Steinberg is pleased to announce that the MR816 CSX and MR816 X Advanced Integration DSP Studios and the CC121 Advanced Integration Controller are now shipping worldwide. Designed by Steinberg and Yamaha and manufactured by Yamaha in Japan, the new hardware units are the result of the ongoing technological cooperation between the software and hardware experts at both companies.

MR816 CSX costs €1199, while MR816 X costs €799. CC121 is available for €399.

Native Instruments just launched Guitar Rig Hero, a four-week worldwide video contest that challenges musicians to demonstrate their skills and creativity in combination with Guitar Rig 3. Hosted on a dedicated YouTube channel, the competition features prizes worth over $10,000, and is co-hosted by a jury of international pro guitarists.

Participants are asked to capture a video of their most original and spectacular performance using Guitar Rig 3, without any sonic or artistic limitations applying. Musicians who don't own Guitar Rig 3 can download the full-featured demo version from the NI website and use it for the contest.

Submissions will be accepted until September 30th, and the winners will be determined on October 14th. On top of the public voting by the YouTube community, the artist jury will judge the ten most popular entries for an additional grand prize.

For September, McDSP has brought back a great special on the Project Studio Bundle to any and all users for $295.

The Project Studio Bundle includes LE Versions of Analog Channel, Chrome Tone, CompressorBank, FilterBank, ML4000, Revolver and Synthesizer One. This bundle supports RTAS and AudioSuite plug-in formats.

Native Instruments has also announced the release of Kore Electronic Experience which merges seven Kore Soundpacks into a single package at a substantial price advantage. Ready for use with the included Kore Player and with Kore 2, Kore Electronic Experience includes the following Soundpacks :

- Best of Absynth
- Best of Reaktor vol.1
- Deep Transformations
- FM8 Transient Attacks
- Massive Expansion vol.1
- Synthetic Drums Reloaded

It also includes an online voucher of $59/49€ for the download of an additional sound pack of the user's choice from the remaining Kore Soundpack.

Kore Electronic Experience is available for a suggested retail price of $229 / €199.

Native Instruments has just released a new software-only version of Kore 2, and also established more affordable pricing for the original Kore 2 version bundled with the hardware controller.

The new Kore 2 Software Edition is offered due to popular demand, and accommodates all musicians and producers who want to primarily combine Kore 2 with their existing MIDI controller equipment. The Software Edition provides the full functionality of the Kore 2 application, but leaves out the dedicated Kore hardware controller in favor of a more affordable price point. All owners of Kore 2 Software Edition will also have the option to add the Kore controller later on at any time as a separate purchase.

Kore 2 Software Edition is available now for a suggested retail price of $229 / €199. The suggested retail price of Kore 2 with hardware controller included has also been reduced to $449 / €399.