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.

G-media is on the way to release (price and date TBA, but it's soon) an Ohm force development (you know the crazy blokes) which seems to be just like a MiniM… in AU, RTAS and VST. Need I say more? Well... M-audio is making a bundle called Gforce with impOSCar, M-Tron, Minimonsta and Oddity (price TBA).

If you know about JoMoX (XBase, Airbase, Sunsyn), you know about the brain behind the great designs: Juergen Michaelis. When he's alone at night, he does thing on his own (he's the boss anyway) and what did he finished at last? His Resonator Neuronium.

A unique synth, analogue, based on neural networks (remember Hartman Neuron? it's a digital implementation of the basic ideas leading to something different). Unique because it was a private project, and finally, Juergen is going to make a small series of 10 machines at least to be able to lower the towering price to a more reasonable 2499€. Building will start once 10 firm buys are secured with a provision. This is a very unique thing, it's rare to see new stuff in synthesis, this is one!