Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH today announced their latest VST instrument, Padshop. From the inventors of Virtual Studio Technology, Padshop is a unique monophonic/polyphonic granular synthesizer for Mac OS X Lion and Windows 7 and runs as plug-in within any VST 3 host application.

Allen & Heath has released new firmware V1.12 for the Xone:DB4 digital DJ FX mixer, with many enhancements and new features, including a rotary mixer mode, revised gain structure, new effects architecture, new FX types, and the addition of X:Link functionality to connect other compatible Xone products.

Mixed In Key has released Mashup (mashup.mixedinkey.com) for Windows and Mac OS X, a new software application that lets you quickly and easily beatmatch two or more audio files, edit them, and save your results to a new audio file. Mashup uses Mixed In Key 5’s harmonic algorithm to find compatible songs, and makes the process of mashup creation incredibly easy. “Our goal was to design software that could help you create a mashup in five minutes or less,” says Mixed In Key’s president Yakov Vorobyev. “We think that mashup creation should be easier than it is with Ableton Live.”

unItOne was designed with Ableton Live in mind but the format is sufficiently generic to be successful with any DAW. The layout was conceived as 8 channel strips (the 32 blue encoders and the buttons below them), 3 return tracks (the 12 yellow encoders), a master section (the 4 red encoders) and also a transport section on the right hand side. The return tracks double-up as a DJ mixer when used with the crossfader, for example as a 3 channel EQ with gains.

OTO MACHINES introduces "Der OTO", a new firmware update for its BISCUIT FX processor. Der OTO turns Biscuit into a 2 oscillators monosynth with a 16 step sequencer, for FREE!

Allen & Heath’s new GLD live digital mixing system has debuted in Europe last week at the Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) show in Amsterdam, Holland. The user-friendly, cost effective and scalable system is conceptually based on the hugely successful digital iLive series. A standard GLD 32 input system offers 28 XLR mic inputs with plug n’ play I/O expanders allowing easy expansion up to 48 inputs (44 XLR mic inputs).

Upcoming 11 and 12th of february will open the first edition of Dancefair, the educational event for everybody involved in dance music, and Gearjunkies will be there at booth #41! Dancefair is held at Jaarbeurs, Utrecht. Many many producers, DJ's, record labels, manufacturers and schools will be there to show you their ins and outs when it comes to dance music. On both days, there are plenty of workshops and instructions for visitors to learn from the pro's and get involved.

The Tiger Synth is a highly versatile and flexible synthesizer being capable of complex multilayered sounds with some specific extras from the Aux oscillators, as well as groovy rhythmic sounds you would hardly expect from a synth, and, if you want, fairly typical synth sounds (brass, bass, strings PPG, DX, lead etc.).

Emulator Modular 1.0 is available now! - Emulator Modular is the most flexible multi-touch software available to lighting designers, music producers, DJ’s, and VJ’s.

Dangerous Music has recently announced their newest monitor controller, the “Dangerous Source” — a portable and desktop unit designed for the engineer on the go or to fit a limited space on the desktop. The Dangerous Source will be featured at Musikmesse after being shown at Winter NAMM and is set for release in early Q2, 2012; the price is to be announced.

Native Instruments today launched a time-limited special offer on TRAKTOR KONTROL S2, reducing the price of the compact 2-deck controller to $449 / 399 EUR throughout February and March 2012. This represents a saving of $220 / 200 EUR against the suggested retail price. 

AB Lemur Bundle is the first of the series. Available now as a free download, the package presents three Lemur templates by master designer Antonio Blanca, a force to be reckoned with when it comes to interface design. He's created Lemur templates for many popular Reaktor factory ensembles. We present here three of these beautiful and unique creations which are sure to inspire musicians, composers and sound designers alike. They come bundled with adapted ‘Lemurized’ versions of the original Reaktor ensembles allowing for full Lemur control via OSC. Best of all, AB Lemur Bundle is completely free of charge.

Propellerhead has released ReCycle version 2.2 for sale—an update to the industry standard tool that creates REX files. Sporting a completely overhauled graphical user interface, ReCycle 2.2 adds new key commands, workflow enhancements and a new Online Help system—making Recycle even faster and easier to use. Version 2.2 is a 64-bit compatible application with full support for Windows 7 and Mac OS X Lion operating systems.

