Rolled out with D-Control is the new Pro Tools 6.4 software, which should be available sooner (maybe at Frankfurt). Most new changes are only for HD but a later issue promises to support MIX systems.

New features include:
- Auto Delay compensation (both plug-in and routing delays)
- An option for having fader gain at +12 dB over 0 dBfs (currently fixed at +6 dB)
- TrackPunch (record-enable and punch on the fly)
- An Input button on each channel (to switch between input and playback)
- Enhanced plug-in organization through a new folder system
- Enhanced clip indication (clips will show on channel plug-in plates, on the show/hide list and on the D-Control surface)
- Absolute track numbering (forcing an optional absolute track number before each track name)
- An extra transport bar embedded at the top of the Edit window
- Input and Record Enable alert lights next to the REC button on the transport
- The ability to redefine current feet/frames position
- Support for 23.976 timecode rate

Thanks to Mix Magazine and Digidesign for the infos

SoundHack Spectral Shapers is a group of four plugins based on the SoundHack program. After the VST version, this 4 plugins package comes out as Audio Units version making it compatible with Digital Performer 4.1, Emagic Logic, and Apple GarageBand as well as all other Audio Unit hosts.

It is being released as a downloadable bundle ($150) which also includes VST versions for OS X and OS 9 . A boxed CD will soon be available.

Ed: Mew & Zach is broadcasting later in the week this week, my mistake while I'm on the road. Catch you soon. -PK

Ableton has announced the availability of his leading software Live in version 3.0.3. The focus on this update is only to improve the understanding of Live. The main features of Live 3.0.3 are: a new Session and Arrangement demo song, a tutorial explaining the Session demo song and an index for the english pdf manual. This updates also fixes bug : crash on Quit in ReWire depending on the installed ReWire slaves. This update is a free download for registered users.

AcidMusicLoops.com announced the release of three new loop based Groove Constuction Kits: HipHop Kit, Dance/Techno Kit and Pop/Rock Kit. Each kit contains over 320 loops for quick and easy construction of original music with programs like Cubase, Logic Audio, Apple's Garageband and of course Acid. Each Groove Construction Kit contais a generous helping of pounding drums, booming basses plus lots of synths, guitars, keys and more. Each kit retails for only $24.95 and can be ordered directly from www.acidmusicloops.com with free shipping!

AcidMusicLoops.com offers dozens of other titles like Mega Guitar, eXtreme Guitar, Analog Heaven, ethnoLOGIC, Warped and Twisted, Sonic Textures and more. Their Mega Guitar and Analog Heaven CDs just received the highest praise from the UK's Digital Music Maker Magazine.