Native Instruments has just released Traktor 3.4 and Traktor Scratch 1.3, free software updates that equip both products with refined functionality.

They both now offer full Unicode support, allowing for file names and tags in nearly any international script and language including Japanese, Mandarin, Hebrew, Cyrillic and others. Both versions are also based on a revised high-performance audio engine that offers many functional advantages including hot-plugging and instant switching for audio interfaces, WASAPI support for Windows Vista and more.

Other improvements include increased tracking precision for scratching in relative mode, a new intelligent "Tracking Alert" function that gives early warning for adverse conditions like worn-out needles, enhanced MIDI controller handling and a large number of detail optimizations and fixes.

Both updates are available as free downloads for all registered users. For more information, please visit their web site.

Massey Plugins has just released De:Esser, a new plug-in that "hate S's with a fiery paion !". The De:Esser come in both RTAs and TDM plug-in type and upport Pro Tool LE, HD, and M-Powered, version 7.0 and higher.

De:Esser i available now for Mac at a price of $89. Note that a Window verion will be available in Augut.

Mojave Audio, a company founded by David Royer (known for his work with ribbon microphones) is pleased to announce the introduction of the Mojave Audio MA-201fet Cardioid Condenser Microphone.

The MA-201 fet is a large diaphragm, phantom-powered, solid-state condenser microphone with a fixed cardioid pattern. Utilizing a 3-micron gold-sputtered capsule, high-quality Jensen audio transformer, military-grade FET and custom designed low-noise resistors, the MA-201 fet is designed to give warm, full-bodied reproductions of vocals and instruments, with none of the shrillness and high frequency distortion artifacts that are often encountered with modern condenser microphones.

The MA-201fet will become widely available September 1 of 2008 with a MSRP of $695.

Roland has also announced shipment of the new ARX-01 and ARX-02 expansion boards for the Fantom-G series. Each ARX board is a synth with its own processor, graphics, and DSP, powered by Roland's proprietary SuperNATURAL sound technology for "organic, emotional expression".

The ARX-01 is dedicated to drum sounds. Once each drum is crafted, you can further refine it with the built-in compressor/EQ, reverb, powerful multi-effects, and an onboard mixer for adjusting the volume and pan position.

The ARX-02 turns your Fantom G workstation into an electric piano. You can change the position of the pickup, and choose from five amp models with dynamic control. Volume and tone change smoothly and realistically, based on the strength of the keyboard performance.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Roland is pleased to announce the release of v1.10 system upgrade for the Fantom-G series workstations, adding powerful multi-sampling capability, a new "Favorite Play" screen, a BPM calculator function for samples, and new enhancements to Single, Live and Song modes.

To download Fantom-G6/G7/G8 System Upgrade v1.10, please follow the link below :