Apple anounces the update of the SMC Firmware for Mac Pro running under Mac OS X 10.4.10. This update will install 1.7f10 version except for the 8 cores models where the 1.5f3 version will be installed. Before the update it is highly recommended to quit all running applications.

Mac Pro SMC Firmware Update 1.1

Zplane.development has announced the impending release of vielklang v1.1, its audio harmonization virtual instrument for easy generation of vocal or instrumental harmonies with up to four voices. It will be available in September for RTAS (Mac OS X, Windows), VST (Mac OS X, Windows) and Audio Units (Mac OS X) at a MSRP of $249.00/€179.00.

Apart from support for the RTAS interface, version 1.1 will include the following new features :

- Two-voice harmonization mode, generating only a second voice in a typical backing vocal style.
- Availability of 7th chords.
- Timing humanization control.
- Single note splitting and muting.
- Export to audio and MIDI for all plugin interfaces.

PreSonus is pleased to announce the release of its first plug-in, EyeQ, which is a VST plug-in featuring seven-band parametric EQ with real-time spectral analysis. Five fully parametric bands are available as well as low cut and high cut shelf bands. Pre and Post buttons allow you to view the spectral analysis of the EQ'd or bypassed signal on the large color-coded EQ display. Input and output volume controls are also available for fine tune adjustment of the overall levels.

EyeQ will be featured in a new PreSonus product to be announced soon.

Focusrite has unveiled its new ISA 828, an eight channel microphone pre-amplifier. It features eight original ISA transformer based pre amps (same as the original ISA110 module) in a single robust 2U chassis.

The pre-amps are complemented by eight line inputs, four instrument inputs and an optional eight channel 192kHz ADC. Thanks to its convenient 25 pin D-Type connectors, the ISA 828 also integrates quickly and seamlessly with ProTools HD, as well as other popular hard disk recorders and mixing desks. The microphone input stage includes a variable impedance circuit, allowing the user to switch between four carefully selected input impedance settings. The four front panel instrument inputs also feature high and low impedance options to provide a comprehensive and accessible DI solution ...

Waves has taken action against facilities that use their software illegally. Employing undercover agents, the company has obtained video evidence and is now threatening court action to back up its claims for payments plus damages.

For more on this story please visit the ProSoundNews Europe website, which has the exclusive on this story.