Digidesign announces Pro Tools 7 software (shipping soon). The new software will be available for Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE , and Pro Tools M-Powered systems. Pro Tools 7 software is also a cross-platform release, supporting Mac OS10.4 ("Tiger"). New Pro Tools features new music creation tools such as Instrument Tracks for simple and straightforward integration of virtual instruments, non-destructive real-time MIDI processing, and the ability to work with industry-standard REX and ACID files. It also includes new optimizations for our host processing engine that boosts RTAS plug-in counts by as much as 150% on multi-processor computers.

Anyone who purchased a new Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE, or an upgrade to Pro Tools TDM 6.9.x or Pro Tools LE 6.9x software on or after September 1, 2005, is automatically eligible for a free upgrade to the corresponding version of Pro Tools 7 software.

PreSonus debuts now the new INSPIRE 1394 software controlled FireWire Recording Interface. The INSPIRE 1394 features four analog inputs and two analog outputs at 24-bit/96KHz A/D/A conversion rate. Inputs on the INSPIRE 1394 include two custom-designed PreSonus microphone preamplifiers with +48V phantom power and two instrument Hi-Z inputs on the front panel. Dual mono or stereo selectable line level or phono (with RIAA filter) inputs are also available on the rear panel. Outputs on the INSPIRE 1394 include RCA unbalanced and mini TRS on the rear panel as well as headphone output on the front panel. Four INSPIRE 1394's can be connected together. The interface comes with an easy-to-use software mixer control panel, Mac compatible.

Apogee Electronics announces its 20th anniversary :"For Two Decades, Apogee has been the professional's choice in digital audio hardware, by offering innovative technology and sonically high products year after year. From the original analog filters back in 1985 to the AD-8000 in 1997 and now the AD-16X and DA-16X, Apogee has led the way in making digital audio Sound Amazing".

To celebrate this 20th anniversary, Apogee wants to give one lucky person a Rosetta 200 and a Mini-MP..follow the link !

A free stuff makes always happy. Thanks to Solid State Logic for offering a free version of a VST - Audio Unis clone of their famous LMC-1 listen-mic compressor. This download is available after registration on the Solid State Logic web site.

Blue Microphones is now shipping the Snowball USB Microphone, designed for desktop recording applications such as podcasting. The new Snowball USB features : USB connectivity, dual capsule design with 3 position switch (cardioid, cardioid pad, omni), capable of handling a wide variety of instruments and vocals, rugged ABS construction.

The Snowball retails for $155.