PC and Music News

A teaser on Flux website announces that they are about to launch a brand new plug-in called Syrah, the same name as the dark-skinned grape grown throughout the world and used primarily to produce powerful red wines.

Official details are not available for now but we've heard that it may be a new compressor plug-in with stereo enhancing functionality. Knowing the excellent quality of their other products, Syrah must be really musical and flexible.

Stay tuned for more info...

By the way, don't forget that DontCrac[k] has extended the -40% introductory price on all Flux products and bundles until May 31, 2009 !

Brainworx announces that its bx_boom! plug-in is now available separately from the bx_dynEQ plug-in bundle (which it is still included with).

bx_boom! is actually the one bx_dynEQ preset demonstrating the superior M/S features of this EQ best. Stripped down to only 2 parameters and an intuitive graphic design this tools enables you to attenuate or boost the impact of your bass drum sound - in a final mix (!) or a complete stereo drum-loop. bx_boom! is only availble as a true stereo plug-in due to the M/S nature of the beast.

Features :

• 3 different modes (lo / mid / hi).
• Hi-end Brainworx band pass-filters.
• Boost and attenuate your bass-drum in a final mix(!) or an individual drum loop.
• Fully automatable.
• Dedicated BYPASS switch (cymbal sign) in the plug-in GUI.
• "Mouse over feature": adjust the parameters by holding the mouse over the bass-drum or the pedal and simply turn your mouse wheel.
• Direct access: just type in any valid number into the text fields for direct access to the exact value.

bx_boom! is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU, RTAS and TDM formats. Pricing starts at €89 (+VAT).

New Atlantis Audio has released B.E.A.S.T., a complete realtime analog bass workstation for Propellerhead Reason 4.

Features :

• 100 Combinator patches, 51 NN-19 sampler patches.
• Flexible. Tweakable. Powerful. — Operating from within a completely modular customdesigned rack, B.E.A.S.T. features dedicated knob and button within fast reach for every function. Load up a single instance of B.E.A.S.T., configure your MIDI controller once, and jam for hours. Easily tap into the filter, effects and modulation sections with dedicated ins and outs for external devices.
• Built for Speed — Freely swap instrument sounds on the fly without effecting the rest of the rack or stopping the music. Bend, twist and mangle the fattest analog bass tones around in realtime with 4 indepe ...

The Impressor by Mutronics is a dual mono/ stereo switchable VCA compressor.

The Impressor uses two different operational modes : 'Feedforward' and 'Feedback'. 'Feedforward' mode gives a firm, punchy feel akin to compressors such as the Dbx 160, while 'Feedback' mode gives the user opportunity to take a softer vintage approach calling to mind compressors of yore.

It also features a unique Time Constant control which pertains to its RMS detector circuit. It enables the user to vary attack and release characteristics in a ballpark fashion, which can then be honed with the individual Attack and Release controls.

The Impressor is available at a price of £2000 + VAT.

Clavia has just released the Nord Wave Super Sounds, free programs created by some of the best synthesizer programmers.

Clavia hand picked some of the planet's best synthesizer sound programmers and asked them to create their individual - and ultimate - Nord Wave sound banks. The mission was to bring out the big, bad synthesizer in the Nord Wave, and to exploit its unique sonic character to the limit. The banks reflect the musical heritage and sound preferences of each and every programmer with plenty of personality.

Further descriptions, sound clips and the actual Banks themselves are available in the Nord Wave Program Library area at :

Focusrite announces that 21 new compressor emulations and one new EQ emulation are available to download for free for all Liquid Mix users (including Liquid Mix HD).

The 15 compression emulations are based on two compressors. The API 2500 Stereo Compressor (serial number 001475), provides feed-back or feed-forward options and variations on 'knee' and 'thrust'. The Millenia STT-1 (serial number 0-166), provides the sound of variable input stages, with valve or solid-state compression circuits. Finally, the EQ emulations are based on the original Mk1 Chandler Limited Edition EMI/Abbey Road Passive TG Channel. This uses the same circuit as the Abbey Road mastering console, providing the signature Beatles sound.

For more details, please visit the link below :