Native Instruments today announced KOMPLETE 7, a significantly expanded version of its studio-standard software bundle. The next generation of KOMPLETE now combines 24 instruments and effects – including five entirely new products – with over 10,000 sounds and 90 GByte of samples, resulting in a comprehensive suite with unparalleled versatility for music production and performance.

KOMPLETE 7 includes the latest versions of Native Instruments’ acclaimed full-featured instruments and effects, ranging from ABSYNTH 5, BATTERY 3.1, FM8, GUITAR RIG 4.1, KONTAKT 4.1 and MASSIVE to the upcoming REAKTOR 5.5. As the next generation of the legendary modular synthesis studio, the new REAKTOR version adds powerful modal and additive synthesis, a revised user interface, the unique “Lazerbass” synthesizer and many enhancements for both instrument builders and musicians.

KOMPLETE 7 also integrates a wealth of instruments and effects based on KONTAKT, KORE, REAKTOR and GUITAR RIG. Products added to the bundle include the acclaimed ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS vintage drum library, the radical performance effect THE FINGER by Tim Exile, the sampled electric bass SCARBEE MM-BASS and all four electric pianos from the SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS series by sampling mastermind Thomas Scarbee, all four acoustic pianos of the CLASSIC PIANO COLLECTION, the cinematic ACOUSTIC REFRACTIONS instrument and the distinctive REAKTOR SPARK synthesizer.

KOMPLETE 7 also incorporates five completely new products that further expand the creative potential of the bundle: The powerful studio reverb REFLEKTOR with its advanced zero-latency convolution engine; the highly expressive REAKTOR PRISM modal synthesizer designed by NI founder Stephan Schmitt; the performance effects suite TRAKTOR’S 12, derived from Native Instruments’ leading DJ software; the new VINTAGE ORGANS instrument with its comprehensive arsenal of painstakingly sampled electromagnetic organs; and the new RAMMFIRE amp emulation that was developed in close collaboration with one of Rammstein’s guitarists, Richard Z. Kruspe.

On the Mac, KOMPLETE 7 requires OS X 10.5 or later, an Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz processor or faster, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB free hard drive space, and a DVD drive.

KOMPLETE 7 will be available in September 2010 for a suggested retail price of $559 / 499 EUR. An update for owners of KOMPLETE 2/3/4/5/6 will be available for $229 / 199 EUR. Every copy of KOMPLETE 7 also includes an NI Online Shop voucher worth $60 / 50 EUR, valid towards any product from the KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects range that is not included in the bundle.

www.native-instruments.com/komplete

Discuss KOMPLETE 7 in our Instruments forum.

“The MicroBook is small in size but huge when it comes to audio quality,” said Jim Cooper, MOTU Marketing Director. “Our tests show that it matches or exceeds the measured audio specifications of other so-called ‘high-end’ interfaces on the market that cost two and three times as much. So it’s perfect for discriminating users who want quality I/O for on-the-go recording, personal studio tracking, laptop-based DJing, and many other applications.”

The MicroBook gives users a complete personal recording solution for a laptop or desktop computer, with four simultaneous inputs for a microphone, a guitar, and a keyboard or other stereo line level device. The mic preamp delivers neutral coloration and pristine sound, with 20 dB pad and 48V phantom power for condenser mics. Programmable analog, digital, and headphone outputs provide flexible monitoring options.

• 4-input, 2-output bus-powered “plug-and-play” USB audio interface for Mac and Windows.
• 4 x 8 physical input/output channels.
• 10-bus digital mixer to route and mix live inputs with live computer tracks.
• Pre-amp equipped mic input with Precision Digital TrimTM, 48V phantom power, and 20 dB pad.
• Guitar input with Precision Digital Trim.
• Stereo line level analog input (balanced TRS quarter-inch or stereo mini).
• Stereo balanced TRS quarter-inch line level main outs.
• Stereo eighth-inch “mini” line level out.
• S/PDIF digital out (duplicates main out).
• Headphones output on eighth-inch stereo “mini” jack with independent volume control.
• Digitally controlled analog trim for all analog inputs.
• Digital trim for all outputs.
• CueMixTM FX no-latency mixing and monitoring with EQ and dynamics processing.
• 7-band parametric EQ and compression.
• Test tone and white/pink noise generator.
• Advanced audio analysis software tools, including FFT display, spectrogram “waterfall” display, oscilloscope, X-Y plot, and phase torch.
• Industry standard Mac and Windows audio drivers (Core Audio, Wave, and ASIO) for across-the-board compatibility.
• Compatible with all current and recent generation Macs and PCs.
• Includes AudioDesk DAW software for Mac, USB cable, and mic cable adapter.

