Steinberg announces that its new CI2 Advanced Integration USB Studio interface is now shipping.

The CI2 USB audio interface features two mic preamps with XLR/TRS combo connectors and 48v phantom power as well as a Hi-Z input, allowing connection to just about any audio signal, including large diaphragm microphones, guitars, basses and line inputs. Designed in cooperation with and built by Yamaha, CI2 also offers the AI Knob controller, which assumes control of any parameter by simply hovering over it with the mouse. Another example of the Advanced Integration technology is the "Cubase Ready LED", indicating that Cubase is connected and the system is ready to use.

CI2 also features many workflow features designed to make the entire hardware and software system very easy to use. The A ...

Blue Sky is pleased to introduce its newest critical listening component to its full line of monitoring solutions: the SAT 265 High Output Near-Field Active Studio monitor.

Blue Sky's SAT 265 is a 2-way, tri-amplified, 300-Watt, High Output Near-Field Monitor which features two 6.5" high excursion hemispherical woofers and a 1" dual ring radiator tweeter with integral waveguide, for superior off-axis response. Powered by a dedicated, low-distortion 100-Watt amplifier for each of the 6.5" woofers, it also features a low distortion 100-Watt amplifier for the tweeter. The SAT 265 effortlessly delivers clean and accurate sound with a frequency response of 80Hz to 30kHz +/-3.0dB (200Hz to 15kHz +/-1.5dB) for full compatibility with Blue Sky's SUB 15 Universal, SUB 212, SUB 12 and BMC (Bass M ...

Digidesign is pleased to announce the immediate availability of a prerelease version of Pro Tools software that provides expanded Mac OS X 10.6.x Snow Leopard compatibility to Pro Tools 8.0 users.

Pro Tools 8.0.3pr software is provided as a convenience for Mac-based Pro Tools 8.0.x users who may wish to begin their transition to Snow Leopard before a fully tested and qualified version of Pro Tools becomes available.

Pro Tools 8.0.3pr software is available as a download only and requires Mac OS X 10.6.x and an existing Pro Tools 8.0.x installation.

Steinberg is pleased to announce the launch of a new sound expansion set for Sequel, Cubase and Nuendo NEK: The VST Sound Instrument Set Synthesizers for HALion ONE.

The new sound module offers 142 synth sounds and over 350 MIDI loops created by professional designers for electronic and dance genres including house, electro, ambient, trance, techno and minimal, and also offer range of retro 80s patches.

VST Sound Instrument Set Synthesizers takes advantage of Steinberg's MediaBay and VST Sound technologies to offer all Sequel, Cubase and Nuendo NEK customers instant access to all sounds, previewing of patches in the song context, easy-to-use construction kits and more.

VST Sound Instrument Set Synthesizers is available exclusively in Steinberg's online shop, and costs €29.00/£26.00.

The M-Audio Fast Track interface has been completely redesigned to provide improved usability and lend a sleek new look to any desktop. Simply connect the unit to any computer via its USB 2.0 connection and use the upgraded preamps to capture any audio source in better than CD quality sound.

Customers can record guitar and vocals at the same time, without any latency, and capture performances without the distraction of hearing delayed playback through headphone monitors.

Additionally, they can use the onboard +48v phantom power to connect professional condenser microphones and add studio quality sound to any project. Compatible with most popular music recording applications, Fast Track provides professional results in a compact, portable package.

Last but not least, this audio interface comes with Pro Tools M-Powered Essential.

The new Fast Track is available now and carries an MSRP of $149.95.