McDSP launches LE versions of three plugins : FilterBank, CompressorBank, and Chrome Tone will be available as RTAS and Audiosuite formats, and will work in the same way of the full versions. FilterBank, CompressorBank, and Chrome Le versions will be available on May 9th.

These plugins will cost $195 each.

Alphakanal announces an update for its substrative synthesizer Automat to version 0.1.6. which adds stereo-delay settings, adds new random preset generation types (Random, Shuffle, Evolution) and fixes : pitch wheel error, filter stability problem and adds minor GUI changes.

EchoBoy TDM, made by SoundToys (formerly Wave Mechanics) is an echo/delay plugin for Pro Tools systems and the latest tool in the SoundsToys line of plug-ins for Digidesign's Pro Tools systems. EchoBoy TDM is loaded with over 300 presets and features dual, ping-pong and rhythm modes, dynamics control, 3-band EQ, stereo imaging control, advanced analog mode and true TDM (not HTDM) support on Pro Tools HD and HD Accel systems. EchoBoy TDM works in Digidesign's TDM, RTAS and AudioSuite plug-in formats and supports Pro Tools HD, LE and HD Accel.

EchoBoy costs $495, and for a limited time (until May 23rd), EchoBoy TDM will be available for $295. A 14-day demo version is also available.

Apple has just updated its popular music software Garageband to version 2.0.1. This update addresses issues with duplicating tracks, playhead snapping to grid, joining software instrument regions on adjacent tracks, making precise adjustments to volume and pan settings, and converting Software Instrument Apple Loops based on drum sounds into Real Instrument Apple Loops. It also addresses an issue where recorded Real Instrument regions may not properly adjust to changes in the project key.

Native Instruments announces that Synthetic Drums 2 is now available in stores. Synthetic Drums 2 is the latest addition to the NI soundline range is loaded with 36 drum kits that offer material for all contemporary and upcoming styles of electronic music - including various flavours of techno and house,hiphop, R&B, ambient, two-step, drum&bass, tech funk, IDM, breakbeat, electro, industrial,electronica, big beat, downbeat, experimental and avantgarde.

Synthetic Drums 2 (Battery 2 and Kontakt formats) is available for a suggested retail price of $119 or 99 Euros.