Arturia Introduces New KeyLab 88 MkII - Controller Supreme

Published on Jun 20, 2019 Arturia

"#KeyLab 88 MkII is a piano-feel master controller that’s a joy to play, looks the part, is built to last, features effortless integration, and comes complete with a professional software instrument collection.

Included software bundle: Analog Lab, Ableton Live Lite, Piano V, Wurli V and Vox Continental V

This controller includes overlays for Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, as well as standard Mackie and HUI setups."

BeBop Sensors Smart Fabric Sensors add MPE to KMI K-Board Pro 4

BEBOP SMART FABRIC SENSORS ENABLE FIRST 3D EXPRESSIVE KEYBOARD: K-BOARD PRO 4 MPE CONTROLLER

SmartFabric™ Sensors Provide Multiple Dimensions of Touch Sensitivity in Each Key for Info on Attack & Release Velocity, Continuous Pressure, Horizontal & Vertical Position, and Poly Aftertouch Messages for the Deepest Level of Musical Expression

“With K-Board Pro 4, we’ve taken the format of a traditional keyboard and updated it for the 21st Century. With our BeBop Sensors SmartFabric™ Sensors underneath each key, you can tweak any synthesis parameter in real time by moving your fingers while you are playing. The MIDI MPE Standard is the future for expressive controllers and we have designed the K-Board Pro 4 to be the ultimate MPE Controller.” -Keith McMillen, Founder & CEO, BeBop Sensors

June 18, 2019, Berkeley, CA, USA – BeBop Sensors www.bebopsensors.com, the world leader in Smart Fabric Sensors, has partnered with KMI to announce the official release of the K-Board Pro 4 MPE Controller. Created with BeBop Sensors SmartFabric™ Sensors, the K-Board Pro 4 is a four-octave MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression) MIDI keyboard controller based on the traditional keyboard layout, but with multiple dimensions of touch sensitivity in each key. The K-Board Pro 4 sends information on musical subtleties, including attack velocity, release velocity, continuous pressure, horizontal position and vertical position data to offer the deepest level of musical expression. It can also send Poly Aftertouch messages for communication with expressive legacy controllers.

“I’m excited that Keith McMillen, BeBop and KMI are bringing out the K-Board Pro 4, further expanding the next generation of expressive keyboard instruments! It’s a joy to play and their expertise in the field of sensor technology and delivering great musical products makes this instrument a guaranteed winner,” said Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater.

MIDI MPE Standard is Future for Expressive Controllers & K-Board Pro 4 is the Ultimate MPE Controller

MIDI Polyphonic Expression (MPE) is the newest development in MIDI; a standard specification that allows easy integration of multiple, polyphonic per-key dimensions of expressive control. To capture all of this nuanced gesture, K-Board Pro 4 features BeBop Sensors’ patented Smart Sensor Technology, developed in conjunction with KMI. K-Board Pro 4 is USB powered and MIDI class compliant to ensure both portability and compatibility with MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, as well as MIDI capable hardware.

K-Board Pro 4 is available immediately from the KMI website at: keithmcmillen.com.

ROLI Introduces New LUMI Fully Illuminated Keyboard

Published on Jun 18, 2019 ROLI

"We reinvented the keyboard once before at ROLI, creating a revolutionary instrument that’s everywhere from La La Land to the studios of world-renowned artists like RZA, Grimes and Hans Zimmer. Now we’re doing it again, building on years of expertise and innovation in hardware, software, sound design, industrial design, and audio coding."

"LUMI takes music from black and white to technicolor. You can see it the moment you turn on LUMI Keys. The world’s first fully modular, fully illuminated keyboard is different from any other you’ve seen.

COMPOSE AND PRODUCE FASTER WITH LIGHTS :

LUMI Keys and accompanying ROLI Studio Player software speed up your composition. Smart features light up notes in a chord, helping you build chord sequences faster. Or display each note in any scale or arpeggiated sequence. Even skilled players benefit from these shortcuts, which save time and spark ideas.

