Mac and Music News

Apple has updated its all-in-one iMac line with the latest Intel Core 2 Duo processors and the most powerful graphics ever available in an iMac.

With prices starting at just $1,199, iMac includes faster processors with 6MB L2 cache and a faster 1066 MHz front-side bus across the entire line, and 2GB of memory standard in most models. The 24-inch iMac now offers a 3.06 GHz Intel processor and the high-performance NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GS graphics as options, extending iMac's lead as the ultimate all-in-one desktop computer for both consumers and professionals.

iMac 20" - 2.4 GHz ($1,199)
- 20-inch widescreen LCD display;
- 2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor with a 1066 MHz front-side bus;
- 1GB of 800 MHz DDR2 SDRAM expandable to 4GB;

IK Multimedia has just announced that its "Plug & Mix Madness" promotion has now been extended until May 31st. So customers can still purchase and register any of the qualifying IK Multimedia plug-in based music production software, hardware combinations or bundles and they will receive one FREE IK effect plug-in download of their choice.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Waves has decided to offer Producer/Mixer Jack Joseph Puig's personal presets for his favorite Waves tools as a free download.

Puig is the latest Waves user from its extensive roster of artists to serve up his own presets for download. He has worked with countless hitmakers, including Green Day, U2, Sheryl Crow, the Rolling Stones, Black Eyed Peas, John Mayer, Counting Crows, No Doubt, Mary J. Blige and many more.

In order to download those presets you just need to log on to the Waves website, enter your User Name and Password and then click on the JJP feature icon.

Dangerous Music has announced the shipment of their first units of the DAC-ST, a mastering quality, stereo digital-to-analog converter option for their Monitor ST controller. The DAC-ST is the first available option in the line for the new Additional Switching System (A.S.S) one-rack space expander which can house up to two banks of two cards each, adding four additional functions switchable directly from the ST-SR remote.

Offering mastering quality on-board stereo D-to-A conversion and digital source switching for Monitor ST, the Dangerous DAC-ST option delivers superbly accurate D-to-A conversion, instantly accessed from the Monitor ST remote control. Integrated digital source switching allows the user to monitor all digital sources through the same converter, which is crucial for critical listening, confidence monitoring and level matching.

The DAC-ST suggested retail price is $1199 / €925, and includes the integrated power supply unit and expansion chassis with an extra space for a second user-installable option.

PreSonus is pleased to announce the official public release of the FaderPort native driver for Logic Pro and Logic Express versions 7 or later. The new functionality includes mix/edit/transport window view, write and latch automation as well as improved performance.

The FaderPort is a desktop USB automation and transport controller for computer recording. For more information, please visit their website.

Brainworx has updated its mastering plug-in bx_digital to version 1.1.0 which provides AU compatibility.

bx_digital is a digital mastering processor that provides you with a mastering class 5-band equalizer, De-Esser, Mono-Maker and intelligent Bass- and Presence-Shifters. bx_digital works in up to 3 modes including a sophisticated M/S mastering mode.

bx_digital is available for both Mac and PC in TDM, RTAS, VST, SCOPE and AU formats.

Prominy has released SC Electric guitar, a new Kontakt Player based electric guitar sound library instrument featuring the sound of a Fender Stratocaster. According to Prominy, SC Electric Guitar enables you to compose and create natural guitar tracks that imitate real guitar playing.

Features :

- Over 64 gigabytes - approximately 123,000 samples.
- Real-time playability - SC SPM (Super Performance Multi).
- All five pick-up positions can be reproduced.
- Real chords - extensive number of the 'real' pre-recorded chord samples.
- Auto Stroke Detection.
- Feedback.
- Assignable Key Switch.
- Double-Tracking.
- The lower note samples (low C - low D#) are included.
- Direct signals from the guitar.
- Perfect sampled sounds of all fret positions on every string.
- Picking noises are recorded in multiple forms on all frets and strings.

SC Electric Guitar is available for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU, DX, RTAS and stand-alone formats via the included Kontakt 2 Player, it costs $399.