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Scott Sheppard takes a lighthearted look at what's new and exciting in the world of the Macintosh computer in this one-hour weekly radio show. From the digital hub to the den of the Panther operating system, Scott is always on top of what is happening in the world of Macintosh and has his finger on the pulse of the industry. With a tasty serving of news, reviews, information, and interviews, Inside Mac is all Mac, all the time, and one of the unique tech shows on radio today.

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Inside Mac - November 13th 2004

LIVE 1-3pm Pacific - Call Us At 800-490-0058

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Jason E. Davies - VP Worldwide Sales - BIAS

Jason E. Davies is the Vice President of Sales for BIAS, Inc., a leading manufacturer of audio software for the Macintosh. His primary responsibilities include sales and marketing for OEM, International Distributor, Domestic Reseller, and Direct channels worldwide. Additionally, he manages BIAS customer support and inside sales team. Prior to BIAS, Inc, Jason served in several capacities over a 6 year period at Opcode Systems, Inc. - a major manufacturer of music software and hardware. These positions included Technical Support, Product Specialist Communications Manager based in Europe, Western U.S. Sales Manager, and Director of Sales. Jason's background includes music performance, recording/engineering, production, and mastering.

Berkley Integrated Audio Software Inc., a privately held corporation based in Petaluma, California, is an established leader in cutting-edge audio software technology. BIAS' award-winning product line -- which currently includes Peak VST, Peak TDM, Peak LE, Peak DV, Deck, Freq, SuperFreq, Vbox, and Vbox SE -- can be heard on numerous hit recordings, Hollywood and independent feature films, television productions, websites, videogames, and other productions.

BIAS' philosophy for software development: our products are developed by listening to what audio professionals have to say about the way they work and the tools they need. We have tried to create products that represent what real audio professionals want and need from digital audio software. Download the demos, and tell them what you think.

BIAS Releases SoundSoap 2 For Mac OS X

World's most popular "one-click" audio noise reduction & restoration software now offers high-quality vinyl LP restoration, broader plug-in compatibility & more -- still just $99.

BIAS announced the release of SoundSoap 2, the latest upgrade to the company's highly popular "one-click" audio cleaning software for Mac OS X. Like the original SoundSoap, SoundSoap 2 provides high-quality noise reduction, while still being easy enough for average consumers to use effectively. New for version 2 are Remove Click & Crackle and Enhance features, plus plug-in compatibility with Audio Units and RTAS/AudioSuite host applications. SoundSoap 2 also retains its original ease of use and cost effectiveness, its plug-in compatibility with DirectX and VST host applications, and its remarkably low $99 MSRP.

Vinyl LP Restoration Made Easy with Click & Crackle Removal

BIAS' highly acclaimed SoundSoap Pro -- designed for professional audio and video engineers who need maximum control during the audio restoration process -- includes an advanced click and crackle removal algorithm. SoundSoap 2 has the same high-performance, great-sounding algorithm as SoundSoap Pro, but gives the user a greatly simplified, single-slider control. For professional projects plagued by the most serious clicks and crackles, SoundSoap Pro remains the tool of choice. But for musicians, audiophiles, and video enthusiasts who need to remove everyday clicks and crackles, SoundSoap 2 is a perfect, incredibly cost-effective solution.

Simply Powerful "One Click" Audio Restoration

Despite SoundSoap 2's powerful new features, it retains essentially the same fast, clean, and easy-to-use interface made famous by the original SoundSoap. And while other solutions can tend toward complexity, SoundSoap 2's strength is that it depends upon highly advanced digital signal processing to do the "heavy lifting," without forcing users to confront a bevy of confusing controls. For instance, by clicking the Learn Noise button and adjusting just two knobs, even an audio novice can instantly remove most common problems such as hiss, fan noise from air conditioners, and other background noise. As described, a single slider can effectively remove most clicks and crackles. Attractive buttons for Remove Hum (50 and 60Hz) are included, along with a Remove Rumble button to filter out low frequency noise. In addition, a Preserve Voice button helps to pre-filter frequencies outside the range of human speech -- ideal for cleaning up dialogue tracks. Simply put, nothing else can compete with SoundSoap 2's features, performance, ease, and price.

