables users to upgrade Duende Mini to 64 channels and Duende PCIe

PreSonus presents Studio One, a new music creation and production application for Mac OS X and Windows XP/Vista that makes audio recording, MIDI sequencing, and audio mastering ridiculously simple right out of the box, yet provides a wealth of professional features.

Fresh code, innovative drag-and-drop MIDI mapping and plug-in management, auto-configuration with PreSonus hardware, unlimited tracks and plug-ins per track, and a powerful, inventive Start page that literally puts the whole project right in your hands are just a few of its features.

Key Features :

• Single-window work environment
• Powerful drag-and-drop functionality
• Unlimited audio tracks, MIDI tracks, virtual instruments, buses, and FX channels
• Content browser with convenient sort options and preview player
• Integrated mastering solution with automatic mix updating, waveform editing, effects, Red Book CD burning, and digital release

Rupert Neve Designs unveils a brand new unit : the Fidelice Quad Pre.

Microphone Preamplifier
Based on the class A and high-voltage circuit topology of the 5088 mixer, the Fidelice Quad Pre utilizes all-new custom transformers and single-sided discrete component op-amps to achieve its classic blend of clarity and sweetness. The mic pre includes 0 to 72dB of gain in dB steps, phase reverse, 48V phantom power, a variable HPF, 10 point LED metering and the new multi-position silk control. Unlike the previous Silk mode found in the Portico Series mic pre's, the updated Silk control features four distinct settings to provide varying degrees of warmth and presence. Channels 1 & 2 may also be used as an M-S input, or summed with channels 3 & 4(1+3, 2+4) by using the M / S, Sum switch.

Direct Input
In addition to a mic pre, each channel of the Fidelis Quad Pre is equipped with

Unity Audio introduces 'The Rock', a new monitor which aims to set no less than a "new standard of monitoring".

Product specification :

- FRONT BAFFLE & CABINET – BY STUDIO DESIGNER KEVIN VAN GREEN. To add density, mass and rigidity to the design, the front baffle is manufactured from Corian® and then bonded to a plywood baffle. Closed cabinet design for a more accurate smoother, deeper bass response made from top grade 12mm, 9 ply Baltic Birch rather than cheaper commonly used MDF. An ingenious bracing system has also been designed to stop cabinet flexing.

- Superior Folded Ribbon Tweeter
A new folded ribbon tweeter has been designed which features

Steinberg is proud to announce the return of The Grand with a third version. The Grand 3 is what Steinberg believes to be the epitome of virtual piano software.

The Grand 3 recreates the expressiveness, playability and sound of three of the world's finest and most famous grand pianos: Yamaha C7, Bösendorfer 290 Imperial and Steinway D. Additionally, the classical Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand as well as the charismatic vintage upright piano model by Nordiska Pianofabriken have been included to round out the palette of piano greatness.

Key features at a glance :

- Five top-flight piano models in one VST instrument
- Astoundingly authentic piano sound that comes courtesy of three of the world's finest, most expensive concert grand pianos
- Full-length sustain samples, no loops, with every key sampled individually at varying velocities
- Unrivaled dynamic response
- Amazingly authentic sustain pedal resonance, damper and hammer emulations, velocity adapts individually to suit your touch, style of play and keyboard's response
- Powerful options for tweaking tone and variable room simulations

The Grand 3 will be available in Q3 of 2009.