Steinberg today released its new CMC controllers. Dedicated to Steinberg’s own Cubase DAW, the six USB-powered CMC units offer an integrated control solution that provides a desirable degree of flexibility and configurability.

The CMC controllers are equipped with a combination of control elements that provide tactile control over certain Cubase functions. Each unit can be used separately or hooked up together with the included joint plate, resulting in a control desk that leaves no wishes unfulfilled.

“The CMC controllers are ultra-portable and the design’s perfect, but more importantly, the units offer a mind-blowing array of control options. Without a doubt, the CMCs are the perfect complement to Cubase, and Nuendo too,” commented Stefan Schreiber, Steinberg’s product marketing manager for hardware.

The CMC-CH channel controller houses 16 illuminated rubber push-buttons, one rotary encoder and a touch fader. The multi-colored buttons provide access to VST instrument settings, solo and mute tracks, bypass EQs, sends and inserts and channel freeze. Eight of the 16 buttons can also be assigned to a second function. The Channel Select button browses through the entire Cubase mixer, while the rotary encoder is used for panning. The LED-based touch fader controls the volume level while displaying the fader level.

The CMC-FD fader controller features four high-precision touch faders with LED-based metering and solo/mute function. The touch faders offer simultaneous control over four channels in Cubase. With the Channel Select and Bank Select buttons, users can jump to individual channels or select entire channel groups in the Cubase mixer. Up to four FD units can be combined together for 16-channel control.

The CMC-QC quick controller boasts 13 illuminated buttons and eight rotary encoders in three different modes: EQ, Quick Control and MIDI. In EQ mode, the rotary encoders reflect the channel EQ controls in Cubase, while the QC mode maps Quick Control capability onto the encoders for controlling effects and other parameters. The MIDI mode turns the unit into a freely configurable MIDI controller. Eight of the 13 push-buttons can be assigned to random Cubase functions. The included CMC-QC editor allows users to adjust MIDI control change parameters through the computer.

The CMC-PD pad controller features 16 highly responsive backlit pads and one rotary encoder. The pads change their background color according to the pressure exerted. Depressing the pads triggers MIDI notes or selects volume response curves. In 4Velocity mode, the pads are used for easy step recording. The rotary encoder browses sounds and presets in Cubase. The included PD editor software is used to assign MIDI notes to each pad.

The CMC-TP transport controller houses 17 buttons and a touch slider. The slider allows users to jog or shuttle through the project, tap in the tempo, scroll, zoom and browse. All major transport functions, including play, stop, record, cycle, fast forward and rewind, are controlled via the CMC-TP. Other buttons are used, for example, to insert markers, set the locator range or insert new tracks. The top four buttons can each be assigned to a second function, for even more control in Cubase.

The CMC-AI controller highlights Steinberg’s universal AI Knob, together with its ten function buttons. The AI Knob allows users to control any control element in Cubase by simply moving the mouse cursor over it. In Volume mode, the AI Knob turns into a high-precision master volume control whereas in Jog mode, the AI Knob is used to jog through the project. The AI Knob also doubles as a browse button to search and select presets. The four function buttons can be assigned to further control parameters.

CMC accessories comprise the CMC Studio Frame 4 and the CMC CC121 Extension Frame. The CMC Studio Frame 4 is a durable construction for housing up to four CMC units. The CMC CC121 Extension Frame can hold up to two CMC units and one CC121 controller.

Features at a glance

• Six unique controllers designed to take control of dedicated Cubase areas — faster and more convenient than with any other solution
• Modular system: combine multiple units to form an eminently powerful Cubase control station that exactly fits your needs; joint plate included for quick and easy connection
• Fully mirrored Cubase functionality: intuitive operation due to color scheme and icons
• Perfect ergonomics guarantee a unique level of handling quality — created to make your recording and live performance workflow more musical than ever
• Perfectly complementing the CC121 Advanced Integration controller
• Brings innovative technologies to your fingertips: illuminated, high-resolution touch controls and rotary encoders for detailed visual feedback
• Portability: small enough to fit in your pocket, on a master keyboard or wherever desired
• USB-powered: no additional power supply required
• Cross-platform compatible with Mac OS X and Windows
• Cubase AI download version included to start recording your music straight away

The CMC controllers and accessories are available through the Steinberg Online Shop in October. Shipping of the CMC controllers and accessories to dealers in Europe begins in October; however, the exact time of availability at certified Steinberg dealers is subject to regional variations.