Informative Controls -- Only When You Need Them

During the cleaning process, a friendly Wash Window displays the before and after signal using two colors: Red indicates noise being removed, while blue shows the desired signal being preserved. A handy Noise Only mode allows the user to hear only the broadband signal being removed -- ideal for ensuring that the desired audio remains intact. The Noise Tuner (threshold) and Noise Reduction knobs allow for easy fine-tuning to achieve optimal results. By keeping the complexity where it belongs -- hidden -- and the controls as streamlined as possible, SoundSoap 2 makes it easy for anyone to get great-sounding results, without getting tangled in a maze of confusing controls.

Enhance: The Sparkling Finish

SoundSoap 2 now offers an advanced Enhance feature. Since audio may suffer from lost frequencies before and after the restoration process, professional restoration engineers will often perform a time-consuming, complex procedure of equalization, compression, and further processing to bring the audio "back to life." SoundSoap 2's Enhance feature does just that, instantly and with high-quality results. Based on a sophisticated multi-band compressor and equalization algorithm, the Enhance slider achieves -- in a single parameter control -- what would otherwise take advanced knowledge and a combination of tools to produce. In addition, an integrated limiter works behind the scenes to ensure the audio never clips -- even when boosting the Enhance slider to its maximum position. The result is a sparkling finish to the restoration process.

Plug-in Edition: Choose Your Host

Another important new feature for SoundSoap 2 is greater plug-in compatibility with a wider range of host programs. While the original SoundSoap was compatible with DirectX and VST host programs, SoundSoap 2 adds support for Audio Units, RTAS, and AudioSuite host programs. Compatibility with Apple's Audio Units plug-in format means that users of Apple GarageBand, SoundTrack, Final Cut Pro, and Logic can all run SoundSoap 2 directly from within those programs. Digidesign Pro Tools users can also now integrate SoundSoap 2 into their workflow as an RTAS/AudioSuite plug-in. Additional compatible host programs include Adobe Premiere/Audition (VST/DirectX), BIAS Peak (Audio Units/VST), Cakewalk Sonar (DirectX/VST), MOTU Digital Performer (Audio Units), Sony Sound Forge (DirectX), Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo/Wavelab (VST), and others.

Stand-alone Edition With Movie Support -- No Host Required

Like the original SoundSoap, SoundSoap 2 also includes a stand-alone application edition, which doesn't require a compatible host application to run. The stand-alone edition offers the same cleaning power as the plug-in edition, and includes Windows Media and QuickTime support, complete with a movie display and accurate audio-to-picture synchronization. The stand-alone edition also features an integrated transport, counter, simple timeline, process in-and-out point control, preset saving/loading of parameters and noise profile, bypass, looping, and an Apply settings button. Drag and drop is supported, as well, for easy file handling. Users looking to clean up audio from a digital video clip will be pleased to know that if their favorite video editing program -- such as Apple's popular iMovie program -- won't directly support audio plug-ins, they can easily rely on the stand-alone edition of SoundSoap 2 for stunning results.

Pricing and Availability

BIAS SoundSoap 2 is will be available in November 2004, at a suggested retail price of just $99 US through the worldwide network of authorized BIAS dealers and distributors. Customers who purchased SoundSoap through authorized BIAS resellers or directly from BIAS on or after October 1st, 2004, are entitled to a free upgrade to version 2 at no additional charge by faxing BIAS a request along with a copy of their original dated sales receipt. For customers who purchased SoundSoap before October 1st, 2004, the upgrade to SoundSoap 2 is just $49 US (plus tax, shipping, and VAT where applicable) -- and is available directly from BIAS or through the worldwide network of BIAS distributors. SoundSoap Pro remains available at $599 US list.

