Native Instruments announces that Reaktor 5 is now available in stores worldwide. Furthermore, Reaktor Session customers can now take advantage of a special time limited upgrade offer to the full version of Reaktor. Reaktor 5 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 is available for $579 or 499 euros. Upgrade from v.3/4, and for Reaktor Session users (valid until August 31st 2005) is available for $169 or 149 euros.

Steinberg today announced that its latest VSTi product, Virtual Bassist, is now shipping worldwide. Based on real performances by studio bass players, Virtual Bassist offers a range of bass phrases, grooves and styles and covers musical styles ranging through rock, pop, reggae, metal and hip hop to name but a few.

Virtual Bassist is available for €239.00. Virtual Bassist requires an installed Steinberg USB copy protection device (or Steinberg Key).

LinPlug announces that a demo version of Crono X3 is now available for Mac OS X (AudioUnits and VST versions). CronoX3 is a sampler synth which features: A new "Free Filter" with modulatable filter-types(lp/hp/bp/br continuously adjustable and modulatable), Full 5.1 support, Increased quality of all generator algorithms, 4 generators now available simultaneously, loop sampler now has a much bigger preview window and up to 64 samples per generator (velo-crossfade/split and keysplit), new modulation sources and destinations, and a sophisticated Albino-type arpeggiator.

PSP announces that PSP EffectsPack is now available as to HTDM format for Mac OSX. PSP also updated AudioUnit, VST and RTAS versions of the PSP EffectsPack for Mac OSX. PSP EffectsPack consist of three plug-in effects: Lexicon PSP 42, PSP 84 and PSP Nitro.

TerraTec Producer announces that Phase X24 audio interface is now shipping. The Phase X24 is an audio FireWire interface, featuring two analog inputs (line, microphone, phantom powered), four analog outputs, headphones, S/PDIF, effects inserts and two gain knobs.

Terratec also announces that Phase 24 line is now MLAN compatible.