IK Multimedia has announced AmpliTube 2.0, a fully redesigned version of this amp simulator. AmpliTube 2.0 now offers more than 20,000 amp combinations with more exclusive separate Pre-Amp, EQ, Power Amp and Cabinet models. Amplitube 2.0 also features 30 effects, different real microphone placement options for the 6 new microphone models, and two completely customizable 6-stompbox pedal-boards.

AmpliTube 2 will be available from Spring 2005 for 399 euros.

VoicePro is the new head of the bunch voice processing from TC Helicon, It's a 2U rack with analogue balanced/unbalanced XLR (24/96 converters, 44, 48, 88 and 96 internal, 24 bits Dual bit delta sigma sampling at 6.1 MHz) and digital In/Outs (2 In/8 Out AES/EBU). Effects/treatments are Hybrid Shifting, Flextime, VoiceModeling, 4-part harmony, 4-band EQ (2), Compressor (2), De-esser (2), Reverb, Delay, µMod, Transducer, Multi-path mixer. External control is done by MIDI or Ethernet. The unit has also a large color display, which given the $3495 pricetag is not a luxury. Also, the internal treatment time is of 1.54 ms...

IK Multimedia has announced a version 2.1 for SampleTank, which now features a new enhanced STRETCH engine. Stretch is the "Sampletank Time REsynthesis TeCHnology" designed for Pitch-Shift/Time-Stretch, that gives more sonic control over the tempo, pitch, harmonics of both pitched and non-pitched sounds, with an improved sample analyzing system. This new version also features : separate outputs extended to 16 stereo outputs or 32 mono outputs, drag and drop management of Expansion Tank library, stand-alone operation now available, updated collection of sounds on 2 DVDs, and more.

SampleTank 2.1 will be available from Spring 2005.

CMLabs introduce the Motormate, their new flagship in the controller area. It's main feature is to have along the 8100 mm faders, way too many (is it possible?) switches and encoders, a jogshuttle, transport buttons, a Zoom Stick (exclusive) to help navigation, the habitual display, an additional timecode display and a monitoring section.

The Motormate works with the other controller made by CMLabs (up to 3 Motormix), and can control the Sixty Four studio router and their "upcoming tube mic preamp" (uh oh…). The comprehensive monitor section need a breakout box to show it's beauty. Looks like a complete studio solution on the way... The mate is available now for $1700.

IK Multimedia and Ampeg announce the future release of a new Bass Amp modeling plugin, the Ampeg SVX. This plugin will include over 20 Ampeg bass amps, such as SVT Classic, the SVT 5 PRO, the BA500 or the B15R, and of course effects designed for bass : Chorus, Delay, Flanger, Phaser, Octaver, Wah, Auto Filter, Distortion, Graphic EQ and Compressor.

Ampeg SVX is expected to be released within the summer of 2005. Prices and distribution are to be announced.