Steinberg is pleased to announce three new Content Sets for Sequel 2 and all Cubase versions from 4.5. Available exclusively as a download product in Steinberg's Online Store from Q2 2009, the new Chillout, Reggae and Orchestra Content Sets add hundreds of new first-class loops, and take the total number of Sequel Content Sets to ten.

"These new content sets extend even further the range of additional content available for Sequel 2," comments Nadine Roos, Steinberg's Product Marketing Manager for Sequel. "With the three new genres, Sequel customers now have a huge range of first-class loops to inspire new musical ideas. And because they're very easy to use, integrating completely in the Sequel and Cubase MediaBay and organized into very accessible construction kits, the Sequel Content Sets are an ideal way for both Sequel and Cubase customers to explore new genres and spark new musical ideas," Roos adds.

Including the three Sets announced at Musikmesse 2009, Steinberg offers the following Sequel Content Sets: Rock, Electro, Hip Hop and Hip Hop 2, 80s Pop, Industrial, Funk, Chillout, Reggae and Orchestra. Each Sequel Content Set features between 200 and 350 outstanding loops by leading content producers.

Denon unveils the DN-X1700, a new digital mixer with performance features, solid sound quality, control and 32-bit digital analogue conversion.

The DN-X1700 is a four-channel tabletop mixer with rubberised knobs, 60mm Alps K Series channel faders, 45mm FLEX cross fader, a color LCD display, extended 24-point LED channel and output metering, and LED ring metering around the control knobs.

In operation, the principal features related to the power and flexibility of the DN-X1700 are its Matrix Input Assignment with digital input and MIDI/USB audio, independent and parametric three-band EQ with Kill on each channel, and dual independent EFX processors.

The two EFX processors are located together, with the 3.5-inch TFT colour LCD positioned directly above, for ease of operation. One or ...

Myst Sonic has released Crystal Mirage, a new sample library fo Kontakt.

This instrument patch is sampled from pure white crystal piece with different style mics separated by each L and R channels, in Myst Sonic's test, that sounds more chorus and warm. In studio you can re-mix L & R as two seperated channels to get best result. In fact, the crystal sounds are at very high frequency range, and that makes sound so stiff, for purpose of more realistic harmony sound feel, Myst Sonic add another wood body-like harmony sample to layer with, and that makes sound even dramatic touch for musicians to use.

Specifications :

- Sample with pure white crystal piece.
- 24 bits 48 khz sample recorded by using dual microphones .
- Layer with adjustable body size samples.
- Internal panel effect available.

Crystal Mirage is available now at a price of €49. Note that audio examples are also available at :

Tascam, a division of TEAC America, Inc. and Garritan Corporation announced the completion of the sale of technology assets relating to GigaStudio, Gigasampler, GVI, Gigapulse and all Giga products.

Gigasampler revolutionized the music industry when it was introduced in 1999 and its importance in the music world cannot be overstated. Giga products enjoy exclusive rights to Endless Wave technology, a patented system which allows large samples to be streamed directly from the hard drive with low latency. Giga became the professional's sampler of choice for many film, game and television composers, including many high-profile musicians.Giga has led the industry throughout the past decade. Garritan also has a history with Giga, and the Giga technology fits into Garritan's mission to revolutionize music technology and provide musicians with the tools needed to make great music.

"After reviewing over twenty companies, we believe that Garritan is the best candidate to carry on development of the Giga platform", stated Derek Davis, EVP/COO of TEAC America, Inc.. "Garritan has demonstrated a sincere interest in building on the present Giga technology and taking it to the next level."

"We're very excited about this opportunity and proud to own some of the very best sampling technologies on the planet" said Gary Garritan. "Acquiring the Giga technology helps us achieve our vision of providing the best tools to make great music available to all musicians.""

Garritan will be announcing its plan for the assets in the coming months.

SPL has a "little" gift for you, Free Ranger, a free EQ plug-in which offers 4 bands and 4 preset slots.

Free Ranger is now available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU and RTAS formats.