Virsyn are happy to announce the totally revised Version 2 of iVoxel and the release of Addictive microSynth 1.1 with support for AKAI SynthStation 25.

Zynaptiq today announce the immediate availability of PITCHMAP, their real-time polyphonic pitch-mapping and pitch-correction plug-in available in Apple AudioUnits (AU) format.

The Mackie DL1608 redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad.® With 16 boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and the performance of 24bit Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters, you have unparalleled sound quality. Seamless wired to wireless iPad control means you can mix from anywhere in the venue. This gives you the mobile freedom to control not only the mix, but also powerful plug-ins like EQ, dynamics, effects and more. The sleek DL1608 even supports up to 10 iPads. Forget bulky consoles and racks of gear. The power is at your fingertips.

MOTU Introduces the MicroBook II, an updated version of the compact, studio-grade audio interface that turns a Mac or PC into a personal 4 x 6 recording studio with professional I/O and monitor mixing. The MicroBook II will replace the original model at the same price.

One of the more interesting new app last week was the introduction of the Akai MPC Fly app. A reconstruction of the famous Akai MPC Groove and beatboxes in iOs format for your iPad. The guys of Skratchworx had a walk-through of the app with one of the developers of the app.

What do Megadeth, Jay-Z, Alice Cooper, Gladys Knight, NOFX, Lagwagon, No Use For a Name, Patty La Belle, Tower of Power have in common with Rock Band and Guitar Hero? Legendary punk rock producer and mixer Ryan Greene. And now anyone can be on that list, with three new drum ReFills featuring Ryan Greene’s signature sound. Propellerhead today released the latest installments in its ReFill Creator Series: Ryan Greene Alt Drums.

As a teaser for the upcoming AB Lemur Bundle, Liine presents Antonio Blanca's ABreakpoint 2 template for Lemur.

Gary Numan, father of the UK's New Wave Electro Music has recently purchased a pair of Unity Audio Rock active monitors for his private studio.

Want to create the perfect filter sweep or manually trigger a gate or step through a sequencer? No more need to turn knobs or to patch up a lot of modules, the KOMMANDER makes it simple: just plug it into a CV input on your (modular) synthesizer, move your hand over the device and the weirdest sounds will come out.

Daring Audio Inc, the leader in Professional Bass Pedals, today announces a new innovative High Definition (HD) model to broaden its product line. The Edge Activator HD is 100% analog circuitry, has a high-headroom preamp and expanded features and versatility, and a constant volume continuous wet/dry blend capability between two internal channels.

MOTU has unveiled Digital Performer version 8, a major upgrade to their flagship audio workstation software. Recognized throughout the industry as a leading workstation application for Mac, Digital Performer 8 will now be available for both Mac OS X and Windows 7. During in-booth demos, MOTU debuted other significant new features, including a new video playback engine, Punch Guard™ confidence recording, 14 new user interface themes, and 15 new included plug-ins.

We found a movie on Youtube with a presentation of the new Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol F1 DJ controller. The influence between DJ and music production software like Ableton Live comes more together these days.

DJ Tech Pro is proud to present the Dragon Two. The Dragon Two is DJ Tech Pro's newest digital DJ controller with integrated soundcard and analog mixer.

Tascam unviels the DP-24, a 24-track Digital Portastudio with solid-state recording, a color LCD and channel strip controls to make recording simple so you stay creative.

Tascam announced the iU2. TASCAM’s iU2 is a premium sound quality audio interface for the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. It includes all of the features of there best-selling USB audio interfaces, including a pair of great-sounding microphone inputs. 

Music Group announces the release of Behringer’s first completely modular system of professional DJ controllers, the Command (CMD) Series. A full-featured set of MIDI controllers, the line includes the CMD MM-1 Mixer Module, CMD DV-1 Digital Vinyl Control Module, LC-1 Live Control Module, CMD PL-1 Platter Control Module and the CMD DC-1 Drum Control Module.

