PC and Music News

AKG unveils the brand new C 214, a recording microphone designed as a cost-effective alternative to the high-end C 414 family.

Features :

- AKG's Legendary 1" Edge-Terminated Large Diaphragm Sound'
- Outstanding Dynamic Range (up to 156 dB SPL, Ultra-Low Noise)
- Roadworthy Design
- Integrated Suspension to reduce mechanical Noise
- Switchable 20 dB Attenuation Pad and Low Cut Switch
- Rugged double mesh Grill for high RF immunity but unaffected Acoustics
- All-metal Die-cast body with shock- and scratch-resistant Finish
- Spider-type Shock Mount included
- Metal Carrying Case included
- Designed, Engineered and Build in Vienna, Austria

The C 214 will be available at a list price of €629 (street price is about €460).

Everything happens ! Stillwell Audio has finally released Mac OS X Universal Binary VST and AU versions of all its beautiful plug-ins. It includes :

- 1973
- Bad Buss Mojo
- Event Horizon
- Major Tom
- Transient Monster
- Verbiage
- Vide-EQ

For more information, please visit

Sonalksis has announced the release of version 2.04 of the "Essentials Mk2" plug-in suite which includes SV-315 Mk2, SV-517Mk2 and SV-719 plug-ins.

Changes :

- All Essentials Mk2 :

. Ported to Digidesign Audiosuite format.
. Improved cross-platform session handling.
. Support display of Unicode characters in names.
. Mousewheel handling for plugins via hook added for all hosts.
. Mousewheel functionality added for text boxes.
. Mousewheel sensitivity improved.
. Mousewheel/Drag interaction handling improved.
. Non "Velocity Sensitive" mode now works with Wacom tablets.
. GUI "Off switch" (plug-in bypass) switches off all LEDS.
. Stop signal LED from locking "on" when bypassed.

- RTAS :

. Sample rate problem fixed.
. Shelf bug fixed.
. Added Alt+Ctr ...

Camel Audio's presets for Absynth and Massive have been updated to KORE 2 format including full attributes, thanks to the efforts of Stephan Wey. This update makes finding the presets you require even easier.

In addition, owners of the Biolabs Massive soundset can now download an extra free bank of over 50 presets created by Biomechanoid, Antonio Blanca and Tim Conrardy. The bank features pads, leads, basses and atmospheres - all produced to the exacting standards of these leading sound designers.

For a limited time you can buy any of the preset packs for Absynth or Massive at a reduced price of just $59 / €49 / £39.

KORE users will also be pleased to hear that all the CamelPhat and CamelSpace factory preset banks are now available in KORE 2 format, together with template KORE presets.

Humanoid Sound Systems has released Scanned Synth Pro 2, its virtual instrument designed to create "rich complex digital tones and fantastic sound effects", while using simplifed controls and traditional synths techniques.

What's new :

- New GUI design.
- New presets.
- An audio input that can be used to feed Scanned Synth Pro's hammer and mass shapes making its sound even more dynamic.
- An envelope follower that follows the level of the audio input and can be used to modulate the synth's parameters.
- A Danger Switch for extra nastiness.
- Context-sensitive help.
- The facility to load and save fxp and fxb files from within the plug-in.
- Improved sound quality.
- Improved host support.

Scanned Synth Pro 2 is available now as a VSTi for Windows at a price of €60. Registered users of version 1 can upgrade to version 2 for free by logging into the support system. A demo version is also available.

Stanton DJ proudly introduces the Uberstand, a laptop stand described as "the essential tool for the traveling laptop DJ or musician".

Specification :

- Stable, rugged laptop stand for use by DJs and musicians
- Folds flat into a 12" zippered bag (included)
- Metal — aircraft grade — aluminum and stainless steel
- Lightweight and small form factor when folded
- Adjustable shelf to store Final Scratch ScratchAmp or external hard-drive
- Reusable plastic ties and Velcro

The Uberstand will retail for $99.99.