Shure unveils two new condenser micorphones which are their first USB mic : the PG27USB and the PG42USB.

Designed with a flat frequency response and high SPL handling, the PG27USB naturally reproduces a wide variety of acoustic, amplified and vocal sound sources - with professional clarity and guaranteed "Plug and Play" Shure quality.

The PG42USB features a large, cardioid diaphragm tailored with high sensitivity to clearly reproduce refined performances. The voice-tailored frequency response has been specifically engineered to capture the subtle nuances of lead vocal performances. Also included on the PG42USB Microphone is a high-pass filter for additional control of unwanted low-end signal.

Both the PG27USB and PG42USB Recording Microphones feature :

- Large diaphragm capsule: Provides wider dynamic range, clear highs and strong lows.
- USB "Plug and Play": Connectivity: Allows the convenience of digital recording, anywhere your computer goes.
- Integrated pre-amp with Microphone Gain Control: Allows control of input signal strength.
- Zero Latency Monitoring: For real-time playback and multi-tracking without disorientation.
- Headphone Jack: For monitoring with 1/8" connectivity.
- Monitor Mix Control: For blending microphone and playback audio.
- 16-bit, up to 48 kHz sample rate: For better-than-CD-quality audio
- Zippered Pouch and 3m (9.8ft) USB Cable included
- Stand Adapter included with PG27USB Microphone
- Shock Mount and Carrying Case included with PG42USB Microphone

Pricing and Availability :

• PG27USB: $199.00 retail [$238.00 MSRP]
• PG42USB: $249.00 retail [$298.00 MSRP]

The PG27USB and the PG42USB Side Address Condenser Microphones will be available to consumers in spring 2009 and will carry a two-year limited warranty.

Loomer has also announced the release of a third plug-in called Manifold.

Manifold is a harmonizer audio effect that works by splitting an input signal into as many as 20 individual voices, each of which are detuned and scattered around the stereo panorama. Manifold is capable of producing a wide range of effects; from subtle modulations that add interest to lifeless sounds, to extreme detuning that fattens the weakest of input sources.

Features :

- Input audio signal is split into 4 to 20 individual tuned voices
- Process only a specific frequency range by using the highpass and lowpass filters
- Flexible panning allows the effect to produce sounds that can be tightly focussed in the centre of the stereo image, spread between the extreme stereo edges, or anywhere in-between.
- MIDI Learn mode for easy integration with any MIDI hardware controller.

Manifold is available for Mac OS X v 10.4 and above (Audio Unit, VST and Standalone application), Windows XP and above (VST and Standalone application), and Linux (VST, and Standalone application using JACK or ALSA).

Loomer has also announced the release of Resound, a software audio delay effect processor that emulates the sound and operation of vintage magnetic-tape echo units. A controllable noise level allows the right amount of grit, distortion, and flutter through. The Reverse mode adds further flexibility: by playing each delay backwards, Resound can produce unique effects beyond what hardware magnetic-tape units are capable of.

Features :

- Delay time up to 30 seconds when synced to host tempo, up to 2 seconds when not synced.
- Controllable noise level and high-pass filter.
- Reverse mode to produce more complex and interesting delay textures.
- Capable of self-oscillation, even without any input source.
- MIDI Learn mode for easy integration with any MIDI hardware controller.

Resound is available for Mac, PC and Linux in VST, AU and Standalone versions at a fee of £35.

Loomer has announced the release of Aspect, a 32-note polyphonic software instrument. It combines a subtractive synth engine with a semi-modular architecture and simple, clean interface that allows practically anything to be used as a modulation source and destination.

Features :

- Flexible semi-modular architecture.
- 2 analogue-style oscillators, noise generator, 2 filters, 3 envelopes and 3 sync-able LFOs per voice.
- Unison mode allows stacking of voices for bigger sounds.
- Intuitive interface simplifies building and understanding of complex patches.
- MIDI Learn mode for easy integration with any MIDI hardware controller.
- Over 150 presets.

Aspect is available for Mac, PC and Linux in VST, AU and Standalone versions at a fee of £65.

M-audio is about to announce the release of a complete ProTools DJ Bundle. This DJ set will include the Torq Conectiv Pack Vinyle/CD, ProTools M-Powered Software, a Trigger Finger MIDI controller, izotope RX, Maxim and D-Fi audio software and a M-audio Studiophile Q40 headphone.

More info on this japanese website :