Executive Roundtable: Keyboards and Virtual Instruments at NAMM

Single shot sent my way via effegee.

You should recognize a few faces including Dave Smith, Jordan Rudess, Mike Martin of Casio, Roger Linn, and Stephen Fortner of Keyboard Magazine on the far right. I recognize some of the others, but can't recall their names. If you know please comment and I'll update the post.

Update: Info and panel list via Music Starts Here:

"Where are keyboard instruments going? Is hardware in its twilight, or is it having a renaissance for live performance? Is the analog revival here to stay, or a passing fashion? What will keyboards do in the virtual world of the future? Are mobile apps and touchscreens viable for serious music production? In this panel moderated by legendary music technology thought leader Craig Anderton, top experts in keyboard and software design, product management, and media will discuss the future of the electronic musical instrument industry. Panelists include:

Craig Anderton (moderator), Executive Vice President, Gibson Brands and Editorial Director, Harmony Central.

Athan Billias, Director of Strategic Product Development, Yamaha and advisory board member, MIDI Association.

Stephen Fortner, Editor at Large, Keyboard Magazine.

Ralph Goldheim, President of U.S. Operations, Arturia.

Jimmy Landry, Head of PR and Artist Relations, Cakewalk.

Roger Linn, CEO, Roger Linn Design and inventor of the modern drum machine.

Mike Martin, General Manager of Marketing, Casio.

Jordan Rudess, Keyboardist in Dream Theater and Founder, Wizdom Music.

Dave Smith, President and Founder, Dave Smith Instruments and co-inventor of MIDI.

Topics covered will include virtual instruments, analog synths, traditional keyboards versus alternative controllers, and more. If you’re attending NAMM and into keyboards or synths, don’t miss what is sure to be one of the most thought-provoking discussions at the show.

When: Thursday, January 21, 2016, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

Where: Room 203 A/B (“The Forum”), Anaheim Convention Center

For more info visit https://www.namm.org/nammu/exec-roundtable-keyboards-and-virtual-instruments"

M-AUDIO Introduces CTRL 49 Controller

Update: I originally thought the CTRL-49 had the ability to load VSTs onboard, minus the computer, much like the MUSE Recepter, but it appears you still need the computer connected to run the VSTs.

"M-AUDIO ADDS REVOLUTIONARY VIP SOFTWARE TO ITS LEGENDARY KEYBOARDS IN GROUNDBREAKING NEW CTRL 49 CONTROLLER

Producers can now load, play and control all their virtual instrument plugins directly from the CTRL 49 keyboard, for seamless hands-on performance and perfect VI software integration.

Cumberland RI, USA (January 21, 2016)— M-Audio (m-audio.com), synonymous with innovative music production technology, today announced the introduction of their revolutionary, premier controller, the CTRL 49. The new keyboard provides advanced control of virtual instruments and DAWs via a full-color, high-resolution 4.3-inch screen. It features a 49-key semi-weighted keybed, and the directional cluster of hardware controls has been meticulously thought out for effortless operation. Producers will find the CTRL 49 to be an inspiring and intuitive experience.

The CTRL 49 is powered by the included Virtual Instrument Player (VIP) software. VIP software enables users to access any VSTi virtual instrument or effect in their computer directly from the keyboard. Users can quickly filter and search through every patch in their plugin library by using the built-in tagging function, making it simple to find the sound they’re after quickly. VIP auto-maps the CTRL 49’s controls to the selected plugin, and displays the plugin parameters directly on the full-color display for a natural, familiar 1:1 workstation-style experience.

VIP software in the CTRL 49 also creates a multi directly from the keyboard. Using a multi, producers can combine up to 8 patches from 1 or more plugins, and have the option to layer, mix and pan these patches all at once. Users can even set keyboard splits and transpose individual patches within their multi. This advanced design feature means users can save all the new sounds they’ve created and easily recall them at any point.

For optimum live performance use, VIP software also creates 'setlists' that deliver fast on-demand access to virtual instruments and effects. With the press of a single button, users can switch to the next plugin they want—without ever reaching for a computer.

