FingaMIDI is a free, open source, replacement driver for the ADB trackpad found in the Titanium PowerBook G4. Currently still in beta, this version is available for testing compatibility with other Apple laptops, like the Snow iBook, iBook G4 and Aluminium PowerBooks. It allows the built-in trackpad to be used as a three-axis MIDI controller, sending x, y and z (pressure) data as parameter change messages. The software is available as a free download.

Ed: I'm anxious to try this, as I'm sure are you, so I've posted this before any testing -- hit comments, everyone, and let us know how compatibility is going on your machine (and be sure to forward feedback to the author. -PK

Free drum and percussion loops in Apple Loops format, for use in GarageBand, Soundtrack, and other loop software, are available from Chris Bell and Michael Blair's site, Directions in Music. Played by Michael Blair in the DiM Stockholm studio, who has performed with artists like Lou Reed, Tom Waits, Elvis Costello, Ryan Adams, and others, the loops feature a small kit with a loose and live feel. Ed: Snap `em up -- yet another free collection! -PK

Zuonics is working on a full editor in JAVA for EMU EOS samplers. The OSX version should be available this summer. ZoeOS is compatible with any E-MU sampler running EOS 3.00b or above. This includes E4, E4X, E4XT, E4K, E6400, E64, E5000.
It doesn't work with the ESI range. The actual price of the PC version is €129.

A few weeks after the realase of Pro Tools TDM 6.2.3, the new 6.2.3 version of Pro Tools LE is available to registered Digidesign users for download. Pro Tools LE 6.2.3 software provides support for Mac OS X 10.3.2 (Panther) with Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack and Mbox, and with Power Mac G5 as well as Power Mac G4, PowerBook G4, iMac G4, iBook G4 and iBook G3.

All Digidesign and Digi-distributed plug-ins must be updated in order to work with Pro Tools LE 6.2.3. Note that a Pro Tools LE 6.2.3b1 is also available, removing the requirement for Pro Tools users to have Administrator Privileges. (This feature is already available in TDM 6.2.3.)

Yours truly, MacMusic English editor again chats with Inside Mac Radio's Scott Shepard about Mac music making. We run over the big announcements of the past couple of weeks, including a rundown on Waldorf closing, Arturia's new MiniMoog instrument, the state of Mac music and lots more. We're planning on making this a more regular feature; it's a great chance to hear the voice behind some of the news as you ride on the subway or bus or in your car!