Arturia announces the KeyLab Essential Series

Published on Apr 5, 2017 ARTURIA

"Watch this video featuring LAAKE, an electronic musician from Paris, France. The track was recorded within Ableton Live Lite and all its synth sounds were created with Analog Lab 2 - both of which are included with KeyLab Essential."

"Arturia is thrilled to announce the imminent release of KeyLab Essential - an affordable, yet fully-featured range of universal MIDI controller keyboards.

Created with the budget-conscious musician in mind, KeyLab Essential provides everything they need to create and record music straight out of the box. The 49- and 61-note controllers are packed with intuitive performance controls, feature powerful DAW integration, and come with 3 incredible software titles.

KeyLab Essential features:
• 49 / 61-note velocity sensitive keyboard
• Pitch bend & modulation wheels
• Transposition by semitones & octaves
• MCU / HUI compliant for comprehensive DAW integration
• 8 RGB back-lit, multi-purpose performance pads
• 9 faders & rotary encoders
• DAW Command Center & transport section
• 1 DAW-assigned memory (mapping for knobs & faders to control panning and level of tracks)
• 1 Analog Lab-assigned memory (mapping for knobs & faders to control essential parameters in Arturia
instruments)
• 6 fully-customizable user memories
• “Chord play” mode
• Twin-line LCD screen
• Class-compliant USB, enabling use with iOS and Android devices
• Comprehensive music software bundle included
• Optional sustain pedal and DC power supply

Built to inspire, each model of KeyLab Essential includes the following software titles:

Analog Lab 2
A collection of over 5,000 keyboard presets taken from the award-winning V Collection, powered by Arturia’s exclusive TAE® technology. Featuring every type of sound you can imagine, from analog monosynths to lush pianos, organs to digital powerhouses and everything in between, and all accessible through an easy to navigate, tag-based browser.

Ableton Live Lite
An introduction to the world of Ableton Live, a high-powered software suite used by top producers, DJs, performers, and remixers all around the world. Live Lite lets you record your ideas, layer tracks, warp audio, and release your productions.

UVI Grand Piano Model D
Straight from the world’s greatest concert halls and recording studios. KeyLab Essential also includes UVI’s recreation of the Steinway Model D grand piano, sampled in exquisite detail, ready for you to play, and free of charge.

Combining a stylish, rugged MIDI keyboard, DAW controls, deep integration, and iconic music software, KeyLab Essential is set to become the go-to choice for producers and musicians who want maximum bang for their buck.
KeyLab Essential will begin shipping worldwide in June 2017.

The 49-key version will retail for 199 € / US$ 249 The 61-key version will retail for 249 € / US$ 299"

Synthrotek Riblet SoftPot to 3.5mm TRS Jack PCB and Kit! Ribbon Controller

Published on Apr 4, 2017 synthrotek

"The Riblet is a small circuit board that allows you to connect any length SoftPot to your MST Ribbon Eurorack module. Screw, glue or stick this handy fella anywhere where you want more control. Works great when place on top of keyboards, guitar necks, broomsticks, etc."

http://www.synthrotek.com

dadamachines Introduces the automat toolkit

"Berlin, Germany 29.03.2017

dadamachines crowdfunds the automat toolkit – music machines for everyone

The automat toolkit is a plug & play MIDI-controller and accessories kit that allows anyone to build awesome music machines using the real world as their machines instrument.

The automat toolkit is available as of March 29th for exclusive pre-order on Kickstarter.

What is dadamachines?
dadamachines is a Berlin-based studio launching the automat toolkit, a MIDI-controlled music toolkit that allows anyone, regardless of music skill level, to turn the real world into their instrument.

The core of the toolkit is the automat, an arduino-compatible plug-and-play MIDI-controller with 12 DC outputs. The automat can be used with your favorite music so ware or hardware. The toolkit includes the automat and a series of solenoid beaters that plug in to 12 outputs allowing you to tap, ping and knock on anything.

The automat toolkit - M is available exclusively on Kickstarter for 399 euro.

