API presents a new model of lunchbox : the API Model 500-6B Lunchbox. Basically it is a six position rack designed to accept all API standard 5.25 X 1.5 modules. This allows an engineer the flexibility to bring along specialized EQ effects to any situation: 550A, 550B or 560. The Lunchbox is self-powered, with a rear panel selected AC voltage switch, and a removable power cord. The input/output jacks are XLR.

The Lunchbox comes standard with a +48 volt internal phantom power supply, bussed to pin 15 for interface with the API 512C.

Numark has announced the Mixmeister Control, a controller designed and optimized to work like a true hardware extension of the MixMeister interface but it can also control other MIDI-capable DJ software.

If you already use MixMeister, you will be performing in seconds. MixMeister Control even comes with a full version of MixMeister Fusion software - the perfect way to get started. Individual hands-on controls are included for looping by track, EQ, FX and more with complete control for up to four tracks at once. A massive amount of control is available from its 40 knobs, 53 buttons and a Jog Wheel for fast location management. Finally, automation effects, VST plug-ins and other functions can be manipulated with minimal computer interaction.

In order to commemorate its 25th anniversary, Clavia has created an Anniversary Model Limited Edition of the Nord Lead synthesizer. This collectible model will be made in a limited production run that will consist of only 299 units.

The Nord Lead Anniversary Model Ltd. Edition shares the internal specifications with the Nord Lead 2x and will be easily recognizable with a custom printed front panel and the inverted color scheme on the keyboard. These individually numbered units will be delivered with a certificate of authenticity, signed by Mr Nordelius.

Virsyn has just released TDesign - The Transient Designer, a new plug-in that aims to shape the transient of an audio signal.

The idea behind the TDesign is to give the user direct control over the attack and sustain characteristics of natural sounds. Take a recording of an unremarkable drum kit and dial in some really hard-hitting attack or take a very percussive sound and soften the attack. You can also use the sustain control to work on the decay portion of sounds, and with drums you can tighten up the sound to give a fast, dry decay or you can make them ring as though you'd taken the dampers off the kit.

Unique to TDesign is the ability to shape the transient not only amplitude wise but also with a dynamically controlled 24 dB lowpass filter with resonance control. This gives you the opportunity to change the sound in a way which normally is only possible if you recreate it with a synthesizer.

Features :

- Attack amplification/attenuation.
- Sustain amplification/attenuation.
- Dynamic Transient filtering.
- 24 dB Lowpass with resonance.
- Multi channel capability.
- Easy user interface.

TDesign is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST 3, VST 2.4, AudioUnit and RTAS plug-in formats. A fully functional/time-limited demo version is available. From now until March 31st, 2008, you can buy it for €99 instead of €169. By taking this offer you also have the option to get VirSyn's other effects, Matrix, Reflect and VTAPE, for 20% off.

Prosoniq has announced that they are introducing the 10th Anniversary Audio Unit Edition of their famous OrangeVocoder plug in for the Mac at this year's Musik Messe in Frankfurt.

The 10th Anniversary AudioUnit Edition takes the vocoder one step further by making it AudioUnit compatible and adding a wealth of features that the original product didn't have. The new version is AudioUnit compatible on both the PPC and Intel Macs, doubles its internal voices, incorporates full MIDI control, supports all project sample rates and processes in true stereo. But it doesn't end there: in addition to the features of the previous versions OrangeVocoder 10AE also offers various sound modes each with a distinct basic vocoder sound, voiced/unvoiced detection linked with a noise synthesizer, a filterbank freeze option and a HF passthru mode.

This version will be available in April 2008 at a recommended retail price of €169, Upgrades/crossgrades to 10AE from previous 2.x versions (including RTAS and VST versions) are available at €29.