Roland has released its new flagship SP-555 Sampling Workstation for its popular SP Sampler lineup. The SP-555 comes complete with 16 velocity sensitive pads, 37 Fantom-quality effects, a new Loop Capture function, beefed up internal sample memory, and total computer integration with USB MIDI/AUDIO connectivity.

Features overview :

- Ultra-easy sampling with innovative Loop Capture feature
- Versatile sampling through Line input, phantom-powered Mic input,USB audio streaming, and WAV/AIFF import
- Dozens of killer performance effects, including Super Filter and DJFX Looper
- Audio interface capability with any DAW or DJ audio application (Cakewalk SONAR LE included)
- Large Sample Memory via CompactFlash (up to 2GB)
- Bundled Wave Converter software (Mac and PC) for importing and exporting WAV/AIFF files
- Infrared D BEAM controller and V-LINK compatibility for high-impact performance

For more information, please visit their web site.

CME has just announced that the new UF series master keyboards is now shipping. This 2nd generation series include a built-in USB plug and play interface, a MIDI in added to the expansion slot, and even a built-in full duplex wireless MIDI interface with error detection and 262 ft range.

Features :

- 49, 61, or 76 key semi-weighted action keyboard with aftertouch (UF50 / 60 / 70)
- 88-key hammer-action weighted keyboard with aftertouch (UF80)
- Built-in duplex wireless MIDI interface
- Over 20 user template, non-volatile memories
- 8 assignable control knobs with preset functions
- 9 assignable control faders with preset functions
- LED data display
- 6 assignable shortcut knobs
- 6 sequencer remote buttons
- Panel page and layer button, data adjustment knobs.
- 1 MIDI-out ...

Freeverse and Felt Tip Software recently announced "Tuna Pitch", a free app and widget to help you tune your guitar or other instrument. With five built-in presets including the standard EADGBE tuning, reference tones, and the option to set all six strings to any note, Tuna Pitch has everything you need to stay in-tune!

The Tuna Pitch app features a high-contrast, expandable window so it's easy to read, while the widget version is small and won't clutter your Dashboard. Both the app and widget are 100% free and are available for download from Freeverse's new website.

Steven Massey has just released the TD5, an analog tape delay plug-in. Simply put, the TD5 sounds and acts like a "real-life vintage tape delay, deep, thick, gritty, and three dimensional". The TD5 has up to 2 seconds of delay time, can sync to the Pro Tools tempo map, and provides a number of tonal options.

The TD5 plugin is priced at $79 and comes in both RTAS and TDM plug-in types. Note that a demo version with no limitation is also available. For more information, please visit the link below.

Alesis has introduced the Performance Pad tabletop and kit mountable drum pads with a built-in drum machine. It features eight velocity-sensitive drum pads, a built-in electronic drum machine, inputs for a bass drum pedal, hi-hat pedal, and a Line-level input to connect a CD Player, iPodŽ, computer, or other audio device so that percussionists can play along with nearly any recorded mix. Built-in rhythm patterns are also included to compliment playing.

Features :

- 8 natural feeling, velocity-sensitive drum pads with Dynamic Articulation
- Built-in professional drum machine so you can record and play back your own beats
- 50 Preset / 50 User drum kits with 233 sounds assignable to any pad
- Built-in rhythm patterns to complement your playing
- Large LCD display with easy-to-navi ...