Mac and Music News

Several sources claim that Apple will announce the first Intel-based Macs at its January Macworld expo, because Intel is now shipping it dual-core "Yonah" processor. The "Yonah" chipset can be included in a mac Mini or in an iBook. Because it could cause performance disparities between the iBook and the PowerBook, sources say that PowerMac and PowerBook will be introduced late 2006 or early 2007, with use of Merom and Conroe processors. At last, other source says that new Powerbooks will be based on the current design, but will be considerably thinner. They also claim that they will be available first Quarter 2006. First will be the 15 inch, closely followed by the 17 inch.

Just wait...

The new Behringer FCA202 audio interface is now available. The FCA202 is a new low-cost and compact FireWire audio interface which includes two 1/4 inch connector inputs and outputs, 24-bit A/D and D/A converters offer 96 kHz sampling frequency, and volume-controlled headphones output. This new interface comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite 4 Behringer edition, Kristal and Audacity applications.

The FCA202 is now available in stores for $100.

Feel free to check out all the exciting event and exhibit opportunities at the upcoming Macworld Conference & Expo this coming January in San Francisco, a unique spectrum of Macintosh technology buyers come together to explore and learn about the latest Mac innovations and coolest products.

Macworld Conference & Expo 2006 will take place from 10 to 13 January '06.

M-Audio unveils its new "Podcast Factory", a complete solution ti create podcasts with your Mac. This pack comes with a new 24-bit/48kHz mobile I/O audio interface called "Podcast Factory audio interface", with microphone preamp, two audio channels, a dedicated XLR input for the included dynamic microphone, a 1/4" input on the second channel with instrument and line levels, dual RCAs and 1/8" stereo headphone jack outputs. The Podcast Factory includes software that lets users record and edit program material such as speech, add music and sound effects, and post MP3s with RSS feeds to the Web.

The Podcast Factory will be available soon for $199.95

A week after the release of Pro Tools HD 7, Digidesign announces that Pro Tools LE 7 is now shipping. Pro Tools 7 LE works with MBox, MBox 2, Digi 002 and Digi 002 rack Digidesign interfaces. It runs on Mac G4 minimum processor, with Mac OS X 10.4.2 operating system. Update options are :

- Upgrade software download : $75
- Upgrade PLUS software download & 2 plug-in authorizations : $99
- Upgrade PLUS installation CDs, 2 plug-in authorizations, guide : $99
- Upgrading Guide and Installation CDs (without authorization) : $15

Digidesign announces the availability of Dynamics III, a free download and a new addition to the free collection of DigiRack plug-ins. Dynamics III is a professional plug-in suite that includes a Compressor/Limiter, Expander/Gate, and De-Esser, each in an easy-to-use interface. Dynamics III offers simple ways to apply dynamics processing in mono, stereo, or in a full range of surround formats. It also integrates easily with control surfaces and consoles, including the VENUE live sound environment and the ICON integrated console environment, giving you direct, hand-on control of functions. Best of all, Dynamics III is offered for free to all Pro Tools and Avid system users as part of the Digidesign DigiRack plug-in collection.

Unveiled at New-York AES, Bandstand by Native Instruments is now shipping. Bandstand is a software instrument designed for musicians, performers and producers that work with the General MIDI format. Bandstand includes a true studio-quality GM sound library, and is equipped with a host of powerful and easy-to-use General MIDI features that make working with GM-based arrangements efficient and convenient, both in the studio and on stage.

Bandstand costs 199 €.