PC and Music News

Audio Damage has just released Kombinat which is a new multi-band distortion plugin.

Kombinat's signal structure allows for a broad palette of sounds, as each segment of the overall effect is a versatile tool in its own right. The Isolator is a full "DJ-style" band-killer EQ; this leads to the three distortion engines, which may be used in multi-band mode for subtle surgery, or in series mode for complete signal destruction. The engines go in to a four-pole lowpass filter of Audio Damage's own design, and then in to a compressor which Audio Damage has configured for one-knob operation. With seven different algorithms in each of the three distortion engines (plus pass-through), Kombinat is capable of sophisticated and unique sounds.

Features :

- "DJ" style three-band isolator EQ for band-killing effects.
- Three distortion engines, consisting of seven algorithms each (plus pass-through) that can operate per-band or in series. The included algorithms are Fuzz, Distortion, Saturation, Warp, Clip, Bit/Sample-Rate Reduction, and Ring Mod.
- Self-Resonating Four-pole lowpass filter.
- Compressor, configured for one-knob operation for ease of use.
- Full MIDI learn (VST version only) for hardware control of all parameters.

Kombinat is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST and AU formats for a fee of $49. Note that audio examples are also available.

PreSonus has announced that its new FireWire recording system : the FireStudio Tube.

Features :

- 24-bit/96K firewire (IEEE1394)
- 16 inputs/10 outputs simultaneous record/playback channels
- 2 SuperChannels (tube microphone/instrument preamplifier with analog limiter)
- 8 XMAX microphone preamplifiers
- 8 balanced TRS outputs
- MIDI Input/Output
- 16x10 FireControl DSP mixer/router
- JetPLL Sync for improved imaging and clarity
- High performance A/D/A converters (114 dynamic range)
- ProPak software suite included

The FireStudio Tube is available now for both Mac and PC at a list price of $899.95.

Ueberschall has just released a new sample library called Balkan Lines. It combines a touch of pure Balkan traditions (Gypsy, Turkish, Serbian, Greek, Romanian, Slavic and other Southeastern European influence) with contemporary and progressive rhythms from Dance, Club, RnB and Marching Band.

Balkan Lines features high quality samples and phrases from a large variety of instruments such as Accordion, Acoustic and Electric Guitar, Bouzouki, Oud, Kanun, Darbucka, Organs, Gypsy style Vocals and Claps, Power Bass lines, etc... As usual all this material is supported by the elastik audio instrument.

Balkan Lines is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU and RTAS formats at a retail price of $119/€99/£69. For more information, please visit the link below :

Puremagnetik has announced the release of the AmpPak and the Model-C Micropaks.

AmpPak :

AmpPak for Ableton Live is a collection of 17 amplifier and speaker effects designed for use on anything from drums, to guitars, to vocals and synthesizers. Each rack contains an expertly programmed selection of effects from overdriven metal to crunchy glitch percussion processors. AmpPak integrates directly into Ableton Live 7 and extensively utilizes Ableton Live Racks.

Model-C :

Model-C rounds off Puremagnetik's electronic piano line with a multi-sampled Hohner Clavinet. Model-C comes with multi-pickup selection and mechanical noise sample groups. The Ableton Live version contains a feature laden user interface complete with key release samples, customized amp and tonal controls. The Kontakt version of Model-C is specially programmed to make use of Kontakt 3's powerful KSP scripting engine. Also included are 50 high quality loops recorded by professional New York studio keyboardists. All loops are in Live Clip, Apple Loops and Kontakt format.

For more information, please visit their website.

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Neumann launches the TLM 67, a new large-diaphragm condenser microphone.

Based upon the legendary U 67, a classic of the 60's, the TLM 67 incorporates the K 67 capsule. On top of that the special new circuit design closely reproduces the sound characteristics of the U 67, without the use of tubes. Similar Neumann circuit technology has already proved very successful in the TLM 49.

Designed to be versatile, its three switchable directional characteristics (omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8), selectable 10 dB pre-attenuation, and high-pass filter permit detailed adjustments to be made depending upon the specific recording situation.

FabFilter has just announced the release of FabFilter Volcano 2, the successor of the Volcano filter effect plug-in. More filters and routings and practically unlimited modulation possibilities make FabFilter Volcano 2 much more powerful. Yet at the same time, the "revolutionary" new 'what-you-use-is-what-you-see' interface makes it also far easier to use.

Features :

- Four multi-mode filters, with panning, delay and more than 10 unique characteristics
- Ultra-flexible filter routing, including per-channel and mid/side modes
- New interface, using FabFilter's innovative 'what-you-use-is-what-you-see' concept
- Endless modulation options, with all the 16-step XLFOs, envelope generators, envelope followers and MIDI sources you will ever need
- Easy drag-and-drop modulation with 24-slot modulation matrix
- Large interactive filter display
- Modulation source signal visualization
- Stereo and mono plug-ins available
- Side chain input
- Highly improved MIDI Learn
- Almost 300 presets
- Unique per-component presets
- Undo, redo and A/B switch features
- Extensive help file with interactive help hints

Volcano 2 is available now in RTAS, VST, VST 3 and AU formats for Mac OS X and Windows at a price of €119 / $179 / £94. Bundles with FabFilter Volcano 2 and other FabFilter plug-ins are also available.

Note that existing Volcano users can upgrade to Volcano 2 for €39 / $59 / £29. All other FabFilter customers that own Timeless, Pro-C, Twin, Simplon or One can crossgrade to FabFilter Volcano 2 for €79 / $119 / £59. These upgrade and crossgrade offers last until July 31, 2008.

Last but not least, a fully fonctional 30-day trial version is also available.