Native Instruments has just released True Strike Tension, a new Kore Soundpack with distinctive percussion sounds that are specifically designed to add mystery and tension to cinematic film scores and similar musical styles. Created in collaboration with sound design company ProjectSAM, the production-ready sound material in True Strike Tension is further enhanced through the convenient sound shaping and browsing features in Kore 2 and the free Kore Player.

True Strike Tension is built on unique studio-quality sample material that has been carefully selected from ProjectSAM's True Strike 2 library. It draws upon various charismatic percussion instruments from Afri ...

Line 6 has begun shipping POD X3 Pro. Like all members of the POD X3 family, it offers two discreet signal paths. Split your single-input guitar or bass signal through two different amp and effect chains simultaneously to create new hybrids, or use its dual inputs to individually process two instruments—a microphone and a guitar, for example—at the same time.

Computer-based studios will want to exploit the USB 2.0 connectivity provided by POD X3 Pro for multi-channel recording as well as its S/PDIF or AES/EBU Stereo Digital Audio I/O for sending a direct digital signal to their DAWs. For additional recording and processing flexibility, it also includes software plug-in functionality for integration with DAW recording applications.

POD X3 Pro MSRP: $979.99

The famous drummer of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Mitch Mitchell, died yesterday 12th of november.

Born in great Britain in 1947, educated jazz drummer, he joined Billy Cox in 1966 to be part of the Jimi Hendrix Experience and will be a band member of Hendrix diverse line-up until his death in 1970. He participates at the famous Woodstock gig in 1969.

Pionner of the fusion he was one of the most important collaborators of Hendrix.

After Jimi's death, he worked closely with Eddie Kramer on the conception of several albums with unreleased materials recorded in the legendary Electric Ladyland Studio.

Another Rock'n roll legend just passed away...

Genelec introduces the 5041A, a dedicated Active In-Wall subwoofer designed to complement AIW25 Active In-Wall and AIC25 Active In-Ceiling loudspeakers.

This active subwoofer packs a huge punch in an unbelievably slim enclosure. In fact after installation in a dry / stud wall or even recessed into a solid wall all that is visible is a discrete metal grill, which can even be sprayed to a matching colour to make this subwoofer even more unobtrusive. The 5041A extends the system's bass response down to 35 Hz with an upper cut-off frequency of 95 Hz and delivering an SPL of 105 dB.

The 5041A features two 6.5" low frequency drivers in a very slim (depth 82 mm / 31/4") MDF enclosure and a separate 4U RAM3 amplifier unit that can be installed in an equipment rack using the optional RM2 rack adapter. Thoughtfully the RAM3 is the same dimensions as the RAM2 which powers the AIW25 (in wall) and AIC25 (in ceiling) allowing up to eight amplifier modules to be fitted in one handy rack.

The audio connectors on the RAM3 amplifier include parallel XLR and RCA input connectors and an XLR Link Out connector for daisy-chaining multiple subwoofers together. Adjustable input sensitivity provides easy connection to all types of decoders. Bass roll-off rate and crossover phase can also be adjusted to suit different acoustical environments and subwoofer positioning. Amplifier power switching can be set to manual, automatic signal sensing or remote controlled by a 12 V trigger voltage. The 5041A outputs 105 dB maximum SPL, but if more sound pressure is needed, coupling multiple subwoofers together using the Link Out channel gives an added 6 dB for a system of two, 9.5 dB for three and 12 dB for four subwoofers.

Pricing and availability TBA.

Sound Skulptor is now shipping the MP66, a single-ended class A tube preamplifier, with transformers on input and output. It is inspired by designs from the 60's. It is the fourth module of the Sound Skulptor range of DIY kits which includes 4 microphone pres based on "classic" designs. One up to four modules can be freely combined in a 19" case.

The DIY approach on these products makes them affordable to most, without compromising on quality. The skills needed to built the kit are basic, thanks to careful design and to the very detailed instructions. The products are also available fully assembled for the non-technicians.

The MP66 is not neutral. The transformers and triode valves print their characteristics on the signal. The sound ranges from stunning transparency, with an overwhelming sense of dynamic, when softly driven, to soft valve limiting when pushing the gain further, to a "guitar amp" type of saturation when you push it into the limits. The transition between these modes is very smooth.

Highlights :

- Pure tube audio path, class A, single-ended.
- Lundhal transformer on input, Cinemag on output.
- Output level potentiometer allows driving the tubes from soft to hard and vary the harmonic content.
- Air equalizer adds or cuts harmonics
- DI instrument input goes through both transformers

The MP66 is available direct from Sound Skluptor for €289 in kit form (+ €130 for the assembled version).