Akai Professional announces that the MPK88 is now shipping.

This new addition to the MPK series of keyboard controllers with MPC pads and technology brings the utility and creative control of its siblings to more dedicated piano and keyboard players, thanks to its fully-weighted, hammer-action keyboard with assignable keyboard split and aftertouch.

In addition to the premium keybed, the MPK88 gives the player 16 MPC pads that are velocity and pressure sensitive and can access four banks of sounds each, for access to 64 sounds at any time. The MPK88 also puts the player in command of their software with assignable Q-Link faders, knobs and buttons. The user can assign any Q-Link to control nearly any parameter in their software for hands-on, mouse-free performance. The MPK88 also has ...

Ableton and Cycling '74 are pleased to announce the release of Max for Live, the long-awaited product that puts the power and potential of Max/MSP inside Live. Co-developed by Ableton and Cycling '74 over a period of more than two years, Max for Live effectively opens up the Live platform, allowing users to create and edit their own devices.

Users are free to create whatever they can think of: unique synths and effects, algorithmic composition tools, or hybrid hardware/software music machines. Devices created with Max for Live are seamlessly integrated into Live's interface and workflow, just like the "home-grown" Ableton instruments and effects.

For those not interested in building their own devices, Max for Live is still an interesting opportunity. It includes a collection of premi ...

As of now, the demo version of Melodyne editor is available for you to try out and discover the difference that Celemony's DNA Direct Note Access technology makes. DNA makes possible that which was previously considered impossible: access to individual notes in polyphonic audio material. Correct wrong notes or even a single note in a piano recording; change the chords of a guitar accompaniment after the recording is over; make whatever alterations you like to a sample lick.

The demo version contains not only the various plug-ins but also the stand-alone implementation of Melodyne editor. All versions will allow you to edit audio material up to 10 seconds in length, but whilst the stand-alone version won't let you save your work, the plug-ins are subject to no restrictions other than the 10-second limit and will allow you to conduct your first real experiments with Melodyne editor.

You will find the demo version at :

XLN Audio has announced the Funk AD Pak for Addictive Drums, focusing on contemporary funk beats and sounds.

Features :

• 12 Piece Pearl Reference Funk Kit.
• Cymbals from Sabian and Paiste.
• 400 Live Recorded Rhythms & Fills.
• 30+ Production Presets.

The Funk AD Pak is set to be released at the beginning of December with pricing TBA.

AcousticsampleS has updated DrumTaste Brush, VibysM and A-Pian.

The DrumTaste Brush now features a Multi-output patch to really be able to mix and apply the effects on every element of the drums.

The VibysM is now available in v3 :
• The Kontakt Version has been improved and now features a better voicing and a build in motor simulation (tremolo effect).
• Two new formats are also available: Halion and Mach5 and the existing EXS and SFZ versions have been improved..

The A-Pian is now available in v2 :
• The Kontakt Version has been completely rewritten, voiced and adjusted.
• It now uses the script of the Kawai-EX PRO.
• Two new formats are also available: Halion and Mach5 and the existing EXS and SFZ versions have been improved.

These updates are free for the library owners, you can download them from your user account in the "My account" page. Note that the update of the A-Pian is a little different as it also includes file modifications, so you'll have to contact AcousticsampleS and they will send it manually.

Blue Cat Audio has announced the release of a new version of Blue Cat's Freeware Pack, its free audio plugins bundle. This new version introduces RTAS plugin format support for Pro Tools. It also includes several fixes and enhancements for the other formats, on both Mac and PC.

RTAS support is in final beta stage, so the company welcomes feedback about the usage of these free plugins in Pro Tools.

What's new in this version :

• Factory presets are now available from the plugin menu.
• RTAS plugin format support (final beta stage - currently available with
the Free Pack only)
• Mac: fixed keyboard/mouse focus issues in some hosts.
• Mac: fixed user interface crashes in some hosts, when used with particular
display settings.
• Mac-AU: fixed user ...