CTRL 49 Features:
• Integrated 4.3-inch high-resolution full-color screen with dedicated interface buttons
• Screen provides 1:1 real-time feedback of plugin parameters
• Includes Virtual Instrument Player software--- load, play and control any VST or effect plugin quickly
• Mackie/HUI for DAW control
• 49-key M-Audio semi-weighted keybed
• 9 faders and 8 buttons with Mackie Control® and HUI® for seamless control of the DAW
• Performance-ready 360-degree encoders
• FX button for future VIP updates
• 4 banks of 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive drum pads with RGB illumination
• Roll mode, time division, transport, arpeggiator, and tap tempo buttons
• Functions as a standalone MIDI controller or controls your plugins and DAW simultaneously
• Includes software: Ableton Live Lite, AIR Creative Collection FX (20 World Class FX AU/VST
plugins as made famous by Pro Tools®), Vacuum Pro, Loom, Hybrid 3, Xpand!2, Velvet, Transfuser, Eighty Eight Ensemble

'The CTRL 49 is a game-changer for serious producers,' said JC Sutherland, Product Manager for M- Audio. 'Now they can access their entire virtual instrument library right from their keyboard, without ever being distracted by a computer, which makes the creative/performance process smoother than ever before. Working together, the CTRL 49 and VIP unlock your VSTs and enable them to function like actual instruments. Once you get used to this, there’s no going back.'

The M-Audio CTRL 49 has a U.S. retail price of $499

It will be available in the 2nd Quarter of 2016.

Please visit us in Hall A, Booth #6700 at Winter NAMM."

1st NAMM Floor Video of the New Tom Oberheim & Dave Smith DSI OB-6

See Update2 currently at the bottom of the main OB-6 post here. Also, don't miss the two demo videos above it if you haven't seen them yet. It sounds pretty incredible. I own an OB-Xa and it nails some of the sounds and then some.

Audulus 2 Minute Tip - 6: How to Make an Auto Wah Effect

Published on Jan 21, 2016 Bimini Road

Audulus for iOS | Audulus for Mac

All parts here.

"An Auto Wah is volume-controlled filter. The louder you signal is, the higher the frequency sweeps. In this demo, I just used the microphone on my iPad picking up a Jess Glynne song through my speakers. Auto Wahs generally sound best on one instrument - you hear them most often on guitars.

Auto Wahs are also knows as Envelope Controlled Filters (ECF, as opposed to VCF, a voltage controlled filter).

The 2 Minute Tip series breaks apart topics on Audulus into bite-sized chunks. I don't talk during the tutorials (though there are a few notes that pop up), and this is so that international viewers who don't understand English well don't feel left out. Familiarize yourself with the node menu and my navigation won't be so mystifying. In the future, we'll develop a finger press indicator so you can see where I'm tapping.

http://www.audulus.com"

Yamaha FS1R Rack Mount FM & Formant Synthesizer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

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Oberheim OB-12 with Original Box

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Oberheim OB-12 synth in perfect condition, it even has the plastic covering on the screen still. This synth has no defects and is in the original box. The manual is completely legible, however it had an unfortunate run in with a cup of coffee, reference the photos.

Here is an excerpt from the manual: the Oberheim OB-12 is a synthesizer designed to be fully controllable in real time, the main feature of the famous analog synthesizers. And the huge advantage this provides is a user-friendlyness which was perhaps being lost with the latest digital synthesizers, with programming procedures too complex for many people to attempt. However, this does not mean the OB-12 offers limited potential. As well as giving it an 'analog feel', the OB-12 also use the most sophisticated digital technology for signal generation and processing."

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Roland Jupiter 6 Analog Synthesizer

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via this auction

Possibly SN 90910.

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New Yamaha Montage 6,7, and 8 Prototype Video

See Update2 in the main Yamaha Montage post here.

DYNACORD DDL-12 + CLAVIA NORD MODULAR for 70s PADS // BOWIE BERLIN YEARS

Published on Jan 21, 2016 LESINDES

"Fabualous and extremely underrated DYNACORD DDL-12 is meeting CLAVIA NORD MODULAR. How is it possible that two completely digital machines as the digital delay line (DDL) from Dynacord and the modelled analog synth NOD MODULAR are meeting and create completely analog feeling pads of the seventies -- reminding those Eno synths and string machines at the Bowie albums created in Berlin from 1976-79. I don't know but the alchenic reaction has obviously happened here :-)"

Teenage Engineering Introduces New Pocket Operators - Arcade, Office, and Robot

Audulus 2 Minute Tip - 6: How to Make an Auto Wah Effect

Published on Jan 21, 2016 teenageengineering

"introducing PO-20 office by teenage engineering and cheap monday."

Update: CUCKOO tutorial added below!

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