Apogee Electronics Corporation announced that its 192 kHz portable D/A converter 2-channel, the Mini-DAC, is now available worldwide. Mini-DAC augments the Apogee Mini-Series which began with its award winning, A/D companion Mini-Me.

Digital-thru-mode gives Mini-DAC users the exciting option of connecting virtually any 2-channel digital device (Rosetta AD, Trak2, Mini-Me) to their computer/DAW via Mini-DAC's optional USB.
For Mac OS X users the Mini-DAC offers true plug and play setup with no driver required and ultra low latency. And for those seeking a professional portable studio solution the Mini-DAC and the Mini-Me is a mighty combo that makes tracking anywhere a reality.

Other features available with Mini-DAC are analog output level control, up to 192kHz sampling rates and multiple input and output options such as AES, optical, and S/PDIF.

Support for OSX Core Audio and USB drivers available for Mac OS 9. Pricing: $995 without USB / $1295 with USB

Sendstation Systems announced the PocketDock, an indispensable companion for Apple's new iPod MP3 player. The PocketDock is smaller than a box of matches and allows a standard 6-pin FireWire cable to connect to the iPod's proprietary docking port, giving the user freedom and independence.
As an additional benefit, the PocketDock lets you use accessories with your new iPod that were designed for previous models, such as car chargers.
The PocketDock will be available starting in July for $16.95.

Ableton announced the upcoming release of Live 2.1, a new upgrade of their sequencing instrument for Mac OS 9 and Mac OS X. The software is now available for public beta testing from their web site. It is scheduled for release as a free download for registered Live 2 users by the end of July.

This first update of CUBE from Virsyn, VSTi additive synthesis, fixes several minor problems but mostly adds new powerful functions like the ability to watch the sound travelling through the 2D ellipsoid into the four harmonics sources, in real-time, thanks to an animation.

The same type of visualization is also introduced in this version for the morphing of the filters. thoses new options should greatly facilitates the understanding of the CUBE patches.

New features:
- real time animation of the mophing 2D envelop (ellipsoid)
- real time animation of the mophing filters
- monophonic mode "last Key" for releasing the sustained notes

Corrected bugs:
- slight progressive delay in the envelop in sync mode
- denormalisation of P4 related to the "low frequency equalizer"
- tempo of the arpegiator does not change anymore when loading sample frequencies
- sustain pedal now work correctly

The CS cabinets offer a 360-degree sound diffusion. As opposed to the classic speaker cabinets, that diffuse sound in a "non natural way" (direct sound diffusion - angle dependent frequency response), the CS columns offer a constant stereo propagation, independently of the listener's position in the room. In fact two columns suffice to reproduce sound in a 3-dimensional space. The listener has a very natural perception of the sound reproduced, independent of the position in the room, its acoustic properties. The overall frequency response is very harmonious and the effect of echo is almost non-existent. In a concert situation, there is no need for the fold back monitors for the musicians. The listening experience is very comfortable.