PreSonus adds to its firewire interface line with the Firestudio Lightpipe. The FireStudio is the next-gen Firepod :

- 26x26 24-bit/96k interface,
- 8 XMAX class A discrete preamps,
- 16 channels of ADAT i/o,
- 8 analogue line inputs,
- 2 instruments inputs,
- S/PDIF,
- MIDI i/o,
- 2 headphones outputs,
- 36x36x18 (ooch) zero latency DSP mixer/router.

The interface use the new DICE II firewire chipset for 25 channels of 24 bit i/o. It feature too a new low jitter management JetPLL. Up to 3 FireStudio can be used at the same time. A 2GB ProPak of software, plug-ins etc. is bundled with the interface and you can even use the Monitor Station Remote thru ethernet for hands on remote.

Available in may 2007 for $899.95

Behringer adds to its Truth Monitor line up with the new B3031A and B3030A active monitors. These beasts have this time ribbon tweeters instead of the classical dome flavour, and kevlar woofers. Common characteristics for both monitors:
- linear frequency response
- 2" velocity ribbon transducer
- Magnetic shielding
- Active crossover network with 4th order Linkwitz-Riley filters
- Adjustable response
- Separately controlled limiter for low and high-frequency overload protection
- "matched pairs" with individual frequency diagrams
- Servo-balanced inputs with XLR and ¼" TRS connectors
- Available Q3 2007

B3030A, 439€:
- 75 and 35-Watt power amplifiers
- Long-throw 6 ¾" woofer Kevlar cone

B3031A, 511€:
- 150 and 75-Watt power amplifiers
- Long-throw 8 ¾" woofer Kevlar cone
- Automatic standby mode (defeatable)

Universal Audio updates the software of its UAD DSP family to 4.6. The new version includes a 14 days demo of the Helios type 69 EQ. the update is free, the Helios type 69 EQ is $199 usually but…

As all UAD plug ins are 20% until tonight 3/31… it's $159.20.

SPL will release in may 2007 the SPL Transducer, an analog speaker- and miking-simulator. In 2U and 3 big knobs, this rack, developed with the company Tonhunter (guitar amp specialists). It is a real time simulator, offering 200W of amplification, its advantages:

- Sound qualities and real time response for the guitar player – in contrast to digital simulations with latencies in processing
- Independence from volume levels during performances or recording sessions
- Independence from room acoustics in recordings
- Greater sonic flexibility in comparison to fixed box/microphone gear
- Provides for a live signal in recording quality without crosstalk from miking
- Great space and weight reduction in transport
- Time-saving setup and simplified experimentation with sound variations
- No phasing problems with track doubling thanks to latency free design
- Hearing protection from in-ear monitoring in any kind of session, whether studio, live or private

Price TBA

FLAME a small german company known for very special projects and weird MIDI controllers came to the Musikmesse with a talking synth the FLAME MIDI Talking Synth. Build around 2 US SpeakJet chips, it is a powerful 8 bit speech synthesizer along analogue chirps and buzzes. There is 72 speech elements, 43 sound effects, and 12 DTM touch tones available. It is not totally MIDI controlled but can be, due to its basic structure. You can play preset words or just let it wobble around or even use the switches, joysticks, pots as a MIDI controller.

Price and availability unknown.

KRK launches a new range of 3 studio active monitors. Inspired and derived from the Exposé E8B, the company flagship, they have a completely new enclosure, proprietary transceivers (silk dome and a new, stiffer yellow cone) and ABS foam filling inside. The VXT Series features tamper resistant switch covers to protect against others changing your personal settings, integrated Omni Mount support for easy wall or corner mounting, ground lift, defeatable limiter and auto mute controls, and high and low frequency adjust switches on the VXT6 and VXT8.

Available from late may on for (per piece):
- VXT8 (37Hz - 22kHz +/-1.5dB, 60/120W): $799,
- VXT6 (49Hz - 22kHz +/-1.5dB, 30/60W): $599,
- VXT4 (56Hz - 22kHz +/- 2dB, 15/30W): $399

Roland will release in June 2007 the SonicCell, another avatar of the Phantom Line in tabletop form. It is both a sound module, expandable with SRX expansion boards and a USB audio interface:

- 128-voice sound module
- USB audio interface
- SMF and audio data (WAV, AIFF, MP3) playback
- Plays MIDI files
- USB port can host USB memory sticks
- 2 SRX slots
- PC/Mac Editor

Price TBA

SPL will release in june 2007 the Atmos, a surround miking system. It consists of an Atmos controller rack and a 5 mic system of ASM5 microphones with Brauner VM1 capsules. The controller hosts passive 1:5 preamplification, triple gain stage with a Lundahl transformer in the first, amplification and DC offset compensation in the following two using SPL Servodrive. The outs are thru balanced XLR or DB25. The mic quintet is matched and all can be turned +/-90° but other mics can be used.

