PC and Music News

Code by Livid Instruments is a flexible and stylish control surface for computer music creation and performance. Its compact grid of 32 endless encoders with LED rings have built-in pushbuttons with addressable LEDs let you "think outside the grid." Code sends and receives MIDI, providing endless possibilities for use with software such as Ableton Live, Max/MSP, Properllerhead's Reason and Record, and NI Traktor, just to name a few.

Class-compliant, bus-powered, and completely reprogrammable, Code is an ideal companion to hardware and software for music production. Open source firmware (licenced under GPL v3) provides developers with new avenues of exploration and the potential for users to try out different configurations.

Weighing in at only 2 lbs and 6" x 11" x 2" (WDH), Code is extremely portable and adaptable, so it will easily integrate with your existing hardware and software. Each encoder on the Code has an LED indicator ring that provides visual feedback on its position. Every encoder also works as a push button and has an LED indicator button below knob, opening up creative possibilities for use as a grid controller and knob controller at the same time. The minimal design and adaptability of Code make this controller a true instrument. Code is crafted at Livid facility in Austin, TX from sleek anodized aluminum with hand finished mahogany sides for style and performance.

Pricing : $449

Puremagnetik is proud to announce MachineKits for Ableton Live.

MachineKits brings together six classic drum machines, over 2000 high quality samples and a huge selection of clips. MachineKits is a perfect add-on to Ableton's Drum Machines, programmed by the same sound designers.

MachineKits will be available this fall.

Wusik EVE V3 has been released for Windows (VST) and MAC (VST/AU).

Both Full and Demo versions now come with a complete library of sounds. The new Xenos Soundworks and the old Famous Keys sets 1, 2, 3 and 4. (LoFi Retro Sounds). And Wusik will keep bundling the Mellotronix, Zvon and the DBear Genesis sets, (each set has its own ZIP file).

The upgrade is only $ 39.95 USD for all previous users. You can also participate on the current Group-Buy where you will receive Wusik EVE V3 Full and other extras.

After two hard-working years, Generic Audio has released the Preceptor, a two-channel, massive sounding, hand made compressor/limiter.

Designed and produced without any compromise, this is a compressor/ limiter, in which the gain reduction is made by a transistor in the differential amplifier circuit with Zener diodes stabilization. According to Generic Audio, it is an ideal unit for tracking, mixing and mastering.

Overview :

• Massive sound
• Hand made and calibrated
• Pure analog design
• 3U rack space
• Internal PSU 115V/230V
• Special power transformer
• Two independent mono blocks
• Ultra stable power supply
• 16 matched Zener diodes in the signal path
• Internal and external sidechain
• Classic Carnhill input transformers
• Input Z switchable (300Ω or 1200Ω)
• Stereo or dual mono operation
• Hard relay bypass
• Compressor and Limiter modes
• Attack: 5ms – 600ms
• Release: 10ms – 10s
• 3 speed modes: fast, medium, slow
• Sidechain high pass filter (OFF, 40Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 200 Hz, 320 Hz)
• Blend function (parallel compression)
• Retro panel meters
• Only gold contact stepped attenuators and toggle switches (no potentiometers!)
• Easy-settings repeatability
• Highest functionality!

Pricing :

• €1925 until 30/03/2011 (free shipping within EU)
• €2750 (Retail)

For more details and audio samples, please visit the link below :

Magneto Audio Labs releases the VariOhm which provides the best match between the microphone and mic preamp and enhance audio quality and offer tone choices.

The VariOhm is connected between the microphone and the microphone preamp, either the built—in preamp of a mixer or an external mic pre may be used. The concept behind VariOhm is that impedances of microphones and preamps vary considerably. The resulting impedance relationship is a key factor in determining the sound and tonal characteristics of the audio. The central element VariOhm uses are custom built transformers. These impart much sought after audio characteristics associated with great analog sound. The optimum match is created by inserting the VariOhm between your mic and preamp. The desired settings are easily found by using the impedance control knob and by auditioning with the bypass switch. Different settings for different tone colors and bite are available to fit different applications. VariOhm may be used with all types of microphones; dynamic, FET, Tube condenser or ribbon. Users will find that every microphone and preamp combination reacts differently and the optimum settings will vary.

Togu Audio Line has updated its free virtual synth TAL-NoiseMaker to version 2.00.

What's New :

• Graphical envelope editor with several destinations (Filter, Osc2, Osc2, Osc • 1&2, FM, Ringmod, Volume).
• New resizable tab UI.
• Vintage noise control.
• Osc waveforms as ComboBoxes.
• Full compatibility with existing presets of version 1.x.
• Other bugfixes.

Free 32- and 64-bit versions are available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU instrument plug-in formats.