Thomson introduces mp3HD, the latest addition to the mp3 family.

The new mp3HD format allows mathematically lossless compression of audio material while preserving backward compatibility to the mp3 standard.

Content creators, the music industry and end users are now able to enjoy the ultimate audio quality experience with the same ease of use as the mp3 format. Users and content owners can organize their music library with the simplicity that they are used to with mp3 files. With the mp3HD format, the music industry can engage in user-friendly distribution of lossless music and audio files. The added file size required for lossless compression no longer being a limiting factor thanks to the continuous increase in Internet bandwidth capacity and file storage size.

"Over the past years, most of the music download services have adopted mp3 as their format of choice. By introducing this new mp3HD format, Thomson enables users and content providers to enjoy ultimate audio quality while preserving the convenience of the mp3 format," said Rocky Caldwell, General Manager, mp3 and Audio Licensing for Thomson.

mp3 is the most famous and recognizable digital audio and music file format. It was co-developed by Thomson and the Fraunhofer Institute IIS. The mp3 format is one of the major assets of Thomson's portfolio of licenses with over 600 licensees.

mp3HD files are mp3-compliant files that include additional side information, which, together with the mp3 portion of the file, can be decoded by an mp3HD-capable decoder. Standard mp3 players can simply play the mp3 portion of the file.

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Auricula Software has announced the release of Meatus, the latest addition to its AU Suite of ear training plug-ins.

Meatus simulates different acoustic environments, such as concert halls, echo chambers, rooms and more... Your source material will sound as if it were actually recorded in a different space. Can you tell which space ? Meatus also simulates different artificial reverbs. Best used on individual tracks, not mixes.

Meatus is available as an AU plug-in for Mac OS X. The AU Suite plug-in bundle costs $8.99.

Audiffex has announced the release of its Gallien-Krueger Amplification plug-ins, the result of the cooperation between Audiffex and Gallien-Krueger, the bass amps and speakers company.

The GK Amplification plug-in is available in two versions :

- GK Amplification Standard includes models of 3 famous Gallien-Krueger amps and several speaker models. All the functions of the original amps are available (Bi-Amp, filters). All controls do the same as their hardware counterparts. One GK amplifier and one GK speaker can be opened simultaneously. The price is $69.

- GK Amplification Pro includes models of 3 famous Gallien-Krueger amps and two independent speakers with selection from 4 models. More amps and speakers will follow. All the functions of the original amps are available (Bi-Amp, filters). All controls do the same as their hardware counterparts. One GK amplifier can be connected to two independent speakers, each of them can be of a different model. The price is $99.

Both versions are available in RTAS and VST formats for Windows and Mac OS X. More details as well as audio examples can be found at :

Plogue has updated Bidule to v0.9685.

New Features :

- Added DSP Adapter feature to wrap groups to run a limited set of bidules at a buffer size of 1 samples (more bidules to be supported, other buffer sizes and sample rates support to come).
- Added OSC Monitor to show all incoming/outgoing OSC Messages.
- Optimized handling of presets to reduce memory usage and fix a few bugs.
- Added MIDI Message Creator.
- Added MIDI Note Off Velocity Remapper.
- Expanded MP Assign to use up to 8 cores.
- Plus many more little improvements.

Bug Fixes :

- AU Version : sample rate change could be missed.
- Integer parameter display not always being accurate.
- Message Remapper : remapping pitchbend doesn't work.
- OSC : using the open command on a file loading audio files in the Mediapool or using the polyphonic adapter crashes.
- Polyphonic Adapter: doesn't transmit some MIDI messages to active voices.
- Possible crash if a VST could not properly initialize itself.
- ReWire Device : added protection against out of range MIDI events timestamp.
- Value List : could load up with incorrect values.
- VST Hosting : some MIDI events coming out of plugins could be missed/skipped.
-Plus many more fixes.

Livid Instruments unveils the Ohm64, a completely redesigned Ohm. Ohm is a real-time USB / MIDI control surface which aims to give digital audio and video performers an innovative interface for performance and presentation. This second generation brings a lot of new features :

• USB Powered
• Bi-Directional MIDI communication
• Class-compliant: no drivers needed
• 75 Programmable backlight buttons for talk-back and interactive performance
• Programmable MIDI mapping allows you to change the MIDI settings on the hardware
• Immersion Gold Platted Circuit Boards
• Anodized Aluminum Faceplate
• Open Source software tools to create your own LED talkback interaction
• Ohm Core software included for MIDI editing, and LED talkback programming
• Cell DNA video performance software included
• Standard MIDI IN and OUT jacks
• Made in the USA by humans
• Available in Aluminum and Wood models. Wood is available in blue, red, natural, and unfinshed so you can stain or paint it any color you want.

Pre-orders will be accepted soon at :