This one was shared on the excellent Rhodes Chroma list. It's a 64-encoder knob box with LED rings. Each encoder is dynamically labelled using a small but crisp 128*64 OLED display. It is currently in the development phase so no date on when it might be available and of course features & implementation are likely to change over time. MidiBox projects are also usually DIY, so not sure if this will be available as a finished product or only in kit form.
"Jojjelito and myself are currently collaborating on a bigger MIDIboxNG project, that should help facilitate patch programming for all those synth users, that are unhappy with the bad/minimalistic user interfaces of their rack and keyboard synths, especially when programming new patches. This project was planned for years and never took shape...
But, thanks to TK., MIDIboxNG came to the rescue!
Its codebase has all of the needed functionality integrated in a very generic way, allowing to do so many things!
"What it is, what we're about, where we're going."
Tamzin on Lumen Handpan wrote in to let us know about their electronic Handpan. The video above will tell you what it is. Note it has MIDI output to control external gear. You can support the campaign on Indiegogo here.
"The Lumen is an electronic percussion instrument in the form of a handpan, which provides the unique playing experience of it's acoustic inspiration, with the added benefits that electronics bring. It features built-in amplified speakers, an advanced on-board audio processor and full velocity sensitivity.
We want artists around the world to be able to pick up the instrument, turn it on and play - no need to connect to any other equipment. Being an electronic instrument, you can of course output the audio signal or MIDI messages straight from the Lumen."
"This product demo shows some sound editing on the Sequential Prophet VS using the Stereoping Synth Controller which is a specialized midi hardware programmer available in many editions for Matrix 1000, Microwave, TX81Z and many more.
This edition of the controller is named 'ProVessorS' and does not cover ALL parameters of the Prophet VS but makes programming MUCH easier and funny - especially for VCA/VCF envelope rates and levels. The 4 Oscillator's Wave numbers, coarse and fine tunings are
also in direct access.
This 10-minutes-video has 7 quick chapters: Starting point is the main concept of the UI. 2. shaping the init-patch of the VS into a nice sound while being sequenced. 3. & 4. show realtime tweaking of vector envelope rates and LFOs. Chapter 5 shows how quick and easy patch name editing works with the 'letter dial mode'. In 6 you'll see remoting and automating the Prophet VS through ordinary Controller-Change messages in Fruity Loops and Ableton. The last chapter 7 demoes Detuning and Unison. Be sure not to miss this very strange but extremely cool sound the Prophet VS accidently makes when changing a wavenumber in Unison - shown from 8:57 on.
The video was recorded using 2 cameras, one showing the controller while being used, the other cam with focus on the Prophet VS display reflecting the realtime changes. In case you're wondering - the display of the VS is not the original. The faceplate of the controller in the video is an early paper printout, the final one is black not blue.
"The Ribbon 2 is a 12-bit synthesiser, CV/Gate controller and USB controller. This video takes a look at a few of those functions. Pre-orders available from Modularsquare in Europe, delivery soon to dealers worldwide"
Used with a Moog Sub Phatty & small eurorack system.
Currently seeking funding on Kickstarter, The MIDI Thing is essentially a single MIDI IN/OUT cable with a bluetooth adapter in the middle. You plug in the MIDI IN and OUT ends into your MIDI keyboard or controller of choice and it becomes a Bluetooth MIDI controller. Curious if it will work with MIDI OUT ports only, or do you need to loop it back into a MIDI IN port for any reason? Some keyboards like E-mu's XBoards only have MIDI OUT port. I'll see if I can find out. Here's a demo of it with an iPad:
"The hb1 MIDI Breath Station enables you to regulate any electronic instrument or peripheral device with MIDI or USB-port. The special wooden mouth piece, a precision sensor and the combination of a MIDI-merger, an integrated MIDI-interface and the innovative parameters create the premise for a high precision and highly sensitive performance of your ideas, in studio or live. Ten of the twelve parameters allow an adaption of various details and impulses in your music. For instance, the adjustable “Release” allows breathing in without a gap in the sound.The “Dynamic Attack” parameter allows for sensitive sound control, even in the finest pianissimo. In dual mode you can control two independent MIDI CCs even simultaneously. Realtime data reduction, Inversion and Limitation of the signal and, of course, Drive and Offset are all a part of the setting options. Each parameter can be saved in 25 presets. Additionally, the breath-data is displayed constantly on the Breath-Value Display. The hb1 approach is innovative and progresses far beyond the possibilities of a common breath controller. Through the integration of standard MIDI and USB-ports, the hb1 functions with or without a computer. The hb1 is hand-crafted in Germany with great attention to detail as well as with a focus on the aspect of sustainability.
