This year's AES show in San Francisco sees the launch of Focusrite's new multi-channel firewire audio interface, the Saffire PRO 40.

Features :

- Eight High Quality Focusrite Pre-amps
- High Quality 24-bit/96kHz Firewire Interface
- High Quality A-D / D-A Conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology
- Total I/O Count of 20 Inputs and 20 Outputs
- Unique Loop-Back facility for routing audio between software applications via Saffire PRO 40 Control.
- Suite of Focusrite VST/AU plug-ins (Compression, Reverb, Gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins).
- Two separate headphone buses with independent level control available on the front panel.
- Saffire Pro 40 Control Zero-latency DSP Mixer/Router (18 x 16 DSP mixer).
- Unmatched routing flexibility. The user is able to route any input signal or DAW output, or a mix of both, to any of the 20 outputs.

Saffire Pro 40 will be shipping worldwide, October 2008. For pricing details, please contact your local Focusrite distributor.

Telefunken USA have relaunched the U48 large-diaphragm tube microphone, over 50 years after it was first introduced by the original company. The U48 is almost identical to the legendary U47, the only difference being in the choice of polar patterns on offer: the U47 operates in cardioid and omni modes, while the U48 has cardioid and figure-of-eight patterns.

Like their U47, Telefunken USA's U48 ships in a smart briefcase, which safely houses the bulky power supply, a shockmount and the cable.

Arturia has finally announced that their long-awaited first hardware synthesizer, the Origin, is now shipping.

"We are extremely proud to be shipping Origin", says Frédéric Brun, President of Arturia. "The project has taken much longer than we initially thought and, since we had announced the product early, Origin has been eagerly awaited by the market. In the end, taking more time has proven necessary to foster quality and details."

Origin is available now at a retail price of $3200 / €2490.

Analogue Tube unveils the AT-101, a faithful recreation of the original Fairchild 670 stereo limiter.

The AT-101 is built using traditional point-to-point wiring methods and standard turret component mounts. The audio path and power supply are completely free from any printed circuit boards. The AT-101 like the original Fairchild 670 has been assembled completely by hand and uses high quality modern components. The tube complement is exactly the same, using a new generation 6386 remote cut-off triode developed to replace the original 50 year old tube types many of which were used in the Fairchild 670.

Whilst most of the AT-101 is the same as the original there have been a few minor changes to the front panel and electronics, the Lateral/Vertical switch has been replaced with a Stereo Link switch, and a power supply alteration made allowing controlled heater voltage switch-on to help maintain the life of critical tubes on power up. A simple electronic traffic light system monitoring temperature has been added.

The AT-101 is available for £11,500 ex VAT ( $20350 / €14700 approx.). All production models come with a choice of front panel colours finished in enamel. Each unit is shipped with a fully protective foamed-out Peli road case with wheels as standard. There is a 6 week lead time.

Digidesign today announced Pro Tools 8. In their own words :

" Meet the new Pro Tools® 8 — the most advanced audio creation and production software, featuring a gorgeous new interface; dozens of new plug-ins; five new virtual instruments; exciting new scoring, MIDI, editing, and mixing capabilities; deeper controller integration; improved ease of installation and use; and enhanced performance. With Pro Tools 8, you get the most comprehensive music and sound creation features and functionality, and the proven, dedicated platform for world-class audio production — all in a single application. Pro Tools 8 is coming soon for Pro Tools|HD®, Pro Tools LE®, and Pro Tools M-Powered systems, so get ready — you'll never work with audio the same way again.

Features :

- Stunning New Look and ...