Absynth 3 is coming ! The Native Instruments synthesizer is now fully surround-enabled, offering the most comprehensive and versatile multi-channel implementation. Powerful new oscillator functions and additional integrated effects further expand its sonic capabilities, while a versatile live input function turns Absynth 3 into a superlative real-time sound mangling tool. Flexible MIDI parameter control and a revised user interface further increase ABSYNTH's versatility and ease of use.

Absynth 3 will be available in December 2004 for a suggested retail price of $ 339 / 289 Euro.

IK Multimedia and Sonic Reality, will start shipping in November 2004 Sonik Synth 2, an integrated synth workstation plug-in offering ten times the sonic power of hardware workstations combined with a virtual museum of vintage keyboards. Sonik Synth 2 gives the user fast access to more than 500 sounds designed with layering of more than 1,000 individual parts made up of multisampled instruments, waveforms and performance elements.

Sonik Synth 2 will be soon available for $399.

Spectrasonics announced that Stylus RMX is now shipping. it costs 299$ and the update is free for users who purchased Stylus in 2004. For other users, the update costs 99$.

More info on Spectrasonics web site.

M-Audio announced Pulsar, a medium-capsule professional cardioid condenser microphone designed for recording acoustic instruments, like guitars, piano, strings, brass, and woodwinds. It's also great for percussion and drum overheads. Pulsar microphone features 20Hz-20kHz frequency response, 3-pin XLR (48v phantom powered), solid brass body and capsule.

Pulsar costs 129.95$ or 119 euros (soft case, wind screen, and mic-clip mount included).

Steinberg announced the release of Nuendo 3. The new version of Steinberg's media production system offers more features for post production and also sets new standards in surround production. Nuendo 3 will be shipping in late November 2004 for 1999 euros (full version), 699 euros (update from Nuendo 1.x) and 499 euros (update from Nuendo 2.x).

More info and new features on Steinberg web site.