From Frankfurt, BIAS (Hall 5.1 at Booth 63) today announced Universal versions of its Peak Pro, Peak Pro XT, Peak LE, Master Perfection Suite, SoundSoap and SoundSoap Pro applications for both Power PC and Intel-based Macs. BIAS' Power PC optimized DSP processes are currently among the fastest, and highest-quality, in the industry. The BIAS Intel Core Duo compatible applications will demonstrate significant performance increases on some of the most computationally-intensive audio processes (for example, testing Sample Rate Conversion in Peak Pro 5 showed a nearly 130% performance increase running on an Intel-based MacBook Pro versus a 1.67 GHz PowerBook G4).

Universal versions of Peak Pro, Peak Pro XT, Peak LE, Master Perfection Suite, SoundSoap and SoundSoap Pro will be available Q2 2006 through the authorized network of BIAS dealers and distributors. Upgrades to Universal editions will be free of charge.

At Frankfurt Steinberg announces a new symphonic VST instrument and library: HALion Symphonic Orchestra. A 27GB library, integrated easy-to-use player, RealAmbience adjustable recorded reverb and range of playability features combine to form a new orchestral composition and production tool. Played by a leading European orchestra, the expansive 27GB HSO library encompasses a vast array of articulations for strings, woodwind, brass and percussion including crescendo, decrescendo, accents, half and whole tone thrills, bowing (where applicable), portamento, pizzicato, expressivo and many more. 1250 programs offer solo, ensemble and tutti sounds for almost every instrument, with innovatively programmed facilities like key-switches and crossfades providing easy use of complex sample groups.

Supporting VST, DXi, AU as well as ReWire for easy integration into Pro Tools, HALion Symphonic Orchestra also offers a stand-alone mode. it will be available n Q2 2006 for €499.00.

Frontier Design Group announced the availability of Universal Binary drivers for its Tranzport controller. it is now in version 1.20 and will work on PPC and Intel mac (OS X 10.3.9 or better). Note that this driver is also mandatory for use with Logic 7.2

Little Phatty! You had the specs a little while back but to sum up, it's a 2 VCO, 1 VCF, 2 ADSR, 4 waveforms LFO, full analogue path 37 notes keyboard. There's audio I/O, Midi I/O, CV I/O, and a 100 presets memory. It'll run as a 1200 pieces Bob Moog Tribute Edition first with a price tag of $1475. Beware, it's said to have b…s! ;)

Sound samples will be available next week, meanwhile you have to go in Frankfurt to play it.

Almost everyone is familiar with his legendary hits, such as 'Sledgehammer', 'Biko' and 'Big Time', and his videos are considered to be milestones in the history of pop culture: Peter Gabriel, rock musician, songwriter and video artist, will be awarded the 2006 Frankfurt Music Prize during the international Musikmesse. He was singled out for the prize because, with his creative work, his appearances and his support for young talents, he laid a vital foundation stone for the future of rock and pop music.

The Frankfurt Music Prize was founded in 1980 and is awarded annually by the Trustees of the Frankfurt Music Prize Foundation on the occasion of the international Musikmesse in Frankfurt.