MXL Microphones has announced the introduction of the MXL USB.007 stereo mic for direct to computer recording on a PC or Mac. The mic uses dual gold diaphragm capsules in a XY pattern together with low noise electronics and the latest in enhanced digital conversion techniques for "pristine audio quality".

The MXL USB.007 ships with a carry bag, a desktop mic stand, mic stand adaptor, a 10-foot USB cable, wind screen, owners manual and an applications guide. What about the price ? ...$199 ! Note that a demo recording of MXL USB.007 will be available at the NAMM show (Booth 6498) and will be available for downloading from the MXL USB website.

As you can see this is the NAMM time ! Digidesign, Apple, Arturia, Ableton, Korg, etc... they are all present for this new edition of the Winter Namm Show that is about to open in a few hours now in Anheim, California. As usual, it's just the perfect opportunity to come and meet the very numerous musical equipment manufacturers but also to attend the numerous shows (training courses, concerts, demonstrations) organized by the National Association of Music Manufacturers.

And don't worry if you can't go there, the whole MacMusic team is on the starting blocks to get you informed about the latest news in this "Winter NAMM special report", and in the MacMusic Daily News Section. So, as Sgt Pepper said, hope you will enjoy the Show !

Garritan has announced the Gofriller Solo Cello, a Kontakt Player 2 based virtual instrument created by the Italian team of Giorgio Tommasini and Stefano Lucato in collaboration with Gary Garritan. It expands the company's solo instrument series following the release of the Stradivari Solo Violin.

Gofriller Solo Cello is available as a VST, RTAS or Audio Units plug-in and also as a standalone instrument, it is priced at $199 and will be available shortly after the NAMM show. Audio demos are available now.

IK Multimedia has announced the AmpliTube 2 StompIO, a new USB floor controller and audio interface for the AmpliTube 2, guitar and FX modeling software.

Features :

- Controls:
* 4 digit large LED display
* 40×2 character large alphanumeric backlit display
* Volume knob
* 3 LED levels
* 4 navigation buttons
* Instant Tuner recall button
* 6 knobs with rotary encoders
* 10 floor switches
* Ability to connect 6 external controllers, with pedal/switch connections

- Connections:
* Ultra-low latency USB
* High Quality Direct Guitar IN
* Direct OUT
* Low-level STEREO OUT
* Balanced STEREO OUT
* Digital SPDIF OUT
* Headphones OUT
* MIDI IN/OUT
* 6 external controller, pedal/switch

- Audio:
* 24 bit A/D- D/A with High end stages
* 44.1 or 48 ...

Universal Audio today announced the UAD-Xpander, an ExpressCard DSP system for laptops. The UAD-Xpander will be offered in 3 versions: the UAD-Xpander Xpress (Estimated street price $999 including a UAD$500 voucher), the UAD-Xpander Xpert (Estimated street price $1399 including a UAD$1000 voucher), and the UAD-Xpander Xtreme (Estimated street price $2199 including all UAD plug-ins to v4.5 - almost $3000 value). The UAD-Xpander Xtreme will uniquely feature a highly polished chassis with custom Xpander logo. All UAD-Xpander's are expected to ship Q1 2007.

Key features :

- 44.1-192k Mac/PC DSP Audio Accelerator for laptops
- Noiseless, Fanless, Alumi-Cool chassis design
- Ultra-fast (2.5Gbps) ExpressCard 34 interface
- Includes 14 Powered Plug-ins & UAD$ voucher
- Travel-Case with compartments for all components
- Optional UAD-Xtenda kit with PCIe desktop adapter