Expert Sleepers has released a public beta of Augustus Loop v2.0 which is a major update to the tape echo/looping plug-in.

Features :

- Augustus Loop's GUI is now fully skinnable and scriptable.
- MIDI behaviour is now scriptable.
- VST version now receives MIDI.
- Added Record Offset feature.
- Added waveform display.
- The 'Max Delay Time' parameter now has a smaller minimum value (1.0 seconds) and is not rounded to the nearest 10 seconds.
- Added Tape Read Mode parameter.
- The Freeze Loop function is much improved.
- A small crossfade is now applied when activating Clear Loop, and when Clear Loop ends.
- The Input Level parameter is now protected against sudden changes, which previously could result in audio artefacts. In particular this makes the Punch In/Out f ...

Image Line has just released Hardcore, a collection of 10 classic effects designed with Guitarists in mind. It includes : Distortion, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, Delay, Noise Gate, Equalizer, Compression and Modulator.

Five stomp-box simulations can be arranged in any order on the Hardcore pedal board. The output then passes through an 8-band graphic EQ and Cabinet Simulator, tying it all together into one massive sound.

Hardcore is available now for both Mac (VST/AU) and PC (VST) at a price of $79. Note that until the end of October every order of Image Line Software products comes with a free copy of Hardcore.

Audio Engineering Associates (AEA) have announced the RPQ, a new dual-channel mic preamp that's specially designed for use with ribbon microphones.

Each channel has two controls for gain: a notched step knob that sets the gain range, and a trim pot that allows the user to make fine adjustements to the level. There are also low-frequency filter and high-frequency boost controls for shaping the tone, so the user can tame the results of the proximity effect at the low end and regain some brightness at the top end. Both tone controls can be bypassed. The RPQ can also supply 48V for "active" ribbons mics which require a phantom power supply to operate.

Celemony has announced that its long-awaited Direct Note Acess technology will not be available until the end of the first quarter of 2009.

In their own words :

"For Direct Note Access, we have had to reprogram virtually all Melodyne leaving scarcely two consecutive lines of code intact. We are nearly there; the software runs; but there are still a few things that require work and some road works that are causing delays. We expect therefore that it will be some time yet before all the features have been fully implemented and the program assumes its final form.

At the moment, we are planning to commence shipping towards the end of the first quarter of 2009. Shortly before that, we will inaugurate the Public Beta phase, in which all registered Melodyne users – whether of Melodyne essential, Melodyne uno, Melodyne plugin, Melodyne cre8 or Melodyne studio – are warmly invited to participate and put the beta version through its paces in their own studios. All registered Melodyne users will receive notification by e-mail of the Public Beta phase."

Meanwhile, you can still take a look at what this amazing technology promises you on 440tv !

SPL has announced that their first Analogue Code plug-ins are available in VST, Audio Units and RTAS version. TDM versions are soon to follow.

Pricing :

- Transient Designer: €200
- EQ Rangers Vol. 1: €239.50

Note that demo versions are also available (requires iLock).