Alesis announces that TapeLink USB, a digital-archiving cassette tape deck, is available now.

TapeLink USB is a dubbing and playback deck that connects directly to a computer via USB. The plug-and-play USB-audio interface requires no drivers for use with most computers. TapeLink USB's CD-quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz audio output accurately captures tape recordings for secure digital archival. Normal and high-speed dubbing modes save time when copying music, while dynamic noise-reduction circuitry and Alesis' software suite assist in cleaning up aging tapes. TapeLink USB works with metal and CrO2 tapes and contains an LED level-meter for visual level reference. Full auto stop saves irreplaceable older tapes from breaking.

TapeLink USB comes with a software suite containing three applications. EZ Tape Converter makes transfer simple and convenient, Audacity audio-editing software enables musicians to edit their audio files once they've been transferred and BIAS SoundSoap professional noise-reduction software removes hiss, room noise, rumble, hum and other background noise.

TapeLink USB is available now from musical instrument and pro audio retailers at an MSRP of $299.99 and an estimated street price of $199.99.

Novation unveils the brand new FX Suite, its first independent collection of VST/AU plug-ins.

FX Suite provides five key effects from Novation's illustrious synth heritage, including signature effects derived from the legendary SuperNova II. The five independent VST/AU plug-ins include Chorus, Delay, Tremelo, Phaser and the famously flexible, powerful filter featuring overdrive. Each and every one of them offers a significant upgrade from standard sequencer effects.

The Novation filter plug-in is perhaps the most sought-after effect of the five. Modelled on the filter section of Novation's legendary Supernova II synthesiser, this powerful effect has an array of features and a unique sound that sets it apart from any other filter on the market. An audio triggered envelope alongside fi ...

Waldorf unveils Largo, a virtual instrument offering the same powerful synthesizer engine as found in the Waldorf Q-, MicroQ- and Blofeld-synthesizers.

Largo offers three fat oscillators, two of them with sub oscillators. These oscillators include models of classic analog waveforms as well as a selection of waves from the PPG and Waldorf Wave stored in two Wavetables. All these run through two Waldorf multimode filters with steep cutoff, resonance up to self-oscillation and a drive stage to add even more punch and grainyness to the sound. Ultra-fast envelope generators and flexible LFOs as well as an easy to understand, yet extremely versatile modulation matrix make for a sound designer's dream.

Largo contains a flexible arpeggiator with 16 freely programmable steps as known from the exclusive Q synthesizer line plus an array of high quality effects such as Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Overdrive, Delay and Reverb.

General Features :

- up to 256 voices per instance (depending on available CPU power)
- up to 4 layers per sound
- 4 stereo outputs (alternatively 1 stereo sum)
- host automation of almost all parameters
- MIDI Controller automation of the most important parameters

Largo works as a VST and AudioUnit instrument. Pricing and availability TBA.

Waves Audio expands its Dorrough Meter Collection with the new Surround Edition. The collection was developed in association with Dorrough Electronics, Inc., and the new Surround Edition includes the entire Waves Dorrough Meter Collection, with all its advanced display features and functions, plus customized meters engineered especially for surround production environments.

The Waves Dorrough Meter Collection—Surround Edition is available in Waves 360° Surround Tools, Waves Mercury and separately. Users of Waves Mercury and 360° Surround Tools covered by Waves Update Plan (WUP) receive The Waves Dorrough Meter Collection—Surround Edition at no additional charge.

Focusrite unveils its first independent collection of VST/AU plug-ins; the aptly named 'Focusrite Plug-in Suite'.

The Focusrite Plug-in Suite provides a collection of EQ, Compression, Reverb and Gating VST/AU plug-ins for tracking and mixing. Each plug-in has a host of factory presets, delivering a suitable starting point for a number of popular sound sources.

The Compressor and Gate have been modeled on Focusrite's hardware devices, using the measurement of Focusrite's custom optos to achieve a vintage optical sound. (All Focusrite optos are tuned by ear, just like in the old days of analogue design, ensuring a faithful recreation of those classic vintage 1960s optical compressors.) The Gate also features multiple modes. It operates as a stereo gate and, in dual mono modes, one signal can be used to trigger the gate of another; ideal for a number of creative gating techniques, such as tightening up a bass line.

The EQ module delivers a similar signature to the original Focusrite ISA EQ curves. Focusrite's R&D team worked tirelessly to create an authentic response across the entire audible frequency spectrum. The control layout also mirrors that of the original ISA EQ section; a classic six band EQ, with shelving high and low bands, parametric low mid and high mid bands, and low and high pass filters.

The Reverb is based on classic algorithmic studio reverb designs and delivers a remarkable level of sonic quality for the price. Simple controls over room size, Pre-filter and 'Air' lead you to the ideal reverb sound in seconds.

The new Focusrite Plug-in Suite will be available worldwide in January 2009 from a selection of pro audio retailers worldwide. Contact your local distributor for further details.