A new beta version 0.9 of Prosoniq's own ASIO driver is available from the downloads/drivers page of Prosoniq Web site. This ASIO driver enables sonicWORX to play back audio files in OS X Classic more smoothly than with the Steinberg SoundManager ASIO driver that is selected as a standard when you install sonicWORX. This driver is only needed if you're running sonicWORX in OS X Classic

RME announces a new version of the Hammerfall Multiface II, unveilled at MusikMesse. This interface stays fully compatible with the current model's firmware and driver, and offers the same set of features, but improves the Hi-power headphone output with volume knob, and the analog input and output stages (the reference level of the analog inputs and outputs can now be changed with two separate switches on the front panel).

More info on the RME web site.

Tap.Tool 2 for Max/MSP/Jitter is now available. Tap.Tools version 2.0 has over 150 "externals" objects for Max, MSP and Jitter, and introduces a number of features, including the extensive use of attribute arguments to objects, as introduced in Max 4.5. This allows the objects to be directly tapped by the new pattr system in Max 4.5 with no extra effort. It also makes it easy to read patches and understand the arguments to any given object.

Tap.Tool 2 costs $65 and $99.

Silverspike has released an OS X version of R2 Reverb in VST plugin format. This release features room simulation and reverberation (with rooms of variable size), frequency response fully adjustable, optimized DSP code for low CPU consumption and sample rates from 32 KHz up to 192 KHz.

R2 Reverb VST for Mac OS X costs $99.

Native Instruments unveils that Guitar Combos will be available in strores on May 9th. The Guitar Combos series consists of the Twang Combo, the AC Box Combo and the Plexi Combo. The Twang Combo is modelled after the Fender Twin Reverb and delivers a wide range of clean and crunch tones suitable for Pop, Jazz, Blues and Country styles. The AC Box Combo is modelled after the Vox AC-30 and delivers a wide range of clean and crunch sounds that lend itself to Pop, Rock, and Alternative styles. The Plexi Combo is modelled after the Marshall JMP50 and delivers a wide range of crunch and overdrive sounds, which makes it the first choice for various flavors of Rock, Metal and Psychedelic.

Guitar Combos will be available for $79 for each combo. Furthermore, a bundle version with all three combos will be available for $199.