Eric B. from Apple has posted a message explaining all the differences of Soundtrack and GarageBand -- an issue I discussed on today's Inside Mac Radio show audio feature and here on MacMusic.org, but didn't discuss in detail.

Following last week's announcement that the company is shipping its flagship Finale 2004 notation software for OS X, MakeMusic! today has announced its interactive music practice system SmartMusic is also shipping with support for OS 10.2 and higher. SmartMusic is sold on a subscription plan, so current subscribers can receive a CD-ROM with the 8.2 update on it for the cost of shipping. The release also includes Mp3 saving and new contest repertoire plus compatibility with restricted access accounts and other enhancements. Individual users can subscribe for as little as US$90/year with discounts for educational institution installations. (Check the website below for complete pricing.) The combination of Finale and SmartMusic on OS X means you can both create (with Finale) and play back (with SmartMusic) accompaniment files without booting OS 9.

At 2004 NAMM Show, The Sound Guy, Inc. has announced an RTAS upgrade path for SFX Machine RT. SFX Machine RT is an audio multi-effects plug-in, available in Audio Unit format for Mac OS X and VST format for Mac OS 8/9/X.

With a new purchase of SFX Machine RT for 99 euros, users will receive an offer for a 1/3 discount from FXpansion on purchases of the VST to RTAS Adapter.

In what has to be the best NAMM roundup I've seen, Barry Wood has compiled his NAMM Oddities. Barry writes "It's that time of year again and all that's left of the Winter NAMM show is a dull ringing of the ears. That means that there is a new edition of the NAMM Oddities. For those of you are might not be familiar with the NAMM Oddities, they are a collection of all the weird and wonderful things that I found lurking in the corners of the NAMM show."

I've got a gig to get ready for this weekend, but I'll have to respond with MacMusic's own NAMM wrapup -- that is, if the MacMusic staff can dig itself out from under the rest of the crucial NAMM press releases!

The huge NAMM show has come to an end in California -- ah, the memories. Well, okay, virtual memories as the MacMusic crew is holed up in places like New York and Paris instead. Apple has posted an enormous wrap-up of the festivities with galleries, press releases, and more. It's a little more Apple-centric than usual, not too surprising with big Emagic announcements and Garage Band. But the Mac Music ecosystem, from Cycling 74 to MOTU, makes an appearance, too, and check out that nice motorcycle and accordion.