Apogee Electronics is pleased to announce the release of new Duet software and User's Guide, now available on the Apogee website. The following updates and changes have been made based on feedback from the sizable community of Duet users :

- The automatic Maestro launch feature (as described on page 22 of the new User's Guide) is now disabled by default. Please note that to automatically recall Maestro mixer settings, the automatic launch feature must be enabled.
- Intermittent automatic launch and Pop-up issues have been resolved.
- The User's Guide has been completely revised with more comprehensive Maestro information and up-to-date instructions for configuring Duet with a wide array of Core Audio-compatible software.

Duet Software Update
Duet Users Guide

With a sleek new look on the outside, and an arsenal of Kurzweil's latest cutting edge chip technology under its hood, the 61-note PC361 delivers 128 voices of incredible sound quality along with a host of powerful, easy to use features. The PC361 is Kurzweil's ultimate performance controller keyboard, with an enormous collection of stunning sounds combined with comprehensive real-time controller functions.

In addition to our renowned Triple Strike Grand Piano, the PC361 features hundreds of new sounds; basses, drums, guitars, and synths suited for every style and taste, along with a collection of flawless vintage keyboard emulations, KB3 Mode and over 250 orchestral and string section programs.

The PC361's new Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture is a huge step forward in synthesis, the fr ...

Akai unveils the MPK 25, the latest addition to its MPK series of keyboard controllers with MPC pads. Its smaller, more portable size makes the MPK25 the perfect travel companion.

Features :

- 25-key, semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch
- 12 MPC pads
- Q-Link controls
- MPC technology
- arpeggiator with six different modes
- USB class compliant which means it does not require custom drivers to work with Mac or PC computers and will work with all MIDI recording
- comes with Ableton Live Lite Akai Edition software

The MPK25 offers extensive assignable controls through its Q-Link section. The MPK25 gives players 32 parameters of hands-on control through 12 virtual knobs and four virtual buttons, each of which can access two different banks of assignment via a bank-change control.

The MPK25 will be available in Q2 at an MSRP of $399.99 and an estimated street price of $299.99.

Auralex Acoustics takes its newest Room Analysis Plus program to the next level by offering its Room Analysis service in a retail package. The in-store kit is a complete, user-friendly program providing all the tools necessary to acoustically analyze any room. The kit includes a Behringer ECM8000 omni-directional measurement microphone, a USB drive featuring swept sine signals, as well as a complete instructional guide.

The In-Store Room Analysis kit is available for $299.99 through Auralex's established network of dealers.

Note that Auralex Acoustics' Lead Acoustical Engineer Gavin Haverstick will host several Room Analysis Plus overview demonstrations at NAMM (Hall A, Booth 6794) as soon as tomorrow.

Radial Engineering Ltd. is pleased to announce the new LB series of API compatible Lunchbox modules. We already told you about the Radial JDV-LB Class-A direct box and the Radial PHZ-LB phase adjustment tool last month, so today let's talk about the Radial JDX-LB Head and Cabinet direct box.

The Radial JDX-LB is a combination loudspeaker cabinet emulator and direct box. Following the popular Radial JDX Reactor, the LB version is designed to connect between a guitar amplifier head and speaker cabinet to capture both the sound from the head plus the back-electromagnetic impulse from the loudspeaker via a reactive load. The signal is then processed via a proprietary filter that emulates the sound of a typical 4x12 guitar cabinet. To further enhance functionality in the studio, the JDX-LB features a high gain setting for 300W amplifiers and a low frequency extender for bass. The JDX-LB may also be used as a speaker cabinet emulator by feeding the instrument or a preamp directly into the circuit.

Pricing :

- Radial JDV-LB Class-A direct box : $349
- Radial PHZ-LB phase adjustment tool : $299
- Radial JDX-LB Head and Cabinet direct box : $299