Arturia has released Brass v2.0.

Brass is a software recreation of three wind instruments - a trumpet, a saxophone and a trombone. Version 2.0, Brass offers an entirely redesigned interface with major new features and improvements :

• New physical modelling of the saxophone.
• Two new Saxophone mouthpieces.
• Possibility to play four instruments at a time using a new Harmonization module.
• Advanced spatialization possibilities.
• Improved MIDI control.
• Better integration into DAW software.
• Entirely redesigned interface.

On top of that, Arturia has announced a new limited edition bundle featuring the Brass 2 software and the Akai Pro EWI-USB wind-controller. This bundle will start shipping on January 25th, 2010 at a price of €399 / $449.

Cakewalk announces the launch of the A-PRO Series of USB MIDI Controllers for Mac and PC. The A-300 Pro, A-500 Pro and A-800 Pro are a brand new line of keyboard controllers developed in conjunction with Roland.

The A-PRO series focuses on intuitive real-time performance and ergonomic playability, making it a must-have controller for soft synths in a live or studio setting. This new line combines the best of both worlds: Cakewalk's legendary ease of use and Roland's world-class engineering and keyboard expertise. The respective keyboards are:

• A-300 Pro — A 32-key USB MIDI keyboard
• A-500 Pro — A 49-key USB MIDI keyboard
• A-800 Pro — A 61-key USB MIDI keyboard

All A-PRO series keyboard controllers feature:

• A superior key mechanism providing aftertouch ...

Avid has announced the Pro Tools Instrument Expansion Pack, featuring all five Digidesign's virtual instruments - Structure, Strike, Velvet, Transfuser and Hybrid.

The pack will ship in Q1 of 2010, and carries a USMSRP of $499. Upgrade options for existing customers will also be available.

Arturia announces the Analog Experience Series, a new series of three hybrid synthesizers: Analog Experience The Player, Analog Experience The Factory and Analog Experience The Laboratory.

Analog Experience The Player - with 25 keys this is the smallest, most lightweight and simple version of the series. It features a compact MIDI keyboard controller and light version of Analog Factory software giving a very easy-to-use and affordable package including the very best of Arturia's signature sounds and a dedicated quality keyboard perfect for the mobile musician.

Analog Experience The Factory - with 32 keys (previously named "Analog Factory Experience") this adds a dedicated keyboard to the Analog Factory software, allowing all sounds to be dramatically modified instantaneously.

Akai Professional announces the MPD26 USB/MIDI Pad Controller.

Features :

• Access 64 samples on 16 pressure and velocity-sensitive MPC pads with four banks each
• MPC technologies include Note Repeat, Swing, 16 Level, Full Level, and Tap Tempo
• Control virtually any 12 software parameters on assignable Q-Link knobs and faders
• Dedicated transport controls transmit MMC and MIDI to DAW and sequencing applications
• MIDI output over USB and traditional DIN MIDI I/O for controlling software and hardware
• Backlit, easy-to-read screen
• USB bus powered, class compliant: plug and play with one USB cable
• Comes with Ableton Live Lite and Editor Librarian software

The MPD26 will be available on february at the same price as the MPD24.