Clavia, the manufacturers of the popular Nord Lead keyboard, will introduce the Nord Piano at the upcoming Winter NAMM Show.

The Nord Piano is a dedicated stage piano with 88 keys and a weighted hammer action. It is designed with the performing musician in mind and very lightweight at approx. 18 kg (39.6 lbs), without compromising build quality, sound quality or means of expression. The user panel offers quick access to sound settings and adjustable parameters, and a number of memory locations are provided in a bank / program configuration. The Nord Piano includes six selectable categories of pianos (Grand, Upright, EP Tines, EP Reeds, Clavinet, and Harpsichord); a full effects section controlled by the Effect 1 Rate knob and the Drive knob; and accessories (piano pedal and power cord) ...

Mathew Lane has announced the release of version 3.0 of the spatial processor plug-in DrMS.

Version 3 of the DrMS spatial processor plug-in was re-coded from the ground up in a partnership with Mu Technologies. DrMS is now a true native VST/AU/RTAS plug-in for OS X and Windows that no longer requires the Pluggo Runtime shell.

It also includes numerous improvements and new features over version 2, such as the newly implemented mastering grade filters, the addition of the Feedback circuit for reverb creation and special effects, the improved GUI with value displays and the inclusion of example preset settings.

Features:

• Native VST/AU/RTAS plug-in for OS X & Windows, supports all major DAWs
• MS encoding & decoding
• Spatial audio processing: Zoom in, add Depth ...

Until 31 December 2009, Rob Papen has a special offer for all its loyal customers. If you purchase another Rob Papen product, you will receive a 15% discount at checkout.

All you have to do is enter the following coupon code below "payment options" at the payment section. The coupon code is: RPNovDec09

Avid has announced that Pro Tools 8 now supports the new Snow Leopard OS X.

This added support enables customers to upgrade to the latest operating system without worrying about Pro Tools compatibility. Furthermore, those purchasing a new Mac system for faster processing, reliability and ease-of-use (shipping with Snow Leopard) will now have support for Pro Tools as well.

On top of that, if you're a Windows user looking to upgrade to Windows 7, Pro Tools 8.0.3 provides public beta compatibility with 32- and 64-bit versions of Microsoft's latest OS. This public beta release is provided as a convenience should you wish to begin your transition to Windows 7 before a fully tested and qualified version of Pro Tools becomes available. If you're using Pro Tools M-Powered Essential 8.x, Pro Tools 8.0.3 provides full Windows 7 support.

Current Avid customers (version 8.0 and higher) can access the version updates online at no additional cost.

Information and downloads available at :

API is now shipping the 527 compressor, a single channel module based on API's 225L discreet channel compressor.

The 527 features comprehensive controls including variable attack, release, ratio, and output gain controls. The unit also includes API's patented 'Thrust' circuit, first offered on the 2500 stereo bus compressor. A ten segment LED meter is switchable between gain reduction and output level.

"Anyone who has used the 225L compressor found in API consoles has expressed a longing for the same kind of flexibility and control in the 500 Series for some time," said Larry Droppa, president of API. "We're delighted to now offer the 527 to complement our vintage 525 compressor, which has been many engineers' favorite compressor over the years."

MSRP: $995.00.

Visit API at NAMM, booth #6411.