Redwirez has announced the release of mixIR2, a high performance, zero latency convolution plug-in. mixIR2 allows you to mix multiple IRs with minimal fuss and no loss of performance as you stack IRs. Mix mics, cabinets, reverb, EQ curves, and more with ease at levels of performance unrivaled by any other convolution plug-in.

With mixIR2, you won’t have to wrestle with busses, sends and the overhead of running multiple plug-ins just to capture your typical two mic recording setup. Throw in a room mic or two, some reverb, a dash of EQ, or reproduce a tube amp’s interaction with your cabinet of choice, all with IRs and all with no performance penalty and no complicated routing strategies in your audio workstation.

You can mix IRs in parallel which is useful when mixing multiple mic positions. You can pan IRs left or right in the stereo field. You can run an IR in serial, which is great for EQ or adding room reverb when used in conjunction with the ability to set a wet/dry mix ratio for each IR. If it sounds powerful, that’s because it is. If it sounds a little confusing, it’s not. Load a preset and start twiddling some knobs, you’ll get the hang of it, “tout de suite”.

Features at a Glance

• Efficient, no-nonsense, drag-and-drop IR browser
• Zero latency, so it adds no delay to the signal
• Run one IR or 30 with the same unmatched performance
• FAST — Lets you run more plug-ins
• Powerful internal routing allows you to mix IRs without messing with busses and sends
• Mix IRs in stereo with pan controls
• Upload, download, share and rate presets on redwirez.com
• 32/64-bit Mac VST and AU, 32-bit Windows VST (RTAS and Win64 support on the way)
• Simple authorization process. We like to keep our dongles to ourselves, thank you
• Neve 1073 EQ impulse responses included

According to Redwirez, mixIR2 outperforms every other plug-in tested by at least 20% (less CPU utilization) when running a single IR. When it comes to mixing multiple IRs, no other plug-in comes close because, run 1 IR or 30, it doesn’t matter. You get the same stellar performance with zero latency. Zero latency means mixIR2 doesn’t add delay to the signal.

On the Mac, mixIR2 requires OS X 10.5 or later in 32-bit mode. On OS X 10.6 or later, the AU and VST plug-in will also run in 64-bit mode.

mixIR2 is available now for free when you buy the Redwirez BIGBox IR bundle, which is currently available as a direct download from Redwirez for $125.

www.redwirez.com

Native Instruments has announced GUITAR RIG 5 PRO, the next generation of its versatile effects studio. The new version expands the comprehensive feature set of the software with additional amplifiers and effects, advanced speaker emulation, and various new creative features that make GUITAR RIG even more powerful both for studio production and live performance.

In a further addition to its carefully selected arsenal of authentically modeled guitar amplifiers, GUITAR RIG 5 introduces the new “Van51” and “HotSolo+” models, adding two distinctive flavors of heavily overdriven amplification for intense solos and heavy riffs. The comprehensive collection of effects in GUITAR RIG is expanded with six new components – including an additional classic compressor model, the versatile “vintage verb” with various plate and spring emulations, a compact studio-grade convolution reverb based on the acclaimed REFLEKTOR, an analog-modeled 8-band filterbank, the new “stereo tune” chorus, and the unique “Resochord” harmonizer.

GUITAR RIG 5 also introduces the ultimate facility for flexible and intricate speaker emulation with its new convolution-based “Control Room Pro” module. From a comprehensive collection of 27 cabinets and 16 microphones, up to eight cabinets can be combined at a time, each with individual mic placement and room sound controls, enabling an unlimited array of guitar tones for sophisticated studio productions.

The new sidechaining function in GUITAR RIG 5 opens up the world of advanced studio-level dynamic processing, and also perfectly complements the new range of GUITAR RIG-based studio processors such as VINTAGE COMPRESSORS and SOLID MIX SERIES. The sidechain can be assigned to any stereo input of the software, and can be utilized for all compressor modules in GUITAR RIG 5 as well as in several of the Modifier modules, allowing for more refined dynamic processing and a wide range of creative techniques.

The performance features of GUITAR RIG 5 are further enhanced through the new “Container”, which allows users to easily create, control and recall encapsulated effect chains. With up to sixteen flexible macro controls, it also provides extremely powerful and intuitive real-time tone shaping both for guitarists and electronic live performers.

On the Mac, GUITAR RIG 5 requires OS X 10.6 (latest update), an Intel Core Duo processor, and 2 GB of RAM. It can run stand-alone or as an AU, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-in.

