Berkley Integrated Audio Software, Inc. ("BIAS") today debuted PitchCraft EZ, a new pitch correction and special effects tool. As a plug-in for popular audio host applications on Mac and Windows computing platforms, PitchCraft EZ is both easy to use and highly effective.

"Super-natural" sonic quality with ease
BIAS first developed advanced pitch correction and modification technologies for their Master Perfection Suite — a professional plug-in suite for Mac and PC that includes PitchCraft (also available in the company's flagship Peak Pro XT audio editing, processing, mastering, and delivery software application exclusive for Mac). Using essential algorithms from PitchCraft, PitchCraft EZ offers many core features while focusing on ease of use and quick, pro-quality results. The pitch, transposition, and formant preservation DSP algorithms employed ensure natural-sounding, pitch-correction and transposition, while offering additional options not found in other low-priced solutions.

IZotope, Inc. has announced plans to release a new line of Digidesign Pro Tools TDM plug-ins starting with their IRC Limiter in early 2010.

"We are committed to making our professional audio tools and effects available to users in all different environments," explained Jeremy Todd, CTO of iZotope, Inc. "Support for Pro Tools TDM systems is an important step to achieving this goal."

iZotope's first offering will include their IRC Loudness Maximizer featuring the transparent "Intelligent II" mode for exceptional handling of transients. Designed specifically for studio, post and live performance applications, this powerful tool allows users to prevent clipping while dramatically lifting the perceived overall audio level.

iZotope plans to follow-up this release with advanced EQ and multiband dynamics effect plug-ins. These releases expand iZotope's Pro Audio line which already includes the ANR-B adaptive noise reduction hardware unit and RX Advanced.

Tascam has unleashed the US-2000, a new 16-input USB audio interface condensed into only one rackspace.

Features:

• 16-in / 4-out USB 2.0 audio interface
• 96kHz / 24-bit audio resolution
• (8) XLR microphone inputs with phantom power
• (6) 1/4" balanced line inputs
• (4) 1/4" balanced line outputs
• (2) 1/4" instrument inputs (chan. 7&8 on front panel "combi "jacks)
• Stereo S/PDIF digital in and out
• 100-LED meter bridge (5 segments for each input and output)
• Zero-latency direct monitoring with mono/stereo switch for each pair of inputs
• 1/4" balanced stereo monitor output with its own volume control
• 1/4" stereo high-powered headphone output
• Mac and Windows compatible
• Steinberg Cubase LE4 48-track recording software included

The US-2000 will be available in October at a projected street price under $500.

For over 35 years Lexicon has been recognized as the golden standard of digital reverb and effects processing. Today Lexicon unveils the PCM Native Reverb Plug-In Bundle, a brand new reverb plug-in for creating professional, inspirational mixes within popular DAWs like Pro Tools, Logic, and any other VST, Audio Unit, or RTAS compatible platform.

With all the flexibility you would expect from a native plug-in, this powerhouse Bundle delivers 7 legendary Lexicon reverbs with hundreds of the most versatile and finely-crafted studio presets, including recognizable classics from Lexicon's immense library of sounds. Designed to bring the highest level of sonic quality and function to all your audio applications, the PCM Native Reverb Bundle will take center stage in your DAW.

Features at a ...

It's AES time in New York City and it's going to be huge !!

Lexicon, iZotope, SoundToys, Tascam, BIAS, Sonnox, Rupert Neve Designs, etc... They all have brought something to the table and they all claim that we can't live without.

It's happening now and the entire 440Network Team is on the starting blocks to provide you the freshest news in this Special Report and in our Daily News Section, so stay tuned !

FXpansion presents the latest addition to the BFD2 Expansion Kit range: BFD Cocktail, a meticulous recording of a Yamaha Hipgig portable drumkit.

BFD Cocktail is recorded in the same room under the same studio conditions as the Jazz & Funk, B.O.M.B., JEX and Decatom expansions, as well as other Yamaha-based expansion kits. It has also been designed to sound great with BFD2's built-in library as well as with BFD libraries recorded in other locations.

New articulations include rim shots and rim clicks on the toms. The snare also offers rim clicks, with the stick version additionally offering flams, drags and the half-edge articulation, which can be used with positional sensing on suitable electronic drumkits.

Feature Highlights Include :

• Low-cost, download-only expansion p ...

API is pleased to announce the introduction of the 527 compressor, a single channel module based on API's 225L discreet channel compressor.

