SPL has announced a new recording channel and compact analog processing rack : the Frontliner.

This new channel strip combines Preamp, De-Esser, Compressor, EQ and Tube Output for a fully featured recording channel. But often the particular stages would also be a great addition to an engineers mixing tools arsenal – and that is why SPL has spent dedicated I/Os to each section of this unit.

Each stage can be used separately and for example be routed via a patchbay to insert the whole toolbox into a studio environment. The Frontliner features a hybrid, Class A preamp design with discrete solid state stage and a tube section with switchable drive settings.

Availability of the Frontliner is scheduled for October 2008.

Line 6 has announced the expansion of its online presence with the launch of its localized French and German websites.

"We strive to set the standard for websites by providing in-depth video, audio and interactive demos that enable musicians to explore and understand the depth and functionality of our products," stated Erik Tarkiainen, vice president, marketing communications, Line 6, Inc. "With the launch of our French and German sites, we are pleased to be able to deliver this experience to an even greater number of musicians around the world."

Roxio has released Toast 9 Titanium which is a major upgrade of this famous software.

Toast 9 allows consumers to record high-definition content from high-definition (HD) camcorders and favorite HD programming from TiVo DVRs and Elgato's EyeTV devices to Blu-ray Disc (BD). Users also have the option to burn HD video and slide shows on standard DVDs. For on-the-go entertainment, Toast 9 introduces Roxio Streamer. Streamer allows users to stream video content stored on their home Mac to a Wi-Fi connected iPhone or iPod Touch or any Internet connected Mac or PC.

Toast 9 offers the ability to capture streaming audio for recording Internet radio. It also allows captured music tracks to be automatically tagged with song titles, artist or other related information.

Toast 9 Titanium is available now for $99.99. The High Definition/Blu-ray Disc (HD/BD) plug-in, which is needed to author BD video is sold separately for $19.99 and is available free for those who purchase Toast 9 online from Roxio web site through April 13, 2008.

EKS unveils Otus, a 2-in-1 DJ controller. The virtual audio technology enables the use of multichannel soundcard inside Otus with different DJ software. This makes it possible for a DJ to play two audio channels simultaneously with just one controller.

Otus is equipped with a big, configurable 7.5" jog wheel and new features for effects control, including touchpad and two motion sensors. It also brings you an innovative switch key which enables the DJ to flexibly use two layers of controls. To add more show into the mix, the effect controls are placed to make performing more visual. With the advanced MIDI support and MIDI mappers it will be easy to configure Otus with just about any software application imaginable, be it audio, video or something else altogether.

Otus is expected to be released on June 2008 with a price around €700.

Musicrow has released Modular Dreams, a collection of 200 high-quality presets for the Arturia Moog Modular V.

Modular Dreams presents modular synthesis at its best, while it makes a full use of all the features that Arturia Moog Modular V has to offer (And it has a lot !). The classic moog tones are there, but you might be surprised by how innovative and up to date "grandpa" moog can sound ;-)


Modular Dreams is now available for EUR29/USD39. Note that a demo bank with 20 free presets is also available for instant download.