WaveMachine Labs has announced that Drumagog 5 will become available on October 1, 2010.

Some of the new features include :

• Auto-Align 2.0 - A collaboration between WaveMachine Labs and Fraunhofer (inventors of the MP3 format) has resulted in a revolutionary new alignment algorithm.
• Direct Plugin Hosting - Play any virtual instrument from within Drumagog. VSTi plugins like BFD2, Kontakt, and Superior Drummer are inserted directly into Drumagog to allow a virtually unlimited sample palette. (Platinum version only)
• Redesigned graphic interface – Streamlined control and easier sample editing.
• Support for multiple room samples - The Gog format now allows for different room sounds and mics. Simply dial in the amount of room desired.
• Auto Hi-Hat ...

MOTU has updated Digital Performer to v7.21.

Enhancements :

• Audio Pitch Automation Reference: There is now a preference to adjust the reference frequency for audio pitch automation in the Data Display preference pane. This preference defines the A above middle C, with a default setting of 440 Hz.

Improvements, optimizations, and refinements can be found in the following areas:

• Analysis: waveform overview construction.
• Import & Export: importing CAF files; importing Broadcast WAVE files with timestamps; attempting to export MP3 when LAME.framework is not installed.
• Mixing Board: drop and drop of effects clippings.
• Miscellaneous: consistency of commands and menu items; closing a project with the Preferences window open; reporting of missing sound bites when opening old projects.

Building on the success of the M-Audio MobilePre USB, this next-generation audio interface makes it easy to record guitar, vocals, keyboard, and more with pristine sound quality.

The included, easy-to-use Pro Tools® SE music creation software is based on the same powerful Pro Tools application used in studios around the world, delivering pro recording features, effects, virtual instruments, and more to polish your music. MobilePre also provides the broadest software compatibility in its class—from Pro Tools® M-Powered 8 to GarageBand, Logic, Live, Record, and more.

Top Features :

• 24-bit, 48 kHz audio
• two XLR/TS combo jacks and two line inputs
• four top-panel knobs
• 48V phantom power
• includes Pro Tools SE software

Pro Tools SE software :
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Sample Logic presents a powerful collection of morphed guitar instruments harnessed in a remarkably adaptable "core effects sequencer" engine powered by the Native Instruments Kontakt Player.

Derived entirely from true electric and acoustic guitar recordings by guitar guru Steve Ouimette (known for his work on the Guitar Hero franchise) this library is not a traditional guitar sample library, rather, it is an extensive collection of atmospheres, instrumentals, and percussives unlike any ever heard before. Taking it one step further, Cinematic Guitars gives users the power to create and manipulate custom instruments using the first ever "core effects sequencer" designed by Sample Logic and built into the Kontakt engine.

This library is all encompassing, exploring infinite timbres an ...

Modartt releases Pianoteq add-on Xylo (€49) which includes a Xylophone and a Bass Marimba. Simultaneously, Modartt announces two new add-ons collections: Chromatic Percussions (Vibes, Celeste, Xylo / €99) and Rock collection (Electric Pianos, Clavinet, Rock Piano / €89).

Xylophone and Bass Marimba are similar to the vibraphone but are using wooden bars instead of aluminium. Each bar, that vibrates when hit with mallets, is paired with a metallic resonator which is tuned to amplify the sound.

The origin of the xylophone dates back several thousand years in Africa and South East Asia. The marimba appeared at the same time and is today the symbol of Guatemalan music. Due to its huge size, the bass marimba sounds more than two octaves below the xylophone. Very popular both, they are used in various musical styles from classical to Latin and rock.

The Pianoteq virtual copies of these two instruments are respectively modelled after a modern 3˝-octave French brand xylophone and a modern 5-octave French brand bass marimba. Thanks to the sophisticated Pianoteq physical model, they come in several variants and benefit from the recently developed humanization feature which allows varying the strike point, adding to the musician's interpretation a vivid and stunning realism.

Both instruments are part of the new Chromatic percussions collection (including add-ons Vibes, Celeste and Xylo) which is announced together with a Rock collection (including add-ons Electric Pianos, Clavinet and Rock Piano).