VirSyn has just updated its Multiband Filter plug-in Bark to version 1.0.1.

Bark takes the approach to match the reception characteristic of the final destination of all sound: the ear. The ear behaves as if it contains a bank of filters, each filter passing frequencies within the critical band. Two tones separated by more than a critical bandwidth are received by the ear independently. For this reason Bark contains a filter bank with 27 bandpass filters matching the critical bandwidth.

In fact, the human ear have also its own built in compression system which are based on the critical bands. Consequently Bark incorporates an independent compression algorithm for each of it's 27 bands.

Unfortunately a very important feature of BARK got lost in the last stages of the release. The Linear phase behaviour, which is important for BARK's sound transparency, was broken. With Version 1.0.1 Linear phase is now guaranteed for all filter settings.

Bark is available in VST, AU and RTAS versions for Mac OS X, VST and RTAS for Windows. From now till June 30st, 2008 you can buy Bark for €99.- instead of €169.- Of Course, the update is free for all registered users. Last but not least, a full functional/time limited demo version is also available (a Syncrosoft Dongle is needed).

The Audix Micros Series, the world's smallest condenser microphones with integrated preamp and detachable cable now include a new member : the M1255.

With a stylishly machined brass housing and modular threaded capsule, the M1255 is designed to handle a wide variety of live, studio and fixed install applications. Features include a smooth frequency response of 80 Hz - 20 kHz, 12 mm gold vapor diaphragm, a selection of 4 capsules, and complete immunity from RF caused by cell phones and GSM devices.

The M1255 is available from authorized Audix dealers in a matte black finish at a suggested retail price of $419 or a white finish at a suggested retail price of $439. Supplied accessories include a 25' cable, hanging mic clip, mic stand adapter, external windscreen and a pouch.

Voxengo has just released Sound Delay, a free auxiliary multi-channel signal delaying plug-in.

In Sound Delay, you may specify delay time in both milliseconds and samples, with a high level of precision. This plug-in - being technical - provides a basic signal delaying function only, without signal feedback or modulation capabilities. It also features internal mid/side encoding and decoding, and allows you to delay mid and side channels independently.

Features :

- Sample-accurate delaying
- Millisecond-accurate delaying
- Up to 3 seconds overall delay
- Multi-channel processing
- Internal channel routing
- Channel grouping
- Mid/side processing
- Preset manager
- Undo/redo history
- A/B comparisons
- Contextual hint messages

Sound Delay plug-in replaces both Audio Delay and Sample Delay plug-ins previously available from Voxengo.

Sound Delay is available now in VST and AU formats for Mac OS X and Windows.

Fielding DSP has just released Reviver, a new versatile, high-quality harmonic distortion plug-in.

Reviver creates harmonic distortion, whose sound is often connected to vintage gear. It does not emulate analog equipment, but instead gives the user full control of overtone generation and volume. Despite this high level of controllability, Reviver's user interface is intuitive and provides the desired result after just a few mouse clicks.

Features :

- add second order harmonics to your sound in a precise way
- control the exact amount of third-order harmonics to give your sound that extra "punch"
- serial mode : in this mode Reviver first adds second order harmonics to the signal before adding third order harmonics. The result is a different harmonic content and stronger saturation.
- anti-alias filter
- low CPU usage

Reviver is available now at an introductory price of $149 (instead of $199) as an AudioUnit effect for Mac OS X. Note that a fully-functional demo version is alos available.

SPL has just announced the release of Phonitor. The name already implies the key feature: SPL announces that with the Phonitor headphones now become a full alternative to monitoring speakers. To allow for control of sound impressions comparable to speakers in a room, the Phonitor offers new parameters such as Crossfeed, Speaker Angle and Center Level.

Based upon SPL's unique 120 V technology which was initially developed for their mastering product series, the Phonitor aims at high-end users to fulfill highest demands in sound quality. It is SPL's flagship of a new sort of headphone amps they call Headphone Monitoring Amplifiers.

The SPL Phonitor is available now at a suggested price of €1599.