Sweetwater Sound Inc., the third-largest music instrument and pro audio retailer in the world, has launched a donation campaign designed to provide music gear and instruments to people of limited means who have a genuine interest in music. Sweetwater regularly receives requests for donations of gear from soldiers overseas, disaster victims, foster parents, and nonprofit organizations. Named GearGift, the donation program encourages musicians from across the country to donate old instruments and recording and performance equipment. Sweetwater plans to refurbish the donated gear and ensure that it finds a new home with a deserving individual.

Those making donations to the program will be encouraged to designate the kind of recipient - a soldier, a child, a nonprofit, etc. Recipients, in turn, will be asked to respond with a thank you note and a photo or two. These responses will be forwarded to the donor.

For more information, please visit :

Tone2 are pleased to announce the 1.1 update of Warmverb, a modular multi effect plug-in with routable modules and 38 types of effects.

New features :

• Additional serial routing scheme.
• Bypass knobs for the effect modules.
• Three reflection effects: early reflection, reverse reflection and gated reflection.
• Aliaser effect.
• Trancegate effect.
• 43 new presets.

Changes and fixes :

• The vocoder is now MIDI controllable.
• Improved sound for 'Reverb large' and 'Reverb Ultra' effects.
• Improved performance.
• Stereo enhancer's left and right channels were swapped.

Warmverb Multi-FX is available for Mac OS X in VST and AU formats at a price of $79. The update is free for all registered users.

Detunized.com releases DTS002 - CINEMATIC, a collection of endlessly sustaining textures. Extension includes instruments specializing in the background colors of the soundstage.

Also introducing in this release : TICHRO, the Timevariant Chromatic Envelope Modulation principle. TICHRO instruments allow you to easily create :

- cluster sounds
- crossfade effects
- out-of-tune drones
- twinkle-melodies

DTS002 - CINEMATIC is available for Ableton, Reason and FL Studio via Paypal-Subscription or Paypal-Instant-Buy. More infos and sound examples at :

E-MU Systems has just announced that their new PIPEline wireless stereo audio transmitter/receiver system is now shipping. PIPEline can be used as a wireless transceiver for a guitar or keyboard, or as the basis of a wireless In-Ear monitoring system for a band.

Features :

• Mobile wireless, transmit or receive - Each PIPEline can be configured as a transmitter or receiver
• Audiophile quality sound with 48 kHz sample rate and 96dB signal-to-noise ratio of uncompressed audio
• PIPEline offers low latency so essential for live music applications. (6.6 ms in dedicated pairing mode /10ms in broadcast mode)
• 15 Meter (49 feet) Range
• The rechargeable battery lasts up to 10 hours in receive mode and 5 hours in transmit mode
• Analog/Digital inputs or outputs - The audio Flex-Jacks can be configured as inputs or outputs and they can also be setup to send or receive analog or digital S/PDIF
• Broadcast mode allows one transmitter and multiple receivers - In this mode, one transmitter can broadcast to multiple receivers
• PIPEline can be used as an "In-Ear" monitor system for your band, or broadcast to a class of students using headphones
• Power adapter/charger, cables and skin included

PIPEline is available at an estimated street price of €99.99/£99.99/$99.99 (including VAT).

The brand new VENUE SC48 by Digidesign is a fully integrated live sound system that combines all I/O, digital signal processing, and tactile control into a single console, making it the most affordable and portable VENUE system yet. The console not only features the characteristics of VENUE, including plug-in support, seamless integration with Pro Tools LE® systems, and complete show file portability, it offers several innovative new workflows that streamline the mixing process, allowing you to concentrate on mixing the show instead of operating the board.

Features :

• Fully integrated console offers built-in I/O for stage and ancillary sources, DSP, and tactile control for ultimate portability
• Compact footprint fits small- to mid-size clubs, houses of worship, theaters, corporate events, and more
• First-rate VENUE sound quality provides amazing audio clarity in any room
• Supports professional audio plug-ins for creating studio-quality mixes live
• Pro Tools LE FireWire interface and software included for audio recording and playback system connection
• VENUE D-Show® software, the industry's easiest, most comprehensive control software
• 48 analog mic/line XLR inputs, 16 analog line outputs (expandable to 32)
• Single expansion slot for maximizing output count or adding A-Net® connectivity
• 16 Aux Sends, 8 Groups, plus 8 mono matrixes (linkable as up to 4 stereo matrixes)
• Choice of Left-Right plus Mono or Left-Center-Right Mains bus configuration
• 26 touch-sensitive, motorized faders: 16 input, 8 output master, 1 Flex Channel, and 1 Mains
• 16 assignable, push-switch rotary encoders with multi-segment LED rings enable immediate access to key parameters
• Additional I/O, including talkback, analog and digital 2-track, GPI, MIDI, and Word Clock

VENUE SC48 is available now. For pricing information, please contact your local Avid salesperson or reseller.