On the Mac, the MicroBook interface requires a minimum 1 GHz PowerPC G4 or Intel CPU running OS X 10.5.8 or later, and an available USB port. The MicroBook is available now for $269 MSRP.

www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/microbook/

Discuss the MicroBook in our Hardware forum.

Cakewalk has announced the immediate availability of a new Mac Support update for the V-Studio 20, enabling the VS-20 hardware and Effects Editor to be used with all popular Mac-based recording software titles. The update provides Mac users with all the benefits of recording with the V-Studio 20 COSM guitar and vocal effects; and use of the V-Studio 20 hardware as dedicated universal DAW controller. Additionally, both GarageBand and Logic can be further integrated into the V-Studio 20 system using the included custom control surface plug-in included in this update.

The compact V-Studio 20 hardware combines a USB audio interface, stereo microphones, and a basic universal DAW controller that supports all popular digital recording software for Mac/PC via Mackie control protocol. The V-Studio 20 matches the simplicity of a portable, hardware recording system with the power, flexibility, and control of modern computer-based recording. Whether you’re at home or on the road, you can easily connect a guitar or mic to the VS-20 hardware, then dial up genuine BOSS guitar effects and Roland’s breakthrough COSM modeling.

VS-20 Hardware Features

• Stereo USB 24 bit, 44.1 kHz Audio Interface
• Genuine COSM DSP Chip providing zero-latency direct monitoring
• Eight dedicated channels with volume and track select
• Track bank controls
• Full Transport Controls
• One-touch access to the VS-20 Effects Editor
• One-touch access to the chromatic tuner in the VS-20 Effects Editor
• Controls for browsing presets in the VS-20 Effects Editor
• Input selection and input sensitivity controls
• Dedicated volume controls for DAW output, VS-20 Effects and Main Outs
• XLR Mic Input with Phantom Power
• Hi-Z Instrument Input
• 1/4″ Stereo Line Inputs
• Built-in Stereo Microphone
• 1/4″ Headphone Output
• Stereo RCA Line Out
• Two independent 1/4″ Footswitch and Expression Pedal jacks

The free V-Studio 20 Mac Support update includes:

• OS X 10.5 & 10.6 (Snow Leopard) drivers for the V-Studio 20 hardware (Mackie Universal Control)
• OS X 10.5 & 10.6 (Snow Leopard) support for the COSM effects Editor
• Plug-in for GarageBand and Logic to allow control surface support

The V-Studio 20 Mac Support Update for OS X 10.5 & 10.6 (Snow Leopard) is available as a free download from the Cakewalk website.

www.cakewalk.com/support/kb/reader.aspx?ID=2007013161

Discuss the V-Studio 20 in our Effects forum.

IK Multimedia is pleased to announce AmpliTube iRig, the ultimate mobile guitar amp and effects rig system for iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. AmpliTube iRig is a combination of an easy-to-use instrument interface adapter and the new AmpliTube for iPhone app for guitar & bass. Now you can jam anywhere with world-class guitar and bass tones, from the leader in studio-class guitar and bass software.

Simply plug the iRig interface into your iPhone, plug your instrument into the appropriate input jack, plug in your headphones, amp or powered speakers, download AmpliTube FREE for iPhone and start rocking. You’ll have at your fingertips the sound and control of 3 simultaneous stompbox effects + amplifier + cabinet + microphone just like a traditional guitar or bass stage rig. Add amps and effects as you need them — you can expand your rig with up to 10 stomps, 5 amps, 5 cabinets and 2 microphones in the AmpliTube iRig app custom shop.

