NUSofting has announced Strings Dream Synthesizer, a new instrument plug-in able to reproduce the infinite array of rich, analogue pads from the most famous strings machines in synthesizer history - emulating the classic Eminent Solina as well as its sister keyboards from Elka, Crumar and even their Japanese cousins.

Strings Dream Synthesizer does not use samples. Instead the "octave divider" circuitry typical of those early polyphonic synths has been natively emulated, so that all sounds are computed in realtime in true VA fashion.

The fundamental "Ensemble" effect (like the vintage Solina chorus) accurately follows the architecture of its hardware counterpart, including the BBD chip behaviour for truly rich modulation. However, it has been extended for a wider range of "chorus" effects.

Strings Dream Synthesizer is easy to use. Its layout and features take their cue from and expand upon the familiar Solina design, with only the necessary controls to achieve the textures of the other strings machines.

Features :

- A full ADSR envelope generator and Waveform selection (for several strings and organs sounds).
- Volume fader and switch for each of 6 stops (C.Bass, Cello, Brass, Horn, Viola and Violin). The fader for each stop allows an almost infinite number of mixtures.
- A powerful parameter to tune the relative phase of Violin wave against the other voices.
- Brightness and highpass filters are also adjustable.
- More performance flexibility with MIDI velocity and polyphonic mode selectable.
- Note also that the C.Bass and Cello are monophonic with full legato mode and you can select one of eight keyboard split points, allowing you to layer the mono voices with the others.
- Chorus "Ensemble" effect.
- Four-stage Phaser for those famous "Jarre pads".
- Exclusive reverb with the ability to morph on request to that "trembling" sound of the vintage spring reverb units.

Strings Dream Synthesizer will be released in May 2009, first as VST plug-in and later as an AU plug-in. Estimated price $89 USD.

BPM version 1.02 is now available as a free, downloadable update for all registered BPM users. Version 1.02 introduces more new features, including Step Sequencer shortcuts and abilities, MIDI beat clock sync, MIDI modulation, expanded Metronome controls, and One Shot pads.

Here is a brief overview of the new features in BPM version 1.0.2 :

• Loading slice loops into banks — you can now drag & drop a slice loop onto a bank to automatically load individual slices onto the bank's 16 pads.
• One shot pads — "one shot" means that the entire sample will play (note-off info is ignored).
• Step Sequencer enhancement — you can now copy the pattern in any step sequencer line and paste it to another line.
• Double Resolution — this new step sequencer feature lets you quickly double the resolution of the step grid.
• Preview volume slider — you can now control the volume of preview playback in the browser.
• Enhanced metronome — you can now turn the metronome on or off as desired and control its volume.
• Beat clock sync — the stand-alone version of BPM now resolves to incoming Beat Clock.
• MIDI modulation — BPM parameters can now be controlled with MIDI modulation, similar to MOTU's other instrument products.

Applied Acoustics Systems announces the release of Strum Electric GS-1, a new guitar track production plug-in for music producers and composers.

Based on the latest AAS physical modeling technology, Strum Electric includes a collection of classic single coil- and humbucker-fitted guitars, a two-channel amplifier with spring reverb, a speaker cabinet, and effects all featured in a ready-made preset library. It also includes an elaborate voicing module which automatically voices chords played on the keyboard as a guitar player would on the fretboard. Techniques such as down- and up-strokes, slides and bends, hammer-ons and pull-offs, palm muting, muffled strings, and arpeggios are triggered by special strumming keys. Strum Electric also ships with an inspiring MIDI loops library which provides rhythmic figures, strumming patterns, and chord progressions in various musical styles.

Strum Electric GS-1 is available now at a retail price of $229. Strum Electric GS-1 runs on both Mac OS X and Windows, as a standalone application as well as in host sequencers supporting the VST, Audio Units, and RTAS plug-in formats. Note that demo versions and sound samples are also available at :

ESI has released the SW10K eXperience subwoofer.

Features :

- 10" bass reflex powered subwoofer
- Amplifier power: 100W@100Hz, 4 Ohm, 0.1% THD
- Dynamic power: 120W
- Crossover frequency: 50Hz - 180Hz (adjustable)
- Inputs: balanced XLR, unbalanced 1/4" TRS
- Outputs: balanced XLR
- Input impedance: 20kOhm balanced, 10kOhm unbalanced
- Mute control connector (for sustain pedal)
- Dimensions: 384 x 354 x 384 mm (15.1 x 13.9 x 15.1 inches)

The SW10K eXperience is available now at a list price of $529.

The Heavenly Prophecy is a collection of 200 sounds for Prophet V. It is the fourth in Musicrow's series of soundsets for Arturia vintage synthesizer recreations.

The Heavenly Prophecy takes the Prophet V and the Prophet VS to new extremes! The sounds were designed to take the classic tone of these two vintage synthesizers and spice them with innovative edges.

A demo bank with 20 fully functional presets is available for download.

The Heavenly Prophecy is now available for €35.

Roland has launched a video contest called "How Do You JUNO ?".

Enter this competition and get a chance to win one of three new JUNO-Stage keyboards. The concept is quite easy, you just have to upload a short YouTube video that shows a creative way you use your Roland JUNO keyboard.