For the month of May, McDSP offers a great special. All new Project Studio LE purchases will include one free LE to Native upgrade.

Project Studio LE is $295 and includes Analog Channel LE, Chrome Tone LE, CompressorBank LE, FilterBank LE, ML4000 LE, Revolver LE and Synthesizer One LE.

The McDSP Native product line supports RTAS and AudioSuite formats, and operates on Pro Tools HD, LE, and M-Powered. Special available only via electronic delivery.

Blue Cat Audio has updated all its free and commercial VST plugins for Mac to fix compatibility issues with Cubase 5. The upgrade is free for existing customers and concerns 26 plugins.

QuikQuak has announced the release of version 2.0 of its freebie UpStereo plug-in.

Changes :

• Completely 3D user-interface
• Retains usability of traditional 2D design
• Movable camera and light - alter the mood of the plug-in
• New metallic GUI.
• Overdrive option for saturated distortion effects.

UpStereo v2.0 is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats.

Waves has just released a collection of free presets for the SSL E-Channel plug-in. All these presets were made by Chris Lord-Alge, the well-known mixing engineer who has worked with famous artists such as Green Day, U2, Ray LaMontagne, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, or James Brown to name a few.

The Chris Lord-Alge presets are available for free at :

Metric Halo unveils the ULN-8, an industry-changing audio processing converter and interface. Featuring archival-grade converters, enhanced digitally controlled ULN (ultra low-noise, high-headroom) preamps, dedicated analog-domain sends and returns, analog domain 7.1 monitor controller, AES interfacing, extensive front panel control with excellent front panel metering all built atop Metric Halo's renowned fifth generation 2d Processing, mixing and FireWire interfacing platform, the ULN-8 establishes a new competitive standard for professional audio.

Features :

• Eight channels of archival quality, zero-phase distortion DC-coupled, calibrated 192k A/D
• Ten channels of archival quality, zero-phase distortion DC-coupled, calibrated 192k D/A
• Eight channels of Metric Halo digitally remote-controlled, high-headroom ULN-R preamps 
(-130dBu EIN)
• Two channels of exceptional ultra high-Z direct input for instruments
• 8in/8out 192k AES interface
• Full-featured front panel tactile control surface for standalone and connected operation
• All inputs switchable between line and mic
• Eight channels of analog domain send (for analog S/R before conversion and analog preamp output)
• Metric Halo's exclusive per-channel selectable Character
• Word clock in and out
• Digitally-controlled analog domain monitor control
• Full-featured fifteen segment precision metering
• SMPTE I/O channels
• MIDI I/O for direct connect of Mackie control protocol control surface
• Integrated mixing and deep instantiable DSP processing (includes full +DSP license)
• Rock-solid stability - mature, real-world-tested firmware, & time-tested fifth-generation Mac OS software and drivers
• FireWire interfacing with ultra-stable, ultra low-latency drivers (FW400 & FW800 supported)
• Exceptional power performance (only 32 watts - DC powerable)
• Low mass (9 lbs. / 4.1 kg.)
• Extremely compact (everything in 1 RU)
• Rack-mountable

The ULN-8 has an MSRP of US $5.995.

Beilfuss unveils the worlds first step synthesizer.

Unlike any analog or digital synthesizer's controls, the patented tone control consists of sixteen steps simply outlining the waveform as set by the Signal Controls you see at the left of the control panel. Similarly, the envelope and filter contour transients and their time intervals are also set by the Signal Controls for rhythms or extended notes. You may easily add prompted, parallel voicings, combining settings of both sides for complex notes.There are 32 controls and 142 pushbuttons for direct programming. Dedicated LED pushbuttons always read out their side of the full eight octave, split keyboard. Five octaves of transposition are possible.

Price and availability TBA.

Here's a new Pro Tools Corner issue by our VIP Moderator Brian White from audioMIDI.com. This time he focuses on the new MIDI editor in Pro Tools 8.

"The MIDI editor in Pro Tools 8 is one new feature that has certainly been turning heads, especially those of other "sequencer heavy" DAWs. While many users have been making comparisons to Logic's flavor of MIDI editing, the Pro Tools MIDI editor features a few unique tricks that are sure to speed up your sequencing workflow. This week at the Pro Tools Corner I will walk you through the basics of the MIDI editor and help you unlock the true sequencing power of Pro Tools 8."

if you have a Pro Tools related question that you would like Brian to take a shot at answering or have any feedback, please post-it in our Mac ProTools Forum or Pc ProTools Forum. Brian will do his best to select the questions that seem to stump the most people.

According to FutureMusic.com, Propellerhead will use their upcoming Producers Conference on May 9th to announce a new Digital Audio Workstation product.

This will not be an update to Reason, which will retain its own product category, but will be a new standalone product that will have full-on audio recording capabilities.

Wait and see...