The new iRig interface adapter is the easiest way to get your instrument’s signal into your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. Simply plug iRig into your mobile device, plug your instrument into the iRig, plug headphones or amplifier to the output and you are ready to rock! The iRig is the ideal companion not only to the AmpliTube for iPhone app, but also works with any other recording, processing or tuning app. Plus, you can also use the iRig with line level signal sources such as synthesizers, keyboards or mixers.

At the core of the AmpliTube iRig System is AmpliTube -- the leader in gear modeling software for professional recording studios. Now AmpliTube for iPhone gives you incredible, ultra- realistic sound and functionality in a convenient mobile platform app. With the AmpliTube for iPhone software, you’ll have an entire guitar/bass rig at your fingertips, comprised of 3 simultaneous stompbox effects, an amp-head plus cabinet and a microphone. With AmpliTube fully loaded, you will be able to choose between 5 amp models (clean, crunch, lead, metal, bass) with full tone and drive controls, 10 stompbox effects (delay, flanger, phaser, overdrive, distortion, filter, wah, fuzz, octaver, chorus), 5 cabinets and 2 microphones (dynamic and condenser).

Plus, AmpliTube for iPhone features a chromatic digital tuner and a metronome. You can also import and play along with songs or backing tracks, and create, save and recall up to 36 presets on the fly!

• Real-time guitar and bass mobile multi-FX app
• Full rig made by 3 simultaneous stompboxes + amp + cabinet + mic
• 10 Stomps, 5 Amps, 5 Cabinets, 2 Mics available
• Import and play along with songs and backing tracks with real-time effects
• 36 presets can be saved/recalled on the fly
• Includes tuner/metronome
• FREE, LE and Full versions available
• FREE and LE versions expandable with a-la-carte downloadable gear
• Same low-latency as Mac/PC system

AmpliTube iRig is available for pre-order from the IK online store as well as from IK selected dealers and distributors worldwide for $39.99 / €29.99 MSRP. AmpliTube for iPhone will be available in 3 versions from the iTunes App Store:

• AmpliTube FREE: Includes 2 stompboxes, 1 amp+cabinet, and 2 microphones.
• AmpliTube LE: Includes 4 stompboxes, 1 amplifier + cabinet, 2 microphones for $2.99 / €2.39.
• AmpliTube FULL: Includes the entire collection of available gear with 10 stompboxes, 5 amps + cabinets and 2 microphones for $19.99 / €15.99.

More gear can be added to FREE and LE through in-app purchase of a-la-carte models with stompboxes costing $2.99 / €2.39 each and amplifiers + cabinets for $4.99 / €3.99 each.

www.amplitube.com/irig

Discuss AmpliTube iRig in our iPhone OS forum.

Line 6, Inc. has released POD Farm 2 and POD Farm 2 Platinum, a pair of AU, RTAS and VST plug-ins built upon the foundations set by their predecessors to deliver extensive model counts, a simple yet powerful workflow and world-renowned POD tone for any digital audio workstation.

“The new plug-ins offer extensive updates and functionality that recording guitarists have been asking for,” remarked Mike Murphy, Category Manager for POD and PC Products at Line 6. “Enhanced routing with flexible DSP, POD Farm Elements, and full MIDI support provide an experience that’s both powerful and intuitive.”

The enhanced routing with flexible DSP (digital signal processing) inspires creativity and allows for a broad range of tones. Users can build Dual Tones, which are dual signal chains that can be played separately or simultaneously. Dual Tones can include up to twenty effect models of any type placed in any order within the signal chain.

Included with both POD Farm 2 and POD Farm 2 Platinum, POD Farm Elements are additional plug-ins that contain POD Farm models grouped together by type. By providing access to single amp, preamp or effect models at a time, users can choose an exceptionally streamlined workflow and a modular approach to Line 6 modeling.

MIDI support offers complete control over POD Farm 2 and POD Farm 2 Platinum via any MIDI controller, including Line 6 FBV MkII-series foot controllers. Intuitive MIDI Learn functionality makes it easy to configure remote control of all amp and effect parameters including model bypass, volume, mute, global tap tempo and more, including tone switching with the new virtual A/B/Y box.

