SMPro a australian/german based company had a lot of new things at the Namm. The PM8 is a passive mixer in 2U format to serve as a front end to digital recording. It has 8 combo TRS/XLR ins and 2 stereo outs on XLR. Mute and Pan on each input channel, a 25 pin DSUB input (Protools/Tascam format), a ground pin connector, and 2 stepped levels on the Masters out. Also from SMPro there's a PR8E, 8 mic preamps in 1U rack format (see specs on the website) ; the DI1, a compact DI (see specs on the website) ; the AI8, an ADAT to analogue converter (1 ADAT input, 8 line ouputs interface, Delta-sigma 24 bit/96 kHz D/A converter in half rack 1U format) and last the CT1, a cable tester (2 Speakon, 2 TRS/TS, 2 XLR, 2 RCA Phono, 2 BNC, 2 MIDI (5-pin DIN), 2 Banana ; it tests also from one type to another).

Price and availability TBA.

Digidesign announces a new version 7.1cs4 for Pro Tools HD. This new release fixes:

- When Recording on a Track with a Long Track Name, Recording Would Stop After 5 Minutes;
- Pro Tools Can Freeze When Attempting To Make a Crossfade;
- RTAS Instrument Plug-Ins on Instrument Tracks Incorrectly Report Delay Compensation Values
- Support For Logic Pro 7.2;
- Pro Tools HD 7.1cs3 Could Not Load the Surround Panner Firmware.

This new version is available in the MacMusic software section.

Two days after Logic Pro, it's now time for little brother Logic Express to be available as version 7.2. this release adds of course support for new Intel-based Macs and is also available as an Universal Binary version. This new version also features : improved Rewire support, enhanced support for control surfaces, 32-channel support for multi-channel Audio Units instruments, playback of compressed files, access to new GarageBand 3-compatible plug-ins and new royalty-free jingles and sound effects Apple Loops.

We already talked about the tiny weeny sweety MIDI control surfaces from Faderfox in 2004, Mr Fuchs just did it again. Here are the LV2, DJ2, DX2, and LX2 dedicated control surfaces. As the name can sugest, they are build to work with known live apps: Ableton Live (LV2, LX2) and NI Traktor DJ Studio (DJ2, DX2). Depending on the model you have buttons, faders, push-encoders, joystick aplenty and all in a 180x105x70 mm format for a weight of 450g. All module run either from an AC adapter (one per two surfaces), or on batteries so no adapter needed for live use! (They last about 100 hours).

The features added in comparison to the old range:

During February and March, Apple will host a new series of free seminars designed to demonstrate why the Mac is the perfect platform for creating and performing music with your guitar. It seems Apple have a special guest guitarist who will be coming along on the tour. Seminar will take place at :

- Temple Bar Music Centre, Dublin - February 27th 18.30-21.30
- Jilly's Rockworld, Manchester - March 1st 18.30-21.30
- Cargo, Rivington St, London - March 6th 18.30-21.30

Places are limited so you are invited to register now for free on the Apple Web site.