Instruments powered by EastWest PLAY get a jolt at Winter NAMM 2009 with the introduction of PLAY 2.0. The new version adds editing capabilities to these instruments. PLAY 2.0 can be used as a software plugin or as a standalone application and offers full control over all PLAY instrument parameters as well as creation of your own PLAY instruments through sample importation and PLAY 2.0's new capabilities. It really gives you access to a similar set of tools as EastWest producers have at their disposals.

In PLAY 2.0, the effects and modulators section lets you access an entire page of filters and controllers. You also get four effects sends, an insert bus and side-chaining for each instrument, so you've got several routing options to choose from. You also get effects such as convolution reverb, automatic double tracking, chorus, phaser, compression, distortion, ring modulation, delays, filters and more.

Another feature that shows the depth of PLAY 2.0 is the ability to control multiple microphone positions for instruments like Symphonic Orchestra, Symphonic Choirs and EW/QL Pianos. You can connect modular outputs to parameter ins and set keyswitches, channel source and start mode.

The PLAY 2.0 mapping editor lets you change key and velocity range, roote key, volume tune and pan. Sample start and end times can be adjusted and the loop manager offers control of several parameters like start and end times, crossfade and count across multiple loops. You can even add release trails and control damping on them for the best blend.

EastWest also offers more user control with the addition of Python language, so you can utilize a HEMI-sized scripting engine and exert a powerful level of control over your instruments. You also get the same performance script library currently in use, which allows you to build presets, change script execution order and develop, modify and test your scripts in a built-in script edator.

Fast Features:

• PLAY 2 Advanced Sample Engine with 64-bit support, MAC & WIN
• Runs as standalone and as a Plugin (AU, VST, RTAS)
• Complete control over all parameters in your current PLAY powered libraries
• Includes performance scripts and user accessible scripting engine
• Create your own PLAY instruments with intuitive sample mapping and more
• Expanded Modular Effects rack and filters

Lastly, EastWest founder and producer Doug Rogers remarked about PLAY 2.0:

“When we originally designed PLAY, it was intended to offer a powerful but easy-to-use interface for users to playback the included sounds. Now with PLAY 2.0, musicians who like to customize our virtual instruments will have the same software tools we use when we create the virtual instruments.”