MakeMusic has released its 2004b update to Finale 2004 for OS X. Most significantly, the release adds Mac OS 9 support. There are numerous bugfixes in the new release, including improvements to the articulation tool, edit commands, expression tool, lyrics, mass edit tool, measure tool, interapplication MIDI, MIDI pan, saving audio files and opening and saving MIDI and Finale files, playback, plug-ins and FinaleScript, printing, setup, entry, and many other tools. The release also adds a fix to a performance glitch with creating TIFF graphics, adds support for OS X patch list names, and fixes a crash with the Search and Replace function. However, there's still no support for EPS export or PostScript listings "because of limitations in OS X." That's a confusing claim, since both features are supported in Finale's competitor, Sibelius. There's also nothing to address ongoing performance complaints. Despite these factors, though, this is clearly a must-have download. MakeMusic has a PDF file with all the changes.

Soundcraft introduces its new concept of a powered mixer: the GigRac. Presented as a compact case and designed for easy carrying, the GigRac offers 8 inputs: 4 mono inputs on combo (XLR/Jack) connectors, 2 stereo inputs on combo connectors and 2 cinch inputs. A global phantom power is available for the first four mic inputs. Each channel features both low and high freq. EQ pots, a send level assigned to the internal effect, a volume pot to an auxiliary output and a volume pot to the main mix output. A graphic 7-bands EQ (BSS designed) as well as a digital multi-effect (8 programs) can be assigned either to the main mix or to the auxiliary output.

The GigRac is distributed in France by Audio SCV.

Get ready for this love triangle, folks. Based on a memo leaked to The New York Times, RealNetworks is looking for an alliance with Apple against Microsoft's Windows Media Player. Here's the interesting part: Real offers an ultimatum -- work with us, or we turn to Microsoft. What's that? Real is a major component of the European Commission's anti-monopoly case against Microsoft, so a strategic alliance with Microsoft could undermine the case. And some outlets are talking more than just an "alliance", saying Real may actually switch to Windows Media format. (If that doesn't send a chill down your spine, nothing will.) Why the switch in philosophy? Real, in ongoing confusion about what their business model is, appears to be moving to content as its primary revenue stream, instead of the Real audio format.

As we continue our look back at Frankfurt to try to catch up with the latest in the world of Mac music, one of the MVPs of the show has to be Prosoniq with their new Orange Vocoder 3. This Mac-only VST plug is more than a simple vocoder: if it's the distinctive vocoded vocals you're looking for, you've got it, but this beast is capable of all kinds of sonic trickery. The new version adds advanced MIDI control of the built-in synth; support for loading sound files, virtually unlimited polyphony OR more old-school mono mode for that distinctive talkbox sound, and nearly endless improvements to filtering, realtime analysis, and a "phenome dial" for creating whole sentences out of raw phenomes, no external input required. Check out Prosoniq's Musik Messe photo gallery for that "it's like I'm there with them in Frankfurt" virtual feeling, or Prosoniq's product page below for the full specs. Available May 04, USD/EUR 249. Upgrade pricing TBA.