The hb1 is composed of a controller unit and an extremely accurate pressure sensor unit which is connected to the mouthpiece by a silicon hose and to the controller unit by a sensor cable. Two mouthpieces are supplied in different sizes so that the most comfortable can be chosen for use.
The mouthpiece, made of precious wood from the wild service tree, is mounted onto a stainless steel tube in which the sliding adjustable air intake valve can be adjusted as needed. The pressure sensor unit may be worn hung by a leather cord around the neck with the mouthpiece between the lips. The hb1 includes a Neck Set which enables the mouthpiece to be set in a fixed position in front of the mouth. This is particularly helpful for live performances. The hb1 Neck Set is made from a flexible but robust metal tube which can be easily shaped and adapted for the musician's comfort and musical needs..."
"Yo! This is a teaser for new programmer/expander developed by Bastl Instruments collective. It´s called SixtyKnobs and serves as an expansion module for incredibly powerful LXR drummachine from independent diy synth manufacturer Sonic Potions. It has sixty knobs and it lets you to programm most of LXR´s parameters on the fly. Its great for quick editing and jamming. It truly unleashes the beast hidden in the LXR´s synth engine!
Pricing and availability will be announced in early summer 2016."
"The Dark Force is rising again at Arturia with two new Black Editions of BeatStep and MiniLab!!!
With its new design the BeatStep Black Edition comes charged with Oberheim SEM V, Analog Lab and Ableton Live 9 Lite. It also comes with the latest 1.2 firmware update.
MiniLab Black Edition is not left behind, we have packed it with Oberheim SEM V, Analog Lab, Ableton Live 9 Lite, and UVI Grand Piano Model D."
And the press release:
"Arturia announces availability of software-bundled black BeatStep and MiniLab controllers
GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware developer Arturia revolutionised the concept of what a priced-to-go compact controller can be with both its award-winning BeatStep Controller & Sequencer and MiniLab Universal MIDI Controller truly turning heads at past NAMM shows; today, within weeks of stealing the show at The NAMM Show 2016, January 21-24 in Anaheim, California, USA with more major product launches, itis proud to announce availability of limited-edition black versions of both the BeatStep and MiniLab that represent better value than before bybundling them with award-winning Arturia and third-party software...
Like its original white namesake sibling launched at The NAMM Show 2014, the BeatStep Black Edition is a chameleon-like controller and sequencer that matches many musical environments effortlessly. Compact and rugged, it is the perfect companion on the road or in the studio, offering a degree of functionality and performance hitherto unheard of in a portable pad controller — certainly at its tempting ‘takeaway’ €99.00 EUR/$129.00 USD asking price!
Speaking of which, the BeatStep Black Edition is bundled with Oberheim SEM V— Arturia’s award-winning authentic software recreation of the original Oberheim Synthesizer Expander Module® (SEM), which was itself conceived back in the Seventies as a way of beefing up weaker-sounding compatible analogue monosynths of the time, thanks to its rich two-oscillator driven sound, soon after forming the muscular musical backbone of several subsequent trailblazing Oberheim polysynths — alongside Arturia’s Analog Lab, a n a b u n d a n t l y -powerful software synthesizer solution with 6,000-plus presets by internationally-renowned sound designers derived from Arturia’s award-winning Analog Classics, a range of authentic-sounding software recreations of classic analogue instruments. Included third-party software comes courtesy of Ableton Live 9 Lite, a customised version of the Ableton Live music-making software, featuring selected instruments and effects plus all the essential workflows to write music, record audio, and songs intuitively in an innovative way — thanks to BeatStep Black Edition, triggering clips in Live 9 Lite areas easy as exercising your trigger finger! — and Grand Piano Model D from fellow French developer UVI, a sample-based virtual instrument delivering the sought-after sound of the superlative Steinway Model D concert grand piano with all the warmth, expressiveness, and detail of the real thing.
