Roland is pleased to announce the release of version 1.30 update for the Fantom-G workstations. This free download adds new content and enhancements to the Fantom-G, including new rhythm patterns, and a newly added Arpeggio Import Function.

New Features :

• Arpeggio Import Function for creating user arpeggio styles
• Enhanced functionality, including independent tempo for Live and Studio modes
• New keyboard modes for RPS and Rhythm Patterns
• New real-time control of multiple sounds at once
• Hundreds of new rhythm patterns and RPS phrases
• New piano patches, Live Sets, and Studio Sets

To download version 1.30 for the Fantom-G Series, please visit the link below :

Cascade Microphones is now shipping the new FAT HEAD II Live/Studio microphone.

The FHII L/S is fitted with a robust 5-micron symmetrical ribbon. The heavier ribbon is perfect for the hostile environment outside the studio, yet the frequency response is virtually the same as it is with the studio version FAT HEAD II.

The FAT HEAD II Live/Studio is available now at the introductory price of $175.

KRK Systems announces they are now shipping the R6 passive studio monitor. The R6 incorporates design cues from KRK's Rokit line, including radically radiused edges along the front of the cabinet.

The R6, like its Rokit brethren, provides a sleeker, more modern look that KRK claims to be as functional as it is beautiful. A key component to the new look is the molded front baffle. This design feature virtually eliminates diffraction distortion caused by standard flat baffles.

The R6 leverages KRK's research and development into baffle design and fabrication. The curved front baffle was engineered to minimize diffraction of high-frequencies, resulting in a sweet spot that is significantly larger than products with square or lightly rounded baffles. The baffle also houses a molded fro ...

Genuine Soundware unveils ShakePad, a virtual multi-effect unit intended for real time sound manipulation via an X/Y pad. It includes 50 different high quality effect algorithms with full stereo operation. Summary of main features :

• 50 high quality stereo effects
• X/Y Pad for multiple functions
• Adjustable release time from 0 to 10 seconds with variable rest point
• HOLD button
• Dry/Wet slider
• Real time parameter display
• Host Automation
• Easy MIDI Learn

ShakePad is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU formats at the introductory price of €21 until August 31st, 2009. The full price will then be €29.

Beginning July 1st 2009 the fully featured vielklang by zplane is now available at a special price of only €199 / $219 (regular price €249 / $299).

vielklang is a plugin instrument for instant audio harmonization, it generates up to four voices from a single-voiced audio input. The progression of each individual voice is controlled by sophisticated harmony progression and voice leading models, resulting in musically meaningful harmonization without any configuration efforts.

With vielklang, you can thus easily generate and prototype natural sounding background vocals and brass sections, modify melodies and single-voice loops in terms of pitch and scale, and experiment with different harmonizations or chords triggered by different MIDI-inputs. It allows you to generate four voices, edit their harmonies and single pitches, and convert the audio to MIDI.

vielklang is available for both Mac OS X and Windows in VST, AU and RTAS formats.