Normally, Java programs on Mac OS X cannot access external MIDI devices. For the last two years, the standard solution has been to download the Plumstone plug-in. Unfortunately, Plumstone only works on the older G3/G4/G5 Macs and not on the new Intel based Macs. Mandolane Ltd have announced a replacement for Plumstone, called Mandolane MIDI SPI, which works on *all* 10.4 Macs - both Intel and G3/G4/G5 platforms. They have also taken over support for Plumstone, which remains the recommended solution for earlier versions of Mac OS X.

Mandolane MIDI SPI is distributed as low cost shareware; Plumstone remains completely free.

Digidesign announces that ICON, Pro Tools|HD, Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered systems will soon be compatible with the new Mac Pro introduced at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC). Digidesign is expecting to release an Intel-based Mac-compatible update to its acclaimed Pro Tools HD 7.2 software in September 2006. This free update for all owners of Pro Tools HD 7.2 software will allow ICON and Pro Tools|HD users to build their Digidesign system around the new Mac Pro. Within a similar timeframe, the company expects to release compatible versions of its range of Digidesign and Digidesign-distributed TDM plug-ins, while working very closely with third-party manufacturers to help them port their plug-ins and compatible applications to the Intel Mac platform. Based on preliminary testing, Digidesign is also expecting that version 7.1.1 of Pro Tools LE and Pro Tools M-Powered software (already compatible with Apple's existing range of Intel-based computers such as MacBook, MacBook Pro, Mac Mini and iMac) will function on the new Mac Pro without problems. Full qualification is expected late Q4 2006.

Cycling '74 announces that Max/MSP has been updated to version 4.6, and that Jitter has been updated to version 1.6. These two updates add Universal Binary support for new Intelm-based Macs, and adds several new enhancements, objetcts, and bugfixes.

Detail and free download in the MacMusic Software Section.

Music Unfolding has released two new Audio Units plugins for Mac OS X :

- hD 1.0 is a distortion effect. It can also directly add note harmonics — up to two octaves higher — and it contains a sub-octave generator. The harmonic generators are optimized and located to enhance the distortion. They can also be used to generate 12-string guitar effects and as a note doubler. hD ships at $19.99.

- xEQ 1.0 is a straight forward parametric EQ/Tone Control. It consists of Low and High shelf filters and three Peak/Cut filters. It is very useful for placing around distortion effects. Place before as a tone control and after to simulate a speaker cabinet's frequency response curve. xEQ is available as a free download.

FracturedSoftware announced today the immediate availability of Rondo 2.0, an update to its Midi Player for OS X. This latest version of Rondo now includes several larger pianos and a Midi library with playlists to help you store, organize and play your MIDI files. Rondo has been designed specifically to help you follow the music as it plays. Its vertical piano roll with horizontal keyboard located directly over the scrolling notes makes it very easy to see what notes are about to sound. And features such as looping, tempo control and separate audio and visual track filtering help you focus on just a part of the melody so that you can play along.

Rondo 2.0 is priced at US $25. Early purchasers will also be eligible for a free upgrade to version 3. Rondo 2.0 is a free upgrade for existing customers.