Tascam has released version 3.2.1 drivers (both OS9 and OSX - 10.2.3 and up) for their US-224 and US-428 interfaces. These are no longer considered beta.

US-428: http://www.tascam.com/products/us428/downloads.php

US-224: http://www.tascam.com/products/computer_recording/us224/downloads224.php

MODE 1.0 is a pack of OS X plugins and instruments. The collection features 3 instruments:

- BANG percussion module with sample playback, FM and analogue modeling, one voice only.
- MONO a monosynth mixing virtual analogue warmth in filter, and clarity as in an FM engine (so they say %)
- POLY well? a polysynth based on samples of the waveforms from classic instruments (analogue and digital). There is a polyphonic arpeggiator.
(where did they searched these names I wonder ;)

And 2 effects:

- SPIN a? well? state-variable filter/panning effect/rhythmic gating/distortion/delay, with bit reduction.
- WASH 6 recirculating delay lines interconnected (reminds me of some neuronal synthesis experiments I've heard of ;), btw, these effects seem yummy)

All these were developed by CreativeSynth Development and will be available thru Cycling'74 around Q3 for $295

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