VariOS is an open-ended hardware/software system that allows musicians to build audio-based tracks with the same flexibility as MIDI. All processing is handled by the VariOS module, which is controlled using bundled software. The first software bundle is V-Producer for VariOS. This software lets musicians manipulate a sample's pitch, time and formant, add effects and even build complete arrangements while keeping the music flowing and without CPU drain. And since the VariOS module can be updated via PC cards, the system can take on entirely new functions in the future. (so… a bunch of DSP in, and software on top, and we have to pay how much for the cards uh oh? ;)

Comes in a 1U rack, software for Mac and PCs, control from USB, Stereo 1/4" audio in, 2 stereo 1/4" audio outs, S/PDIF Out, headphone out, MIDI I/O

Cycling'74 announced Max/MSP and Jitter will be available in an OS X version by the end of January. Novelties include Core Audio, Audio Units, Quartz, Java, QuickTime 6 supports. OS X versions of all three software packages are available to users of Max/MSP 4.0 and Jitter 1.0 and higher as free updates. Max $295 - Max/MSP $495 - Max/MSP/Jitter $850

Emagic announced 3 different Collections, providing bundles at a special yet unknown price:

- Synth Collection, includes three software synthesizers: ES2, EVOC20 and ES1
- Vintage Collection, includes the instruments EVP88, EVD6 and EVB3.
- TDM Collection, ESB TDM, Host TDM Enabler and PTHD Extension.

German sound card manufacturer TerraTec builds further upon its strong standing in the sound and pro- audio market, by supporting from now all EWS cards with drivers for both Macintosh's operating systems, Os-X and Os 9. Drivers will be online mid of January.

All TerraTec sound cards based on the powerful EWS Engine chipset like the EWX 24/96, EWS88 D, EWS88 MT and the EWS MIC2/8 are now also supporting both leading Apple Macintosh's operating systems, Os-X and Os 9. From the entry-level soundcard up to high-end studio solutions, TerraTec's EWS cards are now also open to users of Macintosh systems. TerraTec considers this release to be one step further on their successful way to match customers' demands and bring their innovative and highly awarded technology to another segment of the market.

Radium 49 USB MIDI controller: The unit is identical to its recently introduced 61-key sibling, Radium, except that it offers one octave fewer keys and can run on batteries. 49 keys are augmented with 8 MIDI-assignable knobs and 8 MIDI-assignable sliders, giving real-time control of 16 MIDI parameters. Five user-definable preset banks extend this control to 80 MIDI parameters of the user's choice at the touch of a button. Radium 49 also has a built-in USB MIDI interface (16 channels of MIDI data directly with the computer. Two separate MIDI Outs. Pitch wheel, modulation wheel and octave up/down keys that extend the range of the 4-octave keyboard +/-3 octaves. The unit is powered via the USB port, batteries or via a 9V power supply.

Ozone: an all-in-one keyboard, MIDI contr ...