PC and Music News

BPM version 1.02 is now available as a free, downloadable update for all registered BPM users. Version 1.02 introduces more new features, including Step Sequencer shortcuts and abilities, MIDI beat clock sync, MIDI modulation, expanded Metronome controls, and One Shot pads.

Here is a brief overview of the new features in BPM version 1.0.2 :

• Loading slice loops into banks — you can now drag & drop a slice loop onto a bank to automatically load individual slices onto the bank's 16 pads.
• One shot pads — "one shot" means that the entire sample will play (note-off info is ignored).
• Step Sequencer enhancement — you can now copy the pattern in any step sequencer line and paste it to another line.
• Double Resolution — this new step sequencer feature lets you quickly double the resolution of the step grid.
• Preview volume slider — you can now control the volume of preview playback in the browser.
• Enhanced metronome — you can now turn the metronome on or off as desired and control its volume.
• Beat clock sync — the stand-alone version of BPM now resolves to incoming Beat Clock.
• MIDI modulation — BPM parameters can now be controlled with MIDI modulation, similar to MOTU's other instrument products.

Applied Acoustics Systems announces the release of Strum Electric GS-1, a new guitar track production plug-in for music producers and composers.

Based on the latest AAS physical modeling technology, Strum Electric includes a collection of classic single coil- and humbucker-fitted guitars, a two-channel amplifier with spring reverb, a speaker cabinet, and effects all featured in a ready-made preset library. It also includes an elaborate voicing module which automatically voices chords played on the keyboard as a guitar player would on the fretboard. Techniques such as down- and up-strokes, slides and bends, hammer-ons and pull-offs, palm muting, muffled strings, and arpeggios are triggered by special strumming keys. Strum Electric also ships with an inspiring MIDI loops library which provides rhythmic figures, strumming patterns, and chord progressions in various musical styles.

Strum Electric GS-1 is available now at a retail price of $229. Strum Electric GS-1 runs on both Mac OS X and Windows, as a standalone application as well as in host sequencers supporting the VST, Audio Units, and RTAS plug-in formats. Note that demo versions and sound samples are also available at :

ESI has released the SW10K eXperience subwoofer.

Features :

- 10" bass reflex powered subwoofer
- Amplifier power: 100W@100Hz, 4 Ohm, 0.1% THD
- Dynamic power: 120W
- Crossover frequency: 50Hz - 180Hz (adjustable)
- Inputs: balanced XLR, unbalanced 1/4" TRS
- Outputs: balanced XLR
- Input impedance: 20kOhm balanced, 10kOhm unbalanced
- Mute control connector (for sustain pedal)
- Dimensions: 384 x 354 x 384 mm (15.1 x 13.9 x 15.1 inches)

The SW10K eXperience is available now at a list price of $529.

The Heavenly Prophecy is a collection of 200 sounds for Prophet V. It is the fourth in Musicrow's series of soundsets for Arturia vintage synthesizer recreations.

The Heavenly Prophecy takes the Prophet V and the Prophet VS to new extremes! The sounds were designed to take the classic tone of these two vintage synthesizers and spice them with innovative edges.

A demo bank with 20 fully functional presets is available for download.

The Heavenly Prophecy is now available for €35.

Roland has launched a video contest called "How Do You JUNO ?".

Enter this competition and get a chance to win one of three new JUNO-Stage keyboards. The concept is quite easy, you just have to upload a short YouTube video that shows a creative way you use your Roland JUNO keyboard.

112dB has just released Redline Reverb, a new reverb plug-in described as a "musical reverb based on a completely new and original concept that excels in both warmth and transparency at extremely low CPU usage". Its core algorithm is based on the Rev-6 and Space Master Reaktor ensembles by Martijn Zwartjes.

Redline Reverb is a fully algorithmic and true stereo reverb with possibilities far beyond the conventional - check out the 112 factory presets for a comprehensive showcase of what it can do. Unlike conventional algorithmic reverbs, Redline Reverb does not need separate plate, hall, and room algorithms. Instead it features a comprehensive yet intuitive parameter set that allows you to easily recreate any given reverb characteristic, leaving you free to create lush smooth vocal reverbs, convincing room simulations, almost infinite reverb tails, synth pad and delay effects, and everything in between.

Priced at $99, Redline Reverb is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU and RTAS formats. 60-day fully functional demo versions are also available.