Kenya's Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has rejected criticism that the government plans to privatize state-owned enterprises to patch budget shortfalls, asserting the strategy instead targets long-term national advancement.
During a fundraising gathering in Homa Bay, Mbadi outlined plans to channel all privatization revenue into two newly created entities: a Sovereign Wealth Fund and a National Infrastructure Fund. He stressed these resources would finance infrastructure projects rather than cover operational costs like government salaries. The administration will launch countrywide consultations to explain the privatization approach to citizens, he said. Mbadi called for difficult policy choices that may draw initial opposition...
Toontrack has expanded its Superior Drummer 3 library with sounds captured by producer Sylvia Massy at a historic French recording facility. The Drum Factory SDX features percussion recorded across four distinct spaces within La Fabrique studios, a converted 19th-century textile mill located in the Saint-Remy-de-Provence region. Massy brings decades of experience working with acts such as Tool and System of a Down to the project.
The collection provides seven complete drum setups spanning 13 kick drums, 15 snare varieties, 30 toms, 21 cymbals and four hi-hat pairs. Each kit was positioned in rooms selected for their acoustic properties, from the cavernous Dark Room with stone architecture dating to the 12th century through smaller...
Algoriffix has enhanced its audio conversion software with timing alignment features that snap musical events to the nearest beat positions. Transkr V2 version 2.9 allows users to specify metric divisions and search directions when the program adjusts note placements and key signature markers to match tempo grids.
The update refines how the application identifies main melodies and chord progressions by filtering out data when audio volume falls beneath background noise thresholds. This revision improves accuracy during quiet passages where signal strength becomes insufficient for reliable pitch detection. The quantization system works across multiple elements within generated MIDI files to produce rhythmically aligned results.
The...
Rhodes Music has released a plugin that models six electric piano preamp circuits alongside eight amplifier designs and eight microphone types for processing keyboards, guitars, vocals and other instruments. The Vari-Amp software reproduces circuitry from instruments spanning multiple decades, from the 1979 MK1 Suitcase through modified versions to the contemporary MK8 model.
The processor uses separate modules for preamp and amplifier stages with independent dry and wet signal mixing at each point. Three saturation modes provide harmonic coloring while a compressor offers parallel blending with adjustable signal path placement. Global equalization and reverb sections shape overall frequency response and spatial characteristics. Input...
TAQS.IM has upgraded its SOLO synthesizer to version 4.0 with additions that expand sonic capabilities and streamline the user experience. The software introduces a wavetable oscillator that generates evolving tones and complex timbres for contemporary production styles. Engineers have revised the synthesis engine to improve envelope response, legato transitions, and pitch glide functions for more fluid performance.
The interface receives a visual redesign aimed at faster navigation and simplified sound creation workflows. Factory preset sounds have been reworked to demonstrate the enhanced processing capabilities, while new wavetable-based patches join the existing library. Technical refinements reduce processor demands and shorten...
McDSP has expanded licensing flexibility for its seventh-generation plugin catalog while introducing FutzVerb, a processor that merges spatial effects with signal degradation tools. The company gives customers three authorization methods: physical iLok dongles, cloud-based iLok access and computer-specific activation. Each license permits installation on two machines regardless of whether users purchase perpetual rights or maintain ongoing subscriptions.
FutzVerb extends the developer's FutzBox software by pairing reverb algorithms with Synthetic Impulse Models, filtering stages and saturation circuits. Musicians can position the company's impulse models at three points within the signal chain relative to the reverb engine. The...
Lese has launched a frequency domain processor that combines multiple spectral manipulation tools within a single software package. Smear for macOS and Windows consolidates various experimental effects the developer created over time and adds extensive layering capabilities through a multiband control architecture.
The plugin converts audio signals into frequency representations and applies processing across different spectral regions rather than treating the entire sound uniformly. Users can assign effects to specific frequency zones through the Factor Band system, which appears in each processing slot. Some effects alternate between spectral blending and frequency-targeted parameter control, such as setting different delay durations...
Bunker Samples has introduced a string instrument package featuring crescendo performances from three orchestral voices. The Iremia Swells Collection provides recorded passages of solo violin, viola and cello that build from silence to moderate volume before returning to quietness.
Each instrument offers three performance techniques: standard bowing, muted articulation and muted tremolo. Players can select from four duration options spanning one through four seconds. Time Machine Pro functionality allows further adjustment of passage length. The developer states the recordings suit harmonic arrangements and bring expressive qualities to various musical contexts. Five microphone placements capture different spatial perspectives...
Tracktion Software has launched the second version of Collective, a virtual instrument package containing more than 900 ready-to-use sounds for multiple operating systems. The software targets musicians seeking professional audio quality at accessible pricing levels.
The preset collection comes from established sound designers and spans foundational tones through experimental options. According to the developer, the instrument library serves beginners learning production techniques and experienced creators branching into unfamiliar musical styles. The company markets the release as providing comprehensive sonic tools for immediate creative application.
Collective 2 operates on macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms at a standard rate of...
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