M-Audio Announces ProKeys Sono 61 and ProKeys Sono 88 Digital Pianos

M-Audio announced today the ProKeys Sono 61 and ProKeys Sono 88 portable digital pianos. Designed to help keyboard players and songwriters to bridge the gap between writing, recording and performing, each ProKeys Sono portable digital piano delivers premium on-board sounds, exceptional semi-weighted action and a built-in audio interface. The ProKeys Sono 61- and 88-note models follow the release of the 49-note KeyStudio™ 49i (soon to be renamed ProKeys Sono 49), creating a complete line of all-in-one solutions.

M-Audio® digital pianos have been embraced by top recording artists and performing musicians on some of the world's most notable concert tours. The ProKeys Sono 61 and 88 portable digital pianos extend M-Audio's legacy of reliability and playability with semi-weighted keybeds featuring advanced scanning technology. This new innovation provides superior resolution, increasing the player's control over dynamics for an extremely expressive performance.

The ProKeys Sono portable digital pianos provide a diverse array of sounds that make it easy to work out ideas and perform — with or without a computer.* Both models feature sounds sampled from a Steinway grand piano by the expert software instrument designers in the Digidesign® Advanced Instrument Research (A.I.R.) group. ProKeys Sono 61 provides four other instant-access sounds — bright piano, electric piano, organ and clav — while ProKeys Sono 88 adds strings and choir for a total of seven on-board instruments. Players can also apply reverb and chorus for enhanced realism. To complete the package, the on-board GM sound set provides 128 sounds plus drums and percussion. Users can play any of these sounds when using the keyboard alone, or connect to a computer for even more options.

The ProKeys Sono 61 and 88 portable digital pianos make it easy for users to harness the power of the computer for performance and recording. The on-board 2-in, 2-out audio interface lets users listen to built-in sounds, software instruments and recorded tracks from the audio outs or headphone jacks. Users can also connect instruments and microphones to the audio inputs and record vocals, guitar, bass and more, or perform along with a CD. The pianos are compatible with most major recording applications, including the included Ableton Live Lite software.

The ProKeys Sono portable digital pianos are also ideal for use in teaching environments. The combination of on-board sounds, an audio interface with mixer, and music creation software delivers a complete, affordable package that streamlines the purchase and setup process. Dual front-mounted headphone jacks allow an instructor and student to listen at once, and also provide convenience when tracking. In addition, the units feature a Piano Reset button to instantly restore all settings to the internal piano sound.

"The ProKeys Sono 61 and 88 incorporate a broad array of technology into a single package that perfectly meets the needs of songwriters, performers and educators," says Adam Castillo, M-Audio's marketing director. "While other solutions are so complex that they actually hinder the creative process, these easy-to-use keyboards facilitate inspiration in a variety of settings — while delivering a great feel that all players will love."

The ProKeys Sono 61 and 88 portable digital pianos are currently expected to ship in the second quarter of 2008 and carry MSRPs of $449.95 and $549.95, respectively.