MetaSynth is a revolutionary electronic music and sound design environment which gives the ability to generate audio by painting or importing pictures. The new version 4.0 (Mac OS 9 & X, 16 bit)) and 4.0 Pro (Mac OS X only, 24 bit and real-time recording) is now available. MetaSynth now features full-fidelity preview, realtime editing, and capture-to-disk recording, and six rooms : effects, images, image filter, spectrum, sequencer and montage room.

Metasynth 4 costs $499 and $599 (Pro version). A demo version is available.

Expert Sleepers has updated Crossfade Loop Synth to v2.1.1 which now features : fixed crash when using alternate and reverse loop modes, and fixed crash which could occur when GUI repeatedly opened and closed.

Info and donwload on E.S. web site.

Tiny Software announced that its live loops player Outil is now updated to v1.6. This new version features a new Midi learn window and a new wet/dry function for Midi plugins.

SonicBirth is an Audio Units plugins designing application which allows you to build your own AudioUnit plug-ins. You can work with existing circuits or by creating circuits completely from scratch. SonicBirth is also an AudioUnits package which comes bundled with a set of plug-ins designed for standalone use as plug-ins as well as pre-constructed circuits to modify or build upon for creating new plug-ins. SonicBirth is based on a powerful, flexible engine. Every plug-in can be used in 32 bits or 64 bits for added precision.

This preview version costs $99 and the final price will be $129

Digidesign's Beta Program is looking for users who use Pro Tools with any of the following operating systems on Mac OS X or Windows XP:

Japanese
Chinese Simplified
Spanish
Italian

The candidate must be using a supported Pro Tools TDM system (HD or HD Accel) or Pro Tools LE system (Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, Mbox). If you use Pro Tools in any of the languages mentioned above and are using a supported PT system (as specified) you could become part of this beta program. If you are interested in becoming a beta tester for Digidesign, please contact Digidesign at the following e-mail only: Digi_beta@Digidesign.com