SPL unveils a brand new product : Phonitor. The name already implies the key feature: SPL announces that with the Phonitor headphones now become a full alternative to monitoring speakers. To allow for control of sound impressions comparable to speakers in a room, the Phonitor offers new parameters such as Crossfeed, Speaker Angle and Center Level.

Based upon SPL's unique 120 V technology which was initially developed for their mastering product series, the Phonitor aims at high-end users to fulfill highest demands in sound quality. It is SPL's flagship of a new sort of headphone amps they call Headphone Monitoring Amplifiers. The company plans to launch further units in standard technology soon, e. g. a RackPack module.

Availability of the Phonitor is scheduled for May 2008.

Mackie today unveils its new U.Series production mixers with the U.420 and the U.420d. Designed for the needs of todays musicians, DJs and producers, Mackie U.Series provides flexible connections and an intuitive, centralized user interface to ease workflow and maximize creativity.

Each model features a micro-master section with otherwise full-size qualities such as a prominent master volume knob and high resolution metering. Mic or stereo line channel strips with 3-band active EQ, a built-in DI box and RIAA phono preamps allow you to plug-in, and turn up for live sound and recording via integrated stereo Firewire I/O. Ingenious "loop-thru" routing enables you to mix and record analog and DAW playback with a couple of simple moves. Each offers a stereo aux send, headphone out with pre-main level control and self-monoing outputs.

The U.420 4-channel high-headroom stereo line mixer offers 3-band "full-kill" active EQ on each channel, a built-in DI box and a Mackie designed RIAA phono preamp. The U.420d is loaded with 2 premium Mackie mic channels with 30mm faders, and features 3-band active EQ with mid-sweep, while 2 high-headroom stereo line input channels include 2 Mackie designed RIAA phono preamps, 3-band active EQ, a full headphone cue system and a 30mm crossfader.

Both units will be available in the U.S. and Canada in April 2008 and internationally in May 2008. The U.420 will be €249 and the U.420d will be €299.

Line 6 announces POD X3 Pro. Like all members of the POD X3 family, it offers two discreet signal paths. Split your single-input guitar or bass signal through two different amp and effect chains simultaneously to create new hybrids, or use its dual inputs to individually process two instruments—a microphone and a guitar, for example—at the same time.

Computer-based studios will want to exploit the USB 2.0 connectivity provided by POD X3 Pro for multi-channel recording as well as its S/PDIF or AES/EBU Stereo Digital Audio I/O for sending a direct digital signal to their DAWs. For additional recording and processing flexibility, it also includes software plug-in functionality for integration with DAW recording applications.

POD X3 Pro MSRP: $979.99

ArKaos has announced GrandVJ, an entirely rebuilt and redesigned replacement of the famous software ArKaos VJ.

GrandVJ is a live video performance tool that allows visual artists to trigger, mix and manipulate videoclips, animations or live cameras in order to run amazing video shows at clubs or other events. GrandVJ is an extremely potent application addressing the needs of novice and demanding VJs, as well as other people looking for a real-time video mixing and authoring tool.

Key features :

- Dual Synth / Mixer mode
- State of the art multi-threaded hardware accelerated graphical engine
- Real-time access to all mixing parameters
- Intuitive customizable user interface
- Full Midi / Keyboard mapping of all mixing parameters
- Multi-screen support
- Automated Video Generators
- High resolution output
- Upgraded Effects Library
- Support for a wide range of video/image formats: mov, avi, wmv, jpg, bmp, flv, ..
- Flash Text and Animations
- Multiple camera support
- Available on PC/Mac with cross-platform file compatibilit

ArKaos GrandVJ will be released late Q2 2008. A free version of GrandVJ will be offered to all ArKaos VJ 3.6 users who registered their software between March 1st 2008 and the release of GrandVJ.

Universal Audio has announced the web release of v4.10 software for the UAD Family of DSP Card's & Powered Plug-Ins(tm). Version 4.9 includes 14-day fully functional demos of both the new Precision Enhancer kHz and new VCA VU Compressor/Limiter.

For more information, please visit their web site.