Numerology Level 1, version 1.0 is now available for download at www.five12.com. Numerology is a modular sequencer for Mac OS X. It uses metaphors first established by analog sequencers in the 1970's, extended and augmented with a structured software environment designed for improvisation and experimentation.

Also new at the Five12 website is the first in a series of Numerology "Techniques" articles. The initial installment covers a bit of the motivation and history behind the development of Numerology, along with a description and examples of one of its key features: interval-based sequencing.

Numerology requires a Mac running OS X 10.2 or higher. For unrestricted access to all Numerology features, a full license can be had for $50. Purchases can be made online at the Five12 Web Store or through Numerology itself using an embedded purchasing wizard.

Berhinger announces a little tube preamp, using the ubiquitous 12AX7 (too many news with this one ;). The Ultragain MIC100 is due Q2 and integrates a low noise, low distortion preamp and a DI.

- preamp with discrete components
- phantom power
- 10 LED meter
- phase reverse option

Another member of the Mackie Control family announced: the C4. It's a dedicated plug-in and virtual instrument controler with 4 banks of 8 pots, 4 displays (so no bank switch to read values). Up to 32 parameters (must be the 4 X 8 pots figure) can be accessed instantly or it can be used to handle faders or pans on 32 channels. It can be used alone or as an expansion of a Mackie Control system/expanders.

Support of Digital Performer and Emagic Logic Audio, others to follow. Available in the USA in Q2, during Summer for the rest of the world. $1099

Mackie Designs announced the introduction of the new TAPCO 6306, 6-channel mixer. This is the first product in the new TAPCO by Mackie family.
The TAPCO 6306 features two low-noise mic preamps, two instrument inputs, a stereo aux return to monitor, two aux sends, 8-segment LED metering as well as separate phones and control room level controls.

Defective records VSThost is an app that allows plug-ins to be used stand alone, outside current VST hosts software like your sequencer. It allows also users of Digital Performer, Protools, Metro, to use VST/VSTi if the software you run supports OMS-IAC (OS 9) or iMIDI (OS X).

VSTHost allows one VSTi and 4 VST effects plug-ins simultaneously, AIFF file playback or real-time audio through the VSTs. Outpouts goes to Sound Manager/ASIO in OS 9, CoreAudio in OS X, or straight to an AIFF file.

Future support of DirectConnect and Rewire are planned, as long as more VSTi simultaneously.

Available for $35, upgrade for $10.