Today's Top Stories:

  Reaktor 5 and Upgrades

Native Instruments Reaktor 5 is out, and it's amazing. The biggest leap is "Reaktor Core Technology," which allows users to freely design their own filters, oscillators, shapers, delays, EQ's, and completely new types of modules, greatly extending REAKTOR 5's sonic potential. If you're not a "from the ground-up" sort of synth-tweaker, then the huge new library of instruments, synths, grooveboxes, sequencers, and effects will have you making a creative noise in no time - especially since Reaktor 5 features a new, more friendly user interface design. Registered owners of Reaktor version 3 or 4 can upgrade through Sweetwater for a very sweet price.

  Up, Up, and Upgrade

Steinberg, and their new parent company Yamaha, have announced upgrade programs and incentives for users who purchased certain hardware that came bundled with Cubase LE or Cubasis. Contact Sweetwater and you can upgrade to Cubase SL or Cubase SX. Purchases of Studio Connections-compatible gear (Motif ES, Motif ES Rack, i88x, 01x, 01V96, 02R96, SPX2000) before September 30 also qualify for special discounts on Cubase SL and Cubase SX.