Antares Audio Technologies today announced the release of kantos 1.0, a software-based synthesizer for MAS, VST (Mac) and RTAS (Mac). Unlike conventional MIDI synthesizers, kantos 1.0 is controlled by any pitched monophonic audio. kantos 1.0 analyzes incoming audio and instantaneously extracts pitch, dynamics, harmonic content and formant characteristics. This information is then used to control the kantos 1.0 sound engine in ways never before possible with a conventional MIDI synth. Surprising.

Now, Lexicon is shipping a highly sophisticated automation option for the 960L, which has been greatly anticipated since the announcement of its development at the 2002 Winter NAMM Session in Anaheim, CA.

The optional automation feature is available at authorized Lexicon dealers. Customers can purchase a dedicated "key" to unlock the automation feature in their 960L with version 3 software. Version 3 software is a no charge upgrade that will be automatically sent to all existing registered customers and included standard in production units. Customers who register their 960L at www.lexicon.com will also continue to receive the delay and 96kHz algorithm option at no charge.

The 960L automation option allows program changes, pan moves, parameter adjustments, and mutes to be written an ...

Propellerhead Software has announced the release of Reason 2.0. On the menu, more "machines" (Malström, NN-XT), more sounds (Orkester library), more power (detachable sequencer, OS X and multi-processors supports).

Based on a user which assists to a DP3 beta demo by Magic Dave in the US, here are some great new functions:

- a maintain click on the wiper, combined with a vertical move of the mouse, cause an horizontal zoom of the current view (as Nuendo does)
-improved soundbites and file managements
-illimited undos (saved with the project)
-memory snapshots of the current session, for making different versions, remixes, etc.
-remember the state of plugin's laying out
(order) for future use
-WAV and REX import/export ?
-some new surround plugins
-still not os-x compliant... (grrr...)
-improved MIDI editing (note trim by the head)
-sequencer stopped, you can match a tempo by hitting a key on your keyboard (as Cakewalk did)
Just for the word of mouth, Danny Elfmann (famous film score composer) is a fervent dp user, from the beginning...

Waves has release the TDM/RTAS/VST/MAS update of their famous bundle suite. Here are some improvements:
-better ressource management
-multi-processor support
-more plugs support higher sample frequencies (96kHz)
-automation support with Digital Performer
-best control surface support for realtime plugin settings (except with Digital Performer)
The update is free to v 3.x owner.