Cakewalk has announced the immediate availability of a new Mac Support update for the V-Studio 20, enabling the VS-20 hardware and Effects Editor to be used with all popular Mac-based recording software titles. The update provides Mac users with all the benefits of recording with the V-Studio 20 COSM guitar and vocal effects; and use of the V-Studio 20 hardware as dedicated universal DAW controller. Additionally, both GarageBand and Logic can be further integrated into the V-Studio 20 system using the included custom control surface plug-in included in this update.

The compact V-Studio 20 hardware combines a USB audio interface, stereo microphones, and a basic universal DAW controller that supports all popular digital recording software for Mac/PC via Mackie control protocol. The V-Studio 20 matches the simplicity of a portable, hardware recording system with the power, flexibility, and control of modern computer-based recording. Whether you’re at home or on the road, you can easily connect a guitar or mic to the VS-20 hardware, then dial up genuine BOSS guitar effects and Roland’s breakthrough COSM modeling.

VS-20 Hardware Features

• Stereo USB 24 bit, 44.1 kHz Audio Interface
• Genuine COSM DSP Chip providing zero-latency direct monitoring
• Eight dedicated channels with volume and track select
• Track bank controls
• Full Transport Controls
• One-touch access to the VS-20 Effects Editor
• One-touch access to the chromatic tuner in the VS-20 Effects Editor
• Controls for browsing presets in the VS-20 Effects Editor
• Input selection and input sensitivity controls
• Dedicated volume controls for DAW output, VS-20 Effects and Main Outs
• XLR Mic Input with Phantom Power
• Hi-Z Instrument Input
• 1/4″ Stereo Line Inputs
• Built-in Stereo Microphone
• 1/4″ Headphone Output
• Stereo RCA Line Out
• Two independent 1/4″ Footswitch and Expression Pedal jacks

The free V-Studio 20 Mac Support update includes:

• OS X 10.5 & 10.6 (Snow Leopard) drivers for the V-Studio 20 hardware (Mackie Universal Control)
• OS X 10.5 & 10.6 (Snow Leopard) support for the COSM effects Editor
• Plug-in for GarageBand and Logic to allow control surface support

The V-Studio 20 Mac Support Update for OS X 10.5 & 10.6 (Snow Leopard) is available as a free download from the Cakewalk website.

www.cakewalk.com/support/kb/reader.aspx?ID=2007013161

Discuss the V-Studio 20 in our Effects forum.

The instrument that I had at my disposal was the final prototype before the actual production models that are being sold now. Many things were different and now that I’ve actually bought my own personal Eigenharp Alpha and sent the review model back, I clearly see how much better the final version is, even though I already found the prototype amazing.

The Eigenharp as a whole

Every Eigenharp has to be seen as two parts that intimately work together: the physical instrument that you play and the software that runs on a computer to generate the sound.

While Eigenlabs could have combined both inside one shell and embedded a chip, they purposely didn’t. The power of the software is closely tied to the power of the hardware that it runs on and computers evolve rapidly, doubling their performance every couple of years. Since the Eigenharp is an instrument that is very deep and versatile, you can easily be playing it for the rest of your life, like a guitar or a piano. Being limited by the power of an embedded sound module during all this time would obviously be a shame.

That being said, Eigenlabs recognized the limitations of existing protocols like MIDI and developed the standalone EigenD software to exchange data in very high resolution with the Eigenharp itself. EigenD is required to use the Eigenharp and has to be seen as an inherent part of the instrument that happens to be virtual and outside its physical body. Inside EigenD, everything benefits from the full expressiveness of the Eigenharp in all its detail, with some caveats as I’ll explain later. EigenD also configures the Eigenharp’s keys and controllers by sending a model of their behavior and interactions to the instrument itself. Just turning the Eigenharp on without running EigenD results in a lifeless instrument that simply does nothing.

Read the rest on EigenZone

The entire review can be read on my website.

Discuss Eigenharp Alpha in our instruments forum.

