Alesis unveils 2 new "reference" studio monitiors. The M1 Active 520 features a 75-watt amplifier coupled with a 5-inch low frequency woofer, and the M1 Active 620 features a 100-watt amplifier and 6.5-inch low frequency woofer. he M1 Active 520 and 620 are both magnetically shielded.

M1 Active 520 costs $499 per pair and M1 Active 620 costs $599 per pair.

Numark announces the iDJ Mixing Console for iPod portable music players. Featuring large iPod navigation controls, this two-channel mixer provides 3-band EQ with gain control for each channel and a dedicated microphone input with tone and level control. Each channel also provides phono/line inputs for adding additional devices. This feature-packed mixer also provides USB connectivity.

The iDJ will be available Q3 of 2005 at $399.

Miroslav Philharmonik orchestra and choir sound workstation will start shipping in August. Miroslav Philharmonik is an integrated Orchestral Workstation plug-in combining 7GB of samples and over 1,200 sounds of the legendary Miroslav Vitous Orchestra and Choir sample collection masterpieces with dedicated, plug-in instrument.

Miroslav Philharmonik will have an introductory price of €419/$499. After the introductory price period is over, the price will be €499/$599 for the full version and €329/$399 for the cross-grade.

IK Multimedia announces that AmpliTube UNO, guitar amp and FX software, is now available as a free download from the IK Multimedia product website. AmpliTube UNO is a stand-alone single amp application using the same technology derived from the full version of AmpliTube.

At NAMM, Roland introduces the new SP-404 sampler. Built on the SP-303 sampler, the new SP-404 offers more features, more voices, more pads, and more memory. It features battery-power compatibility, a CompactFlash slot, and a built-in microphone. The SP-404's onboard pattern sequencer allows up to 8,000 notes to be recorded. Up to 24 patterns, each 1--99 measures long, can be stored in the internal memory simultaneously.