EverythingTurns has released ArcWave, a granular re-synthesiser ensemble for Native Instruments Reaktor.

ArcWave is a granular re-synthesiser that uses samples in place of oscillators allowing very diverse waveform generation from virtually any conceivable sound source.

An independent multipoint envelope generator bidirectionally scans the sample without affecting pitch, producing an ever changing waveform output feed to the filters.

The scan cycle, flow, motion, start point and length along with gain, pan, pitch and fine tune are all definable, plus the scan cycle can be disabled and set to static mode.

ArcWave is available to purchase for £12 GBP. It includes a separate ensemble of the Atmospheara effect processor included in ArcWave.

More information: EverythingTurns / ArcWave

Hello’Samples has launched two new compilations of previously released sample packs for Maschine and MPC, now ready for Ableton Live.

Synth, Keys & Instruments is a collection of hand-crafted samples chopped from different experimentations with synths, keyboards and FX. From sweet Rhodes chords, to multiple synth patching experimentations, glitched percussions or crazy ring modulations.

Acoustic & Analog DrumKits is a collection of kits recorded from different sources. Three different analog drum machine kits with a 808 flavour, acoustic stuff in a jazz mood and a digital 8 bit chiptune drum kit.

Both compilations are available as pay-per-share downloads.

More information: Hello’Samples

Cakewalk has announced a limited time sale on the Z3TA+ 2 software synthesizer for Windows and Mac.

Z3TA+ 2 has been making a lot of noise lately and continues to be a favorite with critics and users all over the world. If you haven’t tried Z3TA+ 2 yet, you are missing out on one of the greatest synths of all-time. MusicRadar.com did a round-up of the 39 best plug-in synths in the world and Z3TA+ 2 came in at #13.

Now through June 30th, we are sweetening the deal even more for Rapture, Dimension, and Studio Instruments users. Regularly $99, you can download Z3TA+ 2 today for only $69/£55/€69 – get 30% off the price.

The sale ends June 30th, 2013.

More information: Cakewalk / Z3TA+ 2

Loopmasters has launched Essential Percussion Vol 2, a collection of 200 percussion loops and samples from the Loopmasters sample pack catalog.

Expect to find an incredible diverse collection of percussion loops and sounds including Deep Tribal Beats, Found Sound Rhythms, Classic Conga Grooves, Robotic Noises and Cinematic Ensembles. “Essential Percussion Vol2″ is a must have collection for producers on a budget looking for a wide range of some of the best Percussion samples released to date.

In detail Producers should expect to find here a collection of 40 Tribal Drum Loops, 40 House Conga Grooves, 20 Robot Percussion Loops, 20 Robot Percussion Hits, 20 Cinematic Percussion Loops, 20 Assorted Percussion and Found Sounds.

The sample pack costs £9.95 GBP.

Loopmasters is offering a 20% discount on percussion sample libraries until July 2nd, 2013.

More information: Loopmasters / Essential Percussion Vol 2

VST Buzz has launched a limited time sale on the Music Box by Bad Cat Media Group, a sample library capable of childlike nursery rhymes, eerie melodies, enchanting passages and much more.

We took 16 different music boxes and meticulously recorded each one note by note to create a highly expressive music box instrument with all the nuances and intricacy of the real thing. In an effort to make an instrument of the highest quality & detail, we made sure to include every subtly possible. Each crank, creek, scratch, buzz, ting and scrape was left in and the result is something quite organic and simply inspiring to play. The entire library was recorded using ribbon microphones at 24bit 48khz.

There is a minimum of 8 velocity layers per note. Due to the nature of the music box and the general range of such devices we ended up with quite a few velocity layers for some pitches (40+). Instead of using round robins we decided to use many velocity layers so that a performance could easily be altered but not be random. The Music Box requires the full version of Kontakt 4.2.4 or higher and is 388 MB (zipped)

The Music Box is available from VST Buzz for $12 USD until June 25th, 2013 (40% off regular $20 USD).

More information: VST Buzz

Sonivox has announced the release of Eighty Eight Ensemble 2.0, the latest version of its flagship virtual piano instrument.

Eighty Eight Ensemble 2.0 includes an integrated patch browser, enhanced EQ and effects, plus current 64-bit VST and AU support.

Eighty Eight Ensemble 2.0 features an exceptional recreation of the Steinway 9-foot CD 327 grand piano. Meticulously sampled and expertly voiced, Eighty Eight Ensemble 2.0 provides every composer, pianist, and musician the opportunity to infuse their compositions, recordings, and performances with this truly world-class grand piano.

The SONiVOX recording philosophy relies on a simple signal chain, the finest A/D converters, and premium microphone preamps. Faithful to the original piano, Eighty Eight Ensemble 2.0 captures each note of this cherished instrument at 16 velocity levels for exceptional dynamic accuracy.

Eighty Eight Ensemble 2.0 features

• Steinway 9’ CD 327 grand piano sample source.
• Meticulously sampled and expertly voiced.
• Over 11 GB of premium content.
• 16 velocity levels per note; over 1500 samples.
• 52 Solo Piano presets.
• 35 Combination patches with layered pad sounds.
• 16 Key Split Combis with bass/and or solo instruments.
• Pedal and Release element controls.
• Adjustable Limiter.
• 4-band EQ.
• Variable Reverb.
• Fine tune and transpose controls.
• 7 Velocity curves.
• MIDI Learn controller mapping.
• Integrated Patch Browser stores by attribute.
• 32- and 64-bit VST and AU support.
• RTAS support.

The Eighty Eight Ensemble 2.0 for Windows and Mac costs $149 USD.

More information: Sonivox / Eighty Eight Ensemble 2.0