The wide variety of models in POD Farm 2 Platinum (including 78 guitar amps—from boutique combos to high-gain stacks—24 cabs, 28 bass amps, 22 bass cabs, 97 effects and six crucial microphone preamps), and the distilled model set of POD Farm 2, deliver unparalleled ranges of tone. When the tonal variety couples with the refinements made to the sleek POD Farm 2 interface, users can create rich, complex tone presets quickly and easily.

On the Mac, POD Farm 2 and POD Farm 2 Platinum require OS X 10.4.6 or later running on a minimum 1.8 GHz dual G5 processor. Both plug-ins are available for use with either an iLok USB Smart Key or Line 6 hardware. A free 15-day trial version is available for download as well.

• POD Farm 2 for Line 6 hardware – $49
• POD Farm 2 for iLok – $99
• POD Farm 2 Platinum for Line 6 hardware – $249
• POD Farm 2 Platinum for iLok – $299
• POD Farm 2 Upgrade for iLok – $49

line6.com/podfarm

Discuss POD Farm 2 in our Effects forum.

IK Multimedia is proud to present AmpliTube 3, a massive upgrade of the leading guitar and bass tone gear-modeling software. AmpliTube 3 raises the industry standard of sound variety, realism and creative power. With over 160 precisely modeled pieces of vintage and modern gear available in one package, it is the ultimate tone gear collection for players, producers, engineers.

AmpliTube 3 contains over 160 pieces of gear, more than double the amount of other packages, including models from the most sought-after vintage collections and modern day workhorses. You’ll get 51 individual stompboxes and effects, 31 amplifier, preamp & power sections, 46 speaker cabinet models, 15 high-end stage and studio mics, and 17 post-amp rack effects. Plus, with the new AmpliTube 3 open architecture, you can add more packages as you need them, like AmpliTube Fender and Ampeg SVX.

AmpliTube 3 gear models give you THE most realistic playing feel — not just the tones — but the actual dynamic response of their hardware counterparts. Nothing comes closer to the feel and touch of playing through a real rig than AmpliTube 3. Plus, with IK’s proprietary VRMTM (Volumetric Response Modeling) technology, you can add ultra-accurate rotating speaker effects, free dual mic placements, plus room ambience and response to customize and craft your tone.

The better you sound, the better you play. AmpliTube 3 unleashes more creative power than ever, helping you to easily carve new, truly unique voices for your guitar, bass, keyboard, drum and vocals. Our new creative effects let you create sounds you’ve never heard before, and the new “drag & drop” effects’ configuration feature lets you quickly experiment with effects in the signal chain to get that totally unique sound.

Click to zoom

AmpliTube 3 will be available as Audio Units, VST, and RTAS plug-ins, and as a stand-alone application (shown above). The Mac version requires a G4, G5 or Intel processor, dual 1 GHz or faster, 1GB of RAM, and OS X 10.4 or later.

AmpliTube 3 will ship within February 2010 and will be available in the following versions:

• AmpliTube 3 — $349.99/€269.99
• AmpliTube 3 Crossgrade — $269.99/€199.99 (available to any IK registered users)
• AmpliTube 3 Upgrade — $199.99/€149.99 (available to all previous AmpliTube 2, AmpliTube Metal, AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix, AmpliTube Fender or Ampeg SVX registered users)

Additionally, AmpliTube 3 will be available as a complete software + hardware solution for playing and recording in a bundle with the StealthPedal – IK’s innovative, wah-style interface and controller for guitar and bass players:

• AmpliTube 3 + StealthPedal — $399.99/€299.99

Pre-orders are already available from the IK Online Store and at selected dealers worldwide.

www.amplitube.com

Discuss AmpliTube 3 in our Effects forum.

BBE Sound has announced two new audio plug-in packages developed in association with Nomad Factory. The Sonic Sweet consists of three plug-ins based on well-known BBE pro-audio hardware, and the Stomp Ware suite is a digital toolbox consisting of BBE’s eight most popular boutique analog stomp boxes.

The Sonic Sweet delivers three professional and easy to use Dynamics, Enhancement and Audio Enhancement plug-ins necessary for every facet of digital audio production.

