Cycling '74 has released version 5.0 of its Max/MSP media development tools. This new version aims to set a new era of Max programming, with a completely redesigned multi-processing kernel and a streamlined development environment built on a platform-independent foundation. With a new patcher interface, searchable database of objects and examples, integrated documentation and new tutorials, the new Max user will find a smoother learning curve while experienced users will see improved productivity.

Max 5 is available now for Mac OS X and Windows. Max/MSP costs $495, the Max/MSP/Jitter bundle is $699, and the Max 5 Upgrade is $199. Note that discounts for student and educational institutions are available. Last but not least, customers who purchased Max/MSP or Max/MSP/Jitter after October 1, 2007 are eligible for a free upgrade.

You have until the end of this month to enter the new audioMIDI.com contest and win a Furman M8DX Power Conditioner.

To participate, the only thing you have to do is to leave some informations (email address, etc...) and wait for the drawing. More info available at :

Mu Technologies has just released Mu Voice v1.1.2 and 1.2.

If you haven't heard of Mu Voice, it's a real-time low latency vocal processor for studio use and live performance. It does FX, tuning, harmonizing and much more with minimal effort. And best of all, it is fully native (no extra DSPs) and CPU-friendly. If you're tired spending time editing pitch curves for tuning, shifting and harmonizing, or need something that is genuinely real-time without off-line preprocessing to take on stage, you probably want to check this out.

Version 1.1.2 supports a wide range of sample rates: 44.1 kHz - 48 kHz - 88.2 kHz - 96 kHz - 176.4 kHz - 192 kHz

Version 1.2.0 is the MIDI-enabled version of Mu Voice. It gives you full control over Mu Voice from a MIDI keyboard, featuring: key selection, chord recognition, preset selection, chord scheme navigation and is configurable for any type of keyboard from 24 to 88 keys.

Note that Mu Technologies TV, the Mu Technologies YouTube channel is online now.

EastWest is putting its users' creativity to the test while offering a chance to win all seven PLAY products with its "Score This Movie" contest.

From now until June 30, 2008 users can create their own score for an original short movie created by Zennor Alexander and posted on the EastWest forum. The score should have a wide variety of pace, mood and style and must be composed solely with sounds from libraries distributed by EastWest, with an emphasis on EastWest Play-powered virtual instruments.

The winner, who will be announced on July 15th, 2008, will receive all seven PLAY products which include: Fab Four, Quantum Leap Pianos, Quantum Leap Gypsy, Quantum Leap Ministry Of Rock, Quantum Leap Voices of Passion, Quantum Leap SD2 and Quantum Leap Goliath.

Few month ago we told you about the acquirement of Alien Connections by Peavey. Well, today Peavey announces the release of demo versions of ReValver Mk III for Windows and Mac OS X in VST and AU plug-in formats.

Features :

- 15 amp models, including Peavey 6505, JSX, Classic, ValveKing and Triple XXX.
- 12 Preamplifiers.
- 9 Power Amplifiers.
- 19 Stomp boxes.
- 11 Effects.
- More than 150 speaker simulations using real-time convolution and membrane modeling.
- 7 Utility Functions including tuners, analyzer, splitters, and more.
- Fully MIDI mappable.
- Tuner.
- VST, AU compatible.
- ASIO/WDM, CoreAudio.
- Standalone or Plugin.