PC and Music News

AcousticsampleS has updated the Kawai-EX Pro.

"We have been working hard with Lance Herring on this new release, the Kawai-EX pro sounds now a lot better."

Here are some of the enhancements:

• Numerous voicing improvements that make releases more accurate and consistent,
• New release samples for some keys,
• Improved dynamic range,
• Improved pedal behaviour,
• More consistency when using custom controls,
• New formats (SFZ, HALION 3, EXS24, Mach5),
• Added compatibility to Kontakt 2,
• Whole new version for Kontakt 4 and the new scripting capabilities,
• New GUI for the Kontakt 4 version.

This update is free for registered users.

Livid Instruments has announced the Ohm64 Customizer which is a new web-based service that lets you style and customize your own Livid Ohm64 MIDI Controller.

This simple web-based Flash application lets you style and customize your own Ohm64 with over 100 different combinations. Custom options include multiple color body finishes, LED colors, and faceplate colors.

The Customizer lets you design, preview, and order a custom Ohm64 and have it made-to-order and shipped in ten days.

Each custom element is currently $10. For more details, please visit :

Roland is proud to announce that the Octapad SPD-30 digital percussion pad is now available in stores.

Featuring eight trigger pads, built-in sounds, multi-effects, and external trigger inputs, the Octapad SPD-30 is now shipping with an MSRP of $799.00.

MoReVoX has announced the release of the DriveDrums: SPL DrumXchanger Edition, a special version of their DriveDrums drum sample library tailored for the SPL DrumXchanger plug-in.

Taking advantage of the "Rim" pot feature in SPL DrumXchanger, DriveDrums SPL DrumXchanger Edition uniquely use this pot to control distortion "color" in the mid range : the Drive Control. It works similarly to an equalizer, but this tone control was created by splitting the original drum sounds into different frequency bands and then building brand new samples. These new variations were then carefully processed through a variety of distortions, using top-quality analog signal chains, with the aim of providing different distortion colors components in the mid range that can be mixed with the base samples. This is not a modelled EQ emulator but an outstanding sound generator based on real professional gear's dynamic behavior.

The Drive Control works in the frequency range 500Hz - 3Khz. It adds definition, Rich and Warm tube sound with sweet distortion. It increases the "in your face" sound's perception.

Available for Digital Download for $99.00.

PreSonus is pleased to announce that the StudioLive 24.4.2 digital mixer is now shipping. Like the 16-channel StudioLive 16.4.2, the 24-channel StudioLive 24.4.2 is designed for both studio recording and live sound, without compromising the requirements for either.

StudioLive 24.4.2 sports the same friendly user interface, robust feature set, and extensive I/O configuration as the StudioLive 16.4.2 but with several significant additions and enhancements. The most obvious difference is that the new mixer provides 24 input channels, rather than 16. As with the 16.4.2, each input features a trim pot, XLR mic input with XMAX mic preamp, 1/4-inch TRS balanced line inputs and unbalanced insert points. Like the 16.4.2, the StudioLive 24.4.2 offers 4 subgroup outputs, but where the 16-channel model offers 6 aux buses, the 24.4.2 provides 10 aux buses.

Expected street price : $3,299

Artificial Audio has announced Quartz, a new multi-effect plug-in that turns the simplest sounds into ever evolving rhythmic soundscapes. But that's not everything. It is also a source of creative modulation which can be used to control parameters outside of Quartz such as software instruments, plug-ins or even external MIDI equipment.

Quartz gets its name from the fact that all Line and LFO modulations work to the audio sample rate, ensuring sample accurate parameter modulation.

Quartz effect modules and features:
• Auto - Panning.
• Auto - Gain.
• Two independent Multimode Filters with high quality oversampling modes.
• Tempo-synced Stereo Delay to create dub- and tape-delay effects.
• Wave Shaper to add extra distortion and saturation.
• 4 independent, tempo-syncable LFOs (0.01Hz up to 2.1 kHz).
• 4 unique Modulation Lines (each with up to 200 points).
• Quick-access browsers and a huge library of Presets and Modulation Line templates.

Quartz will be released end of May 2010 for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats. It will have an MSRP of €99 but be available initially for an introductory price of €79.