Dave Smith Instruments has released an updated version of its flagship synthesizer keyboard, the Poly Evolver.

The new version boasts 60 potentiometers among its complement of 78 rotary controls. "The response to the pot edition of the Prophet '08 has been overwhelmingly positive," said company founder Dave Smith, "so we decided to extend that functionality to the Poly Evolver, as well." Unlike endless rotary encoders, potentiometers allow the full range of a knob's values to be accessed in a single turn of about 300 degrees. That simplifies filter sweeps and other more performance-oriented gestures. A kit with potentiometer-equipped panel boards is available to convert older Poly Evolvers.

There have also been some cosmetic changes. "We needed both lined and unlined knobs to distinguish between the pots and encoders, so we're using Prophet-style knobs," said DSI's Andrew McGowan. "And we've updated the panel graphics a bit without changing them significantly." The wood end panels are now made from bubinga.

The updated Poly Evolver Keyboard is available now with an MSRP of $2,899.00 and an MAP of $2,599.00. The conversion kit requires nothing more than a screwdriver for installation and is available directly from DSI for $399.00 or factory installed for $449.00.

Vienna Ensemble PRO and Vienna Suite are the new "dynamic duo" for producing, mixing and mastering.

Now, the Vienna Symphonic Library team is pleased to announce a special offer for users who purchase and register both of these software products between October 13 and November 30, 2009. These customers will receive any free Single Instrument Download they choose from Vienna's list of more than 50 downloadable solo instruments and ensembles.

For more details, please visit :

Ableton is pleased to announce Able10 - a season of special offers and giveaways to celebrate 10 years of Ableton.

To mark the occasion, and as a special thank you, Ableton has put together a package of special offers, new products and birthday handouts. There's something for everyone, so join the party :

• Free Live Packs

For Live 8 and Suite 8 users: Ableton is giving away 10 free Live Packs from Ableton artists - songs and sounds from 10 truly innovative artists including Múm, Apparat, Thavius Beck, Swayzak and Junie Morrison (formerly of the Ohio Players). These Live Packs are a rare opportunity to delve inside real songs by real artists and see how these guys work their Live mojo.

• 20% off Live 8 and Suite 8, including upgrades

During Able10, Ableton Live 8 ...

First debuted in London in the Winter of 2007, Yamaha Tenori-On has captured and fuelled the imagination of some of the world's most influential and creative experimental live and studio musicians, producers, and DJ's including Bjork, Ono Yoko Plastic band and new artists such as Little Boots.

Now the Tenori-On evolution continues as Yamaha unveil the eagerly awaited and more 'wallet friendly' addition to the Tenori-On family - The Tenori-On TNR-O 'Orange' .

The new Tenori-On 'Orange' offers the same levels of creative power as the original but has been made significantly more affordable. For example Yamaha have replaced the very cool but expensive magnesium casing of the original with a heavy duty and durable plastic casing. They also have removed the battery option and the back panel LED's.

To coincide with the unveiling of the new model Yamaha have also confirmed a free forthcoming firmware update for current Tenori-On customers. Following a range of user comments Yamaha are currently in the process of creating a new operating system which is expected to be available from January 2010.The update will address a number of areas including the syncing of Tenori-On to external DAW applications and offer an improved MIDI sync implementation.

Tenori-On 'Orange' will be shipping from December 2009 and the final European pricing will be announced during November.

Good news for those eagerly awaiting Max for Live - Ableton has announced that it will be released on November 23, 2009. Beta testing has started, details are available on the Ableton website.

Max for Live will be available at the Ableton web shop. Pricing will be around USD 299/EUR 249 for Ableton Live 8 users, additional discounts will be available for users who also own Max/MSP 5.