Voxengo Crunchessor version 2.5 is now available for download. Crunchessor ($49.95) is a general-purpose track compressor for professional audio production applications. It is available in AudioUnit and VST plug-in formats, for Mac OS X and Windows computers.

Version 2.5 change log :

• "Radial" knob mode can be now disabled completely.
• "Off-Line Render" indication added.
• Level metering parameters added.
• Knob read-outs now require a single click for keyboard entry.
• Occasional crashes in WaveLab and other hosts fixed.
• Host sample rate switch-related problem fixed.
• Minor visual improvements implemented.
• Plug-in initial loading time reduced.

We have more information about the S90 XS and S70 XS Music Synthesizer that Yamaha announced 2 month ago.

The S90 XS will have an MSRP of $3,799 while the S70 XS will cost $3,699. They are both expected to be available in September 2009.

Last month we told you about the Waves Rental Plan, a new and easy way to access selected Waves bundles on a short-term basis. Well, it seems that this offer has evolved in a much attractive one... check out this email we received :

"Now, you can rent the Waves you need to give your next project that extra edge.

Waves Rental Plan is the new, easy way to use selected Waves bundles. For tracking, mixing, mastering, restoration, or live—whatever your sound field, you require the very best audio signal processing available. For a week or for a month, rent Waves plug-ins, and get the job done—professionally.

Best of all, you can now apply your Waves Rentals fees to the purchase of any product or upgrade!*

Visit our online store or contact your local dealer to rent Waves plug-ins today!

*Please note:
• The Rental period begins once the iLok has been authorized.
• With each Rental, you will receive a Rent-to-Own coupon code.
To redeem the code, contact your dealer.
• Rent-to-Own coupons can be redeemed for up to 50% toward the MSRP, up to 45 days from Rental expiration date.
• Waves Update Plan coupons can be redeemed for up to 50% toward the MSRP, up to 45 days from Update Plan purchase date.
• Rent-to-Own and Waves Update Plan coupons together can be redeemed for up to 50% toward the MSRP."

Blue Cat Audio has released a new version of two of its audio analysis plug-ins for Mac and PC, with new 3D visualization capabilities: Blue Cat's FreqAnalyst Pro spectrum analyzer and Blue Cat's StereoScope Pro stereo field analyzer now include 3D waterfall representations of the audio signal.

The upgrade for this new version is free for registered users, and a special offer is available for others until the end of August. Demo versions of the plug-ins (VST, Audio Unit and DirectX) are available for download on the editor's website.

What's new :

• New 3D waterfall view to monitor the evolution of the spectrum or stereo field over time.
• Drag the rulers to move the curve when zoomed (can keep measurement/selection mode and still drag the curves).
• Output automat ...

SAE is the world's biggest private educator with more than 50 campuses around the globe, and many thousands of students have enjoyed the superb facilities and expert tuition on offer at them. But now anyone with an internet connection can also get an SAE education as the company launches SAEOnLine, a revolution in on-line education. It will bring SAE's expertise in music production, games programming (from SAE's sister company Qantm who specialise in superb game-based courses) and film production to homes in far flung places around the world or to people too busy to take on a full time educational course.

SAEOnLine currently offers 22 courses (see the link below for details), expected to rise to 25 and beyond over the coming weeks. These cover every aspect of creative technology includi ...