“When we did the Neil Peart Drums Vol. 1 Series we wanted to present a digital recreation of Neil’s amazing DW kit so it could be played from any midi controller such as a keyboard or an electronic drum kit” says Sonic Reality CEO Dave Kerzner “But for Vol. 2 we now also have the isolated drum tracks of Rush songs performed by Neil and cut up into 1-2 bar patterns that can be re-arranged and used in new music made by any musician or songwriter.”

Offering the first “virtual reality drum session” with one of the top rock drummers in the world, Neil Peart Drums Vol. 2 The Grooves gives musicians an opportunity that’s not only a dream come true for Rush fans but anyone looking for album quality rock drum loops for their music.

THE NEIL PEART DRUMS FREE SAMPLE PACK
For a limited time Sonic Reality and eSoundz.com are offering an additional FREE set of 72 loops taken from the Rush song “YYZ” in their R.A.W. series Rex, Apple Loops and Wave formats from http://www.esoundz.com/neilpeartdrums

These exclusive drum loops are currently not available in any Neil Peart Drums products or anywhere else. You can hear these loops in action here:

YYZ: A cover of the Rush instrumental “YYZ” done by Sonic Elements featuring Billy Sherwood of Yes, Dave Kerzner of Sonic Reality and Neil Peart Drums:

TRIFECTA: Here’s an example of the same grooves of YYZ used in a different musical context which is an original song called “Trifecta” by Sonic Elements also featuring Billy Sherwood of Yes, Dave Kerzner of Sonic Reality and Neil Peart Drums:

For more info on Neil Peart Drums and a download of the Free Sample Pack go to: http://www.esoundz.com/neilpeartdrums

——————————————————
About Sonic Reality, Sonic Elements and Neil Peart Drums:

Dave Kerzner of the music software company Sonic Reality has headed up a unique “virtual fantasy rock band” called “Sonic Elements” combining the sounds and performances captured in Sonic Reality sound library products such as “Neil Peart Drums” with performances of guest musicians like Rik Emmett on classic covers like “Red Barchetta” by Rush. “Neil Peart Drums” was performed by legendary Rush drummer Neil Peart and recorded by top producer/engineer Nick Raskulinecz (Rush, Foo Fighters). Virtually collaborating with Neil’s drums through the use of this powerful sample library is something that any musician who owns the product can do. Neil’s digitally recreated DW® Snakes and Arrows drum kit in software (BFD, Kontakt and Reason) or the soon to be released DrummerTracks and audio loops to play along to or arrange and compose with can be used in any recording software on the Mac, PC or mobile device such as iPhone™/iPad™. To demonstrate that concept in a grand way, Sonic Reality’s Progressive Rock Music Project called “Sonic Elements”, a virtual ‘fantasy band’, has been working up an entire Rush tribute album as well as original songs all built around “Neil Peart Drums” with various guest guitarists, bass players and vocalists including Rik Emmett (Triumph), Billy Sherwood (Yes, Circa), John Wesley (Porcupine Tree, Marillion), Mike Keneally (Frank Zappa), Nick D’Virgilio (Spock’s Beard) and many other classic and progressive rock musicians.

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Berlin, Germany, May 4, 2012

In-depth

These classic electric piano models have their origins in the 1970s, and their characteristic sounds – from soft and chiming to raspy and biting – feature prominently in the jazz, fusion and rock music of that era. The sampling experts at Soniccouture bring these instruments up to date with their perfect integration into Ableton Live while retaining the full spectrum of sound that made the originals so beloved.

Keys For Real

In order to ensure an ultra-realistic dynamic response, every single note of these electric pianos has been sampled at many velocity levels with even the release sound of each key sampled separately. In total, Electric Pianos contains over 3 GB of samples. To get the proper old-school tones, a selection of vintage outboard equipment was used during the recording process. The result is an eminently playable collection of instruments bursting with character – just drop one into a MIDI track and get grooving.

