MXL Microphones has announced the new MXL 990 USB stereo condenser microphone. With electronics based upon the MXL 990, the 990 USB features two gold diaphragm capsules in an X/Y stereo configuration and delivers "a big, rich sound with excellent spatial imaging". Unlike most condenser microphones, however, the MXL 990 USB is a Universal Serial Bus instrument that connects directly to a computer without the need for external mic preamps. Featuring support for USB 1.1 and 2.0, it even includes gain adjustment settings via the built-in three position attenuation switch.

The MXL 990 USB stereo condenser microphone comes with a travel case, a mic stand adapter, a shock mount, a 10-foot USB cable, an owner's manual, and an applications guide. Scheduled to ship Q3 of 2007, it will carry an MSRP of $199.95.

BandmateLoops has just released a new multi-sample Universal Acoustic Drum Library called iAcoustica Studio. Based on two full acoustic drum and cymbal sets played with a broad range of sticks, mallets, metal brushes and wooden brushes, iAcoustica Studio offers the contemporary composer/producer eight "unique, extremely realistic" drum kits for Reason, Kontakt 2, EXS-24 and GigaStudio. Also included are hundreds of custom drum patterns covering Funk, Rock, Samba, Latin, R&B, Jazz and other genres in SMF (Standard MIDI File) format. Each pattern also features multiple variations and fills for extra versatility.

iAcoustica Studio is available via electronic delivery via BandmateLoops website.

Freeverse has recently released Sound Studio 3.5.3, the latest update to its audio recording and editing program for Mac OS X. This update features a customizable toolbar with new buttons including rewind and fast-forward, a new document window layout with Leopard style gradient edges, new Automator actions, faster window redrawing and more.

This update is free to all registered owners of Sound Studio 3. For more information, please visit the link below :

The Covert Operators released 3 new packs for Ableton Live 6.

- Constructs: A Live Pack containing hundreds of presets and over 3000 Meta Sound files.

- The Muses - Covert MIDI Effects: This is a collection of MIDI Effect Racks that contains over a 100 presets. Including 70 different Arpegiattor Racks.

- The Muses - Covert Audio Effects: These presets include beat manglers, mad distortion effects, delays and insane effects that could only have come from the reigning Ableton content kings.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Livid Instruments introduced today Cell, a real-time video software designed for instant playback and performance. Cell provides users an intuitive, touch-screen friendly interface with stunning effects and control, making video performance incredibly simple. Features include, real-time effects, live video input, large clip libraries, and playback manipulation such as; scrubbing, speed, loop, and reverse play. MIDI integration allows it to be controlled with almost any MIDI device on the market.

Available for both Mac OSX and Windows XP, Cell can be purchased now directly from Livid Instruments for $99. Note that a demo version is also available.