Rhodes will announce 9 new models featuring state of art design and Mark 7 technology at the NAMM 2007.

Some teaser specs:

-Three different sizes: 88-, 73-, and 61-key sizes in passive, active, and active MIDI -configurations
-Lighter overall weight
-State-of-the-art design
-Mark 7 technology
-Modular format
-Passive-to-active capability with MIDI
-Pre-amp with hi-performance 3-band equalizer
-Tremolo and pitch bend
-LCD screen
-Dual-panel USB ports
-Custom Anvil cases
-Light, transportable, hi-performance neodymium speaker systems
-New stand design
-New pedal design
-Safety locking system
-Headphone capability
-Lighter overall weight
-Durable custom and soft-touch finishes

For more info, visit their web site.

TerraTec Producer has announced the AXON AX 50 USB, a guitar-to-MIDI-controller based on the AXON AX 100 MK II. The AXON AX 50 USB offers a USB port with four additional virtual MIDI ports. With its 32-bit RISC processor, the guitar-to-MIDI controller translates the vibrations from each string that you strike or strum and sends information about the pitch, dynamics, and tone duration to the connected MIDI sound generator. The MIDI sound generator allows you to transform the sound of your connected instrument to the sound of another instrument. The controller also comes with 128 multitimbral sounds based on Native Instruments' Kontakt Player.

Priced at $549 the AXON AX 50 USB will be available soon after NAMM 2007.

Some of you already know Hot Hand, the effects system from Source Audio that allows musicians to use hand motions to control key functions such as Speed and Depth in tandem with the company's proprietary motion-controlled Hot Hand Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger effects consoles. The "Total Hot Hand" system available at this year's Winter NAMM offers an optional wireless solution with a lightweight motion sensor and plug-in RF transmitter, and powerful motion-controlled Wah Filters and Phaser/Flanger effects consoles.
Compatible with all Hot Hand systems, the Hot Hand Wireless Adapter can be used in addition to the wired sensor and consists of a wireless motion sensor ring unit and a small receiver that plugs directly into the back of the Hot Hand effects console in the Sensor In port. The ...

In cooperation with Chicken System, Yellow Tools has released the free Independence Convertor application for Mac OS X (Universal Binary) and Windows XP. This free utility for registered Independence owners converts Akai S-1000/3000 CDs and SoundFonts into Independence format.

Chicken Systems also offers a special Translator Independence Edition for $49.95. This can convert practically every sample format into Independence compatible format.

All registered Translator PRO users can download a free update on the Chicken Systems website that includes the Independence format translation.

Tone2 has announced BiFilter2, a stereo filter module offering dual multi-mode filters with 47 filter types, 8 additional distortion types, FM, AM, waveshaping and lo-fi effects. A high precision display shows the frequency response of the filter in realtime.

Features:

* 47 filter types.
* 8 distortion types.
* FM, AM, Waveshaping, bit crushing, resampling, comb filtering, vocal filtering, equalizing, reverberation.
* High precision, real time frequency response display.
* Smooth and click-free knob movements.
* "High-end quality" filter algorithms, anti-aliasing, oversampling.
* True stereo architecture, works in all sample rates.
* Easy-to-use interface.
* 100 presets.
* MIDI and automation support.

BiFilter2 costs $49 / €39 and is already available as a VST effect plug-in for Windows... but Mac OS X VST and Audio Unit versions are expected soon !