Apple releases a firmware update for MacBook and MacBook Pro. This update addresses an issue where the first key press may be ignored if the computer has been sitting idle. It also addresses some other issues.

For more information follow the link below :

Soniccouture has released a new sample library for Native Instruments Kontakt called Balinese Gamelan. A gamelan is a kind of musical ensemble of Indonesia typically featuring a variety of instruments such as metallophones, xylophones, drums, and gongs; bamboo flutes, bowed and plucked strings.

Features :

- 24GB Library — 24 Bit 96Khz Stereo Sampling
- 25 Individual Gamelan Instruments
- Up to 20 Velocity Layers
- Over 4000 Samples
- Multiple Round Robin Layers Kontakt 2 + 3 Format

This library is available now at a retail price of $499. To hear sound samples of Balinese Gamelan please visit :

Allen & Heath will unveil two new additions to the ZED range of small-format USB mixers at the forthcoming MusikMesse. The ZED-12FX (6 mono + 3 dual stereo channels) and ZED-22FX (16 mono + 3 dual stereo channels) retain the same feature set as other models in the range with the addition of a comprehensive section of in-house designed effects.

ZED's effects are divided into 4 types: tap tempo delays, short reverbs, long reverbs and modulation. They are controlled by three buttons for easy navigation and editing, allowing the parameters of each effect to be quickly 'dialled-in' to, for instance, pinpoint the ideal delay time or amount of reverb.

The new ZED FX mixers have a responsive 3-band swept-mid EQ on the mono channels, with a 2-band EQ on the stereo channels, 100mm long throw faders, 4 aux sends (2 pre, 2 post fade), a USB send and return (for PC or Mac recording or playback), a unique dual stereo input capability, and advanced monitoring facilities.

ZED FX models will be shipping in March at the following price :

- ZED-12FX: £369+VAT
- ZED-22FX £535+VAT

Muxer has released InstantSampler, a free virtual sampler that records audio from the audio input when a MIDI note is played for the first time. Any consecutive time you play the same note, it plays back the recorded audio with the possibility to vary or trigger :

- Velocity.
- Attack and release.
- The level of the input audio which is passed unaffected while no samples are played.
- Playback speed using the pitchbend control.
- Normal or reversed playback.
- Clearing of the sample memory.

InstantSampler is available now for Mac OS X as an AudioUnit plug-in and it is totally free.

The Audiofile-Engineering company has acquired RAX in September 2007 maybe a solution for the desesparete users which were forced to let aside all their third parties AU plug-in with the new Intel Mac's.

To be follow up...