The suggested retail price for the CMC-CH, CMC-TP, CMC-QC, CMC-PD and CMC-AI is €159 each, including German VAT. The CMC-FD is €199 including German VAT. In the United Kingdom, the suggested retail price for the CMC-CH, CMC-TP, CMC-QC, CMC-PD and CMC-AI is £135 including VAT. The CMC-FD is £169 including British VAT.

The suggested retail price for the CMC Studio Frame 4 is €129, including German VAT. In the United Kingdom, the suggested retail price for the CMC Studio Frame 4 is £109 including VAT.

The suggested retail price for the CMC CC121 Extension Frame is €149, including German VAT. In the United Kingdom, the suggested retail price for the CMC CC121 Extension Frame is £126 including VAT.

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/controller/cmc_serie/

Native Instruments today announced MASCHINE MIKRO. Combining the full-featured MASCHINE software with a streamlined and compact controller, MASCHINE MIKRO makes the tactile and intuitive music creation approach of MASCHINE available at a significantly reduced physical footprint and price.

MASCHINE MIKRO is based on a highly portable controller that provides hands-on control of the central MASCHINE features at two-thirds of the size and weight of the full-sized hardware. Utilizing a single display and a dynamically assigned high-resolution master encoder to enable its compact footprint, the bus-powered MIKRO controller retains the distinctive full-sized 4×4 matrix of pressure-sensitive, dynamically backlit MASCHINE drum pads with their acclaimed response and feel.

MASCHINE MIKRO includes the full-featured MASCHINE software with its versatile pattern-based live and step sequencing, VST and AU plug-in hosting, real-time audio recording, sample editing and advanced multi- effects. The MIKRO version also contains the full 6 GB MASCHINE sound library, expandable with the series of MASCHINE EXPANSIONS, as well as the free KOMPLETE ELEMENTS sound collection.

Hardware Specifications:

• Width: 320 mm / 12.6″
• Height: 195 mm / 7.7″
• Depth: 55 mm / 2.2″
• Weight: 1.2 Kgs / 2.6 lbs
• One high-contrast black and white display, 64 x 128 pixels
• 16 high-quality, illuminated pads with velocity and aftertouch
• One master knob for controlling numerous functions
• 28 back-lit buttons
• USB 2.0
• Kensington Lock

With the new 1.7 software version, both MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO now also benefit from advanced integration with KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE, providing advanced sound browsing and parameter mapping for all instruments and effects contained in the bundle.

To further complement the growing MASCHINE product range, Native Instruments is also about to release iMASCHINE, an iOS app that brings intuitive groove creation to the iPhone and iPod touch platform. With four tracks, audio sampling, high-quality effects and an expandable arsenal of professional instruments and drum sounds from the regular MASCHINE library, iMASCHINE allows users to sketch grooves on the go, and later transfer them into the full MASCHINE software for detailed editing and arrangement. iMASCHINE is planned for release through the Apple App Store in October.

On the Mac, MASCHINE MIKRO requires OS X 10.5 or 10.6 (latest update, 32/64 Bit), an Intel Core Duo processor, 2 GB of available RAM, a USB 2.0 Port and 11 GB free disk space for complete installation. The MASCHINE software runs stand-alone, or as an AU, VST or RTAS (Pro Tools 8 and higher) plug-in.

MASCHINE MIKRO will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $399 / €349.

www.native-instruments.com/maschinemikro

Avid has introduced a set of tools—including the new Pro Tools Mbox family, the M-Audio MobilePre and Pro Tools SE bundles—for a range of musicians who are seeking to create, record and mix music at home or on the road.

