The Vienna Symphonic Library team has announced the release of the new Vienna Instruments collection Special Keyboards. This 8 GB collection offers a "state-of-the-art" approach to capturing these rare instruments: a harpsichord, a harmonium, and a prepared piano.

Like all Vienna Instruments collections, the Special Keyboards collection ships in VST, AU and stand-alone versions for Mac OS X (UB) and Windows. It retails for $385 / €295. For more information, please visit their website.

Nomad Factory has released updates for Limiting Amplifier LM-662 (v1.3), Program Equalizer EQP-4 (v1.3), Studio Channel SC-226 (v1.3), Essential Studio Suite (Bundle) (v1.4), Liquid Bundle II - Classic (v2.4), BlueVerb DRV-2080 (v1.4), Rock Amp Legends (v1.5) and Blue Tubes Bundle (v3.2).

Changes :

- Added iLok support (Mac/PC).
- Added Windows Vista32 support.
- Compatible Mac OS 10.5 Leopard.
- Fixed minor issues (Mac/PC).
- Essential Studio Suite (Bundle): Added RTAS Windows format (was RTAS Mac only).
- Rock Amp Legends: Added Intel Mac support for AU, RTAS and VST.

For more information, please visit their website.

Steinberg Media Technologies has just announced that its new virtual drummer Groove Agent 3 is now shipping. It provides new virtual drummer modules, drum kits and a range of other features to provide "a complete and unique" virtual drumming solution within one VST instrument.

Features :

- Special Agent and Percussion Agent: Adding to the Classic Groove Agent of previous versions, the two new modules offer ultra-realistic modelling of a real studio drummer as well as a range of new percussive instruments in a vast range of styles
- Dual Mode: Any two of the three modules can be combined in a virtual jam session for more dynamics and variability
- New acoustic kits with an additional assortment of digital drum machines and percussion
- 42 all-new drum styles: over 120 styles total ...

Our partners at Line 6 have a pretty cool promotion going in august : If you plan to purchase a TonePort UX1, UX2, or KB37 between August 1 and August 31, 2007 you are eligible to receive one of the three Line 6 Model Packs for FREE. Line 6 Model Packs are add-on collections of pro-grade amp, cab and effect models that expand your collection of sounds.

Choose from one of the following Model Packs:

- Metal Shop Model Pack - 18 high-gain, shred-worthy monsters
- Collector Classics - models of 18 famous pawnshop prizes
- FX Junkie - a huge library of 30 effects ranging from distortion to mod to delay

That's a $49.99 value for FREE!

See rebate instructions for complete terms and conditions (US Site)

Roland has just released SonicCell, another avatar of the Phantom Line in tabletop form. It is both a sound module, expandable with SRX expansion boards and a USB audio interface.

Main features :

- 128-voice sound module
- USB audio interface
- SMF and audio data (WAV, AIFF, MP3) playback
- Plays MIDI files
- USB port can host USB memory sticks
- 2 SRX slots
- PC/Mac Editor

SonicCell is available now at a retail price of $899. For more information, please visit the link below :