Akai announces their RPM8 reference production studio monitors specifically intended for use with the company's MPC music production workstations and production controllers.

RPM8 studio monitors are two-way, active, bi-amplified, nearfield loudspeakers intended for producers, recording engineers, remix artists, DJs and other musicians. The two-way monitors each feature an eight-inch woven-kevlar low-frequency driver with 80W RMS of continuous amplification for robust, full bass all the way down to 39 Hz. The monitors' high-frequency system consists of a one-inch silk-dome tweeter with 40W RMS of continuous amplification, mounted on a custom, functionally optimized waveguide for excellent control of directivity and reduction of unwanted early reflections.

RPM8 studio monitors contain ...

Akai Professional announces the LPD8 laptop pad controller and LPK25 laptop performance keyboard controller. The LPD8 and LPK25 will make their debut at Akai Professional'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 LPD8 and LPK25 will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers Q3 2009.

Alesis announces the USB-MIDI Cable which is an handy cable that links MIDI instruments with computers via USB.

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.

The USB-MIDI Cable will be available from musical instrument and professional audio retailers Q3 2009.

Akai announces the MPK61, the fourth model in the company's line of keyboard/MPC performance controllers. The MPK61 will make its debut at Akai Professional's booth, number 400, at the Summer NAMM Show held at the Nashville Convention Center, July 17 — 19.

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 ...

With an engineering/mixing career spanning almost three decades, Chris Lord-Alge has worked alongside such artists as Green Day, U2, Tina Turner, James Brown, Nickelback, Rod Stewart, Santana, Steve Winwood, Celine Dion and many others. At the heart of his sound is a command of compression that gives each and every track he mixes its radio-ready punch. During the development process of CLA Classic Compressors, Lord-Alge worked closely with the Waves R&D team, resulting in impeccable models of four compressors considered true classics by audio engineers the world over.

CLA Classic Compressors consist of four plug-ins: the CLA-2A, the CLA-3A, the CLA-76 Blacky and the CLA-76 Bluey. These classic models grant users access to the same tools that Lord-Alge has used to help define hard-hitting rock and pop over the last several decades.

Steinberg is pleased to announce that the new multilingual Knowledge Base is now available to all registered MySteinberg users. Providing answers to frequently asked questions, effective problem-solving tips and other really useful information, the Knowledge Base currently contains all articles in English and German. Spanish, French, Italian and Dutch articles will be added over time to offer the information you're looking for in your own language.

MOTU has updated its beat production machine BPM to version 1.04, offering improvements, optimizations and refinements in the following areas :

Sequencer :
• Default velocity in the step sequencer.
• Entering and dragging notes in the piano roll sequencer when Snap To Grid is enabled.
• Deleting notes with Delete key in the piano roll sequencer.

Scene :
• Pasting shallow copied scene.
• Toggling Live mode.

Browser :
• Loading saved performance file containing audio files loaded via the browser.

This update is free for all registered users.

Universal Audio today announced the addition of Trident Audio Developments to its roster of premium plug-in partners. The "Trident" name, by way of parent company PMI Audio Group, is famous not only as the now-legendary UK studio that produced a litany of classic recordings, but also as the manufacturer that spawned incredible console designs including the universally loved A-Range desk.

"It's well-understood by the audio production community throughout the world that Universal Audio is an unstoppable force in the circuit emulation business," said PMI President Alan Hyatt. "Their good faith to involve the olders of the original designs and trademarks shows respect to the IP owners and creative contributors such as Trident designer Malcolm Toft. We couldn't be happier to partner with a company so dedicated to getting every last detail right."

Universal Audio's President Matt Ward commented, "Universal Audio has always had a huge respect for the classic Trident designs, and of course Trident's sonic contribution to some of the best records ever made. We're very pleased to add Trident to the UAD product line, and I'm certain that our more than 30,000 users will agree."

"Trident's indelible impact on the sound of record making is nearly impossible to gauge. The consoles made available to Trident's staff, and the studios fortunate enough to acquire them, were legendary in both sound and reliability. Every record made on a Trident was uniquely and quite positively altered by the sonic imprint of its distinctive tone," said UA's Plug-In Product Manager Will Shanks. "It is exciting to offer this same tone on the UAD Powered Plug-In Platform."

New Atlantis Audio Releases Physical Therapy Volume 1, a unique Reason ReFill for $9.99 that helps raise money for charity.

The Real Unreal World
Physical Therapy is a unique collection of Combinators for Reason 4. Featuring exotic physically modeled mallet and percussion instruments infused with sounds of nature, this ReFill provides a diverse set of playable, musical and truly inspiring sounds for your music or film score projects.

Certified Organic
Physical Therapy places an arsenal of lush, organic tones in your hands. You'll find rich wood marimbas, exotic glass bells, dramatic metal chimes, powerful percussion kits and beautiful nature field recordings, all brought to life as playable instruments with the power of the Combinator.

