Magneto Audio Labs releases the VariOhm which provides the best match between the microphone and mic preamp and enhance audio quality and offer tone choices.

The VariOhm is connected between the microphone and the microphone preamp, either the built—in preamp of a mixer or an external mic pre may be used. The concept behind VariOhm is that impedances of microphones and preamps vary considerably. The resulting impedance relationship is a key factor in determining the sound and tonal characteristics of the audio. The central element VariOhm uses are custom built transformers. These impart much sought after audio characteristics associated with great analog sound. The optimum match is created by inserting the VariOhm between your mic and preamp. The desired settings are easily found by using the impedance control knob and by auditioning with the bypass switch. Different settings for different tone colors and bite are available to fit different applications. VariOhm may be used with all types of microphones; dynamic, FET, Tube condenser or ribbon. Users will find that every microphone and preamp combination reacts differently and the optimum settings will vary.

After two hard-working years, Generic Audio has released the Preceptor, a two-channel, massive sounding, hand made compressor/limiter.

Designed and produced without any compromise, this is a compressor/ limiter, in which the gain reduction is made by a transistor in the differential amplifier circuit with Zener diodes stabilization. According to Generic Audio, it is an ideal unit for tracking, mixing and mastering.

Overview :

• Massive sound
• Hand made and calibrated
• Pure analog design
• 3U rack space
• Internal PSU 115V/230V
• Special power transformer
• Two independent mono blocks
• Ultra stable power supply
• 16 matched Zener diodes in the signal path
• Internal and external sidechain
• Classic Carnhill input transformers
• Input Z switchable (300Ω or 1200Ω)
• Stereo or dual mono operation
• Hard relay bypass
• Compressor and Limiter modes
• Attack: 5ms – 600ms
• Release: 10ms – 10s
• 3 speed modes: fast, medium, slow
• Sidechain high pass filter (OFF, 40Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 200 Hz, 320 Hz)
• Blend function (parallel compression)
• Retro panel meters
• Only gold contact stepped attenuators and toggle switches (no potentiometers!)
• Easy-settings repeatability
• Highest functionality!

Pricing :

• €1925 until 30/03/2011 (free shipping within EU)
• €2750 (Retail)

For more details and audio samples, please visit the link below :

Blue Microphones announces the availability the en•CORE 100i, a versatile dynamic live microphone specifically designed to capture instrumental sounds.

"With the en•CORE 100i, we have taken our stage vocal mic technology and tailored it to instrument applications," said John Maier, CEO of Blue Microphones.

The en•CORE 100i is built around Blue's proprietary studio-grade dynamic capsule, the same technology used in the en•CORE 100 dynamic vocal microphone, but is created with a wider and flatter frequency response to capture a variety of instrumental sounds and a tighter polar pattern to reduce off-axis noise. The en•CORE 100i houses a custom-designed diaphragm and coil windings that are matched to a tuned acoustic circuit and custom-built transformer for low noise and smooth transients. These purposefully coordinated components provide an accurate and consistent sound even at high volume levels on stage.

Small side vents add to the look of the en•CORE 100i while reducing resonances inside the capsule chamber and aiding in low frequency response With a smaller grille for easy placement in tight spaces, the 100i shares the same road-worthy build as the en•CORE 100 and 200, with a reinforced guard ring to protect the capsule, heavy cast zinc barrel for incredible strength, and electroplated and hardened paint finishes for scratch resistance.

Pricing : $89

Twisted Tools have released Buffeater, a real-time, dynamically ordered, granular multi-effect for all versions of Reaktor 5.

The effect works by capturing live audio and storing it in a temporary buffer, which allows for real-time processing of the incoming audio using granular synthesis and other methods. In plain terms, Buffeater allows you take live audio and tweak elements of the sound such as time and pitch, while controlling the signal flow of the effects by the order in which you play. With Buffeater, you can easily achieve stutters, glitch, beat repeat/juggling and/or chopped and screwed effects.

Included FX :

• Stretch: A granular time and pitch stretching effect. You can use this effect to slow down (stretch) your audio and even freeze it, while still maintaining control over the audio's pitch.
• Tape: A varispeed type effect that allows you to slow down/speed up effect while also altering its pitch. This is similar to the effect you get when speeding up or slowing down a tape.
• Slice Repeat: Allows you to repeat fragments of incoming audio and even re-order them on the fly. You can also adjust the speed and direction of the playback of the slices.
• Deconstruct: Takes slices of incoming audio and randomly rearranges them in time and can also reverse them. This effect is similar to Slice Repeat, except that it is more random and also features a 'slide' setting that causes audio to glide between slices.
• Scratch: Classic turntable style scratch effects, similar to what a DJ does with vinyl or cdj's. This allows you to play with time rhythmically with results that sound like 'scratching'.
• Feed Grains: Feed Grains is a granular feedback effect, that is great for creating spatial effects similar to reverb and also to create similar effects to ring modulation. This is a unique effect. Try it and experiment.

Price: $49

Audix unveils the CabGrabber XL, an extended version of its CabGrabber that handles larger size cabinets from 14 – 20 inches in depth.

The CabGrabber-XL enables sound engineers and musicians to conveniently place a microphone on large guitar and bass cabinets without the use of a mic stand.

It is constructed of steel tubing and is designed to be capable of holding microphones that are typically used for miking guitar cabinets securely and firmly in place, including large diaphragm condenser mics weighing up to 16 ounces.

The CabGrabber-XL, which is held on to the cabinet by a tension fit design, works equally well on cabinets with a flat surface or a recessed edge, according to the manufacturer. The tubular arm, which is threaded to hold any standard microphone clip, will rotate 180 degrees and can be locked into position with a thumb screw.

The CabGrabber-XL is available from authorized Audix dealers at a suggested retail price of $89.