Music tech you might have missed: Roland SPD-SX Pro, Akai MPC sampler, Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3s
Whether you’re in the market for some new software or want to upgrade your studio — here are some of the biggest recent releases from the world of tech
Roland unveils firmware update of its flagship sampling pad SPD-SX PRO
Roland has just revealed the SPD-SX PRO Version 2.0, the latest update to its flagship sampling pad with numerous new features and added “power and flexibility”.
The SPD-SX PRO Version 2.0 features new customisable trigger LEDs, large onboard memory, multiple outputs and trigger inputs, as well as support for back-up files, a feature Roland says has been “long requested”.
The update also comes with time-stretching capabilities, the option to assign master effects with each kit, and workflow enhancements for much smoother use.
Price: $1,500 (£1,150). Buy it here
Bang & Olufsen completes exclusive Atelier centenary series with the Beolab 90 Monarch and Zenith editions
Bang & Olufsen has finalised its five-part Atelier centenary series of limited edition speakers with the Beolab 90 Monarch Edition and Beolab 90 Zenith Edition.
The Monarch is an exemplar of Danish furniture design, sculpted in angled and curved rosewood with ochre-coloured aluminium crowns.
The Zenith has a more sci-fi look and feel with six panels feature 289 anodized aluminium spheres and subtle mother-of-pearl inlays.
They follow the Titan, Shadow and Mirage editions, each transforming the aesthethic of the brand’s flagship loudspeaker with finely-crated finishes.
The limited edition products were launched to celebrate 100 years of Bang & Olufsen. There are only 10 pairs per edition.
Priced at £410,000 for a pair, more info here
Akai Professional releases accessible standalone sampler, MPC Sample
Music tech manufacturer Akai Professional has released its most accessible standalone sampler yet, the MPC Sample — a highly-portable unit that allows for portable beatmaking anytime and anywhere.
Inspired by the MPC workflow on systems such as the MPC60, but with no computer required, the MPC Sample gives users the opportunity for spontaneous creativity, with five hours of battery life.
With 2gb RAM and 8gb internal storage, the MPC Sample has plenty of room to store creations; the device features 60 effect types spread across four engines, including Pad FX, Knob FX, FlexBeat and the Colour-Compressor.
“MPC Sample represents a new chapter for the MPC legacy,” says Akai Professional Brand Director Andy Mac. “For decades, MPCs have been the foundation of modern music production, and now we’re opening the door wider than ever. MPC Sample gives anyone, whether they’ve never made a beat or they’ve been producing and sampling for years, the same iconic workflow that shaped entire genres, in a format they can take anywhere.”
Price: £349. Buy it here.
Bowers & Wilkins share new colourways for Pi8 true wireless earbuds and Px7 S3 headphones
Sound experts Bowers & Wilkins have introduced two new colourways for their flagship Pi8 true wireless earbuds, Pale Mauve and Dark Burgundy. Meanwhile their acclaimed Px7 S3 noise-cancelling over-ear headphones have been released in a new Vintage Maroon finish.
The new colourways for their award-winning headphone and earbud range have been designed with "style-conscious listeners" in mind, who "want their everyday tech to look as good as it sounds."
Price: Pi8 true wireless earbuds, £319. Buy them here. Px7 S3 headphones in Vintage Maroon, price: £349. Buy them here.