MidiPipe is freeware from Nico Wald. This utility can be useful in a music studio or on stage to modify MIDI messages in real-time. The new 0.7.4 version fixes bugs in "Keyboard" tool and optimizes MIDI message handling (lower latency). MidiPipe 0.7.4 beta is freely downloadable.

Ed: MidiPipe solves a lot of problems, from the simple to the more advanced. For example, you may have a USB MIDI keyboard without an octave transpose button: pop this in and convert it in software. Or try more advanced solutions, like micro-tuning your keyboard. -PK

SymbolicSound has announced the release of Kyma for Mac OS X, an advanced sound design environment allowing users to create their own sound design tools. This new version features a new editor, newly designed and zoomable icons, enhancements to the spectral analysis and synchronization tools and a 432 page users book.

The upgrade of this unique software costs EUR 175. New users will also need the Capybara sound engine which comes bundled with Kyma X. The full bundle costs EUR 3570.

The Mayhem VST plug-in suite by Audiodamage is a collection of four different effects designed to provide new tools for aggressive contemporary musical styles. Included in this package are Filterpod (a low-pass filter with LFO), Crush (the World's Most Dangerous Compressor...), MasterDestrukto (a plug-in featuring four different distortion algorithms for massive audio manipulation), and TimeFnk (a rhythmic delay). The Mayhem VST for OSX and OS9 will be available March 04 for EUR149.

Thanks to Russel Brower on the Modular List, we happened to learn that "Mac version is now being re-considered" (from a Clavia official at NAMM).
Now all of us close our eyes and wish :)

Eric B. from Apple has posted a message explaining all the differences of Soundtrack and GarageBand -- an issue I discussed on today's Inside Mac Radio show audio feature and here on MacMusic.org, but didn't discuss in detail.