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.

Following last week's announcement that the company is shipping its flagship Finale 2004 notation software for OS X, MakeMusic! today has announced its interactive music practice system SmartMusic is also shipping with support for OS 10.2 and higher. SmartMusic is sold on a subscription plan, so current subscribers can receive a CD-ROM with the 8.2 update on it for the cost of shipping. The release also includes Mp3 saving and new contest repertoire plus compatibility with restricted access accounts and other enhancements. Individual users can subscribe for as little as US$90/year with discounts for educational institution installations. (Check the website below for complete pricing.) The combination of Finale and SmartMusic on OS X means you can both create (with Finale) and play back (with SmartMusic) accompaniment files without booting OS 9.