Cakewalk announces a new line of four cable-based interfaces designed to easily connect musical instruments and other components to a computer.

The three MIDI interface and one audio interface hardware solutions introduced today are compact, affordable products for a wide range of digital music creators — from hobbyists to professionals — who need to connect multiple instruments, MIDI devices, or other equipment to a computer. Each product will have a MSRP of under $100 US and be usable with both a Mac and PC. They are all USB-bus powered, requiring no AC adaptor and affording users enhanced mobility for recording on the go.

The new UM-1G, UM-2G, and UM-3G MIDI interfaces are designed to be affordable solutions to easily connect MIDI devices with a computer through a USB connection. The UA-1G is a compact 1 Stereo In/1 Stereo Out USB Audio Interface that offers excellent-quality sound via multiple connection options and a simple, user-friendly design.

Cakewalk will ship the UM-1G and UM-2G to retailers in the US beginning in March, 2009. The UM-3G USB MIDI Interface and the UA-1G USB Audio Interface will begin shipping in April, 2009.

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Alesis announces AudioLink, a new series of USB audio cables consisting of GuitarLink, a quarter-inch-jack-to-USB cable; MicLink, an XLR-to-USB cable; and LineLink, a dual-quarter-inch-jack-to-USB cable.

The AudioLink series of USB audio cables enables musicians to connect analog audio sources directly to their computer and record them via a standard USB jack. Each cable outputs studio quality 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio thanks to its internal analog-to-digital conversion system. The AudioLink series features plug-and-play connection for Mac and PC and is compatible with most Mac and Windows class-compliant drivers and software. All models are 16.5 feet in length.

GuitarLink enables musicians to directly connect nearly any guitar, bass or line-level audio source to a computer via USB for mono recording; MicLink enables them to direct-connect any dynamic microphone via USB for mono recording; and LineLink enables them to directly connect nearly any mixer, keyboard, sampler, sequencer, drum machine or other stereo, line-level audio source via USB for stereo recording to a computer.

GuitarLink and MicLink are available now from musical instrument and pro audio retailers at MSRPs of $79.99 and $89.99, respectively. LineLink will be available later in Q1 for $79.99.

Roland unveils the AX-Synth. According to them :

"It's time to escape the keyboard rig and rock the stage. The stylish AX-Synth represents Roland's new generation of remote keyboards, but for the first time, this one has a sound generator onboard. It's self-contained and equipped with powerful, solo-oriented sounds from Roland's latest, greatest synths. Strap on an AX and steal the show."

Features :
- Built-in sound engine with voices from Roland's latest synthesizers
- Ribbon controller, D Beam, modulation bar, knobs, and easy to see display for stage
- USB MIDI for easy connection to PC
- Dedicated V-LINK button for video/visual control
- Long battery operation (approx. 6 hours)

EastWest has announced that it intends to bring the mystique and splendor of sounds from the "Silk Road" to users' workstations with the introduction of Quantum Leap Silk. This Virtual Instrument features a collection of historic and unique string and woodwind instruments from China, Persia and India.

All instruments featured in Silk are multi-sampled with extreme attention to detail, offering the maximum in expression. Quantum Leap Silk contains extensive articulations, interval sampling (where appropriate), round robin (alternate samples) and phrases to give the feeling of smooth effortless performance – like silk. Each musician recorded for Silk is a master of his instrument, providing the best and most accurate sound available. Silk also allows users to adapt the instruments using dozens of useful micro tunings in the key of their choice.

Some of the instruments featured in Silk include :

- CHINA: erhu, zhonghu, gaohu, pipa, guzheng, yangqin, sheng, suona low, suona high, dizi low, dizi hi, xiao and bawu.
- PERSIA: electric cello, kemenche, nay, duduk, tar, qanun and 30 piece string section.
- INDIA: dilruba, sarod, tanpura and bansuri.

Silk is available now for Windows and Mac OS X in VST, AU, RTAS and stand-alone formats at a fee of $595 / €455.