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.

Last year, Roger Linn Design released AdrenaLinn Sync, a software plug-in that provides the same unique beat-synced filter modulation and sequencing effects of the AdrenaLinn III guitar pedal, plus quite a bit more. Now they have released AdrenaLinn Sync Version 2, a completely rewritten and dramatic improvement over the original. And it’s free to all purchasers of the original version.

AdrenaLinn Sync Version 2 is written in conjunction with Way Out Ware, makers of TimeWArp2600 and KikAxxe, critically-acclaimed emulations of vintage Arp analog synthesizers. Version 2 takes advantage of Way Out Ware’s flawless analog-modeled filters and audio processing technology, resulting in a very wide variety of truly exciting, unique and inspiring sounds.

With AdrenaLinn Sync Version 2, all the special capabilities of AdrenaLinn Sync—simultaneous filter/volume/pan modulation, Snap To Scale, randomness probability controls, tube-modeled distortion, 8 bar stereo delay with delay loops, noise beats, synth loops and more—really shine.

Key changes in AdrenaLinn Sync Version 2:

• Vastly improved Filters: Warm, full & accurate analog-modeled Lowpass, Bandpass, Highpass, Flanger and Phaser, created in collaboration with Way Out Ware, makers of the highly-acclaimed software emulations of vintage Arp synthesizers, TimeWArp 2600 and KikAxxe. The quality and variety of both conventional and unusual tones is remarkable.
• Completely rewritten to replace Cycling 74’s Pluggo technology. This adds compatibility with all DAWs including Cubase and also Ableton Live while running Max For Live.
• A sexy—but very functional—new look, rendered in true 3D to emulate the look of AdrenaLinn III’s knobs, buttons and panel.
• All new presets—beautiful and inspiring—that truly show off the new sound capabilities.

The Mac AU/VST version of AdrenaLinn Sync Version 2 is available now, with Mac RTAS and Windows VST/RTAS coming soon.

AdrenaLinn Sync Version 2 may be purchased online, directly from Roger Linn Design, for $99. Owners of the original version will receive an email this week containing a free upgrade to version 2.

www.rogerlinndesign.com/products/adrenalinnsync/

Discuss AdrenaLinn Sync Version 2 in our Effects forum.

Softube has announced the availability of their Valley People Dyna-mite emulation plug-in for VST, AU and RTAS hosts. Dyna-mite is a unique limiter/expander with options to do gating, ducking, keying and de-essing.

The original Dyna-mite hardware was designed in the 80’s in an ambitious attempt to incorporate the knowledge of previous decades into one swiss army knife solution. From the design comes several innovations like the Valley People proprietary VCA and the Anticipatory Release Computation, which plays a big part in the unique sound of the Dyna-mite.

Today, the Dyna-mite is just as usable as back then, as a problem solver but also very much as a creative tool. Use it as a limiter to squash drums or to get the snap into a bass track. Use it as an expander to enhance the dynamics of a track. Use it in sidechain mode to duck or follow another track. Every application breathes of the Dyna-mite’s very special character and inspires to new sounds.

The Softube Valley People Dyna-mite plug-in is the first and only software recreation of the Dyna-mite that is officially endorsed by Valley People.

On the Mac, Dyna-mite requires OS X 10.4 or later, an Intel or PowerPC processor (G4 or higher), 512 MB of RAM and an iLok USB key.

Valley People Dyna-mite is available today at the Softube web shop and at authorized Softube dealers at an introductory price of $229, excl. VAT. The introductory offer will last throughout May and thereafter the price will be $279. A fully functional 20 day demo is also available.

www.softube.com/valleypeople_dynamite.php

Discuss Dyna-mite in our Effects 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.

Loomer has announced modular multi-effects plug-in Sequent, the perfect tool for mangling audio on stage or in the studio. The effects, including a flexible beat looper and a pair of filters capable of self oscillation, can be connected in practically limitless combinations by simply dragging virtual cables between them.

Sequent has seven individual effect blocks: a Beat Looper; two Filters, both switchable between lowpass, bandpass, and highpass modes and capable of self oscillation even without an audio input; an oversampled Distortion unit; a Gate with variable depth and slew; a Panner; and a Delay unit capable of sub millisecond delay times, great for creating everything for from dub, slapback, and bouncing ball style echoes, to metallic comb filters or flanger effects.

Each effect parameter can be sequenced with one of twenty-two step sequencers, controlled live via a midi controller, or even left to chance by using the random mode. Sequences are combined into patterns which can be switched instantly between using either the on-screen interface or the notes on a midi keyboard.

Hear Sequent in action

On the Mac, Sequent requires OS X 10.4 or later, a PowerPC or Intel processor at 1 GHz or faster, 512 MB RAM, and a host that supports AU, VST or RTAS plug-ins. Sequent can also run as a standalone application as necessary.

Sequent is available to purchase at the Loomer website for £49. An free evaluation version is also available for download.

www.loomer.co.uk/sequent.htm

Discuss Sequent on our Effects forum.

