Tonehammer has released a new Kontakt-based instrument : Didgeridoo.

The Didgeridoo (aka Didge) is an Australian Aboriginal wind instrument dating back over approx.1500-2000 years. The instrument is made from Eucalyptus blogs hollowed out by termites and is widely regarded as one of the oldest woodwind (aerophone) instruments in existence. Tonehammer recorded two different Didges for maximum user flexibility. The first one is an original Eucalyptus log and the second one is a modern version made from PVC pipes.

The library contains over 400MB of samples and the programs contain modwheel controlled timestretching and sample offset options allowing users to get more flexibility out of the samples. The Didges come at two different mic (close/medium) distances and a far mic for the dual-didge FX group. Didge 1 is close mic and Didge 2 is medium mic.

Didgeridoo is available now with an MSRP of $39 and requires Native Instruments Kontakt 2.2.4+. Note that audio examples are also available at :

Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH is pleased to announce that leading sample content and instrument manufacturers have committed to support for its new VST Expression technology. Already integrated into the new Cubase 5, VST Expression is a new system which aims to simplify composing with large sample libraries within Cubase, streamlining the way today's massive virtual orchestras and highly detailed instrument libraries are used in the context of creative composition for scores and songs.

"With virtual and hardware instruments becoming more and more expressive it has been time to provide a more flexible and more elegant solution for recording and editing sounds with multiple articulations," comments Arnd Kaiser, Steinberg's Product Planning Manager for Music Technology. "This is what VST Expression is all about. But it's not only a great way to record, edit and score orchestral instrument sounds. It's a powerful tool for any sound generator and a new creative platform for more expressive instruments we might see in the future," Kaiser adds.

VST Expression simplifies handling of articulations and expressions for advanced virtual instruments, large sample libraries and hardware sound generators. The new technology makes recording and editing articulation commands much easier, with all articulation data displayed separately in both track inspector and editor windows. VST Expression is part of the new Cubase 5, the latest version of Steinberg's Advanced Music Production System and is compatible with any VST or MIDI instrument. Steinberg's premium orchestral sample instrument HALion Symphonic Orchestra also supports VST Expression.

Shure is expanding the SM microphones line with the introduction of the SM27 and SM137.

The SM27 is a rugged and versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed to pick up the nuances of vocals and instruments with clarity. This microphone has a one-inch ultra-thin Mylar diaphragm for superior transient response, exceptional low frequency reproduction, and a low self-noise (9.5 dB SPL) to reveal fine detail when recording or during live performance. The SM27 offers lower self-noise and improved dynamic range specifications over the KSM27 model that it replaces.

The SM137 is a cardioid probe microphone for instrument recording applications. The SM137 employs an ultra-thin diaphragm for smooth high end and tight, controlled low end. Its 15 dB attenuator enables it to handle sound pressure levels as high as 154 dB SPL, for consistent reproduction of delicate acoustic as well as high-volume amplified instruments. The SM137 replaces the KSM109 model.

The SM27 ($299 retail / $460 MSRP) and SM137 ($179 retail / $236 MSRP) microphones will be available in March 2009 and will carry a two-year limited warranty.

IZotope has released the long-awaited version 4 of its software mastering suite : Ozone.

Ozone 4 builds on the program's reputation for high sound quality and industry-standard mastering tools with new innovations and refinements. iZotope has updated and expanded Ozone's processing algorithms, optimizing them for today's low-latency DAW environments. Ozone 4 features a new Intelligent Loudness Maximizer mode, mid/side processing for superior control over the sound stage, hybrid crossovers, a re-designed interface and a completely updated preset manager featuring innovative MacroPresets. In addition, numerous interface improvements and ease-of-use additions make Ozone even more accessible to musicians who want to quickly finalize their projects, while also offering precise tools for professional engineers.


Key Features :

- Integrated mastering system combining analog warmth and digital precision.
- Seven essential mastering processors in one integrated plug-in.

MOTU has just updated Digital Performer to version 6.02. This maintenance release includes numerous program enhancements and optimizations, including the new configurable Shortcuts window, the new options for floating the main Control Panel and setting its level of transparency, automatic versus manual note durations in the QuickScribe Editor, more customizable key bindings and many more.

This update is free for all registered users.