Steinberg announced version 3 of Halion - the well known soft sampler - that will soon be available. Based on version 2.0 engine, this new version 3 will use Steinberg RAMsave technology that will allow an easier management of bigger size samples. Moreover the effect section will be enhanced with a choice of 27 effects that you'll be able to apply to every sample, program or bank. New features also include a file management tool and support of Kontakt and Kurweil samples. Halion should be available soon for 399 euros.

VirSyn (designer of Tera and Cube ) has just announced at the release of a new vocal synthesis software : CANTOR, an eight parts vocal soft (G4/400 minimum with OS X). You'll have to insert your text in english and cantor will sing it following your midi keyboard. The soft will allow you to edit the voice and the phonemes. Cantor will be available in may 2004 (Mac OS X, Stand Alone, ReWire, VST, AU et RTAS.)

At Frankfort Musik Messe, Native Instruments presents NI KOMPLETE 2 ,his comprehensive software solution for the musicians and producers who want to have it all. This package includes the full versions for mac OS X : ABSYNTH 2, REAKTOR 4, B4 Organ, FM7, PRO-53, KONTAKT 1.5, KOMPAKT, INTAKT, BATTERY, VOKATOR und NI-SPEKTRAL DELAY. NI KOMPLETE 2 will be available in June 2004 for a suggested retail price of $ 1149 / 999 €.

At the 2004 Musik Messe, IK Multimedia and Sonic Reality have announced their next collaborative effort, StudioPhonik, the first Studio Instrument Module. This virtual instrument plug-in is dedicated to reproducing the diverses sounds and instruments of full bands in high-end recording studios. With a wide selection of custom, vintage and top of the line drums, percussion, guitars, bass, keyboards and horns, the user can produce an realistic and professional sounding virtual band in their sequencer, all from one plug-in.

StudioPhonik is expected to be released within this summer and will be available as a plug-in for every sequencer platform including RTAS, VST, MAS and Audio Unit on MacOS. The MSRP will be $/Euro 399.

Paperweight Software inc. is the reincarnation of AFSoft, the former Andrew Logan 's shareware company. Audiophile2.0 Public Beta is the next version for OS X of the popular Audiophile Dj application from Paperweight Software, with new features : Easy to Use 2-channel interface, Auto-fading, 2 Band Equalizer and more. Audiophile is downloadable as a beta version and is an open-source application.