Akai Professional has announced the immediate availability of SynthStation25, the first musical keyboard controller designed for iPhone and iPod touch.

The SynthStation25 transforms iPhone and iPod touch into a professional musical instrument for performance and production. This portable, 25-note mini-keyboard features a built-in dock for iPhone or iPod touch and gives users two octaves of velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and physical buttons for the most commonly used controls including: octave up/down, part-select and patch-select. The SynthStation25 also features a RCA stereo-line output and a headphone output for monitoring and recording audio. The SynthStation25 also has a USB MIDI output that can be used to control any MIDI music software on a Mac or PC.

The SynthStation25 works seamlessly with version 1.20 or higher of Akai Professional's own SynthStation app, which is also available from the iTunes App Store. The latest app version 1.2.1, which includes iOS 4 compatibility and improved graphics, is a free upgrade for existing SynthStation app owners and is sale priced at $1.99 for new users for a limited time.

SynthStation contains three powerful synthesizers, as well as, a thumping drum machine with genuine MPC beats for crafting sequences and creating entire songs. SynthStation's record function allows producers to perform their songs within the app, and then download the audio and MIDI data through a WIFI connection. With SynthStation and SynthStation25, musicians now have portable, professional tools to develop ideas anywhere their inspiration may strike.

As the first musical keyboard controller for iPhone and iPod touch, Akai Professional appreciates the interest the SynthStation25 has received and recognizes the immense possibilities it opens for other music-app developers. The AkaiConnect SDK allows third-party developers the opportunity to incorporate SynthStation25's hardware within their music-apps for iPhone and iPod touch. Software developers interested in creating apps compatible with SynthStation25 can get more information at SynthStationApp.com.

"The combined package of the SynthStation25 keyboard and the SynthStation app really changes the expectation of where and how someone can create music with their iPhone or iPod by transforming it into a professional musical instrument," said Adam Cohen, Director of Business Development, Akai Professional.

The SynthStation25 is available now from pro audio and musical instrument retailers and has a U.S. Retail Price of $299 with an estimated street price of $99 The SynthStation app is available now from the iTunes App Store for $1.99 US for a limited time (Usually $9.99). The AkaiConnect SDK is free and available now to approved app developers through the new website at SynthStationApp.com.