ProjectSAM has released version 1.1 updates for Symphobia and Orchestral Brass Classic. On top of the bug fixes, Symphobia 1.1 also includes new features :

• New articulation: fast attack ensemble strings mf/ff (modwheel control).
• New articulation: brass chords without tuba/bass note (modwheel control).
• New effect: string ensemble very slow glissandi.
• New effect: string brass ensemble dark textures.
• New effect: string brass ensemble trill crescendo.
• New effect: string brass ensemble trill marcato.
• 20 New Multis added, now 40 Multis in total.

For more informations, please visit their website.

Softube also presents Amp Room Bundle, containing native versions of Bass Amp Room, Metal Amp Room, and Vintage Amp Room at a reduced price of $549 (web price, excl. VAT). That's a massive saving of $178 (24%) compared to buying each title individually. Note that Bundle upgrades from previously purchased Amp Rooms are also available.

Softube has just announced the release of Bass Amp Room.

Bass Amp Room was designed to handle all your bass amp needs, from dirty rock to modern clean, keeping two equally important goals in mind. The first was to give the user the best possible sound quality. The latter was to create an intuitive plug-in which allows for a really fast work flow. Time is money, but cutting down on time shouldn't mean you have to accept poor results.

Bass Amp Room consists of a model of a classic bass amplifier, three distinctive speaker cabinets with click-and-drag mics, and a blendable DI section with tone controls and a limiter.

Bass Amp Room is available for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, RTAS and AU formats at a price of $199. Audio examples and a fully functional 10 day demo are also available.

Akai Professional announces that the APC40 Ableton Performance Controller will launch worldwide on May 30, 2009.

Key Features :

- Designed in partnership with Ableton
- Unique clip matrix with multicolor lighting displays current clip status
- No mapping required for use with Ableton Live
- Exclusive bidirectional communication between the APC40 and Ableton Live
- Professional feel with rugged, metal chassis and premium controls
- Comes with Akai APC40 edition of Ableton Live Lite, free upgrade patch for full versions of Live
- USB plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC
- Premium controller with rugged, metal chassis


The APC40 will have a retail price of $599 and an anticipated street price of $399.

Redline Monitor by 112dB has been updated to version 1.0.2. This maintenance release applies to both the retail and the trial version.

New features :

- Support for custom skins (Vintage skin by Scott Kane included).
- Circular and Circular Relative knob mode.

Bug fixes :

- [Mac/AU] Fixed delayed crash in some AU hosts.
- [Mac/AU] Fixed GUI offset in Bias Peak Pro.
- [Mac/AU] Automation parameter values displayed wrong in Logic.
- [Mac/AU] Proper window raise/activation on mouse clicks.
- [Mac] Buttons on PowerPC Macs wouldn't switch off.
- Fixed parameter name display in some VST hosts.

Redline Monitor is available in RTAS/VST format for Windows XP/Vista and RTAS/AU/VST Universal Binary format for Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) and up. Redline Monitor is sold exclusively from the 112dB online store at €99/$99. Of course, this update is free for all registered users.

DontCrac[k], the Ultimate Audio Software Store and Flux, manufacturer of hi-end professional audio plug-ins are proud to announce that they have signed an agreement that makes Flux products available to all at very competitive price and via instant download delivery.

To celebrate this new partnership, DontCrac[k] offers 40% discount on the complete line of Flux products including bundles and that until May 15. Up to 20% extra discount can be obtained by adding products to your cart (-5% per product added). That is their permanent "Make your own Bundle" offer found exclusively at DontCrac[k].

Steinberg is proud to present a new all-in-one production package offering a complete hardware and software solution : Cubase Producer Pack.

The limited edition package includes Cubase 5 and the MR816 CSX FireWire audio interface, and is now shipping to Steinberg resellers throughout Europe. Cubase Producer Pack supports Mac OS X, Windows XP and Windows Vista and is priced at €1555.00/£1296.00*.

To coincide with the launch of Cubase Producer Pack, Steinberg has also announced a special competition to win a 2-day production workshop at its Hamburg headquarters by one of its product specialists, with travel and hotel accommodation included.

*Suggested Retail Price. Pricing may vary regionally.

Ueberschall announces the release of Club Toolz. Each sound, of the over 2GB assortment of material, has been individually processed, branded with a tempo and key signature. This enables you to adjust this library in a variety of ways and create your own additional content. This library doesn't rip sounds from standard drum sequencer or synth romplers, content is genuine and has never been sampled before. Full mixes can be assembled completely from scratch with this engine alone.

With this sample library you can create your own club tracks within the various House and Techno styles such as :

. Deep Tech
. Electro
. Tribal
. Minimal
. Maximal
. Oizo-ish
. Progressive
. Neo Trancy

Club Toolz has an MSRP of $119 / €99 / £69. The included Elastik Players is available for Mac OS X and Windows in AU, VST and RTAS plug-in formats. To hear a demo go to :