The Sonoris Parallel Equalizer (SPEQ) is a minimum phase parametric equalizer in VST, AU and RTAS format for Windows and Mac. The plug-in is suitable for mixing and especially mastering. It has fixed filter types on each band and band 2 to 6 are connected in parallel. The filters are build in a feedback/feedforward manner to provide cutting and boosting. Band 3 to 5 are constant-Q bells and 2 and 6 are shelves. Band 1 and 7 are low/high cuts and connected in series with the rest.

The main feature is that this eq is a lot more subtle and needs more work to set up right because there is some interaction between the bands. In normal series connected eq's the gains of two bands just add up but in a parallel eq it doesn't. The filters are parallel to each other as well as the unprocessed signal and this makes that if you have for example a low shelve boost and switch on a low freq bell boost too, it just doesn't do much more. You can't easily overdo things, but have to work harder to get it right. Also, the signal path is cleaner because the filters al work on the same input. The filters have correct gain up to Nyquist. The plug-in has a large graphical display that shows exactly what you get. The size of the plugin can be changed to your liking by dragging the lower right-hand corner.

Pricing : €199

The GAIA Synthesizer Sound Designer is a software-based editor application for the Roland GAIA SH-01 Synthesizer. Compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X, the GAIA Synthesizer Sound Designer allows users to access the GAIA synth's entire set of sound parameters visually via a computer. The GAIA Synthesizer Sound Designer is the perfect companion for all GAIA synth owners—beginners, music educators, and pros alike.

Once the GAIA Synthesizer Sound Designer is installed, all that is required is a single-cable USB connection between the GAIA synth and the PC. With the GAIA Synthesizer Sound Designer's interactive interface, users have complete command over sound creation. Every control for the GAIA's three synthesizer engines is represented, while the unique Waveform Display shows the shape of the currently edited waveform in a virtual oscilloscope, providing a graphical representation of the sound.

Owners of Eventide plug-ins now have another month to upgrade to the Anthology II bundle at a discount, thanks to Eventide's extension of the Anthology II Upgrade Special.

Until September 30, 2010, Eventide Anthology owners may upgrade to Anthology II for only $199 (regularly $299). Owners of three or more Eventide plug-ins, or Clockworks Legacy owners may upgrade to Anthology II for only $299 (regularly $499). Owners of two or more Eventide plug-ins may upgrade to Anthology II for only $399 (regularly $649). Owners of any Eventide plug-in may upgrade to Anthology II for only $499 (regularly $799). Plug-ins will be surrendered and MassivePack plug-ins are accepted.

Anthology II is comprised of fifteen plug-ins:

- E-Channel - configurable channel strip with gate, compressor/limit ...

Dangerous Music announced today that it has begun shipping its new stereo 'Dangerous BAX EQ'. The new one-rack space unit is ideal for use in mastering and as a final mix buss shelving EQ.

Built in response to demand from a professional studio community searching for unique sonic signatures, the Dangerous design team took inspiration from the classic Baxandall shelving curves of the 60's and 70's and created a unique equalizer with a 21st century mastering aesthetic. The result is pure emotive expression with audiophile accuracy.

Features :

• Stepped controls for repeatability and identical stereo tracking
• Broad Q shelving with a Baxandall character
• 7-position High Pass and Low Pass Filters--2-pole Butterworth configuration (12 dB/oct)
• 8-position High and Low Frequency Select
• +/- 5dB Cut and Boost controls in 1/2 dB steps

Available now for $2529.

Ableton is focusing on users who want to learn more about Live 8 with its new "University of Ableton" campaign: anyone who buys Live 8, Suite 8, Live Intro or any upgrade between September 1 and October 31, 2010 will receive free online Ableton Live training from selected partners.

Experienced studio veterans, DJs wanting more creative possibilities or those just getting started with music production will all benefit from training in English, German, Spanish and French from these leading online education providers:

- www.berkleemusic.com is offering one week of access to their "Producing Music with Ableton Live" and "Advanced Music Production with Ableton Live" courses (English)

- www.sonicacademy.com is offering 30 days of free access to every Ableton video in their library (English)

- www.audiotechknowledge.com is offering a sampling of both Volumes 1 and 2 of their Ableton Live course (English)

- www.live-courses.com is offering a sampling of both their Beginner and Advanced Ableton Live courses (English)

- www.elephorm.com is offering 30 days of access to a sampling of their Ableton Live tutorial content (French)

- www.dvd-lernkurs.de is offering a special downloadable package containing videos from both volumes of their Ableton Live training courses (German)

- www.microfusa.com is offering the first six lessons of their first-level Ableton Live 8 course (Spanish)

After buying an eligible product, customers will get a coupon that allows access to any—or all—of the training options.