During NAMM, Genelec launched its new 8130A Digital Monitoring System. Featuring a 192 kHz/24-bit digital audio interface, AES/EBU digital and analog audio inputs, as well as automatic detection of word length and sampling frequency, plus Genelec's Minimum Diffraction Enclosure design, the 8130A is the latest addition to Genelec's 8000 MDE Series of Bi-amplified Active Monitors.

The 8130A supports single and dual-wire digital input mode, is compatible with Genelec's 7050A subwoofer, and up to eight 8130A's can be daisy-chained together in digital or analog mode.

The new Genelec 8130A will be available March '05 at an MSRP of $995.00 per monitor.

The webradio broadcast software Nicecast by Rogue Amoeba is now updated to version 1.7, and now features : new advanced Hijacking and Advanced Device options for more powerful audio control, new Public URL field for External Servers, new retryTimeInterval hidden preference and everal bug fixes, included two crashing bugs.

More info and download in the MM Softs section.

Beta Monkey Music has released several of their most popular drum loop and sample libraries in Apple Loops format for use in GarageBand, Soundtrack, Logic Express 7, Logic Pro 7 and Final Cut Pro 4. Nearly 3000 brand new Apple Loops and song starters in total.

New Apple Loop releases is $29.99. More info on BetaMonkey web site.

Easy Sounds starts the new series „Content Software for MIDI-/Audio Sequenzer" combining MIDI-sequences, audio-loops, phrases, sounds, Plug-In Settings, Channel Strips and other contents for Apple Logic, Garage Band, Ableton Live and Cubase SX. "Quick Phrase - Construction Kit", "Arpeggio Kit" and "Mega Loopz" are now available for 25 or 29 euros each.

Apple today unveiled the new PowerBooks line featuring PowerPC G4 processors running up to 1.67 GHz, faster hard drives and a faster 8X SuperDrive :

- the 1.67 GHz, 17-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $2,699 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 100GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, optical digital audio input and output; a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.67 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $2,299 includes 512MB SDRAM, 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive (DVD+/-RW/CD-RW) optical drive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.5 GHz, 15-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,999 with 512MB of SDRAM, a 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW), AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad and illuminated keyboard with ambient light sensor.

- the 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,699 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 80GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load 8X SuperDrive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth, a scrolling TrackPad.

- the 1.5 GHz, 12-inch PowerBook, for a suggested retail price of $1,499 includes 512MB SDRAM, a 60GB (5400 rpm) Ultra ATA/100 hard drive, a slot-load Combo optical drive, AirPort Extreme and internal Bluetooth and a scrolling TrackPad.

More info on the AppleStore