SPL presents at the Musikmesse a new massive (72 filters) passive EQ, named adequately the Passeq. With 36 passive filters in boost and 36 in cut organised in the interface as 3 bands with 12 frequencies each to choose from, it's a massive contender on the market, not only because it's a 4U rack full of stylish knobs. The Passeq uses SPL SUPRA-OPs on a 120V rail for audio quality: S/N ratio 116 dB, +34 dB of headroom, dynamic range is quoted at 150 dB. All switches and pots are Elma and ALPS, there's a Universal internal power supply and it does look good too.

Available in June 06, price TBA.

The P3 is a sort of a hidden old-timer. it was available in kit form for some time but now, with it's success in electronic circles, it's now a manufactured MIDI sequencer with professional backing support. It gives you 8 tracks, 384 patterns and note, velocity, tie, gate, length, gate delay, and a combo of up to 4 MIDI controllers, extra notes, or other events, per step. Patterns are 1 to 16 steps long, firmware is upgradable by Sysex, and the P3 has already a reputation of his own. and a good one!

Available now! price 499£ including VAT

CME announced its "WIDI X-8" system. This full duplex wireless system for MIDI and USB communication comes with two identical MIDI/USB boxes featuring :

- built-in USB MIDI interface
- Bi-directional MIDI communication (MIDI in/out)
- Up to 64 pairs can be operating at the same time via 64 channels
- Three operating modes (USB/RF, MIDI/RF, USB/MIDI)
- OS X class-compliant for plug-and-play.

The WIDI X-8 will be available in August 2006 and wiil cost $249.99.

Solid State Logic announced Duende, its first entry in the DAW world. Duende is a DSP platform in a rack format, enabling you to have the SSL sound quality directly in your favorite audio software. It connects to your computer via Firewire 400 and the plug-ins are in AU, VST and RTAS so all DAWs are concerned. Each unit handles 32 channels at 96 KHz, and 2 can be daisy chained. Duende will be available in april for about EUR 1600.

Ever dreamed of a SSL?

Behringer has announced at Musikmesse the iAXE393, a 22-fret USB guitar for Mac. It comes with a vintage vibrato bridge, and a stereo headphone output with dedicated level control, The iAXE comes with loads of virtual amps and stomp boxes powered and multi-track recording and editing software. The iAXE393USB is bus-powered and can be plugged directly into the computer.

Behringer USB Guitar will ship 2nd Quarter 2006.