Native Instruments has announced that Electronic Instruments 2 XT is now available. Electronic Instruments 2 XT is the extended version of NI second Reaktor instrument collection. Each of the eight instruments in Electronic Instruments 2 XT can be run both standalone as well as in all major plugin formats. The eight instruments included in Electronic Instruments 2 XT are:

- Photone - hybrid master synthesizer
- Limelite - advanced beat composer
- Metaphysical Function - soundscape synthesizer
- Krypt - granular drum machine
- Akkord - sequenced chord generator
- Fast FX - advanced performance effects
- Resochord - programmable polyphonic resonator
- Cyan - extended vintage chorus

Electronic Instruments 2 XT is available now for $169 or €149.

Steinberg today announced the release of a new version of its standard ASIO protocol: ASIO 2.1. The latest version of the Audio Stream Input Output now offers support for the DSD format. Following from an intense technological cooperation with Sony, Steinberg has updated its ASIO protocol to support the Direct Stream Digital standard. ASIO 2.1 allows the transport of DSD format audio between audio applications and hardware that support the standard.

Camel audio announced PhatSpace bundle, made of two multi effects : CamelSpace and CamelPhat. CamelSpace is a dynamic and rhythmic multi-effect with pan, volume, flanger, filter, stereo delay and more. CamelPhat 3 is a colouring dynamic multi effect more four distortion modules with warm and soft to crunchy and fat, added EQ, compressor, three filters, two LFOs and one envelope follower.

This bundle cost 115€ or 65€ each plugin and wiill be avalaible from camel audio web at the end of April.

Native Instruments has announced Reaktor 5. 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 will be available in May 2005 for 499 euros and upgrade for owners of Reaktor 4 will be available for 149 euros.

Steinberg just announced a major update to its The Grand virtual concert grand piano virtual instruments. The Grand 2 features an entirely new added grand piano (users can easily switch between the two models with a single mouse click) news surround capabilities (The Grand 2 can be placed anywhere inside a virtual room, with the position adjustable from directly within the user interface) and a range of features designed to maximize computer resource efficiency.

The Grand 2 will be available for 239 euros (or $239 !!) from May 2005. Existing customers can update to the new The Grand 2 version for 89 euros.