Audio Ease has released Altiverb 4.0, a major update to their convolution reverb plug-in. Altiverb Version 4 provides tail lengths of 15 seconds and more, multi-channel surround processing, ultra-low latency, and most importantly, a 3x increase in G5 processor efficiency, and a nearly 2X increase in G4 processor eficiency. In a 48 kHz session on a single processor G5, you can run 8 full stereo Altiverbs with 6-second reverb tails.

IR SRL has announced the release of DSP Quattro version 1.5.1. This audio editor offers effects, reverbs, delays, filters, parametric and graphic EQs but also real-time pitch shifting and time stretching features. The Mac OS X version allow CD burning and conforms to the Redbook standards.

This version 1.5.1 comes as a free update for registered users; the full version of DSP Quattro is available for sale at 99 Euros.

Ed: As I said, I'm a few days behind on some of the news, like this one, but DSP Quattro is a unique enough program that it deserves extra menu. -PK

'Andy's OSX Music Software' has released an enhanced version of GRBand Assistant. It now includes the GB DrumLoops package. GRBand Assistant is a collection of software utilities designed to enhance the functionality of Apple's GarageBand product. There are three software titles in this suite:

Filipe Barroso has released MacTermen version 1.5 for Mac OS X. This monophonic sound generator allows the user to control the sound's color and tone by simply moving the mouse. Version 1.5 adds MIDI handling, for control of the main parameters (stereo image, vibrato speed, etc.) by the Mac's keyboard or an external MIDI keyboard.

MacTermen 1.5 is US$10 shareware; a fully-functional demo version is available for download.

The latest from Europe: while Apple is still negotiating licensing to open their iTunes Music Store for Europe, Virgin yesterday launched their Windows-only "Virgin Music Online Store." 300,000 songs would be available at 0,99 or 1,1 Euros/song. The site requires Windows and Microsoft's WMA format, so means little for us Mac users, but it's a blow for Apple as Cupertino tries to fight the onslaught of inferior stores running proprietary Microsoft audio technology. We'll keep you posted regarding a Windows-compatible store.

Clouvel and pesji contributed to this report from MacMusic's ubiquitous Paris Bureau. -PK