PC and Music News

Here is a great news from BigTick : except for their virtual synth Rhino (which has just been updated to v2.05), all other previously commercial BigTick products are now freeware. It includes the following plug-ins :

• Angelina
• EP-Station
• EP-Phazer
• Rainbow

Note that registration on BigTick's website is required to access the downloads.

Arturia has announced the release of version 2.0 of Jupiter-8V.

The Jupiter-8V is part of the family of Arturia's analog synthesizer recreations, it offers the unique sound palette of the Roland Jupiter 8. Based on the latest version of TAEŽ, the Jupiter-8V also offers a host of modern features: an advanced step sequencer, a new line of dynamic effects, a module combining LFO's (called Galaxy) and more.

The main improvements are:

• Arturia's preset navigation system - SoundMap.
• Ability to use NRPN MIDI messages for automation.
• Presets now respond to modulation wheel.
• Fresh batch of presets made by a selection of top sound designers.
• MIDI RPN "pitch bend range" message is now recognized.
• Increase of overall volume.
• New e-licenser (old Syncrosoft) copy protection.
• Numerous bug fixes.

The upgrade is free for all registered users.

Line 6 has released the POD X3 V2.0, a free software update that delivers a collection of additional effects to all Line 6 POD X3 products.

POD X3 V2.0 delivers 12 additional, fully adjustable effect models to all POD X3 products, including POD X3, POD X3 Live, and POD X3 Pro. The update increases the effect model count of each product to a generous 110.

A wide variety of effects are available through the update, including a number of tremolos, shifters, phasers, a delay and an inspiring vocoder. Each effect model is based on a sought-after stompbox or piece of classic rack gear.

POD X3 V2.0 is available now and is a free update.

Kel Audio has announced the Song Sparrow, a new studio-grade condenser microphone tailored for modern vocal recording.

The Song Sparrow is built with premium electronics and sticks with the Kel philosophy of using simple designs coupled with high quality parts, in order to keep the mic affordable. The mic features a one-inch side-terminated cardioid capsule with an open airy top end response. The circuitry is designed to offer high headroom and good transient response for maximum vocal clarity and presence and avoids the use of inexpensive tubes or transformers which can add edgy distortion.

Specifications:

• Element: 1" Side-terminated condenser capsule
• Polar Pattern: "Cardioid"
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Sensitivity: -38+/-2dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz)
• Output Impedance: 55 Ohms +/-30% (at 1kHz)
• Equivalent Noise Level: <14dB A
• S/N Ratio: 80dB
• Max. Input SPL: 132dB (at 1kHz=1% T.H.D)
• Body Dimensions: 48x178mm

The mic is expected to ship in early April and retail for $349 USD. Customers may pre-order and reserve the mic at a $50 discount.

Crysonic today released Version 3.5 of their Spectralive NXT and is available in Native Mac OSX AU,VST (PPC /Intel Mac) and PC VST formats. Spectralive NXT V3.5 offers a greater number of enhanced features with improved performance and 64-bit internal precision quality including the ability to completely customize the UI colors via Hue, Saturation and Brightness dials. The UI settings are stored and can be individually tailored in each instance of the plug-in across multiple tracks for identification and ease of use.

Spectralive NXT V3.5 is a completely re-coded product comprising of an updated UI and performance increases in all popular hosts.

Spectralive NXT V3.5 is currently available at the Release Special of $69.95 (52% off) until the 25th of February 2010, MSRP $144, all previous Crysonic customer are eligible to purchase for $32.95. Note that a demo version is also available.

Waves Audio unveils the HLS Channel and PIE Compressor, developed in association with legendary producer/engineer Eddie Kramer. In modeling the vintage Helios console channel and Pye compressor, Waves has recreated two essential elements of the recording chain at London's acclaimed Olympic Studios, where Kramer engineered and produced scores of historic recordings that are now considered part of the essential classic rock canon.

HLS Channel
The HLS Channel was carefully modeled on a Helios mixing console just like the one Kramer used for sessions at Olympic Studios. (In fact, for the modeling, Waves actually managed to get their hands on the Helios from the Rolling Stones mobile truck, which was