Modartt has updated Pianoteq to v3.5.3 and announced the release of a Clavinet Add-on, which brings you the characteristic sound featured in many rhythm & blues, pop, funk, disco and reggae songs. It also offers additional features not available in the original instrument.

The clavinet add-on is modelled after the well-known D6 electric clavichord. Thanks to the powerful technology provided by physical modelling, it offers in contrast to the original instrument a sustain pedal, an extended range from C0 to C6 (original range F0 to E5), a variable mute bar, continuous pick-up mixing, and of course the well-known Pianoteq's possibilities to adjust the timbre such as hammer hardness, overtones and resonator. There is also a wah-wah feature and customized equalizer presets.

The clavinet was frequently used in recordings during the 1970-80's and is still being used today. It has a seducing characteristic bright staccato sound that many musicians utilize to enhance the rhythmic qualities of the songs. Its portability makes it popular for use on stage as well as in the recording studio.

The clavinet has a similar mechanism as the clavichord. The strings are stroked by small rubber tips and pressed on to an anvil at the striking point. For that reason, it is not loud enough by itself and is therefore amplified electronically, and no sustain pedal could be implemented in the real instrument.

The clavinet add-on is embedded in demo mode in Pianoteq's latest version 3.5.3 and can be unlocked for 49 €. Further details with audio demos are available at :

Sample Logic has taken A.I.R. into the next generation with their upgrade to A.I.R. Expanded. A.I.R.'s sample programming and user interface have been completely redesigned and enhanced from the ground up with five independent screens of more than 40 assignable effects and performance parameters. In addition, Sample Logic has meticulously revamped every original A.I.R. instrument and introduced a whole new collection of performance-ready instruments and multis.

A.I.R. Expanded blends the three essential building blocks of music (Ambience, Impacts, and Rhythms) into one score-effectual toolkit. Powered by Native Instruments Kontakt Player, this extensive 6 GB virtual instrument contains over 900 instruments and multis that include atmospheric soundscapes, impactual transitions, tempo-synced rhythmic loops and much more...

Available now for both Mac and PC (VST, DXi, RTAS, AU, Stand Alone) as direct download. Boxed version will be available March 1st.

Full Retail Product: $359.99 (Download or Boxed)
Current User Upgrade: $49.99 (Download Only)

Puremagnetik has released Analog Drums for Ableton Live 8, Kontakt, and Logic. Analog Drums is a collection of percussives captured from modular analog systems and includes an assortment of expertly programmed multi-sample kits and looped clips.

From subby 808 style kicks to dramatic pitch enveloped hits and squelchy filtered noises, Analog Drums contains a huge grab bag of material. Produced entirely on Doepfer, LiveWire, and MFB equipment, this Micropak was designed to pump the modern DAW full of real analog diodes, resistors, and transformers.

Analog Drums includes 5 'base' kits alongside a selection of looped clips. The Ableton Live version includes a detailed programming of drum racks employing Live 8's latest features. Each kit is paired with a selection of MIDI based Live Clip ...

AudioMIDI.com and Steven Slate Drums have come together to offer an incredible "No-Brainer Deal": Steven Slate Drums EX Edition virtual drum instrument at just $20.00. This limited time offer ends February 28th, 2010.

Steven Slate Drums EX Contains 10 drumkits including the famous "Old Zep" kit (an authentic Led Zeppelin model recorded in a stone castle) as well as five hybrid kits. SSD EX drum suite includes a standalone version as wells as RTAS/VST/AU format plug-ins for PC and Mac platforms.

Said audioMIDI.com's Russ Jones, "This is the first time a virtual drum instrument of this quality has been offered at an incredible "No-Brainer" price. We're happy to again deliver great value to our customers."

Steven Slate Drums EX Edition is available for purchase via electronic serial number at this special price until 2/28/10, exclusively from :

Steinberg announces that its support for PowerPC systems is gradually coming to an end. Due to Apple's decision not to support PowerPC processors in its latest operating system, Snow Leopard, Steinberg has decided to focus exclusively on Intel CPUs in the development and testing processes for its Mac-compatible products.

This means that the current versions of Steinberg products will be the last versions to officially support PowerPC processors. These product versions will support PowerPC processors for the full lifecycle of these versions.