Cakewalk announces A-300 Pro, A-500 Pro and A-800 Pro Keyboard Controllers

Cakewalk has announced the A-300 Pro, A-500 Pro and A-800 Pro, a new series of USB MIDI 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.

A-PRO series features

• The feel of a Roland-quality Instrument
  • A superior key mechanism providing aftertouch and increased sensitivity for a wide range of expressive dynamics
  • Rounded key assemblies for smooth and comfortable glissando
  • Selectable velocity curves to fine tune the A-PRO to your playing style
  • Roland’s proprietary FPT (Fast Processing Technology) USB driver provides ultra-low latency and ensures subtleties of performances are captured
• Eight Dynamic Pads
  • Precise velocity sensitivity makes the A-PRO a formidable controller for finger drumming
  • Hold function is perfect for triggering loops and sequences
• Ergonomic design puts everything at your fingertips
  • Ultra-bright, backlit LED display makes it easy to monitor settings, especially when on stage
  • Controls and onboard settings are easily accessible and intelligently laid out
  • Over 45 fully assignable controls, including knobs, sliders, and buttons
  • Dedicated Transport section
  • Sure-grip Pitch Bend/Modulation Stick offers expressive control of both parameters simultaneously
  • Easy and streamlined connection with side panel ports
• Total control
  • A-300PRO Editor for Mac and PC makes it a breeze to customize the controller for use with your favorite synth or DAW
  • When working in ACT (Active Controller Technology) mode, DAWs like the included SONAR LE will remap parameters automatically
  • Trigger clips, video effects and transitions from your A-PRO musical performance using any video hardware with V-LINK support
  • Expand playability with Sustain & Expression Pedals (available separately)
• The Production Plus Pack
  • Three inspiring virtual instruments for Mac & PC:
    • Rapture LE
    • Cakewalk Sound Center
    • Studio Instruments Drums
  • SONAR 8.5 LE, a special version of Cakewalk’s professional recording software for Windows

Also making its debut is the A-500S, an inexpensive 49-key USB MIDI keyboard that shares many of the same design elements as the A-PRO series keyboards. The A-500S comes with the Production Pack Plus 3 software bundle. It has three power options — USB, AC and also battery (4 x AA) — and features a 3-digit, 7-segment LED screen to easily monitor settings. Compact and portable, the A-500S is perfect for anyone making music at home or in a project studio with a computer, academic settings needing great sound at low cost, or live performances and mobile recording applications.

The A-PRO series and A-500S will be available at select music and sound retailers worldwide in late April, 2010.

More information: Cakewalk