MOTU unveils more details about Volta, a virtual instrument plug-in that allows users to play and automate modular synthesizers — or any hardware equipped with control voltage (CV) inputs — from their favorite host audio workstation software.

Here are just a few examples of what you can do with Volta :

• Perform MIDI sequencing with external modular synths with sample-accurate precision (if your host sequencer supports sample-accurate MIDI).
• Automatically calibrate and tune oscillators with the click of a button.
Use ramp automation in your host audio software to control filters, envelope generators, effects processors and other voltage-controlled external gear.
• Apply LFOs, step sequencers and pattern sequencers to CV inputs and tempo-sync them to your host software timeline.

Whether you're a seasoned modular synthesizer devotee or simply a computer-based studio owner dreaming of adding that rich, coveted sound only true analog synths can deliver, Volta finally enables you to easily incorporate CV-equipped analog gear into your computer-based studio with all the control, precision and convenience of a virtual instrument.


Volta will ship as an Audio Unit plug-in instrument compatible with any AU host on Mac OS X. Volta can be used with any MOTU audio interface with quarter-inch outputs, as all MOTU quarter-inch outputs are DC-coupled. Compatibility with third-party DC-coupled audio interfaces is also planned. Volta is expected to ship Q1 of 2009. Pricing has not yet been announced.

BIAS has announced SoundSoap Pro 2, a major upgrade to its professional audio noise reduction and restoration software plug-in for Mac and Windows operating systems. SoundSoap Pro combines four restoration tools - Broadband noise reduction ; Click and Crackle removal ; Hum removal ; and a Noise Gate.

SoundSoap Pro's intelligent broadband noise reduction is significantly enhanced in version 2 by new adaptive noise reduction (ANR) algorithms from BIAS. "SoundSoap Pro 2 provides 'super-intelligent' noise reduction", said Jason E. Davies, VP Sales & Marketing for BIAS, Inc. "Traditional approaches to broadband noise reduction require a selection of isolated noise in order to work effectively. In cases where the broadband noise changes over time — the results can suffer considerably unless t ...

Pettinhouse has released DirecBass 2.0 FREE, one of the 4 patches included in DirectBass 2.0 full for Kontakt 2 or 3.

DirecBass 2.0 FREE is a reduced version of the Mid+Neck Patch 16Bit 44Khz with one articulation ( Hammer-ons ). It has the same features of the full version .

Key Features :

• Low notes B-C-D
• 24bit 96Khz,
• Direct recorded for amp simulators,
• Full sustain,
• Natural decay (no loops),
• 5 velocity layers,
• Round robin for alternate picking

DirectBass 2.0 FREE is available now as a free download.

Lexicon introduces its PCM96 Surround Reverb/Effects Processor. The Surround version delivers 50 new and legendary Lexicon reverbs, delays and modulation effects, while at the same time offering more presets, configuration options and additional inputs and outputs. Designed for the modern studio, the PCM96 Surround can function as a control-only insert or FireWire streaming audio plug-in inside any Mac VST or Audio Units software.

Features :

• New Parallel Stereo and Surround configurations 

• Lexicon's new Surround Room algorithm, used to generate a vast array of room-related effects for music and post

• New pitch algorithms 

• 50 legendary Lexicon® reverbs, modulation, and delay effects

• Two models available :


. 6 XLR Stereo AES inputs and outputs

. Two DB25 6-channel analog I/O and one DB25 6-channel digital I/O 


• "Hardware Plug-In" feature with Mac VST® or Audio Units software

• Seamless automation and control via Ethernet or FireWire

• Over 2200 factory presets, including recognizable classics from Lexicon's immense library of sounds 

• External BNC Wordclock input

• Multiple sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz

• 32-bit floating point processing

• MIDI in, out, and thru

• 768 user presets

• Large front panel OLED display

• Compact Flash preset storage

• HiQnet compatible

Univers Sons / Ultimate Sound Bank introduces Jazzistic, a collection of authentic sounds, loops, kits, and instruments entirely dedicated to Jazz. It includes drums, double bass, jazz guitar and some typical electric keyboards.

The main part of Jazzistic focuses on drums, using different styles, tempo and drum sticks, offering you access to more than a thousand loops and phrases from the most basic to the most sophisticated jazz patterns :

- Swing
- Brushes
- Latino
- Herbie
- Funky Jazz
- Big Band
- Breakbeat and more

But that's not all, thanks to the UVI concept, you will also find instruments ready to play :

- 2 excellent sounding Double Basses
- Several variation of a pure Jazz Guitar
- Vintage Rhodes MK1
- Jazz selection of Hammond B3 sounds
- Drum kits

Supplied with the UVI Workstation, it is also the first UVI Soundcard to contain Kits and Patterns in BPM format, for an improved flexibility.

Jazzistic is now available for $149, and includes the full version of UVI Workstation.