Audiofile Engineering has released MIDI Surface for iPhone OS. Designed for use with Line 6’s MIDI Mobilizer hardware accessory, MIDI Surface gives iPhone and iPod touch owners the ability to quickly and easily build their own fully customized MIDI control surfaces. Seamless touch-screen control of MIDI-enabled instruments such as keyboards, drum machines, software synths and more is now available in the palm of users’ hands.

“There’s no reason to sacrifice utility for convenience when it comes to MIDI control,” said Matthew Foust, co-founder and Operations Manager for Audiofile Engineering. “When used with the Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer, iPhone and iPod touch are more than powerful enough to store many full-featured control surfaces under one roof. We created MIDI Surface to harness that power and make it accessible for musicians at all levels.”

Suitable for use on stage, at home or in studio settings, MIDI Surface offers four elegant interface styles, each with its own set of changeable parameters: The Keyboard interface features Channel and Velocity controls. The Sliders interface includes Channel, Controller (Mod Wheel, Expression, etc.), Low Value and High Value controls. The Drum Pads interface includes Channel, Category (Note On, Controller, Program Change), Note, Note Off (Immediate or Touch Up) and Velocity controls. The X-Y interface supports up to four touches and includes Channel, Controller, Left Value and Right Value controls.

Users can create and save as many MIDI Surface interfaces as they like. Each customized control surface can be configured in precise detail and adjusted on the fly. Users can even store their own unique Presets for quick recall.

Audiofile Engineering previously developed MIDI Memo Recorder, a free application that allows iPhone and iPod touch users to record, store and playback MIDI sequences using Line 6’s MIDI Mobilizer accessory.

MIDI Surface is now available for download via the iTunes App Store for $5.99. Installation on iPhone or iPod touch requires iPhone OS 3.1 or higher. The required Line 6 MIDI Mobilizer accessory is sold separately.

Discuss MIDI Surface for iPhone in our iPhone OS forum.

Akai Professional has unveiled the APC20, the second control surface created by Akai for performance with Ableton Live software. Like the APC40, the APC20 promises to transform the user’s experience from one of constructing tracks with a keyboard and mouse to composing and performing with a seamless, fully integrated hardware/software musical system.

The APC20 retains many of the APC40’s most popular features and capabilities, while shrinking the physical footprint and adding interesting new capabilities. The smaller size enables musicians to perform in less space and makes setting up multiple controllers and devices easier. Power users can use the APC20 in conjunction with an APC40 to expand their track and clip controls.

Like the APC40, the APC20 centers on its five-by-eight Clip Launch grid. This bank of multicolor triggers not only start and stop clips playing in Live, they also show cells’ status in the software – whether a clip is loaded or not, whether it is playing or not, record-armed status and more. Clip Stop triggers, transport controls and faders round out the control surface. Users can switch the APC20’s faders between volume control, pan, sends and three different user-mapped modes. A new Note Mode enables musicians to use the Clip Launch buttons to control virtual instruments and Ableton Live’s Drum Rack.

Because Akai Professional and Ableton designed the APC20 for use with Ableton Live software, the system is truly plug and play, although advanced Live users will appreciate that the APC20 enables them to remap every one of its controls to suit their own style.

“The APC20 is perfect for performers who like to customize their setup with multiple controllers, or just want a more compact setup,” said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional. “You’ll spend less time looking at the computer screen, using a mouse and keyboard with the APC20”

Mac system requirements include a G4 CPU or higher, OS X 10.3.9 or later, 512 MB RAM, QuickTime 6.5 or later, a DVD-ROM drive, and a USB port. An Intel CPU and 1 GB RAM are recommended.

The APC20 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in January 2010. It has a U.S. Retail Price of $299.00 and an estimated street price of $199.00

www.akaipro.com/apc20

Discuss the APC20 in our Live forum.

Avid today introduced the new M-Audio Oxygen series: the first USB MIDI keyboard controller to feature DirectLink, a hassle-free control mode that instantly maps the Oxygen’s controls to a digital audio workstation (DAW), giving musicians intuitive hands-on control over a session right from the keyboard. Redesigned with a fresh look for stage and studio use and available in 25-, 49- and 61-key models, the Oxygen keyboards are ideal for laptop production, live performance and professional studio applications.