CREATE A CUSTOMIZED HARDWARE-SOFTWARE SETUP:

LUMI Keys is modular, so you can create your own hardware controller system. Snap multiple LUMI Keys together for a 48 or 72-key keyboard! Connect them to the Seaboard Block, Lightpad Block, and others in the ROLI BLOCKS system.

And even better, LUMI Keys is fully compatible with all leading DAWs and plugins

TAKE IT ANYWHERE FROM STUDIO TO STAGE

LUMI Keys combines playability and power in an ultra-portable design. It weighs less than an iPad Pro, and it fits in a backpack. Even when you connect multiple LUMI Keys together you can easily unsnap them and carry them anywhere.

Learn more in the LUMI Kickstarter"

Instruments Of Things Intros Eurorack Sensor Interface

Published on May 17, 2019 Synthtopia

"At Superbooth 2019, Instruments Of Things introduced a new Eurorack Sensor Interface, designed to allow new types of interactions with modular synthesizers."

First post to feature Instruments Of Things.

Superbooth 2019: Sensi M - Custom Stick-on Bluetooth MIDI Controllers

Published on May 13, 2019 sonicstate

"Sensi M - in two different flavours so far, the master 'Pressure Atom' and a slave 'Turn Atom', gives you stick-on MIDI control over Bluetooth. The community based software 'Mcore' allows you to create, edit and share your firmware to allow for many different functions. More at the Sensisystems website."

Pressure Atom
With a pressure sensitive interface, the Pressure Atom is a master module of Sensi M.

It is the “brain” of a Sensi M set and can be used in multiple different ways, even alone.

Pressure Atom can also be used as a slave module for other Pressure Atoms."

Turn Atom
With a knob interface, Turn Atom is a slave module.

You can set the way that it works on the Pressure Atoms.

Turn Atom is a passive module that works as an extension of a Pressure Atom.


https://www.sensisystems.com

Specialwaves Introduces Mine S - Modular / Configurable Hardware Controller

Specialwaves first introduced their Mine modular controllers in 2016.

"Specialwaves Introduces Mine S – The World’s Most Configurable Modular Physical Controller for DJs, Producers, VJs, Light Technicians, Video/Photo Editors and More

With Mine S, Users No Longer Have to Buy Multiple Controllers to Control New Software or Devices; Indiegogo Campaign Launches Today to Fund Its Production

(Pedrengo, Italy) – May 9, 2019 – Specialwaves today introduced Mine S - the world’s most adaptable modular physical controller. Mine S, which precisely and intuitively interfaces with and controls a wide range of software and devices, is perfect for DJs, VJs, producers, lighting technicians, musicians, broadcasters, video/photo editors and more. The Indiegogo campaign, which launches today with a funding goal of $30,000 USD, features limited Super Early Bird Specials of $285 USD, as well as several other rewards for backers.

Composed of a case that can accommodate up to 32 modules (made of single electronic interfaces), which can be placed inside the case both horizontally and vertically, Mine S allows users to choose preferred configurations according to their needs instead of being forced to adapt to standard static controllers. The modules are hot-swappable, meaning users can remove and reinsert modules on-the-go. For example, if some parts like sliders break during use, users can easily replace the broken module right away – even during a live performance!

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Meet ZOA // a new 3D soft silicone controller for your synths!

Published on May 6, 2019 DivKidVideo

"This is a very early prototype ZOA soft silicon 3D haptic controller with MIDI/USB/CV outputs for interaction modulation of your music/synth devices be those Eurorack, semi modular, DAW etc.

YES the outputs of the step, I'm speaking to the designer(s) with some feedback.

It feels strange and wonderful at the same time, hence wanting to share a quick video with it."

via COMPLIA

OUR FIRST CONTROLLER

Zoa

The Zoa has a palm-sized, gesture sensitive, soft interface made of silicone and it can be used as an add-on to any keyboard synthesizers.

