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M-Audio Introduces New Oxygen Series (MKV) Keyboard Controllers

M-Audio Introduces New Oxygen Series (MKV) Keyboard Controllers

M-Audio (m-audio.com), synonymous with innovative music production technology, today announced the introduction of a new keyboard controller series, the Oxygen Series (MKV). These new keyboard controllers offer innovative advancements in hardware control enabling producers and performers the ability to create their own cutting-edge signature sounds on stage or in the studio.

Available in 25-key, 49-key, and 61-key, the new Oxygen Series (MKV) are USB powered and all feature Smart Chord and Smart Scale technology, Auto-mapping, a built-in Arpeggiator and Note Repeat, offering powerful features for modern music production. The Oxygen Series (MKV) keyboard controllers feature eight backlit velocity-sensitive pads, nine assignable faders (one assignable fader on the Oxygen 25), eight assignable knobs, and full Velocity Control of keys and pads to open worlds of precise music creation.

Smart Controls
The Oxygen Series (MKV) include Smart Chord and Smart Scale technology. The Smart Chord feature plays full chords with a single key press, while the Smart Scale feature plays the exact notes within a chosen scale eliminating wrong notes. Both features offer more options with a Custom Mode and over 15 different scale variations. With Smart Chord and Smart Scale technology, making music and unleashing your unlimited creativity has never been easier.

Auto-Mapping for Creative DAW Control
Using the Oxygen Series (MKV) controller with any DAW is incredibly easy. Controls such as Transport, Faders, Pan, Record Arm, Solo, Mute, Select and many more are automatically mapped for a fluid workflow with all major DAWs—including Ableton, Pro Tools, MPC Beats, Cubase, Logic, Studio One and more. By simply selecting your DAW on the Oxygen Series (MKV) keyboard controller and configuring your DAW’s preferences to the keyboard, a new world of creative production is at your fingertips.

Built-in Arpeggiator
The built-in Arpeggiator on the Oxygen Series (MKV) helps add excitement and movement to music quickly and easily. When the Arpeggiator is activated, the keyboard will repeatedly play the keys that are pressed in the selected sequence either in the keyboard’s tempo or the DAW’s tempo setting. This powerful tool can operate in Latch or Momentary Mode and further utilises creative parameters such as Type, Octave, Gate, and Swing – offering a wide array of experimental possibilities.

Premium Software Suite and Learning Tools
The Oxygen Series (MKV) includes everything for immediate creative potential from the get-go. Record, sequence, arrange and mixdown tracks with a choice of two professional DAWs including MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite. Additionally, included are two critically acclaimed virtual instruments; Hybrid 3 multi-oscillator synthesiser, and Mini Grand Acoustic Piano, both offering a wide array of remarkable sounds. Finally, after building playing-skills and confidence with 60 free lessons from Melodics and a 3-month premium membership with Skoove, dive into a world of cutting-edge sound content with a collection of Expansion Packs from Akai Professional’s legendary MPC Series.

Oxygen Series (MKV) Features

  • Full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
  • Preset and DAW buttons for auto-mapped DAW instruments and plugins
  • Assignable faders let you mix your productions with ease
  • Smart Chord mode enables playing of enharmonic or custom chord voicings
  • Smart Scale mode eliminates wrong notes making it easy to craft a perfect song
  • Arpeggiator with Type, Octave, Gate and Swing controls
  • 2 banks of 8 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with Note Repeat for beat production
  • (8) assignable knobs for manipulating virtual instruments and plugins
  • Transport buttons let you control your DAW without reaching for the mouse
  • Display provides instant parameter feedback
  • Ergonomically designed pitch and modulation wheels & 1/4” sustain pedal input
  • Includes MIDI editor software and a complete software production package:

2 DAWs

  • MPC Beats
  • Ableton Live Lite

Virtual Instruments

  • Hybrid 3 – Multi-oscillator synthesiser
  • Mini Grand – Acoustic piano

MPC Expansion Packs

  • MPC Beats Producer Kits – Multi-Genre Beat Production Pack
  • F9 Instruments Beats Edition – 25 High Quality Instrument Samples
  • LANIAKEA Sounds – TrapSoul & LoFi Production Pack
  • MSX Audio – Soulful Drums Collection
  • ADSR – LoFi Producer Collection

The Oxygen MKV series are available immediately and ship with the following MSRP’s:

  • Oxygen 25 (MKV) – £89.99
  • Oxygen 49 (MKV) – £129.99
  • Oxygen 61 (MKV) – £159.99

For more information, please visit www.m-audio.com

About M-Audio
M-Audio began as Midiman, a driving force in the desktop recording revolution that followed the introduction of MIDI in the 1980s. Today, M-Audio has evolved into one of the most revered names in computer interface and studio integration solutions, keyboard and controller products, and all manner of essential musical hardware from microphones to studio monitors. M-Audio is a proud mem-ber of the inMusic family (inmusicbrands.com).

