Digidesign has just announced the availability of a new "Blue Factory" bundle for Pro Tools LE systems. This bundle sounds very friendly since it is composed of a Pro Tools LE system (mBox, Digi 002 or OO2 Rack), a LE Factory plugins pack, and last but not least a Bluebird microphone, designed by Blue Microphones Inc., and shipped with its complete accessories kit (anti-pop BirdNest filter, BirdCage suspension and Blueberry cable).

These bundles are available through Digidesign dealers. We don't know yet if ProTools LE current systems owners can get this new "Blue" bundle separately.

The Atmosphere Dream Synth Module, is a new type of software plug-in instrument that integrates a massive, three gigabyte core library of more than one thousand unique sounds and layer elements, with a powerful and intuitive interface for shaping new textures. Atmosphere works as a native plug-in instrument in all major hosts like Logic, Digital Performer, Cubase, Nuendo and Pro-Tools. This version 1.2 adds : LFO Sync, up to 192k sample rates now supported and authorization with Cubase fixed.

Atmosphere 1.2 is a free upgrade.

Charlie is a virtual retro organ which brings you the authentic sounding organs in a convenient plug-in with total recall of your edits. Charlie is powered by the award-winning UVI-Engine, offering an amazing CPU efficiency.This update fixes an authorization issue in Cubase SX 2.

More info on MacMusic Soft section.

TC Electronic has released a new version 1.9.2 of its Powercore driver :

- better firewire support
- some bugs fixed (1.9)
- Screen troubles fixed with Digital Performer.

Drums On Demand's new "Upbeat & Aggressive" is a 2-CD set featuring 1,700 royalty free loops, Loop Layers and matching single hits in 25 easy-to-use Song Sets. Users simply drag and drop from an average of 45 modular verse, chorus, fill, bridge, break, intro, ending and other loops to to quickly build a drum track that feels and sounds like a live session drummer with a veteran engineer at the console.

Price for the 2-CD set is $79.95