Line 6 has released GearBox Plug-In version 3.1 which delivers amp emulation and effects derived from Line 6's PODxt hardware in software. There are two different GearBox Plug-in Bundles to fit your needs :

Silver Bundle :

* 18 guitar amp and 24 cab models from PODxt.
* 5 bass amp models from Bass PODxt.
* 6 world-renowned vintage and modern mic preamps.
* 30 studio and stompbox effects.


Gold Bundle :

* 78 guitar amp and 24 cab models from PODxt/Vetta II.
* 28 bass amp and 22 bass cab models from Bass PODxt.
* 6 world-renowned vintage and modern mic preamps.
* 80 plus studio and stompbox effects.


GearBox Plug-In is available for Mac OS X (UB) in RTAS and AU formats. The Silver bundle has an MSRP of $419.99; the Gold version $699.99.Note that GearBox Plug-In is also available as a download for owners of PODxt, GuitarPort, and TonePort products for $199.

Linplug has released version 3 of their soft synth Alpha. Just when you get tired about the many over-complex synthesizers of today, when you want to return to the roots, the beginning of all synthetic sound, the times when a Synthesizer could be fully programmed, then the Alpha 3 is the right synthesizer for you.

Alpha 3 is available for Mac OS X (UB) in AU and VST 2.0 formats at a retail price of 99 US$ / 79 Euro.

WaveMachine Labs has released Drumagog Platinum and Drumagog BFD. These versions of Drumagog offer the ability to directly trigger BFD, without the need for MIDI or other complicated setups, enabling you to harness the power of BFD directly from the Drumagog interface so if you own a copy of Fxpansion's BFD this is exactly what you need !

Drumagog Platinum is the top-of-the-range version of Drumagog and retails for $379. Drumagog BFD lacks various features, such as internal sounds and sample import, and retails for $199.

Grooveboxmusic.com, the online pro audio training provider has released a new in-depth Pro Tools 7 training product entitled "Excel Pro Tools 7". Containing 34 video tutorials and running over 3 hours in length, "Excel Pro Tools 7" covers many useful "Tips and Tricks" and task specific topics about the industry standard recording software Digidesign Pro Tools 7.

Just some of the tutorial videos on "Excel Pro Tools 7" include:

• Cleaning Vocal Tracks
• Create a Composite Track
• Auto Punch Recording
• Groove Quantize Audio
• Recording Reason Rewire
• Recording Virtual Inst
• Print FX to Track
• Using Playlists
• Stereoize Tracks
• Creating Submixes
• Telephone Effect

"Excel Pro Tools 7" is available for purchase right now exclusively as an Instant Digital Download on Grooveboxmusic.com for $39.99.

Toontrack has unveiled EZplayer Free, a MIDI bridge, organizer and wrapper between different drum sampler formats. Available to all registered Toontrack users, EZplayer Free features the same MIDI-handling capabilities featured in Toontrack EZdrummer. The application organizes and converts MIDI files to the mapping of supported drum samplers, provides dfh Superior users with access to MIDI content and functionality, and supports drag-and-drop operation in all major hosts. EZplayer Free is also the first step towards EZplayer, which will be unveiled and released later in the spring and will boast much extended functionality for performers as well as composers. EZplayer will be available through all Toontrack Music distributors. Exact release dates and pricing are as yet unavailable.

EZplayer Free will be available Mac OS X (Universal Binary) in VST, AU and RTAS formats. For more information please visit their web site.