Electric Pianos comes with 70 Instrument Racks. These presets recreate many classic keyboard sounds and feature tweakable settings for effects such as vibrato, auto-wah and auto-panning, delay and reverb. Many of the presets include EQ controls to dial in the exact warmth or bite that is typical of the Rhodes and Wurlitzer pianos. For the discerning keyboard player, velocity curves and note release controls may be adjusted to your taste.

The Instrument Racks are divided into ‘Full’ versions which are closer to the natural un-effected sound of the instrument and ‘Lite’ versions that load quicker and tend toward the funky and experimental side. Along with the Instrument Racks, Electric Pianos includes a selection of raw Simpler presets for building your own Racks.

About Soniccouture
Soniccouture is an independent UK company that has developed a reputation for high quality, idiosyncratic libraries often based on unusual instruments and avant-garde sound design that traditional library developers don‘t usually explore. www.soniccouture.com

About Ableton
Ableton makes Ableton Live, a unique product for writing, recording and performing music with a computer. Since the company started in 1999, Ableton has attracted an extensive and highly committed community of musicians, composers and DJs worldwide. The company has received outstanding press, awards and customer feedback since the unveiling of Live in October 2001. The company headquarters are located in Berlin, and there is an additional office in Los Angeles. Ableton currently has about 130 employees. www.ableton.com

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DJ Rig FREE is the perfect companion for the soon to be released iRig™ MIX portable DJ mixer for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad and together they provide the most portable and innovative setup for mobile DJs and musicians using iOS devices.

DJ Rig FREE offers double-deck DJ mixing with instant song-playing from the device’s music library, with automatic tempo sync and, for the first time on an iOS app: beat matching, allowing anyone to perfectly synchronize any song just like a pro DJ – but with just one touch of a button.

All the controls needed for an inspired mixing experience are included in DJ Rig FREE such as tempo controls for fine tuning BPM adjustments, multiple crossfader curves, a waveform display that can be dragged and zoomed, and an accurate scratch engine modeled on real deck behavior with IK’s proprietary CloneDeck™ technology for scratching with cut-to-the-beat and a live recorder to capture the full mix performance and export it easily.

Further augmenting the app’s capabilities, DJ Rig FREE also includes a beat-synced effect (filter) with XY touch interface and a sampler machine with a set of 9 sample pads and one sample bank. These can be used to enhance the remixing performance or record and play your own samples on top of your mixes. More effects (up to 12) and sample banks (up to 15) can be added via in-app purchase by upgrading to the full version of DJ Rig or getting the Pro-bundle pack, which also includes multiple (4) visual cue-points.

Most notably, DJ Rig also includes X-Sync. This feature, when used with iRig Mix, unlocks the full capability of the iRig DJ system. For the first time it is now possible for anyone to synchronize the app’s audio with any other external audio source. This can be a second iOS device of course, but DJ’s can now also sync to external CD and MP3 players!

DJ Rig FREE features

• Landscape and portrait interfaces
• Instant songs and playlists playing from the device music library, with BPM detection, beat analysis and beat map saving
• Supports all major digital audio formats including MP3, AAC, WAV, AIFF
• Deck controls: Volume, Pitch, 3-Band Kill EQ, Headphones and Crossfader
• Tempo Sync and Beat match
• Effects with XY touch interface – all beat-synced
• Sampler-machine with sample pads
• Multiple output configurations for virtually any audio setup
• X-Sync mode detects the tempo from external audio sources in real-time and automatically syncs the app audio to external devices (when used with iRig MIX)

Pricing and availability

• DJ Rig FREE is now available for download in the App Store.
• An upgrade to the full version is available as in-app purchase for $4.99/€3.99 and includes looping, 5 effects (Band Pass Filter, High Pass Filter, Delay, Stutter, Phazer)
 and 7 sound banks (Drones, Hoovers, Instrument Hits 1, Stabs 1, Synth 1, Vocals 1, Classic FX). The regular paid version of the DJ Rig app with all these features already included is also available in the iTunes store for the same price.
• A Pro bundle pack is available for the users of the full version as in-app purchase for $4.99/€3.99 and includes: multiple cues, digital deck skin, 6 effects (Flanger, Comp, Fuzzy, Reverb, Auto Wah, Crush) and 7 Sound Banks (Atmo FX, Animals FX, Instrument Hits 2, Instrument Hits 3, Synth 2, Stabs 2, Vocals 2).
• iRig MIX is priced at $99.99/€74.99 (ex. VAT) and will start shipping in May.
• An iPad version of DJ Rig is currently in development and will be available soon.

