The french company Two Notes Audio Engineering announces the release of the new firmware 1.26 for their hardware speaker simulator Torpedo VB-101. This new version include three new features :

- Improvement of the audio engine : Load Compensation is now accessible from the "SETUP/audio" menu. This option improve the bass register when using the VB-101 after the power stage of guitar amplifier. This allows a better transparency.

- The Torpedo Remote has undergo few changes, including a faster Loading/Save zone and the possibility to exchange several files simultaneously between VB-101 and the Remote.

- The Torpedo Capture software allows you to "capture" the sound signature of your own speaker cab + microphone and to store it with the numerous other cabinets available.

Two Notes will be at the MusikMesse. If you have the chance to be around, drop a visit to their stand to see "The Beast" you won't regret it !

Devine Machine has updated One Shot Recorder to version 2.0 to support standalone, VST, RTAS and AU formats among other features.

New features :

- Decay knob control
- Multiple audio files Drag and drop to your host or to any folder
- automatic
- AIFF support
- 16/24 bit selection
- Automatic Reorder of recorded samples (peak, RMS, length, date, and note) greatly optimized.
- Interface has been completely redesigned to be larger and clearer.

OSR 2.0 is available as VST, RTAS, AU and standalone for both MAC and PC. It costs €79 and is available as a free update for current customers. Note that a fully functional demo is also available.

More info...

Devine Machine has developed OTR88, an electric piano physical emulation which offers in a few drags and clicks what used to take hours with a screwdriver on a real electric piano.

Unlike sample based instruments, OTR88 physical synthesis provides seamless dynamics and virtually unlimited electric piano models sounds, for less than 10Mb hard drive space and moderate CPU usage. OTR88 gives access to 17 physical parameters fully editable for each 88 key individually (Pickup position, tine harmonic content, tine decay, oldness, tuning, pan among others) through a user-friendly interface. Scala microtonal file import feature has been implemented to complete sound flexibility. It also features 8 MIDI-Learnable FX pedals (Chorus, Delay, Distortion, Flanger, Phaser, Reverb, Tremolo, and Wah) set in an intuitive pedal board.

Near 100 piano presets and 80 global presets have been carefully set by hand to let you access a large variety of lively sounds out of the box. In early development stages Devine Machine received advices from Herbie Handcock himself !

OTR88 costs €229 and is available in VST, RTAS, AU and standalone versions for both Mac and PC. A fully functional demo is also available.

Learn more...

TC Electronic is giving away two plug-ins for the PowerCore platform to anyone who owns both a PowerCore and one of the company's Konnekt audio interfaces. So if you are the proud owner of either a Desktop Konnekt 6, Studio Konnekt 48, Digital Konnekt x32, Konnekt Live, Konnekt 24D or Konnekt 8 and a PowerCore, you can receive both plug-ins – the Fabrik R reverb and Fabrik C compressor – absolutely free !

Fabrik R combines four great sounding TC algorithms in one single plug-in and utilizes Meta Intuitive Navigation Technology (MINT ) to make selecting and adjusting the on-board Live, Club, Plate and Hall Reverbs a breeze.

Fabrik C has all the qualities of a great channel strip, containing as it does is a full-blown EQ, de-esser and 3-band/full band compressor in one single plug-in. Again, with MINT you have total control of all the parameters using only a few dedicated knobs.

If you own a Konnekt product and a PowerCore simply follow the link below to get in touch with TC Electronic. Your PowerCore will need to be registered in order to take advantage of this incredible offer and you will need a TC Account ID. All you then need to do is fill in the form, provide the 7-digit serial number of your Konnekt interface and TC Electronic will do the rest. So what are you waiting for?!

Wacom unveils Nextbeat, a fully integrated professional DJ system, incorporating intuitive touch sensor controls and innovative live performance functions. This wireless portable control unit enables performers to move free from the main device, resulting in more dynamic and energetic live performances, contrasting to the traditional style of DJs performing inside booths.

Wacom is approaching the music industry using its extensive experience of introducing award-winning products to creative professionals in the design and digital imaging areas. Nextbeat is the first product developed by Wacom that is based on its understanding of these creative customers, and the company is using its expertise in interface technology to diversify into a new sector.

Features :

- Nextbeat supports digital formats such as MP3, WAV and AIFF, AAC-LC.
- Nextbeat is a stand-alone DJ device.
- Transfer your favorite sounds - by track or by music folder - into a Compact Flash card by a simple drag and drop.
- One single nextbeat is offering you the performing features of two digital turntables, one mixer, one effector and one sampler.
- It is a 30cm X 30cm record jacket size and weighs approximately 2.7kg.

Nextbeat will be available at the end of summer 2009 with pricing TBA.