Today's Top Stories:

  Mac Support for GX-1 DVD/CD Publisher
Microboards Technology has introduced a software package that revolutionizes disc printing and recording on the Mac. Besides its durability and good looks, the GX-1 disc publisher is rapidly gaining attention for its output capabilities. In fact, exhaustive testing has confirmed that the GX-1 wins for cost-per-disc in ink, speed of print (up to 40% faster than other desktop solutions), and print quality. Microboards co-developed the Mac solution with Hewlett Packard, who also provides the print engine for the GX-1. Gains in print time and quality come in part from a new inkjet engine from HP, improved handling of the disc under the print head, and HP's new Vivera inks, which deliver brightness and durability for photo-quality printing. We're happy to report that we have the GX-1 in stock, ready to ship directly to your doorstep!

  Building a Better Virus
Trust us, this is one virus you'll be happy to get! With Universal Binary support for Intel-based Mac users and improved stability, Version 1.2.3 of the new Access Virus TI operating system resolves startup and synchronization issues, improves the handling of 48kHz projects, offers faster start-up of the Virus Control plug-in along with other refinements. Naturally, the OS is backward compatible for use with the huge installed base of PowerPC-based Macs. According to the folks at Access, this new operating system feels much snappier, fixes a couple of bugs that caused crackling with certain patches, and lowers the CPU consumption when the plug-in window is open. This is a free upgrade for registered users of both Windows XP SP2 and Mac OS X 10.4 versions.

  New In Stock At Sweetwater

• Roger Nichols Digital Pro Bundle - This is a suite of powerful plug-ins from producer, recording engineer, and 7-time Grammy-winner Roger Nichols, whose resume includes Steely Dan, Joe Cocker, Al DiMeola, Mark Knopfler, and Frank Sinatra. A nuclear engineer-turned recording engineer, Nichols vast technical knowledge has resulted in a series of phenomenal plug-ins that each offer something unique. Each of the plug-ins is available individually, but why not save a lot of money by buying the bundle, which includes the Uniquel-izer, Dynam-izer, Frequal-izer, and Finis. Includes RTAS, VST, and AU formats for Mac OS and VST for Windows systems.
• Rode NT55 - This mic has the same sound quality, ease of use, and reliability as the Rode NT5, but with the addition of a NT45-O Omni capsule. Along with the supplied NT45-C Cardioid capsule, this makes the NT55 an unbeatable package for anyone wanting the most versatile compact mic on the market. The NT55 circuit incorporates a 3-position variable pad and a 3-position variable high-pass filter, just like those high-end Rode microphones. The NT55 is perfect in situations where a small unobtrusive mic is required, with a state-of-the-art low noise balanced output, wide dynamic range, and full frequency response. Perfect for live performance, studio work, film, TV, surround, and environmental recording applications.

  Guitar Of The Day
The heart of the PRS line (and rightly so) is the Custom, perhaps followed closely by the McCarty. But certainly this beautiful Santana III will get snatched up quickly for several reasons. First off, well, it's a Santana, and no artist playing PRS guitars has a higher profile than Calos Santana. (In fact, Carlos is playing a series of sold-out concerts this month.) The original Santana I (with the two mini switches) was released in 1995, while the Santana II (with a standard 3-way toggle switch) was available as a special order only beginning in 1999. A short time later, PRS decided to build a production version of the Santana, which is what we have here. This one has a really nice figured maple top - not Artist quality, but still quite handsome. It's in an unusual color for a Santana III; Vintage Yellow with a cherry-stained mahogany back and 24-fret neck (with the Santana wide-fat carve). Unlike the Santana II which has the "zebra" bobbins, the III has nickel-covered pickups, one volume and one tone control, and a 3-way toggle switch. The East Indian rosewood fingerboard has those trademark PRS abalone bird inlays and the guitar comes with a silky smooth PRS tremolo bridge and tailpiece. If you're looking for a guitar built with all the love and care that goes into every PRS guitar, this one might be perfect for you. Naturally, it comes with a PRS plush-lined hardshell case.