Kenton has just released Merge 4, a 4-way MIDI merge box. As far as the Merge 4 goes it really doesn't get more straightforward – take four opto-isolated MIDI Ins, merge the four streams of data and deliver the combined results to two MIDI Outs (both carry identical MIDI data).

Features :
- 4 x opto-isolated MIDI In
- 2 x opto-isolated MIDI OUT (both carry identical MIDI data)
- Merges all MIDI data – including SysEx and Clock
- DC power input jack 2.1mm (centre +ve)
- Power indicator light
- 9V unregulated power supply included (UK, EU and USA types available)

Kenton Merge 4 is available now at a retail price of £74.97 (inc VAT).

VirSyn has just updated Matrix Vocoder to v1.1.

New features :

- VST3 Compatibility with Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo 4.1.2.
- Sidechain input with VST3 for Cubase/Nuendo 4.1.2
- Polyphonic internal generator.
- Pitchbend for internal generator.

Special introductory offer extended

Until February 15th, 2008 you can buy Matrix for only €129 instead of €199.

Alesis introduces the SR-18 their new drum machine inspired by the SR-16 . With sounds from Hip-Hop to Country, the SR-18 includes a reverb, an équalizer, a compressor and works with the power supply or battery.

Features :

- 32Mo Sound bank
- Integrated effects
- works on AC or battery
- Patterns can be launched from the pads
- Mute and solo function for every part

The SR-18 is expected for Q2, 2008 at a retail price 399$.

Eiosis has updated ELS Vocoder to v1.6. This new version brings a smaller interface option which allows using the ELS Vocoder with laptop screen resolutions more comfortably.

You can now switch between both sizes with a simple option, and you need to reload the ELS Vocoder to apply the GUI settings. With the small interface size, you can access the same modules than with the normal size interface, by clicking on the corresponding tab.

Of course this update is free for all registered users.

SAE Institute was founded in 1976 as the world's first audio school. It has since grown to become a network of around 50 colleges in 20 countries offering courses in Audio Engineering, Digital Film, Web Design and Interactive Entertainment. This year they're set to open the world's biggest technology school alongside the very best seats of learning in the UK. Not only will the Oxford campus be the largest SAE Institute to date – more than 14,200 square meters – it's also set to become the global headquarters of the SAE operation, the flagship school amongst the 50 existing SAE Institutes that already exist on five continents.

Based in Littlemore, Oxford, the new campus will offer state of the art facilities with a number of fully residential places available for the anticipated influx of overseas students. SAE is spending £12million updating the old Littlemore hospital for the new campus (a further £8million will be spent on the company's London college later this year). It will have bespoke teaching facilities, individual workstation areas for students, recording studios equipped with the latest technology (including one capable of recording an entire 88-piece orchestra), comfortable student accommodation and an extensive library packed with books, films and other creative new media.