Native Instruments announced that Battery 2 is updated to version 2.1. Battery 2 takes drum sampling to the next level with a powerful new sampling engine, enhanced sound shaping and modulation capabilities, sophisticated sample control and a revised user interface. The Battery 2.1 update features many additions and enhancements plus 13 new "All" kits, each of which is built from samples of a particular instrument type.

More info on Native instruments web site.

The ARP 2600 V by Arturia is an emulation of one of the last famous analog synthetiser: the ARP 2600 . This emulation of this semi-modular synth is now available as a standalone version and in AU, VST, RTAS and HTDM formats for Mac OSX.

Arturia ARP 2600 V costs $310 and a demo version is available.

Steinberg has announced the availability of its "pro" audio system Nuendo in version 3. Nuendo 3 is designed to serve the needs for everyone producing sound for film, television, video or game. The new version of Steinberg's media production system offers more features for post production than ever before and also sets new standards in surround production.

More info in the MM softwares section.

Apple has just posted an update to version 10.3.7 for Mac OS X Panther. This 10.3.7 Update delivers enhanced functionality and improved reliability for Mac OS X v10.3 "Panther" and is recommended for all users. This update features : improved AFP support for saving documents with long file names, improved OpenGL technology and updated ATI and NVIDIA graphics drivers, improved FireWire device compatibility, updated Preview application, improved compatibility for third party applications and previous standalone security updates.

Released in March for VST hosts, the Mayhem effects bundle is now available in RTAS format for Mac OS X. The Mayhem RTAS plug-in suite by Audiodamage is a collection of four different effects designed to provide new tools for aggressive contemporary musical styles. Included in this package are Filterpod (a low-pass filter with LFO), Crush (the World's Most Dangerous Compressor...), MasterDestrukto (a plug-in featuring four different distortion algorithms for massive audio manipulation), and TimeFnk (a rhythmic delay).

Mayhem RTAS bundle costs $119.00.