Shown as a prototype still, the forthcoming red synth from the sweden masters will be a Nord lead pushed even further. You take the structure of the nord lead, and add not only wavetables, but user defined waveforms… And user sample waveforms thru Wav files.

As it's still under development, don't expect it before some months at least.

The Moog MF/FM is an effect based on tuning in radio signals. Mix in the tuned FM radio signal and/or tweak the VCO frequency and waveforms et voilà!

Available from April first… for $349 if you get the joke. ;)

SonicCore after buying the rights to the Scope technology (remember creamware?) announced today it will manufacture the synth baby of John Bowen, the Solaris. John is not unknown in the synth world as he was of the masterminds behind all the Sequential products, and one of the Wavestation and OASYS team (Z1 anyone?). The Solaris is a 5 octaves DSP keyboard, with plenty of knobs to chew on (40), 5 value displays plus a graphic one. The internals are based on SHARC CPU and a 96 kHz audio engine where new algorithms can be feed, as available thru software updates and expansion packs. l be a VA r anything else and is thought as "a modular system but easier to use". You can expect to see there part of the Scope DSP algorithms too and the thing to be very very deep…

Price and availability TBA

Celemony Software has announced the imminent release of version 1.8 updates for Melodyne uno and Melodyne essential. Version 1.8 offers new playback algorithms as well as a number of bug-fixes and improvements of detail. But the most important improvement is the new "Percussive2" algorithm for the editing of percussive material.

The version 1.8 updates will be free of charge to all registered users of uno and essential and will be available for download from the end of April from their web site.

Steinberg Media Technologies has announced the launch of Sequel, a new entry-level music studio designed for newcomers to music production.

Sequel's accessible GUI gives intuitive access to recording, mixing and editing features engineered for the first-time producer. Over 5000 loops that cover just about any modern musical style are supplied, and combined with over 600 instantly playable instruments on board. On top of that Sequel features discreet yet powerful audio warping functions that keep first-time users in key and in time. It also includes an accessible live performance mode, that allow Sequel songs to be rearranged, remixed and remolded live for performance on stage. Integrated FX including EQ and dynamics on every channel provide all the tools needed to produce outstanding mixes.

Sequel is available now in music stores worldwide, and costs €99.00.