M-Audio has released 2 hot new products: the FireWire Solo and the Keystation 88es USB MIDI Controller.

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M-Audio creates FireWire Solo with guitarists in mind. Their latest audio interface is the FireWire Solo, designed from the ground up as an easy-to-use interface for recording guitar tracks on the computer.

This compact bus-powered unit is small enough to go anywhere--perfect for desktop or laptops. The metal chassis can be rack-mounted as well. In addition to the 1/4" guitar input right on the front panel, a microphone input with phantom power also accommodates recording of vocals, acoustic guitars and other instruments. Both of these inputs feature gain control and clipping LEDs. There are also dual line inputs for effects, drum machines and other outboard gear. Coaxial S/PDIF digital I/O provides both 2-channel PCM and pass-through of AC-3 and DTS surround-encoded content.

FireWire Solo can be powered via the FireWire bus or optional power supply, and dual FireWire ports allow easy chaining of FireWire devices.

FireWire Solo is currently shipping at an MSRP of $249.95 USD.

New Keystation 88es USB MIDI Controller Released
This 88-key semi-weighted keyboard bridges gap between studio and stage and M-Audio has just announced it's availability. The Keystation 88es joins a growing line of USB MIDI controllers that accommodate a wide variety of needs on the part of players and educators.

With 88 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys, the Keystation 88es is designed to appeal to computer users who appreciate the full range of a piano keyboard in a lightweight package. The unit incorporates a built-in USB MIDI interface for Macs and PCs, including a separate MIDI Out jack for controlling MIDI hardware. Pitch bend and modulation wheels are accompanied by an assignable volume/control slider, advanced function button for programming and assignable data up/down buttons, as well as sustain and expression pedal inputs.

At just 22 lbs., the Keystation 88es is equally at home on stage and in the studio. Class compliancy with Windows XP and Mac OS X ensures easy plug-and-play setup. This compact unit is also bus powered, so one simple USB cable is the only connection required. The unit ships with M-Audio's Maximum Audio Tools software bundle, as well as a 6' USB cable.

MME and Mac OS X Core MIDI technology make the Keystation 88es compatible with most popular music education and studio software. Minimum system requirements for PC are Windows 98SE / Me / 2000 (SP4) / XP (SP1). Minimum system requirements for Mac are OS X 10.1.5 (native USB port required; G3/G4 accelerator cards not supported).

Programming options on the Keystation 88es include Octave Shift, Transpose, Program Change, Bank LSB, Bank MSB, MIDI Channel, MIDI Out from USB, Reset All Controllers, Wheel Assign and Slider Assign.

The Keystation 88es is currently shipping and carries an MSRP of USD $299.95.

For more information, visit their web site at http://www.m-audio.com.

'What's Hot' from Doctor Audio is presented by Doc Dosco, Professional Audio Consultant from Los Angeles, California. The Doctor Audio website is a dealer for most Mac and PC Midi/audio products, and is located at http://www.doctoraudio.com  

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