Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH is pleased to announce that leading sample content and instrument manufacturers have committed to support for its new VST Expression technology. Already integrated into the new Cubase 5, VST Expression is a new system which aims to simplify composing with large sample libraries within Cubase, streamlining the way today's massive virtual orchestras and highly detailed instrument libraries are used in the context of creative composition for scores and songs.

"With virtual and hardware instruments becoming more and more expressive it has been time to provide a more flexible and more elegant solution for recording and editing sounds with multiple articulations," comments Arnd Kaiser, Steinberg's Product Planning Manager for Music Technology. "This is what VST Expression is all about. But it's not only a great way to record, edit and score orchestral instrument sounds. It's a powerful tool for any sound generator and a new creative platform for more expressive instruments we might see in the future," Kaiser adds.

VST Expression simplifies handling of articulations and expressions for advanced virtual instruments, large sample libraries and hardware sound generators. The new technology makes recording and editing articulation commands much easier, with all articulation data displayed separately in both track inspector and editor windows. VST Expression is part of the new Cubase 5, the latest version of Steinberg's Advanced Music Production System and is compatible with any VST or MIDI instrument. Steinberg's premium orchestral sample instrument HALion Symphonic Orchestra also supports VST Expression.

Shure is expanding the SM microphones line with the introduction of the SM27 and SM137.

The SM27 is a rugged and versatile large-diaphragm, side-address cardioid condenser microphone designed to pick up the nuances of vocals and instruments with clarity. This microphone has a one-inch ultra-thin Mylar diaphragm for superior transient response, exceptional low frequency reproduction, and a low self-noise (9.5 dB SPL) to reveal fine detail when recording or during live performance. The SM27 offers lower self-noise and improved dynamic range specifications over the KSM27 model that it replaces.

The SM137 is a cardioid probe microphone for instrument recording applications. The SM137 employs an ultra-thin diaphragm for smooth high end and tight, controlled low end. Its 15 dB attenuator enables it to handle sound pressure levels as high as 154 dB SPL, for consistent reproduction of delicate acoustic as well as high-volume amplified instruments. The SM137 replaces the KSM109 model.

The SM27 ($299 retail / $460 MSRP) and SM137 ($179 retail / $236 MSRP) microphones will be available in March 2009 and will carry a two-year limited warranty.

IZotope has released the long-awaited version 4 of its software mastering suite : Ozone.

Ozone 4 builds on the program's reputation for high sound quality and industry-standard mastering tools with new innovations and refinements. iZotope has updated and expanded Ozone's processing algorithms, optimizing them for today's low-latency DAW environments. Ozone 4 features a new Intelligent Loudness Maximizer mode, mid/side processing for superior control over the sound stage, hybrid crossovers, a re-designed interface and a completely updated preset manager featuring innovative MacroPresets. In addition, numerous interface improvements and ease-of-use additions make Ozone even more accessible to musicians who want to quickly finalize their projects, while also offering precise tools for professional engineers.


Key Features :

- Integrated mastering system combining analog warmth and digital precision.
- Seven essential mastering processors in one integrated plug-in.

MOTU has just updated Digital Performer to version 6.02. This maintenance release includes numerous program enhancements and optimizations, including the new configurable Shortcuts window, the new options for floating the main Control Panel and setting its level of transparency, automatic versus manual note durations in the QuickScribe Editor, more customizable key bindings and many more.

This update is free for all registered users.

EastWest is offering users additional control over the company's PLAY-Powered instruments with the introduction of PLAY PRO (formerly PLAY 2.0), which adds editing capabilities to these collections.

Available as a paid download from the company's website, the "editor" featured PLAY PRO provides user programming and scripting through the included Python programming language. The editor can be used in standalone or plug-in mode so users can gain complete control over all parameters in all their PLAY instruments.

This editor includes high-quality effects including convolution reverb, automatic double tracking (ADT), and more. In addition to having control over PLAY-based collections, users can import their own samples and create their own PLAY instruments with intuitive sample mapping and other powerful editing features.

For easy access, all filters and controllers can be viewed on a single page through the "effects and modulators" section. Extensive routing options include 4 effects send, an insert bus and even side-chaining for each instrument.

PLAY PRO's mapping editor can be used to adjust key and velocity range, root key, volume tune and pan. Through the editor, users can adjust sample start and end times (the editor only allows for changes to start and end times, not the actual samples themselves). Loop manager gives users control of multiple loops, including start and end times, count and crossfade. Users can also add release trails and control release trail damping so they blend perfectly.

PLAY PRO will be available in March 2009 for a fee of $299 / €149.