Musnoz writes us with this tip: Finale 2004 was released a month ago for Mac OS X, but you can now download (65 M) the demo version from MakeMusic!'s website. Take it for a spin and let us know what you think. -PK

Waldorf, the famous German synth maker, has officially declared bankruptcy. The Alliance with Terratec didn't go for the better, unfortunately. The website waldorf-gmbh.de, its forums and mailing lists are dead as of today.

Digidesign has announced that its SampleCell-to-SampleTank 2 XL crossgrade program is extended to March 31, 2004. This promotion applies to owners of all versions of SampleCell: SampleCell I, Nubus SampleCell II, SampleCell II PC, SampleCell II PCI, SampleCell II Plus, and Soft SampleCell. The offer allows SampleCell users to move up to IK Multimedia's full-featured SampleTank 2 XL at a discounted price of EUR349. Ed: Also good for North American customers. Brings back some SampleCell memories, huh? (Sniff.) -PK

BuzZer, one of our favorite freeware synths, has just been updated. This simple synth emulates an analog VCO VCF VCA Synthesizer. New in this version: added linear to cubic curve control switch, added 2nd filter control panel, added a global octave switch, improved cpu performance. Make some noiZe. (Warning: not preset compatibile with previous releases, if you have some saved presets.)

OUTI, a realtime tool for live loops reording and manipulation, is now available in version 1.31. The new version fixes bugs and introduces a manual sync option. It also includes a manual in English. OUTI is a freeware so help yourselves.

Ed: Makes me want to switch my TiBook 400 to OS 9 to run this and Cosmo live, side by side with my 17" PB on OS X. -PK