Akai Professional worked in partnership with software developer Ableton to create the APC20, the second control surface created by Akai Professional for performance with Ableton Live software. Like the APC40, adding the APC20 transforms the user's experience from one of constructing tracks with a keyboard and mouse to composing and performing with a seamless, fully integrated hardware/software musical system.

The APC20 retains many of the APC40's most popular features and capabilities, while shrinking the physical footprint and adding interesting new capabilities. The smaller size enables musicians to perform in less space and makes setting up multiple controllers and devices easier. Power users can use the APC20 in conjunction with an APC40 to expand their track and clip controls.

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A new year has just begun and the entire Audio World is already working around the clock to unveil a great bunch of exciting new product.

This is NAMM time my friends and 2010 promises to be top-notch !

Stay tuned from now 'til next sunday as the whole 440Network Team is on the starting blocks to get you informed about the latest news in this "Winter NAMM Special Report", and in our Daily News Section.

So, as Sgt Pepper said, hope you will enjoy the Show !!

Avid today introduced Sibelius Student, a notation and composition software platform specifically designed for students in grades three through 12.

Based on the same popular software used by industry professionals, Sibelius Student offers a tightly packaged set of features designed to help students complete music theory assignments, compose pieces for real ensembles, score music to video and increase literacy in music notation, while providing teachers with specific features for classroom use and management.

New Features in Sibelius Student :

• Magnetic Layout – Snaps score elements into position automatically, avoiding the need for time-consuming manual positioning and editing.
• On-screen Keyboard window – Enables young musicians to use the computer keyboard to compose, developing their familiarity with music notation via an easy-to-use interface modeled after a piano's keyboard.
• Versions and Comments - Saves multiple versions of a score within the same file and enables the addition of Post-It style sticky notes to saved versions, allowing development to be tracked over time and changes to be easily recalled.
• Export audio files - Empowers students to share scores as audio files by using the high quality virtual General MIDI sound module to convert compositions into audio, enabling easy sharing and collaboration.
• Virtual instruments and effects support – Supports the use VST or Audio Unit virtual instruments or effects, providing for greater control and coloration of playback sounds.

E-MU Systems has announced that its new E-MU LONGboard 61 and SHORTboard 49 keyboards are now shipping. These completely new instruments combine great feeling 61-note or 49-note MIDI controller keyboards with a 128-voice professional sample-based instrument with 32-bit effects and a world-class 64MB sound set.

Both instruments feature a 64MB sound set containing a complete range of classic keyboard instruments such as: Grand Pianos, Electric Pianos, B3s, Clavinets, Solina-Moog-OB-Prophet-Juno-TB synthesizer leads and basses, as well a General MIDI sound set. Sounds can be modified during performance using six controller knobs, pitch and mod wheels, controller pedal, footswitch and the octave transpose buttons.

The LONGboard and SHORTboard are based on the new E-MU 8030 platform, whic ...

Apple has updated Logic Pro to version 9.1 and MainStage to version 2.1. The good news is that both updates feature support for 64-bit native mode and compatibility with 64-bit Audio Unit plug-ins !

Please note that running Logic Pro 9.1 in 64-bit mode requires Mac OS X v10.6.2 Snow Leopard, or later. On top of that, Apple has specified that some features are not currently available when using Logic Pro 9.1 in 64-bit mode.

For more details, visit :

• Logic Pro 9.1
• MainStage 2.1