Over the last several months, Digidesign has been working closely with Apple on fine tuning Pro Tools for OS X Leopard 10.5.3. Now that Apple has released version 10.5.3 they can enter the final stages of performance testing and quality assurance before making fully qualified versions of Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered software available to their customers.

Pro Tools 7.4.2pr software is provided as a convenience for Mac-based Pro Tools 7.4 users who may wish to begin their transition to Leopard before a fully tested and qualified version of Pro Tools becomes available.

Pro Tools 7.4.2pr software is available as a download only, and requires Mac OS X 10.5.3. Pro Tools 7.4.2pr is not compatible with earlier versions of Leopard.

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Apple has updated Logic Express to v8.0.2. This update addresses specific customer and compatibility issues of Logic Express 8.0. Note that Logic Pro has also been updated to v8.0.2 last week.

To celebrate its 80th anniversary, Neumann launches the TLM 67, a new large-diaphragm condenser microphone.

Based upon the legendary U 67, a classic of the 60's, the TLM 67 incorporates the K 67 capsule. On top of that the special new circuit design closely reproduces the sound characteristics of the U 67, without the use of tubes. Similar Neumann circuit technology has already proved very successful in the TLM 49.

Designed to be versatile, its three switchable directional characteristics (omnidirectional, cardioid and figure-8), selectable 10 dB pre-attenuation, and high-pass filter permit detailed adjustments to be made depending upon the specific recording situation.

Puremagnetik has announced the release of the AmpPak and the Model-C Micropaks.

AmpPak :

AmpPak for Ableton Live is a collection of 17 amplifier and speaker effects designed for use on anything from drums, to guitars, to vocals and synthesizers. Each rack contains an expertly programmed selection of effects from overdriven metal to crunchy glitch percussion processors. AmpPak integrates directly into Ableton Live 7 and extensively utilizes Ableton Live Racks.

Model-C :

Model-C rounds off Puremagnetik's electronic piano line with a multi-sampled Hohner Clavinet. Model-C comes with multi-pickup selection and mechanical noise sample groups. The Ableton Live version contains a feature laden user interface complete with key release samples, customized amp and tonal controls. The Kontakt version of Model-C is specially programmed to make use of Kontakt 3's powerful KSP scripting engine. Also included are 50 high quality loops recorded by professional New York studio keyboardists. All loops are in Live Clip, Apple Loops and Kontakt format.

For more information, please visit their website.

ASK Video Interactive Media announces the imminent release of a new 4-part tutorial DVD series for Logic Pro 8 music production software.

In Level 1 of this 4-part series, musician and Apple expert Tony Wallace returns to provide all the knowledge needed to start using Logic. Everything from basic setup to editing and looping regions is covered, giving newcomers a great starting point. Long time Logic users will find this DVD perfect for quickly learning any layout changes and where all of their favorite features have been moved to.

Logic Pro 8 Tutorial DVD Level 1 will be available June 13, 2008 for $49.99 (pre-order before June 13 for $39.99). Note that video examples are available at the Ask Video website.