MellowMuse has announced the release of the CP2V Vintage Compressor plug-in.

The vintage styled CP2V is a track and program compressor that captures the smoothness and harmonic richness of analogue circuits, in an easy to use package. Turning the Compression control gradually increases the compression ratio while lowering the threshold. The Drive level is then used to adjust for the drop in output and to add saturation to the compressed signal.

With ease of use being a primary goal, the preset attack and release times mean there's no searching for the sweet spot. All compression and saturation algorithms are 4x oversampled using 64-bit internal processing for increased clarity and resolution.

Priced at $79, the CP2V is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU and RTAS effect plug-in formats.

ESI unveils the KeyControl 25 XT and the KeyControl 49 XT Controller Keyboard. Here is what they say about it :

"KeyControl 25 XT and KeyControl 49 XT have an exceptionally stylish aluminum cabinet and white solid glossy plastic side panels. They provide four fully programmable endless encoders, function buttons as well as a pitch bend and modulation slider. The keyboards work without the installation of any drivers under Windows XP, Window Vista and Windows 7 as well as Mac OS X.

KeyControl 25 XT and KeyControl 49 XT are bundled with Cubase LE 5 from Steinberg, the amazingly powerful multitrack audio & MIDI software for Mac and PC."

Thermionic Culture has presented the Freebird, a 3 Channel valve EQ.

Company director Nick Terry explains : "We've introduced a new product that can be considered as part of a modular system, in our own unique style of course. The Freebird has 3 channels of broad but versatile valve EQ. The unit is a half rack design but can be put together in a 19 inch rack case with another unit to give 6 channels of EQ.

There will be other products in this format to follow, so

Avid has announced the release of the Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack, featuring all five Digidesign's virtual instruments - Structure, Strike, Velvet, Transfuser and Hybrid.

This pack is available now and carries a USMSRP of $499. Upgrade options for existing customers are also available.

XLN Audio releases Ballad Grooves MIDI Pak.

Features :

• 120 MIDI Files
• 15 Grooves
• 4/4 and 6/8 Time Signatures

Light the candles, slip into something more comfortable and start producing heart breaking classics in no time with the Ballad Grooves MIDI Pak. Included are 120 MIDI files divided between 15 different Ballad Grooves in different tempos and feels, all recorded live by a drummer. Grooves in both 4/4 and 6/8 are included.

The Ballad Grooves comes with seven different variations, for example hihat, ride, sidestick, tambourine specials etc. With these grooves you will be able to create your own complete ballad drumtracks in a couple of minutes and of course you can use the grooves with any drums or presets in Addictive Drums.

Ballad Grooves is an Ad ...