Swar Systems have released a free update for SwarPlug, which also sees the release of the Audio Unit version for OS X. They have also released Volume South 1, a new set of 14 instruments from South India.

SwarPlug update

The SwarPlug plugin user interface has been redesigned to accommodate a few much needed controls:

• Envelope sliders: available controls are for Attack, Decay, Sustain, Fade and Release.
• Pitch knobs: you can now change the pitch of the selected instrument. Drums with two sides can also be tuned independently through separate MAIN PITCH and ALT PITCH knobs.

Volume South 1 - 14 South Indian Instruments

After 2 volumes focused on North Indian instruments, Swar Systems has gone south to bring composers a collection of instruments and loops from the abode of the carnatic tradition. All are sampled from renowned musicians and come with a large collection of groovy rhythmic/melodic loops.

Featured instruments are:

• Mridangam
• Kappi Mridangam
• Ghatam
• Kanjeera
• Morsing
• Veena
• Nadaswaram
• Tavil
• Tamte
• Udukke
• Dollu
• Chende
• Ghat Singhari
• Konnakol

SwarShala Carnatic Edition

Swar Systems is also announcing the coming release (25th October, 2004) of a Carnatic Edition of their Indian music software, SwarShala. This edition will be oriented towards Carnatic music, by featuring a Carnatic Tutorial and all South 1 instruments. A Full Edition (North and South) version will also be available, featuring no less than 49 instruments and the 2 tutorials.