Expert Sleepers announced an update for Minky Starshine Audio Units to v1.0.1, which adds more presets, and annonouced also the first release of Minky Starshine VST version. Minky Starshine is at heart an additive synthesiser, augmented with possibilities for subtractive synthesis and pulse width modulation.

More info and download in the MacMusic softwares section.

Kreativ Sounds has released Active eBASS Plus 1.2 and Active eBASS LE 1.2, revised and improved versions of the Reason Refills. Containing electric guitar, analog, and additive basses in one collection, this update comes loaded with new features, 1280 presets and several bugfixes.

Audio demos are available. The full version costs 29.50 Euro / 37.50 USD.

IK Multimedia has just released Sonik Synth 2, with Sonic Reality. This virtual synth workstation comes with over 5,000 sounds from an 8 GB sample library, and features 16 parts sample-based synth, 256 notes polyphony, built in 32 DSP effects, Loop Sync feature and is available as VST, RTAS, and AU plug-ins for Mac OS X.

A SonicSynth 2 Free version (fully working but limited by the provided sounds) is also available. Sonic Synth 2 full version costs 399$ (or 399 euros..strange).

There are several great news from OHM ans their famous softwares :

- The new Symptohm Melohman is a powerfull virtual synth, featuring exclusive Synth Grain Oscillators, using any sample.
- There's a new interface for Symptohm. After the Classic Skin comes the Funky Skin !
- A new Symptohm version called the Performer Edition: This affordable version of their intensively playable sonic synth allow you to play any Symptohm:Melohman sound, even with your own samples, to merge them and to mutate them with all the Melohman features for 49 euros or nothing if you already own Symptohm:Melohman.
- 256 new presets have been released for Quad Frohmage and are available for free to registered users.

And of course VST, AU and RTAS demo versions of Symptohm:Melohman and Symptohm:Melohman Performer Edition are available.

Last year the Croisette proudly displayed iPod ads, and this year again, Apple confirms that music plays an important part in its business. Indeed, Apple will be present at the MIDEM (World's Music Market). The main music market in Europe will take place at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes (France) from January 23rd to 27th.

The Pass to attend the MIDEM is 850 euros.