PC and Music News

Ableton has updated Live 8 and Ableton Suite 8 to version 8.0.5.

Improvements :

• Updated manuals.
• Updated Help Pages.
• When using the APC40 Controller surface script, we check if the selection MIDI ports are the one from the APC40.
• Improved graphic performance when using Live on Windows 7 RC 1.
On Mac OS X, Cocoa support for Audio Units.
• Having an unfolded Live set file in the browser, now the tracks from that Live set can be inserted into the current set by double clicking too. In earlier versions it was only possible via drag'n'drop.
• Controller surface support for the AKAI MPD-18, MPK-25, MPK-61 and MPK-88 controllers.
• Controller surface support for OpenLabs devices.

Focusrite presents a brand new audio interface - the Saffire 6 USB.

Features :

• two Focusrite pre-amps
• two balanced TRS outputs
• four RCA phono outputs
• a high-level headphone output
• an A/B source switch for monitoring either of two stereo output pairs
• ideal for digital DJs
• Xcite+ Software Bundle
• Focusrite VST/AU Plug-in Suite

The Saffire 6 USB will be $199.99 US MAP with October 2009 projected availability.

Novation is pleased to announce the launch of their brand new controller keyboard. The Nocturn Keyboard is based on the control surface of the popular Nocturn. With the addition of 25 and 49 note keyboards, Nocturn's controller layout has been adapted to a full control solution for DAW users.

The Nocturn Keyboard displays control information where you really need it: on your computer monitor. The Automap software graphically displays Nocturn Keyboard's entire control surface, enabling you to assign parameters by simply clicking on them. The controllers themselves also tell you what's happening: LED rings around the eight encoders show their current settings, while LEDs behind the 25 buttons show if they are on or off.

Nocturn ...

Focusrite is pleased to announce the imminent arrival of their latest eight channel pre-amp. OctoPre MkII features eight channels of Focusrite pre-amplification and a built-in 24-bit / 96 kHz ADAT output.

OctoPre MkII has been optimized for drum recording. Designed not to clip, 10dB pads are provided across each channel, and the gain range of the pre-amps has been tailored to handle extreme levels from sound sources like the kick drum. Finally, OctoPre MkII's first two channels also feature DI's, so it can also turn its hand to recording Guitar and Bass.

OctoPre MkII features everything else you'd expect from a multi- channel mic-pre solution; 5-LED input metering on every channel, switchable phantom power and a variety of internal and external clocking solutions.

The OctoPre MkII will be $499.99 US MAP with October 2009 projected availability.

Toontrack Music proudly announces that Monster Drummer Peter Fredlander is back with the third package in the Monster MIDI series - Monster MIDI Pack 3 - Fills! Boasting more than 450 individually played fills with drum beats leading up to them, hierarchically organized by level of intensity and difficulty, this is a given must-have in your arsenal of MIDI and a shot of adrenalin to your creativity and songwriting! These fills and lead-ins will spice up your drum tracks like never before!

Works for all genres - fills to suit anything from mellow Pop to insane Metal!

Works with EZdrummer®, Superior Drummer® or any GM compatible drum kit (optimized for 1 kick, 1 snare, 2 toms, 1 floortom, 2 crash-cymbals, 1 ride-cymbal).

The Monster MIDI Pack 3 is priced at €15. Check out demos and video at :

Audio-Technica unveils its first-ever ribbon microphones, the AT4080 and AT4081 Bidirectional Active Ribbon Microphones, two new offerings from A-T's expanding 40 Series.

Audio-Technica's R&D team in Japan engineered and manufactured the AT4080 and AT4081 from the ground up, utilizing a hand-built, proprietary design and rugged, durable construction. Both offer smooth, warm and natural sound with precise, articulate detail to meet the critical requirements of today's recording, broadcast and sound reinforcement professionals. With 18 patents pending, Audio-Technica's innovative ribbon transducer advances the evolution of ribbon microphone technology, combining remarkable durability and high SPL capability with smooth, rich audio quality.

The AT4080, whose footprint is that of a cla ...