An updater to version 1.0.1 for Digidesign Xpand! is now available. Xpand! 1.0.1 includes the following new or enhanced features:

- Improved audio and MIDI performance in general
- Drawing performance has been improved.
- Fixed a bug that caused the Xpand! Smart Display to turn gray.
- Fixed an issue where FX1 edit 2 control is not mapped correctly on the 002/command|8 pagetable.
- Fixed an issue where the UI sometimes freezes causing mouse clicks not being recognized correctly.

In order to use this updater, the full version of Xpand! v1.0 must already be installed from the Xpand! installation CD.

MOTU announces that the new PCIe (PCI Express) version of the PCI-424 card is now shipping, allowing users of MOTU's PCI-based recording system to take full advantage of today's fastest PCIe-equipped Macs. PCI Express is the latest high-speed expansion slot technology found in the latest generation Power Mac G5 towers from Apple. The new PCIe-424 card is now available for purchase as part of a 2408mk3, HD192 or 24I/O core system. Users who currently own a PCI-324 or 424 core system and wish to purchase a PCIe-424 card to run their core system on a PCIe-equipped computer can order the PCIe-424 card directly from the "Upgrades" tab at Motu web site. The earlier PCI-X (3.3 volt) version of the PCI-424 card is also still available.

Upgrade kit to PCIe costs $295.

MusicLab announces that Real Guitar 2.0 is now available for Mac OS X. This release, features a new pattern manager, allowing users to use the RG MIDI Pattern Library for creating guitar accompaniment parts and adds several features to the solo mode, to Chords, Bass&Chord, and Bass&Pick modes. Two versions are available : RealGuitar 2L version includes built-in Pattern Manager and complete RG Pattern Library, and RealGuitar 2 version doesn't include Pattern Manager and RG Pattern Library.

M-Audio is shipping its new Axiom 25 USB MIDI Controller. This 25-key USB mobile MIDI controller features both semi-weighted action and assignable aftertouch, plus eight rubberized trigger pads. Eight endless rotary encoder knobs let you get your hands on synth parameters, virtual mixer controls and more. Six transport controls can also assign to control other MIDI parameters. Virtually everything is freely MIDI-assignable—and the backlit LCD screen makes programming easy and intutive. You get 20 memory locations for on-board storage, plus free Enigma editor/librarian software to manage an unlimited number of setups via computer.

M-Audio Axiom 25 ships at $239.95.

Vienna Symphonic Library announced that the first five collections of the Symphonic Cube are now shipping. The "Cube" contains all of the samples that are included in the Pro Edition and the Horizon Series, plus much more, for example, Fast Interval Performances, Trill Performances (using the speed controller), gypsy and harsh styles, ponticello, sul tasto, ricochet, mordents, arpeggios, etc. New instruments include a small clarinet in Eb, a triple horn, new timpani, and taiko drums to mention but a few. The 'Cube' is be available in VST/AU version.

Five first "Cube" collections are Solo Strings, Chamber Strings, Orchestral Strings I, Orchestral Strings II, and Woodwinds I.