Digidesign just announces the release of the Mbox2 Pro. The Digidesign Mbox 2 Pro is a Firewire portable, high-definition audio/MIDI production system that delivers truly professional sound quality. Packing an impressive variety of connection options into a compact interface, Mbox 2 Pro puts powerful multitrack recording and mixing capabilities into your hands, so you can create wherever inspiration strikes. Mbox 2 Pro also includes Pro Tools LE software, over 50 effects and instrument plug-ins, and the Pro Tools Ignition Pack. MBox 2 PRO features :

- Powered by FireWire or included power supply
- Supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution
- 4 analog inputs (2 XLR/1/4" TRS combo jacks & 2 1/4" TRS jacks)
- 6 analog outputs (1/4" jacks)
- 2 instrument DI inputs on the front panel
- 2 channels of S/PDIF digital I/O (RCA)
- Built-in phono preamp input (RCA) for direct turntable connection
- 1 MIDI input and output (16 channels in/16 channels out)
- MIDI Time Stamping (MTS) support for superior timing and accuracy
- BNC Word Clock I/O
- Low-latency monitoring
- Dedicated studio monitor outputs with volume control
- 2 stereo headphone outputs with independent volume controls
- 48V phantom power for condenser microphones

Mbox 2 Pro list price: $799, and Mbox 2 Pro Factory list price: $899.

Apple today announced that its entire iMac line now features the new Intel Core 2 Duo processor in every model, delivering up to 50 percent faster performance than the previous iMac. A new 24-inch iMac with a brilliant 24-inch widescreen display joins the 17- and 20-inch models. The new 24-inch iMac also features Firewire 800 port. iMac prices now start at just $999. Every new iMac includes a built-in iSight video camera for video conferencing out-of-the-box; Apple's Front Row media experience; and iLife '06, the next generation of Apple's suite of digital lifestyle applications. The new iMac range now features four models :

- iMac 17-inch 1,83 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo ($999)
- iMac 17-inch 2 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo pour ($1199)
- iMac 20-inch 2,16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo pour ($1499)
- iMac 24-inch 2,16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo pour ($1999)

The 4 iMac models are available on the Apple Store .

Line6 announces that its new hardware and software bundle Guitarport XT is now shipping. GuitarPort gives you everything you need at your fingertips to get the most out of your guitar, from jamming along to your favorite songs to building your soloing skills, or just playing for fun : 16 amp and cabinet models based on POD XT, 19 must-have Stompbox and Studio effects, Effects can be routed Pre- or Post- Amp, MP3, WAV and Audio CD playback, Looping and real-time half-speed without changing pitch, 24-bit converters & 32-bit processing, Line level and headphone outputs, Ideal guitar front end for other recording software, Metronome for practicing, Built-in chromatic tuner, and preset tone library.

GuitarPort XT ($139.99) also introduces the GearBox software ($99.99), for Mac OS X (Universal Binary version included).

Ueberschall has Released, Liquid Instrument Vol.5: The Voice Vol.2. A Male and Female a-cappella chorus colors (non-verbal) for pop, dance and RnB productions

This is something revolutionary new: Vocal phrases of a choir with independently editable voices. For the first time ever it is possible to change a single voice within a choir - independently from the other lines - and to adjust it to your own needs. You can create basically every vocal harmony and every chord progression you can think of. Only Liquid Instruments "The Voice" gives you total control over each single voice and melody within a choir, proudly announces Ueberschall... A miracle?

American ribbon microphone maker Crowley and Tripp are unveiling their new Recordist and Recordist Ensemble Stereo Kit at AES in San Francisco this October, adding a new voice to their established line of highest quality U.S. ribbon mics, and raising the bar for Blumlein ribbon recording. The Recordist is voiced for realistic reproduction of classical and jazz performances where a full-range, natural sound is desired. As with other Crowley and Tripp products, the Recordist's high output, low noise design excels with location recording devices and digital audio interfaces, without the need for special high gain ribbon mic preamps. The Recordist is priced at $1,295 each, and comes with its own low diffraction rotary mount for exact placement, a durable Pelican(tm) case for location gigs, and a three-year warranty.