To sweeten the deal further still, BeatStep Controller & Sequencer and its younger brother, BeatStep Black Edition, both benefit from a firmware update (to Version 1.2) with neat new features such as resetting factory presets — either everything or everything except pad calibration — particularly proving to be well worth the wait.
When launched in dazzling white at The NAMM Show 2013, the diminutive yet feature-rich MiniLab Universal MIDI Controller proved an irresistible draw as one of the most feature-packed, compact control systems on the market, marrying sought-after hands-on control with portability par excellence. Engineered for the musician on the go or the performer with limited space, it offers a comprehensive set of features in a portable package that is as sturdy as it is easy on the eye. Discover new melodies with 25-mini keys plus pitch and modulation touch-strip controls. Drum out incredible rhythms with two banks of velocity-sensitive backlit performance pads, and tweak software to your musical heart’s content with 16 full-size rotary encoders. When combined with the included Analog Lab it becomes a real hybrid synthesizer.
Still one of the most feature-packed, compact control systems on the market today, it too benefits from the triumphant back in black treatment to remerge refreshed and reinvigorated as the MiniLab Black Edition — even better value than before, thanks to also being bundled with additional software from Arturia (Oberheim SEM V), UVI (Grand Piano Model D), and Ableton (Live Lite).
Black or white, then, the choice is out there... but beyond the plain to see colour change there is so much more to the BeatStep Black Edition andthe MiniLab Black Edition than meets the eye. Even though they still respectively represent a compact control powerhouse and the world’s premier mobile keyboard solution, they are all the better for being bundled with that additional software. Now they represent really remarkable bang for the buck. Best be quick, though... they are limited-edition bundles, after all!"
"Learn more and pre-order at getjambe.com - Daniel Berkman jamming on Jambé during NAMM 2016. Jambé, a new versatile and expressive electronic percussion instrument was previewed last year at Winter NAMM, and in a series of sneak peaks for leading members of the Los Angeles music industry community. Jambé returns to NAMM in 2016 unveiling a vastly more powerful sound engine and an online store ready to take pre-orders.
Percussionists, producers and music tech aficionados alike were incredibly enthusiastic about Jambé and the qualities that make it unique - portability, extensibility, and the deep expressive possibilities of advanced high-resolution pressure sensor technology. After in-depth consultation with top players, the decision was made to rebuild the software from the ground up to better enable Jambé to exploit the full potential of its hardware.
The result is an incredibly powerful sound engine architecture dubbed Sample Powered Matrix synthesis or SPX. The software was created with the idea that a single hand or stick strike on a Jambé pad maps to an incredibly powerful individual voice, each with advanced expression and sound design features including:
Expanded Gestural Interpretation - normal percussive strike detection and MPE (Multi-touch Polyphonic Expression) style performance techniques, with sounds triggered or modified while a pad is held.
Extensive Synthesis Tools - 2 LFOs, 3 envelopes, 2 tracking generators, and 2 ring modulators per voice. Over 30 modulation sources and over 40 modulation destinations.
Natural Sonic Variations - 3 sample lists per voice with up to 8 samples per list.
Sample List Modes - sequentially trigger the samples in a list, allowing stroke variations or sequential patterns. Crossfade between samples using a modulation matrix and trigger samples simultaneously for chords.
Gestural Crossfade Between Sample Lists - creates effects like a closed slap or dead stroke without tying up multiple pads for an open and closed slap.
Massive Polyphony – with the ability to use number of voices playing as a modifier for more natural sound layering.
Unique Features - use the number of voices sounding as a modulation parameter. Enables sculpting the sound as more voices play. Perfect for adding special character to rolls, etc.
