Focusrite unveils its first independent collection of VST/AU plug-ins; the aptly named 'Focusrite Plug-in Suite'.

The Focusrite Plug-in Suite provides a collection of EQ, Compression, Reverb and Gating VST/AU plug-ins for tracking and mixing. Each plug-in has a host of factory presets, delivering a suitable starting point for a number of popular sound sources.

The Compressor and Gate have been modeled on Focusrite's hardware devices, using the measurement of Focusrite's custom optos to achieve a vintage optical sound. (All Focusrite optos are tuned by ear, just like in the old days of analogue design, ensuring a faithful recreation of those classic vintage 1960s optical compressors.) The Gate also features multiple modes. It operates as a stereo gate and, in dual mono modes, one signal can be used to trigger the gate of another; ideal for a number of creative gating techniques, such as tightening up a bass line.

The EQ module delivers a similar signature to the original Focusrite ISA EQ curves. Focusrite's R&D team worked tirelessly to create an authentic response across the entire audible frequency spectrum. The control layout also mirrors that of the original ISA EQ section; a classic six band EQ, with shelving high and low bands, parametric low mid and high mid bands, and low and high pass filters.

The Reverb is based on classic algorithmic studio reverb designs and delivers a remarkable level of sonic quality for the price. Simple controls over room size, Pre-filter and 'Air' lead you to the ideal reverb sound in seconds.

The new Focusrite Plug-in Suite will be available worldwide in January 2009 from a selection of pro audio retailers worldwide. Contact your local distributor for further details.

EastWest is offering users additional control over the company's PLAY-Powered instruments with the introduction of PLAY 2.0, which adds editing capabilities. The "editor" featured in PLAY 2.0 is the same software that the company uses to program its PLAY-powered virtual instrument collections.

The PLAY 2.0 upgrade will be available at a price of $299 / €149.

MOTU presents a complete rhythm production center for Mac and Windows : BPM aka Beat Machine Production.

BPM combines state-of-the-art rhythm programming technology with playable virtual instrument operation inspired by the classic drum machines of the 80's and 90's. It comes with a 15 GB library and it can sample too.

Overview :
- Complete rhythm production center for Mac and Windows.
- Combines state-of-the-art rhythm programming technology with playable virtual instrument operation inspired by the classic drum machines of the 80's and 90's.
- Provides complete creative control, from recording and programming individual samples to building and arranging entire songs.
- Includes a comprehensive, expertly produced urban sound and loop library for urban, R&B, pop, rock and other music styles.
- Combines drum machine programming, sampling, loops, synthesized drum sounds, multi-sample instrument sounds, mixing, effects processing, song arranging and asset browsing in one streamlined window.
- Plug-and-play support for hands-on pad controllers such as the Akai MPD32 controller.
- Exclusive SP1200 Emulation mode faithfully reproduces the unique characteristics of the classic sought-after E-mu SP1200.
- State-of-the-art environment for laying down beats as quickly as your mind can "hear" them.
BPM will be available for Windows (XP or Vista; 32 or 64 bit) and Mac OS X (10.4 or higher) in VST, AU, RTAS, MAS and stand-alone formats. Pricing TBA.

For more details and mp3 examples, please visit the following link :

Line 6, Inc. is proud to announce the release of Pocket POD Pack.

This pack includes Pocket POD (32 fully adjustable classic and modern amp models, 16 cabinet models and 16 essential effects), a 1/4-inch guitar cable for connecting a guitar to Pocket POD, a 1/8-inch auxiliary cable for connecting an MP3 player to Pocket POD, earbuds for silent practice, a DC-2 power adapter, a USB cable, and a CD-ROM that's loaded with jam tracks and Pocket POD tone-editing software.

Pocket POD Pack MSRP: $209.99

IZotope announces that it is shipping the latest update to its software mastering suite, Ozone 4, on January 30th. iZotope is demonstrating Ozone 4 at the NAMM show at booth 6700.

Ozone 4 builds on the program's reputation for high sound quality and industry-standard mastering tools with new innovations and refinements. iZotope has updated and expanded Ozone's processing algorithms, optimizing them for today's low-latency DAW environments. Ozone 4 features a new Intelligent Loudness Maximizer mode, mid/side processing for superior control over the sound stage, hybrid crossovers, a re-designed interface and a completely updated preset manager featuring innovative MacroPresets. In addition, numerous interface improvements and ease-of-use additions make Ozone even more accessible to music ...