IZotope has updated, in RTAS, Audio Units and VST formats :

- Spectron to version 1.09
- Vinyl to version 1.73
- Ozone to version 3.10
- Trash to version 1.09

These new versions are free and improve processor performance with Pro Tools.

Digidesign is offering "Signal Tools" a new serie of plug-in for free included in the Digirack. Composed of SurroundScope and PhaseScope, it brings you the essential for real time analysis of audio signal , in stéréo or surround (onProtools HD). Theses plug-in are available for free under RTAS and TDM HD format on the Digidesign website

Propellerheads unveils the new Reason Pianos for Reason 3 Refill. The Reason Pianos ReFill gives you three amazing-sounding Hypersampled acoustic pianos with the kind of presence and playability you normally wouldn't associate with sampled pianos. Reason Pianos were recorded from multiple angles, using six different sets of microphones. A large selection of Combinator presets ranging from basic microphone setups to wide multi-mic patches guarantees you absolute sonic control. The featured pianos were chosen for their classic pop and rock friendly sound; The Steinway D is considered to be the world's finest grand piano, the Yamaha C7 is a classic rock and jazz piano with a distinctive sound, and the Steinway K is a well balanced upright known for its deep tone.

Reason Pianos will be available worldwide, starting August 15, at 120€.

Digidesign announces Universal Binary version for Xpand, compatible with both Intel-based and PowerPC Macs. Xpand! is a free RTAS sound factory workstation synthesis/sample playback and effects plug-in that provides fast, efficient ways to access and manipulate thousands of high-quality sounds directly from within Pro Tools. Xpand! offers virtual analog, FM, and wavetable synthesis; sample playback; virtual tonewheels; and effects. Start with any of the more than 1,000 factory patches and then fine-tune the four component sound parts to craft anything from pristine-sounding acoustic instruments to complex synthesized soundscapes.

This update is available as a free download in the MacMusic Software Section.

Cycling '74 released Soundflower v. 1.2 which adds Universal Binary support for Intel-based Macs. Soundflower is a free system extension that allows users to route audio between OS X Core Audio applications. It also lets you monitor any connection with the free Soundflowerbed application.

Cycling '74 originally developed Soundflower as a way to allow applications developed with its Max/MSP audio environment to process audio originating from other programs. However, it can be used for more general audio routing tasks patching either 2- or 16-channel data at 32-bit sample depth between any applications that support standard Core Audio driver selection. Soundflower can be selected as a "default device" in the Audio/MIDI Setup utility for programs (such as iTunes) that do not allow the selection of a specific output device. As a result, Soundflower has found widespread use in the advanced podcasting community.