Apple today released Final Cut Express HD 3.5, a significant upgrade to its software solution for video enthusiasts, schools and small businesses that runs natively on both Intel-and PowerPC-based Macs. New in Final Cut Express HD 3.5 is Dynamic RT for real-time playback of multi-stream effects, Soundtrack 1.5 with a complete suite of audio production tools and LiveType 2.1 with even more exciting animated text and titles. New features in Soundtrack 1.5 include improved multitrack audio editing and recording tools with tracks, busses, outputs and real-time effects processing.

Final Cut Express HD 3.5 is available now for $299. Owners of previous versions of Final Cut Express can upgrade to Final Cut Express HD 3.5 for $99.

The 120th AES Pro Audio Expo & Convention in Paris will open its doors this Saturday morning. The Opening Ceremony at 12 noon traditionally features a prominent keynote speaker with an outsider's perspective on the pro-audio scene. This year, the AES is lucky enough to feature two prominent speakers: Emilie Simon, composer of the Oscar winning French film "March of the Penguins", and her sound engineer Cyrille Brissot. Emilie Simon, who rose to fame through her extraordinary sonic creations, will demonstrate the importance of recording technology to her music and present some samples of her work. Additionally, Ms. Simon will showcase an exciting new application of audio technology, kicking off the 120th AES Pro Audio Expo & Convention with a bang.

Teragon releases KickMaker, a synthesizer designed specifically to create good kick drum sounds. It uses four independent oscillators and a wide range of effects, allowing one to create perfectly customized beats. KickMaker is the perfect solution for producers who are tired of using factory samples or ordinary drum machines, and want an easy way to create a wide range kicks for their tracks.

KickMaker is available as Audio Units and VST versions.

After months working on their new UVI-Engine (used in MachFive and other hot software), Ultimate Sound Bank is proud to present their new virtual instrument "Plugsound PRO". Basically, Plugsound PRO is THE ultimate sound workstation dedicated to both studio or live performances. Users can easily manage instruments and grooves in a single ergonomic interface. Plugsound PRO includes a massive 8 Gb core library that can be extended indefinitely through specific extension cards just like we use to do in dedicated synths like the Roland JV series.

Renoise is now available as 1.5.2 Universal Binary version. It has been updated to support both PowerPC and Intel Macintosh computers. If you have an Intel Macintosh, you can expect Renoise to run faster. Renoise is the next generation of music tracker software, combining studio quality sound and virtually infinite expandability with a clear and concise interface putting every parameter and option literally at your fingertips!