Even pure software companies have recognized the need of real musicians for real instruments. Musicians want to touch and feel, what is going on with their machines. The flood of pure software controllers, that was taking hold years before has slowed down not only a bit. It seems, like some saturation has happened now.

French vendor Arturia came up with their first contribution to the hardware market: Origin and Origin keyboard are their idea of an optimized, highly integrated synthesizer system. Managing director Frederic Brún wanted a very clear, no nonsense, and modern look for their instruments. We started with the design of the desktop version, where we found a clever solution for adapting the instrument to a 19" rack as well as using it as an elegant, controller like desktop instrument. The keyboard version integrates an innovative flip up panel. When opened up, it serves the user with an optimized working angle. When closed, the panel protects the functional elements perfectly for transport. For more information, go to http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/products/origin-keyboard/intro.html

Synthesizer legend John Bowen wanted a classy, technical look for his new baby, the Solaris Synthesizer. The mechanical design of the box was already done, when we had the chance to step in. Not a lot of options have been left, so we had to live with slight modifications of the casing, where we brought in the aluminum parts on the back and for the sidecaps. The product graphics have been modified giving the instrument the professional, cool touch that it's inside qualities deserve. You can find more information about Solaris and John Bowen under www.johnbowen.com

Waldorf is back! Being the in house designer for Waldorf Electronics, Axel was being asked again, to create the design for their new product lines. A high end design attitude that was an important part of the old Waldorf image should be carried one step further into an innovative, stand alone product language. Clear user interface structures, real materials combined with an excellent touch and feel of all control elements are the core design characteristics of the new product lines "blofeld" and "stromberg"..

The Zarenbourg piano is a very unique musical instrument. It is a real players tool, easy to handle and easy to understand. The design was influenced by the classical Electro Pianos of the sixties and the seventies. Additionally, the musician can individualize his Zarenbourg piano in many different ways. Starting with 3 different top colors to choose from, a glass ashtray, a drink holder or a professional flight case can be added for a very personal Zarenbourg piano. Find out more about the Waldorf products under www.waldorfmusic.de

Moog Music launched their Little Phatty Stage Edition. This design variant offers cool aesthetics, making it different from the Tribute edition that was designed more in a classy Moog style, with wooden sidepanels. Both versions do include the wave shaped aluminum back profile that combines just the right angle for sound editing with an extremely unique look. Find out more about the fascinating Moog instruments under www.moogmusic.com

Already at AES / San Francisco in October 2006, Steinberg showed their new SyncStation. Technically designed by Sync legend Colin Broad, Design Box had the pleasure to work out the industrial design of this exclusive high end studio tool.

At NAMM 2006, Tronical was shocking the musical community with PowerTune, an automatic guitar tuner. You just push a button on your guitar and in a blink of an eye, it is tuned perfectly. Nobody ever thought, something like this was possible at all - now it is! Design Box has been working on the PowerTune logo and on the complete Corporate Image of this innovative vendor. For more information, go to www.tronical.com

You see, there was a lot of Design Box inspired news at Frankfurt this year and this is in addition to our activities for some other branches, outside the MI market. So, watch this space for our latest design news every now and then!