As we announce May 19th in MacMusic News, Waves now introduces NetShell APA. Connects to your computer via Ethernet, the new APA 32 (1U 19") and APA 44 (half rack-size) gives more freedom to the host cpu and supports the more-demanding proccessing power needed by todays high quality software solutions. Most Waves plug-ins are supported by the NetShell APA, and more should be supported soon. As it uses a LAN connetion, the new avialable DSP power is instantly available without opening the computer case or modifying hardware, and you can still use your CPU or installed hardware-DSP for plugins. You can connect 8 APA modules (with 8 millisecondes time latency) use your CPU or installed hardware-DSP for plugins.

APA 32 costs 1.600 US$, and APA 44 is 2.400 US$ (with free IRL and Q-Clone plugins).

U-he has just released version 1.1 of the Filterscape plug-in for MacOS X. Filterscape is a flexible sound bending plug-in. It's a parametric equalizer. It's a virtual analog filter. It's a delay effect. It's a modulation device. It's all at once - and more. This release features : improved preset handling, improved MIDI Learn, more presets, additional filter types (LP, BP, HP) and built in Delay for FilterscapeVA, and minor bugfixes.

LinPlug announces the release of the CronoX3 Sample Synthesizer. The third version of this sample-based synthesizer adds features like a modulateable filter type, and native 5.1 support, together with more than 550 new presets. The main features of the CronoX3 are:

- Free Filter with new, continuously adjustable, modulatable filter-type.
- Loop Sampler Generator with individually modulatable loop-points and start-point.
- Versatile architecture with 4 generator modules that are mixed into two filters.

Reaktor 5 by Native Instruments is now available. This major new version introduces the new "Reaktor Core Technology". The Reaktor Core layer offers up to 64 bit internal resolution, and now instruments in Reaktor 5 now also come with their own custom user interface, thanks to extensive new panel customizing options. All panel elements in the new version of Reaktor are completely "skinnable", which includes faders, knobs, buttons, and even meters. Reaktor 5 now offers powerful multi-stage envelopes similar to those in Absynth and FM7, and complete with tempo grid, slope control and looping functions; a large number of new modules for extended data storage, voice routing and MIDI functionality.

Reaktor 5 is available for 499 euros and upgrade for owners of Reaktor 4 is available for 149 euros.

The Sound Guy has announced the release of SFX Machine RT 1.05, an audio multi-effects plug-in for Mac. Version 1.05 increases the available delay time by a factor of four; it also fixes a bug which could cause incorrect delays at higher sample rates. Please note the SFX Machine Simulator which is an online Flash program which provides a fun way to try a simulated version of SFX Machine without having to download and install the demo.