Spectrasonics released Omnisphere 3 with thousands of new sounds and enhanced synthesis capabilities. The flagship software synthesizer features 18 factory libraries, 36 new filter types across seven sonic colors, and over 600 morphing wavetables for oscillators. The update introduces a Global Controls system with six parameters that adapt automatically to loaded patches, while a Patch Mutations feature generates sound variations.
The software adds MIDI Polyphonic Expression support for compatible controllers and introduces 35 new effects units spanning reverbs, delays, modulation tools, equalizers, dynamics processors, and distortions. Hardware Integration expands to over 300 controller profiles from manufacturers such as Roland...
Becos FX released the CompIQ YUNA, a VCA compressor pedal for guitarists and bassists that applies significant gain reduction while maintaining natural tone. The Vienna-based manufacturer developed the device after revisiting a 2017 concept inspired by the DBX 163's single-knob design, which controls ratio, threshold, and makeup gain simultaneously. The pedal features a Comp control for ratio and threshold adjustment, a Timing control for attack and release settings, and a Speed switch for extended parameter ranges.
Feed-Forward and Feed-Back modes provide distinct compression characteristics, while an internal Voicing DIP switch offers four tonal options, and an X-EQ tilt equalizer shapes overall sound. The unit supports signals from...
Strymon released the Olivera guitar pedal on Tuesday, emulating the Tel-Ray oil can echo units from 1959. The original devices created delay by writing static charges to rotating disks housed in oil-filled cans, producing darker and continuously modulated repeats compared with tape-based effects. The company developed a new algorithm after researching the vintage design's variables to achieve authentic emulation.
The pedal features true stereo processing for independent left and right channel handling, and MIDI connectivity through quarter-inch TRS or USB-C ports enables patch recall and continuous controller management. Strymon equipped the unit with Class-A JFET input circuitry and housed the components in a durable enclosure. The...
Yamaha launched the MODX M synthesizer series on Tuesday, offering three compact models that build on technology from the flagship Montage M line. The MODX M6, MODX M7, and MODX M8 feature 61-, 76-, and 88-key configurations and combine three sound engines: AN-X for analog warmth, FM-X for modern FM synthesis, and AWM2 for sample-based instrument reproduction. Each model contains eight physical faders, and a Super Knob applies multi-parameter modulation.
The company plans to release the Expanded Softsynth Plugin early in 2026 as a free virtual instrument for registered users that integrates with digital audio workstations. The MODX M6 sells for $2,199, while the MODX M7 costs $2,499, and the MODX M8 retails for $3,099.
Native Instruments released Odes, the third entry in its Evolution series, as a narrative instrument designed for emotional soundscapes. The software blends instruments such as Mongolian horse fiddles, nyckelharpa, kamanche, and tenor recorders through a three-layer articulation engine that stacks moving articulations per instrument. Users can create ensembles of three instruments with independent looping rhythms and one-shot samples, while convolution reverb and mic mixing add cinematic depth.
The program runs in Kontakt or Kontakt Player versions 7.6 or higher on Windows 10 and macOS 11 systems in VST3, AU, and AAX formats. Odes costs 129 pounds through Oct. 30 before increasing to 179 pounds, and buyers can purchase it separately or...
IK Multimedia has launched ARC On Ear, a headphone correction system that enhances frequency response and stereo imaging using calibration profiles measured with reference equipment. The device supports hundreds of headphone models and emulates more than 20 virtual studio monitors and 15 multimedia playback systems, allowing users to test mixes through different audio environments. The portable unit contains a 32-bit ESS digital-to-analog converter, a high-quality amplifier, and digitally controlled volume, accepting digital audio through USB and analog sources through a 3.5mm socket.
Software lets users configure and store up to five calibration profiles, while a rechargeable battery provides four hours of operation per charge. The...
Wavesfactory has released Re-Esser, a plugin designed to separate sibilance from tonal elements in vocal and dialogue recordings, allowing for independent processing. The software operates through a single control for sibilance levels, but distinguishes itself by compressing sibilance without affecting tone, adding reverb exclusively to tonal layers, and restoring overly de-essed recordings. The plugin features 16 built-in effects applicable to tonal and sibilant components separately, and users can integrate third-party plugins by duplicating tracks and using the Groups feature to share detection settings. Re-Esser supports Windows 7 and later, and macOS 10.9 or higher in VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats, and sells for 69 euros through...
Zimbabwe faces intensified electricity shortages after ZESA Holdings removed Hwange Power Station's Unit 8 from the grid on Tuesday for 10 days of repairs. The outage compounds existing supply problems, as Unit 3 has been offline since Sept. 10 for maintenance scheduled to finish on Oct. 24. Zimbabwe Power Company generated 1,296 megawatts as of Monday, falling short of the nation's 2,000-megawatt peak demand.
ZESA announced that Unit 7 will continue producing 335 megawatts to maintain system stability, while Kariba South Power Station increased output through careful water allocation management. Urban centers already experience up to 20 hours of daily load-shedding, and conditions are expected to deteriorate further. The utility...
Constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku stated Parliament lacks the authority to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa's second term beyond 2028. The 22nd ZANU PF National People's Conference in Mutare resolved on Oct. 29 to extend the presidential term from five to seven years, but Madhuku argued the 2013 constitution's two-term limit cannot be altered without a referendum. He explained that Mnangagwa was elected by voters in 2023 for a specific five-year period, and Parliament cannot unilaterally modify this timeframe.
The professor dismissed the party's resolution as premature for legal challenge, stating it remains merely a proposal until formal constitutional amendment procedures begin. ZANU-PF leadership justifies the extension...
