Apple has released Mac OS X 10.5.8. This update addresses general system fixes, stability, and security :

• Upgrades Safari to version 4.0.2.
• Improves the accuracy of full history search in Safari 4.
• Resolves an issue in which certain resolutions might not appear in the Display pane in System Preferences.
• Dragging an Aperture image into Automator now invokes an Aperture action instead of incorrectly invoking an iPhoto action.
• Resolves an issue that could prevent importing of large photo and movie files from digital cameras.
• Improves overall Bluetooth reliability with external devices, USB webcams and printers.
• Addresses an issue that could cause extended startup times.
• Improves iCal reliability with MobileMe Sync and CalDav.
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For the month of August, McDSP offers a great special, allowing all customers to purchase or upgrade to Chrome Tone HD/Native and Synthesizer One HD/Native at a discounted price.

Purchase Chrome Tone HD or Synthesizer One HD for $129 each, or purchase both for only $179. Purchase Chrome Tone Native or Synthesizer One Native for $79 each, or purchase both for only $129. All LE customers may upgrade Chrome Tone LE and Synthesizer One LE to Native for $49 each.

The McDSP HD product line supports TDM, RTAS and AudioSuite formats, and operates on Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered, and the McDSP Native product line supports RTAS and Audiosuite formats, and operate on Pro Tools HD, LE and M-Powered. Special available only via electronic delivery.

Antares has updated Auto-Tune Evo for Mac OS X to v6.0.8 and Windows to v6.0.9. These updates provide improved pitch detection accuracy of higher-pitched notes, as well as resolve a variety of issues in the various versions.

Changes :

• Improved pitch detection of higher-pitched notes.
• New installers and PACE software (version 5.8.10.3223) to fix installation and authorization issues, particularly in 64-bit Vista.
• Fixed a problem where Nudge Up or Down would sometimes result in horizontal movement as well.
• Fixed a problem with incorrect zoom range after tracking pitch in a long song.
• Fixed crashing bug occasionally seen when using drawing tools.
• Fixed crashing bug occasionally seen when using Undo button.
• Fixed problem of selection highlights vanishing when using the Scissor tool close to a line or curve endpoint.
• Added hours field to the clock display (when time passes the one-hour mark).
• Fixed a memory leak in the Scissor tool.

Phazeform by Puremagnetik is a new Micropak for Ableton Live, Kontakt and Logic. It comes loaded with a captivating library of instruments and phrases based on Casio's classic Phase Distortion technology. Phazeform also contains a comprehensive sound set from the VL-Tone pocket synth/calculator guaranteed to pack your DAW with the sound of Casio synthesis.

Additionally, Phazeform includes a collection of looped phrases from the SK-1 and VL-Tone drum machines, giving Live, Logic and Kontakt users instant access to this unique collection of sounds.

Features :

• Complete palette of famous Casio Phase Distortion sounds
• Multi-sampled CZ library with advanced DAW integration
• A collection of expertly programmed clips
• Sound set of percussion menus
• Custom Kontakt KSP GUI and native Kontakt effects

Pricing : Basic Monthly Subscription: $5.75/Month Basic Yearly Subscription: $60/Year All Access Pass - $198/Year.

Eloquence by Sugar Bytes is described as an extremely powerful and intuitive MIDI stepsequencer plug-in, giving you control over just about all aspects of your favorite MIDI devices. You can use Eloquence to create varied and organic bass lines, screaming leads, pulsating chords, and organic pad sounds in the studio or on stage.

For live musicians, Eloquence provides a versatile palette of performance options which can be triggered right from your MIDI keyboard: you can transpose, manipulate, twist up, mutate, and mangle your patterns without even getting near your computer.

Eloquence is a plugin which can be used with any major Windows or Mac VST or AU host.

Release Date: August 15, 2009. System Requirements: VST or AU compatible host software Win XP/Vista, MAC OS 10.5 and higher, 128 mb Ram, 1ghz CPU

Price: €99 / $129. Crossgrade Price for registered SonicBytes ERA users: €69 / $89.