Ploytec has released a unique tool for measuring latency in audio systems called Latenc-o-meter. Once it is powered up, it generates a 100 kHz signal sent from its analog output to the target audio hardware's input and back into the Latenc-o-meter, then Its display indicates value in remarkably precise increments ranging from 0.01 to 999.99 milliseconds.

The Ploytec Latenc-o-meter is now available for € 333. For more information, please visit their web site.

KEL Audio has released the HM-2, a large diaphragm "small supercardioid" true condenser instrument microphone for home recording artists and performing musicians. The mic features a transformerless, symmetrical, balanced amp circuit in a pencil-style body but adds a 1-inch diameter, 3-micron thick, center-terminated diaphragm suspended in an internal shock mount. Unlike a pure cardioid microphone, the HM-2 has its null at 140-degrees -- rather than 180 -- yet its rear lobe is smaller than usual for a supercardioid. This increases the mic's usefulness in many recording situations.

The HM-2 is available now at an introductory price of $99 (Reg. $129) including custom-designed shock mount.

Pro Application Support 4.0 is available. This update improves general user interface reliability for Apple's professional applications and is recommended for all users of Final Cut Studio, Final Cut Pro, Motion, Soundtrack Pro, DVD Studio Pro, Aperture, Final Cut Express HD, Soundtrack, Logic Pro and Logic Express.

AraldFX has announced StormGate3, a "new and unique" gating effect. Basically this plug-in splits the audio in three bands, and lets you shape each audio band with amplitude patterns. Patterns can be drawn freely by hand, or with the aid of drawing tools. Don't want to draw the envelopes? Then record them, StormGate3 can take any audio source, and after calibrating the cross-over frequencies, you will be able to record a new envelope pattern.

StormGate3 will be available by the end of this month Mac OS X (UB) in VST format (Audio Unit version is expected later) and will cost $59 but you can pre-order it for $39. By pre-ordering you will get a copy of SG3 (beta), have access to all the future beta releases, and free lifetime updates up to version 2.0.

The next version of Digital Performer has been recently released. The 5.12 version presents, among other things, the ability for DP to play files of any bit depth simultaneously. The bit depth menu in the control bar has disappeared while the preferences have now two new menus - one controls the bit depth of the recorded material in newly created projects, the other controls the bit depth of the files recorded in the opened project.

You will need to have your serial number (the one that's located on the registration card at the beginning of the manual) since MOTU has changed their registration system. If your copy of DP 5 is an update then it's the serial number of the original copy of DP you've purchased. If in doubt, contact MOTU support.