Like today’s musicians, Jambé lives in a connected world. Need a new sound for a last-minute gig? Professionally designed instruments can be purchased through your the iOS device. Working with DAWs or other sound modules? MIDI Output allows connection to a world of other musical gear. Play with your hands or sticks? Jambé supports both. Jambé will ship in the 2nd quarter of 2016 and is now available for pre-ordering online. The first 200 customers on the store at getjambe.com can place their Jambé pre-order to secure a place in line, and also receive a $200 discount!
About SensorPoint, Inc: This advanced yet elegant design is made possible by the rich industry and musical experience of the Jambé team. John Worthington created and implemented the Macintosh MIDI Manager. He was project leader for Apple QuickTime and one of the creators of the AIFF file format. Mark Bain was a pioneer in the use of MPEG technologies for media authoring and delivery for Hollywood studios, and was directly involved with the introduction of DVD authoring and HD media players. He has designed multiple new OEM products involving advanced semiconductor sensors, Apple’s iPad, electronic compasses, and computerized lighting controls."
"Here's some video of me testing out the MantaMate prototype. I'm still working on the firmware, but it's going well!
The MantaMate is a USB host Eurorack module for USB-MIDI and USB-HID devices, like keyboards, Mantas, and joysticks. It takes input from a USB device and sends 12 channels of 0-10V control voltage. It can also be put into device mode, so that you can use it as a control voltage output for your computer. Fun stuff!"
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."
"KeyStep is a new breed of portable musical tool combining the functionalities of a keyboard controller with a polyphonic step sequencer to control both analog and digital devices."
"Arturia advances portable USB MIDI keyboard controller concept with CV connectivity and step sequencing
GRENOBLE, FRANCE: music software and hardware developer Arturia is proud to introduce its KeyStep Controller & Sequencer — a positively portable, yet perfectly playable USB MIDI controller keyboard and polyphonic step sequencer with CV connectivity — at The NAMM Show 2016, January 21-24 in Anaheim, California, USA...
You need a portable USB MIDI controller, but also want a keyboard that provides a musical playing experience. You have some MIDI modules you want to connect as well, but don’t want the footprint of a large keyboard. You have a modular synth system and analogue gear you want to control via CV (Control Voltage). You want a step sequencer with polyphonic capability that you can sync to your favourite modern and vintage gear. If only a single product could do all of this. Dream on? Not necessarily. Now, thanks to Arturia, that dream has become reality... ready yourself and your music, for the KeyStep Controller & Sequencer does all of this and more!
Making that dream reality began by designing a 32-note keyboard with Arturia’s proprietary Slimkey action. Aftertouch and velocity sensitivity are all present and accounted for, of course, so by balancing the best features of compact mini-keys with the musicality of full- size keys into this new keybed the KeyStep Controller & Sequencer successfully provides the freedom of portability without sacrificing playability. Portable perfection personified. Why stop there, though? Why, indeed!
Implied by name, the KeyStep Controller & Sequencer sports a newly-designed polyphonic step sequencer with eight programmable memories, recallable at the touch of a knob. Cleverly choose Gate times (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 90%) and Swing settings (Off, 53%, 55%, 57%, 59%, 61%, 64%, 67%, 73%, and 75%) instantly to change the feel of the sequenced performance on the fly. Furthermore, Arturia also added an ability to record, overdub, and transpose sequences in realtime while still playing the keyboard live. Last, but not least, adding an Arp Mode (with eight arpeggiator pattern styles — 1 / Up, 2 / Dwn, 3 / Inc, 4 / Exc , 5 / Rand, 6 / Order, 7 / Up x2, and 8 / Dwn x2) and Chord play mode (for setting chords and playing them back with a single note or via the Arp Mode making chord-based arpeggiations a breeze) means many hours of musical adventures always lie ahead for any user of any ability, putting them ahead of the game. A dream come true!
