Cycling '74 today announced that Pluggo 3.1 for Mac OS X, a new version of its popular native audio processing plug-in software for RTAS and VST audio applications. A pre-release version of the software is being demonstrated publicly at the NAMM show in Anaheim, and will be available by the end of Q2 2003 as a free update for all registered Pluggo users.

Pluggo offers over 100 creative and unusual real-time audio effects and virtual instruments. In addition, users can create their own custom RTAS or VST plug-ins using Max/MSP, Cycling '74's award-winning companion programming environment.

Pluggo makes full use of the award-winning Max4/MSP2 audio environment, and includes the Essential Instruments collection, a set of elegant and immediately effective instruments initially developed by eowave, the developers of the iSynth. Pluggo effects include filtering, delay effects, distortion, granular synthesis, audio routing, reverb, and sound localization. In addition, pluggo offers modulation, synchronization, and audio and control routing capabilities between plug-ins.

The 19+ synths and samplers in the Essential Instruments collection use additive synthesis, analog-modeling, sampling, granular synthesis, FM synthesis, wavetable synthesis, and waveshaping. Users can seamlessly combine these exciting new instruments with Pluggo effects and modulators for an inexhaustible world of sonic possibilities.

Pluggo users who want to build their own plug-ins entirely from scratch can create them using Cycling '74's Max/MSP software. Support for effects automation, parameter management, presets, host synchronization, and undo is provided in the development environment.. Pluggo 3.1 also features the ability to distribute plug-ins non-commercially without the need for recipients to purchase the Pluggo package. A free runtime plug-in environment installer can be downloaded from the Cycling '74 web site.

Price and availability: The suggested retail price of Pluggo 3.1 is $199. Pluggo will be available for sale or download by the end of Q2 2003, and will be available as a free update for all registered Pluggo users.