New Modal SKULPTsynth SE Announced

New Modal SKULPTsynth SE Announced

Modal Electronics, a leading global synthesiser manufacturer, is proud to release SKULPTsynth SE. Based on the heritage of the original SKUPTsynthesiser, it inherits a slim form factor, but comes with traditionally coloured, black and white touch keypads, easier to read front panel descriptors and improved built quality. Equipped with 127 high energising patches, SKULPT SE provides a wide range of highly sought-after sounds for modern music productions and live performances. With its light-weight design, a massive synth engine and MPE support plus patch and polychain compatibility with its predecessor, SKULPTsynth SE is a comprehensive synthesiser for musicians and producers to get creative anywhere they want.

Two WAVE groups per voice with four oscillators each allow to craft carefully flavourful sonic fundaments and sweep smoothly between multiple waveforms. Additional oscillator modulation unveils an unmatched potential for sound customisation. SKULPT SE’s state-variable 2-pole filters morph from low pass through to bandpass and through to high pass. With its resonance feature, it picks out rich harmonics at high resonance levels. Three envelopes give excessive control of the dynamics and expression. Two LFOs, one global and one polyphonic, can be synced to internal or external tempo. The integrated delay and distortion effects give more options to polish the sound.

SKULPT SE supports MPE and offers musicians creative new musical ways to perform with synthesiser sounds, and therefore, SKULPT SE the most affordable MPE hardware synthesiser available today. The integrated real-time sequencer and arpeggiator are acclaimed performance features and invite to immersive jam sessions. Up to 4 SKULPT or SKULPT SE can be poly-chained to form a massive 16-voice virtual-analogue sound engine.

With 127 brand-new patches, SKULPT SE offers a vast library of contemporary sounds that uplift every track. Fully backward compatible, SKULPT SE users can load any patch from the original SKULPT available from Modal’s website and 3rd party sound designers.

Using the free MODALapp, available from our website, sound editing and sound management is easy and straightforward. MODALapp runs on all major computer and mobile platforms and offers integration in AU and VST3 DAW environments, respectively.

SKULPTsynth SE will be available by mid May 2021 through a wide network of authorised Modal retailers around the world. Suggested retail prices are £169.99 (UK, incl. VAT), 199.99 € (incl. 20% VAT) and $199.99 (US excl. VAT).

About Modal Electronics

Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Bristol, UK, Modal Electronics is redefining modern synthesiser technology for musicians, producers and performers. Guided by the philosophy to create “Machines for Musicians,” Modal Electronics combines sophisticated analogue and digital circuitry in their products. Synthesisers from Modal Electronics contributed to countless hit records and top movie scores and are used in recording studios and on live-performance stages around the world. www.modalelectronics.com

Arturia KeyLab 88MKII Review

Keys Review takes a look at the KeyLab 88MKII. Take a listen to  hear what Tom thought of this controller keyboard from Arturia.

Arturia Overview

Designed for professional musicians, session players, live performers, studio engineers, and demanding producers who want the best of the best, with no sacrifice made in terms of playability, expression, versatility, and sheer quality. Whether the proud owner of a KeyLab 88 MkII is an experienced pro, or an aspiring producer, they will make great use of the amazing included software titles, DAW control, customisable setups, and seamless integration.

KeyLab 88 MkII key features

  • 88 note, velocity sensitive Fatar TP/100LR piano weighted keybed with aftertouch
  • 16 back-lit, dual purpose performance pads
  • 9 customisable faders
  • 9 rotary encoders
  • 4 CV/gate connections: pitch, gate, mod, input
  • Perfect Analog Lab integration
  • Full integration with all Arturia software instruments
  • Universal MIDI controller: control any software or MIDI-enabled hardware
  • Powers via USB
  • Control presets for different DAWs, magnetic overlays for easy reference
  • Huge pedal connectivity: expression, sustain, 3 customisable connections
  • Mackie / HUI compliant DAW Command Center
  • Comprehensive music software bundle included • Optional sustain pedal and DC power supply

SRP £845.00

www.arturia.com

Arturia introduce evolution of cutting-edge softsynth: Pigments 3

Arturia introduce evolution of cutting-edge softsynth: Pigments 3

On April 20th 2021 at 6 PM CEST, Arturia unveiled the latest version of their state-of-the-art softsynth; Pigments 3 promises to redefine the softsynth game, bringing new sound engines, FX, advanced routing, and much more – while retaining its unparalleled ease of use and signature colour-coded interface.

