Users of the SynthStation music-production app by Akai Professional will want to head on over to the iTunes App Store to download the SynthStation version 1.2.1 update.

The software updated adds hardware support for the SynthStation25 keyboard, iOS 4 multitasking, high-resolution graphics for iPad and iPhone 4, and much more.

SynthStation transforms an Apple iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad into a portable music-production studio. Create melodies, chords, and bass lines with the app's three synthesizers, or make melodic and accompaniment parts using SynthStation's onscreen keyboard, complete with an arpeggiator and an XY control interface for expressive control of key parameters.

Those who just want to make beats will like that SynthStation also contains over 50 drum kits featuring classic sounds, legendary MPC samples, and some of the most popular samples on the market today. An onscreen MPC-style pad interface offers a familiar method of assembling drum tracks, while individual sample controls for Pitch and Volume let you tweak the drums to fit the mix. What's more, SynthStation has a full mixing section providing immediate control over the individual synth and drum parts. In this section, you can adjust volume levels, mute tracks, or route instruments to the internal effects processor to create dynamic mixes quickly, according to Akai.

When you are finished making music with SynthStation, you can save your sequences and completed songs to come back to them later. Further, once sequences have been programmed and organized, SynthStation can record a jam performance of the song capturing all modulation, mixing, and keyboard playing. Through a wi-fi connection, you can also download both an audio (.WAV) and MIDI file of the performance for further editing, or upload your work to the Web to share your composed tracks with others.

With the 1.2.1 update, SynthStation now provides complete support for Akai Professional’s SynthStation25 keyboard, which Akai says is the first ever music controller of its kind for iPhone and iPod Touch. This portable, 25-note mini-keyboard features a built-in dock for iPhone and iPod Touch and provides two octaves of Velocity-sensitive keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and physical buttons to control parameters within the SynthStation app. The SynthStation25 also has a USB MIDI output that can be used to control any MIDI music software on a Mac or PC.

In addition, version 1.2.1 offers compatibility with Apple’s new iOS 4 mobile operating system, allowing all iPhone 4 users to use SynthStation with multitasking and Retina display support. Furthermore, the SynthStation update uses the latest iOS to offer more stability, speed, and overall performance enhancements. Owners of iPads can make use of SynthStation as well, since the update also provides high-resolution images designed specifically for the iPad's larger display.

SynthStation app features at a glance:

• Play with the onscreen keyboard, XY controller, and arpeggiator controls
• Create sounds with the three synthesizers and their controls from oscillators to LFOs, envelopes, and more
• Perform and edit drums with 50 drum kits and MPC-style pad interface
• Sequence with a Keyboard grid or Drum grid
• Select and save your Song / Sequence projects
• Control tempo and even tap in the tempo
• Mix levels with the Mixer section, which has touch-controlled faders and FX send for the synths and drums
• Select and control FX type and parameters

The SynthStation 1.2.1 update is now available from the iTunes App Store. For more information, please visit Akai Professional at akaipro.com.