Audio Artery, a software arm of the company that also brought you innovative EKS controllers is proud to announce the arrival of The One DJ software. The One is a new breed of DJ software that offers new level usability and features while staying close to the roots of DJing.

iZotope announces a new partnership with Akai Professional to provide iZotope’s acclaimed Radius time-stretching algorithm and Loop Slicing Engine for future products in the MPC line, including the new MPC Renaissance and MPC Studio. Combining MPC hardware with new MPC software, these are the first MPCs designed to harness the processing power of a user’s Mac or PC.

New in the world of music software and DAW is Bitwig Studio, a multi-platform music-creation system for production, performance and DJing, with a focus on flexible editing tools and a super-fast workflow.

They’re among Pioneer’s most popular products, sought after by DJs who want equipment that looks as good as it sounds. With their superb high-definition audio, stunning club-quality effects and sleek user-friendly design, the industry-standard CDJ-2000 and DJM-900nexus offer the ultimate in style and substance.

Audio-Technica is introducing a number of limited edition products, all featuring a distinct Audio-Technica 50th Anniversary design and color scheme. 

Open Labs is proud to announce Music OSTM 3.1 UPDATE - Music OS 3.1 features both technical and social updates to enhance the performance and user experience of the program. Music OS 3.1 takes creators and performers deep into true 64Bit power-crunching technology and allows them direct access to the cloud for professional publishing and further collaboration. Music OS 3.1 debuts the all new OL VST Suite Library with over 15 exciting and easy-to-use instruments and effects.

Steinberg North America and Open Labs LLC are pleased to announce a live performance solution that combines the power of the industry standard Steinberg VST Protocol (Virtual Studio Technology) and Open Labs Music OS live performance software. Steinberg’s HALion 4 (VST Sampler and Sound Creation System), HALion Sonic (Premier VST Workstation) and Yamaha Vintage Plug-in Collection are now easily accessible on any stage, leading the future of VST development.

Among audio professionals, the Fairchild 670 is the definitive compressor because of its unique color and character, and it is highly coveted due to its rarity. Now, GRAMMY®-winning producer/engineer/mixer Jack Joseph Puig (John Mayer, U2, Lady Gaga) has again joined forces with Waves Audio to introduce the PuigChild Hardware Compressor. 

Waves Audio joins forces with Musicsoft Arts to introduce Mashup, an innovative new iPad app. Featuring an advanced playback engine and effects controlled by an intuitive interface, Mashup lets users play and mix directly from their iPad music library – plus download exclusive tracks from leading DJs like Junior Sanchez and Kris Menace. Mashup is a complete mobile DJ booth, with studio-quality EQ and analog-style resonant filters, Vinyl Touch glitch-free scratching, and independent time-stretch and pitch-shift for each of its two stereo decks, saving users thousands of dollars in gear.

Korg announces the Mini Kaoss Pad 2 Dynamic Effect Processor. It offers a familiar Kaoss interface and real-time fingertip effects, packaged in a compact body with battery operation for shirt pocket portability. The new Mini Kaoss Pad 2 is ideal for DJ club performances and for use with a variety of musical instruments, home studio applications and portable audio players.

Korg announces the new Kaossilator 2 Dynamic Phrase Synthesizer. Introduced in 2007, the original Kaossilator brought fun and easy music-making to musicians and non-musicians alike. It gave rise to the Kaossilator Pro, iKaossilator App for iPhone, and now the Kaossilator 2, which enables anyone to create and save their own music with the touch of a finger.

Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH today released the CI2+ Production Kit. The hardware and software bundle comprises the acclaimed CI2+ audio interface/ controller alongside the Cubase AI 6 music production software and WaveLab LE 7 audio editing suite. The featured Advanced Integration technology facilitates every phase of the music creation process, from the initial idea through to the final mixdown.

Rane and Serato are proud to be supporting partners in that creativity with the introduction of the Rane Sixty-One and Sixty-Two mixers for Serato Scratch Live.

Samson’s Graphite 49 USB MIDI Controller gives you all the performance and production control you need to get the most out of your music software. With a feature set that is both useful and accessible, the Graphite 49 is a sleek, powerful tool that allows you to express your most dynamic musical ideas.

