Steinberg has updated its HALion 3 virtual sampler VST instrument to version 3.5. The update adds native support for 64-bit editions of Windows Vista, as well as a new Factory Content sound bank consisting of 128 new electronic instruments and drum kits.

Adding compatibility to 64-bit Vista, HALion 3.5 can now address vast amounts of memory, allowing many more additional instruments to be loaded simultaneously.

Due to several changes needed for 64-Bit compatibility, projects created with HALion 3.5 can not be loaded with any prior version (of course you can load projects created with versions before in 3.5). For 32-Bit and OS X users it is recommended to continue using HALion 3.3.2, except if you need compatibility to the HALion 3.5 64-Bit version. For example in dual boot configurations with 32/64-Bit Vista you need to install HALion 3.5 on the 32-Bit machine as well to keep compatibility between both.

Expert Sleepers has just released Little Spacey, a new delay plug-in for both Mac OS X and Windows.

Little Spacey is delay effect, inspired by classic analogue 'bucket brigade' delays but with refinements only possible in the digital arena - not to mention a maximum delay time that would cost a small fortune to realise in hardware. Great care has been taken to give Little Spacey the smooth, creamy sound which makes analogue delays still popular today.

In common with the best analogue delays Little Spacey allows you to modulate the delay time for chorus or vibrato effects. Unlike most analogue delays, Little Spacey is not restricted to mono operation, and works well in stereo or multi-channel (AU only) settings, offering variation of the effect between the channels for particularly rich and involving sounds.

Little Spacey is available now in VST and AU effect plug-in formats at a price of $29. For a limited time Expert Sleepers are running a special offer, giving customers the chance to get Little Spacey for just $5.

The SC800 Instrument Direct Box from Switchcraft converts the outputs of high impedance line level audio devices and musical instruments to low impedance, balanced and isolated mic level signals that can be connected to audio console's, mic pre's, effects processors, and other equipment with 3-Pin XLR inputs. The SC800 was developed with one goal in mind… to provide audio engineers and musicians with the highest quality passive direct box available today. Built by hand in Chicago, USA.

Features :

• Jensen Transformer
• Dual ¼" Thruputs
• All Metal Switchcraft ¼" I/O Jacks
• 20dB Pad
• Pin 1 Ground Lift
• Recessed I/O Panel
• Laser-Etched Product Labeling
• Rugged Extruded Aluminum Enclosure

IZotope has just updated its audio restoration application / plug-in RX to version 1.20.

New Features :

• Support for markers in WAV and AIFF files in RX application.
• Manually edit noise profiles in Denoiser with envelope.
• Added visualization for Spectral Repair before/after regions in waveform/spectrogram display.
• Added visualization for Declipper thresholds in waveform/spectrogram display.
• Major optimizations to RX Denoiser Algorithms B and C.
• Added support for keyboard shortcuts which select a module's preset and apply that module. Useful for quickly switching between module settings (for example when using Spectral Repair repeatedly on large files).
• Declipper threshold can now extend below -8 dB by zooming the histogram window.
• Many performance improvements throughout all of RX's processing modules, especially when using RX plug-ins with small buffer sizes.

This update is free for all registered users.

Avid has unveiled version 6 of its music notation software Sibelius.

New Features :

• Magnetic Layout - designed to cut the writing time between the moment of inspiration and the final printed score -- all individual objects are positioned conventionally on the score where musicians expect to find them. The software automatically spaces and lays out scores to look professional and clear from the very first note. Previously, aligning individual score objects required time-consuming manual adjustments which now occur transparently to the user.

• Versions - enables educators to track student progress, spot plagiarism and promote collaboration. Students can record progress and submit creative commentary with their final coursework. Professionals now have a effective way to ...