For more information:

www.djrig.net
www.irigmix.com

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Both the CalDigit T1 and T2 units offer the ability of editing Uncompressed 2K HD or RED 2K and 4K footage at full resolution.

For users looking to use the latest advancing technology in a smaller setting, CalDigit T1 offers a fast and simple solution. Ready for use with any Thunderbolt enabled computer, CalDigit T1 is equipped with two Thunderbolt ports, perfect for daisy chaining. With unparalleled flexibility, users have the option of choosing between a 2.5” SSD drive for even faster speeds or standard 3.5” HDD drives for a larger capacity and at a lower price.

The CalDigit T1 can reach speeds of up to 430 MB/s*.

CalDigit’s T2 is an extremely fast 2 drive Thunderbolt solution supporting RAID 0, 1 and JBOD, backed by Apple’s OS. Equipped with 2 Thunderbolt ports, CalDigit T2 offers unmatched performance and protection for any project. Similar to the CalDigit T1, the CalDigit T2 offers users the option of even more performance with support for a 2.5” SSD drive or the standard 3.5” HHD drive for already unbeatable Thunderbolt speeds.

Whether you’re into video editing, motion graphics, photography, sound design or someone who just needs reliable storage, the CalDigit T2 is an ideal compromise between speed and security. Set in RAID 0 the T2 gives outstanding speed, and performance. If set up in RAID 1 the T2 gives users the ultimate peace of mind, as all your data is mirrored on both drives.

The CalDigit T2 can reach speeds of up to 630 MB/s*.

Designed with the creative professional in mind, our new iPhone App, and Mac OS software allows professionals to concentrate on their work, and be safe in the knowledge that the status of their storage is only a glance away. The iPhone App is ideal for professionals working on projects in multiple locations that need instant data about the status of their T1 or T2 drives. The Thunderbolt Drive Utility for Mac OS allows users to monitor the status of their storage, look up RAID information, view event logs and set up email and voice notifications.

The T1 and T2 both have two Thunderbolt ports, allowing users to expand and streamline their post-production workflow. By daisy chaining multiple devices such as Apple Thunderbolt Display, video capture devices or extra CalDigit storage, the T1 and T2 expands your Thunderbolt connectivity.

Come check out T1 and T2 in action at NAB 2012, Las Vegas at our booth SL10020, as well as the following booths: Motu, AJA, Intel, Matrox and BMD.

Price and Availability

CalDigit T1 and T2 Thunderbolt series will be available soon through CalDigit Certified Dealers worldwide or on the CalDigit online stores. Please visit www.caldigit.com/thunderbolt/ for more information, as well as more about the VR2, VR mini, HDPro2 and other CalDigit products.

About CalDigit (www.caldigit.com)
CalDigit has been dedicated to the content creation industry for years. Every product is exclusively designed with the user’s requirement in mind. CalDigit has a team of world-class software and hardware engineers. Closely bonded, the CalDigit team works to develop the best RAID software and hardware in the industry. CalDigit is the one source for Video Editors, Photographers, and Musicians. CalDigit offers users a secure, practical, and a sleek modular design, which provides users with advanced replacement and true single vendor support. CalDigit is your complete RAID solution choice, at an affordable price. Corporate headquarters are located in Northern Orange County, California, where all products are tested and assembled.

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The new 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection models the Bill Putnam Sr.-designed FET limiter’s entire electronic path from stem to stern — including its transformers, FET and bipolar transistor amplifiers, and input/output distortion — and boasts improvements to its gain reduction nonlinearities and Attack/Release fits.
“While our original 1176LN plug-in is still the closest software emulation of the original hardware available, we’ve learned a lot in the ten years since its release. That knowledge has produced the 1176 Collection,” says Matt Ward, President of Universal Audio. “The results are simply stunning, and we’re thrilled to be able to offer this to our UAD-2 customers.”

