Apple to unleash 28-core Mac Pro monster

Apple has announced the new Mac Pro with up to 28 cores and 1.5 TB of memory. In a sharp departure from the previous model, the Mac Pro brings back PCI Express slots – eight of them!

Dwarfcraft Gold Standard Eau Claire Thunder: A limited run of only 73 units

Limited to 73 units, Dwarfcraft's Gold Standard Eau Claire Thunder pedal has less gain and a warmer, woollier sound than the standard version. Ideal for down-tuned riffs and sludgy guitar chords?

Best free plug-ins this week: brass synth, guitar amps and more

Here's a sampling of all the great freeware music production tools which appeared last week, such as a brass machine, a guitar amp and effects suite, sampled music boxes, and a nifty step sequencer.

Flower Pedals’ Dandelion Tremolo V2: A feature-packed pedal with a fine bouquet

Flower Pedals has reworked its Dandelion tremolo to version V2, adding new features to its lush-sounding analogue circuit. And there's even an update for V1 users for a measly USD 30.

Behringer tease a Putney and an ARP 2600 and the Pro-1 is almost ready to roll

More teases for more synths pouring out of that leaky Behringer marketing department and splattering all over Facebook. Plus it looks like the Pro-1 is nearing completion.

Free VST instruments and samples collection available from Audio Animals

Audio Animals' impressive collection of freebies is worth checking out - Available in VST, WAV, and Kontakt sampler formats, these instruments seem well-crafted and musically varied.

Antares Auto-Tune EFX+: An all-in-one solution for warped vocals?

Antares has introduced the Auto-Tune EFX+ plug-in. It combines pitch correction with additional effects, for the warped vocal sounds that dominate current hits.

Nektar Panorama MIDI controllers take control of Studio One

The Nektar Panorama range of MIDI controller keyboards get deep level integration with PreSonus Studio One DAW for a seamless and transparent hardware workflow.

D’Angelico launches Bob Weir Deluxe Bedford, its first solid body signature model

D'Angelico's Bob Weir Deluxe Bedford model is the NY-based firm's first solid body signature guitar, and has some nice tonal options thanks to the onboard Blend switch.

Blackstar gets rocked with Fly 3 Def Leppard Hysteria edition mini amp

Blackstar has just announced a Def Leppard Hysteria edition of their 3-watt Fly 3 mini amp featuring has the album's artwork and sporting the band's logo, too. Let's get rocked!

Kilohearts release Phase Plant semi modular software sound design synthesizer

Phase Plant has the potential to be a massively interesting synthesizer creating a huge variety of sounds while having the room to expand within itself with their Snap-In system

Burls Art crafts translucent 100% epoxy resin guitar

Burls Art fast becoming a social media star thanks to his DIY guitar designs - his latest creation has a body made 100% from coloured epoxy resin and takes his work into new directions.

Gibson launches Michael Clifford Signature Melody Maker, inspired by Joan Jett!

Inspired by Joan Jett's original signature model, the new Michael Clifford Signature Melody Maker is the 5 Seconds Of Summer's guitarists take on this stripped back rocker.

Humble Audio Quad Operator FM Synthesizer made easy for Eurorack

The Quad Operator pulls out the essential elements of FM synthesis and lays it out on a matrix grid of modulation. Playing with operators has never been so intuitive or rewarding.

Tracktion teams up with Prism Sound, Sadie to form Audio Squadron

Tracktion has announced that it is joining forces with Prism Sound and Sadie, to form a new company  named Audio Squadron. Does this mean that some exciting new products could be around the corner?

Epiphone to release George Thorogood White Fang ES-125 TDC into the wild this summer

The new George Thorogood White Fang ES-125TDC Limited Edition by Epiphone has some sweet looking vintage-style hardware, yet should still have plenty of bite with those twin P90 pickups.

Overloud OTD-2: A 6-tap delay plug-in for wide stereo effects

Overloud has released the OTD-2 delay plug-in, an emulation of the A/DA STD-1. With 6 taps per channel, you have extensive control over the delay’s famous stereo widening effect.

U-He HIVE 2: Sleeker, sexier with modular style modulation, sequencing and scoping

U-He has brought HIVE bang up to date with a fresh new look, new sounds, better workflow and a whole West Coast function generator modulation section, "Shape Sequencing" and a ruddy great big scope.

Ableton Live 10.1 update with VST3 support is out now

Ableton Live 10.1 has officially landed, bringing aboard a fair bit of useful functionality such as VST3 support, user-generated wavetables, enhanced automation and other goodies.

Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth lands on Indiegogo – get your preorder dollars ready

The Gamechanger Audio Motor Synth is looking for funding and preorders. The first 50 investors get one for $749. These will sell like motorised hotcakes.

Friedman Amplification JJ Junior: New 20-Watt Jerry Cantrell model as combo or head

Alice In Chains' Jerry Cantrell has worked with Mr Friedman on a 20-Watt version of his signature guitar amp. Could the new Friedman Amplification JJ Junior be the perfect low.power modern amp setup?

ToneBoosters’ Enhancer plug-in: Audio sweetening made easy?

Toneboosters has added Enhancer to its catalogue of useful and affordable plug-ins, which lets you add a bit of sonic sparkle to individual tracks and entire mixes during mixdown and mastering.

GigRig Wetter Box: Blend effects pedals in parallel

Combine two pedals at once with the new GigRig Wetter Box! This new compact pedalboard friendly unit allows you to blend your effects pedals in parallel, so you can create your own tones.

TASCAM TH-06: monitoring headphones for USD 70 a pair

TASCAM brings a pair of monitoring headphones which is said to have a balanced bass response meant to ease producers of modern EDM, Hip-Hop, Metal and R&B.