SonicBirth is now available as Preview version 3.0 , which adds new plugins ((Valve Warmer, DC Blocker and Funky repeater), a new element (Trigger) and fixes bugs. Due to requests from users this new version now allows redistribution of exported Audio Units plugins. They work in demo mode, or in normal mode for user who bought the full version ($99). SonicBirth is an Audio Units plugins designing application which allows you to build your own AudioUnit plug-ins.

A new "runtime" version is also available and costs $29.

Announced at NAMM, HALion Player is now available. Tailored to newcomers to virtual sampling, HALion Player works with VST, AU and any Rewire environment. It provides a way of playing any of the hundreds of commercially available HALion libraries as well as Wav / Aif / Rex / Rex2 / Zgr and LM4 instrument files. HALion Player includes the full HALion 3 sound library.

Please note that due to the acquisition of Steinberg by Yamaha Corporation, the Steinberg on-line store for products and upgrades is currently closed.

TC Electronic announces the immediate availability of the DB-4 Broadcast Audio Processor. DB-4 is designed for use within TV and radio stations and their regional centers, serves analog and digital transmission, OB and Linking with Realtime Loudness Control, Format Conversion, Five-Band Processing and advanced Limiting.

DB-4 is now shipping at 8500 euros (ex.VAT).

Yamaha announces SSD (SMAF Sound Decorator). SSD is a tool for converting SMF(.mid) to SMAF/MA-2, 3, 5 files(.mmf). Unlike ordinary converters, SSD allows users to switch voices easily and enhance songs to their liking. You can also download WSD (Wave Sound Decorator, a tool for converting Wave files(.wav/.aif) to SMAF/MA-2, 3, 5 files(.mmf).

Native Instruments announces details on the library of the upcoming Kontakt 2 software sampler. The Kontakt 2 library will include:

- a special version of the Vienna Symphonic Library (VSL). This special VSL orchestra includes 30 instruments and takes advantage of the KSP engine for sophisticated performance effects including "Monophonic Legato" and "Repetition".

- a multi-sampled Steinway D Grand Piano.

- an August Foerster Concert Piano.

- the "Elektrik Guitar", an extensively sampled electric guitar.

- the "Akkord Guitar", an instrument that draws on a library of
more than 3.500 acoustic guitar chord samples.

- a selection of church organs, including a massive cathedral organ sampled
in full 5.1 surround.

- a selection of electric pianos, including the Rhodes MK II.