SonicBirth is an AudioUnit designing application which allows users to build their own AudioUnit plugins, either by working with existing circuits or by creating circuits completely from scratch. SonicBirth is also an AudioUnits package, as it comes bundled with a set of plugins designed for standalone use as plugins as well as pre-constructed circuits to modify or build. A new version 1.1.2 is available in the MacMusic software section, and now adds two new modules (Notch filter and Peak filter), a new 'Hum remover' plugin, and fixes MIDI channel related bug in VST plugins.

At last, SonicBirth is now available at a reduced price of $49.

Spectrasonics announced an update for Stylus RMX to version 1.5.1c and for the SAGE Converter too. This new release adds a "Recent Sound Directories" Pop-Up menu, fixes several bugs (edit group menu font in Cubase SX, bug with LFO sync when using non 4/4 time signature, problem with deleting multiple instances of plugin). Stylus RMX is a groove-based virtual instrument plug-in. Stylus RMX is the first product to offer the combined power of Groove Control with Spectrasonics Advanced Groove Engine (S.A.G.E. ) technology giving users dramatic new control over groove production and performance.

LinPlug announced the anticipated Octopus 1.1 update and thanks all of you who helped with the public beta test. The update is available now at the download section of LinPlug web site, and features :

- Status of controller is kept when a new preset is loaded
- Optimized CPU on certain patches with long releases
- Octopus' Bank and Preset displays are now always updated
- Fixed Glide on transposed sounds
- Fixed crashes on a few AMD based systems
- Host Mixer track now named Octopus
- New Mastertune (fine tuning with 1 cent resolution)
- Transpose range bug fixed (AU only)
- French and German PDF manual available.

Apple today unveiled a new 1GB iPod nano for just $149, offering the same features as the 2GB and 4GB iPod nano models and holding up to 240 songs or 15,000 photos. The new 1GB iPod nano's ultra-portable design is thinner than a #2 pencil and features Apple's patent pending Click Wheel and the same color screen as the other iPod nano models.

In addition, Apple announced that the iPod Shuffle is now more affordable than ever with the 512MB and 1GB models priced at $69 and $99 respectively.

Waves just releases its new SSL 4000 version 1.0 plugins pack, available as VST-AU-RTAS and TDM versions. Developed under license from Solid State Logic, the Waves SSL 4000 Collection consists of three meticulously modeled plug-ins: the SSL G-Master Buss Compressor, the SSL G-Equalizer, and the SSL E-Channel. Now, the classic sound of the SSL 4000 Series can be your sound.

Native version ships at $800 and TDM version at $1600.