Cakewalk is currently accepting applications for the Beta Testing Program. Beta applicants should be able to meet the following basic requirements:

- A Macintosh computer running OSX 10.3.9 or greater and a minimum of 512 MB RAM
- Have attention to detail and the ability to write good problem reports
- The ability to reproduce problems once discovered in the software
- A basic working knowledge of computers and music software
- Internet access and the willingness & ability to download large files
- Complete and submit the online Beta Application and Agreement (NDA) forms

If you match this profile, simply click on the link below and fill out the online Beta Application.

MHC announces the release of Ambient Keys 1.0 for Mac OS X. This new synthesizer plays an extensive set of ambient waveforms, processing these using a filter, envelopes, an LFO, an ensemble, delays and an effect section which features 133 different effect modes. It also features full polyphony and comes with 1024 presets available in three soundpacks.

Ambient Keys (Audio Units) version 1.0 with the three soundpacks costs $99.

Native Instruments announces thatTraktor DJ Studio 3 demo version is now available as a free download for Mac OS X on the NI website. This new version provides a host of powerful creative features, including four playback decks, a suite of performance effects, an analog-modeled mixer section, a customizable user interface and more. TRAKTOR DJ Studio 3 also allows DJs to browse and purchase the latest club music releases from within the software by giving access to the full catalog of Beatport, the leading online store for club music. New features include : Four full-featured playback decks, Beatport online store integration, Professional 4-channel DJ mixer emulation, Beat-synchronized DJ effects , New customizable user interface, Performance-oriented parameter control, and advanced track collection and library functions.

Yellowtools announces that its "Independence" plug-in sampler-workstation is now shipping. It includes a "Flexible Modifier" (you could load sound libraries of recorded instruments into hardware and play them with a MIDI controller, tempo sync LFOs), a Mixer with unlimited number of busses, a performance tool to "humanize" your samples (with Legato mode, 53 presets), a Mapping tool, and surround support. Independence also includes a 18 Gb sample library.

Independence (VST-RTAS-AU-Standalone) is available for $499.00

NuEdge has released a special packaging for its Sonic Charge MicroTonic. The "Tin Tonic Edition" is a metal can containing a USB flash memory used to install MicroTonic. Your personal registration code wiil be included in the USB flash memory, for quick and easy setup. Sonic Charge µTonic is a plug-in featuring a unique drum and percussion synthesizer combined with a pattern based drum-machine engine.

Tin Tonic Edition costs $129, but during December, a special introductory price is $89.