Samson’s Carbon 49 USB MIDI Controller makes musical performance and production accessible to everyone. For seasoned musicians and young creators alike, the Carbon 49 offers versatile, yet easy-to-use features in a compact, lightweight controller that’s well-suited for the stage and studio.

Universal Audio is proud to announce Apollo, a high-resolution audio interface that combines UA’s analog design heritage with esteemed UAD Powered Plug-Ins in a sleek, elegant recording system for Mac and PC. With Apollo, music producers and performers can finally track through UAD Powered Plug-Ins in real time, via a professional 18 x 24 FireWire/Thunderbolt™-ready audio interface that delivers class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz sound quality.

PreSonus has announced new updates to its industry-leading StudioLive series digital mixers, including a number of features not found on any other digital mixer from any manufacturer, at any price. 

The digital revolution is not only here — it’s wireless. The Mackie DL1608 redefines live mixing by combining the proven power of a full-featured digital mixer with the unmatched ease and mobility of an iPad.

Antares Audio Technologies and Peavey Electronics have today announced the introduction of the Peavey AT-200 electric guitar, featuring Antares' groundbreaking Auto-Tune for Guitar technology.

Just in time for the 2012 NAMM Show, BEHRINGER unveils three small format premium mixers that directly interface with the ever-popular iPad. Drawing on the power of the most ubiquitous mobile digital device, the XENYX iX Series mixers are designed to handle live performance and provide state-of-the-art tools to create professional recordings. Users can also sync performances to video by utilizing the iPad‘s video out capability.

IK Multimedia is proud to present iRig PRE, the ultimate solution for connecting any type of microphone – from regular stage microphones to expensive studio models – to any iPhone, iPhone touch or iPad providing access to the widest range of recording applications.

Numark introduces ELECTROWAVE headphones—high quality, isolating DJ headphones designed for comfort, style and extended use. Numark will showcase ELECTROWAVE headphones at booth #6400 at the 2012 NAMM Show from January 19-22 in Anaheim, California.

Great news from Waldorf! They have a new synthesizer: the Pulse 2.

IK Multimedia is proud to announce iKlip Studio, the adjustable iPad desktop stand designed specifically for musicians. iKlip Studio holds the iPad firmly on studio desks or other surfaces when using a variety of music and other apps.

The Pioneer DDJ-ERGO-V controller now benefits from native plug & play support built into Algoriddim’s djay software. This collaboration provides instant pairing of Pioneer’s high quality sound and intuitive operability to the popular and ever sophisticated djay 4 forMac OS X Lion.

MiniBrute is Arturia’s new analog synthesizer. With a pure analog signal path and several innovative features, it sets a new standard for what a hardware synthesizer should be. 

TK Audio’s vision is to make products that will satisfy our customers needs. During years of success with our BC1 we got a lot of requests of customize units with stepped controls, more suitable for mastering.

Arturia has great news! They will accounce... Nope, I'm not gonna tell you what it is (and Yas, I know what it is), But we have a teaser:

VoiceLive Play is a new take on a compact multi effects unit for singers, but it is also so much more. Obviously it is packed with TC-Helicon’s pro-level effects tailored specifically for vocalists and state-of-the-art harmony processing yet it is in the details where ’Play’ really shines. Basically, singers will be catered to as if a dedicated vocal producer was sitting inside the box, always ready to fulfill their every wish and follow their slightest move.

The Alesis AmpDock harnesses the massive processing power of your iPad, allowing you to unleash your ultimate guitar tone.

The Alesis DM Dock combines with your iPad to give you a nearly unlimited selection of sounds, a massive touchscreen for hands-on visual control, and wireless connectivity.

Experience outrageous keytar performance with the Alesis Vortex. The Vortex eliminates the barrier between you and your audience by giving you the freedom to move around the stage and take the lead.

Get the most dynamic audio enhancement of your iPhone available: the Alesis Ampcase.

The Numark iDJ Pro is a professional DJ controller that expands your iPad’s touch interface to give you an all-new mixing experience. Along with its sleek, brushed aluminum casing, iDJ Pro is equipped with all the premium components you’d expect from a Numark controller, plus some features that will inspire brand-new surges of creativity.