Tech Specs

automat controller
Connectivity
- USB Midi
- DIN Midi-In & Thru (Out option)
- 12 DC Outputs (12-24V max. 1.3A)
- External power supply 12-24V
- Arduino shields & extension port

Software
- Simple learn mode >1 button click
- Advanced learn mode

Hardware
- Anodized aluminum panel
- Powder coated steel shell
- Dimensions - 110 x 110 x 26mm

Additionally, each toolkit comes with adapters & elements helping the users to get started easily.

Who is behind dadamachines?
dadamachines is the project of Berlin-based Creative Technologist and DJ – Johannes Lohbihler. Johannes grew up in Bavaria, hailing from a line of seven generations of carpenters. Growing up among the Weilheim music scene that included acts such as the Notwist, Lali Puna and Acid Pauli - Johannes was interested in music from early on. He started DJing and found inspiration to bring together electronic music production and analog tools - combining his background as a cra sman and passion for music. During his masters stu- dies in interaction design, Johannes began developing a simple plug-and-play kit that made music machines accessible to everyone – that project became dadamachines."

KOMBOS: Modular Keyboard

Published on Aug 12, 2016 KickStarter_K

"The world's first fully modular piano keyboard. On the road or in the studio, Kombos Keyboards now allow you to bring music anywhere you go."

via Kickstarter

"Kombos was born out of necessity. Current keyboard options are limited to either large, bulky keyboards that are impractical for travel or portable keyboards that don't have professional quality. We wanted a keyboard that gave you the same quality as a professional set of keys, but that allowed you to work with as many sets of keys as you need at any given time. This allows you to use Kombos in sets of 25, 37,49 and 61 keys. With audio quality comparable to professional grade keyboards used in a studio setting.

In addition to being fully portable, we wanted to make sure the user experience when on the go was as convenient as possible. So we built Kombos to be bluetooth compatible when recording. And compatible with any and all bluetooth devices as well as all recording software that allows you to sync with bluetooth. Wireless, portable and professional quality play anytime you want. So you never lose a moment of creativity again!"

LXR Control Surface by Barcode

Published on Feb 11, 2017 Altitude909

"1st test of the Arduino based CS the the LXR drum synth

http://www.baud-rate.com/blog/2017/01..."

"The control surface hardware and software are working exactly as expected! This is such a useful tool that really opens loads of possibilities for the LXR Drum Synth.

The control surface is technically an 'Arduino Shield'. You simply populate the components on the PCB, modify the LXR Control Sketch to your liking, upload the sketch your Arduino Uno, and plug in the Arduino Uno to the PCB. You now have a very powerful midi controller designed for your very powerful LXR Drum Synth."

Expressive E Announces Lié & UVI Partnership

Uploaded on Jan 7, 2017 Expressive E

You might remember Expressive E's innovative Touché controller introduced last year at NAMM. The last post I had on them was actually back on January 25 of 2016. You might have wondered why they went dark for a bit. Well it appears they were busy making improvements as well as working with UVI.

"At the last NAMM Expressive E announced Touché, a unique instrument with a sensitive and tactile approach of synthesizers. Expressive E took time to refine their offer, and they have several things to announce:

- Lié, a powerful software
- An exiting partnership with UVI
- A brand new website
- Engaging video content

TOUCHÉ
Touché gives you a unique tactile approach of both software and hardware synthesizers, shaping and controlling their sound with a simple pressure of your hands. It feels natural and gives you a powerful connection with music.
Touché controls your synthesizers with four independant shi ings : Two vertical and two lateral shi ings. The four shi ings are extremely precise, reactive and sensitive. This opens up a wide variety of genuine instrumental gestures : progressive slides, subtle vibratos, percussive taps, hand-made LFOs... Each of the four shi ings can be independently mapped to one or several parameters of your synthesisers. To help you with this, Touché ships with Lié, its companion software.

LIÉ
Lié is a powerful software with a simple design. You can launch it inside DAWs supporting VST or AU plug-in formats. When you launch Lié, you can immediately start playing with the factory presets, or build your own sound from scratch.

The Browser shows you the list of the factory presets, as well as those you’ve saved yourself.

