Rob Papen has announced Predator, a new virtual synthesizer that combines "inspiring presets" and "first-class features" with a user interface designed so that almost all controls are visible on screen, making it "fun and easy-to-use". Predator includes powerful features such as Preset Morphing, Intelligent Preset Variation, MIDI and Synth Controllable FX, Unison Detune, Chord Memory and a versatile Arpeggiator. It also includes PredatorFX, allowing you to use the filters, modulations, effects and vocoder as an FX plug-in within your music host.

Predator is expected to be released in February 2007 for Mac OS X (UB) in VST (2.4), AU and RTAS plug-in formats with an MSRP of $149.

Lexicon unveils the new MX300 and the MX500 Stereo Reverb Effects Processors at the Winter Namm 2007.
The MX300 is a single rack-space, 2-in, 2-out unit, it combines an intuitive front-panel design with Lexicon's "Hardware Plug-In" technology, an USB connection and VST/AU interface for use with software recording platforms. The MX500 features 4-in, 4-out, an audio streaming firewire technology and VST/AU interface for use with software recording platforms. The MX500 also offers 4 channel surround algorithms.

The MX300 will be available at an estimated street price of $399.95. The MX500 at an estimated street price of $499.95. For more info, visit Lexicon web site.

Devine Machine Software has announced that the long-awaited Krishna Synth will finally be released this Spring and will be available for Mac OS X in VST, AU, RTAS and Stand-alone formats. Pricing is not yet available but a feature list and a video are available here.

Tascam has announced FireOne, a FireWire audio interface with shortcut keys and a weighted jog wheel developed with Frontier Design Group.

Features :

- 2-in / 2-out FireWire Audio Interface, bus powered or with the included power supply
- Up to 192kHz/24-bit audio resolution
- Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power and pad
- 1/4″ high impedance input for recording guitar direct
- Two 1/4″ stereo headphone outputs with separate level control
- Control surface: weighted, backlit jog wheel, transport controls, eight DAW shortcut keys
- Stereo LED meter
- Footswitch input, MIDI in/out

The FireOne is scheduled to ship in March with a street price of $299 and will include Cubase LE or Ableton Live Lite.

Ohm Force has announced the imminent release of its latest creation, Ohmicide:Melohman, in February.
Based on Predatohm's design, Ohmicide:Melohman is organized around up to four frequency bands, each of them coming with their own Noise Gate, Dynamic, Distortion, Feedback Generator and all mixing abilities with just a twist of pre- and post-processing (distort input, high shelf output...). But the DSP is 100% different from Predatohm: the compressor/expander works differently to fit well with both the very sharp Noise Gate and the huge amount of new distortions which are declined in three variations: normal, ampsim and odd. The "Odd" one gives you control over the harmonics frequency and allows for slightly detuned distortion.
Last but not least, Ohm Force has added a disto type that w ...