"Apple has identified an issue with external FireWire hard drives using the Oxford 922 bridge chip-set with firmware version 1.02 that can result in the loss of data stored on the disk drive," the company tells MacCentral. FireWire 800 drives affected by the problem appear as unrecognized volumes, and, in a nasty twist, cease to work with other versions of OS X, as well, following the issue. Apple is suggesting not using the drives, and ejecting them immediately if users encounter the problem.

Native Instruments has put together another comprehensive software solution. Nine software synthesizers, samplers and effects are united in this "komplete" bundle. This package includes the full versions of REAKTOR SESSION, KONTAKT, BATTERY, ABSYNTH 2, VOKATOR, NI-SPEKTRAL DELAY, FM7, and B4.

Working on Mac OS 9.2 or 10.2.6, G4 733 MHz, 256 MB RAM, "Komplete" is available on Native Web Shop or dealers for a suggested retail price of US$1499.

This release includes the excellent Crossfade Loop Synth AU from Expert Sleepers. Two more excellent AU plugins, a Ping Pong Delay, and a Phaser, can be downloaded directly from the expert sleepers website. And, of course, version 1.2.3 includes the usual sorts of minor fixes and updates, see the readme file for details

3.2.3 drivers for Panther (OS 10.3) compatibility are now available for Tascam's US-series of audio/MIDI interfaces (US-122, US-224 and US-428). According to a text note posted on each of the downloads pages, there is apparently a problem with Digital Performer where the MIDI outputs don't work correctly under Panther. This problem is DP-specific and was not found with Cubase SX or Logic...

The drivers can be found by following the link below, visiting the homepage of the specific interface and then going to the "Downloads & Documentation" page.

Users of the M-Audio MobilePre USB audio interface have discovered that the unit is not recognized under Mac OS 10.3 (Panther). M-Audio have not offered updated drivers, and in fact, they have not even mentioned Panther at all on their site. Hopefully a solution will appear soon.

Ed: I haven't yet verified this information, so I'm posting it to find out what users' experience is. What has your experience been with M-Audio USB and FireWire devices? Hit the comment button and let us know. Now that I don't have any gigs to worry about for a few days, I'm going to brave the waters and try installing Panther myself and report on what hardware and software I can break! -PK