The Slot Center is an easy to use slot- based interface, with 8 assignable slots.

Each of the 8 slots allows you to map a parameter from your synthesizer to one of the four shi ings of Touché.

You can then adjust your sensitivity with min/max values and sensitivity curves.

The scope displays the pressure you’re applying on Touché.

You will find these three parts in either software or hardware connection scenarios, with slight

differences :

Playing with software

To control software synthesisers, Lié works as a host of virtual instruments with VST or AU format. Once hosted, you can access the virtual instrument’s interface directly from Lié, and quickly map parameters with Lié’s Speed Mapping features.

You can then save your configuration in a software preset that will appear in the browser.

Playing with hardware
Hardware synthesisers are controlled with Touché’s built-in CV and MIDI ports. Lié lets you configure what Touché sends through its CV and MIDI ports.

When working with MIDI, you can select the CC numbers of your synthesisers that you want to control, and assign them to one of the four shi ings of Touché. To make this workflow even easier, Lié ships with INIT presets for a selection of hardware synthesizers, replacing the CC numbers with the actual names of the parameters instead.
When working with CV, Lié lets you choose the voltages that Touché sends for each CV port individually, on a -10/+10 Volts range.

Hardware configurations can then be saved in a hardware preset that will appear in the browser. You can even flash these presets into Touché’s internal memory, and play with your hardware synth without any computer.

UVI
To fully exploit the instrumental potential of Touché, Expressive E made a partnership with UVI.

UVI was awarded multiple times for their industry-leading instruments, effects and sound libraries. Their flagship instrument, Falcon, is highly respected by some of the world's leading composers, sound designers, musicians and producers.

Expressive E used the powerful sound engine from Falcon to design over 100 exceptional presets. They offer a wide array of sounds, from agressive leads to soft pads, and a rich variety of playstyles.


These sounds will ship standard with every Touché, ready to be used within UVI’s player UVI Workstation.

Here’s a video showing Touché in action with some of the presets they have made:


Uploaded on Jan 18, 2017 Expressive E

PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
Pre-sales for Touché will open the 01/19/2017 at 10:00 am (PST) on Expressive E’s upcoming new website www.expressivee.com at a price of $399 US."

Buchla Format 220 Touch Panel by Alex Pleninger

Published on Jan 11, 2017 Alex Pleninger

Playlist:
220 - Dark Sequence
220 - Capture Simple
220 - Polyphonic Melody
220 - Polyphonic Pressure
220 - Zoning

New 'M-80' midicontroller for Roland MKS-80 - the MPG-80 alternative

Published on Jan 11, 2017 stereoping

"Productdemo of the Stereoping Synth Controller in 'M-80' edition for Roland MKS-80. This midicontroller contains all parameters of the MPG-80. It even goes beyond offering CC-message automation for the MKS-80 with it's built-in CC-SysEx-translator. In effect, it's a tiny, cheap alternative for the rare and expensive MPG-80.

From what i've heard the MPG-80 does not work that perfect and smooth when programming the MKS-80. As i don't own a MPG-80 i cannot test or show it. What i can show here is the M-80 working as smooth as a hot knive sliding into butter when firing the MKS-80 with edit commands. Simply plug the 'M-80' in between the Midi connection between your DAW and the MKS-80 and your ready to go. It forwards incoming notes from the DAW and merges them with the edit commands.

The video contains 3 parts:

a) short 3D-animation explaining connections, function and color layers
b) simple demo shaping a unison sound into a delayed-highspeed-LFO-VCO MOD-mess
c) a complete 4 minute song with permanent editing on UPPER and LOWER tone with the MKS-80 in DUAL mode listening on 2 midichannels. When you listen carefully you might notice some slight timing issues of the MKS-80. Well, it has to handle many notes on 2 channels plus the parameter change commands.

The MKS-80 in the video is REV5 with the Roland IR-3R03 VCOs. Other gear used: Roland Juno 6, Pearl Syncussion clone, Pearl SC-40, Volca Sample, Boss SE-50, Monarch EEM 3000."