CME, the makers of the BitStream 3X MIDI Controller, have announced the release of version 1.8 firmware for the unit, adding new features and enhancing functionality. As the world’s first 3-axis MIDI controller, the CME Bitstream 3X is breaking new ground and is perfect for controlling virtual instruments, DAWs, and even other MIDI hardware. This compact desktop unit includes 35 knobs, eight sliders, 16 buttons, a joystick, and a cross-fader. The new version 1.8 firmware update gives the Bitstream 3X the ability to generate SMPTE sync at 24, 25, 30 drop, and 30 frames per second, along with 64 new Arppegiator Scenes, which are independent from the 100 existing Snapshot Scenes, and an enhanced Switch (Jump/Toggle) Mode. Version 1.8 Firmware for the CME Bitstream 3X can be downloaded free of charge by registered users.
Ableton’s Live Lite 7 M-Audio Enhanced edition has arrived, with some impressive new features. Best of all, for registered Live Lite users, it’s absolutely free. Live Lite 7 now sports up to eight tracks, more effect instances, an enhanced audio engine, 64-bit mix summing, multiple time signatures, new and improved devices, side-chaining, refined MIDI timing, and more. If you’ve ever thought about upgrading to the full version of Live 7, now’s the perfect time to do it. Registered Live Lite users get an additional $50 off the price of upgrading to Ableton Live 7 and the Ableton Suite. Naturally, your Sweetwater Sales Engineer has all the information you need to upgrade.