The Oxygen series controllers feature full-size velocity-sensitive keys along with a complement of sliders, knobs and buttons for tweaking and performing with software instruments. With DirectLink, these same controls instantly map to a DAW’s mixer, pan, and transport functions, providing real time control with a variety of DAWs including Pro Tools, Cubase, Reason, Logic and Garageband.

“The new Oxygen controllers take M-Audio’s classic Oxygen line to the next level with DirectLink, making it easier than ever to record, mix and shape a musical performance straight-away without any complicated set up,” says Avid product Manager Tim Chandler. “DirectLink is simple, but effective – automatically linking up with useful controls in your music software. Ultimately, players and producers are able to be more creative and get musical results without the need for complex MIDI mapping or controller programming.”

The Oxygen 25, 49, and 61 are currently shipping for a suggested list price of $149.95, $189.95, and $249.95 respectively.

www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.family&ID=USBkeyboardcontrollers

Discuss the Oxygen series controllers in our Hardware forum.

Ableton is very happy to announce Launchpad, a new dedicated controller for Ableton Live, co-developed by Novation and Ableton. Launchpad features a multicolor, 64-button grid for launching clips, as well as dedicated scene-launch buttons. Despite the big grid, Launchpad is compact and portable: it’ll fit in your bag for gigs and won’t hog your desk space in the studio.

Launchpad doesn’t just launch clips. In mixer mode the button grid offers a unique way to control Ableton Live’s mixer. Two fully customizable user modes transform the grid into a drum pad controller, a DJ effect controller or anything else you can think of. These user modes make Launchpad the ideal hardware counterpart for the upcoming Max for Live.

Launchpad is Automap-enabled, and if 64 buttons aren’t enough, you can link up to six units together.

Launchpad comes with a special Live 8 Launchpad Edition and 1GB of sound content. It will be on sale worldwide starting in November. Pricing is expected to be around $199 / €149 (VAT not included).

www.novationmusic.com/launchpad

Steinberg has announced the release of the brand-new CI2 Advanced Integration USB studio featuring a USB-powered audio interface and controller in one portable unit alongside the Cubase AI 5 music production software.

The CI2 houses two balanced XLR/jack combo connectors with high-quality microphone preamps plus onboard +48V phantom power. A dedicated high-impedance switch on the first channel lets you jack an electric guitar or bass directly into the CI2. And with 24-bit resolution and a sampling rate of 48 kHz, the CI2 provides a professional digital audio recording standard ensuring stunning sound quality.

Leaving the best for last is the console’s AI Knob, harnessing Steinberg’s Advanced Integration technology for seamless interaction with the included Cubase AI 5 music production software.

On the software side of things is Cubase AI 5, a lean Cubase version without the bells and whistles yet providing all the tools you are looking for to compose, record, edit and mix your music with ease.

Together, the CI2 hardware and Cubase AI 5 software present a complete plug-and-play solution for live stereo and band recording and producing, ready to be set up wherever you wish.

Shipping of the CI2 Advanced Integration USB studio commences at the end of September.

www.steinberg.net/en/products/hardware/ci2.html

Discuss the Steinberg CI2 and Cubase AI 5 in our Cubase & Nuendo forum.

Today Apogee introduced GiO, an audio interface and foot controller for the Mac, designed to work seamlessly with Apple’s new Logic Studio and GarageBand ’09. Powered by USB and built into a rugged aluminum case, GiO gives guitar players hands-free control over recording and many new features in Logic Studio, including Amp Designer, Pedalboard, MainStage 2, Playback and Loopback. GiO is also plug-and-play with GarageBand ’09 making it easy for GarageBand users to connect their guitar to their Mac and control recording functions and stompbox effects with their feet.

“Our Mac-only focus has allowed us to offer highly refined, innovative products, and give our customers an incredible experience.” said Betty Bennett, CEO of Apogee. “With GiO, users of the new Logic Studio and GarageBand ’09 have amps, stompboxes, recording control and legendary Apogee sound right at their feet, whether they’re in the studio, at home, or on stage.”

