Expert Sleepers presents Silent Way, a suite of plug-ins designed for use as part of a modular analogue synthesiser system. The plug-ins produce no sound themselves, nor do they process sound - rather, they generate signals to be used as control voltages (CVs), which can be patched into the control inputs of oscillators, filters, VCAs, etc. of an analogue system.

There are currently two plug-ins in the Silent Way suite - Silent Way DC and Silent Way Voice Controller. These are described in more detail below. It is anticipated that more plug-ins will be added to the suite in the future - watch the website for product announcements.

All plug-ins also feature :

• Full MIDI and OSC control.
• MIDI/OSC scriptability.
• Sample-accurate handling of MIDI note messages.

Silent Way DC
Silent Way DC is a simple plug-in that generates constant output signals. It is intended to be used in conjunction with parameter automation (via MIDI or directly by the host application) to generate varying signals. For example, you could use it as an LFO where you draw out the LFO waveform in your host's parameter automation GUI.

Silent Way Voice Controller
Silent Way Voice Controller is a virtual instrument plug-in designed to directly control an analogue synthesiser by generating the appropriate CV and gate signals via an appropriate audio interface. By listening to the synthesiser's output signal, the plug-in is able to calibrate itself to generate the appropriate pitch CV for the incoming MIDI notes. As well as the basic pitch and gate signals, the plug-in can generate three multi-stage envelope CVs which you can feed to VCAs, VCFs, etc. in your synth.


Silent Way is available for both Mac OS X and Windows in VST and AU formats at a price of $49.

Roland is pleased to announce the release of version 1.30 update for the Fantom-G workstations. This free download adds new content and enhancements to the Fantom-G, including new rhythm patterns, and a newly added Arpeggio Import Function.

New Features :

• Arpeggio Import Function for creating user arpeggio styles
• Enhanced functionality, including independent tempo for Live and Studio modes
• New keyboard modes for RPS and Rhythm Patterns
• New real-time control of multiple sounds at once
• Hundreds of new rhythm patterns and RPS phrases
• New piano patches, Live Sets, and Studio Sets

To download version 1.30 for the Fantom-G Series, please visit the link below :

Cascade Microphones is now shipping the new FAT HEAD II Live/Studio microphone.

The FHII L/S is fitted with a robust 5-micron symmetrical ribbon. The heavier ribbon is perfect for the hostile environment outside the studio, yet the frequency response is virtually the same as it is with the studio version FAT HEAD II.

The FAT HEAD II Live/Studio is available now at the introductory price of $175.

KRK Systems announces they are now shipping the R6 passive studio monitor. The R6 incorporates design cues from KRK's Rokit line, including radically radiused edges along the front of the cabinet.

The R6, like its Rokit brethren, provides a sleeker, more modern look that KRK claims to be as functional as it is beautiful. A key component to the new look is the molded front baffle. This design feature virtually eliminates diffraction distortion caused by standard flat baffles.

The R6 leverages KRK's research and development into baffle design and fabrication. The curved front baffle was engineered to minimize diffraction of high-frequencies, resulting in a sweet spot that is significantly larger than products with square or lightly rounded baffles. The baffle also houses a molded fro ...

Genuine Soundware unveils ShakePad, a virtual multi-effect unit intended for real time sound manipulation via an X/Y pad. It includes 50 different high quality effect algorithms with full stereo operation. Summary of main features :

• 50 high quality stereo effects
• X/Y Pad for multiple functions
• Adjustable release time from 0 to 10 seconds with variable rest point
• HOLD button
• Dry/Wet slider
• Real time parameter display
• Host Automation
• Easy MIDI Learn

ShakePad is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU formats at the introductory price of €21 until August 31st, 2009. The full price will then be €29.