M-Audio and Digidesign announce that the new Pro-Tools M-Powered version 7 will be available in stores worldwide mid-december. This full version costs $299,95. An free upgrade to version 7 is still available as download for current users. Pro Tools M-Powered 7 now features : New Instrument Tracks combine MIDI and audio capabilities in a single channel strip, Real-time MIDI processing enables control of MIDI quantization, Enhanced groove quantization features, Sample-based MIDI tracks allow MIDI events to stay locked to time code regardless of session tempo changes, Zoom Toggle enhancements, Mirrored MIDI editing mode and Additional MIDI improvements.

Rob Papen and LinPlug announced an upcoming major update to version 3 for Albino. This RP synthesizer by Rob Papen comes with a whole bunch of modules: Three types of oscillator are available: Digital, Analog, and Noise. two separate stereo filter modules with two filter types: Silk and Cream (that's how they sound!). Four versatile LFOs and eight envelopes, individual routable in the unique LinPlug Modulation Matrix. Finally a sophisticated effects section consisting of two independent stereo effects units, each containing six effects processors.

We don't have more information about this upcoming update, planned in 2006.

Audacity is now available in version 1.2.4, which features : file menu now includes a list of recent files, the "Generate Silence" effect now prompts for a length, Audacity is now built with Vorbis 1.1, which features better encoding quality and file compression, dragging sound files into the Audacity window now works on Mac OS X and Linux, as well as Windows. (Before, it worked only on Windows.), better support for certain audio devices on Mac OS X 10.4 "Tiger", "Preferences" command is now in Edit menu, "Plot Spectrum" command is now in Analyze menu, and more.

A beta version 1.3.0 of Audacity for Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 is also available.

Sonalksis today announced enhanced platform and format support for Essentials and Multiband plug-in packs. To meet the demands of the future, all Sonalksis plug-ins are now available in RTAS format for users of Digidesign Pro Tools HD 7, Pro Tools LE 7, and Pro Tools M-Powered 7 Software. Sonalksis continues to display a commitment to existing customers by providing all registered users with an entitlement to completely free RTAS upgrades.

Sonalksis has also teamed up with Muse Research to bring all Sonalksis plug-ins to the Muse Receptor platform.

Motu has released a new model of its 828mkII audio interface, equipped with high-speed USB 2.0 for connection to any USB 2.0 compatible Mac. Both models are identical, except for their connection to the computer via either FireWire or USB 2.0. The 828mkII-USB provides a high-speed "ultra-fast" (480 Mbit) USB 2.0 connection to any USB 2.0-equipped Mac. Users can freely choose between purchasing the 828mkII FireWire model or the USB 2.0 model, depending their computer and other FireWire or USB devices they plan to connect to it.

Both models (828mkII-FireWire and 828mkII-USB2) are now shipping and
share the same list price of $795.