Price TBA

MFB, makers of interesting entry level analogue/hybrid synths and rhythm boxes, unveils a new line of eurorack modules this time. For now it's composed of 2 drums modules, on OSC, one sequencer and a special something:
- OSC-01 is a 3 DCO issued of the Synthlite, 3 waveforms, PWM, CV ins for frequency and PWM, ring modulator, 3 individual outs… a 16 TE module for 159€
- Drum-01 is a kick/snare/noise 8TE module based on digital CMOS with individual outs. It can be triggered by Pulse signals or a piezo or a mic.
- Drum-02 host 5 analogue drum sounds: Tom, Low Bongo, Hi Bongo, Low Clave and Hi Clave (claves are the MFB-502 H1 and H2) with the same triggering possibilities as of the Drum-01. A 12TE module for 99€
- SEQ-01 is a up to 32 steps Drum-Sequencer. A 32 ...

TC-Helicon updates the editors of its vocal processors: VoiceLive, VoiceWorks, VoiceWorksPlus, VoiceDoubler, VoiceOne, and finally the VoicePro. The ergonomic has been simplified and the editor runs now with full fledged VSTi capabilities. It is Universal Binary for the lucky ones with an Intel mac and it should be available for free this spring.

Behringer new U-CONTROL UMA25S will help keyboard players to be the center of stage. This small 25 keys controller has straps on but also 21 assignable controllers (8 knobs, 8 buttons -transport-mode option, 2 wheels, one slider, 2 pedal ports), a USB audio/MIDI interface (maybe not the most practical onstage… but who knows what a keyboard hero can go!)

Available third quarter 2007 for $189.99

TC Electronik expands its Konnekt range with the Konnekt Live, an audio+DSP interface aptly aimed for live use… It is a sturdy firewire tabletop box with :

- Extensive output routing
- Real time DSP processing
- Fabrik C Live on outputs for optimal control of output signal
- Fabrik R Live – 9 studio quality reverb algorithms
- Balanced/unbalanced output switch
- ResFilter plug-in – Lo-cut/hi-cut filter for ultra fat filtering effects
- Turntable cable included (RCA and grounding -> XLR)
- RIAA plug-in for selection of different RIAA filters
- Assignable light ring for MIDI control
- Ableton Live Lite 6 TC Electronic Edition included

It retains all the specs from the Konnekt 24D and will be available this spring 2007 for 640€

SPL will be offering from may on the Rackpack which is a modular rack system holding SPL own 3U modules system in the 8 available slots. For now they will be loaded with (at the buyer's request) combinations of the new preamps to be followed up this year with the Transient Designer, SPL De-Esser and DynaMaxx compressor updated versions. The new preamps are the Prefrence Mic-Pre, a transformerless IC design, the second, the Premium Mic-Pre is a solid-state, 3 stages design with a Lundhal input transformer and discrete circuit. Expect some tube modules in 2008. Price. TBA but given as being very interesting by channel (for SPL products)

(the illustration shows all scheduled modules for now)

Jazzmutant, of LEMUR fame, announced Dexter, an adapted version of LEMUR aimed a DAW control. As its forerunner, it's a multitouche control surface, but this time it's bound for use with Logic Pro, Cubase, Sonar, Nuendo and Pyramix. In Jazzmutant own words:

GREAT ERGONOMICS
Hasn't every musician or producer fantasized of controlling their favourite Digital Audio Workstation by touching the actual user interface directly on the screen ? JazzMutant has partnered with leading software companies, such as Steinberg, Cakewalk and Apple, to make this dream a reality. Dexter redefines the very interaction between Digital Audio Workstations and the users. This laptop-sized control surface has been designed with only one purpose in mind : making user experience more pleasant, playful and ...

Akai unveils the MPK49, a new USB/MIDI controller. The MPK49 combines a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 MPC-style drum pads. 48 total pads are accessible via 4 pad banks. The pads feature popular MPC Note Repeat function and Swing parameters, and the performance controller has its own arpeggiator, for creating quick, creative riffs in seconds. It delivers 72 assignable controls, with assignable inputs that include an expression pedal, footswitch, pitch bend and modulation wheel.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Solid State Logic proudly announces the XLogic Alpha VHD Pre at the Frankfurt Music Messe. Based on the VHD circuit from SSL's acclaimed Duality console, the VHD Pre adds four SSL mic preamps to any line level DAW audio interface, transforming it into a professional quality, multi-channel analogue recording system.

