Spectacular is a spectral audio composition environment. it allows for non-linear spectral manipulations with spectral interleaving, sequencing, envelopes, inserts, and rhythmic objects. this is extremely idiosyncratic software for composing with spectral data. at first glance it is very difficult to use, but with the help of the tutorials odd sonic patterns will begin to emerge.

Spectacular 0.001 is available in the MacMusic softwares section.

Ohm Force has released a new version for Symptohm Melohman, the Performer Edition, available for MacOS 8, 9, and OS X as VST, AU and RTAS plug-ins. Melohman Performer Edition is the low-cost version of the virtual synth Symptohm. A new funky skin is also available for the full version and a sound content update too.

Melhoman Performer Edition costs 49 euros and a demo version is available.

Expert Sleepers has released a beta version of Augustus Loop v1.2, an emulation of a tape-based delay effect, with some extra features to facilitate its use as a looping device. This beta release features : MIDI output ports now uniquely named, added option to disable MIDI output ports, added option for MIDI receive channel, added display of current loop length (when sync'd) and while using 'tap record', added saturation shape control and CPU efficiency improvements.

It's not easy to understand news from Steinberg. A new HALion 3 maintenance update to version 3.0.1.538 seems to be available. This update requires an already installed HALion 3 version. On the other hand, Steinberg announced a pre-release 3.1 for Halion (but where ??). This update fixes many issues and also introduces several new features (Q-Control, HSB format, improvements in browser, Keyzone, Loop, Options pages and program List View).

Of course, info are not available on Steinberg web site, but on a .pdf document.

ApulSoft announced an update to version 1.34 for the vintage synth daHornet, in both Audio Units and VSTi formats, and this version is the first one for Mac OS X. DaHornet is the virtual simulation of a cult synth. It's a full fledged plugin with midi-learn, random patch generator and many presets.

Info and download in the MacMusic softwares section.