Universal Audio has announced the release of the highly anticipated Manley Massive Passive EQ plug-in. Working with Manley Labs, Universal Audio’s Massive Passive EQ plug-in represents the most ambitious hardware EQ modeling project to date, bringing UAD-2 users both the standard and mastering versions of this world-renowned EQ in one package.

The two-channel, four-band Manley Massive Passive EQ utilizes design strengths from choice console, graphic, parametric and Pultec EQs — delivering a fundamentally different EQ that’s beyond compare. The Massive Passive’s natural treatment of a signal lends itself to both radical tonal shaping as well as delicate vocal shading or subtle mastering enhancement.

“The Massive Passive EQ is one of our best-known products. We didn’t even want to entertain the idea of doing a plug-in unless it was really going to be done right,” commented EveAnna Manley, Owner, Manley Laboratories, Inc. “Our expectations were high for the plug-in emulation to be spot-on. Working with Universal Audio, we believe they’ve totally nailed it.”

The Manley Massive Passive EQ Powered Plug-In features include:

• Highly coveted 2-channel, 4-band, passive, tube EQ emulation plug-in, both standard and mastering versions
• Painstakingly modeled over a six month period and rigorously scrutinized by Manley Labs for authenticity
• Filter curves, band interdependencies, distortion and hysteretic behavior all represented in plug-in — yielding a unique, very musical and “open” sound

“The Massive Passive is truly the ultimate in mastering grade EQs. It sounds warm without ever being dull; it stays precise while remaining highly musical,” offered UAD Powered Plug-Ins Product Manager, Will Shanks.

“Manley Labs represents quality, sonic excellence and unequivocal analog design expertise,” enthused Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “There has always been a special affinity between our companies, and we are elated to have EveAnna Manley joining us a plug-in partner for the UAD-2 platform.”

The Manley Massive Passive EQ plug-in is available for purchase via UA’s Online Store for $299. It is part of the new UAD Software v5.6.0 release, in addition to The EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb, and the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-ins. UAD Software v5.6.0 is available as a FREE download to Mac and PC users worldwide.

www.uaudio.com/products/software/manley/

Discuss the Massive Passive EQ on our Effects forum.

Universal Audio recently announced the release of the EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb plug-in for the UAD platform. The EMT 140 replicates the sonic signature of three uniquely different EMT 140 plates formerly installed at the Plant Studios in Sausalito, CA and is licensed and endorsed by EMT Studiotechnik GmbH as the world’s only authentic EMT plate reverb emulation.

“EMT is certainly excited to partner with Universal Audio; I am confident our endorsement of UA’s emulations of EMT’s well-loved classic audio processors will bring both companies great success,” said EMT’s President, Jules Limon. “It’s very inspiring to see a team like UA’s take such a keen interest in accurately recreating the devices of the past with their scientific approach to digital signal processing.”

The EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb Powered Plug-In features include:

• Highly prized, fully endorsed, smooth and natural EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb emulations
• Includes three distinct plate models – each with a unique sound and discrete mechanical damper controls
• Includes original EMT 80 Hz input Shelving Filters or custom aftermarket Martech Low-Cut Filters
• Pre Delay, Low & High Shelving Filters, Wet/Dry Mix, Balance and Width controls with Hard Bypass via the lighted EMT power icon
• Also includes Modulation controls to add additional movement to the stereo field

“EMT’s impact on the way records are made is right up there with the Neumanns and Studers of the world,” commented Universal Audio President Matt Ward. “Their reverbs, both analog and digital, are still among the most prized and protected possessions a quality studio can have… So EMT’s endorsement of our Powered Plug-In is truly an honor.”

The EMT 140 Classic Plate Reverb plug-in is available for purchase via UA’s Online Store for $199. It is part of the new UAD Software v5.6.0 release, in addition to the Manley Massive Passive EQ, and the Precision Enhancer Hz plug-ins. UAD Software v5.6.0 is available as a FREE download to Mac and PC users worldwide.

Softube has announced the official release of their Trident A-Range Equalizer plug-in. The original Trident A-Range console is a legendary piece of equipment. As only thirteen were ever made, it remains a holy grail for sound engineers and producers around the world that hope to create equal works of art to those that were originally recorded on the A-Range — David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust, Queen, Elton John, and more.

The A-Range was originally designed in the early 70’s for Trident Studios in London by Malcolm Toft and Barry Porter. Toft was employed as a sound engineer at Trident Studios and when the studio needed a 24 track recording console, he started Trident Audio Developments to design and build the Trident A-Range. Other products followed and found their way to studios around the world. Toft remains active to this day, developing products under the Trident name.

The A-Range plug-in from Softube is the first and only native plug-in that has been fully endorsed by Toft and Trident Audio.

The plug-in version of the A-Range is modeled after a channel on one of the original 13 Trident A-Range consoles. This particular channel strip is channel number 15 from Sweet Silence Studio ‘B’ in Denmark and was borrowed from Danish producer Flemming Rasmussen. The A-Range console has been in Rasmussen’s care for a long time and used by Flemming Rasmussen when recording albums such as Metallica’s Ride the Lightning, Master of Puppets and …And Justice for All.

