Today's Top Stories:

  Native Instruments Announces GUITAR RIG 2 Software Edition
Geared toward producers looking for a pro quality, affordable guitar and bass recording solution, the Native Instruments GUITAR RIG 2 Software Edition provides the same arsenal of highly acclaimed amp emulations and effect modules that has won GUITAR RIG more than 20 international press awards to date. Essentially, GUITAR 2 Software Edition offers the full functionality of the upcoming version 2.2 GUITAR RIG software package, but without the Rig Kontrol pedal. Version 2.2 offers three additional components and full native support for Intel-based Macintosh computers. The 2.2 update is expected to be available later this month, while GUITAR RIG 2 Software Edition is scheduled for a November release at a suggested retail price of $339.

  VSL Updates the Symphonic Cube
Not content to merely have the largest (550 gigabytes!) and most impressive collection of virtual orchestral instruments, Vienna Symphonic Library (VSL) has now updated their Symphonic Cube to version 1.1. Registered users can get the update free from the VSL web site in the User Area. Enhancements, changes and fixes include (but are not limited to):

• A fully rewritten User Interface code for quicker start-up and a more responsive GUI. More than 10 interfaces can now be opened at the same time.
• The plug-in now remembers the last open page.
• The Matrix has been completely overhauled and can be re-sized by dragging the borders using the mouse.
• Octave and semitone transposition shifts and dynamic range (velocity response) can be adjusted in the Cell Editor.
• The Matrix save/delete function has been moved to the Matrix pane and the Preset save/delete function has been added to the plug-in.
• The behavior of sliders has been improved: Right-click to learn, right-click again to clear, alt-click to edit the controller parameters.

  New in Stock at Sweetwater

• Cakewalk SONAR 6 Producer Edition - This is the one you PC owners have been waiting for! SONAR 6 delivers true 64-bit enhanced sound quality with zero latency by taking advantage of the latest multi-core CPUs and its own Double Precision Mic Engine. Imagine recording up to 150 tracks with 15 virtual instruments, 42 real time effects plug-ins and full screen digital video playback, all perfectly in sync. The VC-64 Vintage Channel includes two equalizers, two compressors, a gate and de-esser. Active Controller Technology (ACT) allows you to control automatable plug-ins and soft synths. But best of all, SONAR 6 comes with a shockingly low $499.97 sticker price!
• Ableton Live 6 - Here's another software package that everyone's been waiting for. Ableton Live has long been a favorite of those musicians doing electronica or remixing on stage or in the studio and this new version blows the doors off thanks to several performance enhancements that include support for QuickTime files (with drag and drop ease) and the newest multi-core processors. Live 6 adds a new Essential Instruments Collection that covers everything from grand pianos and other acoustic instruments to the wildest synth sounds imaginable. Line 6 also boasts improved processing tools and a ton of additional features we just don't have room for here. Yet it's still remarkably affordable at just $499.97!

  Guitar of the Day
Many of us guitar lovers here at Sweetwater have long been smitten by the Gibson ES-335 "Dot Neck" in its various incarnations, but when this beauty arrived, we had to make it our Guitar of the Day. Officially, it's called the Gibson Memphis ES-335, and it has one of the most breathtaking one-piece flamed maple tops we've ever seen, finished in what Gibson calls Transparent Brown, but which most collectors would probably call Root Beer or Tortoiseshell. Flip it over and you'd see it also has a stunning one-piece flamed maple back. Honestly, take a look at the Guitar Gallery photos and see if you don't agree that this is truly a 335 to die for at a price that's almost too good to be true! The ES-335 is certainly Gibson's second most recognizable guitar, taking a back seat only to the iconic Les Paul. This one is equipped with a pair of '57 Classic Humbuckers, which are essentially modern recreations of the original PAF (Patent Applied For) pickups developed by Seth Lover way back in 1957. These are capable of delivering anything from a clean punchy sound to a buttery smooth overdrive and anything in between. These pickups are famous for the way they clean up with the volume control rolled back, while delivering the classic humbucker snarl as you turn the volume up. This one also has the '60s slim-taper neck profile, which many swear is Gibson's fastest playing neck. It's constructed of a solid piece of tropical mahogany with a bound rosewood fingerboard and the trademark dot inlays. The hardware is gold plated and yes, this ES-335 comes with a Custom Shop hardshell case!