Native Instruments introduced a new collection of software audio effects, capturing the warm, natural sound of tube-driven hardware. PREMIUM TUBE SERIES is made up of three individual effects - PASSIVE EQ (a fully-parametric, two-channel, four-band equalizer, with additional high and low pass filters), VARI COMP (a compressor and limiter effects) and ENHANCED EQ (an easy-to-use EQ with special curve produced by simultaneously cutting and boosting the low frequencies) - available either individually or as a bundle. PREMIUM TUBE SERIES makes these effects available for the first time as native plug-ins that run individually within a DAW in VST, AU, RTAS or AAX format. The effects are modeled by Softube, the renowned team behind Native Instruments' VINTAGE COMPRESSORS. The PREMIUM TUBE SERIES bundle is available for $229 US / 199 EUR. The individual effects can also be bought separately: PASSIVE EQ $169 US / 149 EUR, VARI COMP $119 US / 99 EUR, and ENHANCED EQ $79 US / 69 EUR. [source]

Boston-based audio technology company iZotope released a new version of Alloy, its set of essential mixing tools for RTAS/AudioSuite, AAX, VST, Audio Units, and DirectX interfaces and Windows or Mac OS X workstations. Version 2.0 ships with a completely updated interface, made larger to make even more controls easily accessible; Adaptive Overview panel, which provides efficient control over the most accessed controls of every module in Alloy, and adapts to show only the modules you've enabled; new Transient Shaper, now better-sounding and easier to use with all-new metering features; redesigned Exciter module, with more natural-sounding saturation modes and an added Post Filter; as well as new EQ filters, including Treble and Bass Baxandall filters and Brickwall and Flat Pass filters. The plug-in set ships now, with an MSRP of $199 US (with an introductory offer of $149 US), or together with Ozone 5 for $399 US. A 10-day trial version is available here. [source]

Universal Audio, manufacturer of professional audio recording hardware and software, announced the release of the Sonnox Oxford EQ plug-in for the UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform. Sonnox, a highly respected UK-based audio software developer and new UAD Direct Development partner, is best known for its range of innovative mixing and mastering plug-ins - longtime tools of choice for celebrated sound engineers and music producers worldwide. The popular Sonnox Oxford EQ Plug-In, newly optimized for UAD-2 DSP accelerators and the Apollo audio interface, incorporates the exact equalization algorithms from the legendary Sony OXF-R3 mixing console. Available as part of the new UAD Software v6.3 release, the Oxford EQ is available for $299 US via UA's Online Store. [source]

For a limited time only, the Native Instruments' comprehensive music production bundle now comes with a total of 30 products. Buy KOMPLETE 8 before September 30, 2012 and get RAZOR, SESSION STRINGS, and THE MOUTH for free, worth $277 US / 237 EUR (MSRP). [source]

French virtual instrument developer Arturia released V Collection 3.0, a premium bundle including no less than 10 of Arturia's acclaimed 64-bit software instruments: Mini V, Modular V, CS-80V, ARP2600 V, Prophet V & Prophet VS, Jupiter 8-V, as well as the new Oberheim SEM V, Wurlitzer V and Spark Vintage, a comprehensive collection of 30 classic drum machines (new in version 3.0). Also included is the Analog Laboratory, a synth powerhouse providing a myriad of inspiring scenes to play with. All the included applications function as a 32-bit or 64-bit compatible VST, AU, RTAS plug-in or in a stand alone mode. Out now, priced at $449 US / 429 EUR (boxed version) or $399 US / 399 EUR (download). [source]

Native Instruments' RAW VOLTAGE puts the sound of a huge modular synthesizer system into MASCHINE. From noisy and distorted to edgy and clinical, this expansion is packed full of unique kits and unmistakable instruments, as well as a range of inspiring patterns. RAW VOLTAGE runs in MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO and is available now from the NI Online Shop for $59 US / 49 EUR. A compact version for iMASCHINE is also available, at $0.99 US / 0.79 EUR from the in-app store. [source]

Polish audio plug-in developer PSPaudioware.com released PSP BussPressor, a compressor optimized for group and master buss processing. It combines the sound of classic VCA compression with wide tuning capabilities and extra controls allowing you to adjust a side chain high pass filter or apply parallel compression. The plug-in requires a host application supporting VST, AU, RTAS, or AAX interfaces, and running on either Windows or Mac OS X systems. Available now at $99 US, with introductory offer of $79 US valid until 30th of June 2012. Demo versions are here. [source]

Native Instruments announced a time-limited discount for a trio of its virtual synths: MASSIVE, RAZOR and FM8. Now you can pick up any of these instruments - renowned for devastating subs and laser-like leads - for half price, or get all three for $199 US / 179 EUR. This offer ends June 24th. [source]

Native Instruments introduced THE GIANT, a new virtual instrument based on the world's biggest upright piano. For use in KONTAKT 5 or the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER, THE GIANT features the intense sound of the Klavins Piano Model 370i, a super-sized instrument delivering a colossal sonic spectrum equally well-suited to urban pop projects, soft piano ballads, driving rock riffs and jazz numbers. Produced by sampling expert Uli Baronowsky, the creator of the 'Galaxy' piano series, THE GIANT captures the sound of the original instrument in meticulous detail; it comprises two separate instruments in one, each with its own graphical user interface and detail controls. While the versatile piano sound of the 'day' version is suitable for a wide range of styles and genres, the 'night' version turns THE GIANT into a cinematic tool suited to atmospheric scores, sound design and avant-garde productions. Available now for $119 US / 99 EUR / 9,800 YEN. [source]

Blue Cat Audio released Blue Cat's Protector 2.0, a new version of its brickwall limiter plug-in. Version 2.0 adds a brand new user interface with more visual feedback (including RMS metering, attenuation history, loudness boost measurement, improved readability), as well as dozens of new features and enhancements: a new presets manager, new MIDI and automation mapping capabilities, new presets, Windows AAX support, and much more... The plug-in also supports VST, AU, DX, and RTAS interfaces on Windows (incl. 64-bit) and Mac OS X, and sells for 79 EUR (59 EUR for a limited time only) excl. VAT. Blue Cat's Protector 1.0 owners will receive a special upgrade offer via e-mail. A demo version is located here. [source]