E-MU has announced that its new Xboard 61 USB/MIDI controller is now shipping and available. Looks like there is a serious market for these toys...The new E-MU Xboard 61 USB/MIDI Controller features 61 premium full-size keys with aftertouch, 16 programmable real-time control knobs, 16 new patch select/program change buttons.

Native Instruments announces AUDIO KONTROL 1, a compact USB 2.0 audio interface that addresses the needs of many musicians, producers and DJs in a portable and affordable package. Equipped with a comprehensive software package, AUDIO KONTROL 1 was designed to meet a specific "sweet spot" in terms of performance, functionality and price. Included are XPRESS KEYBOARDS, three software synthesizers based on the PRO-53, B4 and FM7, as well as GUITAR COMBOS, three amp emulations taken from Native Instruments' GUITAR RIG. AUDIO KONTROL 1 also comes with TRAKTOR 3 LE, a new DJ software based on Native Instruments' TRAKTOR DJ Studio.

Mac OS 10.4.7 is now officially supported for Pro Tools LE 7.1 and Pro Tools HD 7.2.

Universal Updates for AmpliTube 1 Live and T-RackS 24 are now available, providing compatibility for IK users with Mac Intel Core Duo systems. IK Users may install these two software updates for free if they have registered after April 1, 2006.

Customers who have registered prior to April 1, 2006 may purchase the new updates for 49$/39€.

Channel D Software announces the release of Pure Vinyl 1.1.2 - a Universal Binary suite of audio applications designed specifically for the digital transcription and playback of vinyl LP records. Pure Vinyl combines a fun and intuitive "scratch" style grab-and-spin editor with realistic, "virtual vinyl" platter images, rendered from the digitized audio. Automatic gain riding and looping insures accurate track location, even in the presence of vinyl background noise.

A free, built-in visualizer feature fetches tracks from iTunes playlists and creates an entertaining animation of spinning, "45 RPM" vinyl discs. A detailed list of changes are included with the download. Version 1.1.2 is recommended for all users.

Until September, Pure Vinyl is priced at an introductory price of $129.00 ($329.00 thereafter) for Mac OS X 10.4.