MusicRadar

Quality freeware for Mac is now plentiful

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Screenfashion.org The Wiinstrument
Format: Standalone
The Wiinstrument lets you take a Nintendo Wii controller and put its motion sensing features to use by converting your movements to MIDI events. You just need to set up OS X's native MIDI routing options and you're away; a spot of air drums or some MIDI CC action for controlling plug-ins – whatever takes your fancy.

Above: Now you no longer need Max/MSP or similar complicated software to make music with your Wiimote

Beatport and Native Instruments Beatport Sync
Format: Standalone
Beatport Sync is an iTunes-style music player with DJ-friendly features that's based on NI's Traktor 3 DJ software. It offers a music organiser that helps you collect and manage all of your tunes, including those in your iTunes library or connected iPod. The DJ aspect of the program is its innovative dual player (deck), which enables crossfading and even beat-matching. No EQ, effects or scratching, but for basic DJ mixing it's ideal.

Koen Tanghe @ Smartelectronix KTDrumTrigger
Format: VST
Note: PPC only
Ever thought about triggering MIDI from audio, perhaps to replace a wimpy kick drum sound with an extra crispy sample? Perhaps you have something more experimental in mind? KTAudioTrigger may be what you need. Inserted as an audio effect, the plug-in generates MIDI events which are sent to one of your instrument tracks. Filters, envelopes and more make KTDrumTrigger a very interesting tool.

Mixxx
Format: Standalone
Mixxx is an open-source DJ mixing app with two virtual decks on offer. The software actively estimates each track's tempo to assist your beatmatching efforts, and tempo changes are executed without repitching the track. You can grab on a playing track to push or pull it, including stop-play and reverse-play. All-in-all, a very complete mixing tool.

Sonalksis FreeG
Format: VST, AU, RTAS
FreeG is a very handy plug-in to have in your arsenal. It combines metering and gain adjustment in an attractive package. What makes it stand out is its well-considered user interface and collection of simple yet very useful audio tools. The large meter offers RMS and peak readings, and amplitude adjustment features include a fine-tune mode and a gain trim that's independent of the fader – ideal if you need to tweak an already automated track.