It functions like a multi-dimensional modulation wheel: it has three axes that can be mapped to the parameters of any DAW software. The interface feels natural and provides a unique way to modulate sound.

Although the controller has built-in interactions, it can also learn user-defined interactions. This way, the controller can provide a fully personalised experience.

SoundForce introduces MIDI controller for u-he’s Repro-1 plugin

via SoundForce:

"SoundForce presents a new model to its dedicated USB-MIDI controllers product line: the SFC-1, a controller especially designed for the fantastic u-he’s Repro-1 plugin.

Features
With a whopping total of 51 pots, 41 slide switches and 6 tactile switches, you can control every single MIDI-mappable parameter of the plugin in analog fashion. The awesome effect chain is also fully-covered on the bottom section of the controller.

Every control is assigned to a default CC number, but that can be changed using our control panel app in Google Chrome. A shift button unlocks an alternative channel for each pot, allowing you to control potentially 51 extra parameters. Even more user-specific controls are possible with the extra set of user-assignable switches and pots.

Build quality
The enclosure is made of 100% sheet metal. The case is made of bent steel and powder coated in black. The front panel is aluminium, also powder coated and screen printed with scratch-proof white ink. Please note that the final product will have a plain black powder coat, not structured like the pictures are showing. Discrete and minimalistic wooden pieces of 6 mm thickness are added to the sides. Dimensions are: 380 mm x 173 mm x 55 mm (Length x Width x Height).

The SFC-1 is a boutique controller manufactured in small batches in the Netherlands. A lot of operations are still performed by hand and automation is used when possible to improve quality and processes.


Shipping & pricing
The controller will start to ship in June. You can come check it out at Prolight+Sound/Musikmesse in Frankfurt (on Thursday and Friday only, in Hall 8 Booth B10 - Audio Maker Square) and Superbooth in Berlin (Booth O501). 100 pieces will be made in the first batch. The price will be 329 euros including VAT for EU-customers and 271 euros outside the EU. Pre-order now on the webshop: http://sound-force.nl

3 other SoundForce MIDI controllers are still currently available : SFC-Mini (for Minimoog plugins), SFC-60 (for the TAL Juno 60 emulation plugin) and SFC-5 (for the P5 plugins)."

Stereoping Hardware Synth Programmer for Roland MKS-80

Published on Mar 29, 2019 Stereoping

"Some clips of the Stereoping Synth Programmer for Roland MKS-80, a hardware alternative to the MPG-80. The video shows how to connect Programmer and MKS-80, twiddling knobs and how the MKS responds, how to access hidden parameters and a minute showing many results of the built in randomizer. Finally you see an example of automating the MKS-80 in a DAW with control change messages making use of the Programmer's built in CC to SysEx translator. You are welcome to visit my website and shop for photos of the Programmer in high quality."

SOMA DVINA as a Eurorack controller

Published on Mar 21, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"The main demo video of Dvina:"

SOMA DVINA (prototype)

Published on Jan 10, 2019 Vlad Kreimer

"This is the prototype of the first SOMA electro-acoustic instrument. It was inspired by Hindustani classical music but European music can be also played with it, of course.
In the video, besides DVINA I used a specially built pre-amp with a simple built-in one tap delay and a small 100$ guitar cube.
If enough people are interested in buying the DVINA we can start production. If you are interested please drop me an email at omhohom@gmail.com

DVINA page: https://somasynths.com/dvina/

Vlad Kreimer 01.2019"

Dubler Studio Kit Real-Time Vocal Recognition MIDI Controller

Currently on Kickstarter

"Dubler Studio Kit is a real-time vocal recognition MIDI controller. It offers up a never seen before way to translate your musical ideas into reality, using the one instrument you’ve been practising since birth— the voice.

With Dubler Studio Kit you can hum a melody or synth pattern, beatbox to trigger a virtual drumkit, or manipulate effects and filters with a “hmmm”, “laaaa” or “oohhh” sound— all in real-time.


