Sagan has updated its Metro sequencer to version 6.3.5.5. This pre-release version adds new sub-menus for plug-ins by category, and fixes several bugs : offline effects now work, or panning automation problem fixed. Metro is s a fast-operating, easy-to-learn high-powered sequencer for the design of professional audio projects. It stands alone as a complete and integrated MIDI, audio and video production system. Metro's audio system supports up to 64 audio tracks. Each track can have its own effect chain. Eight aux busses are also supported. Each with their own chain.

This update is free and is available for download.

Dash Signature released an updated version 2.00.05 for its EVE (stands for 'Electronic Vintage Ensemble'). This release adds new synthesis features, several enhancements and is still compatible with Eve 1.0 presets. EVE was made to recreate in the virtual world of softsynths the exciting and immediate experience of the early age of electronics in pop, rock and jazz music from the 1960's and 1970's.

EVE 2 is the first version of EVE to be available for Mac OS X (VST, Audio Units), and costs $75.

Studio Electronics is on the way to launch a new analogue rack synth the CODE, it'll be declined as CODE 2, 4 and 8 (regarding the number of voices and the number of filterbanks). All share SEM and diode filters, MIDI control and sound much like cut down/twisted version of the Omega family. Price and availability TBA. If the only available information on the code is on the site of Nova Music, this shop sells a limited edition of the SE-1X too, the SE-1x ne, featuring an amp overdrive, an ultra fast enveloppe, modified extended range filters, sine waves generator and a special soundbank and two new looks.

Available now for $1699.

Applied Acoustics Systems announced its new Lounge Lizard Session, a new virtual electric piano based on the Lounge Lizard EP-3 sound engine. Offering four different types of pianos and a great selection of effects, Lounge Lizard Session is the perfect solution for anyone in need of the legendary Rhodes and Wurlitzer sounds in their sonic arsenal. It also features tremolo, distortion, chorus, flanger, phaser, vibrato, wah, delays, and reverb.

Lounge Lizard Session (standalone, VST, AU, RTAS) ships for $99.

On the Audio Addict booth at the AES, Olivier Bolling ex-technical director of the studios Plus XXX was showing two compressors under the new brand AL SO. Both are high end transparent designs in 2U racks of rugged and solid metal. The DYNAX has 4 modes: limiter, compressor, brickwall and antidyna (parabolic curve). There's a bass drive function, a low frequency filter in the side chain preventing these frequencies to start up the compressor action. The EZAX is a subtler/less heavy handed DYNAX for easier tweaking or slight touch operation. If there was a buzz on compressors at the AES, it was on these beauties, some top heads came in to have a hear or two of them…