SONiVOX has announced the imminent release of Playa – Hip Hop Virtual Instrument, a new virtual instrument plug-in for Mac OS X and Windows. Designed for quick and easy sequencing, beat construction, and hands-on remixing, Playa boasts an intuitive graphical user interface, as well as a professional grade high quality sound set.

Playa's unique user interface bridges the gap between MPC style beat creation and the computer based virtual instrument environment. Playa allows users to interface their MIDI pad controllers and controller keyboards directly with the software. Producers will enjoy Playa's flexibility, allowing seamless integration with virtually all types of MIDI devices and sequencing environments.

In addition to Playa's innovative user-interface structure, Playa is packed with a diverse and extensive set of instruments designed to deliver sonic and stylistic versatility, all recorded and programmed by SONiVOX's sound design team.

Key features at a glance:

• Over 400 SONiVOX Instruments – Fat synths, basses, drums, leads, orchestral instruments, ethnic instruments, guitars, strings, brass and much more.
• 16 User Programmable and Assignable Pads – For quick and easy MPC style beat construction.
• Over 50 Pad Presets – Designed to get the producer going instantly with various construction kit layouts, diatonic chord mappings, arpeggios, chord progressions and motifs.
• User Definable Layouts – Make original pad mappings and assign pads to MIDI keys using the "map" and "learn" modes.
• MIDI Functionality – Playa is instantly compatible with any MIDI controller.
• Independent Zone Tempo-Synched Variable Resolution Roll/Retrigger Mode.
• Onboard FX and Graphic Equalizer.
• Keys Mode – For standard keyboard play/performance.
• User Editable Envelope Controls.

Pricing & Availability

Playa will be available February 1st, 2009, with an MSRP of $149 and an introductory street price of $99. It will be available for Windows (Standalone, VST and RTAS) and Mac OS X (Standalone, AU, VST, and RTAS).