Schaack Audio Technologies has just released Transient Shaper v1.0 which is a dynamics plug-in that allows "shaping" of the Attack and Release phases of the sound with 2 knobs only. The effect ranges from gate-like to compressor-like. Transient Shaper is aimed to be used with percussion, but can also be used to process individual channels or loops.

Features :

- Makes your sound louder, gives it more expressiveness and more punch.
- Ideal for individual or summed drums/percussions shaping.
- Unique two-knob manipulation characteristics, not obtainable with any other type of gear.
- Gate replacement (sounds smoother than a gate).
- Processed sound ranges from gate-like to compression-like.
- Resizable GUI (minimized by clicking in top left corner).
- Low CPU Usage (typically less than 1% on half-decent systems).

Transient Shaper is available now as a VST plug-in for Windows and costs €49 (+VAT). Apple OS X AudioUnit version will be available before the end of February. Note that audio samples and a demo version are available at :

[CodeOperator] has just released PlugAdmin Pro for Mac OS X. PlugAdmin Pro now makes administration of many different types of plug-ins possible, including audio, graphics and operating system plugins.

The number of plugins installed on computers is increasing rapidly. It occurs often that a plugin runs smoothly with one host software, but causes problems with another host software. PlugAdmin Pro enables you to administrate all plugins that are installed on your computer (e.g. activate/deactivate). The new Pro version also offers you features such as creating plugin groups and backup your plugins for data security. PlugAdmin Pro now supports the management of audio plugins as well as Adobe Photoshop plugins, Illustrator Plugins and InDesign plugins. OS plugins such as Input Manager and ...

Nady Systems has announced the introduction of their latest ribbon microphone : the RSM-8A. The new, neoclassic RSM-8A intends to provide the warmth and natural sound of a classic Nady large ribbon mic plus the higher gain of conventional studio microphones and the selectable features offered by proven ultra low-noise FET active circuitry and transformer output.

The RSM-8A has low-tension 50mm long, 2-micron thick aluminum ribbon (velocity) design for characteristic "large, mellow" ribbon audio reproduction with smooth, natural extended low and high ends. Other features include: Over 40db higher gain than most non-active ribbon microphones so easier to use with any mic mixer or preamp; -10dB pad and Low Cut filter selector switches for attenuation and elimination of stage rumble; unmatc ...

Faber Acoustical has just announced version 2 of the SignalScope and SignalScope Pro real-time signal analysis software. The major upgrade makes both products Leopard compatible.

SignalScope's brand new interface places each signal analyzer tool in its own window, allowing users to multiple data displays simultaneously. Each analyzer display offers hardware-accelerated OpenGL graphics for fast on-screen drawing, and Quartz graphics for high-resolution off-screen drawing to PDF files or the printed page. Advanced cursor options enable users to zoom and pan data displays, in addition to pinpointing specific data points within a display for further inspection.

All analysis tools within SignalScope and SignalScope Pro offer more advanced measurement configurations, which can all be saved ...

Ueberschall has just released Minimal Techno, its new Elastik Player-based sample loop library that accentuates the resourceful minimalist approach to synthetic club productions.

This 1.6 GB library is comprised of compacted/subtracted club grooves which capture the latest spectrum of sound frameworks used in the scene. Other highlights are devious sound anomalies and robust soundscapes. Minimal Techno offers the user 75 construction kits, 250 instrument loops, 75 drum kits and 234 knock-out one-shots.

Minimal Techno is available for Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU and RTAS formats at a price of $119 / €99.