Air by 9 Soundware is an instrument in EXS24 format. The concept behind the sound set was to use sounds generated by air to create a transparent-sounding percussive instrument. Functionally similar to a hi-hat, the instrument was designed to add rhythmic movement to arrangements, but in a subtler manner.

The samples are of quick blasts of air created with a gas duster, a flyswatter, and a clothesline. The wind sounds, which are delicate and difficult to control, were painstakingly recorded, edited, and programmed into an EXS24 instrument with a high level of sonic detail. While minimalist in approach, the sound set features a wide range of timbres, with many variations on simple bursts to complex sounds that capture the motion of the objects.

Air includes 84 sounds (sampled at 2-21 velocities for a total of 402 samples) that are mapped across a 7 octave range in an EXS24 instrument.

The 28 MB download includes 1 .EXS file and 402 WAV files (24-bit/44.1 kHz).

Air is available now for $29.99 at :

Akai Professional announces that the APC40 Ableton Performance Controller is now available for purchase worldwide. For the record, the APC40 is a control surface developed specifically for Ableton Live software.

The ACP40 has a retail price of $599 and an estimated street price of $399.

Voxengo has updated its phase alignment plug-in PHA-979 to version 2.1.

Version 2.1 update implements a very useful feature - multi-band correlation meter that greatly simplifies phase- and time-aligning process. You may routinely use the correlation meter to configure delay and phase parameters with a highest level of precision possible. Correlometer also supports an external side-chain input.

Other changes :

• Crash problem fixed with non-center panning setting.
• Delay and phase dimming problem fixed.
• Latency change reporting fixed in AudioUnits.

The introductory price offer of US$69.95 is still effective. The offer ends on the 9th of June 2009 (less than two weeks left).

MakeMusic has released Finale 2010, the new version of their famous music notation software. Vast areas of Finale have been updated for 2010. From Percussion Notation and Chord Entry to Rehearsal Marks and Measure Numbering, common tasks have been automated and simplified to save you time and to easily make your music perfect.

Finale 2010 costs $600 for new customers and from $99.95 for existing customers (limited time pre-order pricing).

Beginning June 1, 2009 McDSP will announce two never before seen specials that you won't want to miss !

20% Off Emerald Pack and Classic Pack

For the month of June, purchase or upgrade to Emerald Pack HD or Native or Classic Pack HD or Native for 20% Off retail value. Emerald Pack includes Analog Channel, Channel G, Channel G Compact, Chrome Tone, CompressorBank, DE555, FilterBank, FutzBox, MC2000, ML4000, NF575, Revolver and Synthesizer One. Classic Pack includes Analog Channel, CompressorBank, FilterBank and MC2000.

The McDSP HD product line supports TDM, RTAS and AudioSuite formats, and operates on Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered. The McDSP Native product line supports RTAS and Audiosuite formats, and operate on Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered. Special available only via electronic delivery.

Individual LE Plug-ins Only $79 !

On a budget? No problem, for the month of June, all customers may purchase individual LE plug-ins for only $79 each. Individual LE plug-ins include Analog Channel LE, Chrome Tone LE, CompressorBank LE, FilterBank LE, ML4000 LE, Revolver LE and Synthesizer One LE.

The McDSP LE product line support RTAS and AudioSuite formats, and operate on Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered. Special available only via electronic delivery.