Soundcraft introduces its new concept of a powered mixer: the GigRac. Presented as a compact case and designed for easy carrying, the GigRac offers 8 inputs: 4 mono inputs on combo (XLR/Jack) connectors, 2 stereo inputs on combo connectors and 2 cinch inputs. A global phantom power is available for the first four mic inputs. Each channel features both low and high freq. EQ pots, a send level assigned to the internal effect, a volume pot to an auxiliary output and a volume pot to the main mix output. A graphic 7-bands EQ (BSS designed) as well as a digital multi-effect (8 programs) can be assigned either to the main mix or to the auxiliary output.

The GigRac is distributed in France by Audio SCV.

Get ready for this love triangle, folks. Based on a memo leaked to The New York Times, RealNetworks is looking for an alliance with Apple against Microsoft's Windows Media Player. Here's the interesting part: Real offers an ultimatum -- work with us, or we turn to Microsoft. What's that? Real is a major component of the European Commission's anti-monopoly case against Microsoft, so a strategic alliance with Microsoft could undermine the case. And some outlets are talking more than just an "alliance", saying Real may actually switch to Windows Media format. (If that doesn't send a chill down your spine, nothing will.) Why the switch in philosophy? Real, in ongoing confusion about what their business model is, appears to be moving to content as its primary revenue stream, instead of the Real audio format.

As we continue our look back at Frankfurt to try to catch up with the latest in the world of Mac music, one of the MVPs of the show has to be Prosoniq with their new Orange Vocoder 3. This Mac-only VST plug is more than a simple vocoder: if it's the distinctive vocoded vocals you're looking for, you've got it, but this beast is capable of all kinds of sonic trickery. The new version adds advanced MIDI control of the built-in synth; support for loading sound files, virtually unlimited polyphony OR more old-school mono mode for that distinctive talkbox sound, and nearly endless improvements to filtering, realtime analysis, and a "phenome dial" for creating whole sentences out of raw phenomes, no external input required. Check out Prosoniq's Musik Messe photo gallery for that "it's like I'm there with them in Frankfurt" virtual feeling, or Prosoniq's product page below for the full specs. Available May 04, USD/EUR 249. Upgrade pricing TBA.

LinPlug has released version 2.1 of the Alpha Classic Synthesizer. This is a recommended update for all Alpha users. Enhancements have been made to oscillators, filters
and the user interface. Alpha 2.1 is now also compatible with Mac OS X 10.3 and Cubase SX 2.

The Alpha 2.1 is available as download for 39.00 €/US$; the update from 2.0.x is free.

Ed: Yes, you read that price right, that's for the full synth. The Alpha is undoubtedly one of the best bargain buys for analog synthesis. Make up some instant ramen, skip the nice dinner date out, and play with a synth tonight! -PK

MetaJam is a comprehensive artist promotion and career management software that helps musicians to easily develop a proper online presence, providing various tools to build, organize and control their own stuff, from songs to press kits or websites, and get in touch with the music industry.

It is available with the free MetaJam LE download, or in the full MetaJam package, disclosing key features, and exclusive benefits through the BroadJam community. Minimum requirements are a G3 processor, 64 MB RAM, OS X and a CD ROM drive.

Ed: Looks like really cool software -- so many features there, in fact, you might pick and choose what's most essential to you. Since this is a big release and many of our readers are likely to be looking for tools to manage their music careers, we'll work on a full review soon. -PK