Alesis announces AudioLink, a new series of USB audio cables consisting of GuitarLink, a quarter-inch-jack-to-USB cable; MicLink, an XLR-to-USB cable; and LineLink, a dual-quarter-inch-jack-to-USB cable.

The AudioLink series of USB audio cables enables musicians to connect analog audio sources directly to their computer and record them via a standard USB jack. Each cable outputs studio quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio thanks to its internal analog-to-digital conversion system. The AudioLink series features plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC and is compatible with most Mac and Windows class-compliant drivers and software. All models are 16.5 feet in length.

GuitarLink enables musicians to directly connect nearly any guitar, bass or line-level audio source to a computer via USB for mono recording; MicLink enables them to direct-connect any dynamic microphone via USB for mono recording; and LineLink enables them to directly connect nearly any mixer, keyboard, sampler, sequencer, drum machine or other stereo, line-level audio source via USB for stereo recording to a computer.

GuitarLink and MicLink are available now from musical instrument and pro audio retailers at MSRPs of $79.99 and $89.99, respectively. LineLink will be available later in Q1 for $79.99.

Roland unveils the AX-Synth. According to them :

"It's time to escape the keyboard rig and rock the stage. The stylish AX-Synth represents Roland's new generation of remote keyboards, but for the first time, this one has a sound generator onboard. It's self-contained and equipped with powerful, solo-oriented sounds from Roland's latest, greatest synths. Strap on an AX and steal the show."

Features :
- Built-in sound engine with voices from Roland's latest synthesizers
- Ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, knobs, and easy to see display for stage
- USB MIDI for easy connection to PC
- Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control
- Long battery operation (approx. 6 hours)

EastWest has announced that it intends to bring the mystique and splendor of sounds from the "Silk Road" to users' workstations with the introduction of Quantum Leap Silk. This Virtual Instrument features a collection of historic and unique string and woodwind instruments from China, Persia and India.

All instruments featured in Silk are multi-sampled with extreme attention to detail, offering the maximum in expression. Quantum Leap Silk contains extensive articulations, interval sampling (where appropriate), round robin (alternate samples) and phrases to give the feeling of smooth effortless performance – like silk. Each musician recorded for Silk is a master of his instrument, providing the best and most accurate sound available. Silk also allows users to adapt the instruments using dozens of useful micro tunings in the key of their choice.

Some of the instruments featured in Silk include :

- CHINA: erhu, zhonghu, gaohu, pipa, guzheng, yangqin, sheng, suona low, suona high, dizi low, dizi hi, xiao and bawu.
- PERSIA: electric cello, kemenche, nay, duduk, tar, qanun and 30 piece string section.
- INDIA: dilruba, sarod, tanpura and bansuri.

Silk is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU, RTAS and stand-alone formats at a fee of $595 / €455.

Steinberg is pleased to introduce the PlugIn Zone, a new section on the Steinberg website dedicated to renowned software companies and their acclaimed VST products.

"We're happy to offer this additional service to our customers as well as to everyone who employs VST-based plug-ins in their audio productions. Visitors will enjoy perusing the VST PlugIn Zone to find a wide range of useful plug-ins from our VST-partner companies," comments Timo Wildenhain, Marketing Manager at Steinberg. "The PlugIn Zone also features plug-ins that already implement VST3, the new industry standard. An increasing number of manufacturers have recognized the advantages that VST3 brings to the users," he continues.

Several companies have recently released new VST3-based products with exciting new features and capabilities — more information is available on the PlugIn Zone page. Check out popular and newly developed plug-ins by clicking on one of the many company names. And the "Plug-in of the Month" introduces you to a plug-in on a monthly basis, giving you a brief product description, screenshot and link to the manufacturer's website.

Pete's Place Audio is taking advantage of the NAMM Show this year to introduce another exciting product to its lineup, a 500 Series compressor module known as the BAC-500.

Designed by Brad Avenson of Austin, Texas-based Avenson Audio, the BAC-500 (BAC being short for Brad Avenson Compressor) is a feedback-style FET compressor built around two discrete op amps and a custom wound output transformer.

From the top down, the BAC's faceplate features a large silver rotary input knob, smaller pots for attack, release and ratio, and a large output knob at the bottom. Additional features include a three-position sidechain contour switch, eight-LED gain reduction meter, and pushbuttons for distortion and bypass.

For more details, please visit the link below :