Designed for musicians and audio engineers looking to turn their Mac into a portable professional recording, mixing and production studio, the third generation of the Pro Tools Mbox family—Pro Tools Mbox Pro, Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Mini—offers customers premium sound and open workflows with support for the industry’s most popular DAWs. Based on customer feedback, new features in the Pro Tools Mbox family include:

• Re-designed hardware with pro features delivering best-in-class audio—Delivers best-in-class audio quality, enabling customers to achieve professional results at home or on the road. Redesigned from the ground up leveraging Avid’s expertise in professional studio gear, the new Pro Tools Mbox family also features several workflow enhancements including: A professional-grade soft clip limiter that improves overall audio quality by letting users capture hotter signals while recording; and a multi-function button allowing Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Pro users to control software parameters without using the computer mouse or keyboard.
• Freedom and flexibility to compose using Pro Tools LE or your DAW of choice—Gives customers more options to compose, record, edit and mix with seamless support for the industry’s most popular DAWs, including Pro Tools LE, Ableton Live, Apple Logic, Steinberg Cubase, and more, ensuring sessions are compatible with studios around the world.

For first-time Pro Tools users and emerging artists with an interest in musical composition, editing and production, the new Avid Recording Studio, Avid KeyStudio and Avid Vocal Studio systems provide everything needed to easily create and record music at home, including new Pro Tools SE software and proven M-Audio hardware.

With Pro Tools SE software included, the new Pro Tools SE Family serves as an introduction into the world of Pro Tools software by offering the same user interface found in Avid’s professional Pro Tools product line. Now, Pro Tools SE software offers customers groundbreaking music creation capabilities that leverage technology from professional-level Pro Tools products at a fraction of the price with a very intuitive user interface. The Pro Tools SE Family, which offers dedicated solutions for guitarists, keyboard players and vocalists, includes:

• Avid KeyStudio—Makes it easy for keyboard players to turn their inspiration into a professional-quality recording with a 49-note, velocity-sensitive M-Audio KeyStudio keyboard and Pro Tools SE music creation software.
• Avid Recording Studio—Allows customers to capture guitars, instruments and vocals in better than CD quality at 24-bit/48 kHz with Pro Tools SE music creation software and an M-Audio Fast Track audio interface.
• Avid Vocal Studio—Enables customers to record vocals for use in songs, soundtracks, podcasts or voice-overs with Pro Tools SE music creation software and the M-Audio Producer USB microphone.

With Pro Tools SE software, users can:

• Mix up to 24 tracks (16 audio tracks, 8 virtual instrument tracks) and use the included pro-quality effects—reverb, EQ, and guitar amp/distortion effects—to   create richly detailed and polished recordings.
• Use more than 100 different virtual instruments and more than 3 GB of audio loops to quickly construct songs and ideas.
• View integrated, intuitive tutorials that make it easy to learn how to compose, record, edit and mix on the Pro Tools SE platform.
• Record two instruments at once, and take advantage of built-in composing features including MIDI sequencing and score editing, which provide professional-grade creative solutions to users of every ability level.

The second-generation MobilePre delivers musicians an easy-to-use, full-featured studio-quality recording, mixing and production solution.  Customers can easily record anything from guitar, vocals, keyboards and more directly into their computer, and have the option to compose, record, edit and mix with included Pro Tools SE software, or any of the industry’s most popular DAWs, such as Pro Tools M-Powered, GarageBand, Apple Logic, Ableton Live and more.

Pricing and Availability

Pro Tools Mbox family pricing begins at $399 for the Pro Tools Mbox Mini, $679 for Pro Tools Mbox and $899 for the Pro Tools Mbox Pro. Pro Tools Mbox and Pro Tools Mbox Mini are available worldwide this month. Pro Tools Mbox Pro will be available worldwide in Q4.

Pro Tools SE bundles begin at $99.99 for Avid Vocal Studio, $119.99 for Avid Recording Studio and $129.99 for Avid KeyStudio and will be available in the US this month.

MobilePre is currently available worldwide for $179.

www.avid.com

Discuss the new Avid lineup on our Pro Tools forum.

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.