We missed MOTU's NAMM announcements in my travels, though in the meantime they've had time to put details up on their site, so here you go: MOTU's MachFive sampler version 2 adds standalone operation, unlimited parts, a full-screen preset browser and expanded views of many other sampler components, a groove-slicing engine called LoopLab (related to […]

NAMM was host to a bevy of new virtual orchestra products. Here's a quick summary: Garritan Personal Orchestra (Windows/Mac) now comes in three versions adding more sounds and articulations: the Second Edition update adds various enhancements and patch additions, while a new Advanced (US$499) version includes more instruments and articulations like harmonics and a Lite […]

Fervent Software is now shipping a US-localized version of its Studio-to-Go Linux CD software, and has updated their Web site over the last month with more information. (Runs on Mambo, just like CDM — interesting.) The idea is this: load in a CD, boot up, and you have an entire studio filled with Linux music […]

I remember running into a top Apple music rep at Macworld. I said something involving the phrase "OS X transition." "Can't we stop referring to it as a transition now?" said the Apple person. I think at the time Digital Performer lacked AU support, Pro Tools wasn't available, things were crashing, audio support was undocumented […]

At long last, one of the most beloved and unusual Mac sound creation applications has made it to OS X, with vastly expanded features. The brainchild of Bryce creator Eric Wenger, the first version of U&I Software's MetaSynth was popular with the likes of Aphex Twin for its far-out, one-of-a-kind sound production and the ability […]

Today I'm speaking to an audience at the Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology of Connecticut College about finding a meeting place between visual expression and sound. For attendees (and you readers at home), here are some helpful links: Physical Modeling and Sound Creation: Apple's Logic (Mac-only) is deep as it is, but its Sculpture […]

Clearly, the future of headphones is surround sound, delivered by "acoustical alloy" tubing worn around the head. I have no qualms whatsoever about this device. I'm sure the surround effect is completely successful, and I think the claim of "mastering" as an application is an excellent idea — if you're mastering professional 5.1 surround mixes, […]

If you're on Windows, you can build your own instruments and effects for $20 or even free, and you have an incredibly broad range of free plugins. (Mac users, don't despair: some of the instrument and effect links are Mac-VST or AU, too.) Check out SynthEdit, the US$20 shareware for building your own VST instruments […]

News flash: Apple isn't releasing a PowerBook G5 anytime soon. A G5 laptop would be bulky, hot, and power-hungry. And ugly. Is it possible? Yes. But it's going to be a while. A long while, like probably 2006. Sound eerily familiar? Only because CDM has been saying just that over and over again, along with […]

Down about no G5 PowerBooks? Want to jazz yourself up about how much you really do love the Mac? Take heart, and listen to: "A Laptop Like You", the song Johnathan Coulton wrote to his Mac! See, I didn't really want you to switch to Windows, cool Cakewalk software notwithstanding. And I certainly don't find […]