With 54 Combinators, 25 NN-19 instruments, 6 ReDrum kits and 4 long-play nature field recordings, this diverse collection of 24 bit instruments are sure to breathe new life into any track.

For a Good Cause
As part of our ongoing commitment to relief, a portion of sales will be given to charity.

Get the instant download for $9.99 at :

Camel Audio has updated the sample manipulation synthesizer Alchemy to v1.10 and released over 200 free sounds for registered users of Alchemy and the add-on soundbanks.

The factory content has been expanded with almost 150 purer and less experimental sounds, the Electronic bank now has an additional 35 dance sounds and the Atmospheric bank has 30 extra smooth pads and soundscapes. The presets were specially commissioned from sound designers Robert Rich, Luftrum, Lotuzia, bManic, Adam van Baker, Ugo, Ole Jeppesen, Martin Walker, Jim Hunter, Paul Nauert and Christian Kjeldsen.

Alchemy v1.10 has numerous enhancements and fixes including right-click context sensitive help, ability to analyse files up to 5 mins in length, an easier to use file import dialog including scroll wheel support ...

Empirical Labs has just announced that its brand new unit EL9 "Mike-E" is now shipping.

The Mike-E is a modern digitally-controlled Microphone Preamplifier chocked with unusual features to warm and soften the source, along with an excellent compressor/limiter. Mike-E offers an incredible performance transformer-coupled mic preamp, whose noise floor is far below any microphone's self noise. The one-of-a-kind 'CompSat' section is an uncompromising compressor and saturator circuit that offers versatile 'coloring', and classic knee compression.

Mike-E's Seven Circuits :

1. Mic Preamplifier with super low noise & stepped gain switching.
2. Built in 'Direct Box', called the 'Inst In', offers unparalleled distortion, noise, and frequency response when pre-amping instruments.
3. 'Colored' 80Hz High pass filter emulates the warm low frequency cut of our favorite vintage equalizers.
4. Phase Switch to invert the audio signal 180 degrees.
5. CompSat offers both a musical Compressor/Limiter and a unique tape-like saturation circuit.
6. Emphasis high-frequency emphasis system softens high frequency 'pile-ups' and further the creamy color of the Mike-E.
7. Mix Control allows the blending of the Compressed/Saturated signal with the clean unprocessed "Dry" signal.

Mike-E is available now at a price of £1585/€1629.

Loomer has updated its semi-modular virtual synthesizer Aspect to version 1.4.0.

Changes :

• Support for the sustain MIDI controller.
• Lag Generator component now only filters audio rate modulation sources when the Lag is set to above 0%.
• Lag Generator output can now be used as an audio source, as well as a modulation source.

This update is free for all registered users.

D16 Group is proudly announcing a new product : Toraverb (Space Modulated Reverb). It's the latest plug-in from SilverLine Collection. More details about this unit will be revealed to you next week.

Official release is planned on the end of July 2009, but You can already preorder it and get a better price. Toraverb is now available for €29 (in preorder offer) and its official retail price will be €35 - in a day of release, and that day will be included to their bundles. Audio examples are available at :

Best Service unveils Titan - 200 Synthesizers in One, which is described as "the biggest and most extensive Synthesizer Sound Collection of all time".

Titan offers 5,500 multi-samples of the best sounds from 200 classic Analog Synthesizers and Modular Systems, including the biggest and most famous Digital Synths and Workstations of the 80s and 90s, and from the newest virtual instruments and current synths, all in one massive plug-in. That means 40 years of synth history and sound variety. Best Service put great emphasis on preserving the unique sound character of each instrument - that's why many of the instruments were partially sampled with their original effects and filters, which can be hard to reproduce in the virtual domain. All instruments were sampled and looped perfectly and i ...

Waldorf has updated Largo to version 1.1.0. This update is not only a "bug fix", it also carries a bunch of new features e.g. the Mod Delay, a completely revised Reverb and an extended multi-part function plus several additional enhancements. The PDF manual has also been updated.

On top of that, anyone interested in the Largo software synthesizer can now get a 30-day evaluation license. Put the Largo synthesizer to the test ! Use and abuse it 30 days without any limitation.

Please note that you will need an internet connection to activate the demo version of Largo.

Here's a new Pro Tools Corner issue by our VIP Moderator Brian White from audioMIDI.com.

"Have you ever heard a mix that had elements so wide they sounded as if they were originating from beyond the speakers? Often, this is the result of a stereo width enhancer processing the audio in a way that tricks our brain into thinking the speakers are farther apart than they really are. This week, in the second installment of "Mixing with AIR," I will break down the new AIR Stereo Width plug-in and share with you some of the tricks and pitfalls of stereo enhancement processing while mixing."

If you have a Pro Tools related question that you would like Brian to take a shot at answering or have any feedback, please post-it in our Mac ProTools Forum or Pc ProTools Forum. Brian will do his best to select the questions that seem to stump the most people.