Well known in the PC world, the french company Blue Cat Audio has launched a public beta version for Mac OS X of its freeware VST audio plugins bundle, Blue Cat's Freeware Pack.

The bundle contains 11 free plugins : a spectrum analyzer, an EQ, gain utilities with unique multiple instances linking capabilities, and several modulation effects. All are universal binary VST plugins, with full Cocoa user interface. Audio Units versions are expected later this year.

Note that this is only the first step, Blue Cat Audio will soon be releasing Mac versions of all their plug-ins, including their entire range of fantastic audio analysis tools !

Blue Cat's Freeware Pack beta is available now at :

Ueberschall has just released Minimal Electro Vibes, a new Elastik Player-based loop module developed for Ueberschall's total fidelity Nouvelle Series.

Minimal Electro Vibes covers progressive electro techniques used by "top trend innovators from the dance floor". This set includes 20 Construction Kits (1.5 GB of new material) which have been embedded into the included Elastik Player for instant access. Each kit includes all solo parts and drum shots used in the mix for extended individualization.

Features :

- 1.5 GB / 20 Construction Kits / 750 Loops and Samples.
- Elastik Soundbank for Mac / Windows in VST, AU and RTAS formats (Elastik Player included).
- The DVD also includes an Ableton Live set.

Minimal Electro Vibes is available now and has an MSRP of $119 / €99.

Eventide unveiled a new plug-in for Pro Tools that provides real-time control of its H8000 series, H7600, and Eclipse multi-effects processors. E-Control provides multiple parameter control automation, and program change capability, which is saved with the session for easy recall from within ProTools.

The E-Control plug-in for ProTools will be available in December for $199. E-Control will be available at no charge for a limited time with the H8000FW, H7600, and Eclipse hardware processors purchased after September 1, 2007.

IK Multimedia unveils the third version of T-RackS, their mastering and mixing suite.

T-RackS 3 is a modular mastering/mixing suite of Dynamics and EQ processors, including:

- 9 processors comprised of 3 new analog and vintage emulations (including models based on the Fairchild 670 and the Pultec EQP-1A), 2 new digital processors as well as the 4 classic T-RackS processors
- New configurable mastering/mixing chain — run up to 12 parallel/series processors
- New complete built-in metering section with Peak, Perceived Loudness, Phase, and RMS meters, plus a Spectrum analyzer with Peak, RMS and Averaging indicators
- New standalone and plug-in versions available in the same package
- New high-fidelity oversampling with crystal clear transparency, for high quality audio processing throughout the entire signal path
- Extremely easy to use, with style-based presets, full chain visualization, one-click single module or chain bypass, "compare" function, multiple audio processing in standalone mode, and much more

T-RackS 3 comes in 2 versions :

- T-RackS 3 Deluxe ($499/€379.99) which comes with 9 processors
- T-RackS 3 Standard ($199.99/€149.99) which comes with the 4 classic T-RackS processors in the new application framework.

All versions will be available worldwide in stores and in the IK Multimedia online shop by November 10th, 2008. All prices exclude taxes.

Korg has expanded its MR Series of digital recorders with the MR-2000S 1-Bit Studio Recorder.

Sleek and flexible, the MR-2000S is a single rack height digital stereo 1-bit recorder, offering 5.6 MHz or 2.8 MHz 1-bit recording, or up to 24-bit 192 kHz PCM recording and playback. 1-bit file formats DSDIFF (used in SACD production), WSD and DSF are all supported, as well as PCM support for standard WAV, BWF (Broadcast WAV) and even MP3 playback. Sampling frequencies for PCM formats range from 44.1 kHz through 192 kHz. AudioGate version 1.5 audio file converter software is included, supporting reading/playback of MR project files and for converting to various file formats

Analog connectors include XLR balanced input/output jacks, and RCA unbalanced input/output jacks. The reference level of the XLR jacks can be switched in a range of -12/-14/-16/-18/-20 dB, allowing the MR-2000S to be used in any recording environment from a music-related studio to a broadcast facility. Digital connectors include S/PDIF coaxial jacks for PCM sources, as well as word clock jacks for synchronization with other devices or a second MR-2000S unit. The MR-2000S also features a multi-step LED level meter with excellent response speed and high visibility.

The unit's built-in 80 GB hard disk allows up to approximately 120 hours of recording (44.1 kHz 16-bit two track), or approximately 14.5 hours at the highest quality (1-bit 5.6448 MHz two track). Up to 400 projects can be created for each of up to 400 recording date folders (160,000 possible projects total). USB 2.0 "high speed" mode is supported for rapid file transfer to and from users' computers.

The Korg MR-2000S 1-Bit Studio Recorder will be available in December with a target U.S. MSRP of $1,999.