EastWest has announced that all of its EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra "Play" Editions will start shipping July 15th, 2008.

In addition to receiving a turbo boost from the company's Play 64-bit sampling engine, each version in the new Play line - Platinum, Gold, Silver and now Platinum Plus - has, for the first time, combined the previous versions with many new features such as:

• 64-bit* with 32-bit compatibility for Windows (*see system specifications).
• Full memory access with Mac (requires 64-bit Mac).
• The software is now Mac Intel compatible.
• An intuitive custom interface.
• Intelligent performance section including portamento, repetition, legato.
• Features round robin reset.
• Offers improved articulation window and controls.
• On-screen Mic position mixing with Platinum and Platinum Plus versions.
• Switchable 24-bit/16-bit depth with Platinum Plus version.
• State-of-the-art convolution reverb with pre-delay.
• Convolution reverb includes the hall the orchestra was recorded in.
• An intelligent release trail engine that follows note-on samples volume at all times.
• Improved sound quality with high-resolution audio engine.
• Hi-fidelity one pole filter for natural cross-fades.
• Stereo image editing is now possible using channel sourcing.
• Original and corresponding Pro XP expansions combined into one version.
• The instruments featured in the Play Editions are newly-programmed for Play from the original recordings.

The new version also has several time saving features. For instance, users can recall custom key-switches instantly. The size of these key-switches are unlimited. Also, the compatibility between Silver to Gold to Platinum to Platinum Plus has been streamlined, allowing all versions to be easily utilized in one project.

"EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra has already come out on top in a recent roundup of orchestral collections for its level of warmth and detail," says EastWest Founder and Producer Doug Rogers. "Now with the incorporation of Play, users of EastWest/Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra Play Edition will experience the benefits of the new sample engine immediately. With the typical orchestral composition encompassing a large amount of instruments, EastWest's Play software streamlines the process by allowing many more instruments to be loaded at one time, while also providing enhanced control of the instruments' sounds."

In addition to the added flexibility and sound quality, those who purchase the Silver collection will receive a seven-day fully functional trial version of Gold, and those purchasing the Gold collection will get a seven-day trial version of Platinum. With the Gold, Platinum and Platinum Plus versions, users will also receive a free seven-day trial version of the Steinway piano from EastWest/Quantum Leap Pianos. This is just one of several grand pianos included in this collection, which has been meticulously recorded by EastWest/Quantum Leap producers Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix.

Play-Powered Quantum Leap Platinum Plus carries an MSRP of $1,295, Platinum $1,195, Gold $695 and Silver $295.

Special upgrade pricing is available to registered users of the previous Quantum Leap Symphonic Orchestra versions on the company's website until June 30, 2008.