PC and Music News

Rayzoon has just released Jamcussion, an hand percussion add-on for Jamstix 2. Not only does it add a wide range of percussive sounds and new style and player models but it also expands the interface of Jamstix 2 to allow the simulation of three dedicated percussionists, complete with separate bar, song and kit editing.

Features :

- expands the Jamstix interface and A.I. with 3 new percussionists
- features its own kit editor, bar editor and brain elements
- 35 percussion instruments covering a wide range of styles and locales
- adds 12 new instrument slots to the Jamstix kit concept
- 26 styles modeling West-African, Latin, Modern and even Middle-Eastern rhythms
- two percussionist player models
- 11 percussion kits, including African, Latin, Darbuka and Udu kits
- 7 quickstart songs
- can be used with the Jamstix A.I., e-drumkits or traditionally via MIDI by the host

Jamcussion is available now at the Rayzoon online store for the holiday discount price of $59.

Moog has announced the return of their Taurus Bass Pedals in a limited edition of 1000. Here's an excerpt from their website :

"Perhaps you have heard of the legendary Moog Taurus Bass Pedals? Perhaps this is your first introduction? Regardless, listen to the sound samples associated with the synth many have called the "Fattest Synth Ever" and you will know why we are bringing them back.

We are only producing 1000 of these pedals. And the first 250 customers will receive a discounted purchase price of $1695 with an initial deposit of $500. Regardless of quantity ordered, this offer ends February 15, 2009. All Taurus pedals ordered after the first 250 will sell for $1995.

We anticipate shipping towards the end of 2009.

Preliminary Specifications :

- the most important aspect of the design is to reproduce the original TAURUS I sound-engine as faithfully as possible.
- 100% Analog Sound Engine based entirely on original TAURUS I circuits
- "Taurus I" style (one and half octaves on the floor)
- 2 VCO Oscillators, ADS Contour Generator, 1 VCF Filter, Output VCA
- PRESETS: 16 Banks x 4 presets = 48 Total Programmable Bass Sounds
- BANK 0 will contains the Original Taurus I Presets: VAR, TAURUS, TUBA, BASS
- MIDI: DIN and USB, Merging and Routing
- ARPEGGIATOR: MIDI Sync, TAP TEMPO, Internal
- CV Inputs: VOLUME, FILTER, PITCH, GATE "

Here's a Christmas offer from Modartt upon their famous virtual piano Pianoteq :

"As from today and during December we offer a 20% Christmas discount on our site. Take the opportunity and buy a licence at an attractive price !"

Waves unveils the UM225 and UM226 plug-ins, two new stereo to surround processors.

From music to movie soundtracks and beyond, audio engineers are upmixing all sorts of content from stereo to surround, to capture the excitement of today's full, multi-speaker environments. And when the original multi-track sessions aren't available, they have to work with stereo mixes.

Experienced engineers know that in order to achieve optimal surround from stereo, they need to maintain the character of the original mix, including absolute levels, relative levels, and relative positions in space. At the same time, they want to realize the potential of the center, rear, and LFE channels, for a rich, enveloping 360˚ mix.

Using patented center and rear channel extraction processes, together with a unique LFE channel enrichment process, the UM225 for 5.0 and the UM226 for 5.1 deliver improved surround imaging, for a wider soundscape with better separation.

Featuring :

- Profile modes for music and movies
- Enhanced clarity and separation of frontal center
- LFE channel LoAir enrichment with cutoff-frequency control
- Adjustable rear channel ambience and delay
- Intuitive surround graph

UM225 and UM226 are available now for $300 (Native) / $600 (TDM). Note that they are also available within the 360º Surround Tools and Waves Mercury bundles (free for users covered by Waves Update Plan).

Gauge Microphones, a company created by the mult-platinum recording engineers Chandler Bridges and Rob Chiarelli, has announced the release of their first product : the ECM 87.

The ECM 87 is a large diaphragm, cardioid condenser microphone. With fully-gradient, transformerless design, ultra-low self noise and high sound pressure rating, this microphone seems to be a great choice for recording vocals, drums and stringed instruments, such as the acoustic guitar.

Made in China and tested in California, each ECM 87 is hand selected and ear tested by both Bridges & Chiarelli.

The ECM 87 is available now at a retail price of $149.

Toontrack Music has just announced that Drumtracker will be available through their distributors and retailers at the end of December.

Features :

• Host independent, Stand Alone software for converting drum audio to drum MIDI. Import Audio tracks, export MIDI mapped to your favourite drum sampler.
• Each trigging point graphically represented. Delete, add, move or change the velocity to your individual needs.
• Manual control over tracking and exporting, select which part or parts of a drum track that you want to export, down to each single hit.
• Set max/min velocity and threshold values for each instrument and articulation.
• Audition before and after filters.
• Save your own presets.
• Mac and PC

Drumtracker will be priced at $149 / €99.