Apple has just released the long awaited Mac OS X 10.5.2 Update which is recommended for all users running Mac OS X 10.5 or 10.5.1 Leopard. It includes general operating system improvements that enhance the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac.

More details available here.

Db audioware has released Vocal Intensifier, a new "Advanced Vocal Intensifier" plug-in - the first in a new series of "Studio Specialist" plug-ins.

Basically Vocal Intensifier aims to add punch and presence to your vocal tracks, to make them stand out in the final mix. It uses an advanced studio technique called "parallel compression" (also known as "New York compression"), often used for drum tracks but here specially tuned for vocals. The advantage of this technique is that it boosts the loudness and presence of the vocals without destroying the dynamics of the original performance.

Features :

- Advanced algorithm boosts vocals without loss of detail.
- Efficient user interface saves valuable studio time.
- Uses parallel compression technique, tuned for vocals.
- Encapsulate ...

Toontrack has released EZdrummer 1.1.2 which provides bug fixes in various areas of operation but specifically its purpose is to provide Windows Vista compatibility and improved syncing for ProTools users. It also features a leaner workflow for access to the main parts of the program.

On top of that Toontrack has also announced that EZplayer Pro will ship in april, Superior Drummer 2.0 in the shift between May and June, and Drumtracker in July or in early fall.

Bismark has just released bs-0, a freeware software playback sampler which can load and play SoundFont 2 and DLS files.

Features :

- Loads 1 SoundFont / DLS file.
- 1 (mono) output.
- 4 voices :

* Oscillator/Amplifier/Filter.
* Modulation LFO (to Osc/Amp/Fil) and Vibrato LFO (to Osc) supported.
* Volume EG (to Amp) and Modulation EG (to Osc/Fil) supported.

- Supports MIDI note on/off, CC, Program Change, pitch bend , system exclusive (Universal realtime / non-realtime, Roland GS compatible).
- Internal Effects: Reverb and Chorus.

bs-0 is available now for Windows and Mac OS X Universal Binary in VST 2.4 and Audio Units plug-in formats.

Note that Bismark has also released the final (i.e. non-beta) versions of bs-1 / bs-16 v4.0 and bs-spectrum v1.3.

Nine Volt Audio has released a 10-minute video which is a step-by-step tutorial showing Stylus RMX users how to combine a few simple techniques to create dramatic sounding affects, all of which can be controlled in real-time.

In this video you will learn how to use Stylus RMX's MIDI Learn function to control a multitude of effect parameters with a keyboard's mod wheel and also how to create and save custom "Morphing" effect presets for use in any project. At the conclusion of the video users are given a link to download the "Morphing" preset created in the tutorial, along with seven other "Morphing" presets. A link is also provided where users can download eight "Morphing" presets, including the main one demonstrated in the tutorial.

The tutorial can be viewed at the Nine Volt Audio web site and clicking on the "Tutorials" link. Note that Nine Volt Audio is not endorsed or affiliated with Spectrasonics.