Mac and Music News

To celebrate the first anniversary of EZdrummer Toontrack Music, in collaboration with it's distributors and dealers all over the world, offers a free EZX expansionpack to all customers that purchase an EZdrummer throughout May. The EZX:s that are available for this offer are the Drumkit From Hell EZX, the Latin Percussion EZX and the Vintage Rock EZX.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Arturia has released a version 1.2 update for ARP2600 V which is now a Universal Binary on Mac OS X.

Changes :

- Universal Binary support.
- VST 2.4 / Cubase 4 ready.
- A new installer, regrouping all previous updates.

Native Instruments has updated the Mac OS X Universal Binary version of Pro-53 to v3.0.4. This update solves some minor problems with the previous release :

- If used within a host environment, LFO and Delay effect are now correctly synchronized to the MIDI clock.
- The Preset Name Display has been improved.
- The installation process has been optimized so that hosts should find the plug-in more easily.

Note that you need to have activated Pro-53 3.0.3 in order to download this service update.

Antares has announced that maintenance releases of all versions of Auto-Tune 5 for Mac and PC are now available. These releases bring the features from the previous TDM and RTAS updates to all the other versions as well as add additional workflow enhancements to make your pitch correction process even easier.

Features :

- Auto-Scrolling in Graphical Mode
- Increased Maximum Buffer Size
- Set Option Defaults
- Improved Curve/Line Selection
- Scroll Wheel Support
- Bypass "Clear All" Warning
- Faster Instantiation

These are free updates for all Auto-Tune 5 owners. For more information, please visit their web site.

Shuriken has released Berrtill which is a a distortion-unit plug-in modelled from an "home-made" circuit bent hardware.

Berrtill is available as a VST effect plug-in for Mac OS X Universal Binary and it is free (donations welcome).

Presonus has announced the following rebate worldwide : purchase a FirePod, FireBox or Inspire 1394 recording system and receive Drumagog LE, Lounge Lizard Session and Ultra Analog Session for free. This offer is available until June 30, 2007. For more details, follow the link below.

Native Instruments has announced that Traktor Scratch is now available in stores worldwide. Traktor Scratch is a DJ system allowing you to spin your digital track collection on vinyl or CD turntables. It comprises of intuitive software, special 'timecoded' vinyl control records and CDs, two professional multi-core connection cables, and AUDIO 8 DJ - a high-end audio interface built specifically for DJs.

Traktor Scratch is available for a suggested retail price of $ 669 / € 599 from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. Furthermore, a special time-limited Traktor Scratch Crossgrade is available for owners of TRAKTOR 2/3, as well as for owners of Stanton FinalScratch and Serato Scratch Live. The crossgrade is priced at $ 449 / € 399 . and will be only available until May 31st.

IK Multimedia has announced that AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix is now available.

Feature overview :

- 5 separate modules: tuner, configurable stomp pedal board, amp head, cabinet + mic and rack effects.
- 4 Amp models.
- 7 Cabinet models.
- 5 Microphone models.
- 9 Stomp Effect models.
- 4 Rack Effect models.
- High-precision Tuner.
- 2 Guitar rig chains.
- Jimi Hendrix song presets immediately recall the entire rig used.

AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix is available now in VST, AU, RTAS and stand-alone formats for Mac OS X (UB) with an MSRP of $249/€199 (tax excluded). A ten-day fully functional demo is also available. Note that for a limited time only, all IK registered users (of both retail and special bundled versions such as AmpliTube LE, T-RackS EQ and SampleTank SE) can purchase the AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix Crossgrade at a special reduced price of MSRP $199/€169 (tax excluded). This deal is valid until July 31, 2007.

Blue Sky announces the launch of EXO, a complete, full-range studio monitoring solution. The system consists of an 8" powered subwoofer (which also contains the amplifiers and bass management circuitry for the system), Left & Right 2-way satellite speakers, and an ingenious desktop remote 'hub'. One of the more unique features of this hub is that it allows you to simultaneously plug in and monitor an assortment of peripherals via the XLR / TRS, RCA and 3.5 mm mini jack inputs.

Features :

- True, full-range stereo monitoring system
- Two - 3" 2-way satellites, with 1" soft-dome tweeter
- Separate 8" subwoofer, for extended low frequency response
- 160 Watts of total system power (35W per satellite, 90W subwoofer)
- Convenient desktop remote control and connection hub
- XLR / TRS ...

For one month only, Camel Audio are offering a massive 50% discount on their Cameleon 5000 synthesizer, which means you can buy it for just $99 / €94 / £64 until the end of May instead of $199 / €187 / £128. Cameleon 5000 is an additive soft-synth with resynthesis and sound-morphing capabilities, which excels at pads and evolving textures and boasts a library of more than 2000 presets.

Visit the Camel Audio website to download the demo, hear example MP3s, and buy online.

Native Instruments has reduced the price of the Kore 1. Buyers of the Kore 1 will receive a free update to KORE 2 software, when it becomes available.

For more information, please visit their web site.