Key features :

- Four ultra-clean SSL preamps with 75dB of gain
- Independently switched 48V phantom power
- 20dB Pad switches that illuminate to indicate overload
- Hi Z switches to accommodate mic, line and instrument level signals
- Four independent Variable Harmonic Drive systems
- Front panel 1/4" jack instrument/line level inputs with passive DI type impedance detection and level matching
- Individual input, output and VHD controls for each section
- Rear panel XLR mic/line inputs and XLR outputs

The XLogic Alpha VHD Pre will ship worldwide in May 2007 with a MSRP of £999.00 (€1500). For more info, please visit the link below.

Stanton DJ has launched the new T.90 USB high torque turntable which is a professional quality turntable with high-torque direct drive motor and a USB output.

Features :

• High-torque direct drive motor and unique design
• USB and S/PDIF output
• S-Shaped tone arm for superior tracking when scratching
• Key Lock (Master Tempo) to adjust the tempo of a record without affecting pitch
• 2 Start/Stop switches for mix or battle setup
• 3 playback speeds (33, 45, 78 RPM), plus Quartz Lock and target light
• Pitch control slider with selectable range (+ / - 8%, 12%)
• Includes Stanton 500B cartridge, slip mat and cloth dust cover
• Includes software to convert records into digital recordings or CDs, edit MP3, and WAV audio files

Here is our photo gallery from Frankfurt MusikMesse.

Steinberg Media Technologies has announced updates for its current VSTi range that will offer compatibility to Intel-based Macintosh computers. The updates will be available from April 2007 through Steinberg's website.

TC Electronic has announced a new plug-in for PowerCore, the Tube-Tech CL 1B plug-in, which is based upon the legendary analogue sound of the CL 1B compressor/limiter.

Features :

- up to 30 dBs of gain
- continuously variable ratio ranging from 2:1 to 10:1
- advanced metering
- innovative attack/release controls, with three different settings, enabling the CL 1B to be used as an insert- or bus compressor
- Sidechain/Link button in the stereo instance that emulates the dynamic master/slave relationship between the left and right channels
- up to 2 instances in stereo @ 44.1 kHz or 1 instance in stereo @ 96 kHz per DSP chip on 2nd generation PowerCore hardware (Compact, FireWire, Express, PCI mkII & Unplugged)

The CL 1B plug-in runs on all hardware versions of PowerCore, on Pro Tools HD and HD Accel. It will be available in spring 2007 at a retail price of €560 excl. VAT and €740 excl. VAT for PowerCore and Pro Tools respectively.

Scarbee announced today Black Bass, a new sample library for Native Instruments' Kontakt 2.2.

Features :

- A powerful user interface : a fretboard display giving you an overview of playing position and for each string what fret and articulation (displayed as a unique symbol) is used - dynamically updated as you play.
- All four strings sampled.
- Each string is monophonic so new notes abort earlier notes, giving a perfectly realistic bass.
- Automatic string selection
- Automatic alternation of right hand index and middle finger samples (can also be controlled using keyswitches).
- Automatic hammer-on/pull-off when you play legato.
- Convenient keyswitch mode - a keyswitch affects the following note or remains active as long as it's pressed.
- Slide m ...

TC Electronic has just announced the C400XL which is a dual gate/compressor designed for audio professionals on the road, as well as in the studio.

Main features :

- Balanced analog XLR
- Balanced digital (AES/EBU)
- Precision gating – ultra fast and click free
- De-essing
- Dual engine compressor or gate
- High resolution input and gain reduction metering
- Threshold LED indication
- True dual mono, stereo or serial operation
- Brickwall limiting for peak stop and hot levels
- Dual band expansion for non-percussive sources

For more information, please visit their web site.

Chandler Limited unveils two new units in celebration of the 75th birthday of Abbey Road Studios.

Based on the vintage EMI TG12345 desk used to record The Beatles and Pink Floyd, the TG12345 Curve Bender was conceived by Chandler Limited designer Wade Goeke and Abbey Road senior engineer Peter Cobbin. Wade turned the 9 selections on the vintage version into 51 eq points plus a multiply switch that increases the boost/cut to 15db (as well as sharpening the Q), filters, and bell/shelf selections on the high and low bands.

The TG12413 Zener Limiter was conceived by Chandler Limited designer Wade Goeke too, and is based on the vintage RS168 Zener Limiter and TG12345 console strip. This new version features new controls including switch able input impedance for hard of soft driving of the unit, 11 position attack, 21 position release, side chain filtering, and Comp1, Comp2, and Limit settings.

These beautiful units are available at a retail price of $5000 each.

Shown as a prototype still, the forthcoming red synth from the sweden masters will be a Nord lead pushed even further. You take the structure of the nord lead, and add not only wavetables, but user defined waveforms… And user sample waveforms thru Wav files.

As it's still under development, don't expect it before some months at least.

The Moog MF/FM is an effect based on tuning in radio signals. Mix in the tuned FM radio signal and/or tweak the VCO frequency and waveforms et voilà!

Available from April first… for $349 if you get the joke. ;)