VirSyn has just updated its vocoder plug-in Matrix.

New features in v1.2.1 :

- Internal generator can now be used without MIDI note input.
- Line draw mode for channel matrix with shift+drag.
- AudioUnit standard effect without MIDI added.
- AudioUnit mono effect added.

Bug fixes :

- MIDI learn was broken in VST 2.4 / AudioUnit versions.

Matrix Users will be notified automatically about the update and the download links. A fully functional/time limited demo version is available - a Syncrosoft dongle (Steinberg key) is needed.

CEntrance, the manufacturer of MicPort Pro and AxePort Pro, the portable tools for recording voice and instruments to computer with professional results, debuted a new corporate website and the AxePort Pro Video Contest.

The content-rich website features product testimonials and audio samples recorded by leading studio musicians. The audio samples make it easy to hear the clear sonic advantages of the MicPort Pro and AxePort Pro over more expensive products from larger manufacturers. Visitors can hear for themselves why the BBC, CNN, NBC, leading voice over artists and musicians love CEntrance products.

AxePort Video Contest :

To demonstrate the ease of use of AxePort Pro, CEntrance has launched a Video Contest. AxePort users enter to win a cash prize for making a better video than the mock video featured on the CEntrance website. The under 2-minute videos are to be posted on YouTube and a link sent to CEntrance with entry information. CEntrance staff members will vote on the best and award the cash prize. For complete contest information visit :

Audiffex has released a Stomp Box / Guitar Pedals plug-in bundle in VST, RTAS and Standalone versions for both Mac and PC.

Originally released under Audiffex's previous "DSound" brand name back in 1999 when it was one of the first professional software guitar effect solutions, Guitar Pedals is a set of plug-ins for guitar, bass, software instruments, vocal and acoustic instruments. The first two series included 7 and 6 pedals. Now the package contains 36 effects. Additional effects will be added as free updates.

This bundle includes effects such as Auto Pan, Tuner, Auto Wah, Chorus, Delay, Flanger, Blues Drive, Distortion, Exciter, Preamp, Noise Gate, Octaver, etc...

Priced at $99, the Guitar Pedals bundle is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and RTAS plug-in formats.

Scratch by 9 Soundware is the second installment in a series of three sample packs featuring DJ Shiftee, the winner of the 2007 DMC World Championships. This multi-format set of turntable loops are intended to complement the scratching found in DJ Shiftee: Extreme Turntablism. From simple, straightforward scratches which vibe up beats to vinyl madness at breakneck speeds, these versatile loops are effective as both textural and solo elements.

The set consists of 78 loops (1 to 4 bars in length) at tempos 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, and 140 BPM. The 216 MB download includes 78 WAV files (24-bit/44.1 kHz), 78 REX2 files (24-bit/44.1 kHz), and 78 Apple Loops files (24-bit/44.1 kHz).

Scratch is available now for $19.99 at :

AcousticsampleS releases BassysM-S, a Slap Bass sample library.

The bass used for this library is the same as the BassysM-J, a 4 strings Musicman Stingray Bass. It has all the basics you can find in a bass Library plus a lot of articulations like legato, hammers, slides and even autoSlides easy to play on a keyboard or to program in a daw.

Features :

- The BassysM-S bass is a four strings Musicman Stingray bass with roundwound strings recorded at 24bits 44.1khz from the direct output of a tube preamp
- 1.52Go sample bank, no loops
- 12 velocity layers for pops and 12 for slaps separated in two Round Robin Layers
- 10 velocities for the release
- Additionnal string noises, frets noises played randomly, Multi velocity Ghost notes and harmonics
- 4 different play modes: normal, legato, hammers, slides, automated slides
- Playable instrument, everything can be controlled from the keyboard
- Kontakt 2 and 3 format only due to the scripting for hammers, pops, slaps, slides, noises levels, release level. Easy to use Kontakt interface.
- Includes the demos midi files as well as some basic midi files that show the bass functionalities


Special Introductory price: 39€ until March 31, then 49€. It's a downloadable product, but you can also get a dvd shipped at a reasonable price.