• D82 Sonic Maximizer – Heralded as the ‘magic black box’, the D82 Sonic Maximizer naturally restores clarity and depth to any instrument’s sound.
• H82 Harmonic Maximizer – Multi-band enhancer/harmonics generator for adding emphasis to frequencies; from low-end punch to top-end sizzle.
• L82 Loudness Maximizer – A simple yet effective mastering/dynamics limiter that fattens up tracks for a polished and professional finish.

The BBE Sonic Sweet is aimed at studios for tracking, editing, mixing or mastering, and is available via direct download for $149. If you already own the D82 Sonic Maximizer V2, you can upgrade to the Sonic Sweet for $50.

www.nomadfactory.com/products/bbe/sonic_sweet/

The Stomp Ware suite consists of BBE’s Free Fuzz (‘70 fuzz), Green Screamer (vintage overdrive), Mind Bender (vibrato/chorus), Opto Stomp (optical compressor), Sonic Stomp (Sonic Maximizer), Soul Vibe (‘60 rotary speaker simulator), Tremor (vintage tremolo) and Two Timer (analog delay) to warm up every facet of digital audio production.

Stomp Ware is geared towards guitar and bass players, and is available via direct download for $149.

www.nomadfactory.com/products/bbe/stomp_ware/

Sonic Sweet and Stomp Ware support sample rates up to 192kHz and are compatible with all AU, RTAS, and VST host applications including ProTools, Logic, Cubase and Digital Performer. The Mac versions require OS X 10.4 or later.

Discuss BBE Sound software in our Effects forum.

Native Instruments today announced KOMPLETE 6, the latest version of its popular software bundle that has become a mainstay with professional musicians and producers. The new collection offers a veritable arsenal of acclaimed instruments and effects that cover all areas of modern music production, including powerful new versions of ABSYNTH, GUITAR RIG and KONTAKT, at a significantly reduced price point.

KOMPLETE 6 incorporates the latest ABSYNTH 5, KONTAKT 4 and GUITAR RIG 4 PRO versions, which add significant creative capabilities over their predecessors, complemented by BATTERY 3, FM8, MASSIVE and REAKTOR 5. All included products offer comprehensive compatibility for current host software versions and operating systems. ELEKTRIK PIANO is now included within the new KONTAKT factory library, while AKOUSTIK PIANO, B4 II and PRO-53 are no longer part of the bundle due to their discontinuation as individual products. Overall, KOMPLETE 6 includes an assortment of 7,000 individual preset sounds based on 60 GByte of premium sample material.

With its powerful selection of state-of-the-art instruments and effects at only half the price of the previous bundle generation, KOMPLETE 6 continues to mark the cutting edge of software instrument technology, and provides an invaluable resource for all areas of modern music production and performance.

KOMPLETE 6 will be available in October 2009 for a suggested retail price of $559 / 499 €. An update for owners of KOMPLETE 2/3/4/5 will be available for $169 / 149 €. Furthermore, Native Instruments will offer a special time-limited upgrade for owners of any version of KONTAKT or REAKTOR. These users will be able to purchase KOMPLETE 6 at a special price of $339 / 299 € until December 31st 2009.

KOMPLETE 6 will come in Stand-alone, VST, AU, and RTAS (Pro Tools 7 or higher) flavors, and requires Mac OS X 10.5, an Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, a DVD drive, and 4.5 GB free disc space / 65 GB for complete installation.

www.native-instruments.com/komplete6.info

Discuss KOMPLETE 6 in our Instruments forum.

Native Instruments today announced GUITAR RIG 4 PRO, the next generation of its acclaimed guitar studio. The fourth version raises the bar on sonic authenticity with advanced new speaker emulation technology, and further expands on nearly all aspects that sets GUITAR RIG apart as the most capable digital guitar solution.

To bring the acclaimed authenticity of GUITAR RIG to the next level, the new version introduces advanced cabinet and microphone modeling, providing an enhanced organic tone based on latency-free convolution technology. The advanced speaker emulation is also the basis for the versatile new “Control Room” module, developed in collaboration with leading German studio guitarist and recording expert Peter Weihe. This new module allows users to freely mix and match up to eight phase- aligned studio microphones for each cabinet, allowing an unlimited range of high-end studio recording tones.

