Apple introduced two new Jam Packs for its GarageBand music creation software. Jam Pack 2 "Remix Tools" makes it easy to produce compelling dance, hip-hop and
electronica tracks, and Jam Pack 3 "Rhythm Section" offers songwriters a complete backing band to help build a good foundation for their rock, alternative and country music.

The new Jam Packs are available now for a suggested retail price of $99 (£69).

Motu announces that its main software Digital Performer, is now available in version 4.5. This major release features beat detection engine, latency compensation, MasterWorks EQ, enhanced Pro Tools support (for Pro Tools HD, Accel, and MIX systems), consolidated window (for users who would prefer to work in one window) and productivity enhancements (smooth audio edits, QuickScribe notation view, QuickTime movie DV playback offset, Bounce / Export to MP3 and other formats, Apple Loop import and more).

This update costs $149 for registered users.

Lucifer VST is a repeat/scratch effect plugin for Mac OS X. Lucifer VST is designed for use effects in realtime and for live performance, for manipulating audio tracks in realtime. A new version 1.1 is available and features 4 Sets of the 6 FX graphs, new spread functionality, WAIT mode also quantizes on note off and new GUI.

This update is free and the demo has also been updated to v1.1.

As we guessed 3 weeks ago, Apple today introduced Logic Pro 7 ($999 / £699) and Logic Express 7 ($299 / £199). Logic Pro 7 includes breakthrough new software instruments such as Sculpture, a component-modeling based synthesizer; UltraBeat, an innovative and powerful drum machine; and new plug-ins including Guitar Amp Pro, a full-featured guitar amplifier simulator. Along with over 100 workflow enhancements, new mastering plug-ins and support for Apple Loops, Logic Pro 7 debuts distributed audio processing, a revolutionary technology which allows audio pros to tap into a virtually unlimited number of Macs to expand available Digital Signal Processing (DSP) power.

Logic Pro 7 is available now through the Apple Store, Apple's retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. Registered users of Logic Pro 6 as well as Logic Platinum, Logic Gold 5 or Logic Gold 6 can upgrade to Logic Pro 7 for $299 (£199). Logic Express 7 will be available in October.

The virtual synth Albino by LinPlug comes with a cutting-edge selection of presets designed by sound designer Rob Papen. Albino is a VST and AU plug-in synthesizer for Mac and features a modular, extensible design with three oscillator modules, two filter modules, two envelope modules and eight effect modules. The synth is 32-note polyphonic (CPU-dependent) with up to four oscillators per voice. This new version 2.1 features a new Gator Effect, MIDI Bank Select, many new presets and bugfixes.

Info and download from the MM Softs section.