Additional information can be found at http://www.bias-inc.com/

BIAS Announces SoundSoap Pro

New high-end audio restoration solution for Mac OS X features multiband noise reduction; click, crackle & hum removal; plus noise gate -- all integrated into a single plug-in

BIAS announced SoundSoap Pro - a high-end audio restoration plug-in for Mac OS X, will be offered at the introductory suggested list price of just $599 US -- nearly half the cost of the nearest competing solution. SoundSoap Pro is a professional audio restoration plug-in aimed at producers, engineers, musicians, sound designers, and forensic scientists. Along with the company's highly successful SoundSoap (targeted at entry-level users, and recently nominated for the prestigious TEC award), BIAS now provides noise reduction solutions for users at all levels.

"While our original SoundSoap continues to offer amazing results - with minimal cost and effort - we recognized the need for additional power and control to meet the demands of the professional audio restoration market," said Jason Davies, VP Worldwide Sales for BIAS. "SoundSoap Pro delivers a comprehensive suite of advanced restoration technologies in a single plug-in. This not only allows the user to choose easily between multiple tools, but also 'suggests' an order in which to apply them, to achieve the best results. SoundSoap Pro's robust and unique feature set, efficient and intuitive controls, extensive native plug-in format compatibility, and relatively affordable price should make for an irresistible investment for any professional audio customer."

Four Tools in One - an Integrated Approach

Rather than splitting the restoration process into separate plug-ins, SoundSoap Pro uses a unique, integrated interface that allows the user to access any tool quickly and easily from within a single plug-in window. Tool navigation tabs are labeled (left to right) "Hum & Rumble," "Click & Crackle," "Broadband," and "Noise Gate" - reflecting the suggested order in which the operations should be performed, to obtain the best possible results. The tabs even provide convenient parameter feedback, allowing the user to monitor the primary tool settings globally, regardless of which tool is currently selected.

Multiband NR: Speed, Usability & Performance with a Minimized Chance of Artifacts

Many broadband noise reduction solutions (including BIAS' entry-level SoundSoap) work by analyzing, or "learning," a noise profile, which can then be suppressed using a pair of threshold and reduction controls that operate across the entire frequency band. While this can achieve fine results, more challenging noise problems, as well as more discerning ears, demand additional control.

Some products go to the opposite extreme to address these needs, with individual controls for hundreds of frequency bands. But as many audio engineers are aware, this multiband method can prove to be time-consuming, cumbersome, and confusing - leading in turn to an increased risk of "chirping," "muffling," "flanging," and other annoying artifacts.

SoundSoap Pro's approach to multiband noise reduction focuses on speed, usability, and performance. SoundSoap Pro groups 512 bands into 12 discrete threshold and reduction sliders - delivering dramatically enhanced efficiency, ease-of-use, and superb sonic results. The sliders may be easily grouped with a lock button, and 12 vibrant level meters assist in threshold adjustments. When used with SoundSoap Pro's additional attack, release, and tilt controls, even the toughest broadband noise can be easily and dramatically reduced, while dramatically minimizing the chance of any inadvertent artifacts.

Enhanced Visual & Audio Monitoring Options

SoundSoap Pro's tool area features a unique, global, real-time spectrogram - providing constant visual monitoring of spectral noise that may be in need of treatment. With its intuitive color codes, the spectrogram allows users to discern problem areas and make relevant tool adjustments, all while listening to - and watching - the results. Furthermore, users can easily hear the noise they are reducing by selecting "Noise Only." Unlike Bypass - which can be used globally or for each tool, and which bypasses the processing - the Noise Only button allows the user to hear, on a global level, only what is being removed.

These two features allow SoundSoap Pro users to ensure that undesired noise is effectively suppressed - and that desired signals are unaffected by the restoration process.

A Universal Restoration Solution, Supporting All Leading Plug-In Hosts SoundSoap Pro is designed for every major plug-in host. The roster includes Peak 4 (VST/Audio Units), Pro Tools (RTAS), Logic Audio/Digital Performer (Audio Units), Nuendo/Cubase SX/Wavelab (VST), Sonar (DirectX), and many other compatible hosts.

