ApulSoft has ported several freeware open source plug-ins to VST and Audio Units formats for Mac OS X. Following plugins are now available on free download :Bram's SupaPhaser, TobyBear's Decimator, TobyBear's and Bram's MadShifta, BetaBugs Crayon Filter, TobyBear's CowDelay and Black Water Reverb.

Note that if you are a plug-in developer on Mac and would like to have your plug-ins ported to OSX VST or AU, you can contact ApulSoft. Good news !!

Zebra is a virtual synthetizer plugin that combines subtractive/additive synthesis with a powerful modulation engine. This new version of Zebra (v1.5 build 10) is a bugfix version : MIDI Learn doesn't reset previous assignments when assigning a new CC and fixes Legato Mode works properly now in double or quad Voicings.

Info on u-he web site.

Audio Hijack Pro by Rogue Amoeba allows user to record audio from any app on the Mac. This update v2.1.1 features a new 'Add to iPod' script, improved handling of RealPlayer files, fixed several Timer-related bugs, including never-ending one-shot timers, fixed issues with AppleScripts causing crashes, as well as providing better AppleScript error dialog.

Audio Hijack Pro 2.1.1 is available from MacMusic softs section.

Mackie announces its new digital console X Bus X.200. This product will have two versions : X.200 and X.400 with similar architecture : unique interface with double touch sensitive monitor, 96 khz resolution (up to 192 khz), automation and DSP integrated, 25 touch sensitive faders, E/S card interface (and optional E/S card Firewire for audio streaming with computer. The two versions support Vst plug-ins and monitoring with Pro Tools, Logic, Digital Performer, Cubase SX, Nuendo and other audio software.

More informations on the site below.

Following the recent launch of Electronic Instruments 2, Native Instruments is now also offering an enhanced version of the first Reaktor instrument collection. Electronic Instruments 1 consists of the drum machine "Rhythmaker", the lead synthesizer "Titan", the bass synth "Grobian", the pad synth "Atmotion", the envelope controlled multieffects unit "EnFX", the dub delay "Longflow" and the filter bank "Anima". The reissued version is now optimized for Reaktor 4 and Reaktor Session, and contains various enhancements to the instruments.

The revamped version of Electronic Instruments 1 is available now for $69 / 69 Euro.