Digidesign announces that its new Pro Tools custom Keyboard is now available. It let users work faster by providing direct access to primary Pro Tools transport and editing functions. Pro Tools Custom Keyboards use the same symbols and color coding system as the keyboards on the ICON D-Control worksurface surfaces while retaining all the conventional alphanumeric labels that appear on standard computer keyboards. All three versions of Pro Tools software share most of the same key commands. However, Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered users should be aware that some key commands are available in Pro Tools HD software only.

Pro Tools Custom Keyboard is $119.00 for the Mac version. (our photo : the old version of the Digi custom Keyboard).

Myriad software announces that Melody Assistant and Harmony Assistant have both been updated :

- Melody assistant is now available as version 7.2 for PowerPC Macs, and version 7.2 for Intel-based Macs. It now features New document wizard, Unicode characters management, Concert key edit mode, Styled text, Fine adjustment of score appearance and more...

- Harmony Assistant grows to version 9.2 PowerPC and version 9.2 for MacIntel, with the same new features.

Details and downloads in our software section.

IK Multimedia announces a fully usable demo (30-day) version of AmpliTube 2. This version 2.0 adds a completely redesigned interface and enhanced DSP engine, 5 separate modules, the ability to build your own custom Amp with more than 20,000 possible amp combinations, 21 stomp effects, 11 rack effects, 2 simultaneous guitar-rigs, more flexible routing, and advanced preset management.

AmpliTube 2.0 ships for $399. The demo version is only available to users with a Syncrosoft USB dongle.

Digidesign announces updated versions for Pro Tools HD, Pro Tools LE and Pro Tolos M-Powered :

- Pro Tools HD 7.1cs7 fixes : "Import Session Data" and choosing "Consolidate From Source Media" would post an error, when using ReVibe -6042 errors could be encountered when making automation changes, and error messages when using MachineControl to lock non-linear devices.

- Pro Tool LE and M-Powered 7.1cs7 fixes : using "Import Session Data" and choosing "Consolidate From Source Media" would post an error, "Unexpected Quit" when launched from a Non-Admin or Second Admin user account, and same probleme with Music Production Toolkit and DV Toolkit.

Tom Erbe announces a new Freesound bundle available with 5 plugins in Audio Units public beta versions :

- "+chebyshev" : polynomial based distortion to create low order even and
odd harmonics
- "+compand" : a compressor/expander with soft knee and rms or peak level
detection
- "+decimate" : bitdepth and sample rate reduction and distortion
- "+matrix" : a mid side encoder and decoder
- "+phasescope:" an x-y oscilloscope with left at -45 and right at 45.

These plugins are compatible with new Intel-based Macs, and RTAS/VST versions are coming soon.