Ableton Live 8 software is now available, so it's time to discover its new features and functions through these workshops. An Ableton specialist will be on hand to introduce Live to those who haven't yet seen it in action, with its unique approach to creating and performing music. The workshops will also give existing Live users a chance to explore some of its more advanced features and participate in question and answer sessions.

There will also be various Ableton goodies to give away, as well as exclusive Loopmasters sample disks with over 500MB of copyright-free samples, Ableton free trial disks and much more. Ableton and Novation will also be giving away one of Novation's Nocturn MIDI controllers – worth £90 – at every single event. The prize draw will be open to all those who attend.

Tour dates :

1st May — Sheffield College of Music, 1pm.
8th May — Confetti, Nottingham, 11am.
6th May — Futureworks, Manchester, 4pm.
6th May — PMT, Manchester, 7pm.
9th May — SAE, Liverpool. Multiple sessions starting at 11am.
13th May — Middlesbrough College, 2pm.
14th May — Manchester Walrus (Livetek Event), 1-5pm.
14th May — Sounds Live, Newcastle, 3pm.
15th May — SAE, Glasgow, 1pm.
16th May — Academy of Music and Sound, Edinburgh, 12pm.
20th May — SAE, London, 11am.
21st May — Digital Village, Romford, 11am.

The events are free, but attendees are required to sign up to the workshops at :

Alternate Soundings, aka AL.SO, unveils the M26 which is a new summing module designed to work in standard "500" racks. Here are the specs from the website :

"26 x 2 Summing Module Including insertions pathes

Designed to work in standard "500" racks.
Specs:
10Hz to 120 kHz +/- 0,2dB
THD at 16dBu, 2ch: 0,002 %
Xtalk, 1kHz,+16dBu better than -96 dB
Maximum input level for 1% distorsion: +26dBu

Permits to compress drums separately and to compress differently the main mix

Main mix insertion and output level control

Special feature: Sigma Bus trim in order to have the best level and avoid mix amp saturation when inputs are high level and correlated."

Pricing and availability TBA.

Groove 3 unveils a new training video called "Pro Tools 8 HD Automation Secret".

Presented by Pro Tools master Michael Costa, this comprehensive series goes in-depth into the lesser known but incredibly powerful mixing automation features of Pro Tools HD. You'll learn about plug-in automation, advanced write and capture modes, time saving automation editing techniques, tips and tricks and so much more.

Product Hightlights :

• 21 Tutorials / Over 3 Hours Total Runtime
• For all intermediate to advanced Pro Tools 8 HD users
• Tutorials written by Pro Tools wizard Michael Costa
• Simple to use video control interface for Mac & PC

Next time someone starts a debate about HD vs LE and the only points of difference mentioned are DSP cards vs native power or latency compensation - don't forget the automation ! This is where Pro Tools HD kicks LE's butt !

Pricing :

- Digital Download and Boxd Disc : $54.99
- Digital Download : $49.99
- Watch Online (30 days) : $17.99

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.