SM Pro Audio has unveiled the V-Box, V-Rack and V-Pedal stand-alone VST plug-in compatible hardware units at Musikmesse 2008 (Hall 5.1, booth#B59). Based around the recently developed 'Powered by VFX' hardware platform, VST and VSTi plug-ins can be loaded directly into V-Box, V-Pedal, or V-Rack - these new products offer VST/VSTi plug-in compatibility in stand-alone hardware units without the need for a standard PC/Mac computer.

V-Box

The V-Box is a compact VST/VSTi hardware playback module built for performance keyboard players and DJ's. Take your plug-ins on the road or into the studio and access them live without a computer. Multiple plug-ins can be pre-loaded into bank/preset memories for immediate access. Combine VST and VSTi plug-ins into chains, splits, and layers to create rich and unique sounds. Full external MIDI controller support allows users access to available loaded plug-in parameter controls such as virtual dials, switches, and faders.

V-Pedal

The V-Pedal has been specifically designed for guitarists wanting to take the best guitar plug-ins (and more) out on the road in a rock-solid 'all in one' hardware unit. With mic/line inputs, programmable stomp switches and rotary encoders, TFT display, expression pedal, and a host of other features, the V-Pedal gives guitarists something they have never had before. The freedom to develop unique sounds from the thousands of available VST plug-ins. The V-Pedal gives guitarists access to these and many more sound options in a dedicated floor stomp box.

V-Rack

The V-Rack features the same functionality as the V-Box, with the addition to a pair of balanced stereo audio inputs and multiple balanced output pairs. Perfect for studio or live use, the V-Rack is well suited for use as an outboard effects unit, multiple output synthesizer module, or even a mastering unit. The V-Rack features high-end AD/DA converters and offers a level of performance suitable for all professional environments. A true chameleon, the V-Rack can be configured to operate as just about any outboard audio device on demand.

All SM Pro Audio V-products ship with control configuration software compatible with Windows and Mac OS X. Users can load up their favorite VST/VSTi plug-ins on their computer for auditioning, sound-set creation, and bank/preset memory assignment prior to transferring to one of the V-products for stand-alone use. Simple intuitive software makes sound and effect creation a breeze. Transferring your plug-ins to the V-Box, V-Pedal, or V-Rack is via USB - a speedy USB transfer to the hardware units takes care of all required user data, memories, and of course plug-in transfer. Once in the main unit... you have freed your plug-ins from the computer and have instant immediate access to your instrument and effect sound creations on a dedicated hardware unit.

John Fuller (Product Manager) from SM Pro Audio said, "Our new V-Products 'Powered by VFX' offer extremely powerful solutions to customers wanting to access the huge selection of available VST and VSTi plug-in in stand-alone hardware. Having three distinctive and uniquely featured products has allowed us to offer customers the features they need in compact, reliable and affordable units."

V- Products are currently scheduled for release in Q4 2008 with full specs and pricing to be announced.