The Steinberg MP3 patch for Mac OS X offers unlimited MP3 export for Cubase SE and Cubase SL that have a limited MP3-encoder. The Steinberg MP3 patch for Mac OS X is now available on download on the Steinberg web site and costs EUR10 (USD 10). Ed: worth a download if you don't like the inconvenience of jumping out to another program. The fee is probably to defer the licensing fee for the MP3 encoder, which is not public-domain. -PK

SimpleChord, the chord dictionary for Mac OS X from Wonder Warp Software Group has been updated to version 1.5. The update includes adjustable playback options, customizable interface, 11 new chord types, and interface enhancements.

The SampleTank 2.0.4 update is available for registered users, under Mac OS 9, OS X, RTAS and VST. Bugfixes include: SampleCell conversion has been improved, original instruments and "banks" from the hard disk now work properly, and ".wav" import has been improved. Moreover, 12 instruments for SampleTank 2 have been updated with bugfixes. The 2.04 update and updated instruments can be downloaded free for registered users.

Ploytec, a Germany based-company run by the people who brought you usb-audio.com, is about to release a new product called "34one," a battery-driven tap tempo pedal.

Synthesizers like the Korg Triton or Yamaha MOTIF / MOTIF ES offer fantastic arpeggio and live sequencing possibilities that are hard to use with a non-click synchronized live band. 34one solves this problem by providing easy-to-use tap tempo, in the form of a 9V block battery-driven pedal that generates MIDI Clock signal.

Gleetchplug Design is proud to announce that it has released an OS X version of its free plugins bundle. The plugins run on VST/MAS/RTAS and AU applications under OSX 10.2 and 10.3. The bundle contains the classic 5 Gleetchplug plugins (D-Rive, Sonicreducer, Therevox, Malestrom and Cosmo) plus a new exclusive plug called Stereotronic (a spectral stereo enhancer).