The polychrome synthesizer has evolved into a state-of-the-art instrument that spans every shade of synthesis.

Pigments 3 introduces the boundless power of additive synthesis, an impressive utility engine with sub oscillator and dual noise sample players, the iconic filter from Jup-8 V, 4 incredible new FX including a multiband compressor, and so much more.

Combined with unparalleled DSP performance, a revamped audio routing system, and its signature vibrant visual workflow, Pigments 3 sets the new softsynth standard; a producer’s playground, a composer’s workhorse, and a sound designer’s dream.

To introduce the latest colorful edition of Pigments, Arturia is presenting a selection of generous introductory offers, including an exclusive & essential pack of 5 sound banks built to make the most of Pigments 3’s unique palette.

New in Pigments 3

Harmonic engine – detailed additive synthesis with up to 512 partials, dual formant filters that can be morphed from A to B, odd and even harmonic customisation, and various colourful ways to modulate partials.

3rd Utility engine – add an extra oscillator layer and up to 2 noise sample layers to Pigments’ dual-engine sound for extra depth and sonic colour.

64 new wavetables, bringing the total to 164

Ramp waveform, for Virtual Analog engine.

Jup-8 V4 Low-pass filter – the revered filter from our meticulous emulation of a polysynth icon.

Enhanced filter routing – route either filter to either FX bus for detailed sound.

Pitch Delay – a clean, modern algorithm for creating exciting pitch-shifting ambience.

Multi-Band Compressor – a much-requested tool for creating a tight mix-ready sound without ever leaving Pigments.

BL-20 Flanger – a faithful reimagining of an elusive analog studio effect.

Chorus JUN-6 – one-touch analog sparkle and stereo fatness, taken from our faithful Juno-6 emulation.

Expertly-crafted new presets by world-class sound designers.

Enhanced in-app tutorials from the product designers.

The Spectrum Sound Pack

Paint your mix with Pigments 3’s unique palette.

The limited-edition Spectrum Sound Pack combines 5 unique sound banks, each including 100 presets, designed to exhibit Pigments 3’s vibrant features, from the new Harmonic Engine to the analog charm of the Jup-8 V filter.

Introduction deal until May 13th 2021

Celebrate the launch of Pigments 3 with generous introductory offers and exclusive sounds for new and existing users alike.

For existing Pigments users, this update is free of charge. You’ll also be able to get the exclusive Spectrum Sound Pack for 19,99€/$ (worth 99€/$), for a limited time.

For new Pigments users, the latest version is available to buy with a 50% saving at 99€/$ (worth 199€/$), with the Spectrum Sound Pack included at no additional cost (worth 99€/$).

Registered Arturia customers will be eligible for a personal introductory offer, and can simply login to redeem.

Intro offers end on May 13, 2021 LEARN MORE.

GEWA Announce New Digital Pianos UP365 & UP385

GEWA Announce New Digital Pianos UP365 & UP385

With its digital pianos “Made in Germany”, GEWA music has already been sending a clear signal for several years in the direction of ultra-modern and sustainable instrument manufacturing at its location in Adorf, Vogtl. Germany.

Together with highly specialised suppliers from the region, a series of high-quality and highly competitive instruments has been developed over the last decade. Especially the high-resolution “Hamburg Grand” piano sample receives outstanding reviews and represents the European sound culture.

GEWA UP365

The UP365 and UP385 models are a comprehensive update of the UP36 and UP38 models. Here, GEWA continues to rely on state-of-the-art circuit board manufacturing from TechniSat and specific loudspeaker systems from the manufacturer VISATON.

GEWA UP385

The new “Concert Pianist II” Keyboard.

