Almost all JK's pluggos are now OS X compatible. Install the free Pluggo runtime and plug it into any host (AU/RTAS/VST), and you can enjoy free limiters, meters, a drum machine, a loop slicer, tuner, pitch shifter, graphic EQ and auto wah. Ed: Let there be pluggos: go grab it! More of the glory of Cycling `74's superb Max/MSP development environment. -PK

A new updated version of the REX Shared Library for Mac OS X is available from developer Propellerheads. If you don't already own ReCycle 2.1, you'll need the updated Shared Library to use files created in ReCycle 2.1 files with Reason 2.5 and other DAWs (like Emagic Logic and MOTU Digital Performer, both of which support REX). This enables, of course, use of REX files from the Web and new sample libraries based on ReCycle 2.1. REX remains the most sophisticated major format for sharing loops for time-chopping, reordering, and independent pitch- and tempo-shifting.
The new version is free for download on the Propellerheads site.

MacMusic has been watching Rayverb since it was announced at NAMM. The standalone demo version became available February 17; now the full VST plugin version is shipping. Rayverb uses raytracing -- a process known for 3D graphical rendering -- to calculate the path of audio signal through a space. reverberation process. The software features settings for setting up this virtual space, by changing the location of the sound source, altering textures of the wall, or applying different acoustic settings, all in realtime.

The folks at MacCompanion have a contest: before April 30, write a 4-stanza score about the Mac, ideally with an accompanying MP3 file created in GarageBand or the like, and if the judges like it you could win some Mac loot. Details on their site below.