GiO’s instrument input is specially designed for guitar and the 1/4” stereo output offers a true Apogee listening experience. GiO’s five transport control buttons let guitar players record, play, stop and quickly navigate through a project without taking their hands off their guitar. The same buttons can be assigned to functions selected by the user with MainStage 2, Apple’s live performance application. Guitar players can use the five stompbox buttons to individually control their favorite Pedalboard effects in Logic Studio while GiO’s color indicators automatically adjust to match the colors displayed onscreen.

Features and Specifications:

• Unbalanced 1/4” high impedance instrument input
• 1/4” MIDI Expression pedal input
• Line-level, 1/4” stereo output for headphones, powered monitors or an instrument amplifier
• A/D and D/A conversion @ 44.1/48kHz, 24-bit
• 5 Stompbox buttons, dynamically color coded to match software effects
• 5 Transport control buttons, dynamically lit when engaged
• 2 “Previous/Next” preset selection buttons
• Control built into Apple’s GarageBand ’09, Logic Pro 9, and MainStage 2 software

System Requirements:

• Computer: Mac, with an Intel or PowerPC G5 processor
• Memory: 1 GB minimum of installed RAM, 2 GB recommended
• OS: 10.5.7 or greater
• Apple’s GarageBand ’09, Logic Pro 9, MainStage 2, Logic Express 9
• Connection and Power: USB, powered by any available USB port on the computer

GiO will be available in September 2009 for $395.

Discuss Gio in our Hardware forum.

Akai Professional has unveiled the LPD8 laptop pad controller, LPK25 laptop performance keyboard controller and MPK61 full-size keyboard MIDI controller. All three will make their debut at Akai’s booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 – 19.

The LPD8 and LPK25 are USB-MIDI controllers for musicians, producers, DJs and other music creators. Each model is less than 13 inches across and weighs less than a pound to easily fit into a laptop case, backpack or messenger bag for extreme portability.

The LPD8 is based on Akai Professional’s MPC line of iconic music product stations. While the smallest model, the MPC500 is quite portable, many producers prefer to work with software on their computer and the LPD8 gives their laptop the controls they prefer over a mouse and keyboard. The LPD8 has eight blue light-up pads that are velocity sensitive for programming rhythmic or melodic parts. The pads can also send program-change information to software. The LPD8 also has eight assignable Q-Link knobs to which users can assign virtually any parameters in their software for hands-on control.

The LPK25 is a scaled-down relative to the MPK series of keyboard performance controllers. The diminutive keyboard is made up of 25 miniature, velocity-sensitive keyboard keys with synth action. The LPK25 contains an arpeggiator, which steps through chords automatically, assisting musicians with creating quick melodic ideas. Sustain, octave up and down and tap tempo controls round out the LPK25’s easy-to-learn layout.

Each controller works plug and play with Mac and PC and requires no software driver installation or wall power for operation. Both the LPD8 and LPK25 have four memory banks for programming and recalling settings appropriate to different software programs they use.

The MPK61 is a keyboard performance MIDI controller that expands the popular MPK line. Each MPK controller combines a piano-style keybed with a bank of genuine Akai Professional MPC pads, assignable Q-Link controllers and some of the technologies from the icon MPC. Producers, performers and DJs will appreciate the MPK61’s mix of 61 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, 16 MPC pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, 72 assignable Q-Link, MPC Note Repeat, MPC Swing and an arpeggiator. The MPK61’s size is ideal for performers who need a larger range than the original 49-key MPK49 offers, but also prefer the lighter weight and associated portability of a semi-weighted keyboard.

The MPK61 comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software, one of the most popular and powerful performance and production programs worldwide. Ableton Live Lite enables musicians to spontaneously compose, record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas in a seamless audio/MIDI environment. The MPK61 is a MIDI controller that sends MIDI values over USB for plug-and-play performance with Mac and PC.

The LPD8, LPK25 and MPK61 will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers Q3 2009.

Discuss the new Akai MIDI controllers in our Hardware forum.

The (Ableton Performance Controller) APC40 is a dedicated controller for Ableton Live, co-designed by Ableton and the same engineering team responsible for Akai’s iconic MPC range of products. This is a dream come true for the Ableton Live community and an exciting first step into the world of Ableton Live for new users.