Pricing & Availability

BIAS SoundSoap Pro will be available Q1 2004 through the worldwide network of authorized BIAS dealers and distributors at the introductory price of US $599 MSRP. BIAS' original entry-level SoundSoap remains available at a suggested retail price of $99 US. SoundSoap users will be eligible to cross-grade to SoundSoap Pro.

Additional information can be found at http://www.bias-inc.com/

Christian Pickman - PodLock Product Manager - Micromat

Christian started with the Apple II back in 1980. Later, moved to the Apple IIe and learned basic programming. With the introduction of the Macintosh, he started working in the school library, not because he was an avid reader, instead to learn the Mac and play with the new plotter that came with it. While in high school, he worked as a computer consultant troubleshooting PC's. Hey, he had to make a living somehow.

Surprising he went on to college and graduated with a degree in Sociology and a minor in Communications but found that his first love was the Macintosh. After graduation, he worked in radio broadcasting for a few years and he decide to quit and to find work that would involve working on the Mac.

In late 1996, he was hired on as a technical support representative for Micromat. Since then he has moved up from the technical support department to quality assurance and just recently became product manager. he loves working for Micromat since its at the forefront of great Macintosh utilities and its a company that really listens to its userbase. This inspires him to be the very best and to insure that all there products are of the highest quality.

Micromat PodLock

Micromat Incorporated, makers of the TechTool Pro disk repair utility for Macintosh, have announced a new utility for iPod titled PodLock.

The company states that PodLock allows users to hide important files by creating an "invisible" partition on their iPod. According to Christian Pickman, Product Manager of Micromat, "It's like having a secret drive for your data files that only you can see by entering your personal password. If you use your iPod as an external drive to transport data, you'll want this protection in the event that you should ever lose your iPod."

PodLock user Harris Fogel states, "I keep more than music on my iPod, I keep my life on my iPod. PodLock makes sure that my life belongs to me, and protects my data from others. It also helps me to backup, defragment, and keeps my iPod healthy."

According to Micromat, PodLock can:

• Create a hidden partition, or area, on the iPod allowing the user to hide important files from prying eyes.
• Defragment file data on the iPod, improving file retrieval and music access speed.
• Backup and restore data on the primary iPod volume.
• Manage pictures and voice recordings for an easy and convenient way to access data.
• Display important and interesting technical information about the iPod, such as where a specific iPod was manufactured.

Pricing and Availability

Podlock is available in English, Japanese, French and Italian languages. The program can be ordered through select dealers and resellers worldwide or directly from Micromat, Inc. The suggested retail price is $39.97. For additional information click here http://www.micromat.com/podlock/podlock_introduction.html

Sam's Cool Mac Pick's - November 13th 2004

RadTech's MacTruck

Professional-grade, operate-in, full-time notebook enclosure. A whole new way to think about protection. Available for all recent Apple PowerBooks, in two stunning, super-hard powder coated finishes - Brushed Aluminum and Graphite.

Forget everything you know about notebook cases, MacTruck just re-wrote the book. The MacTruck closely envelopes your PowerBook with an ultra-tough 5052-H32 Aluminum alloy shell that's rugged enough to drive a truck over! And that's just for starters - MacTruck is also designed to protect your notebook while you use it. In fact, once you place your notebook into a MacTruck, you may never need / want to take it out. MacTruck allows full use of your machine, as well as full access to all ports, all while safely cradled in MacTruck's high-density poly padding. The notebook is easily removed from the case as well - just lift it out and go!

MacTruck keeps your machine as cool as it looks. Generous 5mm air channels located beneath the notebook's bottom case, combined with the superior heat conduction properties of the Aluminum shell, ensure that your notebook stays cool in the most demanding situations imaginable. MacTruck - a new way to work, a new way to play!