The 1176 Limiter Plug-In Collection provides three distinct 1176 revisions, representing over 40 years of design iterations. The Rev A “Bluestripe” represents the original Putnam FET limiter design, complete with its higher distortion and unique FET gain amplifier characteristics. The Rev E “Blackface” covers the early 70’s / Brad Plunkett “LN” (Low Noise) era of the 1176 circuit lineage, with a more linear compression response, transistor gain amplification, and a change to the program dependency. The 1176AE emulates UA’s rare 1176 40th Anniversary Edition, complete with exclusive “hot-rod” mods — including its lower 2:1 compression ratio and a fixed “super slow” 10ms attack mode.

Also included in the 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection are handcrafted presets from some legendary 1176 enthusiasts: Ed Cherney (Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt), Joe Chiccarelli (The White Stripes, The Killers), Carl Glanville (U2), David Isaac (Marcus Miller, Luther Vandross), Andy Johns (Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones), Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, Norah Jones), Hugo Nicolson (Radiohead, Björk), Vance Powell (The Dead Weather, The Raconteurs), and Andrew Scheps (Adele, Red Hot Chili Peppers).
The 1176 Classic Limiter Collection is now available as part of the new UAD Software v6.2 release, and can be purchased for $299 via UA’s Online Store, or for $149 for current owners of the original 1176LN Limiting Amplifier Plug-In.

1176 Classic Limiter Collection features include:

• Faithful emulation of legendary M.T. “Bill” Putnam-designed classic FET Limiter, the most popular compressor ever made
• Includes three famous versions: Rev A, Rev E, and AE — each with their own specific features and sonic attributes
• Models entire electronic path, including transformers, FET and bipolar transistor amplifiers
• Compression circuit model includes improved gain reduction nonlinearities and Attack/Release fits
• Famous ultra fast attack time – 20 microseconds to 800 microseconds
• New “No Ratio” or Attack “Off” provides popular amplifier-only mode Input and Output amplifier distortion
• All multi-button ratio combinations now available — including famous “All-Buttons”

More information on the 1176 Classic Limiter Plug-In Collection here: http://www.uaudio.com/1176-collection.html

UAD Software v6.2 is available as a FREE download for Mac and PC users worldwide: www.uaudio.com/support/uad/downloads

Learn more about the award-winning UAD-2 Powered Plug-Ins platform here: www.uaudio.com/uad-plug-ins

About Universal Audio Inc.
Founded in 1999 by Bill Putnam Jr. and based in Scotts Valley, California, Universal Audio is best known for its vintage analog reproductions and advanced Digital Signal Processing technology, including the award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins Platform. The company is focused on merging the best of classic analog and modern digital technology. UA is devoted to this endeavor, following its rich recording heritage and motto, “Analog Ears. Digital Minds.” www.uaudio.com.

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This release mainly brings new plug-ins to the bundle (dual channel EQ, stereo phaser), as well as completely redesigned versions of the existing plug-ins: new user interfaces, a new presets management system, new MIDI and automation mapping capabilities, many new presets, Windows AAX support, and much more (details below).

The plug-ins are available for download for free as a single bundle or separately on www.bluecataudio.com, in VST, RTAS, AAX, Audio Unit and DirectX formats (32 and 64-bit).

What’s new in Blue Cat’s Freeware Pack II:

New Plug-ins included:
* A dual channels EQ is now included in Blue Cat’s Triple EQ, with both left/right and mid/side capabilities.
* The stereo version of Blue Cat’s Phaser is now free and included.
- Streamlined plug-ins collection: plug-ins have been grouped together for simpler install and usage.

New features:
* New user interface.
* New integrated presets manager:
+ Load/save presets from the plug-in’s user interface.
+ Organize presets with folders.
+ Customize the default preset.
+ Exchange presets easily.
* Automation range and response curve can now be customized for each parameter.
* Automation and MIDI settings (channel, MIDI learn etc.) are now accessible from the main user interface.
* AAX plug-in format is now also supported on Windows.

