ReFX has updated quadraSID to v1.6.0 and Slayer to v2.6.0, both are now Universal Binary / Intel-Mac compatible on Mac OS X.

quadraSID v1.6.0 changes :

- Universal Binary for Mac OS X.
- Some internal functions where optimized and fixed.
- The easter(n)-egg now has sound effects.

Slayer v2.6.0 changes :

- Universal Binary for Mac OS X.
- Some internal functions where optimized and fixed.
- "edit"-button removed. The result is that SLAYER2 is now always in edit-mode.
- Updated internal multithreading-protection code.

GForce has announced the release of the M-Tron Universal Binary update for Mac OS X, their first Intel-Mac compatible instrument, and promised that Universal Binary versions of their remaining instruments will be released in a matter of weeks. If you purchased M-Tron before 1st October 2006, the update can be purchased for £13.99 (plus VAT), €19.99 (plus VAT) or $26... The god news is that this update is free to users who purchased and registered M-Tron after the 1st October 2006, the instrument has automatically been allocated to their accounts at the GForce website !

Novation has announced that Automap Universal is now available to download for free from their website. Automap Universal takes on where the original Automap left off, allowing ReMOTE SL users to instantly control absolutely any automatable plug-in, in any sequencer, automatically without ever having to refer to a manual or worry about complex MIDI data and assigning. Parameters can be 'learned' and saved at the touch of a button.

For more information, please visit their web site.

After the announcement on january, Rob Papen has now released Predator, a new synthesizer that combines inspiring presets and first class features with a user interface designed so that almost all controls are visible on screen.

Features :

- Phat sound
- Spread in the oscillators for multiple osc. sound
- Intelligent preset variation (no random generator)
- Preset morphing (building a new preset using two others)
- Arpeggiator that can work also as a mono sequencer
- Vocoder build in
- 3Fx that can be modulated by midi or synth parts
- PredatorFX, so use the synth as FX (Filter and FX's)
- Unison with detuning function
- Fast Envelopes
- Great filter with "smooth" and "edgy" distortion
- "Free modulation" section for the ones…that want deeper and more complex p ...

Cakewalk has released a free update to their Rapture wavetable synthesizer.

New features and enhancements in Version 1.1 :

- Universal Binary support for Audio Units, VSTi, and RTAS (Pro Tools 7.3 compatible)
- Stand-alone mode
- Engine optimization for faster load times and reduced memory usage
- New DSP and Filter routings, (6 new DSP Transforms, 14 different serial and parallel DSP/Filter routings)
- Mouse Wheel scrolling added to Wavetable Selection
- Improved Program browsing with Previous/Next buttons
- Updated dropdown menus for all SYNC Rate selections within Envelope
- Generators, LFOs, STEPGENs, and Global STEPGENs
- Comprehensive MIDI Modulation Matrix with new enhancements
- 50 new Rapture programs by ProSounds and B Rock designed to highlight the new features in Version 1.1

The Rapture 1.1 Update is available free as a download for registered customers. For more information, please visit their web site.