PC and Music News

IK Multimedia has announced that AmpliTube XGEAR v1.1 has been released as a free download for all registered StompIO users and all registered owners of at least one "powered by AmpliTube" product* including: Ampeg SVX, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, AmpliTube 2 and AmpliTube Metal.

AmpliTube X-GEAR is an expandable guitar amp and effects modeling software system, available as a plug-in and standalone for Windows / Mac OS X. It allows you to mix and match all the gear models from all current and future "Powered by AmpliTube" products in a single host interface, providing seamless control over every parameter directly from StompIO, or any generic MIDI controller.

Eligible users are able to download X-GEAR for free from their IK user area. X-GEAR is also available to purchase as a download for €74.99/$99.99 (excluding taxes) in the IK Multimedia online store.

*AmpliTube 2 Live, AmpliTube 2 DUO and Ampeg SVX UNO users are not eligible for this free crossgrade.

ProSounds has released an update for its virtual synth PS-1. Version 1.1 brings enhanced stability, and addresses many bugs reported by users since the PS-1 initial release.

Changes/Fixes :

- Updated to the VST 2.4 standard (PS-1 will now load in Cubase 4)
- Arp, Trancegate, delay, and LFO sync issues fixed
- Minor GUI changes
- Other minor bugs and graphical issues solved

Note that Pro-Sounds has also commissioned several sound designers to create additional content for registered users, including BigTone, Leslie Sanford, and Kriminal. These new presets will be released in the coming months.

The PS-1 VSTi v1.1 is available for free download to all registered 1.0 users; customers may simply log-in to their download accounts to retrieve the update. For new customers, the PS-1 v1.1 is available immediately for $69.95.

Virtuasonic has updated MIJOY PRO to version 2.2. MIJOY PRO 2 is a VSTi plug-in that allows you to use a joystick or gamepad as a MIDI controller. It can be used to control other VSTi instruments, FX plug-ins and MIDI hardware in real-time.

This new version introduces two useful features and extends the compatibility to other VST Hosts. It is now possible to configure the plug-in to suit different kinds of joysticks and gamepads in a more comfortable way. The new 'Z-Rotation and Slider Remapping' function lets you assign an arbitrary control source chosen between Z-axis, Slider 1, Slider 2 and Z-Rotation to the MIJOY PRO 'Z-rot' and 'Slider' parameters. Thanks to the 'Deadzone' function you can also set a non-responsive zone at dead center of X, Y axes as a percentage of the total range.

MIJOY PRO 2 is available as a VST plug-in for Windows at a price of $29.95. The update is free for all registered users.

Sinevibes is proud to announce that the Planet F and Planet X sound libraries are now available for Roland SonicCell synthesizer module.

The Planet F and Planet X libraries have been designed to take all the great features of the Roland synthesizers to the extreme, and each included patch has been carefully crafted to instantly inspire new musical ideas. From vintage analog and digital classics to new and never-heard-before instruments, phrases and grooves, the Planet libraries include an extremely large collection of different sounds that are ready to go into any modern performance and production.

Planet F and Planet X are immediately available in all loadable formats for Fantom-S, Fantom-X, Juno-G and SonicCell, at $29 each. These libraries are part of the Planet Pack which adds the Fantom Tweakbook for a total of $59 (23% off), and the upcoming fifth edition of the Tweakbook will add SonicCell compatibility as well (as a free update to all owners of the fourth edition).

MusikMesse has closed last week-end, it is time for a little summary of this edition.

Here at MacMusic we have been nicely surprised specially regards to the deceiving last NAMM show. Some great initiatives have raised for our contentment, like the products from SM Pro Audio giving "freedom" to our plugin in a live context for instance, or also Circle from FAW, this virtual synthetizer which simplicity and ease of use are really appreciated. We've also enjoyed to see again the Artist Series from Euphonix, already seen at NAMM.

But overall the biggest surprise was Direct Note Access by Celemony... a real revolution which could well change our view on processing the sonic universe... the Team is unanimous to celebrate this fantastic product which is for sure The discovery of this MusikMesse 2008.

What about you ? what did you noticed at the MM ?

Inspiration Sounds has just released DOBRO Licks & Slides Sample Pack which is a new collection of loops for country music producers and soundtrack composers.

It features 515MB of Dobro licks and slides performed by Bob Dixon, who has worked with artists and bands including The Magic Numbers, The Kelvin Henderson Band, Roly Daniels, The Medicine Bow, Kalibre and Alison Moyet. Inspiration Sounds recommends 'Dobro' for Music, TV, Film and Multimedia producers. However, the content can be used in a wide variety of other genres and applications.

Specifications :

- 515MB Download
- ACIDized Wave Files
- Apple Loops
- All loops are at 100BPM
- Licks and Slides in every key (A, B, C, D, E, F,G)
- Includes 'Dry' and 'Processed' versions
- All loops sync to BPM
- PC/Mac Compatible
- Royalty-Free (no exceptions)

You can listen to demo samples and instantly download the Dobro Sample Pack for £29.95 / €39.95/ $59.95 at :