The new models feature the new “Concert Pianist II” keyboard for the first time. As the name suggests, this is the successor to the proven Concert Pianist keyboard – with great new features: Concert Pianist II is a zone-weighted keyboard with wood elements, Ivory Touch surface, and pressure point simulation. All these features provide a particularly balanced, controllable, and natural playing feel. The keyboard was developed in close cooperation between FATAR and GEWA.

New sofware features & multilingualism.

Besides general software optimisations, EQ settings, and keyboard adjustments, the UP365 and 385 instruments offer further great software features: For example, a USB WAV recorder with which singer/songwriters can quickly capture their ideas as high-resolution audio fles. For the frst time in the GEWA piano series, the instruments have Bluetooth MIDI functionality. This is fully compatible with iOS and Android devices and allows easy connection to popular piano apps & DAWs.A unique feature is the multilingual control panel. This allows users to conveniently operate their piano in their native language. The following languages are available so far: German, English, French, Italian, Dutch, and Spanish. More languages will follow soon.

Availability.

The new GEWA digital piano models UP365 and UP385 are now available at GEWA digital piano partners.

 

Roland F701 Digital Piano Wins Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021

Roland F701 Digital Piano Wins Red Dot Award: Product Design 2021
Roland, a leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and professional video products, announced today that the Roland F701 Digital Piano, the most compact of Roland’s upright pianos, has won a Red Dot Design Award: Product Design 2021 for its soft, inviting design and commanding performance. As one of the largest, oldest, and most respected design competitions in the world, the Red Dot Design Award has provided a platform for designers and companies to assess and praise exceptional design for more than 60 years. The Red Dot Awards have now honored Roland with accolades for product design three times since 2017. Previous winners include the LX700 series and FP-90 digital pianos.
As the most compact of all of Roland’s upright pianos, the F701 is an ideal piano for learning at home, especially for those who appreciate understated looks. Designed to complement modern room styles, the F701 resembles a sleek sideboard cabinet, and with white or light oak colour options, it blends naturally with a wide range of decor. And thanks to its compact size, this is a piano that fits easily in smaller spaces.
The F701 epitomizes Roland’s soft and inviting design language. Its profile is simple, slim, and subtle, with rounded corners and a lid that slides over the keys when not in use. Even the rear-view appeals, with neatly arranged connections that allow the piano to face any direction without unsightly wires.
Although small in size, the F701’s performance is commanding. Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound and PHA-4 Standard keyboard, featuring hammer action, escapement, and ivory-feel white keys, all react to the subtlest touch, for a truly inspiring playing experience. And with an easy-to-read, icon-driven display, onboard practice features, and Bluetooth connectivity for exploring an exciting world of apps, the F701 is the perfect instrument for learning to play.
“Roland’s mission is to inspire the enjoyment of creativity, and we design innovative products that make learning and playing music both exciting and fun. Exceptional design is at the heart of this mission because giving our customers the best musical experience possible is what drives our team to design the best products possible. We’re honored that the panel of Red Dot Award judges continues to praise the design merits of our pianos year after year,” said Roland Corporation CEO and Representative Director Jun-ichi Miki.
The Red Dot Jury comprises 50 international experts who test, discuss, and evaluate each entry individually based on judging criteria adapted to new technical, social, economic, and ecological requirements such as innovation, functionality, quality, durability, and ecological compatibility, among others.
For more information about the Roland F701 Digital Piano, please visit Roland.com and www.red-dot.de/pd/winners.
About the Red Dot Design Award
In order to appraise the diversity in the field of design in a professional manner, the Red Dot Design Award breaks down into the three disciplines of Red Dot Award: Product Design, Red Dot Award: Communication Design, and Red Dot Award: Design Concept. The Red Dot Award is organized by Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen and is one of the world’s largest design competitions. In 1955, a jury convened for the first time to assess the best designs of the day. In the 1990s, Red Dot CEO Professor Dr. Peter Zec developed the name and brand of the award. Ever since, the sought-after Red Dot award has been the revered international seal of outstanding design quality. More information is available at www.red-dot.org.
About Roland Corporation
For nearly 50 years, Roland’s innovative electronic musical instruments and multimedia products have fueled inspiration in artists and creators around the world. Embraced by hobbyists and professionals alike, the company’s trendsetting gear spans multiple categories, from pianos, synthesizers, guitar products, and electronic percussion to DJ controllers, audio/video solutions, livestreaming products, and more. As technology evolves, Roland continues to lead the way for gigging musicians, producers, and beatmakers, providing modern software-based solutions and seamless creative workflows between hardware products, computers, and mobile devices. For more information, visit Roland.com or see your local Roland dealer.

