Sound Skulptor is now shipping the MP66, a single-ended class A tube preamplifier, with transformers on input and output. It is inspired by designs from the 60's. It is the fourth module of the Sound Skulptor range of DIY kits which includes 4 microphone pres based on "classic" designs. One up to four modules can be freely combined in a 19" case.

The DIY approach on these products makes them affordable to most, without compromising on quality. The skills needed to built the kit are basic, thanks to careful design and to the very detailed instructions. The products are also available fully assembled for the non-technicians.

The MP66 is not neutral. The transformers and triode valves print their characteristics on the signal. The sound ranges from stunning transparency, with an overwhelming sense of dynamic, when softly driven, to soft valve limiting when pushing the gain further, to a "guitar amp" type of saturation when you push it into the limits. The transition between these modes is very smooth.

Highlights :

- Pure tube audio path, class A, single-ended.
- Lundhal transformer on input, Cinemag on output.
- Output level potentiometer allows driving the tubes from soft to hard and vary the harmonic content.
- Air equalizer adds or cuts harmonics
- DI instrument input goes through both transformers

The MP66 is available direct from Sound Skluptor for €289 in kit form (+ €130 for the assembled version).

Roland Corporation is pleased to announce the new JUNO-Stage synthesizer is now shipping. As the latest addition to the benchmark JUNO Series, JUNO-Stage is uniquely created for live performance applications.

The JUNO-Stage is a 128 voice expandable synthesizer which features an extra-large display, USB backing-track functionality, a Click output for drummers, dedicated performance knobs, hands-free patch select, instant master MIDI control functionality, and much more.

The JUNO-Stage is now shipping with a retail price of $1599.

Alesis unveils the USB Pro Drum Kit, an electronic drum kit designed specifically to take direct advantage of the power of the computer for sound generation.

Features :

- Five-piece electronic drumset: kick, snare, three toms, SURGE Hi-Hat, Crash, and dual-zone Ride Cymbals
- 8" drum pads with tunable mylar drumheads for customizable feel
- Brass-alloy SURGE cymbals are real cymbals with triggering
- SURGE Cymbals feature exclusive sound-dampening layer to cut the acoustic noise
- Dual-zone snare and tom pads enable access to a wide palette of sounds from a standard setup
- Choke capability on SURGE Crash and Ride cymbals
- Ultra-fast triggering and intuitive operation
- Interface accommodates up to 10 inputs including continuous control hi-hat
- Easy to expand with additiona ...

Here's some news from Elysia, Dominik Klaßen speaking :

"We presented the museq as a prototype at the AES. At the moment, we are sending it to some studios to have additional opinions and maybe some final fine-tuning. It is going to be released at the Musikmesse in March 09 and will be shipping at this point straight away."

So, wait and see...

Antares Audio Technologies and Guitar Center have announced the availability of Auto-Tune EFX. Developed through a partnership between the two companies, Auto-Tune EFX is described as an affordable and easy-to-use tool for real-time pitch correction and for creating the "Auto-Tune Vocal Effect" (i.e. the T-Pain / Cher-style effect).

Through the end of 2008, Auto-Tune EFX is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU and RTAS formats exclusively at Guitar Center for $99.99. Additionally, for a limited time, all boxed copies of Auto-Tune EFX include a free iLok USB Smart Key (a $39.00 value).