The 527 features comprehensive controls including variable attack, release, ratio, and output gain controls. The unit also includes API's patented 'Thrust' circuit, first offered on the 2500 Stereo Bus Compressor. A 10 segment LED meter is switchable between gain reduction and output level.

"Anyone who has used the 225L compressor found in API consoles has expressed a longing for the same kind of flexibility and control in the 500 Series for some time" said Larry Droppa, President of API. "We're delighted to now offer the 527 to complement our vintage 525 compressor, which has been many engineers' favorite compressor over the years".

The API 527 makes its debut at the 127th AES show in New York, October 9-12, at its introductory price of $995.00.

Harrison, the manufacturer of world-class analog and digital consoles, is proud to announce Mixbus with True Analog Mixing for OS X.

Mixbus is a virtual "analog console" integrated into a full-featured DAW (a customized version of Ardour). True Analog Mixing provides a virtual mixing surface that is based on Harrison's renowned 32-Series and MR-Series console designs, plus Harrison's proprietary digital mixing technology. Mixbus enables the user to record, edit, and mix a musical performance "in the box" but get a sound reminiscent of the golden age of album recordings.

Features :

• Straightforward "knob per function" mixer layout based on Harrison's renowned 32-series and MR-series music consoles.
• Precision DSP algorithms for EQ, Filter, Compression, Analog Tape Satu ...

WaveMachine Labs is pleased to announce the next major Drumagog release, Drumagog 5. Available in the first quarter of 2010, Drumagog 5 represents more than two years of design and development.

Some of the new features include :

• Auto-Align 2.0 - A collaboration between WaveMachine Labs and Fraunhofer (inventors of the MP3 format) has resulted in a revolutionary new alignment algorithm.
• Direct Plugin Hosting - Play any virtual instrument from within Drumagog. VSTi plugins like BFD2, Kontakt, and Superior Drummer are inserted directly into Drumagog to allow a virtually unlimited sample palette. (Platinum version only)
• Redesigned graphic interface – Streamlined control and easier sample editing.
• Support for multiple room samples - The Gog format now allows for different room sounds and mics. Simply dial in the amount of room desired.
• Auto Hi-Hat Tracking - automatically detects the hi-hat pedal position (open/closed) in real time.

Upgrade and pricing information to follow. As current beta testing expands over the coming weeks any existing Drumagog 4 users interested in participating should contact WaveMachine Labs.

Vir2 Instruments is pleased to announce that the MOJO 1.2 update is availabe for immediate download.

Here's what is new and improved :

• New microtuning feature available in the main menu, allowing for instant access to more than a dozen different common alternate tunings.
• All instruments tweaked sonically to improve their overall sound.
Improved sound and performance for Punch feature, now converted to a pulldown menu.
• Improved load time across all instruments.
• Optimized polyphony usage across all instruments, resulting in less voices used and less CPU hit.
• Trombone doit release issue fixed.
• Improved tempo-syncing of all crescendos and swells across all instruments.
• Improved quality of timestretching of all crescendos and swells ...

During the 2009 AES Conference in New York, Rupert Neve Designs will release the Portico II Channel, the first in a new series of rack-mounting modules based on the high voltage single-sided op-amps developed for the 5088 mixer, with a new range of dedicated transformers, and an extensive arsenal of tonal controls.

The Portico II is a self-powered 2U Channel module comprised of a fully featured mic preamplifier, 4-band EQ, compressor-limiter, "texture" control and level metering. The Portico II includes a bevy of new features including: Variable Silk / Silk+ Texture control, a fully tunable de-esser, multiple VCA filtering and detection options, a transient-optimized swept HPF, and parallel compression blending. With its simple yet powerful topologies and extensive feature set, every el ...

Sonnox is about to unveil a brand new suite of audio restoration plug-ins at the upcoming 127th AES Convention. Sonnox Restore is a suite of three plug-ins : Oxford DeBuzzer, Oxford DeClicker and Oxford DeNoiser, designed to accurately restore impaired audio recordings.

Developed over an exhaustive 18-month R&D program, the Sonnox Restore suite represents a quantum leap beyond previous restoration plug-in technology. Its advanced algorithms allow fast and extremely effective removal of pops, clicks, crackles, scratches, hum, buzzes and extraneous background noise from virtually any recording. All three plug-ins provide detailed graphical feedback, and include novel features new to the restoration field such as a specialized dialogue mode in the DeClicker.

The Sonnox Restore Suite will be available at a price of $1995 in the fall of 2009, and will be compatible with Pro Tools (RTAS), Audio Units and VST platforms.