C-Thru Music has announced that its AXiS 49 MIDI controller is now shipping.

The AXiS 49 is an handy velocity sensitive MIDI input device designed to help you make music with your computer. When you plug it into your computer with USB, the operating system will recognize it as a MIDI keyboard and make it accessible to your applications. Just like the AXiS 64, the AXiS 49 uses an array of hexagonal keys arranged in accordance to the harmonic table instead of piano keys.

There are 98 keys, so it's like having two 49-note keyboards all in one. There is no pitch bend or mod wheel, and no knobs or sockets for pedals, so you can tell the AXiS-49 is not designed to be primarily a live performance instrument, it is mostly designed for composing, arranging, and overdubs.

Line 6, Inc. announces the shipment of POD Studio KB37, an USB audio interface that combines a 37-key MIDI controller and multiple inputs and outputs with a complete collection of pro audio software that includes POD Farm, the premium tone plug-in.

POD Studio KB37 boasts up to 96 kHz/24-bit recording, exclusive Line 6 ToneDirect monitoring for near-zero latency, and the lowest noise for recording guitar. Plus, the included software bundle offers Ableton Live Lite Line 6 Studio Edition 16-track recording software, Reason Adapted virtual studio, RiffWorks T4 recording software, and POD Farm.

POD Studio KB37 offers incredible flexibility with 37 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, a variety of software-assignable MIDI controls, and a comprehensive I/O that features two balanced XLR inputs with high-quality mic pres and phantom power, 1/4-inch guitar input (with -10dB pad), S/PDIF digital output, two 1/4-inch line inputs, two 1/4-inch analog outs, assignable VU meters and much more.

POD Farm contains models of historic guitar amps, from vintage classics to must-have modern monsters, plus the studio-standard effects, stompboxes and preamps guitarists need to create pro-sounding recordings. Each immortal model is fully adjustable and comes in convenient Mac AU/RTAS/VST and Windows RTAS/VST formats to deliver legendary POD tone to any DAW.

POD Studio KB37: $419.99 MSRP

Akai Professional announces the release of MPC5000 OS 2.0, a new operating system for its flagship MPC5000 music production workstation. It includes more than 25 improvements to the functionality and workflow of the MPC5000. Many of the new capabilities have been developed to accommodate the specific requests of MPC5000 user feedback.

MPC5000 OS 2.0 introduces Keygroup Programs to the MPC5000. Users can create chromatic instrument key-mapped sample programs taking a single sample and turning it into a pitched piano, string or other instrument sound. Users can now import S1000, S3000, S5000/S6000, Z4/Z8 and MPC4000-format sample libraries from Akai Professional and third party developers.

MPC5000 OS 2.0 enables automation recording for any of the parameters in the effects set, an MPC first. A new Controller Grid Edit window added to Grid Edit Mode enables users to see a graphic view of controller automation and edit events.

A new MultiEdit function enables users to edit parameters for multiple pads all at once. The ability to edit tuning, envelope filters, or most any parameter across all of the pads in a Drum or Keygroup Program saves users considerable time and effort.

The MPC5000's Chopshop technology, which slices samples into smaller pieces, has a new Zoom function in MPC5000 OS 2.0 that lets users to zoom in on individual slices for finer editing of their beat slicing.

The newly added ability to quantize Track Mutes is a useful feature for performers who trigger clips and tracks from their MPC5000. It eliminates worries about compensating for latency because the MPC5000 perfectly aligns mute punches in real time.

The new system is available now as a free download from the company's Website.

Purchase a pair of Dynaudio Acoustics BM5A Compact studio monitors from any authorized Dynaudio Acoustics dealer between March 1, 2009 and April 31, 2009 and receive a TC Electronic Level Pilot volume control for free !

Please note that this offer is valid only to residents of US and Canada.

Waldorf has just released a new version of the Blofeld firmware.

Improvements :

- MIDI Clock reception fixed
- Program change reception fixed
- Convenient category selection in Multimode
- Storing in Multimode improved
- Upgrade Terminal application for OS X added

Musicrow is proud to announce the release of Vintage Strings MkIII, a virtual string machine that replicates the sound of analog string ensemble keyboards from the 70's, like the arp solina and the crumar multiman.

Vintage Strings MkIII can produce a wide range of rich warm string pads, and other beautiful atmospheric sounds. It make no use samples, so any of its presets can be tweaked, and new ones can be easily created.

Main Features :

- Super realistic emulation of vintage string machines.
- Two separate string sections with beautiful string sound.
- Chorus section that accurately emulates the chorus effect on vintage string machines.
- Advanced reverb section with a smooth studio reverb and authentic spring reverb.
- Analog and regular envelope modes.

Vintage Strings MkIII is now available as a VST instrument for Windows and costs €59. Existing users of Vintage Strings MkII can upgrade to the new MkIII version for €19. A trial version and demo sounds are available on Musicrow site.