Steinberg is pleased to announce the release of the Software Development Kit (SDK) for VST3, the latest generation of its VST platform. VST3 offers new capabilities to developers of host applications, audio plug-ins and virtual instruments.

Already implemented in Steinberg's Cubase and Nuendo product ranges, VST3 offers a range of new features and advantages over other standards.

• Enhanced CPU efficiency: unique silence detection feature automatically switches off the plug-in if no audio signal is being received
• Multiple Dynamic I/Os: VST3 plug-ins are fully surround-capable, and can be configured to receive from and output to any I/O configuration, including any surround format
• Dynamic Bus Management: VST3 plug-in output busses can be reassigned at any time, st ...

Pro Tools Music Creation Studio
Digidesign and M-Audio have joined together to create a limited-edition package. The bundle features an Mbox 2 Factory audio/MIDI production system, M-Audio Nova microphone, M-Audio Axiom 25 MIDI keyboard controller, M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 monitors, Structure LE advanced sample player plug-in, Velvet vintage electric pianos plug-in, and all required cables.

Pro Tools Personal Studio
For the singer/songwriter or individual musician, Digidesign and M-Audio have also created a special limited-edition studio package that features the ultra-compact Mbox 2 Mini audio system, M-Audio Nova microphone, M-Audio Studiophile AV 40 monitors, Structure LE advanced sample player plug-in, an iLok USB Smart Key, and all required cables.

The MPD32 is the new Akai Pro pad controller, using USB connection (Mac or Windows). The MPD32 features the MPC Note Repeat with swing and gate time parameters. It can also work as a master clock for MIDI sequencers, includes transport functions and is fully programmable. It includes sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive MPC pads, eight assignable faders, eight assignable switches and eight assignable infinite knobs. Three selectable control banks extend the number of available faders, buttons and knobs to 24 each (72 total controllers). Four pad banks allow for 64 total pads.

The MPD32 is coming Q2 - 2008 with an MSRP of $499.

Digidesign has released Hybrid 1.5, which offers even more features and filters. Hybrid 1.5 features a new vintage sound filter for classic analog sounds, five new filter saturation modes, 336 all-new patches, and 256 revised factory patches. If you own a previous version of Hybrid, Digidesign is offering a free upgrade to version 1.5 from January 22 through March 22, 2008, after which it will be available for purchase from the DigiStore.

Strike Content Expansion
This new content for Strike offers 100 completely new drum and beat styles from all musical genres, plus two completely new electronic drum kits. Digidesign is offering Strike Content Expansion to all Strike owners as a free download through March 22, 2008 only, after which it will be available for purchase from the DigiStore.

KORE Player is a free software instrument designed for use with KORE SoundPacks. Built on the same principles as KORE 2, KORE Player includes six Native Instruments sound engines under the hood and provides ready-to-play sounds that can be browsed and tweaked via the ultra-intuitive KORE Player interface. Adding new sounds is as easy as purchasing and downloading affordable KORE SoundPacks.

KORE Player will be released in March as a free download.