Mac and Music News

The Mac OS 10.3.6 Update is available via "software update" utility or on download at Apple web site. This update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for Mac OS X v10.3 Panther and is recommended for all users.

Key enhancements include:
- improved file sharing for Mac (AFP), UNIX (NFS) and PC (SMB/CIFS) networks
- more reliable network automounts and launch of network applications
- improved OpenGL technology and updated ATI and NVIDIA graphic drivers
- additional FireWire audio and USB device compatibility
- updated Calculator, DVD Player, Image Capture, and Safari applications
- improved compatibility for third party applications
- previous standalone security updates

Dropsound is a sound-playing app, made for digital music-makers (and co-developed by one). It is an attempt to fill the void left by SoundApp, which did not move on to Mac OS X along with everyone who used it. It uses Quicktime to play sound files (including WAV's, AIF's, MP3's, etc.) dropped onto it. It can queue up multiple files and play through them one by one. It also has some synthesizing abilities and a 'quit when done' feature.

More info about this new version available in MM softwares section.

SoundToys Inc. announced EchoBoy TDM, an echo machine and the latest toy in the SoundsToys line of plug-ins for Pro Tools systems. EchoBoy TDM is a fully-featured echo/delay for Pro Tools systems.

EchoBoy will be available in December 2004 for $495.00.

Plugs-in from Elemental Audio are upgraded to V 2.1 for free for registered users (V 2,0) The New features :

Firium 2.1
- Mono support
- better Match mode
- Better Audio Unit (AU) support

Eqium 2.1
- Parameter input with Text mode
- Better Audio Unit (AU) support
- Mono support

Audio Ease announced that its Rocket Science Bundle is now available for Mac OS X in RTAS, Audio Units, HTDM, VST, and MAS formats. Rocket Science Bundle features Orbit (Psychoacoustic flight path simulator), Roger (Multiple Gender vowel bank) and Follo (Energy driven band booster).

More info on the MacMusic softs section.

Frontier Design Group announced a new Wireless remote control which support most of audio sequencers (protools, Logic, Digital performer, cubase, sonar...)
This transport and its USB dongle allow to :

- operates your computer-based digital audio workstation from anywhere in your studio (10 meters)
- Adjust monitor mix settings from inside an iso booth, or easily record instruments that are physically incompatible with your workspace (piano, drums, etc.)
- Uses high-frequency RF technology
- Operates on AA batteries
- Two-way interface: get timecode position, track name/number, track volume, pan settings and more via backlit LCD display and LED indicators
- Compatible with Mac and Windows

Available march 2005

WayOutWare announced the TimewARP 2600, the software synth version of the ARP 2600. All of the original control features from the ARP 2600 are there, but this plugin version features : 8 voice polyphony, extensive patch manager, real-time performance, and more...

The TimewARP 2600 is scheduled to ship November 2004. More info on WayOutWare web site.

Bass Tuner AU 1.0 by Laidman & Katsura is an Audio Unit plug-in tuner just for bass guitar. Small but powerful ! Hands-free operation, listens while you tune. Optimized bass register pitch detection.

You can download it from the MM softwares section.

Primacoustic has introduced the IsoPad series of speaker isolation devices. The pads are designed to eliminate the coupling and associated low-mid resonance of speaker cabinets as they vibrates sympathetically with solid surfaces.

More info on Primacoustic web site.

Grand Staff Audio Units 1.0 by Laidman & Katsura is a plug-in tuner for pianists, singers, and budding musicans. Shows single note on a Grand Staff. Hands-free operation, listens while you tune.

This shareware is available in the MacMusic softs section.

The Australian Smart Ltd. announced the Smart Console, a mixing control surface designed for mixing and editing large numbers of channels. The Smart Console is designed to both reduce the number of knobs on a panel and reduce the number of actions required in order to gain access to out of reach controls, and is also designed as an 'open platform' to capitalise on the strengths and experience of other leading audio manufacturers.

info on Smart web site.

Applied Acoustics Systems has announced that the demo version of Ultra Analog VA-1 si now available. Ultra Analog VA-1 is a virtual analog synthesizer with 32 voices of polyphony.

This demo version of Ultra Analog VA-1 is available at Applied Acoustics Systems'
website.

Ultimate Sound Bank announced that X-treme FX is now shipping. X-treme FX is a virtual instrument plug-in for Mac OS X (VST/AU/RTAS) made for sound effects and atmospheric sounds. It comes with 5000 sound effects on over 8 Gb of disc space.

X-treme FX is available now for $399.

M-Audio introduced the FireWire Solo, an audio FW interface for recording guitar tracks, which features a 1/4" guitar input and a microphone input with phantom power (both featuring gain control and clipping LEDs), 2 line inputs, and coaxial S/PDIF digital I/O.

FireWire Solo can be powered via the FireWire bus or optional power supply, and is shipping at $249.95.

URS announced Audio Units support for the Classic Console EQ Bundle (A and N series only). The URS A equalizer is digital emulation of a vintage Neve EQ, and the URS N is a digital emulation of a vintage API equalizer.

The Audio Units versions are a free upgrade for both TDM and Native Classic Console EQ Bundle owners.