UDO Super 6 Synthesiser Review

Keys Review take a closer look at the UDO Super 6 Synthesiser. Watch the video review to hear what Tom thought of this traditional analogue synth.

Overview from UDO

Having made a show-stopping splash upon its introduction to the musical masses assembled at SUPERBOOTH19 in Berlin, the trade fair for electronic musical instruments presenting the latest developments in (modular) synthesizers, keyboards, effects, studio equipment, and software, subsequently resurfacing somewhat closer to home at SynthFest UK 2019, the UK’s biggest synthesizer event held annually in Sheffield, then taking an award-winning transatlantic trip this year to The 2020 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California, the world’s largest trade-only event for the music products, pro audio and event tech industry, new musical instrument company UDO Audio is proud to announce availability of the eagerly-expected SUPER 6 — its inaugural release representing a new take on the traditional analog synthesizer as a 12 VOICE POLYPHONIC BINAURAL ANALOG-HYBRID SYNTHESIZER WITH SUPER-WAVE TECHNOLOGY tendering some unique sound design functionalities, featuring state-of-the-art FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) digital hardware oscillators coupled with analog filters and amplifiers — as of September 1…

A quick glance at the tantalising 12 VOICE POLYPHONIC BINAURAL ANALOG-HYBRID SYNTHESIZER WITH SUPER-WAVE TECHNOLOGY wording boldly blazoned across an eye-catching, classic design cue-capturing front panel — presenting a simple user interface and chunky controls combination clearly intended to be intuitive, expressive, and fun to play — plainly puts it out there for all to read, reinforcing that the SUPER 6 is a new take on the traditional analog synthesizer. State-of-the-art FPGA digital hardware oscillators are coupled with analog filters and amplifiers, while its unique super-wavetable core can be shaped and manipulated with the binaural analog signal path and flexible modulation. Perfectly paired with a fastidious focus on build quality and mechanical design duly benefitting from the ‘Midas touch’ of the one and only Axel Hartmann, responsible for shaping the look and feel of many modern musical instrument classics from the likes of Arturia, Moog, and, of course, Waldorf (where he started out as an in-house designer), the SUPER 6 both sounds and feels fantastic!

As implied by that tantalising wording, when in BINAURAL mode the SUPER 6 features a true stereo path in which its 12 voices are twinned to form six ‘Super’ voices — hence the appropriate appellation of the instrument itself. Its L (left) and R (right) OUTPUT channels — and also the listener’s ears, effectively — are assigned a complete synthesizer voice. So, starting with the stereo OSCILLATORS, parameters of both channels of each Super voice can be controlled independently, in turn allowing users to create stunning stereo images. Indeed, the effect on the sound ranges from subtle to extreme stereo movement and an enhanced sense of spatial positioning relative to conventional monaural signal chains panned at their output. Of course, BINAURAL mode can be disabled for 12-voice polyphony.

DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) signal generation is employed by both oscillator cores. Though the SUPER 6’s OSCILLATORS are both capable of producing classic analog waveforms like sine, triangle, sawtooth, and square, DDS1 — the first oscillator — also features a selection of 16 waveforms that users can choose from. Furthermore, these 16 selectable waveforms are replaceable, allowing for a potentially unlimited sonic palette!

An analog voice architecture is applied elsewhere, with the SUPER 6’s main VCF (Voltage-Controlled Filter) being an analog 4-pole, 24 dB per octave, resonant low-pass affair using a classic — SSI2144 — polysynth filter design from Sound Semiconductor, a veteran team of musicians and enthusiasts with considerable experience in high-performance audio IC (integrated circuit) design. It is preceded in the signal chain by an analog voltage-controlled HPF (High-Pass Filter) that can either be OFF, FIX (fixed), or also TRK (track) the low-pass filter cut-off FREQ (frequency) for band-pass operation. An analog VCA (Voltage-Controlled Amplifier) section can further be used to shape the sound by adjusting and modulating the amplitude or loudness over time in time-honoured tradition.

The SUPER 6’s ENVELOPES can be routed to multiple destinations, including the DSS MODULATOR, the VCF, and the VCA. Each envelope features four ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, and Release) stages, while ENV 1 also features a so-called H (Hold) stage, allowing users to delay when the attack stage starts after they have pressed a key, and LOOP mode. Mapping modulation routings using the modulation matrix provides users with an immediate approach, allowing them to route a modulation source to any modulatable parameter on the front panel.

