FingaMIDI is a free, open source, replacement driver for the ADB trackpad found in the Titanium PowerBook G4. Currently still in beta, this version is available for testing compatibility with other Apple laptops, like the Snow iBook, iBook G4 and Aluminium PowerBooks. It allows the built-in trackpad to be used as a three-axis MIDI controller, sending x, y and z (pressure) data as parameter change messages. The software is available as a free download.
Ed: I'm anxious to try this, as I'm sure are you, so I've posted this before any testing -- hit comments, everyone, and let us know how compatibility is going on your machine (and be sure to forward feedback to the author. -PK
Free drum and percussion loops in Apple Loops format, for use in GarageBand, Soundtrack, and other loop software, are available from Chris Bell and Michael Blair's site, Directions in Music. Played by Michael Blair in the DiM Stockholm studio, who has performed with artists like Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Ryan Adams, and others, the loops feature a small kit with a loose and live feel. Ed: Snap `em up -- yet another free collection! -PK
Zuonics is working on a full editor in JAVA for EMU EOS samplers. The OSX version should be available this summer. ZoeOS is compatible with any E-MU sampler running EOS 3.00b or above. This includes E4, E4X, E4XT, E4K, E6400, E64, E5000.
It doesn't work with the ESI range. The actual price of the PC version is €129.
A few weeks after the realase of Pro Tools TDM 6.2.3, the new 6.2.3 version of Pro Tools LE is available to registered Digidesign users for download. Pro Tools LE 6.2.3 software provides support for Mac OS X 10.3.2 (Panther) with Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack and Mbox, and with Power Mac G5 as well as Power Mac G4, PowerBook G4, iMac G4, iBook G4 and iBook G3.
All Digidesign and Digi-distributed plug-ins must be updated in order to work with Pro Tools LE 6.2.3. Note that a Pro Tools LE 6.2.3b1 is also available, removing the requirement for Pro Tools users to have Administrator Privileges. (This feature is already available in TDM 6.2.3.)
Yours truly, MacMusic English editor again chats with Inside Mac Radio's Scott Shepard about Mac music making. We run over the big announcements of the past couple of weeks, including a rundown on Waldorf closing, Arturia's new MiniMoog instrument, the state of Mac music and lots more. We're planning on making this a more regular feature; it's a great chance to hear the voice behind some of the news as you ride on the subway or bus or in your car!
Eventide has released two new Pro Tools TDM Plug-Ins: Reverb and Octavox. The Reverb plug-in features four different 3-band EQs, a true post-reverb stereo delay, a pre- or post-process compressor, and tempo-based and/or MIDI Beat Clock Synchronization. Octavox sports 8 harmonization voices, 8 delays, grid notation for setting the rhythm/delay as harmonization tunings, and tempo-based and MIDI Beat Clock Synchronization.
Reverb (EUR 590 exl.vat) & Octavox (EUR 490 exl.vat) are Pro Tools TDM Mix, HD and HD Accel, Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X Panther compatible.
The Steinberg MP3 patch for Mac OS X offers unlimited MP3 export for Cubase SE and Cubase SL that have a limited MP3-encoder. The Steinberg MP3 patch for Mac OS X is now available on download on the Steinberg web site and costs EUR10 (USD 10). Ed: worth a download if you don't like the inconvenience of jumping out to another program. The fee is probably to defer the licensing fee for the MP3 encoder, which is not public-domain. -PK
SimpleChord, the chord dictionary for Mac OS X from Wonder Warp Software Group has been updated to version 1.5. The update includes adjustable playback options, customizable interface, 11 new chord types, and interface enhancements.
The SampleTank 2.0.4 update is available for registered users, under Mac OS 9, OS X, RTAS and VST. Bugfixes include: SampleCell conversion has been improved, original instruments and "banks" from the hard disk now work properly, and ".wav" import has been improved. Moreover, 12 instruments for SampleTank 2 have been updated with bugfixes. The 2.04 update and updated instruments can be downloaded free for registered users.
Ploytec, a Germany based-company run by the people who brought you usb-audio.com, is about to release a new product called "34one," a battery-driven tap tempo pedal.
Synthesizers like the Korg Triton or Yamaha MOTIF / MOTIF ES offer fantastic arpeggio and live sequencing possibilities that are hard to use with a non-click synchronized live band. 34one solves this problem by providing easy-to-use tap tempo, in the form of a 9V block battery-driven pedal that generates MIDI Clock signal.
Gleetchplug Design is proud to announce that it has released an OS X version of its free plugins bundle. The plugins run on VST/MAS/RTAS and AU applications under OSX 10.2 and 10.3. The bundle contains the classic 5 Gleetchplug plugins (D-Rive, Sonicreducer, Therevox, Malestrom and Cosmo) plus a new exclusive plug called Stereotronic (a spectral stereo enhancer).
Audacity, the free cross-platform sound editor for Mac OS X, Linux, and Windows, is now coming of age, after two years of development. 1.2 is the first major stable release since 1.0 in June 2002, but those years haven't gone wasted: the new release includes professional-quality dithering and resampling, new pitch- and speed-changing effects. Also new: cross-fade effects, screen display fixes, an MP3 tag fix, and audio problems fixed on Apple Power Mac G5s, plus much more.
Steinberg's flagship high-end audio workstation, Nuendo, has been upgraded to version "2.1.2.28." version. Steinberg has improved networking via LAN or via standard network protocols, plus compatibility with Mac OS 10.3 Panther. Nuendo 2.1.2.28 is a free upgrade.
Ed: Steinberg tends to get overshadowed on the Mac by Digidesign, Apple/Emagic, and MOTU, but they're an essential part of what Apple calls the "Mac music ecosystem": they offer unique features no one else does. The most exciting to me is the networking capabilities, and the ability to share audio processing resources across multiple machines. That's huge for studios and classroom labs, not to mention those of us who are collecting multiple Macs or working collaboratively. Any readers out there taking advantage of this capability? Hit comments and let us know. -PK
Intakt is a rhythmic loop sampler by Native Instruments. This new version adds some new features and improvements: MIDI controller automation, MIDI clock out in the standalone version, support for Open Sound Control and improved VST and RTAS compatibility. Intakt 1.03 is available now as a free update for current users on Mac OS X; the full version sells for $229.
Ed: MIDI controller automation is a big feature for this loop sampler. So, users out there: are you running this alongside existing loop-based software like Live or are you dedicated to one standalone app or another? Click comments for a little show-and-tell with your software rig. -PK
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Yours truly, MacMusic English editor again chats with Inside Mac Radio's Scott Shepard about Mac music making. We run over the big announcements of the past couple of weeks, including a rundown on Waldorf closing, Arturia's new MiniMoog instrument, the state of Mac music and lots more. We're planning on making this a more regular feature; it's a great chance to hear the voice behind some of the news as you ride on the subway or bus or in your car!
An extra Mew & Zach for you, readers -- our 'Pepsi Special.' -PK
