Puremagnetik has released two new Micropaks: Model-C and AmpPak.

Model-C is an advanced multi-sampled Hohner Clavinet instrument.

Model-C features

• 250MB of sampled Clavinet content from the original C model.
• Optimized for Ableton Live, Kontakt, Logic and GarageBand.
• Intricately programmed with easy edit controls and integrated effects.
• Self contained instrument complete with multi-pickup selection and mechanical noise controls.
• Also included are 50 high quality loops recorded by professional New York studio keyboardists.

AmpPak is a collection of sophisticated amplifier and speaker effects for Ableton Live.

AmpPak features 17 amplifier and speaker effects that can be used on anything from drums, to guitars, to vocals and synthesizers. Each rack contains a specially programmed selection of effects from overdriven metal to crunchy glitch percussion processors.

Visit Puremagnetik for more information and audio demos.

FabFilter has released Volcano 2, the successor of the popular Volcano filter effect plug-in.

More filters and routings and practically unlimited modulation possibilities make FabFilter Volcano 2 much more powerful. Yet at the same time, the revolutionary new ‘what-you-use-is-what-you-see’ interface makes it also far easier to use.

Volcano 2 features

• Four state-of-the-art multi-mode filters, with panning, delay and more than 10 unique characteristics.
• Ultra-flexible filter routing, including per-channel and mid/side modes.
• Revolutionary new interface, using our innovative what-you-use-is-what-you-see concept.
• Endless modulation options, with all the 16-step XLFOs, envelope generators, envelope followers and MIDI sources you will ever need.
• Easy drag-and-drop modulation with 24-slot modulation matrix.
• Large interactive filter display.
• Modulation source signal visualization.
• Stereo and mono plug-ins available.
• Side chain input.
• Highly improved MIDI Learn.
• Almost 300 presets.
• Unique per-component presets.
• Undo, redo and A/B switch features.
• Extensive help file with interactive help hints.

FabFilter Volcano 2 is available in RTAS, VST, VST 3 and AU formats for Mac OS X and Windows and costs 119 EUR / $179 USD. An upgrade from Volcano v1.x is available for 39 EUR / $59 USD.

Visit FabFilter for more information and a link to download a demo version of Volcano 2.

Controlling Reaktor with your external hardware isn’t very difficult. Just click Reaktor’s little MIDI Learn button, tweak some knobs and you’re set right? Well… not if you’re using FL Studio.

FL Studio’s MIDI Learn works a little different from most other hosts. Its last tweaked parameter -> link to controller in the wrapper menu is an easy way of assigning any control to the knob/slider/whatever on your external controller.

The multi-link function is even easier. Tweak a number of controls on your soft synth, turn the same amount of knobs on your controller, done! (If you’re not exactly sure what I’m talking about here you can check the FL Studio manual for more info on linking to external controllers).

Unfortunately FL Studio’s way of linking controls doesn’t work with Reaktor. No matter which knobs & parameters you change in Reaktor, the “last tweaked parameter” never becomes active so there is nothing to link to.

Now how is this possible?! What good are all these knobs and sliders on our controllers if we can’t even assign them to anything…

… read more

Saltline has released Ni, a single oscillator step sequencer synth for Windows PC.

Ni features

• 7 waveforms.
• Octave switch, fine tuning.
• Phase modulation.
• Osc pitch controlled by 16 step sequencer.
• Sequencer: Directional switching, step rate, step start & end parameters.
• Self oscillating filter (LP, HP, BP, BR).
• Filter cutoff can be controlled by the sequencer.
• Multi destination, sync to host LFO.
• Effects: Reverb and delay, each with their own filter.
• LFO for modulation of effects’ filter cut, reverb size or delay rate.

Ni is available as a VST instrument plug-in for Windows PC.

Visit Saltline for more information and a link to download Ni.