Native Instruments announces that registered Akoustik Piano users can now download the 1.1 update for free. This new version now supports up to 150 voices and includes many other performance enhancements. It also features an improved user-interface as well as a new recorder, stretched tuning, re-pedalling and a bass boost.

Akoustik Piano 1.1 now also supports both Kontakt 2 and Kore.

Few days after the release of the demo version, Arturia announces that its new Analog Factory is now shipping on the Arturia web shop, and in real shops very soon. From classic phat lead lines to crystalline digital pads, Analog Factory provides the contemporary musician with a broad, versatile and instantly striking sonic palette. But Analog Factory is not only a collection of sounds. Since it is based on synthesis, all sounds are dramatically modifiable. A set of the most essential parameters provides the user with an efficient way to tweak and alter the sonic character of the sound. Presets all carefully selected from the Arturia Classic Synths (minimoog V, Moog Modular V, CS-80V, ARP 2600 V, Prophet V and Prophet VS).

Analog Factory ships now as Stand-alone, VST, Audio Units, RTAS (ProTools 6 and 7) for $249 / €199.

PSPaudioware announces an update for Neon and Neon HR to version 1.1. With this release, Neon can now report proper latency value, fixes several latency problems, adds new Peak meters, and fixes several bugs. PSP Neon is a fully featured linear phase equalizer that offers eight bands of equalization, each of which can be assigned one of seven filter types. PSP Neon uses frequency-domain fast convolution based linear phase algorithms for the best balance between CPU efficiency and phase accuracy.

Neon is available as RTAS, Audio Units and VST formats.

Digidesign announces its new Turbocharged Pro Tools LE Exchange Program. Owners of legacy Pro Tools LE systems can trade-in their hardware for a Digi 002 Factory, Digi 002 Rack Factory, or Digi 002 Rack and get special exchange pricing, along with massive savings on the Music Production Toolkit. Digidesign Turbocharged Pro Tools LE Exchange Program enables you to exchange your legacy Mbox, Digi 001, or Digi ToolBox systems up to Digi 002 Factory, Digi 002 Rack Factory or Digi 002 Rack, systems at tremendous savings. As part of the deal, you also get the Music Production Toolkit, which offers a huge set of plug-ins, up to 48 mono or stereo tracks, and extended Pro Tools functionality, with a significant discount.

Mbox, Digi 001, and Digi ToolBox owners can apply now until August 30th.

Today the 25th edition of the "Fête de la Musique", or "Music Day" will take place in Europe and in a lot of other countries. Completely different from a music festival, the Fête de la Musique is above all a free popular fête, open to any participant (amateur or professional muicians) who wants to perform in it. This Music day allows the expression of all styles of music in a cheerful atmosphere. It aims at a large audience, working to popularise musical practice for young and not so young people from all social backgrounds. It gives an opportunity to communicate and share a very special moment through music. The musicians are asked to perform for free, and all the concerts are free for the public. It's the reason why they are used to play in open air areas as streets and parks or in public buildings like museums, train stations, castles…

Happy Music Day to all MacMusicians !