PC and Music News

Akai Professional announces the MPD26 USB/MIDI Pad Controller.

Features :

• Access 64 samples on 16 pressure and velocity-sensitive MPC pads with four banks each
• MPC technologies include Note Repeat, Swing, 16 Level, Full Level, and Tap Tempo
• Control virtually any 12 software parameters on assignable Q-Link knobs and faders
• Dedicated transport controls transmit MMC and MIDI to DAW and sequencing applications
• MIDI output over USB and traditional DIN MIDI I/O for controlling software and hardware
• Backlit, easy-to-read screen
• USB bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USB cable
• Comes with Ableton Live Lite and Editor Librarian software

The MPD26 will be available on february at the same price as the MPD24.

Avid has announced the Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack, featuring all five Digidesign's virtual instruments - Structure, Strike, Velvet, Transfuser and Hybrid.

The pack will ship in Q1 of 2010, and carries a USMSRP of $499. Upgrade options for existing customers will also be available.

FXpansion has announced BFD Nano, a streamlined, fun and affordable software instrument for acoustic drums, based on FXpansion's BFD2 engine.

Optimized for flexibility and power while being incredibly easy to use, BFD Nano is provided with an extensive built-in library of drum sounds and patterns, and is also compatible with the wide range of FXpansion and 3rd-party add-on expansions.

Feature Highlights:
• 5 kicks, 6 snares, 12 toms and 3 hihats.
• 11 cymbals and selection of percussion.
• 15 built-in effects including EQ, filtering, dynamics, drive, reverb and more.
• Groove section with over 1500 patterns and advanced humanization.
• Customizable keymaps and electronic drum support.
• Built-in Stereo audio export.
• Over 40 great-sounding ...

Cakewalk announces the launch of the A-PRO Series of USB MIDI Controllers for Mac and PC. The A-300 Pro, A-500 Pro and A-800 Pro are a brand new line of keyboard controllers developed in conjunction with Roland.

The A-PRO series focuses on intuitive real-time performance and ergonomic playability, making it a must-have controller for soft synths in a live or studio setting. This new line combines the best of both worlds: Cakewalk's legendary ease of use and Roland's world-class engineering and keyboard expertise. The respective keyboards are:

• A-300 Pro — A 32-key USB MIDI keyboard
• A-500 Pro — A 49-key USB MIDI keyboard
• A-800 Pro — A 61-key USB MIDI keyboard

All A-PRO series keyboard controllers feature:

• A superior key mechanism providing aftertouch ...

Korg introduces the Sound on Sound (SOS) Unlimited Track Recorder, which enables musicians to capture and develop musical ideas as they happen, wherever they are. Battery-powered and completely self-contained, the SOS contains a high-quality stereo microphone and a built-in speaker for all-in-one recording and monitoring.

Unlike other portable recorders (even multitrack), the SOS allows for an infinite number of overdubs or alternate takes to be recorded. Each track, take or overdub is recorded as an individual CD-quality 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV file, and saved directly to a microSD or microSDHC card. Accurate BWF (Broadcast Wave Format) timing information is embedded in each track, meaning all tracks will automatically line up when imported into a computer-based DAW system for further editi ...

Tascam announces the DR-680, a brand new 8-track Portable Recorder.

Features:

• 8-track portable recording
• Record eight individual inputs or six inputs plus a stereo mixdown
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit Broadcast WAV file resolution for 8 channels
• Stereo 192kHz/24-bit recording mode
• 4-channel MP3 recording
• Digital monitor mixing (level and pan) with recordable stereo mixdown
• Ideal for surround music and effects recording
• Cascade function for running two units together
• Pre-recording feature
• Auto-recording mode begins recording when the input reaches a certain level
• Mark function during recording/playback
• Edit functions such as divide and delete
• 128x64 backlit LCD display
• Powered through ...