Alesis, maker of tools and instruments for today’s music makers, introduces the Q61, QX61 and QX25 USB MIDI keyboard controllers.

Numark, the world’s leading manufacturer of DJ technology, introduces 4TRAK, a four-deck digital DJ controller with built-in four-channel mixer and comprehensive effects console, giving DJs unprecedented command over Traktor software. 

Akai Professional, the name synonymous with music production, introduces MAX49, a revolutionary USB/MIDI/CV controller for use with virtually any MIDI or Control Voltage hardware and MIDI software.

Akai will of course announce the new MPC lineup, but there's more news from Akai at the NAMM. Take a look at the MAX49 that will be shown in Anaheim.

Novation are pleased to announce the launch of the Daniel Fisher Soundpack (Vol. 1) for UltraNova. It’s free for all UltraNova users and it comprises 30 sounds by one of the industry's most talented sound designers. This soundpack is the latest in a series of free sounds from renowned artists and sound designers, made exclusively for Novation's UltraNova synthesizer. Daniel has focused his energy on the incredible potential of the Novation UltraNova in a series of four soundpacks, which will be released throughout early 2012. These sounds reflect the skills and experience of Daniel's 30+ years in the soundware industry. 

Zynaptiq announced the imminent release of PITCHMAP, the worldʼs first and only audio plug-in capable of polyphonic pitch-correction and pitch-mapping in real-time.

The Nord Drum is a revolutionary 4-channel drum synthesizer that is the result of a creative collaboration between Clavia and drum/music technology enthusiasts Bruniusson & Berg. With an amazingly vast sonic palette and an astounding level of playability it is guaranteed to change your perception of what's possible with synthetic, sample-free percussion.

Allen & Heath has added two new models to its ZED range of multi-purpose live sound and recording mixers. The new ZED-16FX and ZED-18 each have 10 fully-featured mono channels and 3 or 4 dual stereo channels, respectively, fulfilling the demand for increased channel counts in a compact format.

Today Serato announced Serator Video, for playing, scratching and mixing video files from Scratch Live and ITCH. This plugin enables DJ's to use turntables, CDJs or supported controllers to control video playback in the same way as audio.

At NAMM Nektar Technology, the California based new brand for Advanced Control unveil Panorama P4, the first dedicated Keyboard Controller for the highly acclaimed Propellerhead Reason Music Creation Software.

Spring 2012 will bring another major innovation from the team behind TRAKTOR. In this exclusive preview, you can take a sneak peek at the new TRAKTOR software and controller -- and the birth of a groundbreaking new workflow. Stylish multi-color pads trigger loops and samples, allowing for on-the-fly remixing. Watch the video and see how a DJ set can become a powerfully creative live performance.

Gemini, an esteemed manufacturer of DJ and Pro Audio equipment, today introduced their newest USB DJ controllers, the FirstMix I/O and FirstMix Pro. Both digital controllers make professional DJ features more accessible and intuitive, and they'll both be displayed at Booth 20453.

Reloop is proud to present it's first digital mixing controller designed especially for Serato: Terminal Mix 4.

Serato ITCH 2.1 is here - The free software update is now available online at www.serato.com. The latest version features enhancements and bug fixes for all Serato ITCH users with 2.1 offering improved stability and increased performance.

Akai annouced the second of three new MPC models: the AKAI MPC Studio. 

It's NAMM 2012 time, so it's leak time. The new Reloop Terminal Mix 4 is a 4 deck MIDI DJ controller. We've got no specs, just a picture.

IK Multimedia is proud to announce iRig MIX, the first mobile mixer for iPhone, iPod touch or iPad devices.

The Dance & Trance soundset offers a hand-picked selection of over 400 meticulously programmed sounds for ElectraX, designed by a team of professional sound-designers.

CNTRL:R is a contemporary MIDI performance instrument for creative music production. Housed in a lightweight aluminum body, this controller is ideal for live performance and studio production. Create rhythms, sequence and perform drums, launch clips, mix tracks, and have complete control over your performance with CNTRL:R’s advanced set of features. High quality faders, push button encoders, rotary knobs, expression pedal inputs, and keypads backed with RGB lights give you all the controls you need for an interactive performance. With scripts available for Ableton Live and NI Traktor, the CNTRL:R meets the needs of anyone looking to perform electronic music. CNTRL:R is designed and hand crafted in Austin, TX.