The SUPER 6 furthermore features a flexible ARPEGGIATOR/SEQUENCER section with UP, DOWN, U&D (up and down), RANDOM, and SEQ (sequencer) MODE selection. Select SEQ and the SUPER 6 allows for the recording of up to 64 steps with programmable STEP, SLIDE, ACCENT, REST, and sequence LENGTH settings. Ultimately, users can STORE and LOAD up to 64 sequences in total.

Two 24-bit effects are also available for adding the finishing touches to SUPER 6 sounds — namely, a stereo DELAY that can be modulated and synced to the ARPEGGIATOR/SEQUENCER or to an external clock, and a classic-style dual-mode stereo CHORUS, routed in series with the CHORUS coming first and the DELAY being last in the audio signal path.

Purposely designed without a screen, all of the SUPER 6’s primary controls and 128 (rewritable) patches are accessible directly from that eye-catching front panel. Prominently positioned, the VOICE ASSIGN function determines how the SUPER 6’s voices are used when a note is played, permitting users to choose between SOLO, LEGATO, UNISON, POLY 1, and POLY 2. It is incredibly intuitive and fun to play as a true performance instrument, thanks to a comprehensive performance control section — with assignable bender control, second LFO (Low Frequency Oscillator), PORTAMENTO, OCT- and OCT+ octave selector, transpose, and master fine tune — in addition to a responsive 49-key Fatar keyboard that is velocity sensitive and also responds to aftertouch. Additionally, the SUPER 6 can respond to incoming MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) messages sent by an MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) controller via an individual MIDI channel per note.

 

Needless to say, SUPER 6 connectivity is similarly straightforward: AUDIO IN allows users to process an external audio signal through the synthesizer’s signal path and threshold-based envelope and LFO triggering; the main stereo OUTPUT for binaural synthesizer operation becomes mono if only one input is connected; connect the SUPER 6 to a computer via USB (Universal Serial Bus) using the included cable for bidirectional MIDI communication, patch and sequence management, firmware updates, and importing new waveforms; while the MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU ports, plus (sustain) PEDALS inputs and headphone output, are all self explanatory.

Enthusiast and technologist George Hearn, helming the team at UDO Audio responsible for bringing the SUPER 6 to life, is ideally positioned to enthusiastically sing its praises thus: “The result of years of hard work and many iterations of development, my mission with the SUPER 6 has been to harmonise what I love about archetypal electronic instrument design with modern, novel synthesis technologies that excel at generating spatially dynamic results. The architecture leverages the vibrancy of a true-stereo analog signal path, driving it with extremely high sample rate, spectrally versatile digital audio, and presents you with straightforward, expressive controls of superior mechanical build quality. I would love to see this instrument with the wear and tear of many years of use. Experiment, play, learn, and, hopefully, love it like we do!”

The SUPER 6 is available — in both black or blue colour configurations — at an RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of £2,295.00 GBP (including VAT) via Hand in Hand Distribution (www.handinhand.uk.net) in the UK and Alex4 Distribution (www.alex4.de) in Europe. Elsewhere, UDO Audio can currently be contacted directly for the USA: hello@udo-audio.com

For further information about the SUPER 6, please visit the UDO Audio website here: www.udo-audio.com

www.handinhand.uk.net

 

Tracktion Launches Hyperion Plugin

Tracktion Launches Hyperion Plugin

Tracktion Corporation is proud to present Hyperion, an inspirational, multi-layer, modular synthesizer, designed and coded by Paul Carter AKA Wave sequencer. See launch video below.

A child of the eighties, developer Paul Carter, took his inspiration for Hyperion from electronic music artists like Vangelis, Jean-Michel Jarre and Brian Eno. His years of experience in both firmware and applications for consumer electronic products, plus his passion for sound synthesis and music, combine to make Hyperion a contemporary digital modular masterpiece.

Hyperion is a powerful VST3/AU plugin for both Windows and Mac. Designed from the beginning for sonic flexibility, it has easy to follow, efficient modular processing which is capable of up to ten layers of complex sound patches. It features a wide variety of synthesis types, adaptable patching, pitch bend ranges, tuning, arpeggiator and individual per-layer effects. Hyperion also contains multiple kinds of filters, distortions and buss effects as well as logic and math nodes for generative patch design. Check out the Patch demo here.

