Apogee is pleased to announce compatibility with the recently released Apple Mac Pro featuring the Intel Xeon "Nehalem" processor. Apogee has completed a full test procedure for all its Mac-compatible audio interfaces and all tested products were found fully compliant with the new hardware.

Apple's Mac Pro "Nehalem" features higher speed processing, memory throughput plus easy access to three PCI Express slots, benefitting Apogee Apple Users.

Tested Apogee products include :

- Symphony 64
- Symphony 32
- Ensemble
- Duet

All questions regarding Apogee products use with Apple products can be submitted to Apogee Tech Support.

SM Pro Audio unveils a Beta version ot its new VFX host software for Mac. VFX allows you to load and play Windows plug-ins on Intel Mac. Now every V-Machine owner who uses a mac can configure banks and presets and sync it with their machine.

You can download a Beta version of the VFX Application for Intel Mac based systems at :

Console designer and manufacturer Audient is proud to unveil Zen at the forthcoming MusikMesse. A compact, classic recording and mixing console, Zen combines analogue mixing technology with flexible DAW integration.

Dual inputs provide the mic/line input stage and the DAW return path, offering a flexible system for connecting to a DAW or stand alone recorder. With individual DAW record outputs, mono and stereo buses, auxes, a sophisticated monitor section and an optional digital output interface, Zen allows simple audio connection to the rest of the production set-up.

Key Features :

- 16 or 32 inputs
- 2 inputs per channel
- DAW record output on each channel
- 2 stereo buses
- 2 mono buses
- 4 auxiliaries/ 2 cue sends
- Insert on each channel
- Stereo Bus compressor
- Stereo digital out option
- Moving fader automation
- DAW transport control

Preliminary Specifications :

- Freq response: +/- 0.3dB 20Hz to 20kHz
- THD and noise: <0.005% at 1kHz
- Noise: Mic EIN (20Hz -20kHz, 150R source) <-127.5dBu
- Bus noise (all inputs routed) <-80dBu
- Mic CMRR: 70dB (min gain)
- Max input: Mic > +21dBu
- Line >+30dBu
- Max output: >+26dBu

Shipping date for the first Zen is expected to be July 2009. Pricing TBA.

Sound Technology, UK distributors of Propellerhead's Reason software, are offering a free laptop bag (worth £49) to anyone who buys Reason Premium Edition between the 1st and 31st March 2009.

How it works :

1. buy Reason Premium Edition from a retailer in the UK or Eire
2. print out a claim form and return to Sound Technology with a dated copy of your receipt
3. sit back and wait for your bag to arrive !

Applied Acoustics Systems announces that its Modeling Collection bundle will be expanded to include their upcoming Strum Electric GS-1 electric guitar track production plug-in to be released next April. With this new addition, the Modeling Collection will bundle six Professional Series instruments and will retail for $599.

Starting today, and until the release of Strum Electric GS-1, all customers purchasing the Modeling Collection at the current price of $499 will receive a free copy of Strum Electric GS-1 when it will be released. This prerelease promotion also applies to the various Modeling Collection upgrades.

Visit the Modeling Collection page at the address below for all the details :