RME has announced the new OctaMic II Preamp, a completely new electronic design with increased features based on the highly acclaimed OctaMic and OctaMic D devices. The new OctaMic II features 8-channel 192 kHz/24 bit hi-class microphone and line pre-amplification and includes some significant enhancements compared to his predecessors.

New Features :

- The balanced TRS inputs of the Neutrik Combo XLR jacks are phantom power-free and can be operated as real line inputs
- The improved design of the input circuits allows for a maximum input level of +21 dBu with a convenient gain range from 0 dB up to 50 dB
- Improved signal to noise ratio (SNR) ADC 107.5 dB
- Improved THD, especially at high gains
- Optimised heat dissipation by a new and larger housing with improved convection
- ...

IK Multimedia has announced that SampleTank 2.5 is now available. It includes many new features such as an enhanced built-in multi-effects system with send and master effects, the addition of a high-quality studio reverb, the ability to read all "Powered by SampleTank" instruments and more.

What's New :

- 5 send insert effects and 5 Master insert effects.
- New Master Loop sync.
- New Global Volume/Pan.
- New selectable Portamento curves.
- Includes high-quality reverb derived from Classik Studio Reverb.
- Includes 200 new Combi patches based on SampleTank XL sound set.
- Able to read any "Powered by SampleTank" instruments such as Sonik Synth 2, Miroslav Philharmonik and the upcoming SampleMoog, SampleTron and StudioPhonik.
- Includes bonus sound disk in SampleTank XL (boxed ...

Goldbaby is proud to announce the release of "The Tape808" for iDrum, Guru, Battery, Refill and Wav Pack. This is 407 samples taken from two 808's recorded into an Ampex 351 1/2" valve 2 track tape machine.The 808s were also put the 808's through other vintage gear and recorded naked into a Metric Halo ULN-2 firewire audio card.

Available as an instant download, all versions are priced at $24 except the sample pack which is $19.

Apogee Electronics introduces Duet, a new FireWire audio interface designed specifically for Apple's Mac computers. Duet is the first two-channel audio interface with control functions built directly into Apple's Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro and GarageBand software. Designed for ease of use and portability, its multi-function controller knob can select the input or output source and set gain or level. Duet is also capable of controlling MIDI devices with a simple setting in Apogee's Maestro software application.

Features :

- Two channels of professional-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio input and output
- Two balanced XLR inputs, with selectable 48V phantom power on each input
- Two unbalanced high impedance instrument inputs
- One high-level stereo headphone output
- Two unbalanced -10 dB ...

The Audix Micros Series continue to evolve with the M1250 and M1280. The M1250 is 50mm (2") in length, 12mm (.5") in diameter and 17 grams (.6 oz) with a frequency response of 80Hz-20kHz, while the M1280 is 90mm (3.5") in length, 12mm (.5") in diameter, and 28 grams (1 oz) with a frequency response 40Hz-20kHz providing extended bass response. Each body is precision machined out of brass at the Audix factory, finished in a durable black (or white on some models) e-coat, and laser etched with model and serial number. Both of them feature 4 interchangeable capsules (cardioid, hypercardioid, omni-directional, and supercardioid (shotgun) and a newly designed circuitry with immunity from RF interference caused by cell phones and GSM devices.

For more information, please visit their web site.