Audio-Technica, one of the world's finest manufacturers of audio equipment, has launched an online search for the most entertaining alternative Christmas track.
The online competition is not restricted to any particular type of music so bands, DJs or music producers from any genre have the opportunity of scooping either the top prize of £500 or five runners-up prizes of £100 worth of Audio-Technica equipment. As an extra incentive the first 100 entries will all receive a free pair of Audio-Technica ATH-CK51 headphones worth £30 each.
Audio-Technica is asking people to submit their entries, which can be up to five minutes long, to YouTube (Full details here). The best entries will be shared by Audio-Technica on its social networking channels. Alternatively people can upload their video clips to YouTube and email the link to AudioTechnica@deaddinosaur.co.uk.

Combined with the iRig interface adapter, AmpliTube 2 for iPhone allows users to play, practice and record.

- New built-in one-track recorder with re-amping feature (free update)
- New multi-track recorder with 4 tracks and master FX section with 3 effects: Reverb, EQ and Compressor (available as in-app purchase)
- 5 new stompbox effects: Compressor, Reverb, Parametric EQ, Graphic EQ and Limiter (available as in-app purchase)
- Improved sound quality of gear and cabinets with DSP parts derived from AmpliTube 3 and T-RackS 3 for Mac/PC (free update)
- Export recordings and mixes as high quality WAV audio files or send them by email as MP3s (free update)
- Import songs as backing tracks directly from user iPod library, from iTunes using file sharing or Wi-Fi (free update)
- New SpeedTrainer allows players to slow down/speed up
- imported songs without affecting the pitch (free update)
Up to 50 songs can now be imported (free update)
- New preset naming feature (free update)
- New Setup panel including input and output level controls (free update)
- New scrollable menu for easier and faster gear selection in the FX and AMP sections (free update)

The highlight of Version 1.2 is support for 64-bit operation, which in compatible DAWs brings great advantages: Melodyne can be used on more tracks and process longer transfers as well as being extremely stable in operation. Major gains have been made not only in terms of performance and reliability but also in terms of speed: the detection of the transferred material with Version 1.2 is up to 30% quicker – even in 32-bit operation.
he newly extended list of supported DAWs also applies to the edition Melodyne essential: this, from Version 1.2 onwards, has dropped the "RTAS" from its name, as it supports not only RTAS but also the AU and VST plug-in interfaces and can therefore be used not only with Pro Tools but also with other DAWs. Not only that, but Melodyne essential can also, if desired, now run in stand-alone mode just like Melodyne editor and assistant.
The update to Version 1.2 is free-of-charge for registered users.

Nucleus is a compact desktop unit that creates a comfortable, efficient, hands on operating environment for DAW based Music and Film/TV Post production.

Some features:
- HUI & MCU control; compatible with ProTools®, Logic®, Cubase/Nuendo® and all major DAW applications
- Switch between 3 connected DAW's with a single button press
- Two banks of 8 channel controls plus centre section controls
- Touch sensitive 100mm motorised faders
- Digital Scribble Strips with assignable V-Pots and soft keys
- SD card for non volatile project storage
- Four USB sockets for use as a 4 port USB hub
£3000 + VAT or $4999 + VAT.

Club Bizarre is the latest release from the Prime Loops Team.

Focusing on the immensely popular progressive and tech genres, this release contains over 200 "stylish tech drums, cutting synth hooks and pumping electro bass loops, including a section of "Freak Loops" for adding intrigue and individuality to your tracks. Sex up your sound with gated synths, kicking beats, vocoder-processed rhythmic phrases and stimulating nu-school basslines!"
Formats: .WAV, Acid Loops, Akai MPC, Apple Loops, FL Studio, Garageband, Rex2 Loops, Roland Fantom X, Roland MC909, Roland MV8000, Roland MV8800