PC and Music News

SoundToys has just announced the release of version 3.1 for its entire range of plug-in. One of the most significative feature of this update is the addition of the long-awaited VST support for both Mac and Windows. This version also includes a very important compatibility update for Digital Performer 6 users as well as a new version of Speed for Logic Pro users that integrates into Logic's Time and Pitch Machine.

This update is free for all registered users.

Togu Audio Line has just released TAL-Bitcrusher, a common bitcrusher with some useful additions. There is a low- and highshelf EQ and a noise cross modulator included. Its maybe useful on drums, especially hats and for distorted leads.

Features :

- Adjustable bit-depth (0-32 bit).
- Adjustable sample rate divisor (up to / 512).
- Noise cross modulator.
- 24 dB low- and high-shelf filter.
- 10 presets for bass, leads and drums.
- Low CPU usage.

TAL-Bitcrusher is free and is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats.

AuraPlug releases Red Skull Distortion, a free VST plug-in for Windows which is an aggressive high-gain distortion pedal simulator with chunky metal tones for playing Nu Metal, Grind Core, Hard Core, Trash Metal or any genre that requires crushing sound. The tone section gives you complete control over Bass, Midrange, and Treble to get the ultimate chunk for your rig.

Features :

- Stomp-box design.
- Level control.
- Distortion control.
- 3 band tone control.
- Easy to use.
- Low CPU usage.

MHC Synthesizers and Effects introduce a holiday season discount, 50% on all products, valid until December 31. The offer covers all VST plugins for Windows and Audio Units (universal binaries) for Mac OS X and the sample loop libraries, including the latest library, Industrial Loops, which was released the 5th of December.

Note that the ordinary 30% discount on all but one item, if a customer buys more than one, still applies. So customers who buy more than one item can get more than 50% discount.

Order before December 31 and type in the coupon code 671 on the order page to obtain the discount.

Gefell's M 990 art is a special anniversary edition of the M 990 microphone. Both are large-diaphragm tube condenser mics with a fixed cardioid pattern. Both employ the EF86 pentode tube in a triode configuration.

The primary difference between the mics is the capsule. Whereas the M 990 uses a Mylar diaphragm, the 'art' edition uses a handmade PVC capsule. The 'art' edition also features a custom output transformer.

The new capsule delivers a stunning sensitivity rating of 30 mV/Pa and drops the low-end response to 30 Hz. The frequency response graph reveals ruler-flat performance (less than 1/4 dB variation) from 40 Hz to 4000 Hz, with a presence peak (+4dB) at 7000-8000 Hz.

The mic ships in a metal suitcase and includes a dedicated power supply, power cable, and elastic suspension mount. The M 990 art is available now at a retail price of $4288.

Latvian microphone manufacturer JZ Microphones will introduce a new microphone at the upcoming NAMM Show 2009. The BT-201 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone with different changeable capsules offering optional choice of patterns that satisfy the demands of all common studio and live applications – cardioid, omni, open cardioid and open cardioid with pad of -20db options. Also stereo pair set will be available to provide balanced stereo recordings.

The main benefits of this new microphone include easy changeable capsules based on magnet connection, an all metal body which provides high reliability, low self noise and very detailed sound with smooth and transparent highs, optimal presence and natural low end response. Each capsule is carefully tested for all parameters and measured in an anechoic chamber for optimum performance. As with previous models from JZ, this mic has a five year warranty from the date of purchase.

The package, which contains one microphone and three changeable heads, will be available at $635 / €499. The capsule with -20db open cardioid options will be available at an extra cost of $130 / €99. The stereo pair will be available at $1349 / €1059. JZ Microphones also offers the shock mount JZI-7 as an optional accessory at the cost of $104 / €79.