First Fx Plugin from d16 group "Silver Collection", Devastor is a simple but remarkable Multiband Distortion Unit. It is an enhanced version of the distortion unit from their synth Phoscyon.

Devastor consists of three blocks: dynamic-gain module, diode-clipper distortion and three filter sections. Each of the filters can process the signal before or after the diode-clipper. The filters are not the peaking EQ type which are used in classic multiband distortion They are like those found in analogue synthesizers (low pass, high pass, band pass and band reject)- with adjustable resonance and cutoff.

Features :

- analogue-like filters
- dynamics flattener
- presets organised into groups
- midi learn function
- pre/post processing mode for each filter
- 64bit internal processing
- low aliasing output

Devastor is available in VST and AU formats for Windows and Mac OS X (UB) at a retail price of €29. Note that audio examples and demo versions are also available.

QuikQuak has just released Pitchwheel v1.0, a real-time pitch changing plug-in.

Features :

- Changes the pitch but not the length of a sound.
- Large and easy to to use, ideal for experiments and live performances.
- Full range adjustments from one semitone to an octave up or down.
- Unique inertia parameters for springy vibrato effects.
- Sample accurate changes prevent stepped pitch changes.
- Phase locked for stereo sounds.
- Buffer size changes, allows quality adjustments for vocal or percussion.
- Great visual feed-back with semitone snap, and actual pitch indicator.
- Extremely low CPU.

Pitchwheel is available now in VST and AU formats for Mac OS X and Windows and it costs £15. Note that demo versions are available.

NuGen Audio has updated their freeware track adjustment utility tool Line-up to v2.2 on all platforms (Win/OSX/VST/AU). This latest version now includes DC offset scanning and removal, acting upon the source audio prior to the phase, delay and I/O functions.

Line-up is available now as a free download for all registered users (registration is free). For more information, please visit their web site.

TC Electronic announces that the LM5 Loudness Radar Meter plug-in for ProTools|HD is now shipping. LM5 derives statistical information from the ITU-R BS.1770 standard to visualize instant loudness and loudness history, thereby helping engineers to realize the dynamic range at their disposal during production, and to predict the dynamic range restriction needed during distribution to various platforms. LM5 is suitable for use in broadcast, post production, film and music alike.

In the radar view, LM5 displays real-time loudness (LU or LFS) and true-peak level along with loudness history. The angular, color-coded display makes it easy for an editor to balance audio visually, and to see when level falls below or exceeds the end-listener's dynamic range tolerance. The true-peak level display even warns the operator when excessive peaks are at the risk of creating distortion in downstream equipment such as data reduction codecs or DA converters. LM5 enables easy and predictable level management across distribution and broadcast platforms with or without the use of metadata. In either case, the meter can help improve speech intelligibility and reduce level jumps on all platforms from MobileTV to HDTV using AAC or Dolby AC3.

LM5 is available now at a suggested retail price of €999.

Today Audio Damage releases a new multi-tap delay plug-in : Ricochet. Featuring a 16-step grid for programming tap time, Ricochet is right at home in modern electronic music production, designed specifically for that context, and is much quicker to program than the run-of-the-mill multi-tap.

Features :

- Five independently controllable taps with individual multi-mode filter, panning, level, sync, mute, solo, and time.
- Unique dual-filter model for overall tone control.
- Two feedback modes (master and tap).
- A specially designed chorus that affects only the taps, for feedback smearing effects.
- Tempo-sync or free time operation per tap and overall.
- Full MIDI learn for CC control of every parameter (VST only)

Ricochet is available now for Mac OS X and Windows in VST and AU formats for a fee of $49.