Upgraded to "plus" status, the Muse Research Receptor 2 line of hardware plugin players add new features that give the units more power and more storage for running virtual instruments and effects.

What is included with the + upgrade? Receptor 2 + units now feature increased storage capacity (in the Receptor 2) from 320 GB to a 750 GB; more processing power (for the Receptor 2 Pro +) and an increase in its storage capacity to 1 TB; and a 50 percent increase in storage capacity to 1.5 TB (for the Receptor 2 Pro Max +).

The Receptor 2 + ($1,699) sports an increase in drive size from 320 GB to the more than double 750 GB -- the same size as the previous Pro model. As with all Receptor 2 products, the Receptor 2 + includes the Plugsound Box collection and adds the Alchemy Player as well (together, these inclusions are valued at $800). According to Muse Research, the Receptor 2 + is the ideal way to run a few virtual instruments or effects while playing live.

Next in line, the Receptor 2 Pro + ($2,599) now offers a faster processor (upgraded to 3 GHz) and comes with a 1 TB drive. With a massive amount of storage and super fast processing power, the Receptor 2 Pro + can run dozens of virtual instruments and effects, live or in the studio.

Muse Research's Receptor 2 Pro Max + ($3,199) boasts a 50 percent increase in drive capacity and a 10 percent increase in processing speed, resulting in as many as 100 extra voices with which to make music. The company notes that the upgrades for Receptor 2 Pro Max + make it the ideal system for use in the studio, in the pit, or when you're on the road.

Receptor 2 + hardware plugin players are available now, and the prices (MAP) remain the same on all three models at $1,699, $2,599, and $3,199. For more information, visit museresearch.com.