Here is a great news from BigTick : except for their virtual synth Rhino (which has just been updated to v2.05), all other previously commercial BigTick products are now freeware. It includes the following plug-ins :

• Angelina
• EP-Station
• EP-Phazer
• Rainbow

Note that registration on BigTick's website is required to access the downloads.

Syflex has released Sylfid-f2, a new physical modeling string virtual instrument that models a musical instrument that has two strings per note.

Sylfid-f2 doesn't use any samples: everything is computed using a fast simulation algorithm. It computes the propagation of waves on the strings, and converts them to sounds in real time. This allows creation of sounds that exhibit real-life properties like long decays, without any samples, no loops and no reverb.

The material of the strings can be changed continuously from metal to plastic.

Sylfid-f2 costs $20 and is available for Windows and Mac OS X (Intel only) as a VST instrument plug-in.

Xfer Records has announced the upcoming release of Nerve, a new software drum machine that brings powerful beat creation and manipulation to your host sequencer.

Nerve was designed and coded by veteran dance music producers, with a diverse sample library included from many of today's top sound designers. Create your own beats entirely from scratch using sounds you already have (AIF/WAV/REX/RX2/AKAI .SND), or utilize the factory-included Drum Kits, Presets, Patterns, and Sounds.

Features:

• Powerful Internal Step Sequencer: Nerve has an ergonomic mouse-driven Step Sequencer which allows you to program beats visually or by clicking rhythmically, with minimal mousing.
• Compact, hassle-free interface: Everything you frequently want to control is instantly accessible in Ne ...

Line 6 has released the POD X3 V2.0, a free software update that delivers a collection of additional effects to all Line 6 POD X3 products.

POD X3 V2.0 delivers 12 additional, fully adjustable effect models to all POD X3 products, including POD X3, POD X3 Live, and POD X3 Pro. The update increases the effect model count of each product to a generous 110.

A wide variety of effects are available through the update, including a number of tremolos, shifters, phasers, a delay and an inspiring vocoder. Each effect model is based on a sought-after stompbox or piece of classic rack gear.

POD X3 V2.0 is available now and is a free update.

Kel Audio has announced the Song Sparrow, a new studio-grade condenser microphone tailored for modern vocal recording.

The Song Sparrow is built with premium electronics and sticks with the Kel philosophy of using simple designs coupled with high quality parts, in order to keep the mic affordable. The mic features a one-inch side-terminated cardioid capsule with an open airy top end response. The circuitry is designed to offer high headroom and good transient response for maximum vocal clarity and presence and avoids the use of inexpensive tubes or transformers which can add edgy distortion.

Specifications:

• Element: 1" Side-terminated condenser capsule
• Polar Pattern: "Cardioid"
• Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
• Sensitivity: -38+/-2dB (0dB=1V/Pa at 1kHz)
• Output Impedance: 55 Ohms +/-30% (at 1kHz)
• Equivalent Noise Level: <14dB A
• S/N Ratio: 80dB
• Max. Input SPL: 132dB (at 1kHz=1% T.H.D)
• Body Dimensions: 48x178mm

The mic is expected to ship in early April and retail for $349 USD. Customers may pre-order and reserve the mic at a $50 discount.