Dangerous Music has announced the shipment of their first units of the DAC-ST, a mastering quality, stereo digital-to-analog converter option for their Monitor ST controller. The DAC-ST is the first available option in the line for the new Additional Switching System (A.S.S) one-rack space expander which can house up to two banks of two cards each, adding four additional functions switchable directly from the ST-SR remote.

Offering mastering quality on-board stereo D-to-A conversion and digital source switching for Monitor ST, the Dangerous DAC-ST option delivers superbly accurate D-to-A conversion, instantly accessed from the Monitor ST remote control. Integrated digital source switching allows the user to monitor all digital sources through the same converter, which is crucial for critical listening, confidence monitoring and level matching.

The DAC-ST suggested retail price is $1199 / €925, and includes the integrated power supply unit and expansion chassis with an extra space for a second user-installable option.

PreSonus is pleased to announce the official public release of the FaderPort native driver for Logic Pro and Logic Express versions 7 or later. The new functionality includes mix/edit/transport window view, write and latch automation as well as improved performance.

The FaderPort is a desktop USB automation and transport controller for computer recording. For more information, please visit their website.

Brainworx has updated its mastering plug-in bx_digital to version 1.1.0 which provides AU compatibility.

bx_digital is a digital mastering processor that provides you with a mastering class 5-band equalizer, De-Esser, Mono-Maker and intelligent Bass- and Presence-Shifters. bx_digital works in up to 3 modes including a sophisticated M/S mastering mode.

bx_digital is available for both Mac and PC in TDM, RTAS, VST, SCOPE and AU formats.

Prominy has released SC Electric guitar, a new Kontakt Player based electric guitar sound library instrument featuring the sound of a Fender Stratocaster. According to Prominy, SC Electric Guitar enables you to compose and create natural guitar tracks that imitate real guitar playing.

Features :

- Over 64 gigabytes - approximately 123,000 samples.
- Real-time playability - SC SPM (Super Performance Multi).
- All five pick-up positions can be reproduced.
- Real chords - extensive number of the 'real' pre-recorded chord samples.
- Auto Stroke Detection.
- Feedback.
- Assignable Key Switch.
- Double-Tracking.
- The lower note samples (low C - low D#) are included.
- Direct signals from the guitar.
- Perfect sampled sounds of all fret positions on every string.
- Picking noises are recorded in multiple forms on all frets and strings.

SC Electric Guitar is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU, DX, RTAS and stand-alone formats via the included Kontakt 2 Player, it costs $399.

Alesis announced the immediate availability of their SR-18 drum machine with integrated FX engine, battery operation and cutting-edge percussion sounds.

Features :

- Large, 32MB sound set with percussion bank and bass synth
- Built-in Effects - Reverb, EQ and Compression
- Battery Power for maximum portability
- Pattern Play Mode enables different patterns to be triggered from the pads directly
- Mute/Solo Function for parts - Drums, Bass and Percussion and per pad within a bank

The Alesis SR-18 is available now with an MSRP of $399.