Native Instruments has announced version 2.0.5 for Mac OS X of their virtual synthesizer Absynth. This new version is compatible with AU and MOTU Digital Performer and includes numerous improvements, including an integrated keyboard and various bug fixes. Absynth 2.0.5 Update is free for registered users and is immediately available for download.

New article translated by vince-y.
In this third and last part of our series of articles Beyond Stereo, we deal with the high-end concept of "virtual acoustic" environments. Powerful computer tools are able simulate the behaviour of acoustic environments in real time; these tools will soon be available to the larger public. Enjoy.

The Akai MPC samplers, the reigning kings of hip-hop drum machines, now have a massive new product line of sound libraries available via a newly expanded MPCsounds.com website.

The new MPCsounds website offers several new product lines and features, including:
- New downloadable products for the MPC1000, MPC2000/XL, MPC3000/LE, and MPC4000. (Both Mac and PC supported)
- New sound libraries for the MPC1000 available on CD-ROM, Compact Flash, or as Downloadable sets.
- New massive MPC CD-ROM product line, now all MPC Zip disk products are available on CD-ROM.
- New MPC manuals section offering free downloadable MPC manuals for all MPC models.
-New downloadable free sounds for all MPC models.
- New "VIP Archive" offering more free sounds and loops for repeat customers.
- New MPC acc ...

M-Audio and Propellerheads have announced a new educational pack entitled "Teaching Music with Reason." The toolkit for teacher contains 21 lessons and exercises, complete with worksheets, detailed plans, songs and PDFs, and teacher evaluation materials, 10 instruction manuals, Reason Adapted CD (the light version) and full Reason 2.5 CD with instruction manual. The lessons focus on composition and form, exploring sound and improvisation, and synthesis and sound design. The software is shipping now; a sample lesson is available on the Propellerheads website. For pricing, schools should contact their distributor.

Schools have been wary of using Reason because it is perceived as being a "dance music" tool, but this package could change that. The materials look very solid, and can be used even by teachers who lack computer music experience. If you're an educator out there, hit comments and let us know what you think of it.

Clouvel and Ptilou contributed to this report.