PC and Music News

Roland has released its new flagship SP-555 Sampling Workstation for its popular SP Sampler lineup. The SP-555 comes complete with 16 velocity sensitive pads, 37 Fantom-quality effects, a new Loop Capture function, beefed up internal sample memory, and total computer integration with USB MIDI/AUDIO connectivity.

Features overview :

- Ultra-easy sampling with innovative Loop Capture feature
- Versatile sampling through Line input, phantom-powered Mic input,USB audio streaming, and WAV/AIFF import
- Dozens of killer performance effects, including Super Filter and DJFX Looper
- Audio interface capability with any DAW or DJ audio application (Cakewalk SONAR LE included)
- Large Sample Memory via CompactFlash (up to 2GB)
- Bundled Wave Converter software (Mac and PC) for importing and exporting WAV/AIFF files
- Infrared D BEAM controller and V-LINK compatibility for high-impact performance

For more information, please visit their web site.

CME has just announced that the new UF series master keyboards is now shipping. This 2nd generation series include a built-in USB plug and play interface, a MIDI in added to the expansion slot, and even a built-in full duplex wireless MIDI interface with error detection and 262 ft range.

Features :

- 49, 61, or 76 key semi-weighted action keyboard with aftertouch (UF50 / 60 / 70)
- 88-key hammer-action weighted keyboard with aftertouch (UF80)
- Built-in duplex wireless MIDI interface
- Over 20 user template, non-volatile memories
- 8 assignable control knobs with preset functions
- 9 assignable control faders with preset functions
- LED data display
- 6 assignable shortcut knobs
- 6 sequencer remote buttons
- Panel page and layer button, data adjustment knobs.
- 1 MIDI-out ...

Alesis has introduced the Performance Pad tabletop and kit mountable drum pads with a built-in drum machine. It features eight velocity-sensitive drum pads, a built-in electronic drum machine, inputs for a bass drum pedal, hi-hat pedal, and a Line-level input to connect a CD Player, iPod®, computer, or other audio device so that percussionists can play along with nearly any recorded mix. Built-in rhythm patterns are also included to compliment playing.

Features :

- 8 natural feeling, velocity-sensitive drum pads with Dynamic Articulation
- Built-in professional drum machine so you can record and play back your own beats
- 50 Preset / 50 User drum kits with 233 sounds assignable to any pad
- Built-in rhythm patterns to complement your playing
- Large LCD display with easy-to-navi ...

RME has announced the new HDSPe MADI card to be shipping. RME further expands the "e"-line of Hammerfall DSP recording solutions for the PCI Express bus found in current Apple OS and Windows based desktop computers. With higher data rates the PCI Express bus enables high channel counts associated with lowest latency options.

The HDSPe MADI card offers a 128 I/O-channel computer connection, all 64 input and 64 playback channels can be routed and mixed independently to 64 physical outputs. For even higher channel counts several MADI cards can be combined. Compared to the standard PCI HDSP MADI card, the new PCI Express version offers several advantages :

- support for higher sample rates up to 192 kHz
- Lowest latency – down to 1 ms!
- Sync to Time Code with RME's Time Code Option Mo ...

SONiVOX has announced the release of their new line of "DVI Products" (Downloadable Virtual Instruments). Designed for users' instant gratification and ease of use SONiVOX DVI's are made in collaboration with the TASCAM Giga development team melding SONiVOX's instrument content with TASCAM's GVI sample playback technology. As a result of this partnership each DVI product is downloadable and instantly playable as a plug-in or as a standalone instrument. The initial rollout of DVI products include, Steel String and Nylon String Acoustic Guitars, multiple Drumkits, Basses, Electric Guitars, Harpsichord, Electric Pianos, Vintage Synths, Harp, Bagpipes, String Ensembles, Brass Ensembles, and more, all priced from $11.95 to $79.95.

SONiVOX DVI's are available now directly from SONiVOX's webshop for Windows in VSTi, RTAS and stand-alone formats with Mac OS X compatibility following later this year.

Humanoid Sound Systems has released Scanned Synth Pro, a virtual instrument designed to create rich complex digital tones and fantastic sound effects, while using simplifed controls and traditional synths techniques such as filters, lfo's and effects. Scanned Synth Pro is the successor to the popular Scanned Synth VST and adds many exciting new features, including :

- The Psycho! Button: antisocial behaviour in a button. This feature was requested by Trilby Temperley of The Resonance and should not be used by sensible people.
- A Polyphonic Filter with cutoff frequency modulation and pitch-tracking allowing the sound to be shaped naturally and untuitively as well as expanding the range of possible sounds even further
- An Echo effect
- Improved sound quality including making the dist ...