Novation release new ableton live controller,  Launchpad will be on sale in stores worldwide on the 1st of November 09.  Price will be $199.

• Launch Clips and Scenes
  Launchpad’s raison d’être: launch, pause and flip between clips at the touch of a button. Each clip has its own button, with a multi-colour, variable-brightness LED to display its status: an amber button tells the user that a clip is loaded, green means it’s playing, and red means it’s recording.
• Dedicated Ableton Live Modes
  Dedicated buttons provide shortcuts to the different areas of Ableton’s control window, including the Session View, the Mixer and the Instrument racks.
• Session Overview
  A feature that allows the user to jump around eight-channel sections of the Live session, allowing for easy navigation of larger configurations.
• Max for Live control
  Launchpad is the ideal controller for Max for Live, the extension of Ableton’s software that “puts the power of Cycling 74’s Max/MSP inside Live”.
• Launchpads work seamlessly in a team!
  Up to six Launchpads can work together on the same system. What’s more, a Launchpad will happily provide additional functionality alongside any other MIDI controller, such as one from Novation’s SL MkII series. Use a Zero SL MkII to control the mix, with a Launchpad to trigger clips.
• Works with any DAW software
  Although it’s designed for the ultimate control of Ableton Live, Launchpad can be used to control any music application, as a standard MIDI controller.

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• New vintage design is both fresh and nostalgic.
• Korg’s renowned MMT Multi Modeling Technology, optimized for the microKORG XL.
• Sixteeen band vocoder for voice controlled effects.  A gooseneck microphone is included, so you can begin vocoding right away.
• 128 powerful sounds are built-in and ready for immediate use.
• Intuitive sound selection; simply specify the music genre and instrument category.
• Seventeen powerful KAOSS derived effects.
• Newly developed natural touch mini keyboard is compact, yet easy to play.
• Editing software can be downloaded from the Korg website, as well as converted MS2000 and microKORG programs.
• Battery powered for on-the-go enjoyment.

KORG microKORG XL Specification

• Tone Generator System: MMT (Multiple Modeling Technology)
• Multi Timbral= maximum 2 (when using Layer, Split, or Multi)
• Voices=8 voices
• Structure: [Synth] 2 oscillators + noise generator, Oscillator 1: Wave: 8 types (Sawtooth, Pulse, Triangle, Sine, Formant, Noise, DWGS, Audio In), Modulation: Waveform, Cross, Unison, VPM, Oscillator 2: Wave: 4 types (Sawtooth, Pulse, Triangle, Sine), Modulation: Ring, Sync, Ring+Sync, Waveshape: Type: Drive, Decimator, HardClip, OctSaw, MultiTri, MultiSin, SubOSCSaw, SubOSCSqu, SubOSCTri, SubOSCSin, LevelBoost,
• Multimode Filters: Filer 1: -24 dB/oct LPF ~ -12 dB/oct LPF ~ -12 dB/oct BPF ~ -12 dB/oct HPF ~ Thru, Filter 2: LPF, HPF, BPF [Vocoder] 16 channel vocoder, adjustable level and pan for each channel, Formant Shift function, Formant Hold function
• Keyboard: 37 notes (mini-keyboard, velocity sensitive)
• Effects: Timbre: 2 band EQ, Master effect x 2, 17effects
• Arpeggiator: Six types: UP, DOWN, ALT1/2, Random, Trigger, Individual step on/off function
• Programs: 128 programs (A/Bbanks x 8 genres x 8 category)
• Inputs:
• [AUDIO INPUT 1] jack (with MIC/LINE switch) – Rear Panel
• Connector: 1/4” phone jack (unbalanced)
• [AUDIO INPUT 1 (MIC)] jack – Front Panel
• Connector: XLR jack (balanced)
• Outputs:
• [L/MONO, R] jacks
• Connectors: 1/4² phone jacks (unbalanced)
• [PHONES] jack
• Connector: 1/4² phone stereo jack
• MIDI: IN, OUT, THRU connectors
• USB: Type B connector
• Display: Custom LCD
• Power Supply: DC 9 V (AC adapter), or six AA alkaline batteries (sold separately)
• Battery Life: approx. four hours (with alkaline batteries)
• Dimensions: 556(W)x231(D)x73(H)mm/21.89″(W)x9.09″(D)x2.87″(H)
• Weight: 2 kg/4.41 lbs. (without batteries and included microphone)
• Accessories: AC adapter, Gooseneck Microphone
• microKORG XL Sound Editor

The new synth with the analog sound engine of the Voyager, but without the digital controls. The perfect solution for players looking for a road-worthy replacement for their venerable Minimoog Model D, a full-featured centerpiece for their modular synth rig or just craving direct, hands-on connection to their creativity!
Priced between the Voyager and Little Phatty, this modern classic makes the coveted Voyager sound and design easier to own than ever!

http://www.moogmusic.com/voyager/?section=product&product_id=21108

Now noisy makers can assemble and modify their own light controlled analog noise friend! Find a box and make your own analog junk monster or use our “stompbox” style enclosure.

All the sounds of Thingamagoop plus:

• Triangle wave LEDacle with shape and speed control.
• Second photocell patchable to modulator and photocell rate.
• Square and Triangle wave output.
• The satisfaction for making a noise monster with your own soldering iron!

Comes with:

• Detailed instructions.
• Fully labeled components.
• Simply layed out circuit board with minimal hand wiring.
• Two ready to blink LEDacles.
• Control panel and face stickers.

$65 for the complete kit with metal enclosure. I will buy it soon !!

http://bleeplabs.com/thingamakit/