Apogee Electronics introduces Duet, a new FireWire audio interface designed specifically for Apple's Mac computers. Duet is the first two-channel audio interface with control functions built directly into Apple's Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro and GarageBand software. Designed for ease of use and portability, its multi-function controller knob can select the input or output source and set gain or level. Duet is also capable of controlling MIDI devices with a simple setting in Apogee's Maestro software application.

Features :

- Two channels of professional-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio input and output
- Two balanced XLR inputs, with selectable 48V phantom power on each input
- Two unbalanced high impedance instrument inputs
- One high-level stereo headphone output
- Two unbalanced -10 dB ...

The Audix Micros Series continue to evolve with the M1250 and M1280. The M1250 is 50mm (2") in length, 12mm (.5") in diameter and 17 grams (.6 oz) with a frequency response of 80Hz-20kHz, while the M1280 is 90mm (3.5") in length, 12mm (.5") in diameter, and 28 grams (1 oz) with a frequency response 40Hz-20kHz providing extended bass response. Each body is precision machined out of brass at the Audix factory, finished in a durable black (or white on some models) e-coat, and laser etched with model and serial number. Both of them feature 4 interchangeable capsules (cardioid, hypercardioid, omni-directional, and supercardioid (shotgun) and a newly designed circuitry with immunity from RF interference caused by cell phones and GSM devices.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Sennheiser is launching the MKH 8000 series of microphones, which combine the company's exclusive RF condenser technology with a compact, modular form factor and a range of application-specific accessories for broadcast, recording and performance use.

The MKH 8000 series is available in three sets :

- MKH 8020 Set—omnidirectional pattern
- MKH 8040 Set—cardioid pattern
- MKH 8050 Set—supercardioid pattern

Each set ships with microphone, windscreen, clip, and aluminum transport case. Each set retails for $1299. For more information, please visit their web site.

AudioRealism has just released of AudioRealism Drum Machine (ADM) which is an 808, 909 and 606 emulator rolled into one combined with a 32-step internal sequencer and pattern controlled fx (PCF). ADM is also capable of triggering the user's own samples.

Features :

- Three realtime switchable drum machine models
- Internal 32 step sequencer with global accent per step, four prescale selections per pattern, flam and shuffle, 128 patterns per instance
- Pattern transformation functions: Expand, shrink, swap, duplicate steps, randomize pattern, randomize part, cut/copy/paste pattern and parts
- Undo function for pattern transformation functions
- Pattern Controlled FX (PCF) which can control any of the parameters for each step
- Various pattern transformation functions
- Full MIDI ...

As part of the celebration of the one year anniversary of Pianoteq, Modartt has announced three new inspiring historical instrument add-ons :

- Sébastien Erard, half grand piano (2 m) serial number 109 933 (1922)
- Carl Bechstein, half grand piano (2.1 m) serial number 79 676 (1896)
- François Etienne Blanchet, "Château de Thoiry" harpsichord (1733)

These add-ons are created in the frame of the non profit cultural project KIViR (Keyboard Instrument Virtual Restoration) which concerns historical keyboard instruments museums. For more information, please visit their web site.