Avid today introduced Sibelius Student, a notation and composition software platform specifically designed for students in grades three through 12.

Based on the same popular software used by industry professionals, Sibelius Student offers a tightly packaged set of features designed to help students complete music theory assignments, compose pieces for real ensembles, score music to video and increase literacy in music notation, while providing teachers with specific features for classroom use and management.

New Features in Sibelius Student :

• Magnetic Layout – Snaps score elements into position automatically, avoiding the need for time-consuming manual positioning and editing.
• On-screen Keyboard window – Enables young musicians to use the computer keyboard to compose, developing their familiarity with music notation via an easy-to-use interface modeled after a piano's keyboard.
• Versions and Comments - Saves multiple versions of a score within the same file and enables the addition of Post-It style sticky notes to saved versions, allowing development to be tracked over time and changes to be easily recalled.
• Export audio files - Empowers students to share scores as audio files by using the high quality virtual General MIDI sound module to convert compositions into audio, enabling easy sharing and collaboration.
• Virtual instruments and effects support – Supports the use VST or Audio Unit virtual instruments or effects, providing for greater control and coloration of playback sounds.

E-MU Systems has announced that its new E-MU LONGboard 61 and SHORTboard 49 keyboards are now shipping. These completely new instruments combine great feeling 61-note or 49-note MIDI controller keyboards with a 128-voice professional sample-based instrument with 32-bit effects and a world-class 64MB sound set.

Both instruments feature a 64MB sound set containing a complete range of classic keyboard instruments such as: Grand Pianos, Electric Pianos, B3s, Clavinets, Solina-Moog-OB-Prophet-Juno-TB synthesizer leads and basses, as well a General MIDI sound set. Sounds can be modified during performance using six controller knobs, pitch and mod wheels, controller pedal, footswitch and the octave transpose buttons.

The LONGboard and SHORTboard are based on the new E-MU 8030 platform, whic ...

Apple has updated Logic Pro to version 9.1 and MainStage to version 2.1. The good news is that both updates feature support for 64-bit native mode and compatibility with 64-bit Audio Unit plug-ins !

Please note that running Logic Pro 9.1 in 64-bit mode requires Mac OS X v10.6.2 Snow Leopard, or later. On top of that, Apple has specified that some features are not currently available when using Logic Pro 9.1 in 64-bit mode.

For more details, visit :

• Logic Pro 9.1
• MainStage 2.1

To start the New Year off right, McDSP has extended all their specials until May of 2010, allowing customers to purchase anything and everything for up to 30% off !

Once McDSP releases Audio Unit (AU) compatible versions in May 2010, all prices will increase. Existing customers may simply upgrade their plug-ins at that time to receive AU support. Visit the McDSP Store today to make sure you take advantage of sale prices before they go up !

Don't forget, you can still upgrade an LE plug-in to Native for only $69 each !

D16 Group has just announced the release of Syntorus, the latest plug-in from their Silver Line.

To create a chorus effect, an audio signal is mixed with one or more delayed, pitch modulated copies of itself. Described as a "Double Path Analog Chorus", Syntorus aims to provide a rich analogue chorus similar to the effect found on classic synthesisers like the Solina, Synthex or Juno.

Features :

• Emulation of analogue delay line.
• Double delay line.
• LFOs synchronized with host application.
• Built-in tremolo effect.
• Presets organised into groups.
• MIDI learn function.
• 64-bit internal processing.

Syntorus is available now for both Mac (VST/AU) and PC (VST) at a price of €35. All current users who own Silver Line effect(s) can take an advantage of a nice cross grade offer and purchase Syntorus for a lower price. Total Bundle and Silver Line collection have been updated and now both include Syntorus.