Sontronics has just announced the release of Sonora, a dual-channel preamp / DI-box with two discrete solid-state channels.

Featuring a proprietary vintage circuit design engineered to recreate a classic sonic character while using modern manufacturing techniques, Sonora provides a very linear response with a variance of just ±0.1dB from 20 Hz to 40 kHz. Both channels are identical, each with a 12-step 'click' level control which makes a simple task of matching levels in stereo applications. Each channel has its own 75Hz high-pass filter, -20dB attenuation and +48 Volt phantom power switches, plus independent Signal & Clip LEDs.

The electronically-balanced inputs will match seamlessly with your favourite mics, guitars and synths while the electronically-balanced outputs ensure that your signal is delivered to your recording or PA system with perfect integrity.

An external mains power supply ensures that the integrity of your audio signal stays free from electrical inductance, plus it is voltage-switchable for use around the world.

Sonora is 100% made in Europe, having been conceived and designed in the UK, and developed and manufactured in Portugal. It costs £399 including VAT in the UK and $699 in the USA.

The d16 Group unveils the Classic Boxes Collection, a software bundle which contains the emulations of the famous classic boxes :

- Phoscyon, an emulation of the classic analogue sound of the legendary 303 silver box.
- Drumazon which emulates the famous 909 drum machine.
- Nepheton, a virtual 808 drum machine.

The Classic Boxes Collection is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST format at a retail price of €255. Note that a Group Buy is also available until 10.12.2008.

Markbass, an Italian bass amp manufacturer, introduces Mark Studio 1 plug-in.

Based on three Markbass amp heads and six Markbass cabinets, this plug-in incorporates six different microphone choices, plus control over compression, mic position, tweeter level, room ambience, and more. The amps featured are the all-tube Classic 300, the tube-preamp R 500, and the solid state (with tube compressor) TA 501. The cabinets modeled in the plugin are the Standard 151HR (rear-ported 1x15"), Standard 152HR (rear-ported 2x15"), Standard 104HR (rear-ported 4x10"), Standard 104HF (front-ported 4x10"), Standard 106HF (front-ported 6x10") and Classic 108 (sealed 8x10").

Pricing and Availability : TBA.

EarMaster ApS releases the Mac OS X-compatible version of its software EarMaster Pro 5 and EarMaster School 5, a software suite for Ear Training and Practical Music Theory available in 18 languages.

EarMaster Pro 5 features 651 progressive lessons including a set of Jazz lessons, 12 exercise areas to train with intervals, chords, scales, rhythms and melodies, interactive answering methods (MIDI instrument or microphone), switchable on-screen interfaces (staff, multiple-choice, piano, guitar, bass, violin, cello, etc.), detailed statistics, a customized mode to target specific elements of practice, etc.

EarMaster School 5 is the academic edition of the software. It offers additional features for music teachers and schools such as the creation of entire sets of lessons, class and student management, network compatibility and E-learning features for remote teaching.

Pricing :

- EarMaster Pro 5 : $59.99 / €69.95
- EarMaster School 5 : $129.99 / €119

To celebrate Christmas, Ableton has announced a 25% discount for anyone purchasing Live 7, Live 7 LE or Suite before the 31st December 2008.

The 25% off deal also applies to users who wish to upgrade to the full version from Lite or LE versions of the software.