Sonic Studio has announced the release of a new version of their low-cost premastering application, PreMaster CD 2.0. This version adds more background processing, more control, and more functionality. In addition, options are now on-tap to customize the application's already strong collection of features. This new release consolidates all the maintenance changes incorporated into the code base while adding the ability to support options, including Manual DeClick II and DDP File Open for both split and consolidated DDP file sets. A new Master Section, with large, adjustable metering, a master fader with dim, and convenient management of redithering parameters, offers centralized command and control. Other additions include export to BWF and AIFF along with optimized processing of waveform metadata.

PreMaster CD 2.0 is available now starting at $495. For more information, please visit their web site.

Numark has just announced a new audio interface called DJ i/o. The DJ i/o is compact and rugged enough to live in your gig bag, but powerful enough to provide solutions for a wide range of audio I/O needs.

Features :

- USB 2.0 (single channel operation in USB 1.1)
- Ultra low latency
- 2 independent RCA stereo outputs
- Microphone input with adjustable gain mixed to stereo pair #1
- 1/4" Stereo headphone output on stereo pair #2
- 24–bit audio, 44.1kHz and 88.2kHz sample rates
- ASIO drivers with control panel
- USB bus–powered (optional +6 VDC external power supply sold separately)

The DJ i/o price will be just under €120.

Klein + Hummel have made important enhancements to their miniature active control monitors.

An update to the M 51 - the M 52 - is a small, lightweight, portable control monitor featuring a three-inch driver and upgraded, built-in amplification capable of producing over 100dB. Small in stature at 4 3/4" x 6 7/8" x 4 5/8" and weighing in at a featherweight 5.7 lbs., the M 52 is ideal for portable and fixed situations that demand flat, accurate response where space is at a premium, such as small studios, broadcast vans, and mobile rigs.
As if that isn't enough, Klein + Hummel has added their future-proof D-A conversion into the M 52's sibling - the M 52 D. Identical to the M 52 in every other way, the M 52 D adds S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital inputs that synchronize with any signal between ...

The Sound Guy, Inc. has released Backwards Machine, a cross-platform plug-in that reverses continuous audio in real-time.

Backwards Machine includes three effects :

- Reverse Playback — Reverses and overlaps snippets of the incoming audio, to produce an ongoing backwards effect

- Forward Backwards — Smoothly cross-fades between forward and backward versions of the incoming audio

- Reverse Repeat — Plays snippets of the input audio backwards, twice; the second time, a slight vibrato is added

Backwards Machine supports VST and Audio Unit formats for Macintosh OS X (Universal for PPC and Intel) and is available for $35.00.

EastWest has just released Quantum Leap SD2 - The Next Generation virtual instrument, the sequel to Stormdrum. Packed with approximately 10GB of percussion, SD2 - The Next Generation does not offer loops, instead the collection delivers MIDI performances created with Roland V-Drums and Zendrum percussion controllers. This allows the user to change anything, with absolutely no sound degradation. MIDI performances are pre-mixed, panned and produced for quick use.

Quantum Leap SD2 - The Next Generation is available now at a retail price of $495. For more information, please visit their web site.