The A-Range channel features four bands of equalization and high and low pass filters, the sound of the filters are often referred to as “colorful” and “musical”. When running a hot enough signal through the original unit and boosting the bands it is possible to get it to distort, the sound is a hairy and effective saturation that is just right in some situation and just wrong in others! Even though the unit was never designed to distort, it has definitely been used this way by renowned producers and Softube thought it was only appropriate to stay true to the original unit and add the saturation to the plug-in as an option!

In Short

• Created together with original designer Malcolm Toft
• Each and every component carefully modeled
• Same sweet sounding EQ filters that made the original legendary
• Interaction between the different bands, making this equalizer one of its kind
• Saturation control
• Very CPU friendly

A VST, AudioUnits or RTAS (Pro Tools 7 or higher) compatible host application is required. The Mac version requires OS X 10.4 (or higher) on a G4 or Intel CPU (or higher), 512 MB RAM, a DVD drive and an iLok USB key. The TDM version requires a Pro Tools|HD Accel card.

A-Range is available via direct download from Softube, and at authorized dealers, for an introductory price of $229 (Native) or $329 (TDM/Native). After February, the price will increase to $279 and $449, respectively.

www.softube.com/trident_arange.php

Disucss the Trident A-Range Equalizer 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.

Determined to provide quality plug-ins for every need and budget, FabFilter has released the tiny, yet very useful FabFilter Micro, a new lightweight filter plug-in that makes the classic FabFilter sound more affordable than ever.

Featuring the classic filter first developed for the FabFilter One synthesizer with low-pass and high-pass filter shapes, it will be no surprise that FabFilter Micro has a smooth and creamy sound that will turn into raw self-oscillating madness at a flick of the Peak knob. Yet even at full resonance, the filter always maintains an analog-like balance, happily saturating and clipping the incoming sound without exhibiting the digital artifacts and impurities that most other filters suffer from.

The built-in envelope follower offers more creative filter effects by letting you modulate the filter cut-off frequency depending on the amplitude of the incoming signal. Furthermore, the separate input and output gain controls make it easy to amplify or reduce the internal filter saturation at will by adjusting the level of the incoming signal before it hits the filter internals.

Naturally, FabFilter Micro contains all those FabFilter goodies that you’ve come to expect: perfectly fine-tuned knobs and controllers, interactive MIDI Learn, undo/redo and A/B switch, Smart Parameter Interpolation for smooth parameter transitions, an extensive help file with interactive help hints, sample accurate automation, and AltiVec and SSE optimization.

On Mac, the system requirements are OS X 10.6, 10.5 or 10.4, Intel or G4/G5 processor, and an Audio Units host, VST 2 or VST 3 host, or Pro Tools.

FabFilter Micro is now available for $22, €15, or £14. It is compatible with VST and VST 3, RTAS and Audio Units plug-in formats. Bundles with FabFilter Micro and other FabFilter plug-ins are also available.

Existing FabFilter customers can purchase FabFilter Micro with a discount by logging in to their online user account.

www.fabfilter.com/products/micro.php

Discuss FabFilter Micro in our Effects forum.

GForce Software, recently recognized for the greatest software synthesizer of all time, has previewed significant upgrades to another beast in the stable at this year’s NAMM show. impOSCar 2 delivers a slew of new features, many of which have been borrowed from the venerable Oberheim OB8.

impOSCar 2 has no shipping date yet. There will be an upgrade path from, and it is backwards compatible with, the original impOSCar. Perhaps we will learn more at Musikmesse 2010 in late March. Until then we’ll have to be satisfied with some demo videos and this feature list.

• PWM on both oscillators.
• Aux Mod Section with comprehensive routing (destinations include: OSc2 pitch, PW1, PW2, PW1&2, Filter Separation, Filter Q, Osc Mix, Noise Mix).
• Additional LFO.
• Improved LFO sync options.
• New Modulation & Controller Routing options.
• Pink noise.
• Vastly Improved Arpeggiator.
• Chord Hold & Retrigger from a single key.
• Controller Section Featuring Channel & Poly Aftertouch.
• Mod Wheel Controls now switchable between Aftertouch, Expression and Mod Wheel.
• Pan Spread Modes (left to right, Random etc) and Spread Amount Control.
• Mono & Poly Unison Modes (up to 8 voice poly unison).
• Unison Voice Spread
• Portamento Spread on Unison glides.
• New Chorus Modes.
• Ring Modulation.
• External Audio Input with the new FX version.
• Release Velocity Response.
• Small, Medium & Large GUI sizes.

The original impOSCar is available in AU, VST and RTAS formats for both Intel and PowerPC Macs running OS X 10.4 or later. impOSCar has won numerous awards including the Future Music Platinum Award, Electronic Musician’s Best Software Emulation & Editor’s Choice Award, Computer Music Editor’s Choice & Performance Award, Music Tech Magazine’s Recommended Award and Keyboard Magazine’s Key Buy Award.

www.gforcesoftware.com/imp2.php

Discuss impOSCar 2 in our Instruments 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.