Solid State Logic is very proud to announce that the Matrix mixing console is now shipping.

Designed to be at the heart of your every day creative process, Matrix is built to meticulous SSL hardware standards, to withstand even the most intensive studio use. Fully equipped to partner your monitors, workstations and outboard gear, Matrix lets you shape your project studio around the way you work.

Key Features :

- 16 Mono Line channels with two separate inputs per strip
- 32 x 16 x 16 insert router for up to 16 external processing devices
- Stereo Aux Send and 4 Mono Sends per channel
- 'Input to Cue Stereo' doubles mixdown channel count
- 'In Line' DAW monitoring with 'SuperCue' headphone mode
- Dual Stereo Mix Busses with summing Inserts and reassign
- 4 Stereo Returns with full stereo mix bus routing
- Stereo digital I/O (S/PDIF, AES/EBU) with SSL converter technology
- Stereo monitoring with independent Main and Mini monitor outputs
- 3 External Monitor inputs with source summing
- iJack front panel Monitor input
- Artist Monitor output with independent EQ and monitor source selection
- 16 motorised faders with multiple layer DAW control
- General purpose MIDI controller mode
- Additional motorised 'Focus' fader for simultaneous DAW/Console control
- Programmable function keys for keyboard key strokes/macros
- New DAW-based MIDI Fader automation
- Ethernet MIDI connectivity and PC/MAC Browser Interface

SSL will be supporting U.S. dealers with a series of Matrix events through the month of July. Product specialists will be visiting local pro-audio stores with a full demo system of Matrix and SSL's other analogue and digital products.

For additional information on pro audio dealer tour dates and seminars, please go to the Solid State Logic website.

HowAudio presents a new bundle which offers 12 Hours of Pro Tools training in 2 DVDs. Whether you are new to ProTools, a casual user or a working professional, "ProTools LE: Essential Training" & "What's New In Pro Tools 7.4" will help make learning easy.

The ProTools LE: Essential Training DVD offers insight into all the ins and outs of Digidesign's industry-standard audio production software. In addition, this nearly 10-hour DVD is full of tips and tricks from engineer Jeff Dykhouse that will increase your efficiency and reduce your workflow. Additionally, you'll get What's New In ProTools 7.4, featuring expert training on the time-manipulation tool called Elastic Time or Elastic Audio as it's sometimes referred to.

The ProTools Training Bundle is available now for $63.92.

RØDE unveils the Procaster, a professional, broadcast quality dynamic microphone, specifically designed to offer no-compromise performance for voice applications in broadcast environments.

Featuring a tight polar pattern and with a retro inspired design, the Procaster combines a traditional aesthetic with advanced technology to create a broadcast workhorse perfect for every application where a great sounding, rugged microphone with superior ambient noise rejection is demanded.

The Procaster is fully compatible with the RODE PSA1 studio arm and PSM1 shock mount, for professional microphone mounting.

Features :

- -Broadcast quality sound
- High output dynamic capsule
- Balanced, low impedance output
- Internal shock mounting of capsule for low handling noise
- Internal pop-filter to reduce plosives
- Robust, all metal construction
- Designed and manufactured in Australia
- Ten year warranty

RØDE introduces the M2, a new condenser mic designed for live performances.

Combining sound quality equal to that of the finest studio microphones, the M2 features a tailored response to reduce feedback, as well as an integrated shock mounting system to minimize handling noise. A locking on/off switch located on the microphone's body provides the switching feature required by singers with self-operated sound systems, and yet can be locked off when used in larger, dedicated operator environments.

Features :

- Live condenser vocal microphone
- Feedback rejecting super-cardioid pick up pattern
- Locking on/off switch
- Heavy duty metal body
- High level of RF rejection
- Low handling noise
- Designed and manufactured in Australia
- 10 year warranty (online registration required)

Musicrow has released Golden Ensembles 2, a massive collection of 38 cutting-edge ensembles for NI Reaktor 5. Synthesizers, effects and creative sound processors, everything is packed, with hundreds of presets ready to be used.

Golden Ensembles pack includes the following ensembles :

- Synthesizers : Cobra, Orpheus, Oberline, Bass Lab, Trancoid, CX, and Blue Crow
- Other Instruments : Piano Magic, Theremin, Brass Machine, Future Bass, Accordion, and Vinyl
- Sound Generators : Chaos
- Classics Processors : Plate Reverb, Tape Echo, Osmosis Filter, Green Tape, Tube Compressor, Vintage Chorus, Mood Filter, Ultraverb, Ultra Chorus, Tape Flanger, Preamp Emulator, Ultra Phaser, DX3, Graphic Equalizer, and Tremolo
- Sound Design Tools : Executer, Magician, White FX, GrainD lay, Electroverb, Drive, Space Boy, Golden Delay and Vocal Modeler

Golden Ensembles 2 is available for €119 / $159. Registered users of version 1 can upgrade for €20 / $25.