We announced it yesterday : Bias unveiled SoundSoap version 2, its audio cleaning software. We were waiting for the prices and we've got them now : the suggested retail price of SoundSoap full version is $99. Customers who purchased SoundSoap on or after October 1st, 2004, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 2 at no additional charge by faxing BIAS a request along with a copy of their original dated sales receipt. For customers who purchased SoundSoap before October 1st, 2004, the upgrade to SoundSoap 2 is $49.

SoundSoap Pro remains available at $599.

At AES, Presonus unveils the FireBox, a compact FireWire audio interface which can record and playback six inputs and ten outputs simultaneously at a 24-bit/96k resolution. The FireBox includes two PreSonus microphone/instrument preamplifiers, two analog line inputs, six balanced analog line outputs, headphone output as well as S/PDIF and MIDI input/output.

More info on Presonus web site.

Native Instruments launched Traktor Beatport Player, a free audio player software for users of the Beatport online music store. The Traktor Beatport Player is a versatile and easy-to-use audio player that can even be used to tear up a party thanks to its set of basic DJ functions.The Traktor Beatport Player is based on TRAKTOR DJ STUDIO and features two decks with waveform displays, pitch faders and a crossfader.

More info on NI web site.

Roland announced that the Fantom-Xa is now shipping. The fantom Xa is a sampling workstation with a 61-note keyboard, 128 voices and high-resolution sequencer. You can export your finalized mixes to a Mac via USB.

Info on Roland web site.

GB Midi Import facilitates the import of midi information from a standard midi file into GarageBand. It creates Apple Midi Loop information which GarageBand natively understand. This version 1.1 features : added checkboxes to filter volume and pan midi events.