The unlimited sound processing elements of Hyperion offer all the warmth and emotion associated with analogue in an infinite design playground. It has a huge array of surgical controls and data generation options and the ability to quickly layer and split polyphonic modular patches. All in all an instant source of musical inspiration for music producers of all genres.

For a unrestricted, free trial click HERE.

To find out more about Hyperion please visit tracktion.com/products/hyperion. To find our more other products available through Tracktion please go to tracktion.com/.

Casio launches new Casiotone range

Casio launches new Casiotone range

Casio Music UK, one of the world’s most renowned producers of musical instruments, has today announced the release of its new Casiotone range with three new models available – the CT-S1, the CT-S400, and the LK-S450. All purposefully designed for everyday music-makers, the new Casiotone line-up expands upon Casio’s “Make Music, Anytime, Anywhere” philosophy.

The CT-S1 – the flagship model – has a minimalist design layout made up of 61 piano-style keys, built-in speakers, and a carefully designed selection of easy to use buttons. It is available in three different colours – white, black, and red – making it well-suited for everyday living spaces and interiors. Its slim profile also means that it is convenient for casual play at any time and in any place.

CT-S1

What’s more, the CT-S1 boasts the richly expressive Casio AiX Sound Source to ensure high-quality tone, as well as a newly developed speaker design that delivers an impressively powerful sound output. With 61 built-in tones, users can enjoy the very best acoustic and vintage instrumental sounds with this digital keyboard. The model also features a special selection of 12 Casio Classic Tone presets, chosen from among the many distinctive digital instruments Casio has developed over the years.

CT-S400

Also announced as part of the new Casiotone range is the CT-S400. This model features a diverse range of functions, including 600 high-quality tones and 200 rhythms, all packed into a conveniently slim profile to offer the casual enjoyment of music to users regardless of their age or skill level. The model offers superior operability thanks to its dial selection, as well as the LCD screen with sharp visibility.

LK-S450

The third model in the new range is the LK-S450. Designed with beginners in mind, it features a key lighting system that guides would-be players via the ‘Light up’ keys.  Featuring up to 200 preloaded songs from a wide range of genres, first-timers can make their learning and practising experience fun and enjoyable.

All three models can connect to smartphones, tablets, and other devices using the separately sold Bluetooth® adapter to create an even bigger world of musical enjoyment for users – from using the unit as a wireless speaker to playing along with favourite songs. The dedicated Chordana Play app also enables users to change the tempo or key of songs being played, as well as to display music scores and piano roll notation, allowing every individual to practise at their own pace.

Neil Evans, Head of Casio EMI, commented: “We are excited to be releasing our new Casiotone range – we want to bring the joys of music-making to as many people as possible. We appreciate the different lifestyles of our customers and have considered them when designing and building a digital keyboard line-up that complements specific needs and situations. We hope that the new Casiotone range excites people to pick up playing or perhaps even consider upgrading to one.”

The CT-S1 will be priced at RPP of £225, and the CT-S400 at £279, as well as the LK-S450 at £295 – all launching in the UK in May & June 2021. To find out more information, please visit casio.co.uk/emi.

 

Korg i3 Workstation Review

Keys Review takes a closer look at the Korg i3 Workstation. Watch the video to hear what Tom thought of this 61 full-size velocity-sensing keys offering from Korg.

Overview from Korg

With the i3 Music Workstation, your musical themes and phrases catch fire and quickly explode into complete ready-to-play productions. Grouping sounds, beats, and parts together by Sound Set and Style Performance Set streamlines the creative process, providing a shortcut to choosing the right sounds and pulling together the right beats and grooves. On-board effects and EQ tailor the sound for any performance. The sequencer records, saves, and plays both MIDI and audio files – you can even play along. Self-contained, simple to use, and fun to play, the i3 is the ideal synth for the budding composer, the energetic performer, or the inspired up-and-coming producer. Using battery power, the KORG i3 Music Workstation can run wherever you run; a convenient auto-power off function preserves battery life.

The KORG i3 is a full-featured Workstation featuring 61 full-size, velocity-sensing keys. The keyboard response is adjustable using the three touch-curves; a fourth setting provides a fixed output level. Transpose buttons shift the pitch of the keyboard up or down by two octaves, in octave increments. The professional joystick allows real-time articulation of pitch bend, vibrato, and brilliance during performance; an additional two-band EQ (Low and High) provides a final adjustment to the overall tone. All front panel buttons and controls are conveniently grouped together by function, and the custom backlit LCD delivers valuable visual feedback regarding the instrument’s current settings. A rotary data-wheel encoder can quickly edit the value of the onscreen parameters. The black-out finish, rubberised touch surface, and perforated end panels reflect the distinctive upscale design.

