The brand new VENUE SC48 by Digidesign is a fully integrated live sound system that combines all I/O, digital signal processing, and tactile control into a single console, making it the most affordable and portable VENUE system yet. The console not only features the characteristics of VENUE, including plug-in support, seamless integration with Pro Tools LE® systems, and complete show file portability, it offers several innovative new workflows that streamline the mixing process, allowing you to concentrate on mixing the show instead of operating the board.

Features :

• Fully integrated console offers built-in I/O for stage and ancillary sources, DSP, and tactile control for ultimate portability
• Compact footprint fits small- to mid-size clubs, houses of worship, theaters, corporate events, and more
• First-rate VENUE sound quality provides amazing audio clarity in any room
• Supports professional audio plug-ins for creating studio-quality mixes live
• Pro Tools LE FireWire interface and software included for audio recording and playback system connection
• VENUE D-Show® software, the industry's easiest, most comprehensive control software
• 48 analog mic/line XLR inputs, 16 analog line outputs (expandable to 32)
• Single expansion slot for maximizing output count or adding A-Net® connectivity
• 16 Aux Sends, 8 Groups, plus 8 mono matrixes (linkable as up to 4 stereo matrixes)
• Choice of Left-Right plus Mono or Left-Center-Right Mains bus configuration
• 26 touch-sensitive, motorized faders: 16 input, 8 output master, 1 Flex Channel, and 1 Mains
• 16 assignable, push-switch rotary encoders with multi-segment LED rings enable immediate access to key parameters
• Additional I/O, including talkback, analog and digital 2-track, GPI, MIDI, and Word Clock

VENUE SC48 is available now. For pricing information, please contact your local Avid salesperson or reseller.

For the month of May, McDSP offers a great special. All new Project Studio LE purchases will include one free LE to Native upgrade.

Project Studio LE is $295 and includes Analog Channel LE, Chrome Tone LE, CompressorBank LE, FilterBank LE, ML4000 LE, Revolver LE and Synthesizer One LE.

The McDSP Native product line supports RTAS and AudioSuite formats, and operates on Pro Tools HD, LE, and M-Powered. Special available only via electronic delivery.

Blue Cat Audio has updated all its free and commercial VST plugins for Mac to fix compatibility issues with Cubase 5. The upgrade is free for existing customers and concerns 26 plugins.

QuikQuak has announced the release of version 2.0 of its freebie UpStereo plug-in.

Changes :

• Completely 3D user-interface
• Retains usability of traditional 2D design
• Movable camera and light - alter the mood of the plug-in
• New metallic GUI.
• Overdrive option for saturated distortion effects.

UpStereo v2.0 is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats.

Waves has just released a collection of free presets for the SSL E-Channel plug-in. All these presets were made by Chris Lord-Alge, the well-known mixing engineer who has worked with famous artists such as Green Day, U2, Ray LaMontagne, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, or James Brown to name a few.

The Chris Lord-Alge presets are available for free at :