The APC40 features high quality controls for real-time mixing, remixing and production. 109 buttons, 16 endless encoders with LED rings, nine 45mm faders and a replaceable crossfader give musicians and producers complete control of Live’s Session View, effect devices and virtual instruments. Whether you’re in the studio or on stage, DJing, making beats, running backing tracks, firing MIDI loops or triggering sound effects, you can kiss your mouse goodbye.

Ableton Live Akai Professional APC Edition, a custom-tailored software package, comes with every APC40. This features eight audio and eight MIDI tracks plus twenty Session View scenes. It also includes all of Live’s effects and even allows custom mapping, making it a simple but adequate out-of-the-box solution for studio and stage.

The APC40 requires Ableton Live 7 or higher. The software requires any G4 Mac or faster (Intel Mac recommended), 512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended), Mac OS X 10.3.9 (10.4 or later recommended), QuickTime 6.5 or higher, and a DVD-ROM drive.

Ableton is also extending “special thanks to Jeroen van Garling, AKA djsynchro, for the APC40/Liberty image, and thanks to all forum members who posted some fantastic APC40 photoshopping and had us laughing all over the office. You know who you are, guys, thank you.”

Discuss the APC40 in our Live forum.

Steinberg has released the Cubase iC remote control app for iPhone and iPod Touch. First announced at this year’s NAMM show, you now can download your copy from the Apple iTunes Store for free.

Cubase iC transforms your iPhone and your iPod touch into a powerful remote control for Cubase 5 and Cubase Studio 5. Whether you are using Cubase in the studio or on stage, Cubase iC gives you fast and precise control of essential functions from anywhere within your Wi-Fi network’s range. Cubase iC gives you access to basic transport functions, allows you to monitor playback position and control the unique Arranger Track.

Recording — Cubase iC is of great assistance to musicians recording in a rehearsal room or home studio. With it, basic functions for recording different takes and parts are controlled via your iPhone or iPod Touch without using your computer each time.

Producing — Producers can access the essential transport functions from all over the studio. This comes in handy when recording and mixing and during listening sessions with musicians and clients.

Performing — Cubase iC controls the Arranger Track, making it also an ultra-cool live tool. Now you can start and stop the different sections of the song while playing live.

Cubase iC supports the following Cubase functions:

Transport Tab:

• Dual Position Displays
• Jog Band and Project Time Position Slider
• Go to zero
• Go to previous marker
• Rewind
• Play/Stop
• Forward
• Go to next marker
• Record (Punch In/Out)
• Arranger On/Off
• Metronome Click On/Off
• Precount On/Off
• Cycle On/Off

Arranger Tab:

• Arranger On/Off
• Play
• Jump

Cubase iC is available for free download from the Apple iTunes Store and requires the Steinberg SKI Remote extension for Cubase 5 and Cubase Studio 5.

Discuss Cubase iC in our Cubase & Nuendo forum.

Euphonix has announced MC Transport, the latest addition to its line of Artist Series media controllers. MC Transport brings the unparalleled speed, resolution and software integration of Euphonix’ high-end controllers to the personal studio.

MC Transport ships with a comprehensive set of preprogrammed soft keys for all major audio and video applications that instantly come up whenever each application is in focus. All soft keys, transport controls and numeric keys are also fully customizable, and can be easily programmed for a variety of functions to suit your workflow.

MC Transport features EuCon™, a high-speed control protocol developed by Euphonix that enables simultaneous control of multiple applications and even workstations over an Ethernet cable at 250 times the speed and eight times the resolution of MIDI. EuCon automatically detects whatever application is in the foreground and instantly sets MC Transport’s controls, high-resolution display and programmable soft keys to match.

Euphonix has worked closely with the world’s leading software developers like Apple, Steinberg, MOTU and others to deeply integrate native EuCon support into their audio and video applications to provide high-resolution, high-speed control over almost all software functions for an unmatched editing and mixing experience. MC Transport also supports the HUI and Mackie Control protocols for even greater flexibility, at a faster speed and higher resolution than any other controllers. MC Transport is expected to be available in June 2009 at an estimated street price of $399.99.