To further expand its comprehensive arsenal of carefully modeled amplifiers, GUITAR RIG 4 PRO offers two additional tube amp models that include the hot-rodded “Hot Plex” and the energetic “Jump,” both based on Native Instruments‘ sophisticated Dynamic Tube Response technology. The comprehensive arsenal of effects in GUITAR RIG is complemented with two new delay units and two new flavors of reverb, bringing the overall number of included effects to 48.

Musicians who use GUITAR RIG for live performance benefit from the new, dedicated master effects section, which enables popular stage configurations that can now include global equalizers as well as overlapping delays and reverbs. For recording purposes, GUITAR RIG 4 PRO also introduces true-stereo processing across the whole signal chain, which greatly accommodates the usage of the software as a universal effect unit for stereo signals.

To give guitarists easy access to the right tones for every musical context, GUITAR RIG 4 PRO introduces a completely overhauled preset browser with many usability optimizations. With a new layout, faster and more efficient search functions, flexible attributes, convenient sorting and full compatibility with the KoreSound format from Native Instruments’ acclaimed KORE 2, even large collections of tones can be managed in an especially convenient way. To provide users with a versatile sonic arsenal right from the start, GUITAR RIG 4 PRO includes a pre-categorized and conveniently tagged arsenal of more than 250 ready-to-play guitar sounds for a wide range of musical styles.

Further improvements in GUITAR RIG 4 PRO include optimized sound quality for pitch-based effect modules, expanded host automation and controller assignment features, universal MIDI control functionality for the Rig Kontrol 3 pedal board, and more.

GUITAR RIG 4 PRO will be available in October 2009 in various versions to accommodate guitarists and producers of all categories. The GUITAR RIG 4 PRO software will be available for a suggested retail price of $199 / 179 €, and will also be part of the new KOMPLETE 6 bundle.

Further versions of GUITAR RIG 4 include GUITAR RIG KONTROL with included foot controller/audio interface ($449 / 399 €), GUITAR RIG 4 ESSENTIAL as a more affordable software version with a reduced feature set ($99 / 89 €), GUITAR RIG SESSION which combines GUITAR RIG 4 ESSENTIAL with the SESSION I/O audio interface ($249 / 229 €), and GUITAR RIG MOBILE which now also includes the mid-range GUITAR RIG ESSENTIAL software ($119 / 99 €).

GUITAR RIG 4 PRO will come in Stand-alone, VST, AU, and RTAS (Pro Tools 7 or higher) flavors, and requires Mac OS X 10.5, an Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, and USB 2.0.

www.native-instruments.com/guitarrig4.info

Discuss GUITAR RIG 4 in our Effects forum.

Today Apogee introduced GiO, an audio interface and foot controller for the Mac, designed to work seamlessly with Apple’s new Logic Studio and GarageBand ’09. Powered by USB and built into a rugged aluminum case, GiO gives guitar players hands-free control over recording and many new features in Logic Studio, including Amp Designer, Pedalboard, MainStage 2, Playback and Loopback. GiO is also plug-and-play with GarageBand ’09 making it easy for GarageBand users to connect their guitar to their Mac and control recording functions and stompbox effects with their feet.

“Our Mac-only focus has allowed us to offer highly refined, innovative products, and give our customers an incredible experience.” said Betty Bennett, CEO of Apogee. “With GiO, users of the new Logic Studio and GarageBand ’09 have amps, stompboxes, recording control and legendary Apogee sound right at their feet, whether they’re in the studio, at home, or on stage.”

GiO’s instrument input is specially designed for guitar and the 1/4” stereo output offers a true Apogee listening experience. GiO’s five transport control buttons let guitar players record, play, stop and quickly navigate through a project without taking their hands off their guitar. The same buttons can be assigned to functions selected by the user with MainStage 2, Apple’s live performance application. Guitar players can use the five stompbox buttons to individually control their favorite Pedalboard effects in Logic Studio while GiO’s color indicators automatically adjust to match the colors displayed onscreen.

