Puremagnetik has just released Punchpak, a collection of sounds created from the 8 bit synthesizer chip on the classic Nintendo® (NES) gaming console. All sounds have been mapped out and programmed into the Ableton Live 6, EXS24 and Kontakt 2 environments. Puremagnetik has taken the sounds a step further with added effects that include ambience and arpeggiation. Punchpak also includes a selection of multisampled menus with lo-fi glitch, noise and static sounds. With patch names like "Zelda", "Castlevania", and "Mega Man" Puremagnetik has recaptured these vintage 1980's video game sounds for the modern DAW.

The Ableton Live version of Punchpak includes instrument racks for both Sampler and Simpler while the Kontakt 2 version comes with a customized KSP panel for easy editing.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Yellow tools has released a powerful free version of Independence - the sampler workstation. Independence Free 2.0 is based on the new Independence 2.0 engine, which will also be released this month.

Here are some of the Independence Free 2.0 features and improvements that will also be available in Independence 2.0 :

- Completely re-designed and improved audio engine.
- "Multi Core support" for up to 8 cores.
- New standalone versions for Mac OS X (PPC and Intel-Macs), Windows XP and Windows Vista with multi audio interface support for up to 64 mono and 64 stereo outputs.
- New "Browser" page including sophisticated search functions for Projects, Layer Sets, Layers, Sections, MIDI files and Audio files. Search options for attributes like name, date, category, keywords, last modifi ...

PowerFX announces the release of two products that address the surging interest in the circuit bending scene with "Burning Circuits" the downloadable CD and "Toy 'n Voice" the downloadable sample pack. Both titles are created by the U.K. sound designer and breakbeat artist Audio Android who is also known for his recording under the mnemonic DLP alongside scene legend Danny Mac, releasing ferocious chunks of vinyl onto the buzzing London Breakbeat circuit.

"Burning Circuits" includes 345 sound files of toy bends, devices short circuiting, robotic voices, electro effects, kid keyboard surgery and percussive glitch hits and rhythms and is available for $59. "Toy 'n Voice" includes more toy sound molestations and robotic voices and is available for $10.

Aphex is now shipping a new headphone distribution amplifier. The Model 454 HeadPod is a professional 4-output headphone distribution pod with four independent stereo power amplifiers. Working with any headphone type, the HeadPod provides high headroom to avoid clipping even at high sound levels. Designed for ultra low distortion and wide frequency response capabilities, the Model 454 also allows for longer listening sessions without listener fatigue. Individual volume controls are provided for each of the four headphone outputs, made with durable Neutrik metal jacks. A master volume control on the HeadPod allows for matching of source levels. It connects to any analog source, with a rear panel selector switch to choose between balanced sources (discrete left and right) and unbalanced sour ...

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of what is probably the world's best-known studio microphone, the exclusive U 87 Anniversary Set is now available from Neumann This special edition, in a fine and robust, retro-style case, is offered with unique product features.

In addition to an elastic suspension and a signed, already framed certificate of authenticity, the set includes a new pop screen for that true "sixties" feel. The set even includes a dust cover embroidered with the anniversary logo, and a pair of white gloves with which to handle this fine equipment.