EastWest has re-announced that it is offering users additional control over its PLAY-Powered instruments with the introduction of PLAY Pro (formerly PLAY 2.0), which adds editing capabilities to these collections.

Available as a paid download from the company's website, www.soundsonline.com and www.soundsonline-europe.com, the "editor" featured PLAY Pro provides user programming and scripting through the included Python programming language. The editor can be used in standalone or plug-in mode so users can gain complete control over all parameters in all their PLAY instruments.

This editor includes high-quality effects including convolution reverb, automatic double tracking (ADT), and more. In addition to having control over PLAY-based collections, users can import their own samples and create their own PLAY instruments with intuitive sample mapping and other powerful editing features.

For easy access, all filters and controllers can be viewed on a single page through the "effects and modulators" section. Extensive routing options offered by PLAY Pro include 4 effects send, an insert bus and even side-chaining for each instrument.

The multiple microphone positions for instruments such as Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Choirs and EW/QL Pianos can be controlled through PLAY Pro. PLAY Pro also includes the same performance script library used by current PLAY virtual instruments. Build presets, change script execution order, develop, modify and test scripts all in a powerful script editor built right into the PLAY Pro user interface.

PLAY Pro's mapping editor can be used to adjust key and velocity range, root key, volume tune and pan. Through the editor, users can adjust sample start and end times (the editor only allows for changes to start and end times, not the actual samples themselves). PLAY Pro's loop manager gives users control of multiple loops, including start and end times, count and crossfade. Users can also add release trails and control release trail damping so they blend perfectly.

Pricing & Availability

The PLAY Pro upgrade will be available in March, 2009, with an MSRP of $299 / €149.