Steinberg's flagship high-end audio workstation, Nuendo, has been upgraded to version "2.1.2.28." version. Steinberg has improved networking via LAN or via standard network protocols, plus compatibility with Mac OS 10.3 Panther. Nuendo 2.1.2.28 is a free upgrade.

Ed: Steinberg tends to get overshadowed on the Mac by Digidesign, Apple/Emagic, and MOTU, but they're an essential part of what Apple calls the "Mac music ecosystem": they offer unique features no one else does. The most exciting to me is the networking capabilities, and the ability to share audio processing resources across multiple machines. That's huge for studios and classroom labs, not to mention those of us who are collecting multiple Macs or working collaboratively. Any readers out there taking advantage of this capability? Hit comments and let us know. -PK

Intakt is a rhythmic loop sampler by Native Instruments. This new version adds some new features and improvements: MIDI controller automation, MIDI clock out in the standalone version, support for Open Sound Control and improved VST and RTAS compatibility. Intakt 1.03 is available now as a free update for current users on Mac OS X; the full version sells for $229.

Ed: MIDI controller automation is a big feature for this loop sampler. So, users out there: are you running this alongside existing loop-based software like Live or are you dedicated to one standalone app or another? Click comments for a little show-and-tell with your software rig. -PK

Multi Delay by arkne.knup is a multichannel filter delay (VST/AU). This new version for Mac OS X features up to 10 individual Channels with a Delay and a Filter, works on mono, stereo or multichannel tracks and is Velocity Engine optimized. Multi Delay is a freeware, but musicians who want to use it in a commercial project have to contact the author.

Sample Manager is a full-featured batch audio processor for Mac OS X. This first full version includes the ability to process audio with AU plugins, and features partial support for ACID, Recycle, and Apple Loop file, full support of AIFF, WAVE and Sound Designer II audio files and background analyzing of newly added files. Sample Manager demo will run, without limitation, for 15 days; the ful version costs US$49.