NUSofting has announced Strings Dream Synthesizer, a new instrument plug-in able to reproduce the infinite array of rich, analogue pads from the most famous strings machines in synthesizer history - emulating the classic Eminent Solina as well as its sister keyboards from Elka, Crumar and even their Japanese cousins.

Strings Dream Synthesizer does not use samples. Instead the "octave divider" circuitry typical of those early polyphonic synths has been natively emulated, so that all sounds are computed in realtime in true VA fashion.

The fundamental "Ensemble" effect (like the vintage Solina chorus) accurately follows the architecture of its hardware counterpart, including the BBD chip behaviour for truly rich modulation. However, it has been extended for a wider range of "chorus" effects.

Strings Dream Synthesizer is easy to use. Its layout and features take their cue from and expand upon the familiar Solina design, with only the necessary controls to achieve the textures of the other strings machines.

Features :

- A full ADSR envelope generator and Waveform selection (for several strings and organs sounds).
- Volume fader and switch for each of 6 stops (C.Bass, Cello, Brass, Horn, Viola and Violin). The fader for each stop allows an almost infinite number of mixtures.
- A powerful parameter to tune the relative phase of Violin wave against the other voices.
- Brightness and highpass filters are also adjustable.
- More performance flexibility with MIDI velocity and polyphonic mode selectable.
- Note also that the C.Bass and Cello are monophonic with full legato mode and you can select one of eight keyboard split points, allowing you to layer the mono voices with the others.
- Chorus "Ensemble" effect.
- Four-stage Phaser for those famous "Jarre pads".
- Exclusive reverb with the ability to morph on request to that "trembling" sound of the vintage spring reverb units.

Strings Dream Synthesizer will be released in May 2009, first as VST plug-in and later as an AU plug-in. Estimated price $89 USD.

Voxengo has updated VariSaturator to v1.6.

VariSaturator is an audio effect plug-in designed to apply saturation effects over audio material. It can be used both to boost the loudness of the audio tracks without increasing their peak levels proportionally, and to apply subtle harmonic coloration that makes tracks sound more pronounced and polished.

Changes :

- Crossover filter steepness parameter added.
- "Radial" knob mode can be now disabled completely.
- "Off-Line Render" indication added.
- Global level metering parameters added.
- Routing change-related issue fixed.
- Knob read-outs now require a single click for keyboard entry.
- Occasional crashes in WaveLab and other hosts fixed.
- Host sample rate switch-related problem fixed.
- Mouse control issue fixed.
- Minor visual improvements implemented.

Cycling '74 has announced the release of Max/MSP v5.0.7. The free runtime has also been updated.

For more information, please visit the link below :

112dB has just released Redline Reverb, a new reverb plug-in described as a "musical reverb based on a completely new and original concept that excels in both warmth and transparency at extremely low CPU usage". Its core algorithm is based on the Rev-6 and Space Master Reaktor ensembles by Martijn Zwartjes.

Redline Reverb is a fully algorithmic and true stereo reverb with possibilities far beyond the conventional - check out the 112 factory presets for a comprehensive showcase of what it can do. Unlike conventional algorithmic reverbs, Redline Reverb does not need separate plate, hall, and room algorithms. Instead it features a comprehensive yet intuitive parameter set that allows you to easily recreate any given reverb characteristic, leaving you free to create lush smooth vocal reverbs, convincing room simulations, almost infinite reverb tails, synth pad and delay effects, and everything in between.

Priced at $99, Redline Reverb is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU and RTAS formats. 60-day fully functional demo versions are also available.

Roland has launched a video contest called "How Do You JUNO ?".

Enter this competition and get a chance to win one of three new JUNO-Stage keyboards. The concept is quite easy, you just have to upload a short YouTube video that shows a creative way you use your Roland JUNO keyboard.