These features alone should surely make the KeyStep Controller & Sequencer the best portable keyboard controller currently on the market. But Arturia has seen fit to take things several steps further forward with a wealth of connectivity options for communicating with the outside world. Whatever electronic instruments you may own, the KeyStep Controller & Sequencer has got you covered (and connected). USB MIDI (to connect to computers and Arturia’s MCC editor)? Of course! Standard MIDI IN and OUT? Check! SYNC IN and OUT (supporting 1 pulse per step, 2 PPQ, 24 PPQ DIN Sync, and 48 PPQ DIN Sync)? Yes! Yet there’s still room on that slender rear panel to comfortably accommodate GATE and PITCH CV OUTPUTS (supporting 5V or 12V and 1V/oct or Hz/V, respectively) alongside a separate, assignable MOD (modulation) output that can be used with the Mod (modulation) capacitive-touch strip, velocity, or aftertouch. And there’s still space for a SUSTAIN pedal input connector (for adding a sustain pedal)! Simply said, the KeyStep Controller & Sequencer is an amazing little controller. Then again, saying that is not saying enough!
Enough is never enough, in fact, for KeyStep’s deceptively sparse front panel packs in many more productive performance controls, including a Hold button (allowing for sustain pedal operation); Shift button (for setting Keyboard MIDI CH and the Gate and Swing times of the sequencer and arpeggiator); Oct- and Oct+ Transpose buttons; capacitive-touch Mod (modulation) strip; Rate knob and Tap button (to tap the tempo or enter rests and note ties in Seq Mode); record, play, and stop transport buttons (for enabling and disabling the sequencer or arpeggiator, using the record button to record step-time sequences or realtime overdubs)... suffice to say, KeyStep is the perfect performance controller in a compact package. Pack one to go and let it take you wherever your music needs to go!
The KeyStep Controller & Sequencer will be being showcased on Arturia’s booth (#6920) in Hall A at The NAMM Show 2016, January 21-24 in Anaheim, California. Come check it out!
The KeyStep Controller & Sequencer will be shipping in Spring 2016 and available to buy directly from Arturia online or through the company’s global network of dealers and retailers for €119.00 EUR/$149.00 USD.
"Take control of your musical setup with the A-01 Controller and Generator. Connect your gear using standard MIDI, hook up to your computer-based DAW with USB MIDI or play music apps on tablets and smartphones via Bluetooth. You can also drive vintage synthesizers and modular synths via the CV/Gate outputs and step-sequencer. Along with the knob and ribbon controllers, the A-01 also includes an 8-bit monophonic synth engine for creating distinctive synth tones."
Note this does not have the Boutique name, but it definitely has the Boutique styling with the optional detachable keyboard. Details:
"A controller is a vital part of any music production setup, but choosing the right one can be a dilemma. You want a unit with the flexibility to drive all your MIDI and CV/GATE-equipped analog gear. You need to connect to the huge range of music-making apps for tablets and smartphones. And as a modern musician moving from gig to gig, you need to be able to work on projects whenever inspiration strikes. The Roland A-01 ticks all of your boxes—whether you want to warm up backstage, control every element of an elaborate home studio setup, or create original music from scratch, this flexible controller and sound generator is your one-stop solution.
SPECIFICATIONS
Memory
Controller Mode: 16 patches (4 patches x 4 banks)
Synth Mode: 16 tones (8 tones x 2 banks)
Seq Mode: 16 patterns (8 patterns x 2banks)
Connectors
PHONES jack: Stereo miniature phone type
CV OUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
GATE OUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
USB port: MicroB type (MIDI)
Bluetooth
Bluetooth LE
Power Supply
Rechargeable Ni-MH battery (AA, HR6) x 4
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
USB bus power
Current Draw
500 mA (USB bus power)
Expected battery life under continuous use:Rechargeable Ni-MH battery: Approx. 12 hours
* This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
Accessories
Owner's Manual
Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
Alkaline battery (AA, LR6) x 4
Options (sold separately)
Keyboard unit: K-25m
SIZE AND WEIGHT
Width300 mm
11-13/16 inchesDepth128 mm
5-1/16 inchesHeight46 mm
1-13/16 inchesWeight950 g
2 lbs 2 oz"
Nano Series - Take Control Further Published on Jan 14, 2016 Korg
nanoKEY Studio and nanoKONTROL Studio
"Korg’s nanoKONTROL and nanoKEY are light-weight and compact mobile MIDI controller and keyboard, respectively, that let you create music more intuitively than ever. Both are easy to travel with, allowing ease of use! The nanoKONTROL Studio provides transport keys and a mixer section, giving you stress-free control of your DAW or DJ software. It is battery operated and can connect wirelessly with your iPhone/iPad or Mac/Windows. The nanoKEY Studio provides a keyboard, knobs, trigger pads, and touch pad that lets you instantly convert your inspiration into sound. It is battery operated and can connect wirelessly to iPhone/iPad or Mac/Windows."
