Tanager AudioWorks unveils Chirp, a little software that turns a user's computer keyboard into a MIDI keyboard controller.

Chirp combines a photo‐realistic keyboard interface, 10 programmable trigger pads and several controls for easily entering pitch bend, modulation, sustain and note velocity data. The product works with any music or recording application requiring MIDI input or capable of sending MIDI note data. Piano keys are mapped to specific computer keyboard keys, the user can define which keys on his or her laptop are to be used to input notes or chords. The programmable trigger pads can be assigned to any MIDI events, and the mouse (or laptop glide pad) can be used to enter MIDI continuous controller information.

Chirp is available now for Mac OS X and Windows at a retail price of $39.99.

Puremagnetik has just released "Purple Kit", a new Micropak for Ableton Live 7, Kontakt 3, Logic and GarageBand. Designed for funk and hip-hop styles, it is a 3-piece maple drumset. This 500MB collection of 24-bit samples has been captured with multiple articulations, stick types and microphone positions. All parameters are easily accessed with Ableton Live 7 Macro controls or can be loaded as 3 unique kits for Kontakt, Logic and GarageBand. Purple Kit also includes a collection of Live Clips, Apple Loops and Beat Machine Loops for Kontakt.

The Ableton Live 7 version of Purple Kit integrates into Ableton's Drum Rack format and is compatible with both Ableton's Sampler and Simpler instruments. Purple Kit for Kontakt 3 includes a customized "Easy Edit" interface for conveniently mixing microphone levels around the kit.

Puremagnetik subscriptions start at $5.75 per month.

Voxengo has updated VariSaturator to v1.2.

Changes :

- The "Dry mix" parameter implemented.
- Output routing arrangement changed - it is now possible to route the same internal channel to several outputs.
- "Loud noise" issue happening in Reaper fixed.
- A possible cause of a rare occasional crash resolved.
- Cubase/Nuendo freeze after their track level meter dragging fixed.
- Parameter automation freezing in Logic/Mac OS X fixed.
- "Mouse wheel sensitivity" global setting renamed to "mouse wheel precision".

Klein + Hummel unveils two new subwoofers : The O 810 and O 870.

Described as the perfect compliment to Klein + Hummel's extensive range of monitors, they both can be used either as unit dedicated to reproducing the LFE channel, or as a way to provide low-frequency extension and increased maximum SPL for the main loudspeakers. Robust drivers, a rock-solid cabinet, and carefully designed ports guarantee a tight, articulate, and distortion-free low frequency reproduction down to 18 Hz, even at high replay levels. The built-in 7.1 Channel High Definition Bass Manager is compatible with all formats from mono through to the latest 7.1 high definition systems. Eight channels of analog, or an optional 8-channel 24-bit 192 kHz digital input card, ensure flexible interconnectivity for modern studios. Four-mode LFE channel processing ensures maximum compatibility across all formats. 4th order crossovers and flexible acoustical controls allow for seamless system integration. Built-in volume control allows for centralized system replay level adjustment independent of the source, and the electronics can be remote located to reduce cabling.

The O 810 and O 870 can be used in music, broadcast, and post production studios for tracking, mixing, and mastering. They may be positioned next to a wall or flush mounted into a wall, and can be mixed freely in multichannel systems with other loudspeakers from the Klein + Hummel range.

For more information, please visit their web site.

DigiTech is now shipping its new RP500 Integrated Effect Switching System.

The RP500 two special modes : Pedalboard and Amp/Cabinet Bypass. In Pedalboard mode, the unit is designed to turn on and off 5 separate effects with separate footswitches. When in Amp/Cabinet Bypass mode the internal amplifiers and cabinets can also be defeated with just the touch of a single button allowing the RP500 to keep the tonal characteristics of your external amplifiers and rig. When in both Pedalboard mode and Amp/Cabinet Bypass mode, the RP500 is a set of stompboxes and effects which can be altered from program to program, like an Effect Switching System.

The RP500 also includes Cubase LE4. Via the RP500's USB connection, guitars can be recorded directly to PC or Mac, then captured and edited using Cubase LE4's 48-track DAW.

The RP500 is now available with an MSRP of $429.95.