Sugar Bytes has just released Consequence - The Chord Synquencer, a new plug-in described as a "chord groovebox".

Consequence is a composition tool which can create chord-lines or whole songs on the fly, but also chords which are played via MIDI can be super-sized using the innovative sound and sequencing engine.

Features :

- 3 sample-based oscillators with independent envelopes and gate selection for overlaying chords with arpeggios.
- 32-step sequencers for chord selection, gate, performance (arp, tie, multi-trigger, octave, glide) and modulation.
- New sound design features like polyphonic frequency-dependent sample rate reduction and oscillator aging.
- Included kick 4/4 kick drum for easy groove orientation.
- Multi-effect with 5 effects (reverse, chorus, phaser, delay, reverb).
- Master compressor (can be driven by 4/4 kick via sidechain).
- Monophonic and polyphonic 5-mode filter (lp, bp, hp, br, comp) with independent gate selection.
- Pattern change via MIDI note.
- MIDI input for sequencing chords in realtime.
- Easy chord creation via chordmaker, chord-recording and manual chord drawing.
- Audio recorder for session recording or for creating loops.
- 100 first class sounds available.
- Split preset system can combine sound-, sequence- and chord-presets.

Consequence is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats with a price of €149 / $199.

Let me introduce you to Try-Sound, the first online Test Station for virtual instruments and Plug-Ins. For the first time ever Best Service and SoundsOnDemand are presenting the possibility of testing virtual instruments from your home anywhere in the world by transmitting MIDI and audio over the internet.

All you have to do to enjoy this service is to register for free at :

Korg has officially announced the microKORG XL. Here's an excerpt of what you can find on their UK website :

"The microKORG range expands with a new big brother to mega selling microKORG synth.

The original microKORG is loved and used daily by musicians around the world – from keyboardists to guitarists – enabling everyone to experience the enjoyment of a great synthesizer. Now an advanced microKORG is available; a synthesizer that lets you generate your own personal sound, packing a cutting-edge sound engine and powerful effects into a compact, vintage-like body. Welcome the microKORG XL

Main features :

- New vintage design is both fresh and nostalgic.
- Korg's renowned MMT Multi Modeling Technology, optimized for the microKORG XL.
-Sixteen band vocoder for voice controlled effects. A gooseneck microphone is included, so you can begin vocoding right away.
- 128 powerful sounds are built-in and ready for immediate use.
- Intuitive sound selection; simply specify the music genre and instrument category.
- Seventeen powerful KAOSS derived effects.
- Newly developed natural touch mini keyboard is compact, yet easy to play.
- Editing software can be downloaded from the Korg website, as well as converted MS2000 and microKORG programs.
- Battery powered for on-the-go enjoyment."

The microKORG XL will be available in early 2009.

For the month of December, Wave Arts is taking 15% off all prices. Existing Wave Arts customers can also get additional upgrade discounts this month :

* Version 4 customers: get $100 (per plug-in) towards the purchase of the version 5 equivalent or version 5 bundle containing the plug-in(s) - Custom Duo, Custom Trio, or Power Suite (applies to Power Suite plug-ins only).

* Version 5 customers: get $150 (per plug-in) towards the purchase of a custom bundle containing the plug-in(s) or Power Suite (applies to Power Suite plug-ins only). For Master Restoration, get $100 off the whole Master Restoration Suite for MR Click, MR Hum, and MR Gate, and $275 off for MR Noise.

For more information, please visit their website.

Lexicon has released a new update for the PCM96 software. Not only this version 3.0.0.7 improves the stability and reliability of the unit, but it also brings a set of algorithms that give the user new pitch-based effects.

According to Lexicon, the new effects can be used for anything from pitch-shifting spoken voices and doubling vocals, to re-tuning choirs and vocal ensembles, and creating wacky effects. There are also useful presets for correcting the pitch of audio after common video conversions, such as when the sample rate is changed from 44.1kHz to 48kHz.

The software v3.0.0.7 is available for free on the Lexicon website.