Synapse Audio has released a major upgrade to its virtual synth Poly-850, now named X-Poly.

Features / Changes:

• Full Stereo engine.
• Panorama knob for both oscillators.
• Dual Voice mode for thicker patches.
• Enhanced interface.
• Stereo Noise generator, providing more spacious sounds.
• Release stages are now semi-log as opposed to linear (sounds better).
• Zero CPU usage when idle.
• Chorus section now provides feedback and modulation depth controls.
• Maximum polyphony upgraded to 20 voices.
• Semi-transparent readouts for all knobs.
• Additional presets added.
• LFO Rate range extended.
• Amplitude responds to velocity.
• Bug fixes - Multiple instances on multiple cores now work properly.
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The latest addition to Roland's KC-Series keyboard amplifier lineup, the KC-110 Stereo Keyboard Amplifier is now shipping. It combines two industry firsts for a portable keyboard amp—AA battery-powered operation and true stereo sound—with a host of additional features that make it flexible for a variety of performance applications.

The KC-110 features 30 watts of stereo power driving two 6.5" woofers and two tweeters. Most modern keyboards feature stereo sound output, and the KC-110 enables musicians to experience the full, rich stereo sound of their instruments while using a small amp. Power can be supplied with eight AA batteries (including NiMH rechargeable types) or AC power, and there's even a removable battery case for quick and easy battery replacement.

Featuring a multi-channel mixer with a Mic/Line input, two stereo inputs, and two AUX inputs for connecting devices such as MP3 or CD players, this versatile amplifier is suitable for compact PA applications as well as keyboards. High-quality stereo digital effects are also built in, allowing performers to sweeten their sound with reverb, chorus, or a special "wide" chorus effect.

The KC-110 is now shipping with a suggested retail price of $469.00.

Steinberg releases its final set of compatibility patches and updates for its VST instruments, as already announced in December of last year, thus completing the transition to supporting the latest operating systems Windows 7 and Mac OS X 10.6.

The Grand 3.0.1 maintenance update for Windows and Mac OS X includes several minor feature enhancements and ensures that The Grand 3 is fully compatible with Snow Leopard.

With the release of version 1.5 for Mac, HALion Symphonic Orchestra now also runs on Snow Leopard.

The HALion Player 3.5 update ensures full compatibility with Snow Leopard and comes with a 64-bit version for Windows 7 including an additional sound bank with 128 great sounds, as a little reward for your patience.

Finally, Groove Agent 3 users may also download a new installer which now makes Groove Agent 3 Snow Leopard compatible.

Livid Instruments announces that the Limited Edition Block Diablo is now available.

Block is a compact and programmable MIDI control surface designed for interactive audio performance. Built on the same bi-directional and adaptable platform as the Ohm64, Block provides a powerful interface for creating and interacting with sound in a small easy-to-transport body. Sixty four backlight led buttons provide endless possibilities for visual feedback with the instrument by connecting it to Ableton Live, Max/Msp, our open source sounds apps, or any other software that supports MIDI. The Limited Edition Block Diablo is only available while supplies last. This version has a mahogany body, black faceplate, and red LED's.

Features:

• 9.75" x 9.75" x 1.5" (WLH) / weight 3 lbs.
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Starlight is Applied Acoustics Systems' third sound bank title for Ultra Analog VA-1 and lands with sounds "collected at the confine of the galaxy". Its 149 presets scatter across ambient, arpeggiator, arpeggiator bass, chime, effect, keys, lead, rhythm, and synthesizer categories, and breach into outer space for an impregnable intergalactic landscape. Whether you want to teleport your music into another dimension or simply leave for an orbital spaceflight, Starlight is your ideal shuttle.

The Starlight sound bank for Ultra Analog VA-1 is available now at $39.

Additionnally, until April 1st, 2010, Ultra Analog VA-1 is at $179 instead of $229 and includes the Starlight sound bank.

Ultra Analog VA-1 runs on both Mac OS X and Windows as a standalone application as well as in host sequencers supporting the VST, Audio Unit, and RTAS plug-in formats.