SPL will be offering from may on the Rackpack which is a modular rack system holding SPL own 3U modules system in the 8 available slots. For now they will be loaded with (at the buyer's request) combinations of the new preamps to be followed up this year with the Transient Designer, SPL De-Esser and DynaMaxx compressor updated versions. The new preamps are the Prefrence Mic-Pre, a transformerless IC design, the second, the Premium Mic-Pre is a solid-state, 3 stages design with a Lundhal input transformer and discrete circuit. Expect some tube modules in 2008. Price. TBA but given as being very interesting by channel (for SPL products)

(the illustration shows all scheduled modules for now)

Jazzmutant, of LEMUR fame, announced Dexter, an adapted version of LEMUR aimed a DAW control. As its forerunner, it's a multitouche control surface, but this time it's bound for use with Logic Pro, Cubase, Sonar, Nuendo and Pyramix. In Jazzmutant own words:

GREAT ERGONOMICS
Hasn't every musician or producer fantasized of controlling their favourite Digital Audio Workstation by touching the actual user interface directly on the screen ? JazzMutant has partnered with leading software companies, such as Steinberg, Cakewalk and Apple, to make this dream a reality. Dexter redefines the very interaction between Digital Audio Workstations and the users. This laptop-sized control surface has been designed with only one purpose in mind : making user experience more pleasant, playful and ...

Akai unveils the MPK49, a new USB/MIDI controller. The MPK49 combines a high-quality, 49-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch and 12 MPC-style drum pads. 48 total pads are accessible via 4 pad banks. The pads feature popular MPC Note Repeat function and Swing parameters, and the performance controller has its own arpeggiator, for creating quick, creative riffs in seconds. It delivers 72 assignable controls, with assignable inputs that include an expression pedal, footswitch, pitch bend and modulation wheel.

For more information, please visit their web site.

Solid State Logic proudly announces the XLogic Alpha VHD Pre at the Frankfurt Music Messe. Based on the VHD circuit from SSL's acclaimed Duality console, the VHD Pre adds four SSL mic preamps to any line level DAW audio interface, transforming it into a professional quality, multi-channel analogue recording system.

Key features :

- Four ultra-clean SSL preamps with 75dB of gain
- Independently switched 48V phantom power
- 20dB Pad switches that illuminate to indicate overload
- Hi Z switches to accommodate mic, line and instrument level signals
- Four independent Variable Harmonic Drive systems
- Front panel 1/4" jack instrument/line level inputs with passive DI type impedance detection and level matching
- Individual input, output and VHD controls for each section
- Rear panel XLR mic/line inputs and XLR outputs

The XLogic Alpha VHD Pre will ship worldwide in May 2007 with a MSRP of £999.00 (€1500). For more info, please visit the link below.

Stanton DJ has launched the new T.90 USB high torque turntable which is a professional quality turntable with high-torque direct drive motor and a USB output.

Features :

• High-torque direct drive motor and unique design
• USB and S/PDIF output
• S-Shaped tone arm for superior tracking when scratching
• Key Lock (Master Tempo) to adjust the tempo of a record without affecting pitch
• 2 Start/Stop switches for mix or battle setup
• 3 playback speeds (33, 45, 78 RPM), plus Quartz Lock and target light
• Pitch control slider with selectable range (+ / - 8%, 12%)
• Includes Stanton 500B cartridge, slip mat and cloth dust cover
• Includes software to convert records into digital recordings or CDs, edit MP3, and WAV audio files