Features and Specifications:

• Unbalanced 1/4” high impedance instrument input
• 1/4” MIDI Expression pedal input
• Line-level, 1/4” stereo output for headphones, powered monitors or an instrument amplifier
• A/D and D/A conversion @ 44.1/48kHz, 24-bit
• 5 Stompbox buttons, dynamically color coded to match software effects
• 5 Transport control buttons, dynamically lit when engaged
• 2 “Previous/Next” preset selection buttons
• Control built into Apple’s GarageBand ’09, Logic Pro 9, and MainStage 2 software

System Requirements:

• Computer: Mac, with an Intel or PowerPC G5 processor
• Memory: 1 GB minimum of installed RAM, 2 GB recommended
• OS: 10.5.7 or greater
• Apple’s GarageBand ’09, Logic Pro 9, MainStage 2, Logic Express 9
• Connection and Power: USB, powered by any available USB port on the computer

GiO will be available in September 2009 for $395.

Discuss Gio in our Hardware forum.

Audio Ease has released Cabinet, an affordable convolution-based speaker cabinet plug-in based on their popular Speakerphone collection.

Audio Ease recognizes that Speakerphone is pricey, and because it is a 6 gigabyte plug-in, there is no demo download either. So how are guitarists going to find out how Speakerphone’s magical combo of a studio recording live room the cabinet, a bunch of microphones and a spring reverb can sound?

Cabinet is the answer to that question. It shows off 5 selected cabs from Speakerphone, a good live room, the best spring reverb and a bunch of mics. All real samples, convolution based, in Audio ease’s award winning quality. Cabinet is not the ultimate shredder pre-amp, but it most definitely is the ultimate final stage for your guitar tone (and it will breathe the real world into your synths as well).

Cabinet is available now as a direct download from Audio Ease. It will run as a 30 day demo after which it costs $59/€49 to continue using. The Mac version comes in AU, VST, RTAS and MAS flavors, and requires OS X 10.4, G4 or better, 512 MB RAM, and plug-in host such as Logic or Pro Tools. Audio Ease recommends OS X 10.5, an Intel processor, and 2 GB RAM for best results.

Discuss Cabinet in our Effects forum.

D’Addario and Planet Waves have released Scale Wizard, a complete guitar scale and arpeggio library for iPhone and iPod touch. Our friends at Audiofile Engineering have developed the application. The scale library comes courtesy of our own by Marc Schonbrun.

Scale Wizard puts a massive library of guitar scales, modes and arpeggios into the palm of your hand. This revolutionary app will help you unlock the secret of guitar scales, modes and arpeggios in any key, for any position on the guitar.

Offering over 10,000 patterns, left-handed view and alternate tunings, Scale Wizard is the most complete scale application on any platform. With an interface truly optimized for iPhone and iPod touch, you can swipe your finger up and down the fretboard to hear ascending and descending scales or tap the screen to hear individual notes. You’ll hear the scales, modes and arpeggios come to life, played by a skilled professional guitarist. Multiple positions of each scale, mode and arpeggio exist, to ensure that you’ll always find a unique way to apply your new-found knowledge.

Scale Wizard has the following features:

• More than 10,000 scale, mode and arpeggio shapes
• Basic Major, Minor, Harmonic Minor, Melodic Minor, Major and Minor Pentatonic, Blues and Chromatic scales
• Modes for Ionian, Dorian, Phrygian, Lydian, Mixolydian, Aeolian and Locrian
• Unbelievable advanced, jazz and world music scales including Harmonic Major, Enigmatic, Man Gong, Ritusen and Hungarian scales
• Major, Minor, Dominant, Diminished and Augmented arpeggios, including 7th chords arpeggios
• User-selectable display of note names, intervals or fingerings
• Left-handed viewing option
• Supports 8 different alternate tunings
• “Swipe to play” functionality
• Switch on “big stretches” for unique, challenging fingerings
• Works in both portrait or landscape mode for the ultimate in flexibility

Scale Wizard is available now for $1.99 from the Apple iTunes Store.

Discuss Scale Wizard in the new iPhone and iPod touch forum.