Ultimate Sound Bank has released the USB Producer Pack, a massive library which features more than 26 GB of sounds, instruments and loops, containing more than 50 000 samples, and covering every aspect of music and sound production. So much for figures, here are the sounds that don't have to be introduced anymore, in full version :

- Plugsound Pro : the award-winning global library
- Xtreme FX : the most famous sound design tool
- Synth Anthology : 30 years of synthesis history
- Mayhem of Loops: thousands of useful loops

"These magic collections are the secret weapon for a lot of producers around the world. Now united in one single and easy package." said Alain Etchart, Founder and Director of Marketing at Univers Sons / Ultimate Sound Bank.

Available now for $299, the USB Producer Pack also includes the full version of UVI Workstation.

Thermionic Culture has finally announced the availability of its long-awaited Fat Bustard Valve Mixer.

This beautiful unit has a total of 12 inputs arranged as 4x stereo pairs and 4x mono with pan controls, all with toggle mute switches. The simple but amazing Bass and Treble EQ has 0.5dB stepped Lift controls while there are 6 way stepped Bass & Treble Cut controls. This unit also includes a really sweet and effective stereo width control, a little reminiscent of some vinyl lathe cutting EQ's. Four valves are used on the master buss, a pair of 5965 double triodes, the first half of which is pre-amp/eq, the second half is gain makeup in conjunction with the dedicated 'Attitude' feedback control which determines the amount of THD. The Attitude control can yield a clean signal or add gain and some "valvy" 2nd harmonic distortion. The other pair of valves is the larger 6SN7 double triode connected in parallel to give massive headroom cleanly (approaching +30 dBm).

Additional pair of AUX inputs is also provided for future channel expansion by adding the optional Little Bustard 16 channel expander, which will be due later this year.

Retail is approximately £2800.00 ex VAT.

"Within the last decade, computer-based plug-in synths have gradually overtaken hardware as the primary weapon in keyboardists' arsenal. The flexibility, convenience and low cost of plug-ins certainly cannot be argued. But what if you're a live-gigging musician? You could take a laptop to the gig, but laptops are delicate and generally require external audio hardware for high-quality audio. What if there was a compact, affordable synth module that allowed you to play a range of high-quality plug-ins without the need for a laptop? Enter Use Audio's Plugiator !"

Prime Loops have launched their new website containing an up to date selection of over 20 downloadable sound suites, free remix competitions, and a host of free downloadable music production tutorials, tips & tricks.

The UK based team consists of musicians, sound engineers and technicians, and records in collaboration modern with musicians and record labels worldwide to deliver new content for creative music producers. Prime Loops are offering a large selection of formats that support most music production software and hardware. They have also included a useful function which gives you the ability to choose which format you would like to download a specific sound suite in, before making a selection.

Formats include:

Reason Refills, Wav, Rmx/Rex2 Loops, Akai MPC (compatible with al ...

Apogee has just published a special message on its website regarding Ensemble, Duet and FireWire 800 compatibility with Apple's new MacBook Pro :

"With Apple's recent notebook announcements, Apogee would like to reassure its current and future customers of compatibility between new FireWire 800-equipped MacBook Pros and Apogee's Ensemble and Duet FireWire audio interfaces.

Connection between a "late-2008" MacBook Pro and Ensemble or Duet is made with a commonly available FW800 to FW400 adaptor or cable. The connection of Ensemble or Duet to a FW800 port is fully supported and in no way alters the performance of the interface."

Great... if you can afford a MacBook Pro and you don't have the use of any FireWire hard drive.

By the way, here's a little song I wrote for the little Steve J. :

"You are my FireWire, my only FireWire
You make me happy when skies are grey
You'll never know, Dear, how much I need you
Please don't take my FireWire away"