Dubler Studio Kit is a real-time vocal recognition MIDI controller.

Our kit offers up a never seen before way to translate your musical ideas into reality, using the one instrument you’ve been practising since birth— the voice.

The kit comes as—

The Dubler software — a virtual MIDI instrument ( a desktop application for Mac + PC) Compatible with any production software [DAW]. It is not a plugin or VST.
The Dubler microphone — a low latency custom USB mic, tuned for the Dubler software.
As musicians we all sing, hum, and record voice memos to track snippets of ideas – but that’s often where that idea ends, never making it into the studio or onto the stage.

Our goal: To help you to release the stems of musical ideas trapped inside your head and get them directly into your production software— simply by vocalising them.

Now anyone can turn their voice directly into MIDI— quickly, easily, intuitively and LIVE."

New Electra 4 x 4 Next generation Touch MIDI Controller

Demos with a Rhodes Chroma & TB3 Published on Jan 24, 2019 Martin Pavlas


A new programmable MIDI USB controller from Martin Pavlas of https://www.electrasid.com

"Electra is a fully programmable MIDI controller for studio or live rig equipment. The controller provides real-time visual feedback for up to 36 MIDI controls at once. Features high resolution 360 degree pots with touch sensing and a capacitive touch display. Extended connectivity offers USB MIDI device and USB Host interfaces as well as four DIN5 MIDI In / Out ports.

The driving idea behind the project was to make programming of Rhodes Chroma synthesizer easier. Chroma has got almost one hundred sounds parameters and editing them without seeing other relevant parameters at the same time affected the creative part of the process. Over the time, Electra has become an all-purpose MIDI controller with extensive USB MIDI interface and host integration.

The main concept of Electra MIDI controller is so-called Control. The control represents a MIDI parameter, its value, and assignment to a MIDI port and channel. An example can be, say, Cutoff frequency of Rhodes Chroma connected to MIDI port 1 channel 2.

A control visualizes value of an assigned parameter as well as it can modify the value either turning corresponding pot or with a touch gesture on the display. Watch the demo of control manipulation on youtube.

There is a number of control types: faders, dials, switches, buttons, and selection lists. All controls can trigger CC, SysEx, or NRPN MIDI message.

Controls are organized on Pages. A page is a set of controls that are displayed on the display at the same time. Pages may group controls by their meaning (Oscillator, Filter, etc) or can be collections of controls that should be close together for a performance purposes (Filter cutoffs and modulations of several connected synthesizers).

A set of pages is called a Preset. A preset is a top level configuration of Electra and consists all information about controls, pages, connected instruments, and MIDI routing.

Presets can be created with an Electra Controller Editor application and users can easily switch between them.

Sphero Specdrums Lets You Turn Color Into Music

Published on Feb 1, 2019 Synthtopia

"At the 2019 NAMM Show, Sphero introduced Specdrums - a new type of wireless music controller that turns color into sound."

Curious how sensitive it is - how many gradients it is capable of sensing. It it were fully programmable it could be interesting. I'm also curious how sensitive it would be to light - would brighter lighting change the perceived color and trigger the wrong thing? Makes me think of a realtime controller for ANS and Oramics type optical synthesis. A light sensitive controller capable of sensing color in addition to light. Could be interesting if applied right.

NAMM 2019: Second Sound: Pitch to Synth

Published on Jan 26, 2019 Future Music Magazine

Note this is the first post to feature Second Sound. Their ACO100 audio-controlled oscillator is used by Sonicsmith in their audio-controlled synthesizer products, the ConVertor and the Squaver P1.

via: https://secondsound.com:

The Story Behind Second Sound

We consider Second Sound to represent a “new revolution in synthesized sound” quite simply because we are redefining the way sound synthesis is done. Rather than generating sound waveforms electronically “from nothing” as both traditional analog and digital synthesizers do, our synthesizer transforms existing sounds based on fundamental characteristics of the sounds played by musicians on real instruments, such as their frequency and amplitude.

