IK Multimedia announces the release of T-RackS® Custom Shop, the updated version 4.0 of its world-class mixing and mastering suite for Mac and PC.

The new T-RackS CS offers five brand-new, must-have analogue-modelled and digital processors, and it integrates the Custom Shop, IK's exclusive online gear shop, which allows users to purchase gear models à la carte from within the T-RackS software itself, and much more.

Native Instruments today introduced ELECTRIC VICE, a new MASCHINE Expansion that highlights the intricate sound of latest electro house styles, also known as complextro.

Along with a full set of sounds tailored to the genre, this MASCHINE Expansion features a choke group workflow, designed for performance. ELECTRIC VICE also includes custom presets from NI's MASSIVE synthesizer now bundled free with MASCHINE software.

SYNDR volume 1 multi-sample library for Ableton Live puts the beauty and warmth of the true analog classic Synare PS-3 drum synthesizer into the hands of the modern music producer.

Venturing well beyond the ubiquitous synth-tom sounds of the 70's, SYNDR volume 1 offers dozens of drum, percussion and fx kits and menus, as well as a complete arsenal of chromatic instruments (basses, lead synths, keys, percolating sequence synths, etc...). Entire tracks can be produced using SYNDR volume 1 and nothing else.

Once again, it's that special time of the year, and once again, Metric Halo is celebrating with deep discounts on all of its hardware, software and upgrades. As of December 10th, Metric Halo's flagship ULN-8 converter, normally $5,995, will sell for $4,496.

Similar discounts apply across the product range: the TEC Award-winning LIO-8 (was $3,995, now $2,996), the 2882 converter (was $1,895, now $1,610), the ULN-2 (was $1,695, now $1,440), a +DSP license (was $699, now $524), SpectraFoo (was $400, now $300), SpectraFoo Complete (was $800, now $600), and a host of hardware upgrades… all up to 25% off. Even Metric Halo's Production Bundle of plug-ins, now shipping on AU [Mac] and AAX [Mac/Win], is cut from $699 to $524. Individual plug-ins, normally $199, are going for just $149. And just to throw another gift into the mix, Metric Halo is offering its extended bass Thump plug-in for AAX FREE!

After more than eight years in the making, globally renowned sound designer, Rob Papen, whose sounds and virtual synths include Predator, Blue and Blade, has released his eagerly awaited tutorial package 'The Secrets of Subtractive Synthesis'.

In 2001, Rob Papen began giving exclusive masterclasses teaching synthesizer sound design in his studio. For these training sessions, Rob developed his own method to explain the secrets of subtractive synthesis, called 'The 4 Element Synth'.
This masterclass training is now transformed into a combined book and DVD package that also delivers numerous tips and tricks to help you to design and tweak your own sounds.

The 4 Elements – Oscillators, Filter, Amplifier and Modulators – are explored in detail using both hardware and software synths, with useful summary notes for each chapter, clear diagrams and handy references to the DVD.