Tone2 has released FilterBank3, which is a complete plug-in Synthesizer as well as a flexible Multi-effect Unit.

Features :

- 58 high-end stereo filters.
- Semi-modular architecture.
- Flexible routing.
- 2 anti-aliased OSCs/LFOs with BPM Sync and 11 wave shapes.
- Alias free FM and AM.
- 12 oversampled types of distortion.
- 20 types of surround delay, reverb.
- 200+ presets.
- Can be loaded as synthesizer as well as effect.
- Vocal filtering, equalizing, phasing, flanging, compression.
- Feedback.
- Step sequencer.
- MIDI learn.
- Autosync to BPM.
- Realtime frequency display.
- Envelope follower.
- Tool tips and help functions.
- VST 2.4 / AU, stereo, 64 Bit accuracy.

FilterBank3 costs €59 / $79 and is available for Windows in VST instrument and effect formats. Mac OS X VST/AU instrument and effect versions are expected to be released this week. A demo version of the Windows version is available.

Shuriken has released Shredder, a sampler designed to be easy to use and fun to play with. It has 12 slots for samples that are controllable via MIDI notes or automatable parameters.

Shredder is free / donationware and is available as a VST plug-in for Windows and Mac OS X (UB).

KeyToSound has announced the Production Pack, a collection of four new signal processor plug-ins : Dynamic EQ, Essential Compressor, Precision EQ and Vintage EQ.

The Dynamic EQ is a 64 bit, zero latency signal processor that combines the functions of a compressor with the results of an equalizer. The Essential Compressor is a versatile and transparent compressor, designed for the discerning engineer who does not want any coloration or character added to the signal. The Precision EQ offers precise equalization, featuring an FFT representation of either the input or output signal, you can see your equalization results, even if your ears deceive you. The Vintage EQ gets its name from the warmth and character you hear when passing a signal through this EQ.

The Production Pack will be av ...

TC-Helicon is pleased to announce the immediate availability of their professional rackmount voice processor, VoiceWorksPlus. It features a complete suite of vocal processing from EQ, intelligent harmony, voice modeling, and TC-engineered studio effects to megaphone and distortions. The fourth generation intelligent harmony processing boasts more flexible and natural MIDI control, as well as new humanization technology.

VoiceWorksPlus is available for € 740 excl. VAT from TC-Helicon dealers. Note that video examples of presets can be found online at :

The newly founded company Vital Arts has just released its first product, Plectrum. This virtual instrument library features 185 original acoustic instruments, powered by Tascam's GVI streaming sample playback engine. Designed by Geoffrey Gee (pianist, composer, and former Senior Soundware Engineer at Kurzweil Music Systems), Plectrum's ultra-friendly interface presents these instruments in nine categories based on these sound sources: Strummed Strings, Struck Strings, Plucked Strings, and String Harmonics; Glass, Ceramics, Metals, and Found Objects, and Habitats. Each instrument features a round robin playback that enhances the organic feel and texture of an acoustic instrument. The instruments in Habitats use this feature to offer ever-evolving sound environments with names such as August Morning, Afternoon Rain, Forest Stream, and Crickets.

Plectrum is available at a retail price of $299 for PC in VST, RTAS and stand-alone versions, with Mac support expected in September '07.