PC and Music News

VirSyn has just updated its vocoder plug-in Matrix.

New features in v1.2.1 :

- Internal generator can now be used without MIDI note input.
- Line draw mode for channel matrix with shift+drag.
- AudioUnit standard effect without MIDI added.
- AudioUnit mono effect added.

Bug fixes :

- MIDI learn was broken in VST 2.4 / AudioUnit versions.

Matrix Users will be notified automatically about the update and the download links. A fully functional/time limited demo version is available - a Syncrosoft dongle (Steinberg key) is needed.

Scratch by 9 Soundware is the second installment in a series of three sample packs featuring DJ Shiftee, the winner of the 2007 DMC World Championships. This multi-format set of turntable loops are intended to complement the scratching found in DJ Shiftee: Extreme Turntablism. From simple, straightforward scratches which vibe up beats to vinyl madness at breakneck speeds, these versatile loops are effective as both textural and solo elements.

The set consists of 78 loops (1 to 4 bars in length) at tempos 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, and 140 BPM. The 216 MB download includes 78 WAV files (24-bit/44.1 kHz), 78 REX2 files (24-bit/44.1 kHz), and 78 Apple Loops files (24-bit/44.1 kHz).

Scratch is available now for $19.99 at :

Audiffex has released a Stomp Box / Guitar Pedals plug-in bundle in VST, RTAS and Standalone versions for both Mac and PC.

Originally released under Audiffex's previous "DSound" brand name back in 1999 when it was one of the first professional software guitar effect solutions, Guitar Pedals is a set of plug-ins for guitar, bass, software instruments, vocal and acoustic instruments. The first two series included 7 and 6 pedals. Now the package contains 36 effects. Additional effects will be added as free updates.

This bundle includes effects such as Auto Pan, Tuner, Auto Wah, Chorus, Delay, Flanger, Blues Drive, Distortion, Exciter, Preamp, Noise Gate, Octaver, etc...

Priced at $99, the Guitar Pedals bundle is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and RTAS plug-in formats.

CEntrance, the manufacturer of MicPort Pro and AxePort Pro, the portable tools for recording voice and instruments to computer with professional results, debuted a new corporate website and the AxePort Pro Video Contest.

The content-rich website features product testimonials and audio samples recorded by leading studio musicians. The audio samples make it easy to hear the clear sonic advantages of the MicPort Pro and AxePort Pro over more expensive products from larger manufacturers. Visitors can hear for themselves why the BBC, CNN, NBC, leading voice over artists and musicians love CEntrance products.

AxePort Video Contest :

To demonstrate the ease of use of AxePort Pro, CEntrance has launched a Video Contest. AxePort users enter to win a cash prize for making a better video than the mock video featured on the CEntrance website. The under 2-minute videos are to be posted on YouTube and a link sent to CEntrance with entry information. CEntrance staff members will vote on the best and award the cash prize. For complete contest information visit :

The Vienna Symphonic Library team welcomes Spring with special offers through April 15, 2009. Existing and new users will receive free Extended Libraries of Vienna's DVD Collections as well as free instruments from the company's extensive list of Single Instrument Downloads.

For more information, please visit the link below :

RME launches new analog multichannel MADI and ADAT converter series at Frankfurt Musikmesse 2009. RME's comprehensive MADI line is now extended by hi-class multichannel converters with 16 and 32 channels. The M-series converters have been conceived and optimized for professional studio, stage, and broadcast applications.

Packed into only 2U height the M-32 AD offers a 32-channel AD-conversion to MADI and ADAT in reference quality. The fully symmetrical analog circuit design guarantees excellent S/N and THD specs across a wide analog level range. Using up-to-date converter technology, the device not only works up to 192 kHz, but also reaches a real-world signal-to-noise ratio of 116 dBA on all channels. Further features are analog limiters for an efficient protection of the analog inouts against overload, three hardware reference levels up to +24 dBu, MADI and ADAT I/O, analog inputs via 6.3mm TRS and D-sub connectors, remote control via MIDI and MIDI over MADI, and operation across a wide range of mains voltages.

Nearly identical features are found in the M-32 DA, which offers