Antares Audio Technologies today announced the launch of the Antares Online Community which is a place where Antares product users (and prospective users) can gather to exchange information, compare notes, and get to know other users from around the world.

The centerpiece of the community is the Forum, where Antares customers can share their musical and recording experience and insights, ask for and offer help with Antares products, as well as offer product feedback and suggestions.

When a user registers as a community member, they not only gain the ability to participate in the Antares Community Forum, but can create a personal home page where they can upload a variety of media and customize to their heart's delight. Whether it's audio examples of their music, videos of performances, or photos of their studio setup, they can easily share with other community members (as well as members of the Antares team). They can also communicate with other members by posting comments on their home page walls or sending private messages.

The Antares Online Community is now live at :

Arturia has announced the release of its MiniMoog V 2.0. This new version of the Minimoog synthesizer emulation includes :

- Advanced automation mode
- A revolutionary preset navigation system called the SoundMap
- New formant-analysis-based FX called the Vocal Filter
- Various improvements to the sound structure
- A fresh bunch of presets
- Bug fixes.

The upgrade is free for all registered users.

Roland has released an update for the OS of its JUNO-G. Main new features of this version 2.0 include the possibility of recording external sources and linking samples to individual keys to then use as pads.

You can upgrade for free from the site's user area.

AcousticsampleS has just released the SFZ version of their latest Jazz Drums sonor Library, DrumTasteJazz.

It does not give access to the scripted features of the Kontakt version, but with minor editing, you can reach the multi mic position mixing and the mapping features.

16bits/44.1khz and 24bits/48khz versions are available. Price: €44.

MOTU unveils more details about Volta, a virtual instrument plug-in that allows users to play and automate modular synthesizers — or any hardware equipped with control voltage (CV) inputs — from their favorite host audio workstation software.

Here are just a few examples of what you can do with Volta :

• Perform MIDI sequencing with external modular synths with sample-accurate precision (if your host sequencer supports sample-accurate MIDI).
• Automatically calibrate and tune oscillators with the click of a button.
Use ramp automation in your host audio software to control filters, envelope generators, effects processors and other voltage-controlled external gear.
• Apply LFOs, step sequencers and pattern sequencers to CV inputs and tempo-sync them to your host software timeline.

Whether you're a seasoned modular synthesizer devotee or simply a computer-based studio owner dreaming of adding that rich, coveted sound only true analog synths can deliver, Volta finally enables you to easily incorporate CV-equipped analog gear into your computer-based studio with all the control, precision and convenience of a virtual instrument.


Volta will ship as an Audio Unit plug-in instrument compatible with any AU host on Mac OS X. Volta can be used with any MOTU audio interface with quarter-inch outputs, as all MOTU quarter-inch outputs are DC-coupled. Compatibility with third-party DC-coupled audio interfaces is also planned. Volta is expected to ship Q1 of 2009. Pricing has not yet been announced.