SM Pro Audio unveils a Beta version ot its new VFX host software for Mac. VFX allows you to load and play Windows plug-ins on Intel Mac. Now every V-Machine owner who uses a mac can configure banks and presets and sync it with their machine.

You can download a Beta version of the VFX Application for Intel Mac based systems at :

Console designer and manufacturer Audient is proud to unveil Zen at the forthcoming MusikMesse. A compact, classic recording and mixing console, Zen combines analogue mixing technology with flexible DAW integration.

Dual inputs provide the mic/line input stage and the DAW return path, offering a flexible system for connecting to a DAW or stand alone recorder. With individual DAW record outputs, mono and stereo buses, auxes, a sophisticated monitor section and an optional digital output interface, Zen allows simple audio connection to the rest of the production set-up.

Key Features :

- 16 or 32 inputs
- 2 inputs per channel
- DAW record output on each channel
- 2 stereo buses
- 2 mono buses
- 4 auxiliaries/ 2 cue sends
- Insert on each channel
- Stereo Bus compressor
- Stereo digital out option
- Moving fader automation
- DAW transport control

Preliminary Specifications :

- Freq response: +/- 0.3dB 20Hz to 20kHz
- THD and noise: <0.005% at 1kHz
- Noise: Mic EIN (20Hz -20kHz, 150R source) <-127.5dBu
- Bus noise (all inputs routed) <-80dBu
- Mic CMRR: 70dB (min gain)
- Max input: Mic > +21dBu
- Line >+30dBu
- Max output: >+26dBu

Shipping date for the first Zen is expected to be July 2009. Pricing TBA.

Sound Technology, UK distributors of Propellerhead's Reason software, are offering a free laptop bag (worth £49) to anyone who buys Reason Premium Edition between the 1st and 31st March 2009.

How it works :

1. buy Reason Premium Edition from a retailer in the UK or Eire
2. print out a claim form and return to Sound Technology with a dated copy of your receipt
3. sit back and wait for your bag to arrive !

Applied Acoustics Systems announces that its Modeling Collection bundle will be expanded to include their upcoming Strum Electric GS-1 electric guitar track production plug-in to be released next April. With this new addition, the Modeling Collection will bundle six Professional Series instruments and will retail for $599.

Starting today, and until the release of Strum Electric GS-1, all customers purchasing the Modeling Collection at the current price of $499 will receive a free copy of Strum Electric GS-1 when it will be released. This prerelease promotion also applies to the various Modeling Collection upgrades.

Visit the Modeling Collection page at the address below for all the details :

SoundLib has released G-Player, the first native Giga player for Mac OS X. G-Player was designed to play the large orchestral sound libraries and supports disk streaming, dimensions, keyswitches and layered instruments.

G-Player is available in VST, AU and Standalone versions for $129. A demo version is also available.