Edirol unveils its new audio interface, the UA-101. This USB 2.0 audio interface allows simultaneous recording of 10 channels of audio at 24-bit, 96kHz, or up to 6 channels of audio at 24-bit/192kHz. Two high quality mic pre-amps allow you to record directly into the UA-101 through the XLR/TRS combo jacks. The UA-101 features S/PDIF in and out ports. The USB port is switchable between USB 2 and 1 so that the UA-101 can even be used as a stereo audio interface with computers not equipped with USB 2 ports.

UA-101 will cost $695 and will be available in June.

TC Electronic announces the PowerCore PCI mkII. With a potent combination of 14 state-of-the-art processing plug-ins and 4 x 150 mHz DSPs, the new blue colored PCI card is the obvious choice for any professional sound engineer with a VST, AU or RTAS (supported via the VST to RTAS adapter) compatible audio system. The plug-in bundle that comes with PCI mkII, contains the same 14 plug-ins as the PowerCore FireWire, and the whole package will be shipping in May 2005 at 1140 euros (retail ex. VAT.

IK Multimedia will present CSR-1: Classik Studio Reverb, a new suite of various reverbs modeled after classic high end studio reverb hardware masterpieces. CSR-1 includes a suite of four different reverbs algorithms (Classik Hall / Room, Classik Ambience, Classik Plate, Classik Inverse) and each Reverb has its own interface and parameters. CSR-1 will be available by the 3 rd quarter 2005 for 399 euros (and $) and will support VST, RTAS, and AU.

Note that a TDM version for ProTools systems will be available by the 4 th quarter 2005.

At Musikmesse, Arturia will unveil a new brass virtual instrument. This Brass Live is dedicated to trumpet, trombone and saxophon sounds. Brass Live will allow user to modify all parameters of the sound, such as attack, pressure, pitch, vibrato, noise, timbre and others.

No release date known at this time.

p.s. Arturia has partnered with IRCAM to create Brass, which will be available in June

Beer, sausages, plugins and synthetizers ! All these products - that MacMusic is fond of - deal with Frankfurt. This 600,000-inhabitant charming town, in Hesse, is not only famous for Goethe's birthplace, its Cathedral and its lovely gothic houses, but it also welcomes the Musik Messe that starts today and closes on Saturday. Of course MacMusic is busy keeping you informed, in this report and in the news, with all the gems that will be presented in Frankfurt.