This is one tough portable workstation that doesn't neglect its user! Several amenities ensure that this case works for you. The MacTruck's handle is constructed from a graphite enriched poly-resin and shaped for comfort. The handle rotates throughout a full 180 deg. arc, very handy if you want to stow the MacTruck within a backpack, shoulder bag, or suit case.

Security: MacTruck features two full-width, hardened steel latch bars comprising the case's super-rugged slam latch mechanism. And to ensure you'll be useing your MacTruck for a long time, we included two Kensington lock ports to keep your case and computer secure! Double D-rings on the case's front-plane allow the attachment of a shoulder strap, shock cord or to lash the case to another object

Easy access: With MacTruck, you operate your notebook right in the case. The top of the case conveniently rests at 90 and 180 degrees from the base. At the full-open position, MacTruck angles the lower panel a user-friendly and ergonomic 9.5 degrees - providing efficient keyboarding.

Features

• Designed for extreme duty - nothing is tougher or more compact.
• Allows full, unrestricted use of a notebook while inside case ports and drives fully accessible.
• Aids in cooling via 5mm bottom case air channels and excellent heat conduction of Aluminum shell.
• Dual steel alloy slam latches able to withstand relentless abuse for years fully serviceable.
• Kensington lock port permits the case to be locked shut - notebook and case completely secured.
• Svelte form is only marginally larger than the notebook itself stows inside most other bags and packs
• High-density internal cushioning keeps notebooks's case in pristine condition.
• Rotating ergonomic handle makes carrying and stowing comfortable and easy.
• Super-hard, powder-coated finish throughout for long-lasting beauty.
• Three year warranty

RadTech MacTruck
MSRP: $199.00 - $229.00
http://www.radtech.us

Timbuk2's Digital DJ Bag

Cool, hip and a great way to carry two iPods with full size headphones.

The new Digital DJ Hip Pack is specially-designed for mobile music lovers. Proportioned to carry your full-size "don't bug me" headphones, and fully-padded to protect your portable music gear. Inside the main compartment you'll find plenty of room and special pockets for your music player(s) - both portable CD player and/or MP3 player - and miscellaneous personal items. The outside flap has a clear window to show-off your next gig flyer, a separate exterior zippered pouch is the perfect place to stash your library card, concert tickets and spare change. The adjustable strap gives you flexibility to wear this pack on your waist or over your shoulder. Chill to your own private music world with this cool new pack from Timbuk2.

• Rugged ballistic nylon
• Clear display pocket
• Protective padding
• Quick-adjust waist/shoulder strap
• Internal organizer pockets for MP3/disc players, cell phone and headphone cord
• Key ring leash
• Exterior zippered pouch
• Timbuk2 Quality Guarantee

Timbuk2 Digital DJ
MSRP: $50.00
http://www.Timbuk2.com

Available through Apple Retail Stores, Timbik2.com, and many fine digital lifestyle resellers

Harman Multimedia's On Stage

Small footprint speaker, yet delivers rich sound from your iPod. Additionally, On Stage acts as a dock to your Mac or PC.

Compatibility - The JBL On Stage is compatible with all versions of the iPod, including the iPod mini. A stereo mini jack connection also allows you to enjoy high quality audio from a variety of other devices such as MP3 and CD players, desktop computers (all platforms) and laptops. 230 Vac Europe

Easy-to-use Touch-controls - Touch Volume Control - Just a touch increases or decrease the volume. A touch on both pads mutes or unmutes the system. JBL On Stage also remembers your last volume setting even after the system shuts down.

Transportable -Bring your On Stage on the road for great sound where ever you go. The lightweight, compact sound station can provide full rich sound in any location.

Additional Features - OnePoint design - The OnePoint iPod connectors provide the connection to your computer. Connect the standard iPod cable to the rear of the On Stage and every time you dock your iPod, you will have a connection for synchronizing and charging.

