Artificial Audio has announced Quartz, a new multi-effect plug-in that turns the simplest sounds into ever evolving rhythmic soundscapes. But that's not everything. It is also a source of creative modulation which can be used to control parameters outside of Quartz such as software instruments, plug-ins or even external MIDI equipment.

Quartz gets its name from the fact that all Line and LFO modulations work to the audio sample rate, ensuring sample accurate parameter modulation.

Quartz effect modules and features:
• Auto - Panning.
• Auto - Gain.
• Two independent Multimode Filters with high quality oversampling modes.
• Tempo-synced Stereo Delay to create dub- and tape-delay effects.
• Wave Shaper to add extra distortion and saturation.
• 4 independent, tempo-syncable LFOs (0.01Hz up to 2.1 kHz).
• 4 unique Modulation Lines (each with up to 200 points).
• Quick-access browsers and a huge library of Presets and Modulation Line templates.

Quartz will be released end of May 2010 for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats. It will have an MSRP of €99 but be available initially for an introductory price of €79.

PreSonus is pleased to announce that the StudioLive 24.4.2 digital mixer is now shipping. Like the 16-channel StudioLive 16.4.2, the 24-channel StudioLive 24.4.2 is designed for both studio recording and live sound, without compromising the requirements for either.

StudioLive 24.4.2 sports the same friendly user interface, robust feature set, and extensive I/O configuration as the StudioLive 16.4.2 but with several significant additions and enhancements. The most obvious difference is that the new mixer provides 24 input channels, rather than 16. As with the 16.4.2, each input features a trim pot, XLR mic input with XMAX mic preamp, 1/4-inch TRS balanced line inputs and unbalanced insert points. Like the 16.4.2, the StudioLive 24.4.2 offers 4 subgroup outputs, but where the 16-channel model offers 6 aux buses, the 24.4.2 provides 10 aux buses.

Expected street price : $3,299

Allen & Heath will be introducing the iDR-64 larger format fixed I/O MixRack to the iLive digital mixer family, offering high I/O capacity and a lower cost alternative to the flagship modular iDR10 MixRack.

The new iDR-64 comprises 64 mic/line inputs and 32 XLR outputs in a 9U frame, and features the iLive 64x32 RackExtra DSP mix engine, providing full processing (dynamics, EQ and delay) for all 64 channels and 32 mixes. The RackFX DSP framework provides 8 stereo processors capable of high quality FX emulation of industry classics. Each Rack has flexible I/O routing with EQ and Dynamik FXShaper on every dedicated return.

With the addition of the iDR-64, the iLive Series now includes a total of 6 MixRack and 7 Control Surface variants, which can be mixed and matched in any combination ...

NuGen Audio updated their stereo enhancement and adjustment plug-in to version 3.1.

This update introduces several host specific compatibility fixes and a new input/output level readout function.

Available now, Stereoizer 3.1 is available now as VST/AU for Win/OSX and is a recommended free update for all existing users. The demo period has also been reset for those wishing to re-trial the product.

XLN Audio has announced the release of the Sloppy Grooves MIDI Pak for Addictive Drums and the Free Funk ADpak Trial.

Sloppy Grooves

"Society tells you you have to be perfect. But what ever happened to stepping back, getting lazy and lowering your standards?

This is what the Sloppy Grooves MIDI Pak is all about. Included is 100+ Pop/Rock orientated, not perfect but oh so groovey grooves recorded by a far from perfect drummer. Every beat has a number of variations such as ride, hihat, sidestick and specials for you to choose from."

Sloppy Grooves MIDI Pak is available for purchase in XLN Audio's webshop and costs €12 / $12.

Free Funk ADpak Trial

"Did you always want to get your funk on with Addictive Drums but never got around to buying the Funk ADpak? May is the month of funk and your chance to get down and groovy, for free. Just login to your account, head over to the Product Downloads section and grab your own trial copy of the Funk ADpak. The only requirement is that you have a full version of Addictive Drums registered to your account.

Once installed you will have full access to all kitpieces, beats and presets from the Funk ADpak for ten days. This gives you a granite sparkle Pearl Reference kit with cymbals from Sabian and Paiste. The Funk ADpak contains 400 grooves and 30 crisp production presets. When the test period has expired you can simply choose to remove the Funk ADpak and get on with your mundane life. Or purchase a license to keep the funk going and the grooves flowing!"