If you are a DJ or producer you can probably talk for hours about great tracks, softsynths, compression, sample packs and .wav files. You sit behind computers for days creating tracks or browsing Beatport, Dance-Tunes, Trackitdown, or Whatpeopleplay.com for nights on end. That drive, that urge is similar to a alcohol, sex or drug addiction. It’s a feeling you can’t explain to people that aren’t ‘t a passionate dj or producer. Even your best friend or girlfriend doesn’t completely understand it. Do you recognize this? Most likely you will!

Allen & Heath will unveil GLD, a user-friendly, cost effective and scalable live digital mixing system, conceptually based on the hugely successful digital iLive series, later this month. A standard GLD 32 input system offers 28 XLR mic inputs with plug n’ play I/O expanders allowing easy expansion up to 48 inputs (44 XLR mic inputs).

Moog Music has announced the release of Minitaur, the newest addition to Moog’s Taurus Bass Synthesizer family.

And there it iis! the new Akai MPC Renaissance:

It looks like that Akai will be announcing a new MPC model on the NAMM this year. On Twitter they posted a teaser.

Reloop is proud to present the RHP-5 series DJ headphones with integrated iPhone control. Compact and lightweight, these headphones deliver a surprisingly robust sound without burning a hole in your wallet. 

Apogee Electronics is pleased to announce the 8-Channel Mic Preamp Module for Symphony I/O is now shipping and available world wide. 

AudioRaiders has invaded Sasha’s studio to bring you the first collection of sounds and software instruments that truly capture the heart and soul of one of electronic dance music’s most iconic producers. This is not just a sample library. You can customize every sound and loop to fit your style.

Later then normally but like every year, this is becoming the time that many manufacturers try to give some back to existing and new customers. This is the season the Holiday Deals are launched. So we collect the deals we come across and share them with you. This way you can get the best deal out of this season for the gear you really want!

Maybe you have seen this video already. Rumours have been going around who's behind it all. Going with the latest trend of 'viraling' new products we guess it won't take long before a new DJ controller will be unveiled. We have tried to figure out who's behind it, but to be honest our guess is as good as yours.

It finally arrived last month, the Native Instruments Kontrol S2 Midi Controller. Just before the BPM show in England it was revealed online by Native Instruments. Because of its price and smaller size, it’s being seen as “the smaller brother” by many. In this case Native’s top controller, the Kontrol S4. We quickly started playing...

Can you believe it? Yet another year has rushed by. And, ... what a year it has been. We are glad we can say that this year was pretty good to us. More visitors, more reviews, more followers on Twitter, Facebook and Google+, new team members, two new (Dutch) blog websites with DJ2DJ and Studiojunkies... So yeah 2011 was good to us.

With their seasonal greetings, Elektron have send us this information which is always nice as it is about FREE stuff! They want you to explore three brand new Machinedrum UW Sound Packs? This time Elektron have gone modular crazy. The three Sound Packs are the result of heavy patching and knob tweaking and consist of a total of 322 samples, all of them of course 100% copyright free.

The Unnofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW.com) and featured Reason artist Olivia Broadfield have just announced a new remix competition with over $1000 dollars in prizes!

Serato is happy to anounce the release of Scratch Live 2.3.3, a new maintenance and bug fix release for all SSL DJs. Serato Product Manager, Nick, gives the latest version of Scratch Live one final test before release. Nick uses the Novation Dicers for cues and loops, as well as the Vestax VFX-1 for DJ-FX control.

The Noisepad is a user friendly drum computer packed with the latest samples, beats and vocals from A-list artists and producers. It adds a new dimension to your live-sets, parties and all places where you want to make noise. Realtime built in effects such as pitch, delay, cut-off, phase, reverb and bit-crush will bring your noise to life. If all that isn’t enough, you simply upload your own samples to the custom soundbanks using iTunes.

Arturia announces a major update to two of its classic synthesizers: The Prophet V and the CS-80V. Furthermore version 1.4 of the Spark Creative Drum Machine is released as well.