Evercharge Topology - The On Stage provides power to charge your iPod when not connected to the computer, even if the system is off. Plug your iPod wall charger into the back of the On Stage and your iPod will charge with or without the system on.

Adaptors for all iPod(TM) types are provided for easy use of any generation. An auxiliary audio input cable is also included. The surface gripping rubber feet provide a stable platform on most surfaces.

Advanced Technology - The JBL On Stage combines many proprietary technologies to provide the highest quality sound. The On Stage will provide astonishing bass and clear accurate sound.

Odyssey(TM) Transducers - The four aluminum domed transducers are driven by powerful Neodymium magnets. This design provides a full rich frequency response from the lowest bass to the highest highs.

COE (Computer Optimized Equalization) - The JBL On Stage system equalization was computer optimized to provide a rich, complete sound stage.

OCT (Optimized Compression Topology) - The JBL On Stage utilizes a proprietary compression technology to insure clean accurate sound at high output levels.

On Stage for iPod
MSRP: $199.95
http://www.HarmanMultimedia.com

Available through Apple Retail Stores, Apple Online, and many consumer electronic outlets

Scott Sheppard - Executive Producer / Host

Scott Sheppard is the founder and editor of the popular Macintosh Web Site, http://www.OSXFAQ.com He is also a monthly Contributing Editor to Macworld UK magazine and produces a daily audio broadcast of Mac news and information Inside Mac Radio.

Scott Sheppard previously hosted the Inside Mac Show broadcast by CNET radio.

Scott has been using Apple computers for more than 25 years, as well as spending many years as a Wintel user, giving him the unique perspective of having spent a lot of time on both sides of the computer fence.

Sam Levin - Senior Mac Technologist

Sam Levin Co-Founded the Stanford Mac Users' Group in 1985, and has worked with leading Macintosh developers on business development, licensing, and strategic market development. Sam Directed licensing and business development initiatives for leading companies such as Axio, Virgin Interactive, Broderbund, Chronos, Mattel, Connectix, IBM Multimedia, IXLA, iSkin, Jiiva, Keyspan, Microsoft, MYOB, MacMice, Fathom Pictures, LandWare, Nova Development, Totally Hip Software, Y-E Data and more.

Sam has been using Macs for 20 years, as well as tied into the world of handheld and digital imaging, providing him a special angle on personal computing and consumer electronics.

Ken Ray - UTN Director Of Engineering

Ken Ray has worked both sides of the radio mic for over ten years. He has written and produced comedy bits for an alternative station in Boston, anchored two and half hours of news daily on TechTV Radio, was morning drive personality on an FM country station in the middle of nowhere, was operations director for an AM in Boston, was operations director for an AM in San Francisco, and has logged countless hours in production studios, tearing out everything from down and dirty :30 spots that need to hit the air yesterday to agency spots to long-form infomercials and even longer-form CD projects. Writing news, spots, promos and interstitials also fits somewhere in his repertoire. And he runs a mean radio board for in studio as well as remote broadcasts.

Outside of radio, Ken wrote for the magazine Global Technology Business.

He also makes a darn good bread pudding.

Greg Douglas - UTN Director of Network Operations

Gregory Douglas has fifteen years of experience in the radio, television and computer- related areas. He was the Director of Network Operations for Personal Achievement Radio, which included responsibilities for the production, operation and distribution of the "PAR" format. As the primary individual in charge of the on-air sound for "PAR", Mr. Douglas interacted with the motivational authors, Nightingale-Conant, ABC Radio Networks, PAR O & O's and affiliates and the broadcast talent. He pioneered the transition to digital for the flagship PAR studios. In addition, Mr. Douglas was M.I.S. Manager for Douglas Broadcasting Inc. where he was responsible for the traffic and business computer functions as well as the computer networking of DBI/PAR radio outlets.

Previously, he was the General Manager of DBI's Seattle operation and Station Manager at WBPS-AM in Boston. Also, Mr. Douglas has been involved in almost all areas of broadcasting, including traffic, business, engineering, production and sales.