Genelec introduces the 5041A, a dedicated Active In-Wall subwoofer designed to complement AIW25 Active In-Wall and AIC25 Active In-Ceiling loudspeakers.

This active subwoofer packs a huge punch in an unbelievably slim enclosure. In fact after installation in a dry / stud wall or even recessed into a solid wall all that is visible is a discrete metal grill, which can even be sprayed to a matching colour to make this subwoofer even more unobtrusive. The 5041A extends the system's bass response down to 35 Hz with an upper cut-off frequency of 95 Hz and delivering an SPL of 105 dB.

The 5041A features two 6.5" low frequency drivers in a very slim (depth 82 mm / 31/4") MDF enclosure and a separate 4U RAM3 amplifier unit that can be installed in an equipment rack using the optional RM2 rack adapter. Thoughtfully the RAM3 is the same dimensions as the RAM2 which powers the AIW25 (in wall) and AIC25 (in ceiling) allowing up to eight amplifier modules to be fitted in one handy rack.

The audio connectors on the RAM3 amplifier include parallel XLR and RCA input connectors and an XLR Link Out connector for daisy-chaining multiple subwoofers together. Adjustable input sensitivity provides easy connection to all types of decoders. Bass roll-off rate and crossover phase can also be adjusted to suit different acoustical environments and subwoofer positioning. Amplifier power switching can be set to manual, automatic signal sensing or remote controlled by a 12 V trigger voltage. The 5041A outputs 105 dB maximum SPL, but if more sound pressure is needed, coupling multiple subwoofers together using the Link Out channel gives an added 6 dB for a system of two, 9.5 dB for three and 12 dB for four subwoofers.

Pricing and availability TBA.

Sound Skulptor is now shipping the MP66, a single-ended class A tube preamplifier, with transformers on input and output. It is inspired by designs from the 60's. It is the fourth module of the Sound Skulptor range of DIY kits which includes 4 microphone pres based on "classic" designs. One up to four modules can be freely combined in a 19" case.

The DIY approach on these products makes them affordable to most, without compromising on quality. The skills needed to built the kit are basic, thanks to careful design and to the very detailed instructions. The products are also available fully assembled for the non-technicians.

The MP66 is not neutral. The transformers and triode valves print their characteristics on the signal. The sound ranges from stunning transparency, with an overwhelming sense of dynamic, when softly driven, to soft valve limiting when pushing the gain further, to a "guitar amp" type of saturation when you push it into the limits. The transition between these modes is very smooth.

Highlights :

- Pure tube audio path, class A, single-ended.
- Lundhal transformer on input, Cinemag on output.
- Output level potentiometer allows driving the tubes from soft to hard and vary the harmonic content.
- Air equalizer adds or cuts harmonics
- DI instrument input goes through both transformers

The MP66 is available direct from Sound Skluptor for €289 in kit form (+ €130 for the assembled version).

Roland Corporation is pleased to announce the new JUNO-Stage synthesizer is now shipping. As the latest addition to the benchmark JUNO Series, JUNO-Stage is uniquely created for live performance applications.

The JUNO-Stage is a 128 voice expandable synthesizer which features an extra-large display, USB backing-track functionality, a Click output for drummers, dedicated performance knobs, hands-free patch select, instant master MIDI control functionality, and much more.

The JUNO-Stage is now shipping with a retail price of $1599.

Alesis unveils the USB Pro Drum Kit, an electronic drum kit designed specifically to take direct advantage of the power of the computer for sound generation.

Features :

- Five-piece electronic drumset: kick, snare, three toms, SURGE Hi-Hat, Crash, and dual-zone Ride Cymbals
- 8" drum pads with tunable mylar drumheads for customizable feel
- Brass-alloy SURGE cymbals are real cymbals with triggering
- SURGE Cymbals feature exclusive sound-dampening layer to cut the acoustic noise
- Dual-zone snare and tom pads enable access to a wide palette of sounds from a standard setup
- Choke capability on SURGE Crash and Ride cymbals
- Ultra-fast triggering and intuitive operation
- Interface accommodates up to 10 inputs including continuous control hi-hat
- Easy to expand with additiona ...

Here's some news from Elysia, Dominik Klaßen speaking :

"We presented the museq as a prototype at the AES. At the moment, we are sending it to some studios to have additional opinions and maybe some final fine-tuning. It is going to be released at the Musikmesse in March 09 and will be shipping at this point straight away."

So, wait and see...