Today's Top Stories:

  IK StealthPlug to Ship with AmpliTube 2 Live
IK Multimedia has announced that AmpliTube 2 Live, a low cost, introductory version of AmpliTube 2, their guitar and bass amps/effects modeling software, will be available as a part of a much larger bundle that's shipping along with their StealthPlug, the 1/4" jack to USB audio interface cable for guitar and bass. AmpliTube 2 Live is available as a VST, RTAS and Audio Unit format plug-in, as well as a standalone application for both Windows and Mac OS X (PowerPC and Intel-based). The whole package of hardware and software will be available from Sweetwater for just $99.97 with free shipping included. Word is we should have these in stock very soon. AmpliTube 2 Live users are also eligible for a special upgrade price to the full version of AmpliTube 2 with savings of up to 40%. AmpliTube 2 Live Features include:

• Three guitar and bass amp models
• Five cabinet models
• Nine stompbox models plus spring reverb and gate
• Two microphone models with selection and position controls
• Full MIDI control and a built-in tuner
• 128 customizable user presets (compatible with the full version of AmpliTube 2)
• SpeedTrainer, an integrated audio player with pitch and speed control, for learning your favorite songs (standalone only)

  Sony Media Introduces New ACID
Sony Media Software has updated its popular ACID Pro software to version 6.0c. ACID Pro 6 is a professional music workstation for composing, multitrack recording, mixing, and MIDI sequencing. It ships with more than 1,000 loops to get users started. The update is available free to all registered users on Sony's web site. Just some of the fixes and improvements in Version 6.0c include:

• Default patch settings are not applied to VSTi soft synths when new tracks are added to a project.
• Various VSTi window sizing issues have been fixed.
• A bug has been fixed so that MP3s with Unicode ID3 tag information no longer cause problems with track names.
• A problem that could cause a crash when deleting a bus from a 5.1 surround sound project has been resolved.
• MIDI notes selected using the in inline editing mode will now play as displayed while loops are being previewed.
• In 5.1 surround mode, when a track is routed to a bus, the Surround Master now receives the input monitoring signal.

  New in Stock at Sweetwater

• Boss Micro-BR - Wow, you thought the iPod was small. Wait until you see the tiny-yet-powerful Micro BR! Perfect for musicians on the go, the Micro BR offers four simultaneous playback tracks and two record/input tracks (plus eight additional V-Tracks for a total of 32), MP3 compatibility, onboard multi-effects, built-in drum machine and tuner, a USB port and SD Card slot and more. At $229.97 (with free shipping) no guitar case or gig bag should be without one! One of the hottest features is a time-stretch algorithm that allows you to change the tempo of your audio without changing pitch. The drum machine includes about 300 patterns, but they don't impact track counts because they operate independently.
• CME Bitstream 3x - This is a totally unique programmable MIDI controller with 35 knobs, eight sliders, 16 buttons, a joystick, a crossfader and a ribbon controller. The Bitstream 3X is the only three-axis (X, Y and Z) controller available. You'll love having total hands-on control of your DAW software and MIDI hardware (no more fumbling with your mouse). You'll feel like you're back to the comfortable "hands-on" feel of your old analog mixer and recorder, but with such awesome enhancements as an 8-track motion sampler for recording all controller movements, an enhanced arpeggiator, a large backlit graphic display, a full 13,000 presets for a huge variety of synths and software, plus USB compatibility and 100 snapshot scenes. The first 999 purchasers of a Bitstream 3x will receive a free aluminum case from CME!
• Squier Bronco Bass - Part of the Affinity Series, this is a great bass for guitarists who occasionally need a bass, beginners, players with small hands or for anyone who likes the feel of a short-scale (30") bass. It tunes easily and sounds full and rich. After all, it's based on a classic design by the company that invented the bass guitar: Fender! It has a special design single-coil pickup, a "C"-shape maple neck and fingerboard with dot position markers, a three-ply white pickguard, die-cast tuners and a solid agathis body. To dial in the perfect sound, you can use the knurled "chrome dome" volume and tone controls. Best of all it's available for just $149.99 with free shipping!

  Guitar of the Day
While most manufacturers have been content to churn out the same guitars with just a few minor tweaks, Gibson designed a brand new instrument: The sleek, sumptuous Johnny A. Signature Model, with a whole new body design and lots of high-end appointments. This puts Johnny A. in the exclusive club that includes legends like B.B. King, Wes Montgomery, Chet Atkins, Joe Perry, Pat Martino, and Les Paul himself, all of whom have Signature models crafted by Gibson's Custom, Art and Historic division. This group of inspired artisans carry on Gibson's century-old tradition of creating exquisite, investment-quality instruments. If you're in the market for a high-end instrument but won't settle for another "me too" guitar, definitely check this one out! The Johnny A. starts with a completely hollow body with a carved, beautifully figured maple top along with a mahogany back and rims. The guitar has contoured outer surfaces but also a flat inner back that results in less feedback. A custom neck profile and custom pearl inlays combine with traditional features like multi-ply binding, gold hardware, and an ebony fretboard to create an instrument that lives up to the high standards set by Gibson's Custom Shop. The guitar comes in a Sunset Glow finish, which is sort of like a vintage sunburst or maybe a honey burst. In any case, it's a perfect complement to the gold hardware. A pair of hot humbucking pickups let you go from squeaky clean to over-the-top distortion. Also take note that the Johnny A. Signature model in stock right now has the very retro Bigsby vibrato tailpiece and Gibson's classic tune-o-matic bridge. Naturally, it comes in a plush-lined hardshell case with all the case candy.