MHC has just released Extreme, a hybrid synthesizer which plays an extensive set of extreme waveforms/samples, for example distorted, big, punchy, noisy and wicked waveforms, processing these using a filter, envelopes, an LFO, an ensemble, delays and an effect section which features 133 different effect modes, including crossfading effects and layered effects.

Features :

- 1024 presets (if all soundpacks are installed). A soundpack is an expansion which adds new extreme waveforms and presets.
- Crossfading and layered effects which feature distortion, filter banks, a resonator, flanger, sub oscillation, amp modulation, pitch shift etc.
- All knobs can be mapped to MIDI controllers with a simple "learn" function.
- Ensemble with adjustable amount and mix. Stereo delays.
- Full polyphony. Only your CPU sets the limit or you may set a fixed voice limit.

Extreme is available in VST and AU formats for Windows and Mac OS X at a retail price of $139.

M-Audio is proud to announce the KeyRig 25 keyboard controller and software bundle, which closely follows the release of the previously announced KeyRig 49 package. The KeyRig 25 features an ultra-slim, 25-note keyboard with half-depth action, along with eight MIDI-assignable knobs and buttons while the KeyRig 49 features a 49-note, synth-action keyboard designed for users who want a more traditional approach to keyboard playing. Both keyboards also include professional features like pitch bend and modulation controls, an assignable volume slider, octave +/- buttons and sustain pedal input. The units are powered from the computer via a single USB cable and work right out of the box with Windows XP and Mac OS X systems—no driver installation needed.

Both configurations feature M-Audio's Key Rig software (valued at $129)—a single virtual rack that covers all of the basic needs of today's keyboardist. Compatible with most PC environments, Key Rig delivers four modules for stand-alone or plug-in use: SP-1 Stage Piano, MS-2 Polyphonic Synthesizer, MB-3 Tone Wheel Organ and GM-4 General MIDI Module. The master section allows users to route, split, layer and mix these four modules in whatever way best suits their performance and recording needs. A master effects section also provides for adding a common effect in addition to the individual effect section included with each instrument.

Both keyboards are currently shipping. Each keyboard carries a US MSRP of $129.95.

Oli Larkin has released version 2.0 of the Endless Series, which includes the addition of Endless Shifter and Mac OS X VST, AU and RTAS support (via the Pluggo runtime).

The Endless Series are four effect plugins based on an auditory illusion known as "Circular Pitch" or more commonly the "Shepard Tone/Scale" after Roger N. Shepard who discovered it in the 1960s. Shepard showed that using basic additive synthesis it's possible to create the illusion of a continuously rising or descending chromatic scale. The term circular pitch was used because, although the scale sounds as if it is moving in one direction, in fact, after twelve steps it returns to where it started.

Endless Tone can be used to synthesize classic Shepard/Risset tones. It can also be used as a ring modulator either using an internal sine wave or the audio input for the carrier signal. Endless Flanger is a circular pitch (barber-pole) flanger - instead of flanging up and down the frequency spectrum, it appears to continuously flange in one direction. Endless Phaser works in the same way but rather than using delay lines, it uses filters to produce its effect. Endless Shifter provides a further variation by using pitch shifting to impose the illusion of circular pitch on the source material.

The Endless Series cost £15 for the bundle (Endless Tone is actually free) and is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU and RTAS formats via the Pluggo runtime.

TC Electronic announces its latest addition to the Konnekt family, Studio Konnekt 48. Konnekt Studio 48 is a pro quality audio interface with IMPACT II preamps and built-in DSP ranging from channel strips and a reverb, to speaker control and bass management. Studio Konnekt 48 ships with a multi-functional remote for mixer control, speaker select and a built-in talkback microphone allowing quick and easy access of parameters.

Features :

Extensive I/O section with IMPACT II preamps

- 4 Impact II mic preamps
- 12 analog inputs, 12 analog outputs simultaneously
- High resolution input meter
- 96 kHz ADAT (8 channels SMUX), word clock and S/PDIF
- 30/28 channels simultaneously to/from DAW
- Digitally controlled analog main XLR outputs
- Dual headphone outs with individual level c ...

After the release of the long-awaited version 4 of Reason this week, Propellerhead have added video's at YouTube for us to get a closer look at its main new features :

- Thor
- RPG-8
- ReGroove
- New Sequencer

Enjoy ;-)