Latvian microphone manufacturer JZ Microphones will introduce a new microphone at the upcoming NAMM Show 2009. The BT-201 is a small diaphragm condenser microphone with different changeable capsules offering optional choice of patterns that satisfy the demands of all common studio and live applications – cardioid, omni, open cardioid and open cardioid with pad of -20db options. Also stereo pair set will be available to provide balanced stereo recordings.

The main benefits of this new microphone include easy changeable capsules based on magnet connection, an all metal body which provides high reliability, low self noise and very detailed sound with smooth and transparent highs, optimal presence and natural low end response. Each capsule is carefully tested for all parameters and measured in an anechoic chamber for optimum performance. As with previous models from JZ, this mic has a five year warranty from the date of purchase.

The package, which contains one microphone and three changeable heads, will be available at $635 / €499. The capsule with -20db open cardioid options will be available at an extra cost of $130 / €99. The stereo pair will be available at $1349 / €1059. JZ Microphones also offers the shock mount JZI-7 as an optional accessory at the cost of $104 / €79.

The d16 Group unveils the newest plug-in from their SilverLine effects family - the Redoptor. It's a Vintage Tube Distortion emulator based on typical guitar tube amplifier. Unlike regular amplifier Redoptor has an adjustable preamp characteristic and more control over the tube distortion. It contains also a fully controllable 4-band parametric equaliser.

Release is planned in the end of December but preorder offer for Redoptor should start shortly... Redoptor will be available for 35 Eur (regular price) and for 29 Eur (in preorder period).

Discover Redoptor on 440tv !

Sugar Bytes has just released Consequence - The Chord Synquencer, a new plug-in described as a "chord groovebox".

Consequence is a composition tool which can create chord-lines or whole songs on the fly, but also chords which are played via MIDI can be super-sized using the innovative sound and sequencing engine.

Features :

- 3 sample-based oscillators with independent envelopes and gate selection for overlaying chords with arpeggios.
- 32-step sequencers for chord selection, gate, performance (arp, tie, multi-trigger, octave, glide) and modulation.
- New sound design features like polyphonic frequency-dependent sample rate reduction and oscillator aging.
- Included kick 4/4 kick drum for easy groove orientation.
- Multi-effect with 5 effects (reverse, chorus, phaser, delay, reverb).
- Master compressor (can be driven by 4/4 kick via sidechain).
- Monophonic and polyphonic 5-mode filter (lp, bp, hp, br, comp) with independent gate selection.
- Pattern change via MIDI note.
- MIDI input for sequencing chords in realtime.
- Easy chord creation via chordmaker, chord-recording and manual chord drawing.
- Audio recorder for session recording or for creating loops.
- 100 first class sounds available.
- Split preset system can combine sound-, sequence- and chord-presets.

Consequence is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats with a price of €149 / $199.

Let me introduce you to Try-Sound, the first online Test Station for virtual instruments and Plug-Ins. For the first time ever Best Service and SoundsOnDemand are presenting the possibility of testing virtual instruments from your home anywhere in the world by transmitting MIDI and audio over the internet.

All you have to do to enjoy this service is to register for free at :

Korg has officially announced the microKORG XL. Here's an excerpt of what you can find on their UK website :

"The microKORG range expands with a new big brother to mega selling microKORG synth.

The original microKORG is loved and used daily by musicians around the world – from keyboardists to guitarists – enabling everyone to experience the enjoyment of a great synthesizer. Now an advanced microKORG is available; a synthesizer that lets you generate your own personal sound, packing a cutting-edge sound engine and powerful effects into a compact, vintage-like body. Welcome the microKORG XL

Main features :

- New vintage design is both fresh and nostalgic.
- Korg's renowned MMT Multi Modeling Technology, optimized for the microKORG XL.
-Sixteen band vocoder for voice controlled effects. A gooseneck microphone is included, so you can begin vocoding right away.
- 128 powerful sounds are built-in and ready for immediate use.
- Intuitive sound selection; simply specify the music genre and instrument category.
- Seventeen powerful KAOSS derived effects.
- Newly developed natural touch mini keyboard is compact, yet easy to play.
- Editing software can be downloaded from the Korg website, as well as converted MS2000 and microKORG programs.
- Battery powered for on-the-go enjoyment."

The microKORG XL will be available in early 2009.