HALion 2.0 due in April impresses with new Waldorf filters, surround capability, a new surround library by Wizoo, Roland S770 data import, extended GIGA support, OS X compatibility and much more.

Frankfurt Musikmesse (Stand B78 in Hall 5.1)

Xphraze is a sample-based instrument combined with a powerful multi-timbral synthesizer that offers practically unlimited sound-shaping and real-time modulation capabilities. Xphraze is powered by an integrated polyphonic phrase generator, allowing this new VSTi to generate practically all types of rhythmic sound textures imaginable, from polyphonic chord patterns, through drum grooves and bass lines to tempo-synced pads and arpeggios.

Frankfurt Musikmesse (Stand B78 in Hall 5.1)

Groove Agent is a virtual drummer for VST. Like the well-known Virtual Guitarist, this plug-in actually "plays" an instrument, providing dynamic drums in dozens of different styles - just like a top studio drummer. Groove Agent includes a specially crafted drum sound library that provides a huge variety of styles from many musical eras.

Frankfurt Musikmesse (Stand B78 in Hall 5.1)

Arboretum Systems announces Montage, "the first media software that lets creators work like they think". Montage features a groundbreaking "trackless" workspace that allows the free manipulation of video, audio, stills, and text in an infinitely expandable window. Montage was built for OS X from the ground up and is 100% Cocoa native.

Arturia just released Moog Modular, a virtual synthetizer available as a VSTi plug-in for OS 9 and OS X. "very impressive, no bugs, sounds big !!"