Digital Performer 5.11 is now shipping. If you own Version 5.0, 5.01 or 5.1, you can download the free Version 5.11 updater here. This maintenance release includes numerous program enhancements and optimizations. The 5.11 update also includes hundreds of new presets for DP5's six included virtual instrument plug-ins.

"Finally, a new sampler that doesn't make your old libraries obsolete!" exclaim the editors of EM. "This universal sampler plug-in lets you import, audition, and load sound banks in a long list of sampler formats, including Akai, Roland, E-mu, Kurzweil, SampleCell, EXS4 and Giga. And that's not all: MachFive can also import samples in WAV, Acid, AIFF, SDI and REX formats." They go on to say: "Machfive strikes a welcome balance between simplicity and functionality." Even with its long list of high-end features, "MachFive never sacrifices its straightforward architecture and easy-to-use interface. Add to that its new direct-from-disk sample-streaming capability, …