The new Rode NT6 is a compact condenser microphone, and is specifically designed for difficult mounting applications or discret placement. The capsule of the mic is connected to the main part of the mic by a 3-metre Kevlar fibre reinforced cable. The NT6 runs off standard 48V phantom power. The mic has a fixed cardioid pattern, a frequency range of 40Hz - 20kHz and a maximum SPL figure of 135dB. The NT6 is designed and manufactured by Rode in Sydney, Australia.

New Rode NT6 will be available in September at £229 ($414).

Digidesign has posted an update for Pro Tools LE to version 6.9.2 cs3 and version 6.9cs3. These updates both feature : fixed the key command sequence for fine-tuning automation breakpoints had changed (Item # 65387). The "fine-tune breakpoint" Command key functionality has now been restored to the pre-Pro Tools 6.9 behavior. The key command for "Write Level Constrained to Next Breakpoint" (new to 6.9) has been changed from "Command-click" to "Option-Shift-click." The key command for "Write Level Constrained to Previous Breakpoint" remains "Command-Option-click".

Thes updates are both available in MacMusic software section.

Focusrite, owner of Novation, announce that companies had been the victim of a major burglary, on August 15th morning. Missing stock - arround $250,000 - includes classic Reds, ISA and Platinum rack-mount units, Novation X-Station keyboards, and the new Saffire interface. Focusrite is offering a substantial reward for any information (you can contact Focusrite on 01494 836307 in England).

A list of the serial numbers for the stolen units is available on line.

McDSP will announce an upgrade program for those wishing to upgrade their LE plugin versions to full TDM/RTAS plugin versions for $300 - LE versions are $195 and RTAS/TDM versions are $495. McDSP LE plugins line includes FilterBank LE, CompressorBank LE and Chrome Tone LE.

This upgrade program will be available soon on McDSP web site, and recipients must provide a valid iLok account.

Flexatone has updated Athena CL to version 1.4.1. AthenaCL is a modular, object orientated, interactive command-line environment for music analysis and algorithmic composition. Scores are created in Csound as well as standard MIDI files. The software s open-source, cross-platform, and written in Python and XML. This new release adds new parameter objects, new Csound instruments, and several minor changes and bugfixes.