The i3 is endowed with decades of KORG sound design expertise. Inside you’ll find nearly 800 instrument sounds created with critical precision by master programmers and musicians. This includes a complete GM2 sound set, providing flawless General MIDI compatibility. Add to that another 59 custom Drum Kits, and you’re talking some serious sound. The operation of the i3 distinguishes between the Sound Set, that is the sounds played in real time on the keyboard; and the Style Performance Set, that is the sounds and parts generated by the i3 to augment your performance. Calling up one of the 200 Sound Sets from memory can place up to four sounds on the keyboard at once; three layered across the upper keys, and one split to the lower keys. Reset the split point instantly with the touch of a button and the press of a key. The high-fidelity PCM sound engine provides a generous 64 voices of polyphony. Two stereo effect processors – each with 173 variations – add motion, depth, and expression to each of these real-time sounds. Press the convenient Grand Piano button to instantly recall the prime piano sound of the i3 in any mode, at any time.

You’ve got ideas. You’ve got some hooks. You’ve got some grooves. You’ve even got a few lines of splashy rhymes. The KORG i3 is the Workstation that can help you put it all together. By selecting a Style Performance Set, the i3 can enhance any performance by adding in the missing parts – a drum beat, a bass line, some percussion hits, and any other backing parts you may wish to add, from a tight funk brass section to some serious guitar strumming, from a string quartet to a grinding old blues organ. You can actually have up to eight parts making up your backing track. Each of the 270 Styles contains four related Performance Set options; each one recalls a different set of backing sounds, just as each Sound Set offers four related options for the real-time keyboard parts you play yourself. Push buttons allow you to instantly select or mute any and all backing parts or real-time parts, and the volume of each part can be adjusted at will. As you get more familiar with the i3, you will find that backing sounds, grooves, and parts can be swapped or substituted from any Style Performance Set for a truly custom performance. Active backing parts will follow your chord changes and voice leading to create a personalized track to match your performance. If you need just a little more spark for your creative fire, the eight Chord Buttons can suggest and provide ready-made chords to keep your momentum moving forward. Each Style is a complete song-creation environment, with ready-to-play sounds, parts, and chords – if needed. In addition, each Style includes four rhythmic variations, a count-in, a break, plus an intro and an ending. Just as with the real-time Sound Set parts, the Style Performance Set parts also can also access two independent stereo effect processors – each with 173 variations – to add motion, depth, and expression.

Compose it. Play it. Record it. Share it with the world – or just your closest friends. The KORG i3 Music Workstation offers a number of ways to capture your creative output so it can be saved, edited, or shared. All of the settings used to create a song or performance – Style Performance Set settings, Sound Set settings, Tempo, Effect settings, etc., can be saved into a single Set List location for instant recall. There are 10 banks of Set Lists, each with 5 locations. As with nearly all Workstations, the i3 sequencer can function as a track-by-track linear 16-track recorder in the Normal mode. In this way, an individual track may still be edited or replaced as you would in a normal sequence. Once recorded, your finished project can be exported as a MIDI data file. What really makes the i3 unique is the Performance Recording mode, where an entire performance generated and played on the i3 can be captured and recorded as audio data, and exported as an audio .WAV (44.1 kHz) file.The onboard sequencer can even play audio files saved in the .WAV (44.1kHz) or MP3 format.

The KORG i3 Music Workstation features plenty of connections and performance options on the rear panel to satisfy any situation. When not running on battery power, the i3 can be connected to a suitable AC power source using the included adapter. A stress-relief hook is molded into the rear panel. There are two 1/4″ outputs (Left/Mono and Right) for audio monitoring, in addition to an 1/8” stereo headphone output. An 1/8” audio input is also provided. A 1/4″ jack is provided for a foot controller; the function of the footswitch or expression pedal is defined by the settings of the i3. A MIDI output jack sends note and timing data from the i3 to other MIDI equipped instruments or audio gear. Two USB ports are provided. The TO DEVICE USB port can save and load user data and songs to and from a USB flash drive. Use the TO HOST USB port to connect the i3 to a computer.

SRP £499.00

www.korg.co.uk

 

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