Steinberg has just announced that it has acquired the eLicenser technology of crypto and security solutions provider Syncrosoft Hard- und Software GmbH for an undisclosed sum.

The assets acquired from Syncrosoft include the development team and know-how behind the successful USB and Soft-eLicenser products used by Steinberg and several other companies. Steinberg will offer the eLicenser solutions to third parties, which will continue to utilize the MCFACT technology.

"We're very pleased to open up a new area of business for Steinberg, namely to offer an outstanding eLicensing solution to the audio industry and beyond," says Andreas Stelling, Steinberg's General Manager. "We want to add further services to the existing solution, and in doing so to offer more benefits for end customers. We're looking forward to working with all current Syncrosoft eLicenser customers, and to expanding this platform over the long term.

Steinberg software customers will also benefit from this acquisition, as it will improve the integration of the eLicenser solution within our software products," Stelling continues.

Universal Audio has announced that the next update of the UAD software will bring the long-awaited RTAS compatibility. So finally Pro Tools LE users will be able to enjoy the fantastic sound of UA plugs, what a great news !

As a good news never comes alone, the Harrison 32C and Little Labs IBP plug-ins will also be released with the new OS v5.2.

No release date for now but if you read between the line on this web page, new OS will certainly be out before the end of the year !

Here's a Christmas offer from Modartt upon their famous virtual piano Pianoteq :

"As from today and during December we offer a 20% Christmas discount on our site. Take the opportunity and buy a licence at an attractive price !"

Gauge Microphones, a company created by the mult-platinum recording engineers Chandler Bridges and Rob Chiarelli, has announced the release of their first product : the ECM 87.

The ECM 87 is a large diaphragm, cardioid condenser microphone. With fully-gradient, transformerless design, ultra-low self noise and high sound pressure rating, this microphone seems to be a great choice for recording vocals, drums and stringed instruments, such as the acoustic guitar.

Made in China and tested in California, each ECM 87 is hand selected and ear tested by both Bridges & Chiarelli.

The ECM 87 is available now at a retail price of $149.

Waves unveils the UM225 and UM226 plug-ins, two new stereo to surround processors.

From music to movie soundtracks and beyond, audio engineers are upmixing all sorts of content from stereo to surround, to capture the excitement of today's full, multi-speaker environments. And when the original multi-track sessions aren't available, they have to work with stereo mixes.

Experienced engineers know that in order to achieve optimal surround from stereo, they need to maintain the character of the original mix, including absolute levels, relative levels, and relative positions in space. At the same time, they want to realize the potential of the center, rear, and LFE channels, for a rich, enveloping 360˚ mix.

Using patented center and rear channel extraction processes, together with a unique LFE channel enrichment process, the UM225 for 5.0 and the UM226 for 5.1 deliver improved surround imaging, for a wider soundscape with better separation.

Featuring :

- Profile modes for music and movies
- Enhanced clarity and separation of frontal center
- LFE channel LoAir enrichment with cutoff-frequency control
- Adjustable rear channel ambience and delay
- Intuitive surround graph

UM225 and UM226 are available now for $300 (Native) / $600 (TDM). Note that they are also available within the 360º Surround Tools and Waves Mercury bundles (free for users covered by Waves Update Plan).