Reaktor 5 by Native Instruments is now available. This major new version introduces the new "Reaktor Core Technology". The Reaktor Core layer offers up to 64 bit internal resolution, and now instruments in Reaktor 5 now also come with their own custom user interface, thanks to extensive new panel customizing options. All panel elements in the new version of Reaktor are completely "skinnable", which includes faders, knobs, buttons, and even meters. Reaktor 5 now offers powerful multi-stage envelopes similar to those in Absynth and FM7, and complete with tempo grid, slope control and looping functions; a large number of new modules for extended data storage, voice routing and MIDI functionality.

Reaktor 5 is available for 499 euros and upgrade for owners of Reaktor 4 is available for 149 euros.

The Sound Guy has announced the release of SFX Machine RT 1.05, an audio multi-effects plug-in for Mac. Version 1.05 increases the available delay time by a factor of four; it also fixes a bug which could cause incorrect delays at higher sample rates. Please note the SFX Machine Simulator which is an online Flash program which provides a fun way to try a simulated version of SFX Machine without having to download and install the demo.

Steinberg unveiled the latest version of Nuendo DAW at the 118th AES Convention in Barcelona, Spain. Presented under the banner "Nuendo: The Future Of Audio Post", Nuendo 3.1 adds support for HDTV Frame Rates, support for marker tracks, adds the ability to interface with Euphonix hardware utilizing the EuCon protocol, and a time base synchronizer with the integrated Nuendo DTS and Dolby Digital Encoder plug-ins.

The Nuendo 3.1 update will be available via download to current registered users at Steinberg web site from July 2005.

French broadcaster NRJ Group airs all of the programming on its new NRJ 12 TV channel in Dolby® Digital 5.1 surround sound. The channel offers a mix of music and entertainment shows. NRJ 12 is the first French channel to be aired with Dolby Digital 5.1 on terrestrial TV (and available free of charge to viewers across France). NRJ 12 is predominantly aimed at teenagers and young adults, with a strong emphasis on popular music and American sitcoms. NRJ plans to expand the content eventually, with dramas, magazine shows, talk shows, games, and reality TV.

TC Electronic announces that an update to version 2.0 of its Restauration Suite, which includes the new DeThump plug-in. With the new 2.0 update, Restoration Suite includes five real-time plug-ins: DeScratch, DeNoise, DeClick, DeCrackle, and now DeThump, which can be used with any VST, AU or RTAS compatible audio system. Restoration Suite 2.0 will be available in June 2005 at 1495 euros (ex. VAT) and the upgrade will be free of charge for existing users via the TC web site.

TC Electronic also announces that System 6000 stereo plug-ins will now be available for Pro Tools HD. With the System 6000 plug-ins from TC Electronic, some of the most sophisticated algorithms for mixing and mastering are finally made available to the Pro Tools platform. TC Electronic expects four new TDM plug-ins, MD3 (1295 euros), VSS3 (795 euros), DVR2 (595 euros) and NonLin2 (495 euros), to be available during the second half of 2005 (prices - ex. VAT - are preliminary).

TC unveils a new reverb, the DVR2 Digital Vintage Reverb, which is an emulation of a well preserved EMT250. The DVR2 (VST, AU or RTAS) will ship in June 2005 a 395 euros (ex.VAT).

At last, the PowerCore PCI mkII card - announced at MusikMesse Frankfort - is now shipping at 1140 euros (ex. VAT).