Heartbeat by 9 Soundware is an instrument in EXS24 format. The sound set was constructed from samples of human heartbeat recordings, which were enhanced for drum-like punch. The percussive instrument features sounds of pulses resembling kick drums, as well as other internal organ activity.

The instrument is based on 224 samples. They were captured using an electronic stethoscope, which is more sensitive and capable of capturing quieter sounds compared to acoustic stethoscopes. In addition to heartbeats, which can augment or be used as an alternative to kick drums, also included are samples of the abdomen and a wide variety of sounds created by manipulating the stethoscope.

Heartbeat includes 224 samples, which are arranged by velocity (1 to 19 levels), and mapped across an 8 octave range in an EXS24 instrument.

The 24 MB download includes 1 .EXS file and 402 WAV files (24-bit/44.1 kHz).

Heartbeat is available now for $29.99 at :

Tube Amp received a major update and now supports most user interface features latest Voxengo plug-ins offer : multi-channel support, routing matrix, mid/side processing, channel grouping, and others.  Beside that, the tube overdrive algorithm itself has been improved.  Tube Amp now features a built-in output soft-knee limiter which can be used as a loudness maximizer.

Tube Amp is an audio effect plug-in that applies asymmetric tube triode overdrive usually found in single-tube microphone pre-amp boxes.  The sound this plug-in produces varies from a mild "warm" overdrive to a fuzzy distortion.  Beside that, Tube Amp includes a -6 dB/oct low-pass filter that is built-in into plug-in's valve modeling equation, and can be used to imitate a lower-quality tube triode.

Icing on the cake, Tube Amp is available for free for both Mac (AU/VST) and PC (VST).

TC Electronic has decided to reward loyal PowerCore users with a great special offer : they cut 50% off all TC Electronic and TC-Helicon PowerCore plug-ins for two weeks starting Tuesday May 26th 2009.

For more details, please visit the link below :

KEL Audio has announced the HM-3C, an affordable mid-diaphragm condenser mic with a clean open sound and premium circuitry.

The HM-3C features a specially tuned version of the capsule used in KEL's popular HM-1 mic. Instead of a wide cardioid, however, the HM-3C features a tighter pattern and rising response for a cleaner, more open sound. The linear circuitry is transformerless, like all KEL mics and features high-grade brand name components in the signal path.

"The HM-3C is designed to pretty much capture what you hear" says Kelly Dueck of KEL Audio. "Some people consider our other mics to be 'character' mics, but the HM-3C is more open and detailed. It borders on unforgiving."

Due to its fast response, the HM-3C is recommended for all stringed instruments, percussion, ensemble recording and even select vocals.

The HM-3C is expected to ship early June and will be available direct from KEL Audio website for $199 including shipping. The mic includes an aluminum flight case and custom designed shock mount.

Chandler Limited today announces that its new Little Devil Equalizer and Compressor are now shipping. They have added a wet/dry mix control to the compressor and this was the reason for the slow down on them. It is definitely worth it though, according to Chandler Limited designer Wade Goeke.

Using all discrete circuits that combine Chandler's best designs with the hottest designs from the past, transformer balanced everything, and the American hand made quality you expect from Chandler, the Little Devils will take the lunchbox up (or down) to the next level.

Technically and sonically speaking, the Chandler Little Devils are steeped in the sound and function of all Chandler gear - discrete amplifiers, inductors, transformers, and quality American build. You won't find any surface mount or ribbon cables in the Little Devils (used to build cell phones and computers) that are becoming popular money-saving and sound-crippling build techniques used by some other manufacturers.

Pricing :

• List : $1375 for the EQ and $1155 for the Comp
• Estimated street price : $1250 and $1050 respectively