Fatsondo (by MHC) was a Vsti synthesizer. Now it runs as an AudioUnit plug-in on Mac OS X. The features keep the same in both formats, but this version adds a new audio engine, 256 presets (192 are news presets) and new graphics.

Fatsondo is a part of StudioBundle (by MHC) which cost around 89 euros. A 30 days demo is available.

At the National Association of Broadcasters conference, Apple has introduced major updates to its PowerBooks and iBooks, bringing its mobile line even closer to the performance and functionality of its desktops. The new PowerBook G4 features up to a 1.5GHz G4, with faster graphics and, perhaps the most significant jump, 4X DVD burning. The entire G4 line is cheaper, running US$1599-2799, which should help fend off canibalization by the iBook as well as bring the top-of-the-line into reach of more consumers. The iBook also gets a 4X SuperDrive option, has faster processors and a new RAM ceiling of 1.25GB, yet starts at just US$1099. Apple's mobile machines make up nearly half its total sales now, and the introduction at NAB makes the message from Cupertino clear: these are mobile machines f ...

MacMusic is back on with Inside Mac Radio's Scott Shepard (pictured at right) with a special extended interview on the latest in Mac music technology. Scott and I got to chat about the drama between Apple and Real over opening up the iPod's digital rights management, specifically in terms of how it affects musicians, and we took a look back at all the new technology to come out of Musikmesse, with the coolest gear and software and what it means for Mac musicians. As usual, you can download the show to your iPod or other music player and listen wherever you want.

This spring has been one mega-show after another full of announcements. On the heals of Musikmesse, on the eve of NAB, the MacMusic team offers our look at all that's new in Mac gear and goodies.

Musikmesse, Frankfurt. Native Instruments wins the prize for all-around cool factor, with new stuff for guitarists and keyboardists. Don't miss Native's special NAMM page. IK Multimedia's StudioPhonik could be a big hit, like a pro version of GarageBand's soft instruments. Prosoniq's Orange Vocoder 3 is terrific Mac-only software.

Musikmesse MacMusic Picks. Clouvel's pick: Clouvel gives a nod to the upcoming OS X editor for the Nord Modular G2X. Peter's pick: My pick from the show has to be the Guitar Rig from Native. Makes me wish I could play the guitar. Best photos and news roundups: Synthesizers.de for lots of analog-inspired gear, the colorful SuperBooth by Scheideri (German only), and the venerable PR roundup and videos in Harmony Central's special report.

NAB, Las Vegas. All this week, photos and news from "Sin City" and last week's broadcasters' show, part of joint coverage with OSXFAQ/Inside Mac Radio with Scott Shepard. Numbers are in, and attendance reached nearly 100,000! We'll look at the latest media announcements from Apple and Digidesign. Scott sent us great photos from the show plus audio interviews: a DV special and pro audio special featuring Digidesign.