Native Instruments today disclosed full details on KORE, an integrated system consisting of a host software for VST and Audio Units plug-ins, and a tightly integrated hardware controller that includes a professional USB 2.0 audio/MIDI interface. It can be used both as a standalone instrument host as well as a plug-in within any Audio Units, VST and RTAS compatible sequencer program. Due to the sophisticated bi-directional integration of the controller with the KORE software, all major functions of the system can be controlled without the need to touch or even see the computer that runs the software.

KORE will be available beginning May 8th 2006 for a suggested retail price
of $ 579 / 499 Euro.

Focusrite just announces Liquid Mix, a new multi-channel Firewire Mix Processor. Liquid Mix's onboard DSP hosts 32 classic EQs and 32 vintage compressors simultaneously in the mix. Each of Liquid Mix's 32 channels provides Compressor and EQ emulations selected from a huge pool of high-quality vintage and modern day classics. 40 Compressors and 20 EQs are available straight out of the box, with an expanding library online. Furthermore, a totally unique hybrid 7-band 'super EQ' can be built out of separate classic EQ sections in every one of the 32 channels. Each channel appears as a separate VST/AU/RTAS effect within the sequencer and will work within all major applications, including Pro Tools. Liquid Mix's DSP is housed within a desktop control solution and connects to the computer via Firewire, which also provides bus-powering. An optional expansion card is available for Liquid Mix, allowing users to increase the number of available channels at higher sample rates.

The Mac version of Liquid Mix is targeted to ship in Q2 of 2006.

E-MU Systems has announced at MusikMesse its new 0202 USB 2.0 portable USB audio interface for Mac, offering pristine 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback, direct monitoring in a compact USB 2.0 bus-powered package. The E-MU 0202 features Ultra-low noise mic/line/hi-Z preamp (-127dBu EIN), Line/hi-Z preamp, 1/8" computer microphone input (doubles mic/line/hi-Z preamp above), Two 1/4" outputs, 1/8" stereo speaker output and stereo headphone output.

It also includes Production Tools software bundle with E-MU's Proteus VX Software Sound Module, as well as software by Cakewalk, Steinberg, Ableton, IK Multimedia, and many others. It will ship June 2006 at an estimated street price of €129.99.

At the Musikmesse, Celemony Software announces the version 1.5 of the audio editing software Melodyne essential. This update of the bundled version of Melodyne offers optimized Pro Tools integration, a clearer menu structure and numerous other improvements in areas such as ReWire integration, scrubbing and saving. Melodyne essential forms part of the Ignition bundle that comes with DigiDesign's Pro Tools and therefore offers all purchasers of Pro Tools entry-level access to the pitch correction, vocal production and melody editing functions of Melodyne.

The update is available on the Celemony web site for download free of charge by all users of essential.

RME just announces the very new Fireface 400 audio inteface. The 400 is not only a compact version of the Fireface 800 but a new designed product in a 19-inch half-rack. Fireface 400 offers active jitter suppression, stand-alone MIDI, direct device, 648-channel matrix router and is operational up to 192 kHz. It features : 2 digitally controlled high-quality mic preamps, 2 balanced universal line/instrument inputs, coaxial S/PDIF I/O fully AES/EBU compatible, optical S/PDIF, and MIDI in/outs.

The RME Fireface 400 will ship in May at 900 euros.