Audio Damage has just announced the release of BigSeq2, the new version of its effect and gate sequencer.

BigSeq2 is a massive extension to the feature set of the BigSeq gate effect. With twelve sequencers controlling ten effects in six blocks, BigSeq2 is capable of everything from short staccato gate sequences to long, evolving filter sweeps and frequency shifts, and everything in between.

The six effect "Blocks" contain ten effects in total, and these Blocks can be re-arranged simply by dragging them, giving you full control over the routing of the effects. Each effect Block has a gate sequencer and a modulation sequencer. The gate sequencer turns that effect on and off (or in the case of the delay Block, activates the "send" control), while the modulation sequencer can affect any and all parameters in that block.

Features :

- Ten effects in six blocks, each with its own step sequencer, modulation sequencer, and time base.
- The gate and modulation sequencers for each effect block run on their own time-base, allowing different time signatures and step times for each effect.
- Each block has several parameters which can be altered via the modulation sequencer for that block.
- The effects blocks can be re-arranged in any order.
- Each sequencer has three independent modes of operation: forward, reverse, and random step. In addition, each of the twelve sequencers can be completely randomized at regular selectable intervals, for interesting modulation and gating possibilities.
- The included effects are VCA, pan, multi-mode filter, fuzz, sine warp, delay (with chorus and flanger modes), frequency shifter (also providing ring mod and phasing), sample rate reduction, bit depth, and our own "Error" effect.
- MIDI Learn on all published parameters for external hardware control. (VST only.)

BigSeq2 is available now for both Mac and PC in VST and AU formats at a price of $49 (upgrade : $10). For more information and audio examples, please follow the link below :

Apogee is pleased to announce compatibility with the recently released Apple Mac Pro featuring the Intel Xeon "Nehalem" processor. Apogee has completed a full test procedure for all its Mac-compatible audio interfaces and all tested products were found fully compliant with the new hardware.

Apple's Mac Pro "Nehalem" features higher speed processing, memory throughput plus easy access to three PCI Express slots, benefitting Apogee Apple Users.

Tested Apogee products include :

- Symphony 64
- Symphony 32
- Ensemble
- Duet

All questions regarding Apogee products use with Apple products can be submitted to Apogee Tech Support.

SM Pro Audio unveils a Beta version ot its new VFX host software for Mac. VFX allows you to load and play Windows plug-ins on Intel Mac. Now every V-Machine owner who uses a mac can configure banks and presets and sync it with their machine.

You can download a Beta version of the VFX Application for Intel Mac based systems at :

Console designer and manufacturer Audient is proud to unveil Zen at the forthcoming MusikMesse. A compact, classic recording and mixing console, Zen combines analogue mixing technology with flexible DAW integration.

Dual inputs provide the mic/line input stage and the DAW return path, offering a flexible system for connecting to a DAW or stand alone recorder. With individual DAW record outputs, mono and stereo buses, auxes, a sophisticated monitor section and an optional digital output interface, Zen allows simple audio connection to the rest of the production set-up.

Key Features :

- 16 or 32 inputs
- 2 inputs per channel
- DAW record output on each channel
- 2 stereo buses
- 2 mono buses
- 4 auxiliaries/ 2 cue sends
- Insert on each channel
- Stereo Bus compressor
- Stereo digital out option
- Moving fader automation
- DAW transport control

Preliminary Specifications :

- Freq response: +/- 0.3dB 20Hz to 20kHz
- THD and noise: <0.005% at 1kHz
- Noise: Mic EIN (20Hz -20kHz, 150R source) <-127.5dBu
- Bus noise (all inputs routed) <-80dBu
- Mic CMRR: 70dB (min gain)
- Max input: Mic > +21dBu
- Line >+30dBu
- Max output: >+26dBu

Shipping date for the first Zen is expected to be July 2009. Pricing TBA.

Sound Technology, UK distributors of Propellerhead's Reason software, are offering a free laptop bag (worth £49) to anyone who buys Reason Premium Edition between the 1st and 31st March 2009.

How it works :

1. buy Reason Premium Edition from a retailer in the UK or Eire
2. print out a claim form and return to Sound Technology with a dated copy of your receipt
3. sit back and wait for your bag to arrive !