Sonic Studio has announced the release of a new option for soundBlade, Sonic EQ native. Sonic EQ native is a proprietary implementation of equalizer that includes 12 different topologies, including multi-order parametrics, multi-order shelves, multi-order high/low pass, multi-order bandpass/bandstop, infinite notch, DC removal and de-emphasis for both AES/EBU emphasis and RIAA pre-emphasis.

Sonic EQ native is available now for $495.

Rupert Neve Designs announces the launch of the Portico 5014 Stereo Field Editor, an all new approach to stereo that redefines the boundaries and limitations of traditional 2 channel recording and playback. For mix, mastering and live sound engineers, the Portico 5014 allows users to control stereo ambience with its width adjustment, position images forward or backward in the stereo field with its depth control and provides the ability to further manipulate source material with its difference channel eq and insert.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Spectrasonics has released a free support update for Stylus RMX - Realtime Groove Module on the Intel-Mac platform. The new version 1.6.0 supports all Mac OS X Universal Binary VST, Audio Unit and RTAS hosts, including Logic Pro 7.2, Digital Performer 5.1, Cubase 4, Garageband 3, Ableton Live 6 and Pro Tools 7.1.1 or higher.

Note that Universal Binary versions of Spectrasonics' other two virtual instruments, Atmosphere and Trilogy, are scheduled to be released later this year (Fall).

Apple has updated Final Cut Pro to v5.1.3, a maintenance release that resolves performance and other issues.

Changes:

- Render File Compatibility: Render files created on both PowerPC-based and Intel-based Macintosh computers now work properly on either type of computer.
- Keyboard Layout Issues Resolved: Final Cut Pro 5.1.3 adds several commands to the default keyboard layout that were missing in the previous version.
- Issues with Cross Dissolves in Nested Sequences Resolved: Final Cut Pro 5.1.3 resolves cases in which cross dissolves did not work as expected in nested sequences containing still images with adjusted motion parameters.

PreSonus has announced Digital Performer support for the FaderPort USB automation and transport controller.

The FaderPort ($229 MSRP) has been shipping since November 2006 and is currently compatible with Pro Tools, Cubase, Nuendo, Logic Pro,Sonar and now Digital Performer.