Image Line has just released Hardcore, a collection of 10 classic effects designed with Guitarists in mind. It includes : Distortion, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, Delay, Noise Gate, Equalizer, Compression and Modulator.

Five stomp-box simulations can be arranged in any order on the Hardcore pedal board. The output then passes through an 8-band graphic EQ and Cabinet Simulator, tying it all together into one massive sound.

Hardcore is available now for both Mac (VST/AU) and PC (VST) at a price of $79. Note that until the end of October every order of Image Line Software products comes with a free copy of Hardcore.

Audio Engineering Associates (AEA) have announced the RPQ, a new dual-channel mic preamp that's specially designed for use with ribbon microphones.

Each channel has two controls for gain: a notched step knob that sets the gain range, and a trim pot that allows the user to make fine adjustements to the level. There are also low-frequency filter and high-frequency boost controls for shaping the tone, so the user can tame the results of the proximity effect at the low end and regain some brightness at the top end. Both tone controls can be bypassed. The RPQ can also supply 48V for "active" ribbons mics which require a phantom power supply to operate.

Celemony has announced that its long-awaited Direct Note Acess technology will not be available until the end of the first quarter of 2009.

In their own words :

"For Direct Note Access, we have had to reprogram virtually all Melodyne leaving scarcely two consecutive lines of code intact. We are nearly there; the software runs; but there are still a few things that require work and some road works that are causing delays. We expect therefore that it will be some time yet before all the features have been fully implemented and the program assumes its final form.

At the moment, we are planning to commence shipping towards the end of the first quarter of 2009. Shortly before that, we will inaugurate the Public Beta phase, in which all registered Melodyne users – whether of Melodyne essential, Melodyne uno, Melodyne plugin, Melodyne cre8 or Melodyne studio – are warmly invited to participate and put the beta version through its paces in their own studios. All registered Melodyne users will receive notification by e-mail of the Public Beta phase."

Meanwhile, you can still take a look at what this amazing technology promises you on 440tv !

SPL has announced that their first Analogue Code plug-ins are available in VST, Audio Units and RTAS version. TDM versions are soon to follow.

Pricing :

- Transient Designer: €200
- EQ Rangers Vol. 1: €239.50

Note that demo versions are also available (requires iLock).

Native Instruments has released Reaktor Animated Circuits, a new Kore Soundpack that explores the world of complex self-generating soundscapes, textures and rhythms.

Reaktor Animated Circuits is based on 200 KoreSounds that take advantage of the capabilities of the Reaktor engine embedded in Kore 2 and the free Kore Player. The unconventional Reaktor sound generators "Newscool", "Metaphysical Function", "Spacedrone" and "Skrewell" are utilized to produce deep, constantly fluctuating soundscapes that range from dark to meditative and from moody to abstract.

Reaktor Animated Circuits also introduces the new sequencing instrument "Spiral", the latest creation of Reaktor builder Lazyfish, based on an unusual approach to pattern generation. Spiral uses concentric sequencing lanes and advanced algorithms to create continuously shifting, kaleidoscopic melodies, and can be routed into any sound source that accepts MIDI input.

All sounds in Reaktor Animated Circuits offer sound shaping options through eight "morphable" Sound Variations per preset, with crucial sound parameters also conveniently assigned to the unified Kore user interface. Owners of Reaktor 5 get full access to the panels of the individual ensembles for full control of every single sound parameter.

The Spiral ensemble is also available separately as a free download for all owners of Reaktor 5 through the NI Service Center application.

Reaktor Animated Circuits is available now for a suggested retail price of $59 / €49.