KAE Labs announces the release of VocalWriter 2.0, an update version now supporting Mac OS X. In addition, this release features increased vocal polyphony to 20 voices, downloadable PDF documentation and a lower shareware registration fee. VocalWriter is an application that can automatically sing unrestricted English lyrics. Combining a software vocal / instrumental synthesizer with an interactive music editor, VocalWriter is a MIDI file editor, player and synthesizer in a single integrated environment.

The shareware registration is $39.

The NAMM summer session 2005 will take place from Friday July 22d to Sunday July 24th at Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome, Indianapolis, Indiana USA. This year NAMM is joining with the Midwest Music Summit to fill the downtown area with more than 250 bands and artists for entertainment after show hours.

More info on the official NAMM web site.

Mackie announces that its Tracktion software is now compatible with Mac OS 10.4 - aka Tiger - operating system. Tracktion is an audio/midi workstation - giving you a clean, intuitive, and clutter-free interface without losing the features you find in software costing much more.

MacMusic doesn't make a habit of relating information in connexion with private life in this section, however the sad news has been confirmed for several weeks : Robert Moog is sick. The famous "Bob", to whom musicians owe so much, is suffering from an inoperable brain tumor. Bob Moog's condition seems to change from day to day. His family has just put online a site and a visitor's book to collect messages from friends and from the musical community.

MacMusic pays all its sympathy and support to Bob Moog and his family.

Native Instruments presents Kontakt Experience, the first instrument collection specifically designed for Kontakt 2. Kontakt Experience includes 128 new instruments that cover a wide range of musical styles and include lead synths, bass, vocal sounds, drum kits, pads, guitars, various construction kits, and much more.

Kontakt Experience ships on a single DVD and is exclusively for use with Kontakt 2. It will be available in August 2005 for $119 or 99 Euro.