"The nanoKEY Studio provides a keyboard, knobs, trigger pads, and touch pad that lets you instantly convert your inspiration into sound. It is battery operated and can connect wirelessly to iPhone/iPad or Mac/Windows. It’s a compact, mobile MIDI keyboard that is easy to travel with, allowing ease of use anytime, anywhere.
Step-record as easily as typing. A keyboard with 25 backlit keys that illuminate.
Even if you’re not the most skilled keyboardist, the 25 velocity-sensitive keys allows you to step-record easily. The Scale Guide function illuminates the keys to show recommended notes in the scale, making it easier to play. This is a smart keyboard with a variety of performance modes, such as the Easy Scale function, that lets you produce musical phrases using any keys.
More freedom to produce music, via USB or wirelessly.
The nanoKEY Studio can connect not only via USB but also wirelessly. It’s easy to connect to an iPad/iPhone music app such as KORG Gadget or Apple GarageBand, or to your Mac/Windows music production software. Liberated from annoying cables, you’ll be free to set up your system much easier than some other products. Thanks to careful tuning, you’ll enjoy low latency and high stability
Lightweight and compact design can be placed anywhere and easily transported.
Smaller than a sheet of letter-sized paper, you can put the nanoKEY Studio in your bag and take it anywhere. With a simple, refined, and stylish design, along with beautiful lighting with white LEDs, you won’t get tired of using it every day. With its modern design, the nanoKEY Studio is ideal for use with new devices such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
Create the ultimate mobile music production system with your iPad/iPhone and the nanoKEY Studio.
The combination of the nanoKEY Studio with KORG Gadget is the ultimate combination for mobile performance. With the nanoKEY Studio that supports wireless connection via Bluetooth MIDI, your iPhone can instantly transform into a music production tool. In your room, in a coffee shop, in transit, or outdoors, you can immerse yourself in music with minimal requirements of space and time."
"The nanoKONTROL Studio provides transport keys and a mixer section, giving you stress-free control of your DAW or DJ software. It is battery operated and can connect wirelessly with your iPhone/iPad or Mac/Windows. It’s a light-weight, compact mobile MIDI controller that lets you create music more intuitively than ever.
A compact physical MIDI controller that’s ideal for mobile or desktop uses.
Smaller than a letter-sized sheet of paper, the nanoKONTROL Studio is designed for thinness. It’s the perfect size to easily carry in a bag and use with your computer. In spite of its compact size, its controllers provide generous power and a solid feel, making it a convenient and versatile MIDI controller.
USB and wireless for more music production freedom.
The nanoKONTROL Studio can connect not only via USB but also wirelessly. It can easily connect to iPad/iPhone music apps such as KORG Gadget and Apple GarageBand, or to your Mac/Windows music production software. Freed from annoying cables, you can set up your equipment easily and efficiently. Due to careful tuning, you can enjoy low latency and high stability.
Refined and stylish design
The simple, refined, and stylish design features illumination with beautiful white LEDs. The design has been modernized to use alongside new devices such as your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
A full array of controllers that cover everything from DAW control to DJ performance.
You have the all controllers you need to operate your DAW: sliders that feature generous spacing and stroke, plus a convenient jog wheel. Whether you’re controlling your DAW and plug-ins, or putting on a performance, the nanoKONTROL Studio provides everything you need in any situation.
Supported software
The nanoKONTROL is compatible with any software that supports MIDI input, including KORG Gadget, Logic, GarageBand, Live, Reason, Cubase, Studio One, FL Studio, Sonar, Pro Tools, Digital Performer, and Traktor."
An interesting side note is that I own an Oberheim Strummer. It might have been the first if not only piece of kit you could use to generate guitar like cords with your synth. The problem with it was that it wasn't super intuitive to use. It didn't have any strum controls but was rather just a desktop box with a button based menu system where you selected what chords you wanted to use. LE STRUM looks like it would not only easily replace it, but can be used more as a physical controller for your synths. Very, very cool.