The human voice, a note played on a violin, piano, trumpet, or any of a wide class of musical instruments, all can be used as the source signal for our music synthesis technology, which converts these sounds into either Control Voltage (CV) for controlling analog synthesizers or MIDI for controlling digital synths.

CLICK FOR MORE »

NAMM 2019: Sensel Morph Buchla Thunder Overlay

Published on Jan 24, 2019 sonicstate

"Buchla's pioneering interface controller is back and on the Sensel Morph."

New from Native Instruments

Published on Jan 24, 2019 Native Instruments

Playlist/Products:
Introducing KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1 – For the Music in You | Native Instruments
Introducing KOMPLETE START – For the Music in You | Native Instruments
Introducing KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 – For the Music in You | Native Instruments
Introducing KOMPLETE AUDIO 1 and 2 – For the Music in You | Native Instruments

Press release (KONTROL M32 hardware pics below):

NI announces new entry-level hardware, a free tier of KOMPLETE, TRAKTOR DJ 2, Sounds.com integration for MASCHINE and KOMPLETE KONTROL, and more

Berlin, January 24, 2019 – Following its biggest ever release in September 2018, Native Instruments today announces four new easy-to-use, affordable, and powerful products. Included are two new KOMPLETE audio interfaces, the most portable KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to date, a new free tier of the KOMPLETE production suite, and a new generation of the TRAKTOR DJ app. These new products are accompanied by a refresh of Sounds.com, the expansion of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) to include loops and samples, and tighter integration of Sounds.com with updated MASCHINE and KOMPLETE KONTROL software – further integrating NI’s connected ecosystem of creative tools into one seamless workflow.

With some of Native Instruments lowest price points and most user-friendly products to date, these releases mark another major milestone in the company’s journey towards making musical creativity more intuitive and accessible to all.

New starting points for producers and DJs
For producers, the release includes new hardware and software in the KOMPLETE range. A new 32-key portable keyboard, KOMPLETE KONTROL M32, is designed to provide the same hands-on workflow and comprehensive Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) integration as the S-Series and A-Series controllers, but with a smaller footprint and a lower price point. Available in March, the M32 comes with everything a new producer needs to sketch out, tweak, and finalize a track. The package includes MASCHINE Essentials, Ableton Live 10 Lite, NI’s acclaimed MONARK synthesizer, and more.

The M32 is joined by KOMPLETE AUDIO 1 and 2 – the first two offerings in a new range of slick, easy-to-use audio interfaces. Both are available from March 19, and offer pristine sound quality with different in/out connection options. The interfaces include a generous software package, featuring synths, effects, MASCHINE Essentials, and Ableton Live 10 Lite – again providing everything a producer needs to create full tracks from start to finish. KOMPLETE AUDIO 1 and 2 will also be welcomed by a wide community of singer-songwriters, YouTubers, podcasters, and gamers looking for great sound.

Now everyone can explore the acclaimed sound of NI's KOMPLETE production suites, with the introduction of KOMPLETE START – an entirely free collection featuring 15 studio-quality instruments, 2 effects, and a best-of selection of nearly 1,500 loops and samples from Expansions sound packs. Included is the floor-shaking low-end of TRK-01 Bass, the vibrant synth sounds of MIKRO PRISM, and expertly-crafted sampled instruments ranging from electric pianos to drum machines. The collection also includes creative sound design tools, essential effects like the SUPERCHARGER tube compressor, and more.

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FieldScaper MIDI Controller

via Motion Soundscape:

"The special MIDI controller designed for iOS app FieldScaper. Great idea!

It includes a USB64 MidiBlock from Doepfer. The Knobs handles only the 'Current' Oscillator. With the buttons you choose OSC 1 to 3 and set it to the Current Oscillator. It has also buttons for record, play and delete files, open and close Panels. With the Movement Knob in the Middle you can move the in and out markers for the Recorded Sound, to cut or trim it."

Great idea!

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