Akai Professional announces the MPK88, a new addition to its MPK series of keyboard controllers with MPC pads and technology.

The new MPK88 brings the utility and creative control of its siblings to more dedicated piano and keyboard players, thanks to its fully-weighted, hammer-action keyboard with assignable keyboard split and aftertouch.

In addition to the premium keybed, the MPK88 gives the player 16 MPC pads that are velocity and pressure sensitive and can access four banks of sounds each, for access to 64 sounds at any time. The MPK88 also puts the player in command of their software with assignable Q-Link faders, knobs and buttons. The user can assign any Q-Link to control nearly any parameter in their software for hands-on, mouse-free performance. The MPK88 also has two assignable footswitch inputs and an expression pedal input.

Two technologies pioneered in the MPC series and built into the MPK88 are MPC Note Repeat and MPC Swing. MPC Note Repeat is a capability that enables the MPK to automatically play a rhythm pattern, such as 16th notes on a hi-hat, for accuracy and speed of entry. MPC Swing turns perfectly aligned sequences into human feeling time alignments. Users can specify exactly the degree and timing of swing they want to apply for the perfect feel. The MPK88 also has an arpeggiator, which enables performers to build creative riffs instantly.

The MPK88 sends MIDI values over USB and a traditional MIDI jack. The controller works with most MIDI recording, sequencing and performance software as well as sound modules, synthesizers and other MIDI-compliant hardware.

The MPK88 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in Q3, 2009.

SPL is the first manufacturer to open their proprietary modular system for API 500 compatible modules.

"Our focus with the RackPack system has always been the modular idea, not a proprietary platform. It was great to find out that API is just as open-minded as we are to offer new choices for our customers." says SPL's CEO Hermann Gier.

The new SPL RACKPACK 500 frame offers eight module slots to host four SPL and four API 500 modules. Available in May.

Steinberg is proud to announce the return of The Grand with a third version. The Grand 3 is what Steinberg believes to be the epitome of virtual piano software.

The Grand 3 recreates the expressiveness, playability and sound of three of the world's finest and most famous grand pianos: Yamaha C7, Bösendorfer 290 Imperial and Steinway D. Additionally, the classical Yamaha CP80 Electric Grand as well as the charismatic vintage upright piano model by Nordiska Pianofabriken have been included to round out the palette of piano greatness.

Key features at a glance :

- Five top-flight piano models in one VST instrument
- Astoundingly authentic piano sound that comes courtesy of three of the world's finest, most expensive concert grand pianos
- Full-length sustain samples, no loops, with every key sampled individually at varying velocities
- Unrivaled dynamic response
- Amazingly authentic sustain pedal resonance, damper and hammer emulations, velocity adapts individually to suit your touch, style of play and keyboard's response
- Powerful options for tweaking tone and variable room simulations

The Grand 3 will be available in Q3 of 2009.

Unity Audio introduces 'The Rock', a new monitor which aims to set no less than a "new standard of monitoring".

Product specification :

- FRONT BAFFLE & CABINET – BY STUDIO DESIGNER KEVIN VAN GREEN. To add density, mass and rigidity to the design, the front baffle is manufactured from Corian® and then bonded to a plywood baffle. Closed cabinet design for a more accurate smoother, deeper bass response made from top grade 12mm, 9 ply Baltic Birch rather than cheaper commonly used MDF. An ingenious bracing system has also been designed to stop cabinet flexing.

- Superior Folded Ribbon Tweeter
A new folded ribbon tweeter has been designed which features

This Musikmesse is set to be Sonnox's biggest show ever, with no fewer than 10 shows a day from four different presenters. As well as mainstage shows from Fab Dupont, Robbie Bronnimann, Nils Hahmann, and Josep Maria Sola, there will be iMac stations for general public use, and plenty of Sonnox staff to ask questions and get one on one Oxford Plugins demos.

Visitors who come to the demos will have a chance to win a Sonnox Elite Collection worth around €1000, which will be presented at 17:30h each day. Also, with Sonnox's special Musikmesse promotion, purchase and register any Oxford Plugins Bundle (2 or more plug-ins) between April 1st and April 17th 2009 and receive a free Oxford Limiter with your order !

Come and see Sonnox at Booth B66, Hall 5.1 from April 1st – 4th, to find out more details.