Chameleon Labs has announced that the 7802 Opto-Tube Compressor is now shipping.

In the spirit of classic opto compressors, the 7802 is a unique hybrid design of vacuum tube and transformer circuitry combined with modern, high performance components. The 7802 offers smooth, open, full bandwidth compression, while imparting a pleasant, subtle glow to your tracks. The silky attack is achieved via electro-optical circuitry, followed by a robust tube makeup gain stage. Final perfection is presented via the transformer balanced outputs. The 7802 can operate in dual mono or stereo linked mode, features a tube overdrive control, selectable compression (2:1 or 4:1), and a control path HPF for each channel.

The 7802 Opto-Tube Compressor carries an MSRP of $799.

Smart AV today announces that it's latest Tango software now controls Protools.

The powerful large touch screen interface of Tango with its user configurable Virtual Editor, combined with the power of MonARC makes Tango the most impressive third party controller for Protools.

Says Joe Narai, Smart AV CTO, "Like all 3rd party developers we have had to battle the limitations of the HUI/Protools interface, but in the circumstances we are very pleased with what we have achieved. Certainly initial customer feedback is very positive"

Tango has the latest touch screen technology as well as the unique ARC Technology developed for the Smart Console. Tango controls Pyramix, Nuendo, Logic, and Cubase direct as well as Protools through HUI. Discover this incredible control surface through those videos !

Tango is available at a list price of $7500.

Multiple connectivity options are available on the new AES16e-50 PCI Express Card from Lynx Studio Technology. In addition to offering 16 channels of 192 kHz AES/EBU digital I/O via its two d-sub ports, the AES16e-50 has 32 digital I/O channels using AES50 technology.

AES50 provides a bi-directional, point-to-point connection for multi-channel audio and system control over a single CAT5e or CAT6 cable. The benefits include reliable high-bandwidth data transfers, low latency, and low clock jitter. Complete networks can be built using routers with multiple AES50 ports.

The AES50 port on the AES16e-50 provides up to 32 channels at 48 kHz, 24 channels at 96 kHz and 12 channels at 192 kHz. The single network cable also transmits sample clock and control data, making the AES16e-50 ideal for permanent installations, broadcast and live sound applications. Sixteen channels of sample rate conversion is also included on the AES16e-50.

The Lynx AES16e-50 will have a US suggested retail price of $995 and will be available in the first quarter of 2009.

Wallander Instruments has released WIVI Saxophones 1 & 2.

Saxophones 1 (€299) includes the standard saxophone quartet, ranging from the soprano to the baritone :

• Soprano Saxophones 1-3
• Alto Saxophones 1-3
• Tenor Saxophones 1-3
• Baritone Saxophones 1-3

Saxophones 2 (€219) includes a variety of more exotic saxophones, extending the range to the sopranino and bass, and includes rare gems such as the C Melody :

• Sopranino Saxophones 1-3
• C Soprano Saxophones 1-3
• Mezzo-soprano Saxophones 1-3
• C Melody Saxophones 1-3
• Bass Saxophones 1-3

Big Fish Audio brings you the latest addition to their World/Ethnic section with Earth Tone, a warm, enthusiastic library full of diverse and classic ethnic percussion instruments, including the bata drum, frame drum, hydraulic triangle, steel slip drum, talking drum, timbau, hadjini, large ocean drum and many, many more. Add a splash of the Middle East to your hip hop tracks, or a hint of South America to your jazz tunes. Earth Tone is a gateway to all things ethnic percussion.

Contents :

- 6.1 GB on Disc (2.47 GB of 24-bit WAV files)
- 922 WAV loops on Disc
- There are 12 loop performance folders in tempos ranging from 72BPM to 200BPM.
- Format : Apple Loops/REX/WAV/RMX/Acid

Earth Tone is available now at a price of $99.95. Note that an audio example is also available here :