MOTU is now shipping ZBox ($39.95), a guitar pickup adapter that matches the output impedance of a guitar with instrument inputs on audio interfaces or other devices.

Guitar inputs on audio interfaces, mixers, PAs, wireless transmitters, and other similar devices (often labeled "instrument") usually have impedance levels that differ significantly from those typically found on guitar amp inputs. This mismatch can make a guitar sound unnatural (too bright, thin and brittle). In addition, the guitar may not "feel right" while played through software- or DSP-driven amp models.

By providing the proper impedance levels, ZBox restores natural guitar tone that would otherwise be lost through a non-amp input.

ZBox is simple to use. Just plug a guitar into ZBox's Lo-Z or Hi-Z input (whichev ...

Alesis has announced the Q49 USB/MIDI keyboard controller.

The Q49 is a 49-note keyboard controller that works with virtually all music software and MIDI hardware devices. The compact controller features USB-MIDI and traditional MIDI jacks for easy connection to Mac, PC and MIDI hardware.

The Q49 provides keyboard players with a full compliment of controls including pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down buttons, an assignable data slider and the ability to send program changes from the keys.

The Q49 will be available from musical instrument and pro audio retailers in March 2010.

Following up on the runaway success of its StudioLive 16.4.2 digital mixer, PreSonus announced a new member of the family: the StudioLive 24.4.2. Like its 16-channel sibling, the 24-channel StudioLive 24.4.2 is designed for both studio recording and live sound, without compromising the requirements for either.

On top of the Portico 5017, Rupert Neve Designs has also unveiled the Portico 5024, a new quad mic preamp with Silk, MS, and Two DI.

Pricing and availability TBA. More details coming soon...

Akai Professional announces the iPK25 keyboard controller for iPhone and iPod Touch.

Features :

• 25-key MIDI keyboard controller for iPhone and iPod touch
• Velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys for expressive performance
• Pitch and modulation wheels, octave +/-, and sound-bank buttons
• Stereo RCA line outputs and headphone jack
• USB/MIDI for virtually any MIDI music software or MIDI hardware devices
• Seamlessly compatible with Akai SynthStation Studio app

The iPK25 will be available from pro audio and musical instrument retailers in March 2010. It has a U.S. Retail Price of $199.00 and an estimated street price of $149.00.