MacMusic has been watching Rayverb since it was announced at NAMM. The standalone demo version became available February 17; now the full VST plugin version is shipping. Rayverb uses raytracing -- a process known for 3D graphical rendering -- to calculate the path of audio signal through a space. reverberation process. The software features settings for setting up this virtual space, by changing the location of the sound source, altering textures of the wall, or applying different acoustic settings, all in realtime.

The folks at MacCompanion have a contest: before April 30, write a 4-stanza score about the Mac, ideally with an accompanying MP3 file created in GarageBand or the like, and if the judges like it you could win some Mac loot. Details on their site below.

Steinberg has in the past offered a budget version of its flagship Cubase music production software, but hasn't kept pace with recent releases of Cubase SX -- until now. The company is now shipping newly-announced Cubase SE, with features borrowed from SX but customized for beginners and educational use at a lower price, EUR149 (even less for education). This version of Cubase SE shipped in Steinberg's Studio Case product but was unavailable as standalone.

The light version offers 48 audio tracks, unlimited MIDI tracks, 24-bit / 96 KHz audio, VST and ReWire 2 support. Nothing to sneeze at, and an excellent, competitive price, half of the budget version of Logic.

Plucked String by Synapse Audio is a physical modeling string VST plugin instrument. The type of sounds range from fuzzy, metallic guitar strings to smooth nylon strings. This new version 4.0 adds a fifth model - the "acoustic" model, which claims to be more lively and real sounding than any of the other models. A demo version is available; the full version costs USD 49.