Steinberg has just released updates for Cubase 4, Cubase Studio 4, Nuendo 4 and Nuendo Expansion Kit (NEK) ; they all go v4.1.2.851.

The new Cubase update includes a range of minor enhancements, and incorporates feedback from Cubase customers. This update also officially supports Apple's Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard operating system. Note that Cubase Essential 4 will already ship as version 4.1.2 on its release.

The new maintenance update for Nuendo and Nuendo Expansion Kit (NEK), version 4.1.2, includes a range of minor enhancements for a smoother workflow with Nuendo.

On top of that, the 4.1.2 update introduces support for the new Euphonix Artist Series MC Mix and MC Control surfaces.

Kenton has just released Merge 4, a 4-way MIDI merge box. As far as the Merge 4 goes it really doesn't get more straightforward – take four opto-isolated MIDI Ins, merge the four streams of data and deliver the combined results to two MIDI Outs (both carry identical MIDI data).

Features :
- 4 x opto-isolated MIDI In
- 2 x opto-isolated MIDI OUT (both carry identical MIDI data)
- Merges all MIDI data – including SysEx and Clock
- DC power input jack 2.1mm (centre +ve)
- Power indicator light
- 9V unregulated power supply included (UK, EU and USA types available)

Kenton Merge 4 is available now at a retail price of £74.97 (inc VAT).

VirSyn has just updated Matrix Vocoder to v1.1.

New features :

- VST3 Compatibility with Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo 4.1.2.
- Sidechain input with VST3 for Cubase/Nuendo 4.1.2
- Polyphonic internal generator.
- Pitchbend for internal generator.

Special introductory offer extended

Until February 15th, 2008 you can buy Matrix for only €129 instead of €199.

Alesis introduces the SR-18 their new drum machine inspired by the SR-16 . With sounds from Hip-Hop to Country, the SR-18 includes a reverb, an équalizer, a compressor and works with the power supply or battery.

Features :

- 32Mo Sound bank
- Integrated effects
- works on AC or battery
- Patterns can be launched from the pads
- Mute and solo function for every part

The SR-18 is expected for Q2, 2008 at a retail price 399$.

Eiosis has updated ELS Vocoder to v1.6. This new version brings a smaller interface option which allows using the ELS Vocoder with laptop screen resolutions more comfortably.

You can now switch between both sizes with a simple option, and you need to reload the ELS Vocoder to apply the GUI settings. With the small interface size, you can access the same modules than with the normal size interface, by clicking on the corresponding tab.

Of course this update is free for all registered users.