The Rob Papen BLUE goes RTAS with the release of the 1.6 update. It is a free update with a native RTAS version for Mac. But also new features are added like a "free-running" option for each oscillator, an 8x Oversampling option, a "bypass" function inside the Arpeggiator, Sequencer and the FX section. It all comes together with 6 new preset banks for various styles of music productions.

Blue 1.6 is of course IntelMac compatible.

AudioSkin is a new cable organizer. The AudioSkin collects loose cables and 'zippers' them into one snake with a simple twist of the wrist. But that's not all: you can partially pull out individual cables to any length for connecting to miscellaneous inputs—while keeping the snake intact. AudioSkin is quick and easy to use and re-use. AudioSkin can easily be cut to any length, or combine multiple AudioSkins together to accomodate longer cables. Cables are organized in seconds and are easily removed in one motion - one at a time or all at the same time.

AudioSkin easily holds up to (8) guitar, microphone or monitor cables, and up to (24) Hosa cables. 5 ft. in length; 25 millimeter diameter. MSRP $16.99. (USA)

Mutools announces the release of the preliminary version 4 of Luna unlimited and Luna Free, with new features : support for VST MIDI Plugins, Audio Input Monitoring, Insert Effects can now be bypassed, Improved workflow and Bug fixes. LUNA is an alternative, ultra-light virtual music studio, designed to compose & perform music of different styles and flavors.

Luna is also now available as Universal Binary version.

Akai just released the latest of his MPC, the numbered 500. As its name suggest, this is an entry level MPC, from the likes of the MPC 1000 and 2500 with which it is data compatible as other Akai products. With a small footprint (266x175x44mm) and 1.34 kg, running on wall-wart or batteries, its comprehensive surface has the MPC trademark as usual : 12 velocity and pressure sensitive pads plus an on board 48 tracks sequencer and a 44.1 kHz sound engine. The internal memory is of 16 MB, Compact Flash cards from 32 MB to 2 GB can be used as additional memory. MIDI i/o and USB (Mac and PC) ports complet the box along with the stereo i/o and headphones socket.

The MPC 500 is available now for $1129.

Universal Audio releases UAD v4.4 software for the UAD-1 and UAD-1e DSP card and powered plugins system. This version includes a 14-day fully functional demo of the second Neve® licensed plug-in – the coveted 33609 Bus Compressor. Registered UAD-1 customers may purchase full authorizations of the 33609/33609 SE two plug-in bundle for US$249 from my.uaudio.com

Key Features:
* Exclusively Neve licensed/UA modeled 33609 bus compressor
* Compression curves and nonlinearities modeled to exacting detail
* Auto-release settings offer program dependent qualities
* "Software-only" controls link and additional 20 dB output gain
* Stereo or mono operation/ SE Version for Higher instance counts

Registered users can download this update for free on Universal Audio website.