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.

RME has announced the impending delivery of Babyface, a new 22-channel portable USB 2.0 audio interface. Babyface sports digitally controlled mic preamps, instrument input, ADAT, S/PDIF and MIDI ports. The built-in TotalMix FX DSP mixer includes high-quality EQ, delay and reverb for tracking and monitoring.

• Sample rates up to 192 kHz
• Analog I/O x2
• Mic/Line preamp x2, digitally controlled
• Alternate Instrument Input
• Stereo Headphone Output
• ADAT I/O
• S/PDIF optical port (switchable with ADAT I/O)
• MIDI port
• USB 2.0 port

The Babyface package will include TotalMix FX and DIGICheck software, XLR breakout cable, optical cable, USB cable and power supply. Additional BO9632XLRMKH XLR breakout cables (shown above) may be purchased separately.

Babyface is currently priced at €599. No US pricing has been announced yet.

http://www.rme-audio.de/en_index.php

Discuss the RME Babyface in our Hardware forum.

Line 6 has announced MIDI Mobilizer, the first MIDI interface available for Apple iPhone and iPod touch. MIDI Mobilizer is a low-profile device which fits into the standard 30-pin docking connector. Together with MIDI Memo Recorder, a free app available for download via the iTunes Store, it will present MIDI musicians with a host of performing, recording and data backup solutions.

“We’re very excited to announce MIDI Mobilizer, the first MIDI interface of its kind,” remarked Marcus Ryle, SVP of New Business Development at Line 6. “It will connect MIDI musicians to the most portable platform ever, and allow them to play, record, and store any MIDI information.”

MIDI Mobilizer is compatible with millions of pieces of classic and modern MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) devices such as synthesizers, digital pianos, effects processors, and even Line 6 guitar amps and POD products. Virtually any gear with standard MIDI 5-pin DIN connectors can now be directly connected to an iPhone or iPod touch.

MIDI Mobilizer specifications

• Compatible with all models of iPhone and iPod touch (iPhone, iPhone 3G, iPhone 3GS, iPod touch, iPod touch 2G)
• Compatible with all MIDI devices that have standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connections
• MIDI In and Out signal-active LEDs
• Connects to the 30-pin connector on the bottom of iPhone or iPod touch
• MIDI In and Out on MIDI Mobilizer via 2.5mm TRS connections
• Includes a pair of 5-foot, 2.5mm-to-5-pin DIN Planet Waves MIDI cables
• Powered by iPhone or iPod touch — no batteries or power supply required

MIDI Memo Recorder app specifications

• Free download via the Apple iTunes Store
• Records all MIDI data received, including notes, controllers, and sysex
• MIDI data time stamped to one millisecond accuracy
• Standard MIDI File format compatible with virtually all DAWs
• Access to Memos via email or WiFi connection

Musicians who rely on computers to store and recall MIDI data during performances will celebrate the ease and reduced setup time afforded by an iPhone or iPod touch, and the simple interface of MIDI Memo Recorder. Plus, no longer will musicians need to travel with the extra weight, bulk and fragility of a computer.

The size and simplicity of MIDI Mobilizer make it ideal for inspiration capture as well as for performance support. Whenever inspiration strikes, MIDI Mobilizer will allow for the capture and review of even the most fleeting of keyboard ideas. Recorded inspirations can then be emailed as an SMF (Standard MIDI File) and opened and edited within virtually any digital audio workstation on your Mac.

MIDI Mobilizer can also be employed as a safety net for performing musicians. During equipment failure, or when using rented gear for a gig, MIDI parameter data stored on an iPhone or iPod touch can be imported into replacement keyboards or other MIDI equipment to quickly restore the exact settings and sounds needed. MIDI Mobilizer is the most portable and affordable solution for transferring MIDI information.

MIDI Mobilizer will ship April, 2010.

line6.com/midimobilizer/

Discuss MIDI Mobilizer in our iPhone & iPod Touch forum.

Audiofile Engineering has released Backline, a handy new utility for Mac OS X. It’s an indispensable set of tools to manage all things audio related on your computer. Whether you need to repair damaged audio files, update your audio effects, reset CoreAudio, or load and playback a DDP file set, Backline is here to simplify your life!

Have you ever discovered an audio file that doesn’t load in your favorite DAW, or sampler? Or, perhaps after digging out your favorite recording from the archives you discover that something has gone wrong with the audio files themselves? An industry first, Audio File First Aid will give you new insight into the structure of your files, giving you the power to diagnose and repair the most common causes of corrupt audio files. Originally packaged with Wave Editor and Sample Manager and now available in Backline Basic.

Manage, update, and audition your Audio Unit and VST effects all within Backline! The days of launching a full-featured DAW to demo an effect are over, as are the days of scrounging around the internet to find an update. Effect updating uses our Audio Effect Database. Read more about the database, especially how developers can get involved.

Experiencing technical difficulties with your applications? No problem. Easily create backups of your Audiofile Engineering application’s settings, restore from a remote location, clear effect caches, reset the CoreAudio, and more. You can also monitor all incoming MIDI messages, generate MIDI clock or time code and specify any MIDI output.

• Audio File First Aid: repair malformed audio files
• FiRe Browser: download FiRe recordings to your computer
• Effect Manager: manages Audio Units and VST plug-ins including SmartGroups
• Effect Update: Effect Manager integrates with our online effect database and tells you when updates to your effects have posted (think MacUpdate + software update for plug-ins)
• Effect Audition: load any Audio Units or VST effect and see how it sounds using our built-in sound files or your own
• MIDI Tools: MIDI Monitor, MIDI Clock, MIDI Timecode Generator
• DDP Player: Load a DDP 2.0 set, browse its metadata, listen to the tracks, and burn to CD
• Reset Audio System: Reset CoreAudio server (coreaudiod), clear the Audio Components Cache, Stop CoreMIDI server
• Audiofile Engineering Tools: back up/restore all of your Audiofile settings such as keyboard shortcuts, reset preferences, reset effect caches, uninstall

Backline requires Mac OS X 10.5 or higher.

Backline Basic will run, without limitation, for 15 days. Audiofile-specific tools are free. The rest of the tools (Audio File First Aid, FiRe Browser, Effect Manager, Effect Update, Effect Audition, MIDI, and Reset Audio System ) require a license key ($29). DDP Player requires its own, separate paid license ($59). Both paid modes can be purchased and used independently.

www.audiofile-engineering.com/backline/

Discuss Backline in our Audiofile Engineering 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.

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.

Alesis announces the USB-MIDI Cable, a simple and affordable way to interface MIDI instruments with computers via USB. The USB-MIDI Cable will make its debut at Alesis’ booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 – 19.

The USB-MIDI Cable is the latest addition to Alesis’ AudioLink Series of problem-solving cables for musicians. The MIDI-to-USB cable has traditional male and female MIDI (DIN) connectors on one end and a USB connector on the other. Musicians can use the USB-MIDI Cable to control virtually any MIDI-compliant software using any hardware device with a MIDI output jack, such as a keyboard, drum pad or MPC.

The USB-MIDI Cable is class compliant for plug-and-play USB connectivity on Mac and PC, requiring no software-driver installation or external powering. Musicians can use the USB-MIDI Cable with virtually all music production, sequencing and recording software.

“This new cable is perfect for bringing older MIDI controllers into today’s computer-music age,” said Jim Norman, Product Manager, Alesis. “The USB-MIDI Cable is one of those problem solvers that should be in every studio as an insurance policy, if nothing else.”

The USB-MIDI Cable will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers later this year.