Improvements:
* Plug-in name has been shortened for a clearer display in mixer view for most host applications.
* The plug-ins now appears in the appropriate category in Pro Tools (“Dynamics”, “EQ” or “Modulation”).
* Changed the default VST install path on Windows.
* Improved default response curve for automation and MIDI control.
* Added new presets.
* Improved value display in fine edit window.
* Improved user manual.

Optimizations and Performance Improvements:
* Reduced VST plug-in loading time.
* Improved parameters precision (now stored as 64-bit).
* More compact presets format (uses less space and loads faster).
* Smaller binaries on Mac (dropped PowerPC support).

Bug Fixes:
* Fixed presets-related crashes in Cubase on Mac.
* Fixed user interface display issues in Wavelab 7 on Mac.

System requirements:
- Intel Mac running Mac OS X Lion (10.7), Snow Leopard (10.6), or Leopard (10.5).
- PC running Windows 7, Vista or XP.

Bundle link:
http://www.bluecataudio.com/Products/Bundle_FreewarePack/

Pricing: FREE.

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Each GA series amp features a versatile, multi-voice tone engine with a wide range of sounds, from sparkling clean to raunchy crunch to over-the-top mega-gain. Operation is easy and intuitive, with familiar Drive and Volume knobs, standard tone controls (Bass, Mid, Treble, Presence), and switches for voicing, gain boost, and mid boost.

Users can store four custom sound settings and recall them with front-panel switches or the optional GA-FC Foot Controller. The amps’ knobs feature LED indicators that show the current settings when a preset is recalled and aid visibility on dark stages. A convenient Sound Indicator gives a visual indication of the tonal character of the current tone.

Pro features include two effects loops with selectable series/parallel operation and +4 dBu/-10 dBu level, plus two auxiliary outputs, a line-level direct output, and a DI/tuner output. The GA-FC Foot Controller can control multiple GA-series amps at once, and features two expression pedal inputs for foot-controlled drive and volume adjustment.

The GA-212 and GA-112 Guitar Amplifiers will be available in late spring.

For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.

About Roland Corporation
Roland Corporation is a leading manufacturer and distributor of electronic musical instruments, including keyboards and synthesizers, guitar products, electronic percussion, digital recording equipment, amplifiers, audio processors, and multimedia products. With nearly 40 years of musical instrument development, Roland sets the standard in music technology for the world to follow. For more information, visit http://www.RolandUS.com.

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“Apollo is the culmination of 10 years of analog and digital audio development here at UA,” said Bill Putnam Jr., Universal Audio founder. “In many ways, it’s brought the analog and digital sides of our company together. With Apollo, we’re delivering the sound, feel, and flow of analog recording with all the conveniences of modern digital equipment, including next-generation Thunderbolt technology.”

Since its announcement at the 2012 NAMM Show, Apollo has generated an unprecedented amount of interest, owing to its unique features and workflow.

Coinciding with initial product shipments, Apollo will be on display at this year’s Frankfurt MusikMesse, March 21st-24th, in SEA/UA booth #C68 in hall 5.1, with live demonstrations by Fab Dupont (Jennifer Lopez, Mark Ronson, Santigold) and vocalist Liza Colby.

The Apollo High-Resolution Audio Interface is now available in both DUO CORE and QUAD CORE processing formats with estimated street prices of $1,999 (DUO processing model) and $2,499 (QUAD processing model). Apollo’s Thunderbolt Option Card will be shipping in Summer 2012, with pricing TBD.

*Compatible with Mac OS X 10.6 and 10.7; Windows 7 support coming Summer 2012.

About Universal Audio Inc.
Founded in 1999 by Bill Putnam Jr. and based in Scotts Valley, California, Universal Audio is best known for its vintage analog reproductions and advanced Digital Signal Processing technology, including the award-winning UAD Powered Plug-Ins Platform. The company is focused on merging the best of classic analog and modern digital technology. UA is devoted to this endeavor, following its rich recording heritage and motto, “Analog Ears. Digital Minds.” www.uaudio.com.

