IK Multimedia has announced the release of AmpliTube 2 Live, a low cost, introductory version of the guitar and bass amps/effects modeling software. Based on AmpliTube 2, the new Live version is available as a part of a much larger bundle software package coming with the StealthPlug, a compact 1/4" jack to USB audio interface cable for guitar and bass. AmpliTube 2 Live is available as a plug-in in VST, RTAS and Audio Unit formats, as well as a standalone application for Windows and Mac OS X (PPC and Intel).

AmpliTube 2 Live Features :

• 3 Guitar and Bass Amp Models
• 5 Cabinets
• 9 Stomp models, plus Spring Reverb and Gate
• 2 Microphone models with selection/position controls
• Full-MIDI Control
• Built-in Tuner
• 128 Customizable User Preset ...

ArtsAcoustic has released version 1.2.0.4 of the ArtsAcoustic Reverb, which is now a Universal Binary on Mac OS X. The demo versions have also been updated and they've launched a new website.

Changes:

* New: Universal Binary Support for Macintosh.
* New: Supports VST 2.4.
* Fixed: Various small fixes.

For more information see their web site.

ExpDigital has released GFlux, a multi-filter plug-in with extensive modulation capabilities. The core of GFlux is the concept of the 'flow'. Each flow represents a different filter layout, controlling which filters feed to others. The flows range from simple 8 pole filters right through to complex serial / parallel networks. These flows cover almost all the possibilities for routing and combined with the separate level control for each filter state you can create very complex filter responses.

Features:

* 4 Filters.
* 5 Simultaneous Filter Types.
* 6 Modulators.
* 5 Modulation Types.
* 18 Filter routing configurations.
* 11 Distortions.
* Full MIDI Control.

GFlux is available as a VST effect plug-in for Mac OS X (Universal Binary) and it costs $125 . Demo versions are available. An Audio Unit version is in development.

This month Sweetwater and Auralex help you take control of the acoustics in your studio with not one, but THREE great giveaways! The grand prize is a brand-new SonoSuede Pro System, with 64 square feet of coverage and an elegant look. It's valued at $1,199! The second prize winner will receive a TruTraps Genesis System (a $399 retail value), which provides absorption and diffusion in an easy-to-install package. Finally, third prize is an ISO Producer Pack (valued at $149), which combines three of Auralex's most popular ISO Series products all in one box.

MacMusic is proud to publish here this review of Cakewalk Dimension Pro, submitted by our friend Doug Edge from audioMIDI and written by Stan Dudinsky & Brent Hoover. Cakewalk Dimension Pro is a synthesizer which combines real instruments with advanced synthesis, giving you endless sound possibilities. Dimension Pro offers an abundance of vital, usable sounds that range from pristine realistic acoustic instruments, thumping basses and cutting leads, to complex, evolving atmospheres.

Good reading...