"A unique control surface that functions something like a cross between a Stylophone and an Omnichord. Comes FULLY CONSTRUCTED!
Connect LE STRUM to your MIDI synthesizer or computer running synth software, hold down a combination of buttons to select a chord, then use the stylus to play MIDI notes by touching the contact pads on the top right of the board. As the name suggests, you can strum across chords using the stylus, providing an unique and expressive MIDI controller.
LE STRUM's 36 chord buttons give you immediate access to 84 different chords (maj, min, dom7, maj7, min7, aug, dim for 12 root notes). You can also play sus4, add6 and add9 chord variations. It is great for learning about chord progressions and can be a helpful songwriting tool.
LE STRUM has several performance modes which are accessed by holding the MODE button while pressing one of the top row of chord buttons:
Mode+C : Basic mode - Stacked triads mapped across all 16 pads
Mode+D : Guitar strum mode - 6-string guitar open chords used (maj/min/7)
Mode+E : Guitar sustain mode - as above, but chord held after buttons released
Mode+F : Organ buttons - As Basic mode but chord triad plays on MIDI channel 2 as soon as button is pressed
Mode+G : Organ buttons with additions - as above but with sus4/add6/add9 options
Mode+A : Organ buttons with retrig - as above but chord buttons retrigger
Mode+B : Load User Patch
Mode+Bm : Save User Patch
Mode+B7 : MIDI Panic - All notes off
Mode+Strum Pad: Set MIDI velocity (16 levels)
User patch can combine settings for: play on make/break, damp on make/break, guitar voicing /stacked triads, additional guitar octave, enable added 4/6/9 notes, enable guitar chord bass notes, keep chord selection after chord button release, common note sustain on chord change, map chromatic/diatonic/pentatonic scale to pads, enable organ buttons on midi channel 2
LE STRUM has a special 6 string guitar mode, which knows basic major, minor and seven open chord fingerings for guitar. It can be used to lay down strummed guitar MIDI tracks without a MIDI guitar, and in a more convincing way that you could get from a keyboard. It's more than a toy, yessiree!
Designed for hackability (e.g. solder wires to the provided holes on the pads to make proper "strings" to pluck)
Transmits on MIDI Channel 1 for stylus activity and MIDI Channel 2 for Chord Buttons.
Output is to a standard MIDI 5-pin DIN socket.
A PP3 battery is required
Size 98mm x 75mm x 45mm (incl MIDI socket) Weight approx 120g with battery
An optional stand is available, please contact me for more information.
Please note that synthesizer hardware or software is required to make sound. LE STRUM is a MIDI controller and does not make any sound by itself!"
Note: I created a new midierror channel label for midierror moving forward. You can find previous posts by doing s a search on midierror. The creator of LE STRUM is Jason Hotchkiss.
Peter Zinovieff talks about modern musical interfaces
Published on Jan 6, 2016 Expressive E
"The inventor of one of the most famous synthesisers of all the time, the VCS3, talks about Expressive E' s new musical interface..."
And some info directly in via a contact at Expressive E:
"I work for a young company named « Expressive E», located in Paris.
We are developing a new kind of musical controller named « Touché » which will be unveiled for the first time at the NAMM SHOW 2016.
Touché, is an innovative controller, a revolution in how you play with software and hardware synthesizers by offering extremely precise and sensitive gesture controls.
Its wood surface was designed to react to the smallest vibration, the slightest pressure of your hand, allowing synth players to shape sounds spontaneously as with an acoustic instrument.
A great number of artists (Adrian Utley (Portishead), John Baggott (Massive Attack, Robert Plant) , Rone, Matt Robertson (Björk), Peter Zinovieff, etc.) already agree on the fantastic potential of this product : Touché appears as a breath of fresh air in the world of MIDI controllers!"
Update: Expressive E will be at NAMM booth #4807 for those attending.
You'll find a PDF of the Media kit here, captured to the left as JPEGs starting with the second image down.