The Universal Audio name, the UA “Diamond” logo, “UAD”, “UAD-2″, “Powered Plug-Ins” and “Apollo” are trademarks or registered trademarks of Universal Audio Inc. “Thunderbolt” is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are property of their respective owners.

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Michael Amott is known for his involvement with a number of death metal / hard rock bands – namely Arch Enemy, Spiritual Beggars, and now ex-Carcass. These signature strings, influenced by Michael’s own personal style and are excellent for achieving wide vibrato, memorable melodic lead lines and furious sledgehammer riffs. Michael Amott said ‘they have great tone, they stay in tune, they don’t break easily, what more do you want? I rely on my MA11 Rotosound strings every night on stage and in the recording studios. Rotosound shreds’.

Long standing endorsee, Paul Allender, lead guitarist with extreme metal band Cradle of Filth has worked with Rotosound to develop his own custom gauge strings. He wanted strings that help him maintain that sharp air of sinister lead riffs whilst still allowing him to produce provocative melodic statements and clever counter harmonies.

Mikey Demus, one of Rotosound’s newer endorsees, plays guitar with Skindred, winners of the Best Live Act at 2011’s Golden God Awards. Known for his gut wrenchingly heavy guitar playing, full of raw metal power and soulful reggae, he needed strings able to work through these musical variables and survive their savage, energetic stage shows.

Michael, Paul and Mikey join an elite group of Rotosound endorsees, including Iron Maiden’s Steve Harris and the legendary Billy Sheehan, in having their own set of signature strings produced. Designed for their superb brilliance and strength these bespoke strings are a must for the discerning metal shredder. Like all Rotosound’s strings these have been produced using a highly secretive, quality manufacturing process.

To find out more about Rotosound, its endorsees strings and accessories visit http://www.rotosound.com/ where you can buy them online.

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March 2012

The Institute Masters has been designed and built using the same wealth of experience that over twenty-five years has ensured the Institute has been consistently recognised as one of the world’s leading providers of contemporary music education. Students will have the opportunity for both individual lessons and project-based study with a wide range of internationally acclaimed musicians, academics, educators and practitioners. And the course will be delivered at the Institute’s specialist facilities in London, UK.

Successful completion of the Institute Masters degree will position graduates for high level employment and/or progression to national/international PhD or DMA programmes. However, there are a limited number of places available annually and demand for entrance to this course is expected to be high.

Dr Gareth Dylan Smith, Programme Leader on the Institute Masters course, had this to say:

‘We are delighted to be launching this new Masters course for the contemporary musician, which we believe will quickly become recognised as one of the leading courses in its field.

With a teaching faculty composed of such luminaries as Professor Richard Smith from the world-renowned Thornton School of Music, Audrey Riley, an outstanding cellist and string arranger with twenty-five years of experience in the rock industry and Laurence Cottle, a world-renowned bassist, students on this course will have access to a unique range of knowledge, experience and talent.

And since it is delivered in London, at the heart of the global music industry, I believe that there is no better place to continue building a music career at the highest levels’

For further information on the Institute Masters degree course, including details on how to apply, contact:

- www.icmp.co.uk/masters
- 0207 328 0222
- enquiries@icmp.co.uk

About the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance:

The Institute is widely recognised as one of Europe’s leading schools of modern music. Established almost a quarter of a century ago, the Institute has been developing and delivering cutting-edge courses to students of contemporary music for longer than any other UK-based school. Originally known as the Guitar Institute and Basstech, the school has built its reputation on providing world class teaching using the very best teachers and state-of-the-art facilities. It now offers a range of professional courses including a 3-year Degree (BMus), a 2-year Foundation Degree in creative musicianship or songwriting, a fully-funded 1-year Diploma, a specialist 1-year Higher Diploma, a Professional Diploma in Songwriting plus a wide portfolio of part-time courses designed to meet a variety of training needs for guitarists, bass players, drummers, vocalists and songwriters. Past or present Institute students can be found everywhere, touring with the likes of Moby and The Noisettes, playing with bands like Radiohead and Babyshambles and artists like Eric Clapton and Kylie Minogue, and also working as teachers all over the world.

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