GUITAR RIG 5 PRO will be available in September 2011 for a $199 / €179, and will also be included in the new KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE bundles. The software will also be available in combination with the RIG KONTROL pedalboard controller as GUITAR RIG 5 KONTROL for a suggested retail price of $449 / €399. A software update for owners of previous GUITAR RIG versions will be available for $79 / €69.

www.native-instruments.com/guitarrig5pro

Sugar Bytes today released Turnado, a multi-effect tool crafted especially for massive and real-time audio manipulation, providing countless unique effects, promising sounds unheard of every time you turn it on. Turnado is both hands-on stage performance boost and serious tool for studio perfectionism, giving you direct control of up to 8 different effects at any given time, with a total of 24 effects available.

In the studio, simply dial in your effect from a super-sweet selection of 24 pro-quality algorithms, then mash up your audio content with minimum fuss, quickly adding dynamic variation to your arrangements. Take it to the stage and unleash Turnado’s true power. With instant access to eight effects and immediate control over key parameters, Turnado is guaranteed to cause devastation on the dance floor, shredding beats and crunking breaks to insane proportions.

The idea is simple:

1. Turn a knob and the effect is on.
2. Turn the knob further to adjust effect parameters and apply modulations.
3. Turn the knob down and the effect is off.

With its instantaneous, one-knob, multi-parameter modulation features, Turnado will lay waste to the audio landscape. Giving you the power to crunch, chop, twist, mash and elevate your music to new levels, Turnado will have you creating wicked new sounds that will blow any crowd away.

Unlocking the power of your MIDI controller each effect requires only one knob to control it. Underneath this simplicity lies a matrix of effect parameters and modulation engines, all controlled by the main knob. This control matrix provides serious depth to the plugin and gives you the ability to create original and truly unique effect programs.

If the power of one-knob action still doesn’t rock your boat, the awesome “Dictator” mode will sink your battleship. It allows you to animate all the main knobs and run that animation with just one fader. That’s one fader, controlling up to 8 different effects, with potentially hundreds of parameter changes!

Turnado’s primary focus is on beat manipulation, so you will find lots of loopers, slicers and grain tools in the rack. Alongside these beat-mashing effects are an arsenal of distortions and filters as well as first-class delays and reverbs. With extensive modulation possibilities each effect can produce millions of unbelievable variations that can be morphed and twisted into something new every time you tweak those knobs.

On the Mac, Turnado requires OS X 10.4 or later, a minimum 2 GHz processor, and at least 1 GB of available RAM. Turnado runs as a standalone application or as a 32 or 64-bit VST/AU plugin.

Turnado is available via direct download from Sugar Bytes for $179 / €139. A free trial version is also available.

http://www.sugar-bytes.de/content/products/Turnado/

Discuss Turnado on our Effects forum.

Apogee Electronics is pleased to announce JAM, a studio quality guitar input for iPad, iPhone, iPod touch and Mac. Featuring PureDIGITAL technology, JAM enables musicians to practice, record and rock out with ultimate tone using the guitar amps and effects in Apple’s GarageBand software on iPad 2 or Mac. No configuration necessary, just plug in and play and experience the legendary sound quality of Apogee for $99.

“We’re very excited to enter the rapidly growing world of iOS with this incredible product,” says Apogee Co-founder and CEO Betty Bennett. “JAM is the first high-quality interface that makes a digital connection to your iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch, and the only one that also works on your Mac. You will immediately notice the difference between the sound quality of JAM and other similar products because its converters are designed by the same team of engineers responsible for our award-winning, high-end professional interfaces. JAM promises to become a standard for guitarists who want a professional, portable way to connect to these devices and benefit from the amazing music-making apps they offer.”

JAM by Apogee Highlights:

• PureDIGITAL instrument connection delivers pristine sound quality
• Designed for electric guitar and bass
• With no confusing setup, you can start recording in minutes
• Made for Apple’s GarageBand software
• Works with GarageBand on iOS devices or with any Core Audio compatible application on a Mac
• Control knob allows easy input level adjustment
• Multicolor LED for status indication and input level monitoring
• Studio quality instrument preamp with up to 40dB of gain
• High quality locking output connects directly to iPad, iPhone and iPod touch dock connector port or USB port on a Mac
• 44.1kHz, 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion
• Auto Soft Limit for optimal input level
• Made in the U.S.A.

JAM is compatible with iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3Gs and iPod touch (3rd and 4th generation) running iOS 4.2.1 and greater. It connects and is powered by the Dock connector port.

On the Mac, JAM requires OS X 10.6.4 or later, an Intel processor, 1 GB minimum of installed RAM (2 GB recommended), and an available USB port for host connection and power. JAM will work with Apple’s GarageBand, Logic Pro, MainStage or any Core Audio compliant application.

JAM will be available in March 2011 for $99.

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/jam.php

Discuss JAM on our Hardware forum.

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.